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.

Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or imoined in the passage. Passage Strictly speaking, gargoyles are spouts carved on the outsides of a building. They protrude from a roof gutter and are designed to direct water away from the roof. The word "gargoyle" comes from the Old French gargouille and the Late Latin gurgulio, both of which mean "throat." While we usually think of gargoyles as being carved in the shapes of grotesque animals or people, some are undecorated, serving a purely utilitarian function.
The author includes and defines the words "gargouille" and "gurgulio" primarily to
  • A. describe the physical appearance of gargoyles
  • B. connect the name and function of gargoyles
  • C. establish the geographical origin of gargoyles
  • D. suggest the artistic and cultural value of gargoyles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The inclusion and definition of "gargouille" and "gurgulio" serve to connect the names of these figures with their function as water spouts, emphasizing their practical purpose in architecture. Option A is incorrect as the definitions focus more on the names rather than physical descriptions. Option C is not supported, as the terms do not specifically indicate geographical origins but rather their meanings. Option D suggests a focus on artistic value, which is not the primary intent of defining these terms; the emphasis is on their functional role rather than their cultural significance.

Other Related Questions

The term "heliotropic" (sentence 5) most probably means
  • A. having a flexible pulvinus
  • B. flowering in the bud stage
  • C. having brightly-colored flowers
  • D. turning toward the Sun
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

"Heliotropic" refers to the phenomenon where plants or flowers turn towards the Sun to maximize light exposure, which is essential for photosynthesis. This behavior is crucial for their growth and survival. Option A, "having a flexible pulvinus," describes a specific structural feature of some plants but does not capture the essence of heliotropism. Option B, "flowering in the bud stage," pertains to a developmental phase unrelated to sunlight orientation. Option C, "having brightly-colored flowers," focuses on visual attributes rather than movement towards light. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the meaning of heliotropic.
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 author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 ("Someday... notice") are
  • A. disappointing and inaccurate
  • B. stimulating and insightful
  • C. optimistic but vague
  • D. alarming but truthful
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 are likely viewed as disappointing and inaccurate because they may contradict the author's perspective in Passage 1, which emphasizes realism over idealism. Option B, "stimulating and insightful," misinterprets the author's critical stance; the claims are not presented as thought-provoking. Option C, "optimistic but vague," overlooks the author's likely skepticism towards vague claims that lack concrete support. Option D, "alarming but truthful," fails to capture the author's likely rejection of the claims as factual, indicating a more critical viewpoint.
We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
  • A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
  • B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
  • C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
  • D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.