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 The remarkable heliotropism of sunflowers makes these flowers worthy of their name. At sunrise, most sunflowers in the bud stage face east. Over the course of the day, as the Sun crosses the sky from east to west, the flowers turn accordingly. This motion is performed by a flexible segment of the stem called the pulvinus. As the bud stage ends, the stem hardens and sunflowers cease to be heliotropic
The term "heliotropic" (sentence 5) most probably means
  • A. having a flexible pulvinus
  • B. flowering in the bud stage
  • C. having brightly-colored flowers
  • D. turning toward the Sun
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

"Heliotropic" refers to the phenomenon where plants or flowers turn towards the Sun to maximize light exposure, which is essential for photosynthesis. This behavior is crucial for their growth and survival. Option A, "having a flexible pulvinus," describes a specific structural feature of some plants but does not capture the essence of heliotropism. Option B, "flowering in the bud stage," pertains to a developmental phase unrelated to sunlight orientation. Option C, "having brightly-colored flowers," focuses on visual attributes rather than movement towards light. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the meaning of heliotropic.

Other Related Questions

What does the passage suggest about the light bulbs used in the first train signaling systems?
  • A. They were very fragile.
  • B. They were all the same color.
  • C. They were only illuminated at night.
  • D. They were also used to signal automobile drivers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
Why does the author place quotation marks around the word "patriotic" (sentence 2)?
  • A. To acknowledge that Wrigley's gum, while associated with a patriotic gesture, is not actually patriotic
  • B. To emphasize that Wrigley's gum helped American soldiers
  • C. To show that American soldiers used the word patriotic to describe Wrigley's gum
  • D. To indicate that the Wrigley Company changed the name of the product to include the word patriotic
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Quotation marks around the word "patriotic" suggest that the term is being used in a non-literal or ironic sense, indicating skepticism about its true meaning. Option A accurately reflects this by acknowledging that while Wrigley's gum is linked to a patriotic gesture, it may not genuinely embody patriotism. Option B incorrectly assumes that the emphasis is on the gum's supportive role for soldiers rather than questioning the term itself. Option C misinterprets the use of quotation marks, suggesting that soldiers coined the term, which is not the case. Option D mistakenly implies a product name change, which is irrelevant to the author's intent in using quotation marks.
The author of Passage 2 would most likely say that the opinion held by the "people" mentioned in the third sentence of Passage 1 ("Some people have declared") is
  • A. accurate
  • B. unsupported
  • C. misguided
  • D. amusing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
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.