TSIA2 English Language Arts and Reading Exams — TSIA2 English Language Arts and Reading Answers
Answer: B
Hunters capable of successfully hunting either aggressive animal should prefer buffalo; since one reaps more food from a larger animal.
The best version of the underlined portion is "buffalo: since," as it correctly uses a colon to introduce the explanation that follows regarding the benefits of hunting buffalo.
A) (as it is now)
This option maintains the original phrasing, which incorrectly uses a semicolon before "since." A semicolon is not appropriate here as it suggests a stronger separation between clauses than is warranted, making the sentence grammatically incorrect.
B) buffalo: since
This option correctly employs a colon to indicate that what follows is an explanation or elaboration of the preceding clause. It effectively clarifies the reason hunters should prefer buffalo, making it the best choice.
C) buffalo,
While this option replaces the semicolon with a comma, it creates a comma splice, improperly joining two independent clauses. This results in a grammatical error that diminishes the clarity and flow of the sentence.
D) buffalo since
This option lacks punctuation between the two clauses, leading to a run-on sentence. The absence of punctuation makes it unclear where one thought ends and the next begins, adversely affecting readability.
Conclusion
Option B, "buffalo: since," is the only choice that correctly uses punctuation to clarify the relationship between the clauses, making the rationale for preferring buffalo clear and precise. All other options either maintain grammatical errors or create ambiguity, failing to convey the intended meaning effectively.
Answer: D
Evidence to make
The best version of the underlined portion is "evidence to make," as it clearly conveys that the evidence was used to support the argument regarding the skill levels of MSA hunters compared to LSA hunters.
A) (as it is now)
This option retains the original phrasing, which is grammatically incorrect and unclear. The phrase "as it made" lacks a proper connection to the subject and does not effectively indicate the purpose of the evidence in forming the argument.
B) evidence and were making
This option introduces a grammatical inconsistency with the verb tense and subject agreement. The phrase "and were making" suggests simultaneous action that is not supported by the context of the sentence, leading to confusion about the relationship between the evidence and the argument.
C) evidence, having made
While this option attempts to link the evidence to the argument, the phrase "having made" implies a completed action that does not align with the ongoing discussion of the evidence's relevance. This construction creates ambiguity about when the evidence was used in relation to the argument.
D) evidence to make
This option succinctly connects the evidence directly to its purpose, indicating that it was used to formulate an argument. It effectively clarifies the causal relationship between the evidence cited and the assertion regarding MSA and LSA hunters' skills.
Conclusion
"Evidence to make" clearly articulates the intent behind the evidence being cited, making it the most effective choice. The other options fail to provide clarity or proper grammatical structure, thereby detracting from the intended meaning of the sentence. Thus, option D is definitively the best choice for conveying the relationship between the evidence and the argument presented.
3. Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly, a tavern.
Answer: A
Our offices are located in an old building on the outskirts of campus that was formerly a tavern.
The word "formerly" correctly indicates that the building was previously used as a tavern, aligning with the intended meaning of the sentence.
A) formerly
This option is correct as it means "previously" or "in the past," which accurately describes the former use of the building as a tavern.
B) formally
This option is incorrect because "formally" refers to something done according to established forms or conventions, which does not fit the context of describing the previous use of the building.
C) formidably
This option is incorrect as "formidably" means in a manner that inspires fear or respect through being impressively powerful, which is irrelevant to the description of the building's former use.
D) formality
This option is incorrect because "formality" refers to the rigid observance of rules or conventions, which does not apply to the context of describing the past function of the building.
Conclusion
The correct answer is "formerly" because it appropriately conveys that the building was used as a tavern in the past. All other options fail to capture the intended temporal context, making them unsuitable choices for this sentence.
Answer: A
The author of Passage 1 would probably say that the claims in the last sentence of Passage 2 are disappointing and inaccurate.
The author of Passage 1 argues that social media enrich real-life relationships, suggesting that the claims in Passage 2 about social media being a passing fad are misguided. Therefore, the author would likely view those claims as disappointing and inaccurate.
A) disappointing and inaccurate
This option is correct because the author of Passage 1 emphasizes the value of social media in enhancing communication and relationships, which contradicts the view presented in Passage 2 that social media is a mere fad. The author's perspective would lead to a conclusion that the claims in Passage 2 are not only disappointing in their dismissiveness but also incorrect in their assessment of social media's significance.
