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

Beth was certain that tickets to the concert would sell quickly she ordered them online as soon the became available.
  • A. quickly, she
  • B. quickly, therefore
  • C. quickly, so she
  • D. quickly, then
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "quickly, so she," effectively connects Beth's belief about the tickets selling fast with her action of ordering them. The phrase "so she" indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, clarifying that her certainty motivated her decision. Option A, "quickly, she," lacks a clear connection between her belief and action, making the sentence feel incomplete. Option B, "quickly, therefore," is overly formal for this context and implies a logical conclusion rather than a direct action stemming from her belief. Option D, "quickly, then," suggests a sequence but does not imply causation, weakening the relationship between her certainty and her decision.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
  • A. the world, in the far distant past
  • B. the world, being in the far distant past
  • C. the world were, in the far distant past
  • D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
The historic town library is just passed the intersection of Main Street and the more residential Frederick Street.
  • A. passed
  • B. pass
  • C. past
  • D. passing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.
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.