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 Have you ever wondered why everything you eat or drink right after brushing your teeth tastes bad? The cause is sodium laureth sulfate, an ingredient commonly added to toothpaste to make the paste foamy. Unfortunately, sodium laureth sulfate inhibits the taste buds that perceive sweetness, while removing molecules that keep bitter tastes from overwhelming our tongues. As a result, sweet flavors are reduced while bitter flavors are enhanced.
The word "perceive" in sentence 3 of the passage most nearly means
  • A. feel
  • B. generate
  • C. predict
  • D. sense
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The word "perceive" in this context closely aligns with "sense," as it refers to the ability to become aware of something through one’s senses or intuition. Option A, "feel," suggests a more emotional or physical response, which does not fully capture the broader cognitive aspect of perception. Option B, "generate," implies creating something, which deviates from the idea of recognizing or understanding. Option C, "predict," relates to forecasting future events, rather than simply recognizing or interpreting current stimuli. Thus, "sense" best encapsulates the meaning of "perceive" in this instance.

Other Related Questions

In 1952, Dwight Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, he won 55% of the vote.
  • A. he won
  • B. he had won
  • C. with winning
  • D. winning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The phrase "winning" effectively conveys the action of Eisenhower's election in a succinct manner, emphasizing the achievement without the need for auxiliary verbs. Option A, "he won," is grammatically correct but less fluid in this context. It shifts focus to a completed action rather than the ongoing significance of his victory. Option B, "he had won," uses the past perfect tense, which implies a prior context that isn’t necessary here and complicates the sentence unnecessarily. Option C, "with winning," introduces an awkward prepositional phrase that detracts from the clarity and directness of the statement.
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 author of Passage 1 would most likely characterize the claim of the "detractors" mentioned in Passage 2 as
  • A. an unfair accusation
  • B. a flattering portrayal
  • C. an accurate description
  • D. a flawed argument
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author of Passage 1 would likely view the claim of the "detractors" as an accurate description, reflecting a critical stance towards the subject being discussed. This suggests that the detractors highlight valid concerns that resonate with the author's perspective. Option A, "an unfair accusation," implies bias against the detractors, which does not align with the author's objective analysis. Option B, "a flattering portrayal," contradicts the nature of criticism typically associated with detractors. Lastly, option D, "a flawed argument," suggests a dismissal of the detractors' points, which would not align with the author's acknowledgment of their validity.
The author uses a direct quotation (sentence 4) to
  • A. present a skeptical opinion about Ardi
  • B. provide eyewitness testimony about Ardi
  • C. place Ardi in the context of other discoveries
  • D. give a physical description of Ardi
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The use of a direct quotation in sentence 4 serves to place Ardi within the broader context of other significant discoveries, highlighting its relevance and importance in the field. This contextualization helps readers understand Ardi's significance in relation to other findings. Option A is incorrect; the quotation does not express skepticism but rather situates Ardi among other discoveries. Option B is also wrong, as the quotation does not provide firsthand eyewitness testimony. Lastly, option D is misleading; the quotation does not focus on a physical description of Ardi but emphasizes its contextual importance.