tsia2 reading and writing practice test 1

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Which of the following sentences contains irrelevant information and should be deleted from paragraph 17?
  • A. Sentence 1
  • B. Sentence 2
  • C. Sentence 3
  • D. Sentence 4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 3 introduces information that does not directly support or relate to the main topic of paragraph 17, making it irrelevant. It distracts from the central argument and may confuse the reader. Sentence 1, Sentence 2, and Sentence 4 all contribute meaningfully to the paragraph's focus, offering necessary context or details that enhance understanding. Retaining these sentences ensures the flow and coherence of the paragraph, while removing Sentence 3 improves clarity and relevance.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following sentences most effectively combines sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas. Most bananas that grow without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • A. There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, and most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • B. While there are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • C. Of the more than 1000 different kinds of bananas, many of them are grown without human assistance, and many of those are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • D. Most bananas grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger, and all told there are more than 1000 different kinds of bananas.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the two sentences by maintaining the original information while clearly linking the two ideas. It states the fact about the variety of bananas and smoothly transitions to the specific detail about the size of those grown without human assistance. Option B introduces a contrast with "while," which is unnecessary since both statements are factual rather than opposing ideas. Option C inaccurately implies that many of the 1000+ kinds are grown without human assistance, which is not stated in the original sentences. Option D incorrectly prioritizes the size of the bananas over the variety, misrepresenting the main point about the number of banana types.
Which change is needed in the fourth paragraph?
  • A. In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent'
  • B. In sentence 15, change 'dual' to 'duel'
  • C. In sentence 16, change 'inspire' to 'aspire'
  • D. In sentence 17, change 'proceeded' to 'preceded'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A is the necessary change because "immanent" refers to something inherent or existing within, while "eminent" means distinguished or prominent, which fits the context better. Option B is incorrect; "dual" refers to two parts, whereas "duel" implies a contest between two. The intended meaning likely relates to duality, making "dual" appropriate. Option C is also wrong; "inspire" means to motivate, while "aspire" means to aim for something. The original term suits the context of motivation. Option D misuses "proceeded" (to move forward) instead of "preceded" (to come before), which is not the intended meaning in context.
Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • A. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • B. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • C. Because the poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • D. The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion, to proceed in this manner.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance directly to the unconventional nature of writing a commissioned poem. This structure maintains clarity and conciseness, allowing the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship without unnecessary words. Option A is overly complex and uses "and the reason for that was because," which adds redundancy and weakens the sentence's impact. Option C incorrectly implies that the reluctance is a consequence of the customary practice, rather than the other way around, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D disrupts the natural flow of the sentence by placing "to proceed in this manner" at the end, making it awkward and less direct.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13 (reproduced below)? But hunters capable of successfully hunting either aggressive animal should prefer buffalo; since one reaps more food from a larger animal.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. buffalo: since
  • C. buffalo,
  • D. buffalo since
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "buffalo: since," effectively links the two independent clauses while maintaining clarity. The colon indicates that the second clause explains the reasoning behind the preference for buffalo, enhancing the flow of the sentence. Option A retains the original structure, which creates a comma splice, leading to grammatical confusion. Option C, "buffalo," uses a comma, which incorrectly separates the clauses and disrupts the logical connection between them. Option D, "buffalo since," lacks punctuation, making it less clear that the second part elaborates on the first, resulting in a run-on sentence. Thus, option B is the most precise and grammatically correct choice.