How should I prepare for the exam?

The TSIA2 exam consists of several different types of questions in Reading, Mathematics and Writing. Each section of the test will be broken up into different content areas from which you will have to answer questions. It is important that you familiarize yourself with each different type of content area before you begin the assessment.

Below are sample questions and helpful information about each section of the exam:

READING:

The reading section of the exam will consist of several passages to read, each with their own questions. You will be asked to answer questions in the following areas: Literary Analysis, Main Idea, Supporting Details, Inferences in a Text or Texts and Author's Use of Language.

Reading Sample Question #1:

When we think of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and smoke filled air come to mind—all occurring on land. Most people are surprised to learn about the prevalence of underwater volcanoes on our planet. Because the lava and smoke spilling out of an active, underwater volcano is contained by the ocean, people generally do not take note of these eruptions. However, the largest underwater volcanoes are capable of creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.

The main idea of the passage is that

traditional volcanoes and underwater volcanoes are similar
the lava and smoke from an underwater volcano is countained by the sea
most tidal waves are caused by underwater volcanoes
underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be dangerous

Choice (D) is correct. The main idea of the passage is that underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be dangerous. The author explains that while “people generally do not take note” of underwater eruptions because “the lava and smoke . . . is contained by the ocean,” such eruptions are dangerous because they are “capable of creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.” Choice (A) is incorrect because the passage highlights differences, not similarities, between traditional and underwater volcanoes. Choice (B) is incorrect because although the passage notes that the lava and smoke from underwater volcanoes is contained by the sea, that fact is not the main idea; it supports the larger point about what people notice. Choice (C) is incorrect because the passage does not indicate that most tidal waves are caused by underwater eruptions.

Reading Sample Question #2:

In 2010, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and novelist Jonathan Franzen kissed and made up after a nine-year feud. In 2001, Franzen was disinvited from appearing on Winfrey’s TV show to pitch his novel The Corrections after he made it clear that he was unhappy about the book’s being chosen for the Oprah Book Club. Describing his work as “in the high-art literary tradition,” Franzen said he didn’t want to be associated with the Club, which he accused of occasionally choosing “schmaltzy, one-dimensional” novels. But Winfrey is apparently able to forgive and forget: she chose Franzen’s next novel, Freedom, for her book club and said of it, “Now you haven’t heard me say this word often, but this book is a masterpiece.”

The passage implies that Franzen’s criticism of the Oprah Book Club was motivated primarily by

pride
anger
insensitivity
ignorance

Choice (A) is correct. The author of the passage states that Franzen refers to his own work as belonging to a “high-art literary tradition” and to Oprah’s book club choices as being “schmaltzy,” or overly sentimental, and “one-dimensional.” These details suggest that Franzen felt that his own book is of higher quality than other books chosen for the book club. In other words, Franzen’s criticism of the Oprah Book Club was motivated by his pride, or his sense of self-importance. Choices (B) and (C) are incorrect because there is no indication in the passage that Franzen felt any anger or was trying to be insensitive. Choice (D) is incorrect because there is no indication that Franzen’s comments about Oprah’s choices were ignorant or uninformed.

Reading Sample Question #3:

The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are usually thought of as America’s “Founding Fathers.” Other, less known personages also deserve the title, however, and Noah Webster was one of these. Through his writings, which include the stillinfluential dictionary that bears his name, Webster sought to legitimize an “American English” that was independent of British spelling and pronunciation. For instance, Webster removed the “u” from “colour,” creating the distinct American version of the word.

What is the main purpose of this passage?

To praise the Founding Fathers
To present information about an important American
To define and explain “American English”
To distinguish American dictionaries from British dictionaries

Choice (B) is correct. The author discusses Noah Webster and the idea that he deserves the title of Founding Father. The author clearly considers Webster important, citing his “still-influential dictionary” and his attempt to “legitimize an ‘American English.’” Choice (A) is incorrect because although the author mentions that the Founding Fathers authored certain documents, he or she offers no specific praise of the Founding Fathers. Choices (C) and (D) are incorrect; although the author mentions Webster’s attempt “to legitimize an ‘American English’” and to create an American English dictionary, neither of these points is the main focus of the passage.

Additional Reading questions

NEXT