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

What is the passage primarily discussing?
  • A. The achievement of Richard Pearse
  • B. The problems of early airplanes
  • C. The first flight in the United States
  • D. The history of long-distance flight
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
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.
Why is the phrase "Amerigo the discoverer" (sentence 2) placed in quotation marks?
  • A. To show that it is important
  • B. To indicate that it is a direct quotation from a book
  • C. To question whether Vespucci really discovered America
  • D. To highlight the differences between the map and the book
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The phrase "Amerigo the discoverer" is placed in quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quotation from a book, reflecting the specific wording used by the author. This helps readers recognize that the phrase is not the writer's own interpretation but a citation from another source. Option A is incorrect because quotation marks do not inherently signify importance. Option C misinterprets the purpose of the quotation marks, as they do not imply skepticism about Vespucci's discovery. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation marks focus on the phrase itself rather than any differences between a map and a book.
According to the passage, why did the Peshtigo Fire receive little news coverage?
  • A. The damage from the Peshtigo Fire was not as widespread as the damage from the Great Chicago Fire
  • B. Because it was a forest fire, the Peshtigo Fire really did not affect too many people
  • C. The Peshtigo Fire happened on the same day as a fire in a much bigger city
  • D. Residents of Peshtigo never reported that the fire had occurred
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The Peshtigo Fire received little news coverage primarily because it coincided with the Great Chicago Fire, which captured the media's attention due to its larger urban impact. Option A is incorrect; while the damage was significant, the timing overshadowed it. Option B misrepresents the fire's impact, as it affected many residents despite being a forest fire. Option D is inaccurate; residents did report the fire, but their voices were drowned out by the focus on Chicago, highlighting the influence of media priorities rather than a lack of acknowledgment.