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

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 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.
Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly, a tavern.
  • A. formerly
  • B. formally
  • C. formidably
  • D. formality
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The word "formerly" accurately indicates that the building was previously a tavern, highlighting its past use. Option B, "formally," refers to official or ceremonial contexts, which does not fit the intended meaning. Option C, "formidably," suggests something impressive or intimidating, irrelevant in this context. Lastly, option D, "formality," denotes an official procedure or requirement, which is not applicable here. Thus, "formerly" is the only choice that correctly conveys the idea of a past state, making it the appropriate selection.