tsia2 reading and writing practice test 1

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

The retired government official spoke _______ about foreign policy and international trade
  • A. as knowing
  • B. in knowledge
  • C. knowledgeably
  • D. knowledgeable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The sentence requires an adverb to describe how the retired government official spoke. Option C, "knowledgeably," correctly functions as an adverb, indicating that the official spoke with knowledge about foreign policy and international trade. Option A, "as knowing," is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning. Option B, "in knowledge," is awkward and does not fit the context of how someone speaks. Option D, "knowledgeable," is an adjective and would not appropriately modify the verb "spoke." Thus, C is the only option that fits both grammatically and contextually.

Other Related Questions

Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • A. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, and the reason for that was because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • B. The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • C. Because the poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner, it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion.
  • D. The poet expressed reluctance, because it was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion, to proceed in this manner.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively combines the two sentences by clearly linking the poet's reluctance directly to the unconventional nature of writing a commissioned poem. This structure maintains clarity and conciseness, allowing the reader to understand the cause-and-effect relationship without unnecessary words. Option A is overly complex and uses "and the reason for that was because," which adds redundancy and weakens the sentence's impact. Option C incorrectly implies that the reluctance is a consequence of the customary practice, rather than the other way around, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D disrupts the natural flow of the sentence by placing "to proceed in this manner" at the end, making it awkward and less direct.
Where would the following sentence best be placed? Large and docile elands should be the preferred prey whenever they are readily available, regardless of hunters' overall sophistication.
  • A. After sentence 6
  • B. After sentence 9
  • C. After sentence 11
  • D. After sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Placing the sentence after sentence 9 logically follows the discussion on prey selection, which is likely being analyzed in that section. It introduces the specific preference for elands, enhancing the argument about hunting strategies. Option A, after sentence 6, is too early in the text, as it may interrupt the flow before the context of prey preferences is established. Option C, after sentence 11, might place it too late, missing the opportunity to connect the idea to preceding arguments. Option D, after sentence 14, risks isolating the concept of elands from the main discussion, diminishing its impact. Thus, option B maintains coherence and relevance in the narrative.
In context, which of the following sentences would most effectively be placed immediately after sentence 10 (reproduced below)? Eventually my stubbornness paid off.
  • A. Stubbornness seems to run in my family, since my brother is just as stubborn as I am.
  • B. Stubborn people can achieve much success and satisfaction.
  • C. I still like to juggle, even though I am no better at it now than I was in grade school.
  • D. I became a pretty competent juggler and am now almost as skilled as my brother.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D seamlessly follows the statement about stubbornness, directly linking the trait to a tangible outcome: becoming a competent juggler. This connection emphasizes the payoff of stubbornness, reinforcing the idea that persistence leads to success. Option A, while mentioning family stubbornness, diverges from the personal achievement theme and lacks direct relevance to the juggling context. Option B generalizes about stubbornness without connecting to the narrator's specific experience. Option C shifts focus to juggling skills without addressing the outcome of stubbornness, making it less effective in this context.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Banana consumption surpassed that of apples only 20 years after they were first introduced to Americans.
  • A. After sentence 3
  • B. After sentence 4
  • C. After sentence 6
  • D. After sentence 7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Placing the sentence after sentence 4 provides a logical flow, as it builds on the preceding discussion about the introduction of bananas to Americans and their rising popularity. This context allows readers to understand the significance of the banana's consumption surpassing apples. Option A is too early, as it lacks the necessary context about the introduction of bananas. Option C comes too late, as it may disrupt the narrative flow established earlier. Option D is also inappropriate, as it would place the information after a conclusion, making it feel disconnected from the main discussion.