TSI Practice Test: B.O.Y Diagnostic
star
star
star
star
star
Last updated 7 months ago
26 questions
Please answer each question to the best of your ability. Read all passages thoroughly, and be confident in your answers!
Read the passage(s) below and then choose the best
answer to each question. Answer the question on the
basis of what is stated or implied in the passage(s).
In this passage from a novel, two young women visit
a bookshop in the fictional town of Brahmpur, India.
(1) The Imperial Book Depot was one of the two best bookshops in town, and was located on Nabiganj, the fashionable street that was the last bulwark of modernity before the labyrinthine alleys and ancient, cluttered neighbourhoods of Old Brahmpur. (2) Though it was a couple of miles away from the university proper it had a greater following among students and teachers than the University and Allied Bookshop, which was just a few minutes away from campus. (3) The Imperial Book Depot was run by two brothers, Yashwant and Balwant, both almost illiterate in English, but both (despite their prosperous roundness) so energetic and entrepreneurial that it apparently made no difference. (4) They had the best stock in town, and were extremely helpful to their customers. (5) If a book was not available in the shop, they asked the customer himself to write down its name on the appropriate order form. (6) Twice a week an impoverished university
student was paid to sort new arrivals onto the designated shelves. (7) And since the bookshop prided itself on its academic as well as general stock, the proprietors unashamedly collared university teachers who wandered in to browse, sat them down with a cup of tea and a couple of publishers’ lists, and made them tick off titles that they thought the bookshop should consider ordering. (8) These teachers were happy to ensure that books they needed for their courses would be readily available to their students. (9) Many of them resented the University and Allied Bookshop for its entrenched, lethargic, unresponsive and high-handed ways. (10) After classes, Lata and Malati, both dressed casually in their usual salwaar-kameez1, went to
Nabiganj to wander around and have a cup of coffee at the Blue Danube coffee house. (11) This activity, known to university students as “ganjing,” they could afford to indulge in about once a week. (12) As they passed the Imperial Book Depot, they were drawn magnetically in. (13) Each wandered off to her favourite shelves and subjects. (14) Malati headed straight for the novels, Lata went for
poetry. (15) On the way, however, she paused by the science shelves, not because she understood much science, but, rather, because she did not. (16) Whenever she opened a scientific book and saw whole paragraphs of incomprehensible words and symbols, she felt a sense of wonder at the great territories of learning that lay beyond her—the sum of so many noble and purposive attempts to make objective sense of the world. (17) She enjoyed the feeling; it suited her serious moods; and this afternoon she was feeling serious.
¹A salwaar-kameez is a traditional Indian garment.
Adapted from Vikram Seth, A Suitable Boy.
©1993 by Vikram Seth.
Required
3
The first paragraph (sentences 1–5) suggests which of
the following about the relationship between university
students and teachers and the Imperial Book Depot?
The first paragraph (sentences 1–5) suggests which of
the following about the relationship between university
students and teachers and the Imperial Book Depot?
Required
3
In the second paragraph (sentences 6–9), the narrator indicates which of the following about Imperial Book Depot business practices?
In the second paragraph (sentences 6–9), the narrator indicates which of the following about Imperial Book Depot business practices?
Required
3
As used in sentence 8, “readily” most nearly means
As used in sentence 8, “readily” most nearly means
Required
3
The third paragraph (sentences 10–17) suggests that Lata regards science as
The third paragraph (sentences 10–17) suggests that Lata regards science as
Passage 1
As computer programs and online services
continue to advance, paperless offices are growing
in popularity. Going paperless is certainly a
more environmentally friendly option than using
reams of paper. A paperless office may also save
on various overhead expenses. However, it may
be expensive in the long run to go paperless,
depending on the size and needs of your company.
Another option might be using less paper instead
of attempting a completely paperless office. This
way, your company can enjoy some advantages
of a paperless system while avoiding some of the
disadvantages.
Passage 2
Many companies today are choosing not to go
paperless because of the high costs of doing so.
Despite the “green” advantages, going paperless
requires companies to maintain up-to-date
hardware and software, and upgrades often come
at a steep cost. Businesses may need to hire an IT
person to monitor their systems, train new users,
and perform regular backups of information.
