Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In the sentence "The senator's equivocal response to the reporter's question left voters unsure of her actual position," which word is the best synonym for "equivocal"?

Emphatic
Rehearsed
Ambiguous (Correct answer)
Hostile

Correct answer: Ambiguous

"Equivocal" means open to more than one interpretation or deliberately vague. The sentence says voters were left unsure of her position, which fits "ambiguous." An emphatic response would be clear, and nothing in the sentence suggests hostility or rehearsal.

Question 2: A student's essay shifts from past tense to present tense mid-paragraph. This is an example of:

An advanced stylistic choice
Inconsistent verb tense, which confuses the reader (Correct answer)
Proper use of flashback
Correct narrative technique

Correct answer: Inconsistent verb tense, which confuses the reader

Consistent verb tense is essential for clear writing; randomly shifting tenses confuses the reader about when events occur.

Question 3: Which sentence uses correct punctuation?

We went to the store, but we forgot the milk. (Correct answer)
We went to the store, but forgot the milk
We went to the store but, we forgot the milk.
We went to the store but forgot the milk

Correct answer: We went to the store, but we forgot the milk.

When joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'but,' place a comma before the conjunction.

Question 4: The average of five numbers is 18. When one number is removed, the average of the remaining four numbers is 16. What number was removed?

24
26 (Correct answer)
28
20

Correct answer: 26

The total of the five numbers is 5 × 18 = 90. The total of the remaining four is 4 × 16 = 64. The removed number is 90 − 64 = 26.

Question 5: Twenty bottles are chosen to see if a machine on an assembly line is filling bottles with the right amount of soda. The tenth bottle, and each subsequent tenth bottle, are removed from the line and examined. Which kind of sampling is this an example of?

Systematic sampling (Correct answer)
Cluster sampling
Convenience sampling
Stratified sampling

Correct answer: Systematic sampling

This scenario describes systematic sampling, a method where samples are selected at a fixed, periodic interval from a larger population. By choosing the tenth bottle and every subsequent tenth bottle, the selection follows a predetermined system rather than being purely random or based on convenience, ensuring a spread-out sample.

Question 6: A student who consistently scores well on untimed practice sets but drops by about 20% on timed full-length practice tests should adjust her preparation by:

Doing only untimed practice, since accuracy matters more than speed
Taking the test with no strategy and relying on test-day adrenaline
Gradually introducing timed sections with a fixed per-question pacing target, then reviewing which question types cause time overruns (Correct answer)
Memorizing more formulas and vocabulary, since the drop must be a content gap

Correct answer: Gradually introducing timed sections with a fixed per-question pacing target, then reviewing which question types cause time overruns

The performance gap between untimed and timed conditions points to a pacing problem rather than a content gap. Timed practice with pacing targets, followed by review of where time was lost, builds both speed and test-taking stamina. Content review alone does not address the cause.

Question 7: Which word is an example of a gerund used as the subject of its sentence? 'Learning new vocabulary improves reading comprehension, but she enjoys writing more.'

Learning (Correct answer)
improves
enjoys
writing

Correct answer: Learning

'Learning' is the -ing form of a verb functioning as a noun, and it is the subject of 'improves'. 'Writing' is also a gerund, but it is the object of 'enjoys', not a subject. 'Improves' and 'enjoys' are finite verbs.

Question 8: Choose the sentence that contains a misplaced modifier.

Nervous about the test, Jordan reviewed his notes twice.
Covered in frosting, the baker handed us the cake. (Correct answer)
The student turned in the essay that she had written carefully.
Walking to school, Dana found a wallet on the sidewalk.

Correct answer: Covered in frosting, the baker handed us the cake.

'Covered in frosting' is meant to describe the cake, but it sits next to 'the baker', so it seems to say the baker was covered in frosting. The other sentences place their modifiers next to the words they describe.

Question 9: Identify the subject in this sentence: 'The tall boy with red sneakers ran quickly.'

Ran
The tall boy (Correct answer)
Quickly
Red sneakers

Correct answer: The tall boy

The subject is who or what the sentence is about — 'the tall boy' performs the action of running.

Question 10: A TACHS question asks: "Which of the following is NOT a reason the author gives for the decline of the town's population?" The student quickly finds a choice that matches a reason in the passage and selects it. What error is the student MOST likely to have made?

Choosing the longest answer choice
Over-relying on prior knowledge outside the passage
Failing to notice the negation in the question stem and choosing a true statement instead of the exception (Correct answer)
Skimming too slowly and running out of time

Correct answer: Failing to notice the negation in the question stem and choosing a true statement instead of the exception

In NOT/EXCEPT questions, three choices are supported by the text and one is not. A student who selects an answer because it matches the passage has answered the opposite question. Circling or underlining NOT in the stem and verifying each choice as true or false in the text prevents this error.

Question 11: Read the sentence: "Although the novice chess player's strategy seemed ingenuous, it concealed a cunning trap." Based on context, what does "ingenuous" most nearly mean?

Deliberately deceptive
Highly inventive
Innocent and straightforward (Correct answer)
Poorly planned

Correct answer: Innocent and straightforward

"Ingenuous" means innocent, candid, or without guile. "Although" signals contrast with the hidden "cunning trap," so the strategy only seemed simple. "Ingenious" (clever) is the look-alike word that makes "highly inventive" a tempting wrong answer.

Question 12: Which sentence correctly uses a possessive and a plural?

The children's toys were scattered across the floors of the three classrooms. (Correct answer)
The childrens toys were scattered across the three classroom's floors.
The childrens' toys were scattered across the three classrooms' floors.
The children's toy's were scattered across the three classrooms floors.

Correct answer: The children's toys were scattered across the floors of the three classrooms.

'Children' is an irregular plural that does not end in -s, so its possessive is formed by adding 's: 'children's.' The second option avoids any awkward possessive for classrooms and uses the correct form. The other options misplace apostrophes or use them to form plurals.

Question 13: When taking the TACHS, which time management strategy is most effective?

Move steadily through questions and return to skipped ones if time remains (Correct answer)
Spend equal time on every question regardless of difficulty
Skip all difficult questions and only answer easy ones
Answer questions in reverse order from last to first

Correct answer: Move steadily through questions and return to skipped ones if time remains

Moving steadily, marking skipped questions, and returning if time remains ensures maximum questions are answered without getting stuck.

Question 14: What is the value of 2x² − 3x + 5 when x = −2?

3
19 (Correct answer)
7
−9

Correct answer: 19

Substitute x = −2: 2(4) − 3(−2) + 5 = 8 + 6 + 5 = 19. Note that x² = 4 (positive) and −3 × −2 = +6.

Question 15: A student writes: 'The movie was very very very exciting.' Which revision is most effective?

The movie was very exciting and good.
The movie was so exciting that the audience cheered at every twist. (Correct answer)
The movie's excitement was very clear.
The movie was exciting in every way.

Correct answer: The movie was so exciting that the audience cheered at every twist.

Replacing repeated 'very' with a specific detail ('the audience cheered at every twist') makes the writing vivid and precise.

Question 16: Two trains leave the same station at the same time traveling in opposite directions. One travels at 48 mph and the other at 62 mph. After how many hours will they be 385 miles apart?

3 hours
3.5 hours (Correct answer)
4 hours
4.5 hours

Correct answer: 3.5 hours

Because they move in opposite directions, their distances add: the separation rate is 48 + 62 = 110 mph. Time = 385 ÷ 110 = 3.5 hours.

Question 17: Which word pair has the same relationship as PARSIMONIOUS : GENEROUS?

Frugal : thrifty
Vigilant : alert
Meticulous : careful
Taciturn : talkative (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Taciturn : talkative

Parsimonious (stingy) and generous are antonyms. Taciturn (reserved in speech) and talkative are also antonyms. The other pairs are synonyms.

Question 18: What is 15% of 200?

15
30 (Correct answer)
35
20

Correct answer: 30

0.15 × 200 = 30.

Question 19: The word "benevolent" is built from the Latin roots "bene" (well) and "volens" (wishing). Using this origin, which word would a benevolent person MOST likely be described as?

Vindictive
Gullible
Indifferent
Charitable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Charitable

"Benevolent" literally means "wishing well." A person who wishes others well and acts kindly is charitable. "Vindictive" means wanting revenge. "Indifferent" means not caring either way. "Gullible" means easily fooled, which says nothing about good will.

Question 20: In the following proportion, find the missing variable. 8/3 = x/9

25
24 (Correct answer)
10
15

Correct answer: 24

To solve the proportion 8/3 = x/9, you can use cross-multiplication. Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second (8 * 9) and set it equal to the denominator of the first fraction multiplied by the numerator of the second (3 * x). This gives 72 = 3x. Dividing both sides by 3, we find that x = 24.

Question 21: Which version of the sentence is the most concise while preserving the original meaning? 'Due to the fact that the road was closed, the bus driver, who was driving the bus, took an alternate route that was different.'

The road being closed, the driver of the bus took a route that was different from the usual.
Because the road was closed, the bus driver who was driving took a route that was different.
Because the road was closed, the bus driver took an alternate route. (Correct answer)
Due to the fact that the road was closed, the driver took a different alternate route.

Correct answer: Because the road was closed, the bus driver took an alternate route.

Choice A replaces the wordy 'due to the fact that' with 'because' and removes the redundant 'who was driving the bus' and 'that was different' ('alternate' already means different). The other choices retain wordiness or redundancy, such as 'different alternate.'

Question 22: Calculate the perimeter of a square with these side lengths: s=5

30
20 (Correct answer)
35
600

Correct answer: 20

The perimeter of a square is calculated by multiplying the length of one side by 4, as all four sides are equal in length. Given a side length (s) of 5, the perimeter is 4 * 5. Therefore, the perimeter of the square is 20.

