tsia2 reading and writing practice test 1

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

The retired government official spoke _______ about foreign policy and international trade
  • A. as knowing
  • B. in knowledge
  • C. knowledgeably
  • D. knowledgeable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence requires an adverb to describe how the retired government official spoke. Option C, "knowledgeably," correctly functions as an adverb, indicating that the official spoke with knowledge about foreign policy and international trade. Option A, "as knowing," is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning. Option B, "in knowledge," is awkward and does not fit the context of how someone speaks. Option D, "knowledgeable," is an adjective and would not appropriately modify the verb "spoke." Thus, C is the only option that fits both grammatically and contextually.

Other Related Questions

In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Banana consumption surpassed that of apples only 20 years after they were first introduced to Americans.
  • A. After sentence 3
  • B. After sentence 4
  • C. After sentence 6
  • D. After sentence 7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Placing the sentence after sentence 4 provides a logical flow, as it builds on the preceding discussion about the introduction of bananas to Americans and their rising popularity. This context allows readers to understand the significance of the banana's consumption surpassing apples. Option A is too early, as it lacks the necessary context about the introduction of bananas. Option C comes too late, as it may disrupt the narrative flow established earlier. Option D is also inappropriate, as it would place the information after a conclusion, making it feel disconnected from the main discussion.
In context, which of the following sentences would most effectively be placed immediately after sentence 10 (reproduced below)? Eventually my stubbornness paid off.
  • A. Stubbornness seems to run in my family, since my brother is just as stubborn as I am.
  • B. Stubborn people can achieve much success and satisfaction.
  • C. I still like to juggle, even though I am no better at it now than I was in grade school.
  • D. I became a pretty competent juggler and am now almost as skilled as my brother.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D seamlessly follows the statement about stubbornness, directly linking the trait to a tangible outcome: becoming a competent juggler. This connection emphasizes the payoff of stubbornness, reinforcing the idea that persistence leads to success. Option A, while mentioning family stubbornness, diverges from the personal achievement theme and lacks direct relevance to the juggling context. Option B generalizes about stubbornness without connecting to the narrator's specific experience. Option C shifts focus to juggling skills without addressing the outcome of stubbornness, making it less effective in this context.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 6 (reproduced below)? Some researchers have cited this evidence as it made an argument that MSA hunters were less skilled than LSA hunters.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. evidence and were making
  • C. evidence, having made
  • D. evidence to make
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D clarifies the relationship between the evidence and the argument, indicating that the evidence was used to support the claim about MSA hunters. This creates a clear and logical connection. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is vague and awkward, failing to effectively convey the intended meaning. Option B uses "and were making," which introduces unnecessary complexity and shifts the focus away from the evidence itself. Option C's "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing nature of the argument being presented.
Abandoned in the attic were an old-fashioned doll, a set of trains, and a trunk full of children's clothes
  • A. Abandoned in the attic were
  • B. In the attic and abandoned,
  • C. Abandoned and in the attic, there was
  • D. It was in the attic and abandoned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively presents the sentence with a clear subject and verb structure, maintaining a straightforward flow that emphasizes the items found in the attic. Option B disrupts the sentence's clarity by placing "in the attic" at the beginning, which can confuse the reader about what is being described. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "there was," making the sentence less direct and more cumbersome. Option D also complicates the structure with "it was," detracting from the focus on the items and their condition. Thus, A remains the most concise and coherent choice.