tsia2 reading and writing practice test 2

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or imoined in the passage. Passage Strictly speaking, gargoyles are spouts carved on the outsides of a building. They protrude from a roof gutter and are designed to direct water away from the roof. The word "gargoyle" comes from the Old French gargouille and the Late Latin gurgulio, both of which mean "throat." While we usually think of gargoyles as being carved in the shapes of grotesque animals or people, some are undecorated, serving a purely utilitarian function.
The author includes and defines the words "gargouille" and "gurgulio" primarily to
  • A. describe the physical appearance of gargoyles
  • B. connect the name and function of gargoyles
  • C. establish the geographical origin of gargoyles
  • D. suggest the artistic and cultural value of gargoyles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The inclusion and definition of "gargouille" and "gurgulio" serve to connect the names of these figures with their function as water spouts, emphasizing their practical purpose in architecture. Option A is incorrect as the definitions focus more on the names rather than physical descriptions. Option C is not supported, as the terms do not specifically indicate geographical origins but rather their meanings. Option D suggests a focus on artistic value, which is not the primary intent of defining these terms; the emphasis is on their functional role rather than their cultural significance.

Other Related Questions

He was an outstanding public speaker he was also a talented writer.
  • A. He was an outstanding public speaker
  • B. He was an outstanding public speaker,
  • C. An outstanding public speaker,
  • D. An outstanding public speaker and
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B is the only choice that correctly uses a comma to connect two independent clauses. The sentence requires a comma before the conjunction "he" to clarify that two distinct ideas are being presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making it an incomplete thought. Option C is a fragment, as it does not form a complete sentence and lacks a verb. Option D is also a fragment; it starts with a noun phrase but does not complete the thought, leaving the reader without a full understanding of the statement. Proper punctuation is essential for clarity and coherence in writing.
Our math teacher claimed that calculus, despite its complexities, were as easy as any other subject.
  • A. were as
  • B. was as
  • C. is to be
  • D. to be
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

In this context, the subject "calculus" is singular, so it requires a singular verb form. "Was as" correctly matches the singular subject, indicating that calculus is being compared to other subjects in the past. Option A, "were as," incorrectly uses the plural verb "were," which does not agree with the singular noun "calculus." Option C, "is to be," implies a future action or state, which does not fit the intended meaning of comparing past experiences. Option D, "to be," lacks a verb and does not form a complete thought, making it grammatically incorrect.
The author uses a direct quotation (sentence 4) to
  • A. present a skeptical opinion about Ardi
  • B. provide eyewitness testimony about Ardi
  • C. place Ardi in the context of other discoveries
  • D. give a physical description of Ardi
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.
Apart from being a basic requirement for plant life, the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain.
  • A. the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
  • B. some plant species are also helped by rain to propagate them
  • C. rain also helps in the propagation of some plant species
  • D. it is also helpful for the propagation of some plant species to have rain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.