TEAS English Practice Test #2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The well-stocked larder was replete with dozens of canned goods intended to last through the winter. Which of the following is the meaning of the underlined word above?
- full (Correct answer)
- heavy
- managed
- exploding
Correct answer: full
The word 'replete' means completely filled or well-supplied with something. In the context of a 'well-stocked larder' filled 'with dozens of canned goods,' 'full' is the most accurate synonym. It indicates that the larder was abundantly supplied.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a simple sentence?
- The movie about the comic book superhero.
- The movie about the comic book superhero that I watched last Friday night was very entertaining.
- The movie about the comic book superhero had never interested me until last week. (Correct answer)
- The movie about the comic book superhero fascinated me, but it bored my best friend.
Correct answer: The movie about the comic book superhero had never interested me until last week.
A simple sentence contains one independent clause, meaning it has one subject and one predicate and expresses a complete thought. Option C has 'The movie' as its subject and 'had never interested me until last week' as its predicate, forming a single independent clause. Other options contain fragments, dependent clauses, or multiple independent clauses.
Question 3: To ______ should I address the postcard? Which of the following correctly completes the sentence above?
- who
- whom (Correct answer)
- which
- the which
Correct answer: whom
This question tests the correct use of 'who' vs. 'whom.' 'Whom' is the objective case pronoun, used when it is the object of a verb or a preposition. In this sentence, 'whom' is the object of the preposition 'to,' making 'To whom' the grammatically correct choice.
Question 4: Which of the following phrases follows the rules of capitalization?
- Meredith’s Uncle
- my sister Cheryl (Correct answer)
- her Great-Aunt
- grandma Beth
Correct answer: my sister Cheryl
Common nouns like 'sister' are not capitalized unless they are used as part of a proper noun (e.g., 'Aunt Sally') or at the beginning of a sentence. 'Cheryl' is a proper noun and is correctly capitalized. In 'my sister Cheryl,' only 'Cheryl' should be capitalized.
Question 5: The actors’ performances powerfully _____ the audience. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence above?
- effected
- affected (Correct answer)
- were effecting
- were affecting
Correct answer: affected
This question tests the difference between 'affect' and 'effect.' 'Affect' is typically a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on something. In this sentence, the performances influenced the audience, so the verb 'affected' is the correct choice.
Question 6: The clock shows ____ almost nine o’clock, so the bridal shop will soon be opening ____ doors. Which of the following sets of words should be used to fill in the blanks in the sentence above?
- it’s; its (Correct answer)
- its; its
- it’s; its’
- its; it’s
Correct answer: it’s; its
'It's' is a contraction of 'it is,' which correctly fits 'it is almost nine o’clock.' 'Its' is a possessive pronoun meaning 'belonging to it,' correctly indicating 'the bridal shop's doors.' Therefore, 'it's' for the first blank and 'its' for the second blank is the correct combination.
Question 7: Follow these directions to get to the church ____ make a left at the next intersection, drive three miles to the third stop sign, then turn left, and continue another two miles until you see the parking lot on the right-hand side. Which of the following punctuation marks correctly completes the sentence above?
- ,
- ;
- : (Correct answer)
- -
Correct answer: :
A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, an explanation, or an elaboration that follows an independent clause. In this sentence, the first part ('Follow these directions to get to the church') is an independent clause, and the colon correctly introduces the detailed list of directions that follow.
Question 8: His job performance was found to have an _______ low track record of success in nearly every area. Which of the following is the correct completions of the sentence above?
- abysmal
- abysmall
- abysmaly
- abysmally (Correct answer)
Correct answer: abysmally
The blank requires an adverb to modify the adjective 'low.' 'Abysmally' is the adverbial form of 'abysmal,' meaning extremely or dreadfully. It correctly describes the degree to which the track record was low.
Question 9: When the gymnastic athletes travel for a competition, a chaperone must accompany ____. Which of the following options correctly completes the sentence?
- it
- them (Correct answer)
- all of it
- their
Correct answer: them
The blank requires an object pronoun to refer to 'the gymnastic athletes.' 'Them' is the correct plural object pronoun, serving as the object of the verb 'accompany.' 'Their' is a possessive pronoun, and 'it' is singular.
Question 10: Most students at Hudson University enjoy their Chemistry class. Which part of this statement needs to be revised?
- change class to Class
- insert a comma after University
- change Chemistry to chemistry (Correct answer)
- change students to students'
Correct answer: change Chemistry to chemistry
Subject names like 'chemistry,' 'biology,' or 'mathematics' are generally not capitalized unless they are part of a proper noun (e.g., 'Chemistry 101') or a specific course title. In this general reference to a subject, 'chemistry' should be lowercase.
Question 11: Falcons appear to behave______, actively helping one another to find food.
- defensively
- cooperatively (Correct answer)
- aggressively
- warily
Correct answer: cooperatively
The phrase "actively helping one another to find food" directly describes a situation where individuals work together for a common goal. "Cooperatively" means involving cooperation, which is the act of working jointly towards the same end. This word perfectly aligns with the description of falcons assisting each other.
