tsia2 reading and writing practice test 2

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

(1) The dream of being instantly transported from one point on the globe to another has thus far been confined to the realm of science fiction. (2) However, thanks to technological advances, researchers are low closer than ever to making that dream- or at least a version of it- a reality (3) High-tech teams around the world are working on projects designed to enhance people's "Telepresence"-their sense of physically being in a location even when they are actually thousands of miles away. (4) Users of this developing technology can "visit" faraway destinations embodied in sophisticated robots. (5) The visitors wear goggles and suits with sensors that allow them to see and feel in real time what their robot avatars are experiencing. (6) Microphones, speakers, and headphones allow two-way communication with the people at the other end, providing the visitors with a true sense of physically being there (7) Cruder forms of telepresence robots are already being used in some American offices, (8) Rather than commuting long distances, they can use their home computers to maneuver simple wheeled robots around the head office. (9) These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. (10) The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers (11) A host of ethical issues must still be overcome before these technologies become widespread including concerns over whether telepresence robots might infringe on the privacy of users. (12) But the day when we can physically experience a place on the other side of the world without actually leaving home may not be that far off.
In sentence 8 (reproduced below), which of the following best replaces 'they'? Rather than commuting long distances, they can use their home computers to maneuver simple wheeled robots around the head office
  • A. high-tech engineers
  • B. remote workers
  • C. sophisticated robots
  • D. employers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "remote workers," accurately identifies the subject who would benefit from using home computers to control robots instead of commuting. This term directly relates to individuals who work from home, aligning with the context of the sentence. Option A, "high-tech engineers," is too specific and does not encompass all individuals who might work remotely. Option C, "sophisticated robots," incorrectly refers to machines rather than people, making it irrelevant in this context. Option D, "employers," shifts the focus from the workers to those who manage them, which does not fit the intended meaning of the sentence.

Other Related Questions

According to the passage, why did the Peshtigo Fire receive little news coverage?
  • A. The damage from the Peshtigo Fire was not as widespread as the damage from the Great Chicago Fire
  • B. Because it was a forest fire, the Peshtigo Fire really did not affect too many people
  • C. The Peshtigo Fire happened on the same day as a fire in a much bigger city
  • D. Residents of Peshtigo never reported that the fire had occurred
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The Peshtigo Fire received little news coverage primarily because it coincided with the Great Chicago Fire, which captured the media's attention due to its larger urban impact. Option A is incorrect; while the damage was significant, the timing overshadowed it. Option B misrepresents the fire's impact, as it affected many residents despite being a forest fire. Option D is inaccurate; residents did report the fire, but their voices were drowned out by the focus on Chicago, highlighting the influence of media priorities rather than a lack of acknowledgment.
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
  • A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
  • B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy
  • C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis
  • D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research suggests a gap in public awareness that the author aims to address. This perspective is crucial for framing the significance of the research discussed. Option A is incorrect as it makes a specific economic claim not supported by the passage. Option B incorrectly assumes the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae, which is not established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, but the passage does not provide evidence or context to support this claim. Thus, D accurately reflects the author's underlying assumption about public perception.
He was an outstanding public speaker he was also a talented writer.
  • A. He was an outstanding public speaker
  • B. He was an outstanding public speaker,
  • C. An outstanding public speaker,
  • D. An outstanding public speaker and
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B is the only choice that correctly uses a comma to connect two independent clauses. The sentence requires a comma before the conjunction "he" to clarify that two distinct ideas are being presented. Option A lacks the necessary punctuation, making it an incomplete thought. Option C is a fragment, as it does not form a complete sentence and lacks a verb. Option D is also a fragment; it starts with a noun phrase but does not complete the thought, leaving the reader without a full understanding of the statement. Proper punctuation is essential for clarity and coherence in writing.
Despite the difficulties he had encountered, the mountain climber had no fear when it ________ to high mountains.
  • A. comes
  • B. came
  • C. has come
  • D. had come
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, "came," is appropriate here as it uses the simple past tense, which aligns with the context of the sentence about the climber's past experiences with high mountains. This tense indicates a completed action in the past, fitting well with "despite the difficulties he had encountered." Option A, "comes," is incorrect because it uses the simple present tense, which does not match the past context of the sentence. Option C, "has come," is also unsuitable since it implies a connection to the present, which does not align with the past experiences being discussed. Option D, "had come," suggests a past perfect tense that is unnecessary in this context, as the simple past suffices to convey the intended meaning.