TSI Reading Test #2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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. <br> In the passage, the phrase 'go to the brink' signifies
- Declare war on each other.
- Commit suicide.
- Negotiate for peace.
- Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Advancing to the stage of war but not engaging in it.
Explanation: <br> Because he wanted the battle to begin, but she didn't want to give the impression that he was supporting it.
Question 2: Swimming has progressed from a primitive form of transportation to sophisticated leisure and competitive sport. Swimming is a strenuous activity that works for nearly every muscle group and necessitates extensive training. Swimmers compete in races to see who can complete a specified distance in the quickest time using a specific swimming stroke. Swimmers also work to improve their endurance and ability to swim great distances. Because swimming has evolved into a highly complex competitive sport in which a single incorrect technique can disqualify a competitor, it's fascinating to speculate on how the sport will change for humans in the future, either toward a progressive goal or back to a primordial way of movement. <br> Which of the following scenarios would make the author's swimming prophecy come true?
- swimming remains a competitive Olympic sport.
- Animals, including amphibians, begin to swim instinctively upon birth, as a dominant genetic trait.
- People swim in home and community pools to relax and exercise.
- Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Humans settling on the moon use swimming techniques to move through space.
Explanation: <br> The final sentence is referred to in this question. Swimming must either evolve into a new form or revert to its fundamental method of movement, according to the author.
Question 3: 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. <br> According to the author,
- Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict. (Correct answer)
- Mankind is heading towards complete destruction.
- The human race is on the verge of extinction.
- The need to discontinue the development of lethal weapons has now been recognized by superpowers.
Correct answer: Nations in possession of huge stockpiles of lethal weapons are trying hard to avoid actual conflict.
Explanation: <br> Because the author expresses the view that governments with large stockpiles of lethal weapons are attempting to avoid actual confrontation.
Question 4: Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauty, and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation, and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new storytellers? Scholars interpreting Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. <br> According to the author's description, which of the following is most likely to be a message from Greek mythology?
- Maintaining a record of your personal history is critical.
- Maintaining a record of your personal history is critical.
- Love is difficult, but if the lovers are intended to be together, it will last.
- Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success.
The correct answer: <br> Resisting temptation and immediate gratification will lead to ultimate success.
Question 5: 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. <br> In the second line, the word 'irrepressible' signifies
- unspirited
- incompatible
- oppressive
- unrestrainable (Correct answer)
Correct answer: unrestrainable
Explanation: <br> Because irrepressible entails uncontrollability. Which translates to death or the dark side.
Question 6: Greek mythology is a vehicle that uses mythological characters and creatures to teach people about the dangers, beauty, and possible outcomes of life. In many myths, characters face moral dilemmas involving honor and practicality. The protagonists of epics face creatures that represent values and challenges such as respect, temptation, and redemption. How has Greek mythology inevitably evolved with time and new storytellers? Scholars interpreting Greek mythology seek to maintain the universal values conveyed in these stories while ensuring the validity of adapting these stories to their own distinct cultures. It is up to each reader to seek their truths and learn from epic Greek mythology as best they can. <br> Which of the following words best describes the author's interpretation of Greek mythology?
- mysterious
- critical
- idealistic (Correct answer)
- dubious
Correct answer: idealistic
Explanation: <br> The author describes the high moral lessons learned from Greek mythology and how epics can instill key values in readers. Greek mythology was also rife with sexual encounters and dirty human actions. The author conveys strictly positive characteristics about epics and their utility. Clearly, the author’s account is idealistic.Idealistic is the best. Because the author is neither pessimistic (choice B) nor doubtful, or dubious (choice C), one can then look at choice A, D and E. The author does not really criticize Greek mythology; in fact, the author praises it. Also, the author’s account, or description, of Greek mythology is not mysterious; although, the actual mythology may very well be mysterious. Only choice A, idealistic, captures the sentiment attached to the author’s account of Greek mythology.
Question 7: Cities all around the world are essentially mash-ups of smaller cultural contexts, resulting in dramatically varied experiences for people. Each city often has a diverse range of food options as well as art institutions such as museums and theaters. What is the one trait that may define a city among all these mixtures of eating, art, and nightlife? History. Each city's obviously distinct past provides rich customs and a relationship between its residents that far outweighs any other city's eclectic mix of eating and art institutions. <br> Which term best describes mélange in this context?
