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.

With four recent United States presidents being left-handed Ford, the elder Bush, Clinton and Obama the stigma associated with left-handedness largely vanishing
  • A. left-handedness largely vanishing
  • B. left-handedness has largely vanished
  • C. left-handedness being largely vanished
  • D. left-handedness and largely vanished
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively conveys that left-handedness has significantly decreased in societal stigma. The present perfect tense ("has largely vanished") indicates a change that started in the past and continues to the present, aligning well with the context of the sentence. Option A uses "largely vanishing," which is awkward and suggests an ongoing process rather than a completed change. Option C's "being largely vanished" is grammatically incorrect, as "being" does not fit with the passive construction. Option D incorrectly combines "and" with "largely vanished," creating a fragment that lacks clarity and coherence.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following sentences contains irrelevant information and should be deleted from paragraph 17?
  • A. Sentence 1
  • B. Sentence 2
  • C. Sentence 3
  • D. Sentence 4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 3 introduces information that does not directly support or relate to the main topic of paragraph 17, making it irrelevant. It distracts from the central argument and may confuse the reader. Sentence 1, Sentence 2, and Sentence 4 all contribute meaningfully to the paragraph's focus, offering necessary context or details that enhance understanding. Retaining these sentences ensures the flow and coherence of the paragraph, while removing Sentence 3 improves clarity and relevance.
Which of the following is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 12 (reproduced below)? Cavendish bananas might appear to be strong, with its thick skins and ability to be shipped long distances without rotting or even bruising.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. its'
  • C. their
  • D. there
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

In this context, "Cavendish bananas" is plural, so using "their" is appropriate to match the subject. This option correctly indicates possession, referring to the bananas' thick skins. Option A maintains the original phrasing, which incorrectly uses "its," a singular possessive pronoun, creating a mismatch with the plural subject. Option B, "its'," is also incorrect as it implies a possessive form that doesn't apply here, and it is not a standard grammatical form. Option D, "there," is unrelated to possession and does not fit the context of the sentence.
In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.
  • A. (As it is now)
  • B. In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
  • C. I first recognized this trait in myself
  • D. The first time I recognize is
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, "I first recognized this trait in myself," effectively shifts the verb tense to match the past context of the sentence, indicating a realization that occurred during grade school. This clarity enhances the reader's understanding of the timeline. Option A retains the original phrasing, which creates a tense inconsistency, as "recognize" suggests a present awareness of a past experience. Option B introduces "In fact," which is unnecessary and disrupts the flow, while still suffering from the same tense issue. Option D, "The first time I recognize is," is awkwardly phrased and lacks clarity, failing to convey a coherent thought regarding the past experience.
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.