TSI - Texas Success Initiative Essay and Sentence Revision Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

Which revision best improves the clarity of this sentence: "The report it was written by the committee last Tuesday."

Accepted Answer

The committee wrote the report last Tuesday.

Answer

The original contains a pronoun redundancy ("report it"). The clearest revision uses active voice: "The committee wrote the report last Tuesday."

Question 2

A student wants to strengthen the thesis of an essay arguing for stricter texting-while-driving laws. Which thesis is most effective?

Accepted Answer

Stricter texting-while-driving laws are necessary because distracted driving causes thousands of preventable deaths each year.

Answer

An effective thesis makes a specific, arguable claim and previews the supporting reason. Only the first option presents a clear position with a specific rationale.

Question 3

Which sentence uses the most appropriate transition to show contrast?

Accepted Answer

The weather forecast predicted rain; however, the skies remained clear all day.

Answer

"However" signals contrast between the prediction and the actual outcome. "Therefore" implies causation, "in addition" implies continuation, and "similarly" implies comparison — all incorrect for this context.

Question 4

Which revision best corrects the dangling modifier: "Running through the park, the trees looked beautiful."

Accepted Answer

Running through the park, she noticed the trees looked beautiful.

Answer

The modifier "Running through the park" needs a clear subject. Adding "she" as the subject of the main clause corrects the dangling modifier.

Question 5

In an argumentative essay, where should the counterargument typically be addressed?

Accepted Answer

Before the conclusion, after presenting the main arguments

Answer

Addressing the counterargument after presenting main arguments — and before the conclusion — shows awareness of opposing views and strengthens the writer's credibility.

TSI Practice Test

TSI Practice Test

TSI - Texas Success Initiative Essay and Sentence Revision Questions and Answers 2