TSI Reading Test #2 3

Question 1

Passage: "Although smartphones provide instant access to information, critics argue they reduce attention spans and diminish face-to-face communication skills." What is the author's approach?

Accepted Answer

Presenting both a benefit and a criticism to show a balanced view

Answer

Using "although" to acknowledge a benefit before presenting criticism shows the author is offering a balanced perspective rather than one-sided advocacy.

Question 2

What does "diminish" most likely mean in context: "smartphones diminish face-to-face communication skills"?

Accepted Answer

Weaken or reduce

Answer

"Diminish" means to make smaller or less. In context, smartphones are reducing or weakening people's face-to-face communication skills.

Question 3

A passage ends with: "The evidence is clear — we must act now to protect the rainforest before it is too late." What persuasive technique is used?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to urgency (call to action)

Answer

"We must act now" and "before it is too late" create urgency and motivate action. This is a call to action, a common persuasive technique in argumentative writing.

Question 4

A student must identify the author's purpose in a text that describes the life cycle of monarch butterflies without taking a position. What is the author's purpose?

Accepted Answer

To inform readers about monarch butterfly biology

Answer

A text that describes a natural process without taking a position is informational. The author's purpose is to inform, not persuade or entertain.

Question 5

Which of the following is the best summary of a passage that describes the causes, events, and aftermath of the Great Fire of London in 1666?

Accepted Answer

The Great Fire of London began in 1666, destroyed much of the city, and led to significant rebuilding and new fire regulations.

Answer

A good summary captures the main points — cause, scope, and aftermath — without being vague or adding unsupported claims. Only option A does this accurately.

TSI Practice Test

TSI Practice Test

TSI Reading Test #2 3