- tradition
- frivolous
- opportunity
- assortment (Correct answer)
Correct answer: assortment
Explanation: <br> To describe the eating and art facilities, the author uses adjectives like "spectrum" and "diverse." Clearly, mélange refers to a diversity of products. Only the word "assortment" fits this description.
Question 8: Cities all around the world are essentially mash-ups of smaller cultural contexts, resulting in dramatically varied experiences for people. Each city often has a diverse range of food options as well as art institutions such as museums and theaters. What is the one trait that may define a city among all these mixtures of eating, art, and nightlife? History. Each city's obviously distinct past provides rich customs and a relationship between its residents that far outweighs any other city's eclectic mix of eating and art institutions. <br> Which of the following, according to the author, is the most important city feature or attraction?
- The Museum of Natural History
- A democratic government
- The exquisite French restaurant in the European district
- Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community
Explanation: <br> The author plainly believes that the most important trait is honest, authentic history. It is a historical object and symbol, and the author also mentions the locals who contribute to the cultural liveliness.
Question 9: Swimming has progressed from a primitive form of transportation to sophisticated leisure and competitive sport. Swimming is a strenuous activity that works for nearly every muscle group and necessitates extensive training. Swimmers compete in races to see who can complete a specified distance in the quickest time using a specific swimming stroke. Swimmers also work to improve their endurance and ability to swim great distances. Because swimming has evolved into a highly complex competitive sport in which a single incorrect technique can disqualify a competitor, it's fascinating to speculate on how the sport will change for humans in the future, either toward a progressive goal or back to a primordial way of movement. <br> What is the best way to characterize the structure of this passage?
- An activity that is focused on a certain goal but can be broadened to account for future deviations.
- An activity that is focused on a single goal but can be broadened to account for any deviations in the future.
- An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations. (Correct answer)
- An activity that started with a specified goal and grew to include future repercussions.
Correct answer: An activity narrowed to a specific purpose and expanded to consider future deviations.
Explanation: <br> The section starts by presenting swimming, then narrows it down to competitive sports before expanding on the concept to see what swimming will become in the future.
Question 10: Read the passages below and then choose the best answer to each question. Base your answers on what is stated or implied in the passages. <br> <br> Elizabeth's lengthy reign, during which time she earned the nickname "Virgin Queen" for her refusal to risk her position of power by getting married, occurred during the height of the English Renaissance, which is notable for producing such celebrated writers as William Shakespeare. Queen Elizabeth I entered history as one of England's greatest kings at the time of her death in 1603, when England had already established itself as a major world power in every way. <br> <br> The writer believes Queen Elizabeth I did not marry because
- she did not want to diminish her power. (Correct answer)
- she did not fall in love.
- there were no suitable matches
- she was preoccupied with the English Renaissance.
Correct answer: she did not want to diminish her power.
According to the passage, Elizabeth felt "reluctance to compromise her power" and decided against getting married. The line makes reference to the English Renaissance, though not specifically in relation to Elizabeth's decision not to wed.
Question 11: The nuclear membrane, the envelope that surrounds and safeguards DNA in the cell's nucleus, now serves a new purpose: it repairs potentially fatal breaks in DNA strands. Previously, it was believed that the nuclear membrane mostly served as a protective bubble for the nuclear material, with holes serving as routes for the passage of molecules in and out. However, a new study has shown how damaged heterochromatin DNA strands are dragged to the nuclear membrane for repair. We have highly effective molecular systems that repair the regular damages occurring in our DNA, which is why we do not develop thousands of malignancies every day. <br> <br> The main idea of the passage is
- to present the findings from new research. (Correct answer)
- to refute old notions of the structure of DNA.
- to describe how heterochromatin functions.
- to explain how our bodies destroy pre-cancerous cells.
Correct answer: to present the findings from new research.
In the first sentence, the author mentions that “scientists have found” something new. Later, the author mentions a “recent study.” The author’s intention here is to describe new information that has been uncovered by researchers in the field of DNA and cancer research. The other choices are either too specific to fit the overall scope of this paragraph, or do not describe an informational tone.
