TSI Reading Test #2

Question 1

But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed because his soul is deathless, and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by the amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy on the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives, they withdraw from the brink.
In the passage, the phrase 'go to the brink' signifies

Accepted Answer

Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.

Answer

Declare war on each other.

Answer

Commit suicide.

Answer

Negotiate for peace.

Question 2

Swimming has progressed from a primitive form of transportation to sophisticated leisure and competitive sport. Swimming is a strenuous activity that works for nearly every muscle group and necessitates extensive training. Swimmers compete in races to see who can complete a specified distance in the quickest time using a specific swimming stroke. Swimmers also work to improve their endurance and ability to swim great distances. Because swimming has evolved into a highly complex competitive sport in which a single incorrect technique can disqualify a competitor, it's fascinating to speculate on how the sport will change for humans in the future, either toward a progressive goal or back to a primordial way of movement.
Which of the following scenarios would make the author's swimming prophecy come true?

Accepted Answer

Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.

Answer

swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport.

Answer

Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait.

Answer

People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise.

Question 3

But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed because his soul is deathless, and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by the amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy on the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives, they withdraw from the brink.
According to the author,

Accepted Answer

Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.

Answer

Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.

Answer

The human race is on the verge of extinction.

Answer

The need to discontinue the development of lethal weapons has now been recognized by superpowers.

Question 4

Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauty, and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation, and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new storytellers? Scholars interpreting Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can.
According to the author's description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?

Accepted Answer

Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success.

Answer

Maintaining a record of your personal history is critical.

Answer

Maintaining a record of your personal history is critical.

Answer

Love is difficult, but if the lovers are intended to be together, it will last.

Question 5

But man is not destined to vanish. He can be killed, but he cannot be destroyed because his soul is deathless, and his spirit is irrepressible. Therefore, though the situation seems dark in the context of the confrontation between the superpowers, the silver lining is provided by the amazing phenomenon that the very nations which have spent incalculable resources and energy on the production of deadly weapons are desperately trying to find out how they might never be used. They threaten each other, intimidate each other and go to the brink, but before the total hour arrives, they withdraw from the brink.
In the second line, the word 'irrepressible' signifies

Accepted Answer

unrestrainable

Answer

unspirited

Answer

incompatible

Answer

oppressive

Question 6

Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauty, and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation, and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new storytellers? Scholars interpreting Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can.
Which of the following words best describes the author's interpretation of Greek mythology?

Accepted Answer

idealistic

Answer

mysterious

Answer

critical

Answer

dubious

Question 7

Cities all around the world are essentially mash-ups of smaller cultural contexts, resulting in dramatically varied experiences for people. Each city often has a diverse range of food options as well as art institutions such as museums and theaters. What is the one trait that may define a city among all these mixtures of eating, art, and nightlife? History. Each city's obviously distinct past provides rich customs and a relationship between its residents that far outweighs any other city's eclectic mix of eating and art institutions.
Which term best describes mélange in this context?

Accepted Answer

assortment

Answer

tradition

Answer

frivolous

Answer

opportunity

Question 8

Cities all around the world are essentially mash-ups of smaller cultural contexts, resulting in dramatically varied experiences for people. Each city often has a diverse range of food options as well as art institutions such as museums and theaters. What is the one trait that may define a city among all these mixtures of eating, art, and nightlife? History. Each city's obviously distinct past provides rich customs and a relationship between its residents that far outweighs any other city's eclectic mix of eating and art institutions.
Which of the following, according to the author, is the most important city feature or attraction?

Accepted Answer

Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community

Answer

The Museum of Natural History

Answer

A democratic government

Answer

The exquisite French restaurant in the European district

Question 9

Swimming has progressed from a primitive form of transportation to sophisticated leisure and competitive sport. Swimming is a strenuous activity that works for nearly every muscle group and necessitates extensive training. Swimmers compete in races to see who can complete a specified distance in the quickest time using a specific swimming stroke. Swimmers also work to improve their endurance and ability to swim great distances. Because swimming has evolved into a highly complex competitive sport in which a single incorrect technique can disqualify a competitor, it's fascinating to speculate on how the sport will change for humans in the future, either toward a progressive goal or back to a primordial way of movement.
What is the best way to characterize the structure of this passage?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

An activity that is focused on a certain goal but can be broadened to account for future deviations.

Answer

An activity that is focused on a single goal but can be broadened to account for any deviations in the future.

Answer

An activity that started with a specified goal and grew to include future repercussions.

Question 10

Read the passages below and then choose the best answer to each question. Base your answers on what is stated or implied in the passages.

Elizabeth's lengthy reign, during which time she earned the nickname "Virgin Queen" for her refusal to risk her position of power by getting married, occurred during the height of the English Renaissance, which is notable for producing such celebrated writers as William Shakespeare. Queen Elizabeth I entered history as one of England's greatest kings at the time of her death in 1603, when England had already established itself as a major world power in every way.

The writer believes Queen Elizabeth I did not marry because

Accepted Answer

she did not want to diminish her power.

Answer

she did not fall in love.

Answer

there were no suitable matches

Answer

she was preoccupied with the English Renaissance.