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.

Abandoned in the attic were an old-fashioned doll, a set of trains, and a trunk full of children's clothes
  • A. Abandoned in the attic were
  • B. In the attic and abandoned,
  • C. Abandoned and in the attic, there was
  • D. It was in the attic and abandoned
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively presents the sentence with a clear subject and verb structure, maintaining a straightforward flow that emphasizes the items found in the attic. Option B disrupts the sentence's clarity by placing "in the attic" at the beginning, which can confuse the reader about what is being described. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with "there was," making the sentence less direct and more cumbersome. Option D also complicates the structure with "it was," detracting from the focus on the items and their condition. Thus, A remains the most concise and coherent choice.

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 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 essential as it corrects a misused term; "immanent" refers to something inherent, while "eminent" describes someone prominent or distinguished, which fits the context better. Option B is incorrect because "dual" (meaning twofold) is appropriate in the context, while "duel" (a contest between two) does not convey the intended meaning. Option C misplaces "inspire" as it suggests motivating someone, whereas "aspire" (to aim for something) aligns with the intended message of ambition. Option D erroneously uses "proceeded," which implies moving forward, instead of "preceded," which correctly indicates something that came before.
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, which of the following would best be inserted after sentence 6 (reproduced below) as an appropriate example? Such problems are expensive for a government to solve, and often a 'solution' that helps one group hurts another.
  • A. The creation of new watering holes for elephants provides temporary jobs for local residents.
  • B. Declaring certain areas off limits to agricultural development can dangerously limit people's food supply.
  • C. Wild animals that prey on domestic livestock are active mostly at night.
  • D. Legislation attempting to transfer responsibility for wildlife to a country's citizens has failed in other parts of Africa.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively illustrates how a government solution, such as restricting agricultural development, can inadvertently harm local communities by jeopardizing their food supply. This aligns with the notion that a solution benefiting one group can negatively impact another. Option A, while relevant, focuses on temporary job creation without addressing the broader implications of resource allocation. Option C provides factual information about wildlife behavior but lacks a direct connection to the theme of conflicting interests among groups. Option D discusses legislative failures but does not exemplify the immediate consequences of a specific government action, missing the focus on direct harm to a group.