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 Passage Enraged by a 1791 excise tax imposed on whiskey by the federal government, farmers in western Pennsylvania orchestrated a series of attacks on government agents. This uprising became known as the Whiskey Rebellion, In 1794, after protesters threatened the home of tax collector General John Neville, President George Washington mobilized an army of militiamen to quell the uprising. Though only about a dozen people were arrested (they were later pardoned), the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated that the new national government had the willingness and the ability to suppress violent resistance to its laws
The passage indicates that John Neville was
  • A. the creator of the whiskey tax
  • B. working for the government
  • C. pardoned by the government
  • D. a friend of George Washington's
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

John Neville was indeed working for the government, specifically as a tax collector during the Whiskey Rebellion, which highlights his role in enforcing federal tax laws. Option A is incorrect; he did not create the whiskey tax but was involved in its implementation. Option C is misleading, as there is no indication in the passage that he was pardoned by the government. Option D is also wrong; while Neville may have had connections, the passage does not confirm him as a friend of George Washington. Thus, his official capacity as a government worker is the most accurate representation of his role.

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.
We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
  • A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
  • B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
  • C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
  • D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.
Why does the author mention that only men signed the Mayflower Compact?
  • A. To show the similarities between the Compact and the Constitution
  • B. To suggest that the Compact was not a perfect model of government
  • C. To indicate that men were better lawmakers than women
  • D. To imply that only men were on board the Mayflower
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The mention of only men signing the Mayflower Compact highlights the limitations of this early governance document, suggesting it was not a perfect model of government. It reflects the societal norms of the time, where women's voices were excluded from formal political processes, indicating a lack of representation. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct comparison with the Constitution, which is not the focus. Option C perpetuates a gender bias that is not supported by the text. Option D misinterprets the context; while only men signed, it does not imply that only men were aboard the Mayflower, as historical records show women were present as well.
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

The claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 are likely viewed as disappointing and inaccurate because they may contradict the author's perspective in Passage 1, which emphasizes realism over idealism. Option B, "stimulating and insightful," misinterprets the author's critical stance; the claims are not presented as thought-provoking. Option C, "optimistic but vague," overlooks the author's likely skepticism towards vague claims that lack concrete support. Option D, "alarming but truthful," fails to capture the author's likely rejection of the claims as factual, indicating a more critical viewpoint.