Comprehensive TSA

Question 1

From a primitive form of locomotion to a sophisticated pastime and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that works almost every muscle group and calls for extensive training. In competitions, swimmers usually compete for the fastest time using a particular swimming stroke to cover a given distance. In addition, swimmers strive to develop their long-distance swimming endurance. Swimming has become such a complex competitive sport—one incorrect stroke can cause a competitor to be disqualified—that it's interesting to wonder how swimming will change for people in the future—either progressing toward a more advanced goal or reverting to a more primitive form of movement.

Which of the following best describes this passage's structure?

Accepted Answer

An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future implications.

Answer

The passage begins by tracing swimming's evolution from a 'primitive form of locomotion' to a 'sophisticated pastime and competitive sport.' It then narrows its focus to the specific demands and competitive aspects of the sport. Finally, it expands to consider 'how swimming will change for people in the future—either progressing toward a more advanced goal or reverting to a more primitive form of movement,' which represents considering future implications. This structure aligns perfectly with option C.

Question 2

From a primitive form of locomotion to a sophisticated pastime and competitive sport, swimming has evolved. Swimming is a demanding sport that works almost every muscle group and calls for extensive training. In competitions, swimmers usually compete for the fastest time using a particular swimming stroke to cover a given distance. In addition, swimmers strive to develop their long-distance swimming endurance. Swimming has become such a complex competitive sport—one incorrect stroke can cause a competitor to be disqualified—that it's interesting to wonder how swimming will change for people in the future—either progressing toward a more advanced goal or reverting to a more primitive form of movement.

Which of the following scenarios would result in swimming fulfilling the author's prophecy?

Accepted Answer

Swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport.

Answer

The author's 'prophecy' or wonder is about how swimming will 'change for people in the future—either progressing toward a more advanced goal or reverting to a more primitive form of movement.' If swimming 'remains a competitive Olympic sport,' it signifies a continuation and potential progression within its current advanced, sophisticated form. This aligns with the 'progressing toward a more advanced goal' aspect of the prophecy, as competitive sports continually evolve in terms of performance, training, and technique, rather than reverting to a primitive state or being replaced by entirely different activities.

Question 3

For the word in bold, which of the following is a suitable substitute?

Lucy made a designated area in the kitchen for all of her cooking tools.

Accepted Answer

delegated

Answer

'Designated' means to appoint or set apart for a specific purpose. While 'assigned' would be a very close synonym, among the given choices, 'delegated' is the most suitable. When an area is 'delegated' for a specific use, it means it has been assigned or set aside for that purpose, similar to how Lucy 'designated' an area for her cooking tools.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the word in bold's opposite?

To allow his children to make smores, Mike sparked a fire in his fire pit.

Accepted Answer

stopped

Answer

To 'spark' a fire means to ignite or start it. The direct opposite of starting a fire is to extinguish it or bring it to an end. Therefore, 'stopped' is the most appropriate antonym for 'sparked' in this context, as it signifies putting an end to the fire's existence.

Question 5

What is the meaning of the bolded word?

Kurt thought it was preposterous that his house lost electricity when the weather was nice.

Accepted Answer

utterly absurd or ridiculous

Answer

'Preposterous' means utterly absurd, ridiculous, or contrary to reason or common sense. Kurt found it illogical and nonsensical that his house lost electricity when the weather was perfectly fine. Option B, 'utterly absurd or ridiculous,' accurately defines this meaning, reflecting the unreasonableness of the situation.

(TSA) Transportation Security Administration Certified Practice Test

(TSA) Transportation Security Administration Certified Practice Test

Comprehensive TSA