Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the role of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

To state the main idea of that paragraph (Correct answer)
To summarize the entire essay
To introduce a new topic unrelated to the thesis
To provide a concluding thought for the essay

Correct answer: To state the main idea of that paragraph

A topic sentence announces the controlling idea of its paragraph, tying it to the essay's thesis.

Question 2: What is the range of the data set: 12, 5, 19, 8, 15?

14 (Correct answer)
19
10
7

Correct answer: 14

Range = maximum - minimum = 19 - 5 = 14.

Question 3: Evaluate: 5! (5 factorial)

120 (Correct answer)
60
25
100

Correct answer: 120

5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120.

Question 4: In essay revision, 'coherence' refers to:

Using advanced vocabulary throughout
Avoiding the use of pronouns
Ideas flowing logically and connecting clearly (Correct answer)
Having a lot of supporting details

Correct answer: Ideas flowing logically and connecting clearly

Coherence means ideas are organized logically and transitions connect sentences and paragraphs clearly.

Question 5: Which sentence correctly uses 'affect' and 'effect'?

The medicine will effect how you feel tomorrow.
The noise did not affect her concentration. (Correct answer)
The cold weather effected our outdoor plans.
The storm had a negative affect on the harvest.

Correct answer: The noise did not affect her concentration.

'Affect' is a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on, and it is used correctly here.

Question 6: A passage states: 'The scientist examined the anomaly with great interest, noting that it contradicted every prior model.' What does 'anomaly' most likely mean in this context?

A standard expected result
A controlled experiment
An unusual occurrence that departs from the norm (Correct answer)
A mathematical formula

Correct answer: An unusual occurrence that departs from the norm

'Anomaly' refers to something that deviates from what is expected or normal, supported by the phrase 'contradicted every prior model.'

Question 7: In expository writing, the primary purpose is to:

Express the writer's personal emotions
Inform or explain a topic clearly and objectively (Correct answer)
Entertain the reader with a fictional story
Persuade the reader to take a specific action

Correct answer: Inform or explain a topic clearly and objectively

Expository writing aims to explain, describe, or inform with factual, objective content.

Question 8: In the THEA Writing essay, scorers primarily evaluate which of the following?

Effective development of a central idea with supporting details (Correct answer)
The number of paragraphs written
Handwriting quality and neatness
Use of advanced vocabulary only

Correct answer: Effective development of a central idea with supporting details

THEA essay scorers focus on how well the writer develops and supports a central idea with relevant details and examples.

Question 9: The word 'pragmatic' most nearly means:

Overly emotional
Theoretically complex
Practical and focused on real-world results (Correct answer)
Idealistic and visionary

Correct answer: Practical and focused on real-world results

Pragmatic means dealing with problems in a practical, realistic way rather than using theory or ideals.

Question 10: Which of the following quotes from the list encapsulates the first paragraph's core point the best?

Most southern states had adopted devices such as the poll tax, literacy test, and White primary to strip Blacks of their right to vote.
In subsequent decades, it became all too apparent that the promises contained in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were not being honored. (Correct answer)
A person cannot be denied the right to vote "on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude," according to the Fifteenth Amendment, which followed the Thirteenth Amendment's ban on slavery. The Fourteenth Amendment also promised equal treatment under the law for all citizens.
The period immediately following the Civil War was a time of great hope for Black Americans.

Correct answer: In subsequent decades, it became all too apparent that the promises contained in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments were not being honored.

By the end of the 19th century, racial segregation and prejudice were still prevalent in American culture, despite the promises made in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments. It stresses how pervasive segregation and voter suppression practices occurred despite constitutional amendments meant to expand rights for all Americans, particularly Black Americans. This shows that the guarantees of equality and legal protection were broken.

Question 11: A nearby business agrees to donate $1.25 for every $4 raised by the public during a bike-a-thon. How much will the company donate every mile if the public donates a total of $156.00?