Ensuring online security is also vital, and the more
people a company has using a system, the closer
the system must be monitored for privacy issues
and viruses. It takes a lot of time and money to go
paperless, and for many small businesses, it’s just
not worth the expense.
Required
4
The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for
The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for
Required
4
The authors of both passages probably would
characterize telecommuters as being generally
The authors of both passages probably would
characterize telecommuters as being generally
Required
4
The first known dentures, worn as early as 700 BCE
by the Etruscans of central Italy, were composed
mainly of animal teeth held together by gold
bands. Later, in the 16th century, a denture made
of wooden teeth held in place by suctions became
popular in Japan. A “natural” look emerged with
the dentures of the 18th and 19th centuries, which
featured teeth made of ivory or porcelain and
mounted on plates of gold or vulcanite, a type of
rubber. While some modern dentures still feature
porcelain teeth, most dentures today contain teeth
made from plastic and mounted on a metal base.
The author uses the term “natural” to indicate that the
dentures of the 18th and 19th centuries
The first known dentures, worn as early as 700 BCE
by the Etruscans of central Italy, were composed
mainly of animal teeth held together by gold
bands. Later, in the 16th century, a denture made
of wooden teeth held in place by suctions became
popular in Japan. A “natural” look emerged with
the dentures of the 18th and 19th centuries, which
featured teeth made of ivory or porcelain and
mounted on plates of gold or vulcanite, a type of
rubber. While some modern dentures still feature
porcelain teeth, most dentures today contain teeth
made from plastic and mounted on a metal base.
The author uses the term “natural” to indicate that the
dentures of the 18th and 19th centuries
Required
4
American copyright laws, laws that prohibit the use, distribution, or adaptation of another’s product without permission, first applied only to the copying of books, but now cover such diverse products as sound recordings, motion pictures, and computer programs. The federal Copyright Act of 1790 allowed copyright protection for 14 years with one 14-year extension allowed (if the author survived the first 14-year term). The Copyright Act of 1909 extended copyright protection to 28 years with a 28-year renewal, and the Copyright Act of 1976 extended it further, to 75 years.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
American copyright laws, laws that prohibit the use, distribution, or adaptation of another’s product without permission, first applied only to the copying of books, but now cover such diverse products as sound recordings, motion pictures, and computer programs. The federal Copyright Act of 1790 allowed copyright protection for 14 years with one 14-year extension allowed (if the author survived the first 14-year term). The Copyright Act of 1909 extended copyright protection to 28 years with a 28-year renewal, and the Copyright Act of 1976 extended it further, to 75 years.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
Required
4
If you are committed to healthy, green living and want to reduce your environmental footprint, you might consider expanding your daily diet to include bugs. Supporters of the edible insect initiative rightfully argue that farming insects has a much lower environmental impact than does raising livestock since bugs are easier to harvest and require a fraction of the water and land space that cattle need. Indeed, the high-protein, lowfat health benefits of bug-eating have long been known. For hundreds of years, crickets, silkworms and even tarantulas have been served roasted, stewed, and fried at the dinner tables of many cultures.
In the first sentence, “expanding” most nearly means
If you are committed to healthy, green living and want to reduce your environmental footprint, you might consider expanding your daily diet to include bugs. Supporters of the edible insect initiative rightfully argue that farming insects has a much lower environmental impact than does raising livestock since bugs are easier to harvest and require a fraction of the water and land space that cattle need. Indeed, the high-protein, lowfat health benefits of bug-eating have long been known. For hundreds of years, crickets, silkworms and even tarantulas have been served roasted, stewed, and fried at the dinner tables of many cultures.
In the first sentence, “expanding” most nearly means
Required
4
The 1922 German Expressionist film Nosferatu, directed by F. W. Murnau, is considered one of the most influential films in cinematic history—while also being a classic vampire movie. The film is closely based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula; however, the villain in the film is called “Count Orlok” rather than “Count Dracula.” The reason is that the small studio that produced the film, Prana Film, was unable to secure the rights to Stoker’s novel. In fact, shortly after finishing Nosferatu, its one and only film, Prana went bankrupt in order to dodge copyright lawsuits from Stoker’s widow.