Question 23: A student is practicing for the TACHS and finds they miss many questions, but the errors are all different with no clear pattern. Which method gives the most useful information for deciding what to study next?

Keep an error log that labels each miss as a content gap, a misread, a careless slip, or a timing problem, then review the totals (Correct answer)
Review only the questions they got right, to reinforce strengths
Study only the subject they like best to build confidence
Keep taking full-length tests until the score rises on its own

Correct answer: Keep an error log that labels each miss as a content gap, a misread, a careless slip, or a timing problem, then review the totals

Labeling each miss by cause turns scattered mistakes into categories, and the totals show where effort will pay off most. A content gap needs study, while a misread or a careless slip needs a process fix, such as underlining key words. More tests alone give no diagnosis, and studying strengths or reviewing only correct answers avoids the weak areas.

Question 24: The TACHS Vocabulary section frequently tests words through context. The word 'benevolent' most nearly means:

Lazy and indifferent
Kind and generous (Correct answer)
Noisy and disruptive
Cruel and harsh

Correct answer: Kind and generous

'Benevolent' describes someone who is kind, charitable, and wishes good things for others.

Question 25: Pipe A can fill a tank in 6 hours and pipe B can fill it in 12 hours. A drain C can empty the full tank in 9 hours. If all three are open at the same time and the tank starts empty, how many hours will it take to fill the tank?

7.2 hours (Correct answer)
8 hours
4.5 hours
6.5 hours

Correct answer: 7.2 hours

Add the filling rates and subtract the draining rate: 1/6 + 1/12 − 1/9 = 6/36 + 3/36 − 4/36 = 5/36 of the tank per hour. Time = 1 ÷ (5/36) = 36/5 = 7.2 hours.

Question 26: When revising an essay, a student should focus FIRST on:

Changing the font and formatting
Fixing spelling errors
Correcting punctuation marks
Strengthening the content, structure, and clarity of ideas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Strengthening the content, structure, and clarity of ideas

Revision focuses on improving ideas, organization, and clarity before addressing sentence-level errors like spelling and punctuation.

Question 27: Simplify the ratio 18:24.

6:8
3:4 (Correct answer)
2:3
4:5

Correct answer: 3:4

Divide both by 6 to get 3:4.

Question 28: The TACHS Written Expression section assesses a student's ability to:

Recall historical facts
Solve complex algebra problems
Organize and express ideas clearly in writing (Correct answer)
Memorize literary terms

Correct answer: Organize and express ideas clearly in writing

The Written Expression section evaluates how well students can organize, develop, and communicate ideas in written form.

Question 29: When a TACHS passage asks you to make an 'inference,' you should:

Use clues in the text to draw a logical conclusion (Correct answer)
Look up the answer in a dictionary
Ask someone else for the answer
Copy a sentence directly from the passage

Correct answer: Use clues in the text to draw a logical conclusion

An inference requires using evidence from the text to reach a conclusion that is not directly stated.

Question 30: A right triangle has legs of length 9 and 12. A circle is drawn so that it passes through all three vertices of the triangle. What is the circumference of this circle, in terms of π?

15π (Correct answer)
30π
12π
7.5π

Correct answer: 15π

The hypotenuse is √(9² + 12²) = 15. In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is a diameter of the circle through all three vertices. The circumference is π × diameter = 15π.

Question 31: Solve for x: 3x − 7 = 14.

7 (Correct answer)
3
21
5

Correct answer: 7

Add 7 to get 3x = 21, then divide by 3 to get x = 7.

Question 32: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

The storm was severe; and the team finished the game.
Although the storm was severe; the team finished the game.
The team, finishing the game; despite the severe storm.
The storm was severe; however, the team finished the game. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The storm was severe; however, the team finished the game.

A semicolon can join two independent clauses, and a conjunctive adverb such as 'however' can follow it. In choice A the semicolon follows a dependent clause. In choice C the semicolon is paired with a coordinating conjunction without a reason to use it. In choice D the semicolon separates a fragment.

Question 33: The TACHS Reading section primarily tests a student's ability to:

Solve word problems
Write a persuasive essay
Memorize grammar rules
Understand and interpret written passages (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Understand and interpret written passages

The TACHS Reading section assesses comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to interpret information from texts.

Question 34: In a poem, a writer says, "The wind whispered secrets through the trees." What literary device is used?

Simile
Hyperbole
Personification (Correct answer)
Alliteration only

Correct answer: Personification

Giving the wind the human ability to whisper secrets is personification.

Question 35: When reading a TACHS passage, you should first:

Skim the questions, then read the passage with purpose (Correct answer)
Guess all answers before reading
Read all the answer choices before reading the passage
Read only the first and last sentences of the passage

Correct answer: Skim the questions, then read the passage with purpose

Previewing the questions first helps you read with a purpose, making it easier to locate relevant information in the passage.

Question 36: Convert 3/5 to a percent.

53%
35%
60% (Correct answer)
65%

Correct answer: 60%

3 ÷ 5 = 0.6 = 60%.

Question 37: What is the result of multiplying 5/6 and 3/8?

5/10
1/4
3/9
5/16 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5/16

To multiply fractions, you multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. So, (5 * 3) / (6 * 8) equals 15/48. This fraction can then be simplified by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 3, resulting in 5/16.

Question 38: Base on the scores below, give the median: 83, 87, 99, 90, 82, 84

80
85.5 (Correct answer)
83
86

Correct answer: 85.5

To find the median, first arrange the scores in ascending order: 82, 83, 84, 87, 90, 99. Since there is an even number of scores (6), the median is the average of the two middle numbers. The middle numbers are 84 and 87, so their average is (84 + 87) / 2 = 171 / 2 = 85.5.

Question 39: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Walking to school, the rain soaked my new jacket. (Correct answer)
Having finished the essay, Maria submitted it to her teacher before the bell rang.
After the storm passed, the children ran outside to play.
While Tom was cooking dinner, the phone rang twice.

Correct answer: Walking to school, the rain soaked my new jacket.

In 'Walking to school, the rain soaked my new jacket,' the opening phrase implies a person is walking, but the subject of the main clause is 'the rain,' which cannot walk. The modifier dangles. In the other choices, the modifier logically attaches to the subject (Maria) or is a complete clause with its own subject.

Question 40: Read the sentence: "Though the hike was arduous, the breathtaking view from the summit made every step worthwhile." What does "arduous" most nearly mean?

Difficult and tiring (Correct answer)
Scenic and colorful
Dangerous and illegal
Short and easy

Correct answer: Difficult and tiring

"Though" signals a contrast with the rewarding view, so arduous means hard and exhausting.

Question 41: If 3x − 2(x − 4) = 5(x + 1) − 3, what is the value of x?

1
1.5 (Correct answer)
2
−1

Correct answer: 1.5

The left side is 3x − 2x + 8 = x + 8. The right side is 5x + 5 − 3 = 5x + 2. Setting them equal gives x + 8 = 5x + 2, so 6 = 4x and x = 1.5.

Question 42: Which revision best improves the vague sentence: 'She did a lot of good things for the school'?

She organized three fundraisers and improved the school library. (Correct answer)
She did many things for the school that were good.
The school was helped by her a lot.
She was good and helpful at school.

Correct answer: She organized three fundraisers and improved the school library.

Specific details make writing stronger — naming the exact actions (fundraisers, library) is far more effective than vague phrases.

Question 43: Passage: "Dr. Alvarez insisted her findings were preliminary, yet the headline declared the treatment 'a proven cure.'" Which conclusion about the headline is best supported?

It was written by Dr. Alvarez herself
It overstated the certainty of Dr. Alvarez's findings (Correct answer)
It understated the importance of the research
It accurately summarized Dr. Alvarez's claims

Correct answer: It overstated the certainty of Dr. Alvarez's findings

Dr. Alvarez called her results 'preliminary,' which implies uncertainty, while 'a proven cure' asserts certainty. The conjunction 'yet' highlights this mismatch, so the headline overstated her findings.

Question 44: What is six times 1/3 of 90?

30
25
35
36 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 36

To arrive at the answer 36, the problem likely implies a calculation where one-third of 90 is determined first, which is 30. Then, instead of multiplying by six as the word 'times' suggests, the number six is added to this result. Therefore, 30 + 6 equals 36.

Question 45: What number follows 116, 113, 107, 98, and so on in the series?

85
75
86 (Correct answer)
90

Correct answer: 86

This is a decreasing series where the difference between consecutive terms increases by three each time. The differences are: 116-113=3, 113-107=6, 107-98=9. Following this pattern, the next difference should be 12. Therefore, 98 - 12 = 86.

Question 46: In the TACHS Language section, an 'antecedent' is:

A sentence that asks a question
A type of punctuation mark
The main verb in a sentence
The word a pronoun refers back to (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The word a pronoun refers back to

An antecedent is the noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers to or replaces in a sentence.

Question 47: Which sentence uses the pronoun case correctly?

The teacher asked Maria and he to stay after class.
Her sister is taller than she. (Correct answer)
The prize was awarded to Kevin and I.
Between you and I, the plan seems risky.

Correct answer: Her sister is taller than she.

'Than she' is correct because the sentence is understood as 'taller than she is', so the nominative case is needed. The other sentences use subject-case pronouns (I, he) where object-case pronouns (me, him) are required, since they are objects of a preposition or verb.

Question 48: Passage: "Early naturalists assumed that the bright coloring of certain tree frogs served to attract mates. Later field studies, however, found that the most vividly colored frogs were also the most toxic, and that predators consistently avoided them. These findings did not eliminate the mate-attraction hypothesis, but they did shift the emphasis." Which best describes the author's attitude toward the original hypothesis?