$48.75 (Correct answer)
$200
$2.75
$499

Correct answer: $48.75

According to the pledge, the local company donates $1.25 for every $4.00 pledged by the public. To find out how much the company will donate per mile, we can calculate the ratio of the company's donation to the public's pledge: Company's donation / Public's pledge = $1.25 / $4.00 Simplifying this ratio, we get: Company's donation / Public's pledge = 1.25 / 4 To determine the company's donation per mile, we multiply this ratio by the total public pledge per mile: Company's donation per mile = (1.25 / 4) * $156.00 Calculating this expression gives us: Company's donation per mile = 0.3125 * $156.00 = $48.75 Therefore, the local company will donate $48.75 per mile during the bike-a-thon.

Question 12: A passage argues: 'If we allow one exception to the rule, soon everyone will demand exceptions, and the rule will be meaningless.' This is an example of which logical fallacy?

False dilemma
Circular reasoning
Slippery slope (Correct answer)
Ad hominem

Correct answer: Slippery slope

Slippery slope assumes that one action will inevitably lead to an extreme chain of negative consequences.

Question 13: Transitional words and phrases in an essay are used to:

Add word count to the essay
Connect ideas and guide the reader through the argument (Correct answer)
Replace weak verbs with stronger ones
Introduce quotations from outside sources

Correct answer: Connect ideas and guide the reader through the argument

Transitions link sentences and paragraphs, helping readers follow the logical flow of the argument.

Question 14: A reading passage shifts from an objective, factual tone in the first half to an emotionally charged, urgent tone in the second half. What can the reader infer about the author's intent?

The author is summarizing the main points before concluding
The author is transitioning from informing the reader to persuading them to act (Correct answer)
The author became confused and lost focus
The author is providing contrasting viewpoints from two different writers

Correct answer: The author is transitioning from informing the reader to persuading them to act

Moving from factual presentation to emotional urgency is a rhetorical strategy to first establish credibility and then motivate action.

Question 15: Which of the following words is a synonym for 'meticulous'?

Thorough (Correct answer)
Careless
Vague
Rapid

Correct answer: Thorough

Meticulous means very careful and precise, making 'thorough' the closest synonym.

Question 16: Which of the following statements would be best in line with the writer's goals and target audience if they were inserted between Parts 3 and 4 of the first paragraph?

We commuter students don't drive to campus just because it's nice to have a car around in case we want to go shopping or to the movies. (Correct answer)
One must accept the statistically verifiable fact that, as a group, commuter students take more difficult courses than students who live on campus.
I am aware that commuter students cannot and should not request special treatment from campus officials.
Even a cursory survey of the situation should be sufficient to reveal the significant burdens that such a demanding life style must place on the average commuter student.

Correct answer: We commuter students don't drive to campus just because it's nice to have a car around in case we want to go shopping or to the movies.

The statement that best fits the writer's objective and target audience is "We commuter students don't drive to campus just because it's good to have a car around in case we want to go shopping or to the movies." This phrase highlights the author's thesis that commuter students drive to university for practical reasons, such as juggling employment, family, and academics, as opposed to solely using their cars for recreational pursuits like shopping or going to the movies. It supports the author's claim that convenient parking spaces are necessary to meet the hectic schedules of commuter students.

Question 17: Which of the following is a solution to the equation x² – 5x + 6 = 0?

x = 1
x = 6
x = 4
x = 2 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: x = 2

Factor as (x – 2)(x – 3) = 0, giving solutions x = 2 and x = 3.

Question 18: A student reads a passage about climate change and notices the author only cites sources that support one viewpoint. This is an example of which reading comprehension concern?

Figurative language
Strong thesis statement
Effective use of transitions
Biased presentation of evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Biased presentation of evidence

Presenting only one side of an argument by selecting supporting sources is a form of bias.

Question 19: A bag contains 5 red marbles and 3 blue marbles. What is the probability of randomly drawing a red marble?

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

Correct answer: 5/8

Probability = favorable outcomes ÷ total outcomes = 5 ÷ (5 + 3) = 5/8.

