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.

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.

Other Related Questions

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.
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.
  • A. (As it is now)
  • B. In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
  • C. I first recognized this trait in myself
  • D. The first time I recognize is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C effectively shifts the verb tense to "recognized," aligning with the past context of grade school. This maintains clarity and coherence in the narrative, emphasizing the speaker's self-awareness at that time. Option A retains the original phrasing, which is awkward due to the tense inconsistency. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while also incorrectly using "recognize" instead of the past tense. Option D's phrase "The first time I recognize is" is grammatically incorrect and lacks clarity, making it unsuitable for conveying the intended meaning.
Marco won a trophy each of the three times he competed in the junior tennis tournament, but still the first prize eluded him.
  • A. eluded
  • B. alluded
  • C. elided
  • D. allied
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

In this context, "eluded" means that the first prize was out of Marco's reach despite his successes, which fits the sentence perfectly. Option B, "alluded," refers to making an indirect reference, which does not apply here. Option C, "elided," means to omit or leave out, which does not convey the intended meaning of something being out of reach. Option D, "allied," means to join or unite, which is irrelevant in this context. Thus, "eluded" accurately captures the sense of a goal that remains unattained despite effort.
Where would the following sentence best be placed? Large and docile elands should be the preferred prey whenever they are readily available, regardless of hunters' overall sophistication.
  • A. After sentence 6
  • B. After sentence 9
  • C. After sentence 11
  • D. After sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Placing the sentence after sentence 9 logically follows the discussion on prey selection, which is likely being analyzed in that section. It introduces the specific preference for elands, enhancing the argument about hunting strategies. Option A, after sentence 6, is too early in the text, as it may interrupt the flow before the context of prey preferences is established. Option C, after sentence 11, might place it too late, missing the opportunity to connect the idea to preceding arguments. Option D, after sentence 14, risks isolating the concept of elands from the main discussion, diminishing its impact. Thus, option B maintains coherence and relevance in the narrative.