TSI Writing Practice Test #3 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which version of the sentence uses the most precise verb?
- The scientist discovered a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish. (Correct answer)
- The scientist found a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish.
- The scientist got a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish.
- The scientist came across a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish.
Correct answer: The scientist discovered a previously unknown species of deep-sea fish.
"Discovered" is the most precise and formal verb in this scientific context. "Found" is acceptable but less precise; "got" and "came across" are informal and vague.
Question 2: Identify the run-on sentence.
- The concert was sold out we waited in line for hours hoping for cancellations. (Correct answer)
- The concert was sold out; we waited in line for hours hoping for cancellations.
- Because the concert was sold out, we waited in line for hours hoping for cancellations.
- The concert was sold out, so we waited in line for hours hoping for cancellations.
Correct answer: The concert was sold out we waited in line for hours hoping for cancellations.
Option A fuses two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction — a classic run-on sentence. Options B, C, and D all correctly connect the clauses.
Question 3: A student writes: "There are many different types of renewable energy sources available today." How could this sentence be revised for conciseness?
- Many renewable energy sources are available today. (Correct answer)
- There are many renewable sources of energy available in today's world.
- Today, there exist many different and varied types of renewable energy.
- In today's modern world, renewable energy sources of many types exist.
Correct answer: Many renewable energy sources are available today.
"There are" constructions are often wordy. Removing "there are" and restructuring gives a tighter, more direct sentence without losing meaning.
Question 4: Which sentence uses capitalization correctly?
- She studied Biology at the University of Texas at Austin.
- She studied biology at the University of Texas at Austin. (Correct answer)
- She studied Biology at the university of Texas at Austin.
- She studied biology at the university of texas at Austin.
Correct answer: She studied biology at the University of Texas at Austin.
Academic subjects are not capitalized unless they are languages or proper nouns (e.g., English, French). "Biology" as a general subject is lowercase. "University of Texas at Austin" is a proper noun and is capitalized.
Question 5: Which revision best improves the weak conclusion: "In conclusion, I have discussed three reasons why public transportation is important. I hope you agree."
- Investing in public transportation reduces emissions, eases congestion, and connects communities — benefits that make it essential to the future of our cities. (Correct answer)
- In conclusion, public transportation is important for three reasons as I have shown.
- As I said before, public transportation has many benefits and is very important.
- This essay has shown that public transportation is important.
Correct answer: Investing in public transportation reduces emissions, eases congestion, and connects communities — benefits that make it essential to the future of our cities.
A strong conclusion synthesizes the argument rather than merely announcing what was discussed. Option A restates the key points and closes with a forward-looking, persuasive statement — eliminating "I hope you agree" and "In conclusion."
Question 6: A writer uses the phrase "each and every" in an academic essay. What is wrong with this phrase?
- It is redundant — "each" and "every" mean the same thing; only one is needed (Correct answer)
- It is grammatically incorrect in all contexts
- It is too formal for academic writing
- Nothing is wrong — it emphasizes the point effectively
Correct answer: It is redundant — "each" and "every" mean the same thing; only one is needed
"Each" and "every" are synonymous in this context. Using both is redundant. Academic writing values conciseness, so "each" or "every" alone is preferred.
TSI Writing Practice Test #3 3
Which version of the sentence uses the most precise verb?