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 wha the passage. Passage In 1968, a high-school student in Japan discovered the fossilized bones of a plesiosaur, a giant m reptile that lived some 85 million years ago. Shark teeth stuck in the plesiosaur's bones, and othe tooth fossils found nearby, suggest that this plesiosaur was attacked by a group of what were ess miniature great white sharks. The plesiosaur discovery reveals that ancient sharks, which were th have eaten only fish, may also have attacked reptiles. After the discovery, researcher Kenshu Shi said, "It is still possible they could've eaten fish, but at least this fossil shows the plesiosaur was c food items."
The author of the passage does which of the following?
  • A. Relates a personal anecdote
  • B. Provides statistical data
  • C. Quotes a named authority
  • D. Challenges an official view
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author quotes a named authority to lend credibility to their argument, enhancing the passage's persuasive impact. This approach allows the reader to see the author's position supported by established expertise. Option A is incorrect as there is no personal anecdote shared; the focus remains on authoritative sources. Option B is not applicable since the passage lacks statistical data, relying instead on qualitative support. Option D is also wrong; the author does not challenge an official view but rather reinforces their argument through the cited authority, maintaining a respectful stance towards existing perspectives.

Other Related Questions

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.
During his long career, Bob Dylan has won many awards for his songwriting, performing, and recording. they include Grammy, Golden Globe, and Academy awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • A. recording, they include
  • B. recording, he won
  • C. recording, including
  • D. recording, and includes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "recording, including," effectively connects the list of awards to the subject, Bob Dylan, without creating grammatical issues. It introduces examples of the awards he has won in a fluid manner. Option A, "recording, they include," is incorrect because "they" lacks a clear antecedent, leading to confusion about what "they" refers to. Option B, "recording, he won," disrupts the parallel structure by shifting the focus to past achievements rather than presenting them as current accolades. Option D, "recording, and includes," incorrectly combines tenses, suggesting a mix of past and present that does not fit the context.
The author of Passage 2 would most likely say that the opinion held by the "people" mentioned in the third sentence of Passage 1 ("Some people have declared") is
  • A. accurate
  • B. unsupported
  • C. misguided
  • D. amusing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
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

Passage 1 likely emphasizes a critical perspective on claims that lack substantiation, making option A—disappointing and inaccurate—the most fitting choice. This aligns with a viewpoint that values factual accuracy and clarity. Option B, stimulating and insightful, misrepresents the author's likely skepticism towards unsupported claims. C, optimistic but vague, suggests a positive outlook that contrasts with the author's critical stance. D, alarming but truthful, implies an acceptance of the claims' validity, which contradicts the author's probable disapproval of inaccuracies. Thus, A best captures the author's likely viewpoint.