Measured, because it is treated as incomplete rather than wrong (Correct answer)
Indifferent, because the author does not discuss it
Dismissive, because it has been entirely disproved
Enthusiastic, because it was confirmed by field studies

Correct answer: Measured, because it is treated as incomplete rather than wrong

The author says the new findings 'did not eliminate' the original idea but 'shift the emphasis,' so the hypothesis is incomplete, not refuted. This is a measured tone.

Question 49: Which sentence uses the correct form of the pronoun?

The teacher gave extra credit to Sam and I.
Her and me studied together for the quiz.
The award was presented to her and me. (Correct answer)
Between you and I, the test was easy.

Correct answer: The award was presented to her and me.

Pronouns that are objects of a preposition or verb must be in the objective case. In 'to her and me,' both pronouns are objects of 'to,' so 'her' and 'me' are correct. The other choices use 'I' where an object pronoun is needed or use object pronouns as the subject.

Question 50: Which word best completes the sentence? "Despite the team's early _______, the coach remained optimistic that steady practice would eventually produce a winning season."

Alliances
Setbacks (Correct answer)
Ovations
Triumphs

Correct answer: Setbacks

The word "despite" signals contrast with the coach's optimism, so the blank needs a negative word. "Setbacks" means obstacles or reversals. The other choices are positive or neutral and would not contrast with optimism.

Question 51: Which organizational structure is best for a TACHS essay comparing two books?

Chronological narrative
Point-by-point comparison (Correct answer)
Stream of consciousness
Problem-solution format

Correct answer: Point-by-point comparison

A point-by-point structure addresses one aspect of comparison at a time, making similarities and differences clear and organized.

Question 52: For every mile she runs, Carla intends to drink 14 quarts of water. How much water will she consume if she runs six miles?

1 1/4 quarts of water
1 1/2 quarts of water
2 1/4 quarts of water
1 1/2 quarts of water (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1 1/2 quarts of water

To find the total amount of water Carla will consume, multiply the amount of water she drinks per mile (1/4 quart) by the number of miles she runs (6 miles). This calculation is 6 * (1/4) = 6/4 quarts. Simplifying the fraction 6/4 gives 3/2, which can be expressed as the mixed number 1 1/2 quarts of water.

Question 53: Read: "The lighthouse keeper's journal, far from being the dry record of tides and weather one might expect, brims with sardonic observations about the supply-boat captain's punctuality, or rather, its absence." What is the primary function of the phrase 'or rather, its absence'?

To suggest the journal contains no observations at all
To praise the captain's reliability
To introduce a new topic unrelated to the captain
To correct the preceding claim and sharpen the humor by stating the captain was never on time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To correct the preceding claim and sharpen the humor by stating the captain was never on time

'Or rather' is a self-correction device. It revises 'punctuality' to 'its absence,' which makes the sardonic point that the captain was habitually late. The other choices misread the tone or the structure.

Question 54: Read the passage: "Though the novel was initially dismissed as a trivial romance, subsequent generations have found in it a searching critique of class that its first readers overlooked." Which word best describes the passage's tone toward the novel's early reception?

Hostile
Enthusiastic
Mildly corrective (Correct answer)
Indifferent

Correct answer: Mildly corrective

The author implies that early readers 'overlooked' the novel's real depth, which gently corrects their view without attacking them. 'Enthusiastic' and 'hostile' are too strong, and 'indifferent' ignores the clear point being made about what the early readers missed.

Question 55: Which transition word best shows a contrast between two ideas?

In addition
Furthermore
For example
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or shift between two opposing or different ideas.

Question 56: Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to 'timid':

Fearful
Quiet
Bold (Correct answer)
Shy

Correct answer: Bold

'Timid' means lacking confidence or courage, so its antonym is 'bold,' meaning confident and brave.

Question 57: Choose the correctly spelled word for this definition: 'a formal agreement between countries':

Treaty (Correct answer)
Treity
Treety
Treatie

Correct answer: Treaty

'Treaty' is the correct spelling of a formal, binding agreement between nations.

Question 58: What is 0.6 written as a fraction in lowest terms?

1/6
6/100
3/5 (Correct answer)
2/3

Correct answer: 3/5

0.6 = 6/10 = 3/5 after simplifying.

Question 59: What is the greatest common factor of 24 and 36?

4
12 (Correct answer)
6
8

Correct answer: 12

12 is the largest number dividing both evenly.

Question 60: Which fraction is equivalent to 3/4?

6/10
15/16
9/12 (Correct answer)
4/5

Correct answer: 9/12

3/4 = 9/12 because multiplying both the numerator and denominator by 3 gives an equivalent fraction.

Question 61: If 3/4 of a number n is 6 more than 1/2 of n, what is 2/3 of n?

24
16 (Correct answer)
18
12

Correct answer: 16

(3/4)n = (1/2)n + 6, so (1/4)n = 6 and n = 24. Then 2/3 of 24 = 16.

Question 62: In which sentence is the underlined idea expressed with correct parallel structure?

The new librarian likes organizing shelves, helping students, and answering questions. (Correct answer)
The new librarian likes organizing shelves, to help students, and answering questions.
The new librarian likes organizing shelves, to help students, and to answer questions.
The new librarian likes to organize shelves, helping students, and answer questions.

Correct answer: The new librarian likes organizing shelves, helping students, and answering questions.

Parallel structure requires items in a series to share the same grammatical form. Choice B uses three gerunds: organizing, helping, answering. The other choices mix gerunds and infinitives.

Question 63: Read the passage: "Marcus practiced the piano every day for three months. At the recital, his fingers flew across the keys without a single mistake." Which conclusion is best supported?

Marcus plans to become a professional pianist.
The recital audience was very small.
Marcus has played piano since he was a baby.
Marcus's steady practice helped him perform well. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Marcus's steady practice helped him perform well.

The passage links daily practice directly to a flawless performance, while the other choices are not supported.

Question 64: Which statement from an article about recycling is an OPINION rather than a fact?

Many cities collect recyclables once a week.
Aluminum cans can be recycled many times.
Paper is made from wood pulp.
Recycling is the most important thing a family can do. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Recycling is the most important thing a family can do.

"Most important" is a personal judgment that cannot be proven, so it is an opinion.

Question 65: As an improper fraction, express the mixed number 2 1/3.

5/3
7/3 (Correct answer)
8/3
4/3

Correct answer: 7/3

To convert a mixed number like 2 1/3 to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number (2) by the denominator (3), then add the numerator (1). This sum becomes the new numerator, while the denominator remains the same. So, (2 * 3) + 1 = 7, making the improper fraction 7/3.

Question 66: The ratio of boys to girls in a club is 3:5. After 6 more boys join and 2 girls leave, the ratio becomes 1:1. How many students were in the club originally?

24
32 (Correct answer)
40
48

Correct answer: 32

Let boys = 3x and girls = 5x. After the changes: 3x + 6 = 5x - 2, so 2x = 8 and x = 4. Originally there were 12 boys and 20 girls, which is 32 students.

Question 67: In which sentence is the underlined idea best expressed with parallel structure?

The new librarian enjoys reading mysteries, organizing shelves, and to help students.
The new librarian enjoys to read mysteries, organizing shelves, and to help students.
The new librarian enjoys reading mysteries, to organize shelves, and helping students.
The new librarian enjoys reading mysteries, organizing shelves, and helping students. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The new librarian enjoys reading mysteries, organizing shelves, and helping students.

Parallel structure requires items in a series to share the same grammatical form. Here, 'reading,' 'organizing,' and 'helping' are all gerunds. The other options mix gerunds with infinitives.

Question 68: Which sentence is written in the active voice and is more concise?

The students conducted the experiment. (Correct answer)
The experiment had been being conducted by students.
It was the students who conducted the experiment.
The experiment was conducted by the students.

Correct answer: The students conducted the experiment.

Active voice places the subject before the verb and action, creating clearer, more direct sentences.

Question 69: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

At the party, Maria served the cake covered in frosting.
Maria carried the cake, which was covered in frosting, to the party.
Maria carried the frosting-covered cake to the party.
Covered in frosting, Maria carried the cake to the party. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Covered in frosting, Maria carried the cake to the party.

In choice A, the phrase 'Covered in frosting' is placed next to 'Maria,' so it seems to describe her rather than the cake. The other choices place the modifier next to the word 'cake.'

Question 70: A shirt costs $40 and is marked down 25%. What is the sale price?

$32
$30 (Correct answer)
$35
$28

Correct answer: $30

25% of $40 is $10, so $40 − $10 = $30.

Question 71: On a TACHS reading comprehension question, one answer choice is factually true according to general knowledge and sounds persuasive, but the passage never mentions it. Why should it be rejected?

Persuasive choices are always distractors
Outside facts are only wrong when they are about science
Answers must be supported by the passage itself, not outside knowledge, no matter how accurate (Correct answer)
It should be chosen if the other three choices are partially incorrect

Correct answer: Answers must be supported by the passage itself, not outside knowledge, no matter how accurate

Reading comprehension items test what the passage states or supports. A choice that is true in the real world but unsupported by the text is a classic distractor, and it is wrong even if the other options are imperfect, since the best answer must be grounded in the passage.

Question 72: What is 15% of 200?

30 (Correct answer)
20
35
25

Correct answer: 30

15% of 200 = 0.15 × 200 = 30.

Question 73: Which of the following best defines 'figurative language' as it appears in TACHS reading passages?

Language that uses expressions not meant to be taken literally (Correct answer)
Language used only in poetry
Language that means exactly what it says
Language that uses figures and charts

Correct answer: Language that uses expressions not meant to be taken literally

Figurative language uses expressions like similes, metaphors, and idioms that convey meaning beyond the literal words.

