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 implied in the passage Passage 1 As more and more people choose to read the headlines on the internet or watch news programs on television, major newspapers are rapidly losing money-and some have shut down completely. It is obvious that traditional journalism is in crisis. But if we have other news sources, why should we care about newspapers? The answer is that the newspaper is still the primary source for specific local topics: local politics, schools, crime, neighborhood and community events, local jobs, and so on. Newspapers continue to be a valuable and convenient source of information we might not be able to easily access elsewhere Passage 2 We've all heard the claims that the newspaper industry is dying, and it's true that daily circulation has been dropping. But there's no need to panic. Thanks to the internet, we now have greater access to information than newspapers ever provided. Why should we wait to read about today's news in tomorrow's papers when we can go to websites and follow a breaking story as it develops? And why should we pay for delivery of our local papers when local, national, and global news can be found online for free? Someday soon there won't be any newspapers left and I doubt we'll even notice
The author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 ("Someday notice") are
  • A. disappointing and inaccurate
  • B. stimulating and insightful
  • C. optimistic but vague
  • D. alarming but truthful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Passage 1 likely emphasizes a critical perspective on claims that lack substantiation, making option A—disappointing and inaccurate—the most fitting choice. This aligns with a viewpoint that values factual accuracy and clarity. Option B, stimulating and insightful, misrepresents the author's likely skepticism towards unsupported claims. C, optimistic but vague, suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the author's critical stance. D, alarming but truthful, implies an acceptance of the claims' validity, which contradicts the author's probable disapproval of inaccuracies. Thus, A best captures the author's likely viewpoint.

Other Related Questions

The following sentence would best fit immediately after which sentence in the second paragraph (sentences 3-6)? Meanwhile, the robots' eye and body movements mimic those of the human visitors they represent.
  • A. Sentence 3
  • B. Sentence 4
  • C. Sentence 5
  • D. Sentence 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence about the robots’ eye and body movements aligns best with Sentence 5, which likely discusses how these movements enhance the interaction between robots and human visitors. This connection emphasizes the purpose of mimicking human behavior. Sentence 3 may introduce the robots but does not specifically relate to their movements. Sentence 4 might focus on a different aspect of the robots, such as their design or functionality, which doesn’t directly connect to the mimicry. Sentence 6 may conclude the paragraph, making it less suitable for introducing a detailed observation about movements. Thus, Sentence 5 provides the most relevant context for the new information.
The passage is mainly discussing the Mississippi River's
  • A. depth
  • B. length
  • C. width
  • D. location
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width is crucial for understanding the river's impact on surrounding ecosystems and human activities. Option A, depth, is mentioned but not the main focus, making it less relevant. Option B, length, while significant, does not capture the central theme of the passage. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the primary discussion point. Therefore, width is the key aspect highlighted throughout the text.
What does the passage imply about Jimmy Page?
  • A. Page played the theremin in an unorthodox way
  • B. Page wrote the song "Whole Lotta Love" for the theremin
  • C. Page was primarily a guitarist, not a thereminist
  • D. Page was a master of many instruments, including the theremin
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The passage suggests that Jimmy Page is primarily recognized as a guitarist, emphasizing his main role in music. Option A incorrectly implies that Page played the theremin in a notable manner, which is not supported by the text. Option B wrongly claims he wrote "Whole Lotta Love" specifically for the theremin, while the song is more associated with his guitar work. Option D suggests he was a master of multiple instruments, including the theremin, but the focus on his guitar skills indicates that this is not the primary takeaway. Thus, the passage highlights Page's identity as a guitarist.
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.