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

In 1952, Dwight Eisenhower was elected President of the United States, he won 55% of the vote.
  • A. he won
  • B. he had won
  • C. with winning
  • D. winning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The phrase "winning" effectively conveys the action of Eisenhower's election in a succinct manner, emphasizing the achievement without the need for auxiliary verbs. Option A, "he won," is grammatically correct but less fluid in this context. It shifts focus to a completed action rather than the ongoing significance of his victory. Option B, "he had won," uses the past perfect tense, which implies a prior context that isn’t necessary here and complicates the sentence unnecessarily. Option C, "with winning," introduces an awkward prepositional phrase that detracts from the clarity and directness of the statement.
The passage is mainly discussing the Mississippi River's
  • A. depth
  • B. length
  • C. width
  • D. location
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The passage primarily focuses on the Mississippi River's width, detailing its varying measurements at different points along its course. This emphasis on width highlights its significance in navigation and ecology. Option A, depth, is not the main topic; while depth may be mentioned, it does not receive the same level of attention. Option B, length, is also a lesser focus, as the passage does not delve into the river's overall distance. Option D, location, is addressed but serves more as context rather than the central theme. Thus, width emerges as the key aspect discussed in the passage.
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.
The following sentence would best fit immediately after which sentence in the second paragraph (sentences 3-6)? Meanwhile, the robots' eye and body movements mimic those of the human visitors they represent.
  • A. Sentence 3
  • B. Sentence 4
  • C. Sentence 5
  • D. Sentence 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence about the robots’ eye and body movements aligns best with Sentence 5, which likely discusses how these movements enhance the interaction between robots and human visitors. This connection emphasizes the purpose of mimicking human behavior. Sentence 3 may introduce the robots but does not specifically relate to their movements. Sentence 4 might focus on a different aspect of the robots, such as their design or functionality, which doesn’t directly connect to the mimicry. Sentence 6 may conclude the paragraph, making it less suitable for introducing a detailed observation about movements. Thus, Sentence 5 provides the most relevant context for the new information.