B) stimulating and insightful
This option is incorrect as the author of Passage 1 does not express admiration for the claims in Passage 2. Rather than finding them stimulating or insightful, the author implies that they misinterpret the role of social media in modern communication.
C) optimistic but vague
This option is incorrect because the author of Passage 1 presents a clear and specific argument regarding the benefits of social media, rather than being vague. The claims in Passage 2 are not depicted as optimistic but rather as narrow-minded and dismissive.
D) alarming but truthful
This option is incorrect because the author of Passage 1 does not find the claims in Passage 2 to be alarming or truthful. Instead, the author challenges the notion that social media is non-essential, indicating disagreement with the truthfulness of those claims.
Conclusion
The author of Passage 1 fundamentally disagrees with the claims made in Passage 2, viewing them as a misunderstanding of social media's value. This rationale supports that the correct answer is A) disappointing and inaccurate, as it aligns with the author's belief in the positive impact of social networking on real-life relationships, while all other options fail to capture the author's stance accurately.
Answer: D
Jeanette was such an outstanding athlete that she scored more goals than any other member of the soccer team.
The best version of the sentence is "athlete that she," which correctly establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between Jeanette's status as an athlete and her scoring more goals than her teammates.
A) athlete, she
This option incorrectly uses a comma before "she," creating a comma splice. It fails to connect the two independent clauses properly, resulting in a grammatically incorrect sentence.
B) athlete, she had
Similar to option A, this choice also uses a comma incorrectly, leading to a comma splice. Additionally, the phrase "she had" is unnecessary and alters the intended meaning, making the sentence awkward and less clear.
C) athlete that
While this option correctly connects the clauses, it is incomplete as it lacks the necessary conjunction to form a complete thought. The absence of "she" leaves the sentence feeling disjointed and unclear.
D) athlete that she
This option effectively connects the two clauses, providing a clear and grammatically correct structure. It conveys the intended meaning that Jeanette's athleticism directly contributed to her scoring prowess.
Conclusion
Option D is the only choice that forms a grammatically correct and coherent sentence, clearly linking Jeanette's athleticism to her success in scoring goals. All other options either misuse punctuation or fail to convey the relationship between the clauses effectively. Hence, D is the definitive correct answer.
6. What assumption does the author of the passage make?
Answer: D
Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
The author assumes that readers may not automatically connect the Department of Energy's funding with research on algae, indicating a potential gap in public perception regarding the agency's involvement in this area of science.
A) Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
This option is incorrect because the passage does not discuss the cost-effectiveness of hydrogen production from algae compared to other gases. The focus is on the potential energy applications of hydrogen produced by algae, without mentioning any economic evaluations.
B) The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy.
This choice is incorrect as the passage states that the research is ongoing and implies potential future applications, but does not indicate that the Department of Energy is currently using hydrogen-producing algae for energy. The assumption does not reflect the current state of research or application.
C) Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis.
This option is incorrect since the passage specifically mentions that the mutant versions of algae are designed to produce more hydrogen during photosynthesis. Therefore, the assumption that they will not be capable of photosynthesis contradicts the information provided in the passage.
D) Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
This is the correct answer, as the passage suggests that the funding by the Department of Energy for algae research may not be a common association among readers. This highlights a gap in understanding regarding the agency's role in innovative energy research.
Conclusion
The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research is supported by the context of the passage, which emphasizes the novelty of funding such research. Other options either misinterpret the passage or introduce ideas not present in the text, thus failing to align with the author’s implied belief about public perception.
7. Why does the author mention that only men signed the Mayflower Compact?
Answer: B
The author mentions that only men signed the Mayflower Compact to suggest that the Compact was not a perfect model of government.
The reference to only men signing the Mayflower Compact highlights the limitations and imperfections inherent in early American governance, suggesting that it did not represent a fully inclusive or equitable model of democracy.
A) To show the similarities between the Compact and the Constitution
This option incorrectly interprets the author's intent. While both the Mayflower Compact and the Constitution are foundational documents, the emphasis on the gender of the signatories does not serve to draw parallels between them but rather to critique the inclusivity of the Compact.
B) To suggest that the Compact was not a perfect model of government
This option accurately reflects the author's perspective. By noting that only men signed the Compact, the author points out a significant flaw in its representation of governance, indicating that it fell short of the democratic ideals that would later be espoused.
