TSI - Texas Success Initiative Essay and Sentence Revision Questions and Answers

Question 1

Read the following pair of sentences:

(1) The city council approved the new park proposal. (2) It was a contentious issue that had been debated for months.

Which is the best way to combine these two sentences?

Accepted Answer

After months of contentious debate, the city council approved the new park proposal.

Answer

The city council, after months of debate, it approved the new park proposal which was a contentious issue.

Answer

The new park proposal was a contentious issue, the city council approved it after months of debate.

Answer

Debated for months, the city council approved the contentious new park proposal.

Question 2

Which of the following sentences contains a grammatical error?

Accepted Answer

Running down the street, the bus suddenly pulled away from the curb.

Answer

Each of the students is responsible for their own supplies.

Answer

The data suggests that the new marketing strategy is effective.

Answer

My friend and I are going to the concert tonight.

Question 3

A student is writing a persuasive essay arguing that schools should implement a later start time. Which of the following sentences would be the most effective thesis statement?

Accepted Answer

To improve student well-being and academic performance, high schools should start no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Answer

Many students are tired in the morning and find it hard to concentrate in their early classes.

Answer

This essay will discuss the pros and cons of later school start times for high school students.

Answer

Later school start times are a very controversial topic in many school districts across the country.

Question 4

In the context of writing an essay, what is the primary purpose of a transition word or phrase like 'However' or 'In contrast'?

Accepted Answer

To signal a shift in thought and show the relationship between ideas.

Answer

To introduce the essay's main topic in the first paragraph.

Answer

To add descriptive detail and sensory language to the writing.

Answer

To summarize the main points of the essay in the conclusion.

Question 5

Read the following sentence:

The manager told the employees that they would receive a bonus, this made everyone happy.

Which of the following is the best revision of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The manager told the employees that they would receive a bonus, which made everyone happy.

Answer

The manager told the employees that they would receive a bonus, everyone was happy.

Answer

Because the manager told the employees that they would receive a bonus, this made everyone happy.

Answer

The manager told the employees that they would receive a bonus; and this made everyone happy.

Question 6

When revising an essay, which of the following should be the primary focus to ensure the argument is convincing?

Accepted Answer

Verifying that each body paragraph contains strong supporting evidence and relates directly to the thesis.

Answer

Correcting all spelling and punctuation errors.

Answer

Ensuring the introduction has a compelling hook.

Answer

Rewording sentences to use more sophisticated vocabulary.

Read the following pair of sentences:(1) The city council approved the new park proposal. (2) It was a contentious issue that had been debated for months.Which is the best way to combine these two sentences?

Read the following pair of sentences:
(1) The city council approved the new park proposal. (2) It was a contentious issue that had been debated for months.
Which is the best way to combine these two sentences?