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

What does the passage imply about Jimmy Page?
  • A. Page played the theremin in an unorthodox way
  • B. Page wrote the song "Whole Lotta Love" for the theremin
  • C. Page was primarily a guitarist, not a thereminist
  • D. Page was a master of many instruments, including the theremin
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The passage suggests that Jimmy Page is primarily recognized as a guitarist, emphasizing his main role in music. Option A incorrectly implies that Page played the theremin in a notable manner, which is not supported by the text. Option B wrongly claims he wrote "Whole Lotta Love" specifically for the theremin, while the song is more associated with his guitar work. Option D suggests he was a master of multiple instruments, including the theremin, but the focus on his guitar skills indicates that this is not the primary takeaway. Thus, the passage highlights Page's identity as a guitarist.
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • A. These robots, while being equipped with cameras and video screens, allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings, interact more personally with their coworkers
  • B. These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens, moreover, they allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • C. Equipped with cameras and video screens, these robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • D. In order to allow the workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers, these robots are equipped with cameras and video screens
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
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.
The historic town library is just passed the intersection of Main Street and the more residential Frederick Street.
  • A. passed
  • B. pass
  • C. past
  • D. passing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In this context, "past" is the appropriate choice as it refers to a location beyond a point—in this case, the intersection. - **A: passed** is the past tense of "pass," which does not fit the sentence's need for a preposition indicating location. - **B: pass** is the base form of the verb and does not convey the intended meaning of being beyond the intersection. - **D: passing** suggests an ongoing action, which is not suitable here as the sentence describes a static location relative to the intersection. Thus, "past" effectively communicates that the library is located beyond the intersection.