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 what is stated or implied in the passage. Passage Have you ever wondered why everything you eat or drink right after brushing your teeth tastes bad? The cause is sodium laureth sulfate, an ingredient commonly added to toothpaste to make the paste foamy. Unfortunately, sodium laureth sulfate inhibits the taste buds that perceive sweetness, while removing molecules that keep bitter tastes from overwhelming our tongues. As a result, sweet flavors are reduced while bitter flavors are enhanced.
The word "perceive" in sentence 3 of the passage most nearly means
  • A. feel
  • B. generate
  • C. predict
  • D. sense
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The word "perceive" in this context closely aligns with "sense," as it refers to the ability to become aware of something through one’s senses or intuition. Option A, "feel," suggests a more emotional or physical response, which does not fully capture the broader cognitive aspect of perception. Option B, "generate," implies creating something, which deviates from the idea of recognizing or understanding. Option C, "predict," relates to forecasting future events, rather than simply recognizing or interpreting current stimuli. Thus, "sense" best encapsulates the meaning of "perceive" in this instance.

Other Related Questions

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.
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 9 and 10 (reproduced below)? These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens. The robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • A. These robots, while being equipped with cameras and video screens, allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings, interact more personally with their coworkers
  • B. These robots are equipped with cameras and video screens, moreover, they allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • C. Equipped with cameras and video screens, these robots allow the home-bound workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers.
  • D. In order to allow the workers to attend meetings and interact more personally with their coworkers, these robots are equipped with cameras and video screens
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C effectively combines the two sentences by starting with a participial phrase, "Equipped with cameras and video screens," which succinctly conveys essential information about the robots while maintaining clarity. This structure emphasizes the robots' capabilities and their purpose in a streamlined manner. Option A introduces unnecessary complexity with "while being," making the sentence less direct and harder to follow. Option B uses "moreover," which is inappropriate for connecting the two ideas and creates a run-on sentence that disrupts the flow. Option D alters the focus by suggesting that the robots are equipped solely for the purpose of allowing interaction, which misrepresents the original intent and adds unnecessary wording.
The term "heliotropic" (sentence 5) most probably means
  • A. having a flexible pulvinus
  • B. flowering in the bud stage
  • C. having brightly-colored flowers
  • D. turning toward the Sun
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

"Heliotropic" refers to the phenomenon where plants or flowers turn towards the Sun to maximize light exposure, which is essential for photosynthesis. This behavior is crucial for their growth and survival. Option A, "having a flexible pulvinus," describes a specific structural feature of some plants but does not capture the essence of heliotropism. Option B, "flowering in the bud stage," pertains to a developmental phase unrelated to sunlight orientation. Option C, "having brightly-colored flowers," focuses on visual attributes rather than movement towards light. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the meaning of heliotropic.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
  • A. the world, in the far distant past
  • B. the world, being in the far distant past
  • C. the world were, in the far distant past
  • D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.