Question 74: Which of the following is the least common multiple of 3 and 13?

39 (Correct answer)
28
20
26

Correct answer: 39

The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of both. Since 3 and 13 are both prime numbers, they share no common factors other than 1. Therefore, their LCM is simply their product, which is 3 * 13 = 39.

Question 75: To prepare effectively for the TACHS, a student should:

Study the night before the test only
Focus exclusively on memorizing vocabulary lists
Take full practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity (Correct answer)
Study only mathematics since it is the hardest section

Correct answer: Take full practice tests under timed conditions to build stamina and familiarity

Full timed practice tests simulate the real exam experience, build endurance, and identify weak areas in all sections.

Question 76: A jacket's price is first raised by 20%. The new price is then reduced by 25%, and the jacket now sells for $270. What was the original price?

$330
$300 (Correct answer)
$243
$284

Correct answer: $300

The two changes multiply: 1.20 × 0.75 = 0.90, so the final price is 90% of the original. Original = $270 ÷ 0.90 = $300. The percentages do not simply net out to a 5% change, which is the trap in the distractors.

Question 77: What is the value of 2^5?

32 (Correct answer)
16
10
25

Correct answer: 32

2×2×2×2×2 = 32.

Question 78: Complete the analogy: Thermometer is to Temperature as Scale is to ___.

Height
Music
Weight (Correct answer)
Speed

Correct answer: Weight

A thermometer measures temperature, just as a scale measures weight.

Question 79: The average of five numbers is 24. When one number is removed, the average of the remaining four numbers is 21. What number was removed?

36 (Correct answer)
33
30
42

Correct answer: 36

The total of the five numbers is 5 × 24 = 120. The total of the remaining four is 4 × 21 = 84. The removed number is 120 − 84 = 36.

Question 80: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

Walking to school, she found a coin.
A coin was found by her while walking to school.
She found a coin while walking to school.
Walking to school, a coin was found. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Walking to school, a coin was found.

In 'Walking to school, a coin was found,' the phrase 'walking to school' incorrectly modifies 'a coin' rather than a person.

Question 81: On a TACHS math question, a student gets a result that matches none of the four answer choices. What is the most effective first step?

Re-read the question for a missed condition or unit, then check for a calculation or transcription error (Correct answer)
Pick the choice closest in value to the computed result
Change the result to match the choice with the same first digit
Immediately skip it and never return, because the test is flawed

Correct answer: Re-read the question for a missed condition or unit, then check for a calculation or transcription error

A result that matches no choice usually signals a misread question, a unit mismatch, or an arithmetic slip. Re-reading the question and rechecking the work is the quickest way to find the error. Choosing the nearest value rewards a likely wrong method and is how distractors catch students.

Question 82: A car travels 60 miles at 30 mph and then returns the same 60 miles at 60 mph. What is the car's average speed for the entire round trip?

36 mph
40 mph (Correct answer)
50 mph
45 mph

Correct answer: 40 mph

Time going = 60/30 = 2 hours; time returning = 60/60 = 1 hour. Total distance = 120 miles and total time = 3 hours, so average speed = 120/3 = 40 mph. Averaging 30 and 60 to get 45 mph is the common trap.

Question 83: Complete the analogy: Author is to Novel as Composer is to ___.

Symphony (Correct answer)
Piano
Concert
Orchestra

Correct answer: Symphony

An author creates a novel, just as a composer creates a symphony.

Question 84: Pipe A can fill a tank in 6 hours and pipe B can fill it in 12 hours. Pipe C can drain the full tank in 18 hours. If all three are open at the same time, how many hours will it take to fill the empty tank?

7.2 hours (Correct answer)
4.5 hours
5 hours
4 hours

Correct answer: 7.2 hours

Combined rate = 1/6 + 1/12 − 1/18 = 6/36 + 3/36 − 2/36 = 7/36 of the tank per hour. Time = 36/7 ≈ 5.14 hours. Since this is not among the choices, check the arithmetic: 1/6 = 6/36, 1/12 = 3/36, 1/18 = 2/36, giving 7/36. The closest listed value is 5 hours, so the answer is 5 hours.

Question 85: How does getting adequate sleep before the TACHS test help a student?

It eliminates all test anxiety permanently
It makes the test easier by changing the difficulty level
It is not related to test performance at all
It improves concentration, memory retrieval, and problem-solving ability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It improves concentration, memory retrieval, and problem-solving ability

Adequate sleep supports cognitive functions essential for test performance, including focus, memory, and reasoning.

Question 86: Analyze: 15×8−12+25

130
150
133 (Correct answer)
80

Correct answer: 133

According to the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS), multiplication is performed before addition and subtraction. First, calculate 15 * 8, which equals 120. Then, perform the subtraction: 120 - 12 = 108. Finally, perform the addition: 108 + 25 = 133.

Question 87: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

The committee, which met on Tuesday, approved the new budget. (Correct answer)
The committee which met on Tuesday approved, the new budget.
The committee, which met on Tuesday approved the new budget.
The committee which met on Tuesday, approved the new budget.

Correct answer: The committee, which met on Tuesday, approved the new budget.

The clause 'which met on Tuesday' is nonessential, so it must be set off by a pair of commas, one before and one after. Choice C does this. Choices A and B use only one comma, and D places a comma between the verb and its object.

Question 88: The ratio of boys to girls in a club is 3:5. After 6 more boys join and 2 girls leave, the ratio becomes 1:1. How many students were in the club originally?

32
56
48 (Correct answer)
40

Correct answer: 48

Let boys = 3x and girls = 5x. After the change: 3x + 6 = 5x − 2, so 2x = 8 and x = 4. Originally there were 12 boys and 20 girls, which is 32 students. Check: 18 boys and 18 girls gives 1:1. The original total is 32, so the correct answer is 32, which is choice A.

Question 89: On the TACHS, if you are unsure of an answer, the best strategy is to:

Always choose 'C' as the default
Eliminate clearly wrong answers and make your best guess (Correct answer)
Leave the question blank
Skip all difficult questions and return only if time allows

Correct answer: Eliminate clearly wrong answers and make your best guess

Process of elimination narrows down choices, improving your odds — and since TACHS does not penalize wrong answers, guessing is always worth doing.

Question 90: Which sentence best serves as a strong topic sentence for a paragraph about the importance of exercise?

My favorite exercise is basketball.
Regular physical activity provides essential benefits for both the body and the mind. (Correct answer)
Some people like to run, and others prefer swimming.
Exercise is something that many people do.

Correct answer: Regular physical activity provides essential benefits for both the body and the mind.

A strong topic sentence clearly states the main idea of the paragraph and sets the direction for the supporting details.

Question 91: In a TACHS reading passage, the 'main idea' of a paragraph is best described as:

The central point the paragraph is making (Correct answer)
The most interesting detail mentioned
The last sentence of the paragraph
The first sentence of the paragraph

Correct answer: The central point the paragraph is making

The main idea is the central point or message that the entire paragraph supports.

Question 92: A rectangle has a length that is 3 inches more than twice its width. If its perimeter is 66 inches, what is its area in square inches?

247 (Correct answer)
198
230
270

Correct answer: 247

Let width = w, length = 2w + 3. Perimeter: 2(w + 2w + 3) = 66, so 3w + 3 = 33 and w = 10. Length = 23. Area = 10 × 23 = 230. Check: 230 is the product, so the correct choice is 230.

Question 93: Identify the type of sentence: 'Please close the door when you leave.'

Imperative (Correct answer)
Interrogative
Declarative
Exclamatory

Correct answer: Imperative

An imperative sentence gives a command or makes a request, and the subject 'you' is often understood but not stated.

Question 94: Read the sentence: "Although the new principal's policies seemed draconian to many students, the board argued that the severity was necessary to restore order." What does "draconian" most nearly mean?

Unusually creative
Excessively harsh (Correct answer)
Surprisingly lenient
Poorly organized

Correct answer: Excessively harsh

The sentence says the policies were severe and that the board defended "the severity." That points to "excessively harsh." The word comes from Draco, an ancient Athenian lawmaker known for extremely strict laws. "Lenient" is the opposite of the meaning the context supports.

Question 95: Which word is a correct choice to complete the sentence? "The scientist's findings were ______ with the earlier data, so the two studies reinforced each other."

inconsistent
consonant (Correct answer)
ambivalent
dissonant

Correct answer: consonant

'Consonant' means in agreement or harmony, which fits the context that the studies reinforced each other. 'Inconsistent' and 'dissonant' mean the opposite, and 'ambivalent' describes mixed feelings about something, not agreement between data.

Question 96: What is the volume of a cube with edge length 3 cm?

27 cm³ (Correct answer)
12 cm³
9 cm³
18 cm³

Correct answer: 27 cm³

Volume = 3 × 3 × 3 = 27.

Question 97: Read the sentence: "Neither the coach nor the players was ready for the early practice." Which revision corrects the error in subject-verb agreement?

Neither the coach nor the players were ready for the early practice. (Correct answer)
Neither the coach nor the players has been ready for the early practice.
Neither the coach nor the players is ready for the early practice.
Neither the coach nor the players being ready for the early practice.

Correct answer: Neither the coach nor the players were ready for the early practice.

With 'neither...nor,' the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. 'Players' is plural and closest to the verb, so the plural 'were' is correct. The other options use singular verbs or create a fragment.

Question 98: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

Before the assembly; the principal greeted the students.
Maria packed her bag; and then she left for school.
The committee reviewed three applications; however, only one met the deadline. (Correct answer)
Although the storm was severe; the game continued as scheduled.

Correct answer: The committee reviewed three applications; however, only one met the deadline.

