TSI Reading Test #3

Question 1

Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.
What is the point of the closing sentence?

Accepted Answer

Present two possible explanations for the growing popularity of smart phones

Answer

Explanation:
The final phrase outlines two plausible scenarios that could explain the rise in intelligent phone popularity. These two hypotheses are educated assumptions as to what is causing the pattern. The author is just offering explanations as a choice (Present two possible reasons for the growing popularity of smart phones) implies since the author injects minimal bias and leaves the solution to the reader's perception. The other options are irrelevant or have inadequate text evidence to support them.

Question 2

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, the most important component is :

Accepted Answer

Human society will survive despite the serious threat of total annihilation.

Answer

Explanation:
Because he wanted the battle to begin, but she didn't want to give the impression that he was supporting it.

Question 3

Technology is rapidly expanding the scope of capabilities for both professional and personal use; such is the case with smart phones. Professionals now have devices available to them capable of digital media, internet access, phone communication, multi-person scheduling and office tools for documents and presentations. Businesspeople that are often mobile may maximize the use of these critical features on smart phones. Individuals who simply enjoy the luxury of multi-function devices often use these devices for frivolous pursuits such as downloading catchy ring tones, instant messaging about the latest gossip and looking up the world record for most cans crushed on one’s head during the Superbowl. This fusion of capabilities and increased availability of such devices could be a sign of a growing blend in society between work and personal life, or individuals could simply be taking a luxurious approach to their connectivity in personal lives.
The word "frivolous" denotes the author.

Accepted Answer

believes that the average individual does not need a smart phone.

Answer

Explanation:
"Frivolous" indicates useless or needless based on the context of petty applications and information. So, if the author believes that people who are not in business use smartphones unnecessarily, the author would think that these people do not require smartphones because the author makes no indication of their clear expectations for how the technology will develop in the future. Because of the author's matter-of-fact tone, you can rule out "fascination," There is no evidence that the author owns a smartphone.

Question 4

For the questions that follow, two underlined sentences are followed by a question or statement. Read the sentences, then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement. Although it may seem impossible, solving a Rubik's Cube is quite doable if one knows about the various solving methods. Manipulating the cube so that all of the corner pieces are in their correct positions and then essentially filling in the blanks is a time-consuming but effective solving method.
What does the second sentence do?

Accepted Answer

It expands on the information in the first.

Answer

Explanation:
The first sentence mentions that various solutions for solving a Rubik's cube exist. The second sentence explains one in greater detail. Therefore, the second sentence expands on the information in the first.

Question 5

For the questions that follow, two underlined sentences are followed by a question or statement. Read the sentences, then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement. Despite advancements in contraceptive technologies, teen pregnancy is still a huge problem in the United States. Many schools are choosing not to teach students about contraception, and that means many may not be aware of how to obtain effective contraceptives.
What does the second sentence do?

Accepted Answer

It provides an explanation.

Answer

Explanation:
The first sentence identifies a problem: persisting high rates of teen pregnancy in spite of advancements in contraceptive technology. The second sentence offers a possible explanation: young people aren't being informed about how they can access contraceptives.

TSI Practice Test

TSI Practice Test

TSI Reading Test #3