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.

Neon signs are often placed in storefronts to attract customers. The very first display of glass tubes filled with colorful, ignited neon gas was meant to attract only attention, however. In 1910 at the Paris Exposition, two straight tubes filled with lit neon gas were displayed to show off the new technology. It was not until 1912 that glass tubes were bent into a written message and put in the window of a barber shop to entice people to come in.
We can infer that the reason the glass tubes were bent was that
  • A. the Paris Exposition display was considered unsatisfactory
  • B. straight tubes are not as bright as bent ones
  • C. it is difficult to form letters with straight tubes
  • D. neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The bending of glass tubes is primarily linked to the ability to form letters and shapes, making option C the most logical choice. Bent tubes allow for the creation of recognizable letters, essential for signage. Option A suggests the display's quality influenced the design, but it lacks direct relevance to the functionality of the tubes. Option B implies that brightness is affected by the shape of the tubes, which is misleading; brightness is more about gas type and tube diameter than shape. Option D inaccurately claims that neon gas burns out quickly in straight tubes; gas longevity is not dependent on tube shape but rather on electrical conditions and gas quality.

Other Related Questions

What does the passage suggest about the light bulbs used in the first train signaling systems?
  • A. They were very fragile.
  • B. They were all the same color.
  • C. They were only illuminated at night.
  • D. They were also used to signal automobile drivers.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The passage indicates that the light bulbs in the first train signaling systems were designed to emit a specific color to convey signals, suggesting uniformity in color for clarity and safety. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not mention the fragility of the bulbs. Option C is misleading; while the bulbs may have been primarily used at night, the passage does not explicitly state that they were only illuminated then. Option D is also incorrect; the passage focuses on train signaling without reference to their use for automobile drivers. Thus, the emphasis on color highlights the importance of consistent signaling in train operations.
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.
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.
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.