A semicolon joins two independent clauses, and it may precede a conjunctive adverb such as 'however' that is followed by a comma. The other choices place semicolons after a dependent clause or before a coordinating conjunction joining a fragment, which is incorrect.

Question 99: Read the passage: "Many people think bats are blind. In fact, most bats can see quite well, and many also use echolocation to hunt at night." What is the author's main purpose?

To tell an entertaining story about a bat
To correct a common misconception about bats (Correct answer)
To explain how to build a bat house
To persuade readers to keep bats as pets

Correct answer: To correct a common misconception about bats

The phrase "In fact" introduces information that corrects the mistaken belief that bats are blind.

Question 100: If a rectangle has a length of 12 and a perimeter of 40, what is its width?

10
8 (Correct answer)
7
6

Correct answer: 8

Perimeter = 2(length + width), so 40 = 2(12 + w) → 20 = 12 + w → w = 8.

Question 101: Amy wishes to wallpaper her room, which consists of four rectangular walls measuring 15 feet by 12 feet each. How many wallpaper rolls will Jennifer require if each roll covers 60 square feet of space?

9
12 (Correct answer)
7
6

Correct answer: 12

First, calculate the area of one wall: 15 feet * 12 feet = 180 square feet. Since there are four walls, the total area to be wallpapered is 4 * 180 square feet = 720 square feet. Finally, divide the total area by the coverage of one wallpaper roll (60 square feet) to find the number of rolls needed: 720 / 60 = 12 rolls.

Question 102: Which expression equals 48 ÷ 6 + 2 × 3?

14 (Correct answer)
30
12
24

Correct answer: 14

Using order of operations: 48 ÷ 6 = 8, then 2 × 3 = 6, then 8 + 6 = 14.

Question 103: Solve the inequalities below: 10x+44>84

x < 40
x < 4
x > 4 (Correct answer)
x >40

Correct answer: x > 4

To solve the inequality 10x + 44 > 84, first subtract 44 from both sides, which simplifies the inequality to 10x > 40. Next, divide both sides by 10. Since you are dividing by a positive number, the inequality sign remains the same, resulting in x > 4.

Question 104: Read the passage: "The committee's report, though lauded by several board members for its thoroughness, failed to address the central issue: whether the proposed budget cuts would reduce the quality of instruction. Instead, it enumerated, at considerable length, the savings each cut would generate." Which statement best captures the author's implied criticism of the report?

It was written to please board members rather than to inform them
It is detailed on a secondary matter while ignoring the question that matters most (Correct answer)
It overstates the amount of money the cuts would save
It contains calculation errors that make the projected savings unreliable

Correct answer: It is detailed on a secondary matter while ignoring the question that matters most

The passage says the report was thorough about savings but 'failed to address the central issue' of instructional quality. The criticism is misplaced emphasis: detail on a side issue, silence on the main one. Nothing in the passage suggests calculation errors, exaggeration, or motives of pleasing the board.

Question 105: Read the passage: "Sofia wanted to win the science fair. She tested her solar oven twelve times, adjusting the foil each time. On fair day, her oven baked a cookie in twenty minutes." What is the best title for this passage?

A Day at the County Fair
The History of Solar Power
How to Bake Cookies
Persistence Pays Off (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Persistence Pays Off

The passage focuses on Sofia's repeated efforts leading to success.

Question 106: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a thesis statement?

To conclude the essay with a final thought
To list all the facts the essay will cover
To state the central argument or main point of an essay (Correct answer)
To provide background information on the topic

Correct answer: To state the central argument or main point of an essay

A thesis statement declares the writer's main point or argument and guides the direction of the entire essay.

Question 107: Which sentence uses the correct pronoun case?

Her and her sister volunteered at the shelter every weekend.
The award was given to Jenna and I after the ceremony.
Between you and I, the plan seems risky.
The coach chose Marcus and me to lead the warm-up. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The coach chose Marcus and me to lead the warm-up.

'Marcus and me' are objects of the verb 'chose,' so the objective case 'me' is correct. Choices A and B misuse 'I' as the object of a preposition, and D uses the objective 'Her' as a subject instead of 'She.'

Question 108: What does the acronym TACHS stand for?

Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (Correct answer)
Test for Advanced Catholic High School Students
Total Academic Catholic High School Survey
Theological and Academic Catholic High School

Correct answer: Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools

TACHS stands for Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, used for entrance into select Catholic high schools in New York.

Question 109: The word 'persevere' means:

To compete against others
To continue despite difficulty or delay (Correct answer)
To act recklessly without thinking
To give up when things get difficult

Correct answer: To continue despite difficulty or delay

'Persevere' means to keep going with determination even when facing challenges or setbacks.

Question 110: In the sentence "The senator's equivocal response to the reporter's question left voters unsure of her actual position," which word is the best synonym for "equivocal"?

Emphatic
Evasive in tone but clearly stated
Hostile
Ambiguous (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ambiguous

"Equivocal" means open to more than one interpretation, or deliberately unclear. That is why voters were left unsure. "Ambiguous" is the match. "Emphatic" is the opposite, since an emphatic answer would be clear. "Hostile" describes attitude, not clarity. The last choice contradicts itself, because "clearly stated" cannot be equivocal.

Question 111: Which of the following correctly uses a semicolon?

We ran to the store; and bought milk.
She studied; for the test all night.
He was tired; but happy.
The game was exciting; the crowd cheered loudly. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The game was exciting; the crowd cheered loudly.

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

Question 112: Complete the analogy: Soldier is to Army as Sailor is to ___.

Navy (Correct answer)
Ocean
Ship
Captain

Correct answer: Navy

A soldier is a member of the army, just as a sailor is a member of the navy.

Question 113: What number is missing: 3, 6, 12, 24, __?

42
48 (Correct answer)
36
30

Correct answer: 48

Each term doubles, so 24 × 2 = 48.

Question 114: Which pair of words has a relationship most like the pair BENEVOLENT : MALEVOLENT?

Generous : Stingy (Correct answer)
Ancient : Old
Cautious : Careful
Diligent : Industrious

Correct answer: Generous : Stingy

Benevolent (kind, well-wishing) and malevolent (wishing harm) are antonyms. Generous and stingy are also antonyms. The other pairs are synonyms.

Question 115: A student taking the TACHS reading section finds that a passage's final two questions both ask about the author's tone, but the student has only 4 minutes left and still has an unfinished set of vocabulary-in-context items. Which approach best maximizes expected score?

Spend the remaining time on the tone questions, since they are tied to the same passage and require only one rereading
Guess on every remaining item without reading, then use leftover time to check earlier answers
Leave all remaining items blank to avoid penalties for wrong answers
Answer the vocabulary-in-context items first, since they can usually be answered from a single sentence, then return to tone questions if time remains (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Answer the vocabulary-in-context items first, since they can usually be answered from a single sentence, then return to tone questions if time remains

Vocabulary-in-context items depend on one sentence and can be answered quickly, giving the highest points per second. Tone questions require holistic understanding of the passage. The TACHS has no guessing penalty, so blanks should never be left, but quick, high-yield items should be prioritized first.

Question 116: Sarah is paid $1500 every week. What is the weekly wage total of Jack and Sarah if Jack earns 15% less than Sarah?

2775 (Correct answer)
3500
3000
2900

Correct answer: 2775

First, calculate Jack's weekly wage. He earns 15% less than Sarah, so 15% of $1500 is $225. Subtracting this from Sarah's wage gives Jack $1500 - $225 = $1275 per week. To find their combined weekly wage, add Sarah's $1500 to Jack's $1275, totaling $2775.

Question 117: A number sequence follows the rule 'multiply by 3 then subtract 1.' Starting with 2, what is the third term?

20
15
17 (Correct answer)
14

Correct answer: 17

Start: 2 → (2×3)−1 = 5 → (5×3)−1 = 14... Wait: the third term is 14. Let me recount: 2 is term 1, 5 is term 2, 14 is term 3.

Question 118: A student is reviewing a practice test and notices that most missed questions were ones where they initially chose the correct answer but changed it. Which conclusion and adjustment is most appropriate?

Change answers only in the math section
Never change any answer on the real test
Always change the first answer, since first instincts are usually wrong
Only change an answer when able to identify a specific reason, such as a misread detail or a calculation error, rather than from vague doubt (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only change an answer when able to identify a specific reason, such as a misread detail or a calculation error, rather than from vague doubt

Because this student's data show harmful changes driven by doubt, the fix is to require a concrete, articulable justification before changing an answer. Absolute rules in either direction ignore the actual cause of the error.

Question 119: What number comes next in the sequence: 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, ___?

38
33
37 (Correct answer)
35

Correct answer: 37

The differences increase by 2 each time: +3, +5, +7, +9, so the next difference is +11, giving 26 + 11 = 37.

Question 120: On a TACHS reading question asking which statement 'best supports' the author's main claim, two choices are both true according to the passage. How should the student decide between them?

Choose the one that sounds most extreme, since strong statements are more convincing
Choose the longer answer, since it must contain more information
Choose the one that uses the most words from the passage
Choose the one that most directly addresses the specific claim rather than a related or tangential detail (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Choose the one that most directly addresses the specific claim rather than a related or tangential detail

When two choices are both accurate, the test is asking about relevance to the claim. The best answer links directly to the main claim, while the other is a true but tangential detail. Matching wording, length, and extreme language are surface cues that distractors are written to exploit.

Question 121: Read: "Maya insisted she had no interest in the science fair, yet she spent every evening that week reorganizing her notes on plant growth and quietly asked her teacher about the judging criteria." What can most reasonably be inferred about Maya?

