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 amplied in the passage. Passage The theremin, an electronic musical instrument invented by Leon Theremin in 1928, is unique in that it is played without physical contact. The musician (occasionally referred to as a thereminist) stands in front of the instrument and moves his or her hands in the proximity of two metal antennas. The distance from one antenna determines frequency (pitch), and the distance from the other controls amplitude (volume). Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page played a theremin on the rock group's 1970s hit song "Whole Lotta Love."
What does the passage imply about Jimmy Page?
  • A. Page played the theremin in an unorthodox way
  • B. Page wrote the song "Whole Lotta Love" for the theremin
  • C. Page was primarily a guitarist, not a thereminist
  • D. Page was a master of many instruments, including the theremin
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The passage suggests that Jimmy Page is primarily recognized as a guitarist, emphasizing his main role in music. Option A incorrectly implies that Page played the theremin in a notable manner, which is not supported by the text. Option B wrongly claims he wrote "Whole Lotta Love" specifically for the theremin, while the song is more associated with his guitar work. Option D suggests he was a master of multiple instruments, including the theremin, but the focus on his guitar skills indicates that this is not the primary takeaway. Thus, the passage highlights Page's identity as a guitarist.

Other Related Questions

We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
  • A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
  • B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
  • C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
  • D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.
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.
Despite the difficulties he had encountered, the mountain climber had no fear when it ________ to high mountains.
  • A. comes
  • B. came
  • C. has come
  • D. had come
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "came," is appropriate here as it uses the simple past tense, which aligns with the context of the sentence about the climber's past experiences with high mountains. This tense indicates a completed action in the past, fitting well with "despite the difficulties he had encountered." Option A, "comes," is incorrect because it uses the simple present tense, which does not match the past context of the sentence. Option C, "has come," is also unsuitable since it implies a connection to the present, which does not align with the past experiences being discussed. Option D, "had come," suggests a past perfect tense that is unnecessary in this context, as the simple past suffices to convey the intended meaning.
He was an outstanding public speaker he was also a talented writer.
  • A. He was an outstanding public speaker
  • B. He was an outstanding public speaker,
  • C. An outstanding public speaker,
  • D. An outstanding public speaker and
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B is the only choice that correctly uses a comma to connect two independent clauses. The sentence requires a comma before the conjunction "he" to clarify that two distinct ideas are being presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making it an incomplete thought. Option C is a fragment, as it does not form a complete sentence and lacks a verb. Option D is also a fragment; it starts with a noun phrase but does not complete the thought, leaving the reader without a full understanding of the statement. Proper punctuation is essential for clarity and coherence in writing.