TSA Verbal Reasoning & Reading Comprehension

Question 1

A passage states: 'All successful entrepreneurs take calculated risks. Maria is a successful entrepreneur.' What can be logically inferred?

Accepted Answer

Maria takes calculated risks

Answer

If all successful entrepreneurs take calculated risks and Maria is a successful entrepreneur, Maria must take calculated risks.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes an 'inference' in reading comprehension?

Accepted Answer

A conclusion drawn from evidence not explicitly stated

Answer

An inference is a conclusion the reader draws from implied or indirect evidence rather than from what is directly stated.

Question 3

Read this sentence: 'Despite the rain, the soccer match continued.' What does 'despite' signal?

Accepted Answer

The match continued in contrast to what the rain might suggest

Answer

'Despite' signals a contrast or concession — the match continued even though rain would typically prevent it.

Question 4

A passage argues 'regular exercise leads to better mental health.' Which statement, if true, would MOST weaken this argument?

Accepted Answer

People with good mental health are more likely to exercise

Answer

If good mental health causes people to exercise, this reverses the causation — mental health leads to exercise, not the other way around.

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To introduce the main idea of the paragraph

Answer

A topic sentence introduces and previews the central idea of the paragraph that follows.

TSA - Thinking Skills Assessment Practice Test