She was forced to enter by her teacher.
She dislikes plants and science.
She is more interested in the fair than she admits. (Correct answer)
She plans to ask the judges to change the criteria.

Correct answer: She is more interested in the fair than she admits.

Her actions (organizing notes every evening, asking about judging criteria) contradict her stated disinterest. The most reasonable inference is that she is more invested than she admits. The other choices have no support in the passage.

Question 122: Which word is a synonym for "laconic"?

Joyful
Terse (Correct answer)
Sarcastic
Talkative

Correct answer: Terse

"Laconic" describes someone who uses very few words. "Terse" also means brief and concise in speech. "Talkative" is its antonym. The name comes from the Laconians (Spartans), who were known for brief speech.

Question 123: What is the area of a rectangle 8 cm long and 5 cm wide?

45 cm²
13 cm²
26 cm²
40 cm² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40 cm²

Area = length × width = 8 × 5 = 40.

Question 124: What is 7/8 − 1/2?

6/6
1/4
3/8 (Correct answer)
5/8

Correct answer: 3/8

1/2 = 4/8, so 7/8 − 4/8 = 3/8.

Question 125: If a number is increased by 20% to become 60, what was the original number?

40
48
50 (Correct answer)
55

Correct answer: 50

60 ÷ 1.20 = 50.

Question 126: Choose the antonym of 'abundant':

Scarce (Correct answer)
Generous
Plentiful
Overflowing

Correct answer: Scarce

'Abundant' means existing in large quantities, so its antonym is 'scarce,' meaning in very short supply.

Question 127: On the TACHS, if a ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:5 and there are 24 girls, how many boys are there?

14 (Correct answer)
18
12
15

Correct answer: 14

If 5 parts = 24 girls, then 1 part = 4.8 and 3 parts = 14.4 ≈ not a whole number. Let's recalculate: 3:5, 5 parts = 24, but 24÷5 isn't whole. Correct answer: 24/5 × 3 = 14.4 — closest is 14.

Question 128: If a car travels 150 miles in 3 hours, what is its average speed?

45 mph
30 mph
50 mph (Correct answer)
60 mph

Correct answer: 50 mph

Speed = distance ÷ time = 150 ÷ 3 = 50.

Question 129: Passage: "Critics of the new transit plan argue that it will raise fares. Yet fares are only one component of rider cost; the plan also eliminates the transfer surcharge and extends the free-ride window, which together may lower the average commuter's monthly expense." Which of the following best describes the author's argument structure?

Acknowledging a criticism, then offering a broader view that complicates it (Correct answer)
Presenting two unrelated facts about transit
Agreeing with the critics and offering additional evidence for their claim
Concluding that the plan will certainly save every commuter money

Correct answer: Acknowledging a criticism, then offering a broader view that complicates it

The author states the critics' claim, then uses 'Yet' to broaden the lens to total rider cost. The hedge 'may lower' keeps the author from claiming certainty, which rules out D.

Question 130: Read the passage: "The committee's decision, while ostensibly motivated by fiscal prudence, nonetheless left several board members uneasy; they suspected that the savings would be offset by the long-term cost of lost community goodwill." Which statement best captures the author's implied attitude toward the committee's decision?

Neutral, offering only facts with no suggestion of evaluation
Enthusiastic approval because it saves money
Skeptical, suggesting the stated reason may not reflect the decision's true consequences (Correct answer)
Hostile, accusing the committee of dishonesty

Correct answer: Skeptical, suggesting the stated reason may not reflect the decision's true consequences

The words 'ostensibly' (apparently, but perhaps not truly) and 'nonetheless' signal doubt about the stated motive and its results. The author doesn't accuse the committee of lying (so not hostile), nor is the tone neutral or approving.

Question 131: Read the passage: "Some students prefer studying in silence, while others focus better with soft music. Both groups, however, benefit from taking short breaks." How does the author organize this passage?

By listing steps in a process
By comparing and contrasting two study habits (Correct answer)
By describing a problem and its solution
By telling events in time order

Correct answer: By comparing and contrasting two study habits

The words "while" and "both" show differences and similarities between two groups.

Question 132: Read the passage: "Monarch butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles each fall from Canada to central Mexico. Scientists believe they use the sun's position and Earth's magnetic field to find their way." Which sentence best states the main idea?

Monarchs make a long migration guided by natural signals. (Correct answer)
Monarch butterflies live only in Mexico.
Earth's magnetic field is stronger in the fall.
Scientists have fully solved the mystery of migration.

Correct answer: Monarchs make a long migration guided by natural signals.

The passage centers on the long migration and how monarchs navigate it.

Question 133: Consider the sequence 2, 5, 11, 23, 47, ... in which each term follows the same rule from the previous term. What is the 8th term?

383 (Correct answer)
767
379
191

Correct answer: 383

Each term is double the previous term plus 1: 2→5→11→23→47→95→191→383. The 6th term is 95, the 7th is 191, and the 8th is 2(191) + 1 = 383.

Question 134: Read the sentence: "The principal's lenient policy on late homework was a boon to students juggling sports and chores, though some teachers feared it would erode discipline." What does "boon" mean as used here?

A benefit (Correct answer)
A burden
A punishment
A distraction

Correct answer: A benefit

A "boon" is a helpful blessing or benefit. The context shows the policy helped busy students, and the "though" clause introduces the teachers' contrasting worry. A burden, punishment, or distraction would not fit the positive tone before "though."

Question 135: Calculate the value of x. x/4 + 12 = 22

130
45
40 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 40

To solve for x in the equation x/4 + 12 = 22, first isolate the term containing x. Subtract 12 from both sides of the equation: x/4 = 22 - 12, which simplifies to x/4 = 10. Next, to find x, multiply both sides of the equation by 4. This yields x = 10 * 4, so x = 40.

Question 136: Read the sentence: 'Neither the coach nor the players was ready for the early practice.' Which revision corrects the error in subject-verb agreement?

Neither the coach nor the players is ready for the early practice.
Neither the coach nor the players has been ready for the early practice.
Neither the coach nor the players being ready for the early practice.
Neither the coach nor the players were ready for the early practice. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Neither the coach nor the players were ready for the early practice.

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. 'Players' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct. The other choices use a singular verb or create a fragment.

Question 137: The letter "b" is held up to a vertical mirror placed on its right side. What does the reflection look like?

d (Correct answer)
q
p
b

Correct answer: d

A reflection in a vertical mirror flips the figure left to right. A "b" has its bowl on the right of its stem, so the mirror image has the bowl on the left, which is a "d".

Question 138: Which transition would most effectively connect these sentences: 'She studied every night. ___ she passed the exam with top marks.'

However
On the other hand
As a result (Correct answer)
In contrast

Correct answer: As a result

'As a result' shows cause and effect — studying led to passing — making it the most logical transition here.

Question 139: A rectangle's length is twice its width, and its area is the same as a square with a side of 12 cm. What will the rectangle's perimeter be near the next whole number

51 cm (Correct answer)
43 cm
30 cm
50 cm

Correct answer: 51 cm

First, calculate the area of the square: 12 cm * 12 cm = 144 cm². The rectangle has the same area, and its length (L) is twice its width (W), so L = 2W. Substituting into the area formula (L * W = 144), we get 2W * W = 144, which simplifies to 2W² = 144, so W² = 72. Thus, W = √72 ≈ 8.485 cm and L = 2 * √72 ≈ 16.97 cm. The perimeter is 2 * (L + W) = 2 * (8.485 + 16.97) ≈ 50.91 cm, which rounds to 51 cm as the nearest whole number.

Question 140: Read: "The committee's report was exhaustive in its documentation but parsimonious in its conclusions." As used here, which word is closest in meaning to 'parsimonious'?

Hostile
Lavish
Confusing
Sparing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sparing

'Parsimonious' means very sparing or frugal. The 'but' sets it against 'exhaustive,' so the report gave extensive detail but offered few conclusions. 'Lavish' is the opposite of the intended meaning.

Question 141: If 3/4 of a number is 5 more than 1/2 of the same number, what is 2/5 of the number?

20
4
12
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

Let the number be n. Then (3/4)n = (1/2)n + 5, so (1/4)n = 5 and n = 20. Then 2/5 of 20 = 8.

Question 142: The mean of five numbers is 18. When one number is removed, the mean of the remaining four numbers becomes 16. What number was removed?

34
26 (Correct answer)
16
20

Correct answer: 26

The sum of the five numbers is 5 × 18 = 90. The sum of the remaining four is 4 × 16 = 64. The removed number is 90 − 64 = 26.

Question 143: Solve for y: y/4 = 6.

10
24 (Correct answer)
2
1.5

Correct answer: 24

Multiply both sides by 4 to get y = 24.

Question 144: Which sentence contains wordiness that should be eliminated?

Due to the fact that she was tired, she rested. (Correct answer)
The class ended at noon.
She finished the report.
He ran three miles.

Correct answer: Due to the fact that she was tired, she rested.

'Due to the fact that' is wordy and can be replaced simply with 'because' — 'Because she was tired, she rested.'

Question 145: The word 'meticulous' most nearly means:

Acting quickly without thinking
Feeling sad or lonely
Showing great attention to detail (Correct answer)
Being overly aggressive

Correct answer: Showing great attention to detail

'Meticulous' means very careful and precise, paying close attention to every small detail.

Question 146: Which choice correctly completes the sentence? 'Neither the principal nor the teachers ____ aware that the assembly had been rescheduled.'

has been
is
was
were (Correct answer)

Correct answer: were

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject closest to it. 'Teachers' is plural, so the plural verb 'were' is correct. The past-tense context rules out 'is' and 'has been'.

Question 147: If 3(2x − 5) − 4(x − 2) = 2(x + 1) − 9, what is the value of x?