Question 12: After selling over 1.4 million iPhones, Time magazine named the svelte, 4.8-ounce gadget its innovation of the year in November 2007. It was first offered in 4GB and 8GB models for $499 and $599, respectively. Both late 2007 and 2008 saw the launch of the iPhone in some regions of Europe and Asia. Apple introduced its online App Store in July 2008, allowing users to download programs that let them utilize their iPhones for a never-ending range of activities, including playing games, social networking, and organizing trips. Apple then released updated versions of the iPhone, such as the 4S, which made its debut in October 2011 and included a new voice-activated digital assistant called Siri. <br> <br> We can conclude from the information in the passage that
- each generation of the iPhone has been better than the last.
- Siri was released after the App Store was launched. (Correct answer)
- the App Store is older than the iPhone.
- the iPhone is more popular in Europe than in Asia.
Correct answer: Siri was released after the App Store was launched.
Since the App Store began in July 2008 and Siri debuted in October 2011, we can infer from the passage's dates that the App Store launched before Siri. While option (A) may seem appealing, the term "better" is subjective. There's a chance that some individuals think an older model is "better" than a newer model. Search for a more factual response to this question.
Question 13: Henrik Ibsen scholarship will be forever changed by Marvin Freeman's innovative new analysis of his plays. Since each stage of Ibsen's career seemed to require a new scholarly technique, scholars previously restricted the subject matter of their research to that time period. Instead, Freeman has adapted all of Ibsen's works. Fortunately, the depth with which Freeman examines each work is unaffected by the scope of knowledge. Ibsen's career is now free of arbitrary distinctions and is presented to us as a whole. Years must pass before we can truly appreciate the service Freeman has provided. <br> <br> Marvin Freeman's
- Freeman has triumphed over obstacles.
- Henrik Ibsen has triumphed over obstacles.
- Freeman’s book is overly complicated, despite its scholastic value.
- Freeman’s book will have lasting importance. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Freeman’s book will have lasting importance.
The right response must be affirmative because the author consistently extols Freeman's creativity.
Question 14: Scurvy, which results from a genetic defect that inhibits humans from manufacturing vitamin C, was unavoidable during lengthy exploration expeditions when fresh food was scarce and the body began to fall apart. Extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs was one of the noteworthy symptoms. It was known that sudden noises, like a gun or musket boom, may kill scorbutic seamen. Even pleasurable triggers like a sip of cold water or the eagerly anticipated taste of fruit could cause a seizure and end their life. <br> <br> The passage implies which of the following about scorbutic sailors?
- Fresh food could cure them of the disease
- They would be prone to genetic mutation
- They could be easily overwhelmed (Correct answer)
- They were more likely to commit suicide
Correct answer: They could be easily overwhelmed
According to the book, seafarers could perish after getting a "long-awaited taste of fruit." The possibility that "fresh food could cure them of the sickness" is therefore remote.
Question 15: A star with three planets that are only a little bit bigger than Earth has been found by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. The 'Goldilocks' zone, where the outermost planet orbits, is where surface temperatures would be just right for liquid water and, possibly, life. The star is one of the ten closest stars with transiting planets. <br> <br> The purpose of the passage is to
- explore the possibility of life in outer space.
- fundraise for further research
- announce the discovery of a new planet (Correct answer)
- describe the conditions required for the 'Goldilocks' zone
Correct answer: announce the discovery of a new planet
The passage's objective is to alert the reader to the discovery of a new planet, one that may have the elements necessary to support life. The word "has discovered" in the first line leads us to this conclusion.
Question 16: Unrelated to regular exercise, a new study found that the amount of time spent sitting during the day is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and death. An typical individual spends more than half of their day sitting down, watching television, or using a computer. Both avoiding inactive time and regularly exercising are crucial for enhancing your health and ensuring your survival. <br> <br> Which of the following is implied by the passage?
- Regular exercise will help counteract the negative effects of being sedentary
- Physical activity alone may not be enough to reduce the risk for disease (Correct answer)
- Sitting still causes some types of heart disease and cancer
- Watching television while on a treadmill is considered sedentary time
Correct answer: Physical activity alone may not be enough to reduce the risk for disease
The statement states that sedentary habits can be harmful to one's health "independent of frequent exercise." That point is clearly restated in Option (B).
TSI Reading Test #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.
In the passage, the phrase 'go to the brink' signifies