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.
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.

Other Related Questions

Why does the author mention that only men signed the Mayflower Compact?
  • A. To show the similarities between the Compact and the Constitution
  • B. To suggest that the Compact was not a perfect model of government
  • C. To indicate that men were better lawmakers than women
  • D. To imply that only men were on board the Mayflower
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The mention of only men signing the Mayflower Compact highlights the limitations of this early governance document, suggesting it was not a perfect model of government. It reflects the societal norms of the time, where women's voices were excluded from formal political processes, indicating a lack of representation. Option A incorrectly suggests a direct comparison with the Constitution, which is not the focus. Option C perpetuates a gender bias that is not supported by the text. Option D misinterprets the context; while only men signed, it does not imply that only men were aboard the Mayflower, as historical records show women were present as well.
The author of Passage 1 would most likely characterize the claim of the "detractors" mentioned in Passage 2 as
  • A. an unfair accusation
  • B. a flattering portrayal
  • C. an accurate description
  • D. a flawed argument
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author of Passage 1 would likely view the claim of the "detractors" as an accurate description, reflecting a critical stance towards the subject being discussed. This suggests that the detractors highlight valid concerns that resonate with the author's perspective. Option A, "an unfair accusation," implies bias against the detractors, which does not align with the author's objective analysis. Option B, "a flattering portrayal," contradicts the nature of criticism typically associated with detractors. Lastly, option D, "a flawed argument," suggests a dismissal of the detractors' points, which would not align with the author's acknowledgment of their validity.
Apart from being a basic requirement for plant life, the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain.
  • A. the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
  • B. some plant species are also helped by rain to propagate them
  • C. rain also helps in the propagation of some plant species
  • D. it is also helpful for the propagation of some plant species to have rain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.
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.