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.

Which of the following sentences most effectively combines sentences 6 and 7 (reproduced below)? There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas. Most bananas that grow without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • A. There are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, and most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • B. While there are over 1000 different kinds of bananas, most of the ones grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • C. Of the more than 1000 different kinds of bananas, many of them are grown without human assistance, and many of those are quite small, only about the length of a finger.
  • D. Most bananas grown without human assistance are quite small, only about the length of a finger, and all told there are more than 1000 different kinds of bananas.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the two sentences by maintaining the original information while clearly linking the two ideas. It states the fact about the variety of bananas and smoothly transitions to the specific detail about the size of those grown without human assistance. Option B introduces a contrast with "while," which is unnecessary since both statements are factual rather than opposing ideas. Option C inaccurately implies that many of the 1000+ kinds are grown without human assistance, which is not stated in the original sentences. Option D incorrectly prioritizes the size of the bananas over the variety, misrepresenting the main point about the number of banana types.

Other Related Questions

Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence? In spite of his concern over time constraints—the occasion was an important one—he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. the event would be held in the nation's capital!—
  • C. only two days until the ceremony!—
  • D. the president would hear him recite!—
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A maintains the focus on the significance of the occasion while acknowledging the speaker's time constraints, creating a balanced perspective. It emphasizes the importance of the tribute without introducing unrelated details. Option B diverts attention to the location, which, while noteworthy, does not enhance the understanding of the speaker's internal conflict. Option C mentions the urgency but lacks context about the event's significance, making it less effective in elaborating on the initial idea. Option D highlights the audience but shifts focus away from the speaker's concerns, failing to connect back to the tribute's relevance.
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.
  • A. After sentence 2
  • B. After sentence 4
  • C. After sentence 7
  • D. After sentence 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Placing the sentence after sentence 7 is ideal as it follows a discussion about the benefits of the model, directly linking the incentive to the positive outcomes for wildlife populations. This placement emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship effectively. Option A, after sentence 2, disrupts the flow, as earlier sentences may not yet establish the model's context. Option B, after sentence 4, is too early in the discussion, lacking sufficient background on the model's impact. Option D, after sentence 10, may dilute the sentence's significance, as it would be too far removed from the relevant context, making the connection less impactful.
In context, which of the following would best be inserted after sentence 6 (reproduced below) as an appropriate example? Such problems are expensive for a government to solve, and often a 'solution' that helps one group hurts another.
  • A. The creation of new watering holes for elephants provides temporary jobs for local residents.
  • B. Declaring certain areas off limits to agricultural development can dangerously limit people's food supply.
  • C. Wild animals that prey on domestic livestock are active mostly at night.
  • D. Legislation attempting to transfer responsibility for wildlife to a country's citizens has failed in other parts of Africa.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively illustrates how a government solution, such as restricting agricultural development, can inadvertently harm local communities by jeopardizing their food supply. This aligns with the notion that a solution benefiting one group can negatively impact another. Option A, while relevant, focuses on temporary job creation without addressing the broader implications of resource allocation. Option C provides factual information about wildlife behavior but lacks a direct connection to the theme of conflicting interests among groups. Option D discusses legislative failures but does not exemplify the immediate consequences of a specific government action, missing the focus on direct harm to a group.
Which of the following sentences contains information irrelevant to the passage as a whole and should be deleted?
  • A. Sentence 4
  • B. Sentence 5
  • C. Sentence 7
  • D. Sentence 9
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 7 introduces an anecdote that, while interesting, does not contribute to the main argument of the passage. Its narrative focus distracts from the central theme, making it less relevant. Sentence 4 provides essential context that supports the overall message, while Sentence 5 summarizes key points, reinforcing the passage’s purpose. Sentence 9 offers a concluding thought that ties back to the main argument, enhancing the reader's understanding. Thus, only Sentence 7 diverges from the primary focus, warranting its removal for clarity and coherence.