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.

With four recent United States presidents being left-handed Ford, the elder Bush, Clinton and Obama the stigma associated with left-handedness largely vanishing
  • A. left-handedness largely vanishing
  • B. left-handedness has largely vanished
  • C. left-handedness being largely vanished
  • D. left-handedness and largely vanished
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively conveys that left-handedness has significantly decreased in societal stigma. The present perfect tense ("has largely vanished") indicates a change that started in the past and continues to the present, aligning well with the context of the sentence. Option A uses "largely vanishing," which is awkward and suggests an ongoing process rather than a completed change. Option C's "being largely vanished" is grammatically incorrect, as "being" does not fit with the passive construction. Option D incorrectly combines "and" with "largely vanished," creating a fragment that lacks clarity and coherence.

Other Related Questions

In context, which would be the most effective way to revise and combine sentences 3 and 4 (reproduced below)? He taught himself to juggle. He could juggle three balls perfectly by the age of six.
  • A. to juggle and by the age of six could juggle three balls perfectly.
  • B. to juggle: he juggles three balls perfectly by the age of six.
  • C. to juggle three balls perfectly; they did it by the age of six.
  • D. juggling, and they juggled three balls perfectly by the age of six.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the two sentences by maintaining clarity and coherence. It emphasizes the subject's self-taught skill and seamlessly links the action of juggling with the achievement of juggling three balls perfectly by age six. Option B introduces a confusing shift in tense and subject, making it less clear who is performing the action. Option C inaccurately uses "they," which introduces ambiguity about the subject and detracts from the focus on the individual. Option D also employs "they," leading to confusion, and the structure fails to convey the timeline of learning and achievement clearly.
Which of the following sentences contains information irrelevant to the passage as a whole and should be deleted?
  • A. Sentence 4
  • B. Sentence 5
  • C. Sentence 7
  • D. Sentence 9
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3 (reproduced below)? Agricultural activities can disrupt animal's natural habitats.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. animal's natural habitat's.
  • C. animals' natural habitats.
  • D. animals natural habitats
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "animals' natural habitats," is the best choice because it correctly uses the plural possessive form. Since multiple animals are affected, the apostrophe is placed after "animals" to indicate that the habitats belong to them. Option A retains the original error of using the singular possessive "animal's," which is incorrect when referring to multiple animals. Option B incorrectly adds an unnecessary apostrophe after "habitat," suggesting possession that does not apply here, leading to confusion. Option D lacks the necessary apostrophe to indicate possession, making it grammatically incorrect.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.
  • A. After sentence 2
  • B. After sentence 4
  • C. After sentence 7
  • D. After sentence 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Placing the sentence after sentence 7 is ideal as it follows a discussion about the benefits of the model, directly linking the incentive to the positive outcomes for wildlife populations. This placement emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship effectively. Option A, after sentence 2, disrupts the flow, as earlier sentences may not yet establish the model's context. Option B, after sentence 4, is too early in the discussion, lacking sufficient background on the model's impact. Option D, after sentence 10, may dilute the sentence's significance, as it would be too far removed from the relevant context, making the connection less impactful.