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 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.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 8 (reproduced below)? In fact, the word 'banana' comes from the Arabic word for 'finger.'
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. word, 'banana,' comes from the Arabic word for 'finger.'
  • C. word, 'banana' comes from the Arabic word for, 'finger.'
  • D. word, 'banana,' comes from the Arabic word for 'finger'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A maintains the original structure and punctuation, which correctly presents the information without unnecessary alterations. The phrase is clear and grammatically correct, effectively linking the word "banana" to its Arabic origin. Option B incorrectly places a comma after "banana," which disrupts the flow and introduces an unnecessary pause. Option C misplaces the comma after "finger," creating confusion about the relationship between the words. Option D incorrectly adds a comma after "banana," which is not required and affects the clarity of the sentence. Thus, A is the most effective choice.
Constructed in 1889 of thousands of tons of iron, millions visit the Eiffel Tower which is a beloved landmark of modern Paris.
  • A. millions visit the Eiffel Tower, which is a beloved landmark of modern Paris
  • B. millions visit the beloved Eiffel Tower, a landmark of modern Paris
  • C. the Eiffel Tower is a beloved landmark of modern Paris visited by millions of people
  • D. the Eiffel Tower, visited by millions of people and a beloved landmark of modern Paris
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively captures the essence of the Eiffel Tower's significance, emphasizing both its popularity and status as a beloved landmark. The structure of the sentence flows smoothly, maintaining a clear connection between the millions of visitors and the landmark itself. Option B, while similar, places "beloved" before "Eiffel Tower," which slightly alters the emphasis and disrupts the natural rhythm of the sentence. Option C is overly wordy and less engaging due to its passive construction, detracting from the lively image of the tower as a vibrant tourist attraction. Option D, although informative, is less direct and slightly awkward in phrasing, making it less effective in conveying the intended message.
The retired government official spoke _______ about foreign policy and international trade
  • A. as knowing
  • B. in knowledge
  • C. knowledgeably
  • D. knowledgeable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence requires an adverb to describe how the retired government official spoke. Option C, "knowledgeably," correctly functions as an adverb, indicating that the official spoke with knowledge about foreign policy and international trade. Option A, "as knowing," is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning. Option B, "in knowledge," is awkward and does not fit the context of how someone speaks. Option D, "knowledgeable," is an adjective and would not appropriately modify the verb "spoke." Thus, C is the only option that fits both grammatically and contextually.
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.