Question 20: Two parallel lines are cut by a transversal. Which angle pair is always equal?

Adjacent angles
Supplementary angles on the same side
Co-interior (same-side interior) angles
Alternate interior angles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Alternate interior angles

Alternate interior angles are on opposite sides of the transversal between the parallel lines and are always equal.

Question 21: Which of the following alterations would help the second paragraph's ideas to flow more naturally?

Reverse the order of Parts 8 and 9.
Place Part 9 after Part 11. (Correct answer)
Delete Part 12.
Reverse the order of Parts 10 and 11.

Correct answer: Place Part 9 after Part 11.

Placing Part 9 after Part 11 in the second paragraph would make the sequence of ideas clearer. By moving Part 9 after Part 11, the paragraph now flows logically from discussing the media's role in analyzing candidate positions to acknowledging that this approach may not be well-received, but it would still be a valuable service to the voting public.

Question 22: A car travels 270 miles in 4.5 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?

65 mph
55 mph
70 mph
60 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 mph

Speed = distance ÷ time = 270 ÷ 4.5 = 60 mph.

Question 23: A passage's 'tone' refers to:

The technical difficulty of the vocabulary
The number of sentences per paragraph
The volume at which it should be read
The author's attitude toward the subject or audience (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The author's attitude toward the subject or audience

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience, conveyed through word choice and style.

Question 24: In an argumentative essay, what is the primary purpose of a counterargument?

To introduce unrelated evidence
To replace the thesis with a new claim
To confuse the reader with opposing views
To acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To acknowledge and then refute an opposing viewpoint

Acknowledging and refuting a counterargument strengthens the writer's credibility and overall argument.

Question 25: On three tests, a student received grades of 88, 82, and 84. What is the lowest score a student can receive on the following test to achieve an average score of at least 70 if tests count twice as much as quizzes?

60
15
48 (Correct answer)
35

Correct answer: 48

Let's denote the score on the next test as "x." Since tests count twice as much as quizzes, the total weightage for the quizzes is 3 (1 for each quiz) and the total weightage for the tests is 2 (because tests count twice as much). Therefore, the total weightage for all the scores is 3 + 2 = 5. To find the lowest score the student can get on the next test to achieve an average score of at least 70, we can set up the following equation: (88 + 82 + 84 + 2x) / 5 ≥ 70 Simplifying the equation, we have: (254 + 2x) / 5 ≥ 70 Multiply both sides of the inequality by 5 to eliminate the denominator: 254 + 2x ≥ 70 * 5 254 + 2x ≥ 350 Subtract 254 from both sides: 2x ≥ 350 - 254 2x ≥ 96 Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: x ≥ 96 / 2 x ≥ 48 Therefore, the student must score at least 48 on the next test to achieve an average score of at least 70.

Question 26: How many multiple-choice questions are in the Writing section of the THEA Test?

30
45
35
40 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40

The Writing section includes 40 multiple-choice questions plus one essay.

Question 27: The word 'benevolent' most nearly means:

Strict and demanding
Hostile
Generous and kind (Correct answer)
Cautious

Correct answer: Generous and kind

Benevolent means well-meaning and generous, often describing a charitable or kind person.

Question 28: Which revision strategy is most effective for improving a THEA essay draft?

Counting the number of words in each paragraph
Reading the essay aloud to identify unclear or awkward sentences (Correct answer)
Replacing all simple words with complex vocabulary
Checking only for spelling errors

Correct answer: Reading the essay aloud to identify unclear or awkward sentences

Reading aloud helps writers hear awkward phrasing, unclear sentences, and missing transitions that silent reading may miss.

Question 29: Evaluate: √144 + ³√27

18
15 (Correct answer)
21
12

Correct answer: 15

√144 = 12 and ³√27 = 3, so 12 + 3 = 15.

Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA)

The THEA is a Texas state-mandated college placement exam that measures reading, mathematics, and writing skills required for success in entry-level college coursework. It is used to determine whether students need developmental coursework before enrolling in credit-bearing courses.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

65%

To Pass

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