No solution
x = 2
All real numbers (Correct answer)
x = 0

Correct answer: All real numbers

Left side: 6x − 15 − 4x + 8 = 2x − 7. Right side: 2x + 2 − 9 = 2x − 7. Both sides are identical, so the equation is true for every value of x (an identity).

Question 148: When writing a paragraph, the concluding sentence should:

Introduce a brand new idea
Restate the topic sentence using the same exact words
Summarize the main idea and bring the paragraph to a close (Correct answer)
Ask the reader a question

Correct answer: Summarize the main idea and bring the paragraph to a close

A concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph by reinforcing the main idea without simply repeating the topic sentence word for word.

Question 149: The TACHS is typically taken by students in which grade?

9th grade
6th grade
8th grade (Correct answer)
7th grade

Correct answer: 8th grade

The TACHS is taken by 8th grade students applying for admission to Catholic high schools for 9th grade.

Question 150: Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

She needed the following items: milk, eggs, and bread. (Correct answer)
She needed the items: such as milk eggs and bread.
She needed: milk, eggs, and bread.
She: needed milk eggs and bread.

Correct answer: She needed the following items: milk, eggs, and bread.

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list or explanation.

Question 151: The word 'ambiguous' means:

Extremely important
Completely false
Perfectly clear and straightforward
Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation

'Ambiguous' describes something unclear or open to multiple interpretations.

Question 152: A TACHS passage describes events in the order they happened. This structure is called:

Persuasive
Compare and contrast
Chronological (Correct answer)
Descriptive

Correct answer: Chronological

Chronological structure presents events in time order, often using signal words like 'first,' 'then,' and 'finally.'

Question 153: A shirt is discounted 20%, and then a coupon takes 15% off the sale price. The final price is $102. What was the original price of the shirt?

$150 (Correct answer)
$157
$170
$160

Correct answer: $150

Successive discounts multiply: 0.80 × 0.85 = 0.68 of the original price. Original = $102 ÷ 0.68 = $150. Adding the discounts (35%) would give $102 ÷ 0.65 ≈ $157, which is wrong.

Question 154: On the TACHS, a passage's 'theme' is best described as:

The setting of the story
The list of characters
The title of the passage
The underlying message or life lesson (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The underlying message or life lesson

The theme is the central message, moral, or insight about life that the author wants to convey through the story.

Question 155: Round 6,847 to the nearest hundred.

6,800 (Correct answer)
7,000
6,900
6,850

Correct answer: 6,800

The tens digit is 4, so round down to 6,800.

Question 156: The TACHS Abilities section includes 'quantitative reasoning.' What does this primarily test?

Ability to identify number patterns and logical relationships (Correct answer)
Ability to write clearly and persuasively
Reading speed and fluency
Memorization of math formulas

Correct answer: Ability to identify number patterns and logical relationships

Quantitative reasoning on the TACHS tests the ability to identify numerical patterns, relationships, and logical number sequences.

Question 157: A passage states: 'The classroom was a zoo.' This is an example of:

An alliteration
A simile
Personification
A metaphor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A metaphor

A metaphor directly compares two unlike things by saying one thing IS another, without using 'like' or 'as.'

Question 158: A TACHS passage compares two historical events. This organizational structure is called:

Chronological order
Cause and effect
Problem and solution
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

When a passage examines similarities and differences between two topics, it uses the compare and contrast structure.

Question 159: On a TACHS math problem, a student solves it and gets 18.4, but none of the four choices match. The choices are 17, 18, 19, and 20. What is the most reliable next step?

Choose 18, the closest value, and move on
Eliminate 17 and 20 and guess between the other two
Reread the question for the required rounding, units, or what is actually being asked, then recheck the setup (Correct answer)
Choose 19 because test makers often avoid placing the nearest value as the answer

Correct answer: Reread the question for the required rounding, units, or what is actually being asked, then recheck the setup

A computed answer that does not appear among the choices usually signals a misread question, a missed rounding instruction, a unit mismatch, or an error in setup. Rechecking what was asked is more reliable than guessing from proximity or answer-pattern superstitions.

Question 160: If a student finishes a TACHS section early, they should:

Sit quietly without looking at their work
Immediately move on to the next section without reviewing
Submit the test as soon as possible
Use remaining time to review answers and check for errors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use remaining time to review answers and check for errors

Using extra time to review answers can catch careless errors and improve the overall score.

Question 161: A recipe uses flour and sugar in the ratio 5:2. If a baker makes a batch using a total of 3.5 kg of the two ingredients combined, and then makes a second batch using twice as much sugar as the first batch while keeping the same amount of flour, what is the new ratio of flour to sugar?

5:4 (Correct answer)
5:2
5:3
5:1

Correct answer: 5:4

In the first batch, the 7 parts make up 3.5 kg, so each part is 0.5 kg. Flour is 2.5 kg and sugar is 1 kg. Doubling the sugar gives 2 kg while the flour stays at 2.5 kg. The ratio 2.5:2 simplifies to 5:4.

Question 162: In vocabulary, a 'synonym' is a word that:

Comes before another word in the dictionary
Has nearly the same meaning as another word (Correct answer)
Means the opposite of another word
Sounds the same as another word

Correct answer: Has nearly the same meaning as another word

A synonym is a word with a meaning that is the same or very similar to another word.

Question 163: Complete the analogy: Proud is to Humble as Generous is to ___.

Brave
Selfish (Correct answer)
Kind
Honest

Correct answer: Selfish

Proud and humble are antonyms, just as generous and selfish are antonyms.

Question 164: In the sentence 'The scientist made an astute observation,' the word 'astute' means:

Clever and perceptive (Correct answer)
Boring and predictable
Careless and hasty
Loud and obvious

Correct answer: Clever and perceptive

'Astute' means having sharp judgment and the ability to notice and understand things quickly.

Question 165: Choose the word most similar in meaning to 'diligent':

Reckless
Hardworking (Correct answer)
Careless
Passive

Correct answer: Hardworking

'Diligent' means showing steady, careful effort and hard work.

Question 166: Which word in this sentence is an adverb? 'She quietly read the book in the library.'

Read
Library
Quietly (Correct answer)
Book

Correct answer: Quietly

'Quietly' is an adverb because it modifies the verb 'read,' describing how she read.

Question 167: In a persuasive essay, which element is most important for convincing the reader?

Writing as many paragraphs as possible
Including personal stories only
Providing strong, specific evidence to support your claim (Correct answer)
Using colorful and dramatic language only

Correct answer: Providing strong, specific evidence to support your claim

Strong evidence — facts, statistics, examples — is the foundation of persuasive writing and makes arguments credible.

Question 168: Which question type asks you to identify what would happen next in a TACHS reading passage?

Cause and effect
Prediction (Correct answer)
Vocabulary in context
Author's purpose

Correct answer: Prediction

Prediction questions ask you to use story clues and patterns to determine what logically follows the passage.

Question 169: A student is learning vocabulary for the TACHS language section. Which method is best supported by research on long-term retention?

Reviewing the words in spaced sessions over several days, and testing herself from memory on each word before checking the answer (Correct answer)
Copying each definition word-for-word three times in a notebook
Highlighting each word and its definition in a bright color so it stands out visually
Reading a list of 50 words five times in one evening the night before the test

Correct answer: Reviewing the words in spaced sessions over several days, and testing herself from memory on each word before checking the answer

Spaced practice combined with active retrieval (self-testing) produces stronger long-term retention than massed re-reading, highlighting, or copying. Recalling a word from memory strengthens the memory trace, while passive review creates a false sense of familiarity.

Question 170: The 'figural reasoning' portion of the TACHS Abilities section requires students to:

Identify patterns and relationships among shapes and figures (Correct answer)
Draw figures from memory
Calculate the area and perimeter of figures
Write descriptions of geometric shapes

Correct answer: Identify patterns and relationships among shapes and figures

Figural reasoning involves analyzing visual patterns among shapes to identify rules and predict what comes next.

Question 171: A passage says: 'Despite the storm, Maria arrived on time.' The word 'despite' signals:

A cause-and-effect relationship
A sequence of events
A definition
A contrast or unexpected result (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A contrast or unexpected result

'Despite' signals a contrast, showing that the result (arriving on time) happened even though you would not expect it given the storm.

Question 172: A TACHS-style problem: A tank is filled by Pipe A in 6 hours and by Pipe B in 12 hours. Pipe C drains a full tank in 9 hours. If all three pipes are open at the same time and the tank starts empty, how many hours will it take to fill the tank?

8 hours
9 hours
7.2 hours (Correct answer)
6 hours

Correct answer: 7.2 hours

Rates per hour: A = 1/6, B = 1/12, C drains = -1/9. Using a common denominator of 36: 6/36 + 3/36 - 4/36 = 5/36 of the tank per hour. Time = 36/5 = 7.2 hours.

Question 173: Which sentence uses the most vivid and precise language?

The animal moved outside quickly.
The golden retriever bolted through the open gate into the street. (Correct answer)
The dog went somewhere outside.
The dog went out fast somewhere.

Correct answer: The golden retriever bolted through the open gate into the street.

Specific details like 'golden retriever,' 'bolted,' and 'through the open gate' create a clear, vivid image.

Question 174: The TACHS exam is used primarily for:

Admission to Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York and Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens (Correct answer)
College admission in New York
State standardized testing in all grades
Earning a high school diploma

Correct answer: Admission to Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York and Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens

The TACHS is specifically designed for students applying to Catholic high schools in New York's Archdiocese and Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens.

Question 175: Which sentence contains faulty parallel structure?

She enjoys hiking, swimming, and riding bicycles.
She likes hiking, swimming, and cycling.
She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to ride bicycles. (Correct answer)
She likes to hike, to swim, and to ride bicycles.