Question 12: Despite our best efforts to preserve the natural world and keep it safe, until the problems of pollution are ____, the prospect of our environment seems, at best,_______ .
- Replaced, Revered
- Solved, Uncertain (Correct answer)
- Revoked, Secure
- Created, Gloomy
Correct answer: Solved, Uncertain
The first blank requires a word indicating that pollution problems need to be resolved for the environment to improve; "solved" fits this context. The phrase "despite our best efforts" and "at best" suggests a precarious future if pollution persists. Therefore, the prospect of the environment would be "uncertain," meaning not reliably known or established, which accurately reflects a doubtful outlook.
Question 13: Jessica sought______ from her new peers who she wanted to like her on the first day of high school, but instead she found herself quietly________ for the familiarity and warmth of middle school.
- repudiation, longing
- condemnation, aching
- approbation, clamoring
- acceptance, repining (Correct answer)
Correct answer: acceptance, repining
Jessica wanted her new peers to "like her," so she naturally sought "acceptance," meaning the act of being received as adequate or suitable. The contrasting phrase "but instead she found herself quietly________ for the familiarity and warmth of middle school" implies she was longing or regretting the past. "Repining" means to feel or express deep regret or discontent, which perfectly captures her quiet longing for her old school.
Question 14: The model of________, he showcased impeccable manners and fantastic taste.
- Versatility
- Duplicity
- Decorum (Correct answer)
- Depravity
Correct answer: Decorum
The phrase "impeccable manners and fantastic taste" describes behavior that is proper, polite, and in good taste. "Decorum" refers to behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety. Thus, someone who is a model of decorum would naturally showcase such qualities.
Question 15: Nearly half of the entire student body traveled to New England to rebuild communities and construct homes from scratch; other members of the student body worked on a more finite project by restoring ______ homes in the urban district that were
- dilapidated (Correct answer)
- effervescent
- derelict
- demolished
Correct answer: dilapidated
The context states that students were "restoring" homes, which implies the homes were in a state of disrepair. "Dilapidated" means in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect. This word accurately describes homes that would require restoration efforts.
Question 16: The investigators believed that the fingerprints on the glass was _____ proof; it definitely placed the defendant at the scene of the crime.
- Inevitable
- Negligible
- Incorrigible
- Incriminating (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Incriminating
The clue "it definitely placed the defendant at the scene of the crime" means the fingerprints provided evidence of guilt or involvement. "Incriminating" means making someone appear guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. Therefore, the fingerprints served as incriminating proof.
Question 17: Known for his loquacious speech style, Richard typically delivered ______ speeches that often used five words for concepts that could be expressed in two words.
- verbose (Correct answer)
- lively
- monotonous
- vapid
Correct answer: verbose
The sentence describes Richard as having a "loquacious speech style" and using "five words for concepts that could be expressed in two words." Both clues point to excessive wordiness. "Verbose" means using or expressed in more words than are needed, which perfectly summarizes Richard's speech style.
Question 18: Chris had a prestige for being a ___ because he fearlessly skied down the precipitous trail.
- Daredevil (Correct answer)
- Clown
- Coward
- Dreamer
Correct answer: Daredevil
Chris "fearlessly skied down the precipitous trail," indicating he took a significant and dangerous risk without hesitation. A "daredevil" is a person who takes foolishly dangerous risks. This term accurately describes someone who performs such a bold and risky feat.
Question 19: A purebred dog should be purchased from a ___ breeder who is ___ and esteemed by both customers and breeders, according to knowledgeable dog owners.
- Reputable, Admired (Correct answer)
- Churlish, Charming
- Discerning, Equivocal
- Demanding, Flexible
Correct answer: Reputable, Admired
The second blank is directly clued by "esteemed by both customers and breeders," which means the breeder is "admired." For the first blank, a breeder who is admired and esteemed would naturally be considered "reputable," meaning having a good reputation. This pair creates a logical and coherent description of a trustworthy breeder.
Question 20: Designers define a physical structure as a set of materials arranged in such a way that these materials can _________ the descending pull of gravity.
- Dislodge
- Amplify
- Mimic
- Resist (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resist
The original sentence uses "therefore," implying a cause-and-effect relationship, which is incorrect. The sentence presents two distinct types of significant contributions: physical risk by first responders and medical/legal impact by doctors/lawyers. "Nevertheless" correctly introduces a contrasting idea, indicating that despite the physical risks of the first group, the second group still has an equally significant, though different, effect.
Question 21: The Billy and Coleen Gates Foundation has a clear _____ mission to assist less fortunate people suffering from health and education problems.
- financial
- philanthropic (Correct answer)
- miserly
- lucrative
Correct answer: philanthropic
The mission to "assist less fortunate people suffering from health and education problems" is a clear act of charity and goodwill. "Philanthropic" describes an organization or person seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes. This word precisely defines the foundation's stated mission.
The well-stocked larder was replete with dozens of canned goods intended to last through the winter.
Which of the following is the meaning of the underlined word above?