In context, “secure” (sentence 3) most nearly means
The 1922 German Expressionist film Nosferatu, directed by F. W. Murnau, is considered one of the most influential films in cinematic history—while also being a classic vampire movie. The film is closely based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula; however, the villain in the film is called “Count Orlok” rather than “Count Dracula.” The reason is that the small studio that produced the film, Prana Film, was unable to secure the rights to Stoker’s novel. In fact, shortly after finishing Nosferatu, its one and only film, Prana went bankrupt in order to dodge copyright lawsuits from Stoker’s widow.
In context, “secure” (sentence 3) most nearly means
Required
4
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is used in most watercarrying pipes in the United States. Known for their resistance to the corrosion that can be caused by water, PVC pipes are more durable than the metal pipes of old. As useful as PVC is, it may be surprising that it was accidentally discovered in 1835 by Henri Victor Regnault, who observed a mysterious white solid plastic forming inside some test tubes that were left exposed to sunlight in his lab.
It can be inferred from the passage that metal pipes
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is used in most watercarrying pipes in the United States. Known for their resistance to the corrosion that can be caused by water, PVC pipes are more durable than the metal pipes of old. As useful as PVC is, it may be surprising that it was accidentally discovered in 1835 by Henri Victor Regnault, who observed a mysterious white solid plastic forming inside some test tubes that were left exposed to sunlight in his lab.
It can be inferred from the passage that metal pipes
Required
4
The first coin-operated vending machines in the United States were installed on the elevated platforms of the New York City railway system in 1888. These machines sold a chewing gum called “Tutti-Frutti,” which was manufactured by the Thomas Adams Gum Company. The machines were eventually updated to feature animated figures that would dance each time a gum purchase was made.
All of the following statements about the vending machines discussed in the passage are true EXCEPT
The first coin-operated vending machines in the United States were installed on the elevated platforms of the New York City railway system in 1888. These machines sold a chewing gum called “Tutti-Frutti,” which was manufactured by the Thomas Adams Gum Company. The machines were eventually updated to feature animated figures that would dance each time a gum purchase was made.
All of the following statements about the vending machines discussed in the passage are true EXCEPT
Required
4
The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are usually thought of as America’s founders. Other, less known personages also deserve that designation, 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.
According to the passage, Noah Webster
The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are usually thought of as America’s founders. Other, less known personages also deserve that designation, 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.
According to the passage, Noah Webster
Required
4
Swarms of locusts causing deadly plagues are usually thought of as the stuff of myths. However, the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria has been responsible for damage to populations across three continents. The desert locust does its damage by consuming its body weight in food each day, devouring virtually any type of vegetation it encounters. When millions of locusts swarm into an area, their effect on the food supply in that area and surrounding areas can be catastrophic. Fortunately, it takes a big, sustained rainstorm (a rare event in desert areas) to create the conditions in which desert locusts thrive.
The passage is primarily about
Swarms of locusts causing deadly plagues are usually thought of as the stuff of myths. However, the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria has been responsible for damage to populations across three continents. The desert locust does its damage by consuming its body weight in food each day, devouring virtually any type of vegetation it encounters. When millions of locusts swarm into an area, their effect on the food supply in that area and surrounding areas can be catastrophic. Fortunately, it takes a big, sustained rainstorm (a rare event in desert areas) to create the conditions in which desert locusts thrive.
The passage is primarily about
Required
4
Some historians attribute the origins of the front porches so common in American houses to the covered porticos of classical Rome. Indeed, our word “porch” derives from the Latin portico. However, these colonnaded spaces were almost always connected _ to public or religious structures rather than to private homes. The loggias of Renaissance Venice, recessed front entryways built into the ground floor of Venetian canal houses, perhaps provide a better starting point for the evolution of the American-style porch. This architectural feature later became popularized throughout Europe by the 17th-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Eventually, English colonists would spread the loggia to the American colonies.