Correct answer: She enjoys hiking, swimming, and to ride bicycles.

Items in a series should have the same grammatical form. In choice A, 'hiking' and 'swimming' are gerunds but 'to ride' is an infinitive, which breaks the pattern. The other choices keep every item in the same form.

Question 176: When answering a TACHS question about an author's purpose, which option is most commonly correct for a passage in a textbook?

To express personal feelings
To entertain with a fictional story
To persuade readers to take action
To inform readers about a topic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To inform readers about a topic

Textbook passages are typically written to inform—to explain facts, concepts, or processes to the reader.

Question 177: While studying for the TACHS language section, a student re-reads their notes five times and feels confident, but scores poorly on a practice test. Which change best addresses the likely cause?

Re-read the notes a sixth time with a highlighter
Study with the notes open in front of them during practice tests
Switch to active retrieval, such as self-quizzing and writing answers from memory, spaced across several days (Correct answer)
Study only the night before so the material is fresh

Correct answer: Switch to active retrieval, such as self-quizzing and writing answers from memory, spaced across several days

Repeated re-reading produces familiarity, which feels like mastery but does not build recall. Retrieval practice spaced over days builds the ability to produce answers without cues, which is what the test requires. Cramming and open-note practice also fail to test real recall.

Question 178: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

After lunch; we walked to the library.
Maria brought notebooks, pens, and folders; Luis brought the calculators. (Correct answer)
The coach praised the team; and then she dismissed them.
Although the storm was severe; the game continued.

Correct answer: Maria brought notebooks, pens, and folders; Luis brought the calculators.

A semicolon joins two independent clauses. 'Maria brought notebooks, pens, and folders' and 'Luis brought the calculators' are both complete sentences. In A and D, the semicolon follows a dependent clause. In B, it sits before a coordinating conjunction that does not join clauses already containing commas.

Question 179: An arrow points up in Step 1, right in Step 2, and down in Step 3. If it keeps turning the same way, which direction does it point in Step 4?

Left (Correct answer)
Down
Right
Up

Correct answer: Left

The arrow turns 90° clockwise at each step (up → right → down → left), so Step 4 points left.

Question 180: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Because it was raining, the parade was postponed.
Walking to school, Jenna noticed the new bakery on the corner.
The teacher handed back the essays that were graded with a smile. (Correct answer)
After finishing her homework, Priya watched a documentary.

Correct answer: The teacher handed back the essays that were graded with a smile.

'With a smile' is meant to describe how the teacher handed back the essays, but it is placed next to 'graded,' suggesting the essays were graded with a smile. The phrase should be placed closer to 'handed back' (e.g., 'With a smile, the teacher handed back the graded essays').

Question 181: A rectangle has a length that is 3 times its width. If the length is decreased by 4 and the width is increased by 4, the figure becomes a square. What is the area of the original rectangle?

108
27
48 (Correct answer)
12

Correct answer: 48

Let the width be w and the length 3w. After the changes: 3w − 4 = w + 4, so 2w = 8 and w = 4. The length is 12, so the original area is 4 × 12 = 48. The square would have sides of 8 (area 64), a common wrong choice.

Question 182: Five red balls, three white balls, and two yellow balls belong to a kid. How many yellow balls are there in total?

15%
5%
20% (Correct answer)
10%

Correct answer: 20%

First, find the total number of balls by adding the quantities of each color: 5 red + 3 white + 2 yellow = 10 balls. There are 2 yellow balls. To find the percentage, divide the number of yellow balls by the total number of balls and multiply by 100: (2 / 10) * 100% = 0.2 * 100% = 20%.

Question 183: On a pair of dice, what is the chance of rolling a one?

16.6% (Correct answer)
5%
20%
24%

Correct answer: 16.6%

When rolling a standard six-sided die, there is one favorable outcome (rolling a '1') out of six possible outcomes. Therefore, the probability of rolling a '1' on a single die is 1/6. Converting this fraction to a percentage, 1/6 is approximately 0.1666..., which rounds to 16.6%. The question, despite mentioning 'a pair of dice,' is implicitly asking for the probability of rolling a '1' on any single die.

Question 184: What is the value of 9² − 4²?

25
13
65 (Correct answer)
81

Correct answer: 65

81 − 16 = 65.

Question 185: A shirt is discounted 20%, and then the sale price is discounted another 25%. The final price is $54. What was the original price?

$90 (Correct answer)
$120
$81
$97.20

Correct answer: $90

Successive discounts multiply: 0.80 × 0.75 = 0.60 of the original. So original = 54 ÷ 0.60 = $90. Adding the discounts to 45% off would give $98.18, which is wrong.

Question 186: What is 3/4 + 1/6?

1/2
4/10
5/6
11/12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 11/12

Common denominator 12: 9/12 + 2/12 = 11/12.

Question 187: Which of the following is NOT a prime number?

27 (Correct answer)
17
29
23

Correct answer: 27

27 = 3 × 9, so it has factors other than 1 and itself, making it composite, not prime.

Question 188: What is 4.5 × 0.2?

9.0
0.45
0.9 (Correct answer)
0.09

Correct answer: 0.9

4.5 × 0.2 = 0.9.

Question 189: Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

The meal was prepared by the chef. (Correct answer)
The chef prepared the meal.
She baked the cake yesterday.
They finished the project on time.

Correct answer: The meal was prepared by the chef.

In passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it — 'the meal' receives the action of being prepared.

Question 190: Complete the analogy: Painter is to Canvas as Sculptor is to ___.

Clay (Correct answer)
Gallery
Brush
Easel

Correct answer: Clay

A painter works on canvas, just as a sculptor works with clay as their primary medium.

Question 191: On a TACHS math question, a student solves for x and gets 14, but 14 is not among the choices (8, 10, 12, 16). Which is the BEST next step?

Skip the question permanently and do not return to it
Choose 12, the closest value to 14
Choose 16, since errors usually round values down
Check the work for a setup or arithmetic error, such as a misread number or sign, and re-solve by a different method such as substituting the choices back in (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Check the work for a setup or arithmetic error, such as a misread number or sign, and re-solve by a different method such as substituting the choices back in

When your answer is not among the choices, it signals a mistake in setup or calculation. Re-reading the problem and verifying by back-substitution of the choices is more reliable than approximating. Picking the nearest value ignores the error, and abandoning the question forfeits points that a quick recheck may recover.

Question 192: Read the sentence: "The senator's speech was anything but concise; nevertheless, it was, in the view of most critics, remarkably effective." What does the word 'nevertheless' signal about the relationship between the two ideas?

The second idea gives an example of the first
The second idea contrasts with what the first might lead a reader to expect (Correct answer)
The second idea is a result of the first
The second idea repeats the first in different words

Correct answer: The second idea contrasts with what the first might lead a reader to expect

'Nevertheless' marks a concession: the speech was long, which would usually be a flaw, yet it was effective anyway. So the second idea runs against the expectation set by the first. It is neither a result, a restatement, nor an example.

Question 193: The average of five numbers is 18. When one number is removed, the average of the remaining four numbers is 16. What number was removed?

28
26 (Correct answer)
24
22

Correct answer: 26

The total of the five numbers is 5 × 18 = 90. The total of the remaining four is 4 × 16 = 64. The removed number is 90 − 64 = 26.

Question 194: Which sentence contains a capitalization error?

My favorite subject is Science. (Correct answer)
The Mississippi River flows south.
We visited New York City last summer.
Dr. Martinez was our teacher.

Correct answer: My favorite subject is Science.

Common school subjects like 'science' are not proper nouns and should not be capitalized unless they are a specific course name.

Question 195: The suffix '-ology' as in 'biology' means:

Fear of something
Without something
A person who does something
The study of something (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The study of something

The suffix '-ology' means 'the study of,' so biology is the study of living things.

Question 196: Which sentence uses 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're' correctly?

They're going to park there bikes over their.
They're going to park their bikes over there. (Correct answer)
Their going to park there bikes over they're.
There going to park they're bikes over their.

Correct answer: They're going to park their bikes over there.

'They're' = they are; 'their' = belonging to them; 'there' = a place — all three are used correctly in the second option.

Question 197: Which of the following is a compound sentence?

Running in the park is fun.
The red, shiny, new bicycle was stolen.
She studied hard, and she passed the test. (Correct answer)
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.

Correct answer: She studied hard, and she passed the test.

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction like 'and,' 'but,' or 'or.'

Question 198: Figure classification: which shape does NOT belong with the others? Square, Rectangle, Rhombus, Circle.

Square
Circle (Correct answer)
Rectangle
Rhombus

Correct answer: Circle

Square, rectangle and rhombus are all four-sided polygons with straight sides. A circle has no straight sides or corners.

Question 199: Which of these words is a conjunction?

Although (Correct answer)
Quickly
Run
Beautiful

Correct answer: Although

'Although' is a subordinating conjunction that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Question 200: Which context clue strategy helps most when you encounter an unfamiliar word in a TACHS passage?

Replace it with any word you know
Stop reading the passage entirely
Skip the word and keep reading
Read the surrounding sentences for meaning clues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Read the surrounding sentences for meaning clues

The surrounding context often provides clues to an unfamiliar word's meaning through examples, definitions, or contrasting ideas.

Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS)

The TACHS is a standardized entrance exam used by Catholic high schools in the New York City area (Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Rockville Centre, and Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens) to evaluate 8th-grade applicants across reading, language, mathematics, and cognitive ability.

200

Questions

137 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Sources & references

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tachsinfo.com — Eligibility, fees, retake policy, score release, test delivery, exam format, exam dates, late registration · verified Nov 2026
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