C) To indicate that men were better lawmakers than women
This choice misrepresents the author's argument. The mention of men as signatories does not imply superiority in lawmaking abilities but rather highlights the exclusion of women from the political process at that time.
D) To imply that only men were on board the Mayflower
This option is misleading. While it is factually correct that only men signed the Compact, the author's focus is not simply on the composition of the passengers but on the implications of such a gendered limitation in governance.
Conclusion
The mention of only men signing the Mayflower Compact serves as a critique of its imperfections as a model of government, emphasizing the lack of inclusivity in early American political structures. Options A, C, and D either misinterpret the context or focus on irrelevant aspects, while only option B addresses the core issue of governance represented by the Compact.
Answer: C
I first recognized this trait in myself
This version effectively conveys the author's self-awareness about being stubborn, using the appropriate past tense to reflect on a past event.
A) (As it is now)
This option does not improve clarity or grammatical correctness. The phrase "I first recognize" incorrectly uses the present tense, which is inconsistent with the context of reflecting on a past experience in grade school.
B) In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
Similar to option A, this choice also uses the present tense "recognize," which does not align with the past event being described. The addition of "In fact" does not enhance the clarity or relevance of the statement.
C) I first recognized this trait in myself
This option accurately uses the past tense "recognized," making it clear that the reflection on stubbornness pertains to a past experience in grade school. It succinctly captures the essence of the author's self-discovery.
D) The first time I recognize is
This version is grammatically incomplete and utilizes present tense, making it unclear and incorrect in the context of the sentence. It fails to convey the intended meaning, as it does not specify what the author recognized.
Conclusion
Option C is definitively correct as it not only maintains grammatical accuracy but also appropriately reflects the timing of the author's realization about their stubbornness. The other options either misuse tense or do not convey the intended meaning effectively, making them unsuitable for the context.
Answer: D
The world was, in the far distant past
The best version of the underlined part of the sentence is "the world was, in the far distant past." This option correctly uses the verb "was" to indicate a past state of existence for the continents.
A) the world, in the far distant past
This option is incorrect because it lacks a verb, which makes the sentence incomplete. A proper sentence requires a subject and a verb to convey a complete thought.
B) the world, being in the far distant past
While this option includes a form of the verb "being," it is not appropriate in this context. The phrase does not clearly convey the intended meaning regarding the state of the continents in the past.
C) the world were, in the far distant past
This option is incorrect because "were" is not suitable for this context. The subject "the world" is singular, thus requiring the singular verb "was" instead of the plural "were."
D) the world was, in the far distant past
This is the correct choice. It effectively conveys that in the distant past, the world existed as a single land mass, using appropriate grammar to indicate a past condition.
Conclusion
Option D is the only choice that uses the correct verb form for the singular subject, clearly indicating a past existence of the continents. All other options fail to provide a grammatically correct or contextually appropriate construction, making D the definitive correct answer.
10. The term "heliotropic" (sentence 5) most probably means
Answer: D
Turning toward the Sun
Heliotropic refers to the ability of certain plants, like sunflowers, to orient themselves towards the Sun. This phenomenon allows sunflowers to maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the day.
A) Having a flexible pulvinus
While the pulvinus is indeed a flexible segment of the sunflower's stem that facilitates its movement, the term "heliotropic" does not specifically refer to this structural feature. Instead, it describes the overall behavior of the plant in response to sunlight.
B) Flowering in the bud stage
This option is incorrect as heliotropism is not related to the flowering stage of the sunflower. The term focuses on the movement of the plant in relation to the Sun, rather than its developmental stage.
C) Having brightly-colored flowers
Though sunflowers are known for their vibrant colors, this characteristic does not pertain to heliotropism. The term describes the directional growth or movement towards sunlight, not the coloration of the flowers.
D) Turning toward the Sun
This is the correct interpretation of heliotropism, as it specifically describes the ability of sunflowers to follow the Sun's path across the sky from east to west. This behavior is a crucial adaptation for maximizing photosynthesis.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "turning toward the Sun," accurately captures the essence of heliotropism as demonstrated by sunflowers. All other options fail to address the fundamental concept of directional movement in relation to sunlight, which is the core aspect of heliotropism. Thus, option D is the only choice that aligns with the definition provided in the extract.