Does the author agree with the “historians” who attribute the origins of the American front porch to the classical Roman portico?
Some historians attribute the origins of the front porches so common in American houses to the covered porticos of classical Rome. Indeed, our word “porch” derives from the Latin portico. However, these colonnaded spaces were almost always connected _ to public or religious structures rather than to private homes. The loggias of Renaissance Venice, recessed front entryways built into the ground floor of Venetian canal houses, perhaps provide a better starting point for the evolution of the American-style porch. This architectural feature later became popularized throughout Europe by the 17th-century Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Eventually, English colonists would spread the loggia to the American colonies.
Does the author agree with the “historians” who attribute the origins of the American front porch to the classical Roman portico?
Required
4
In context, which phrase should replace the vague pronoun “them” in sentence 4 (reproduced below)? In one study, researchers asked participants to read words and have them scanned by a brain imaging machine.
In context, which phrase should replace the vague pronoun “them” in sentence 4 (reproduced below)? In one study, researchers asked participants to read words and have them scanned by a brain imaging machine.
Required
4
Which sentence provides unnecessary information and should be deleted from the second paragraph (sentences 4–10)?
Which sentence provides unnecessary information and should be deleted from the second paragraph (sentences 4–10)?
Required
4
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below)?
In another study, metaphors involving texture, such as “The singer had a velvet voice,” roused the sensory cortex, while phrases such as “The singer had a pleasing voice” did not. The sensory cortex is the part of the brain responsible for perceiving texture through touch.
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 7 and 8 (reproduced below)?
In another study, metaphors involving texture, such as “The singer had a velvet voice,” roused the sensory cortex, while phrases such as “The singer had a pleasing voice” did not. The sensory cortex is the part of the brain responsible for perceiving texture through touch.
Required
3
Which piece of evidence, if added to the third paragraph (sentences 11–13), would best support the writer’s argument?
Which piece of evidence, if added to the third paragraph (sentences 11–13), would best support the writer’s argument?
Required
3
Indiana is the smallest state in the Midwest although they have one of the largest populations of any state in that region.
Indiana is the smallest state in the Midwest although they have one of the largest populations of any state in that region.
Required
3
The fans in the audience expressed one’s appreciation for the performance by giving the lead actor a standing ovation.
The fans in the audience expressed one’s appreciation for the performance by giving the lead actor a standing ovation.
Required
3
Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular city for tourists, with their historical sites and beautiful weather.
Charleston, South Carolina, is a popular city for tourists, with their historical sites and beautiful weather.
Required
3
If I see the man who works at that store, he is wearing a green baseball cap.
If I see the man who works at that store, he is wearing a green baseball cap.
Required
3
Walking on a leash and barking on command, the judges were impressed by the dog.
Walking on a leash and barking on command, the judges were impressed by the dog.
Required
4
Nothing grows as well in Kentucky as burley tobacco, being the state’s chief agricultural crop.
Nothing grows as well in Kentucky as burley tobacco, being the state’s chief agricultural crop.
Required
10
Passage: Some people claim that each individual is solely responsible for what happens to him or her. But the claim that we ought to take absolute responsibility for the kinds of people we are and the kinds of lives we lead suggests that we have complete control over our lives. We do not. Te circumstances of our lives can make it more or less impossible to make certain kinds of choices. Adapted from Gordon D. Marino, “I Think You Should Be Responsible; I’m Not So Sure.”
Assignment: Are we free to make our own decisions or are we limited in the choices we can make? Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Plan and write a multi-paragraph essay (300–600 words) in which you develop your point of view on the above question. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Passage: Some people claim that each individual is solely responsible for what happens to him or her. But the claim that we ought to take absolute responsibility for the kinds of people we are and the kinds of lives we lead suggests that we have complete control over our lives. We do not. Te circumstances of our lives can make it more or less impossible to make certain kinds of choices. Adapted from Gordon D. Marino, “I Think You Should Be Responsible; I’m Not So Sure.”
Assignment: Are we free to make our own decisions or are we limited in the choices we can make? Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.
Plan and write a multi-paragraph essay (300–600 words) in which you develop your point of view on the above question. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.