The TSI English Language Arts and Reading test consists of 30 multiple choice questions. Our practice tests are split into two sections. This 15 question practice test covers Language Arts, which is focused on writing. These questions will ask you to revise sentences and to revise essays.
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Question 1 |
For questions 1–11, select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.
Every child should learn how to ride a bike, even if one is scared.
one is | |
he is | |
they are | |
she is |
Question 1 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). “Every child” is the subject in the sentence, which has no gender. “She is” or “he is” imposes information that the sentence does not have. “They are” is general, and less awkward and stilted than “one is.” Further, the plural form “they” agrees with the plurality of “every.”
Question 2 |
Sinclair went to the store to pick up a loaf of bread, when he got there he realized the store was out of bread.
bread, when | |
bread, but when | |
bread, so | |
bread, for |
Question 2 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). Sinclair’s goal of picking up a loaf of bread is being contrasted with the fact that the store didn’t have any bread. The only conjunction that properly links the clauses while contrasting their content is the word “but.”
Question 3 |
Many people look at the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island in New York City and marvel at its uniquity; however, France built two of the statues when they gifted it to the United States. The other statue, albeit a much smaller model, is on display in Paris.
uniquity; however, | |
uniquity; for instance, | |
uniquity; furthermore, | |
uniquity; in contrast, |
Question 3 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The transitional word “however” works well in this sentence. It introduces the contrary statement that follows.
Question 4 |
Traumatic events that affect a person’s psyche for life and which require intervention from a qualified professional.
that affect a person’s psyche for life and which require | |
that affect a person’s psyche for life, but require | |
that affect a person’s psyche for life, and require | |
that affect a person’s psyche for life require |
Question 4 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). “Require” is a verb describing “traumatic events.” Don’t let the clause between these two muddle what the sentence is trying to say; if you remove the clause, the sentence still makes sense as “traumatic events require intervention from a qualified professional.” Adding any conjunction or punctuation in the sentence would not make grammatical sense.
Question 5 |
According to nearly all scientists, vaccines has not been directly linked to autism.
has not been | |
have not been | |
are not | |
is not |
Question 5 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The word “has” is the improper form of the verb “have” in the sentence, as it does not agree with the plural noun “vaccines.” Changing the verb to “are” or “is” will change the tense of the sentence, which also changes the meaning. The sentence is stating that scientists have not been able to link vaccines to autism in the past or present; it is not definitively saying that the two are not linked. “Is” would also not agree with the plural noun “vaccines.”
Question 6 |
Siegfried and Roy’s Vegas showcase proved that wild tigers could be tamed; their accident proved that it might not be a good idea.
tamed; their | |
tamed, their | |
tamed. Their | |
tamed — their |
Question 6 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The semicolon in the original sentence is appropriate. It separates two independent, but directly related clauses. A comma could potentially be appropriate, but only if a conjunction like “but” were added to the sentence.
Question 7 |
But by the time their commander returns, the platoon would have been finished cleaning the barracks.
would have been | |
will be | |
had been | |
is |
Question 7 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The verb phrase “would have been” doesn’t match the tense established in the first clause with the word “returns.” The only verb phrase in the answer choices that does fit is “will be.”
Question 8 |
Whenever gift exchanges occur, people say that it’s better to be giving than to receive, but I definitely love getting gifts more than I enjoy giving them.
people say that it’s better to be giving than to receive | |
people say that its better to be giving than to receive | |
people say that it’s better to be giving then to receive | |
people say that it’s better to give than to receive |
Question 8 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D) because it uses parallel structure. For the sentence to work grammatically, “giving” and “receive” need to agree by being in the same tense, as “give” and “receive” are. This is called parallelism.
Question 9 |
Because it’s soil was overwatered, the plant began to wither and die.
Because it’s soil has been | |
Because its soil was | |
However the soil was | |
For if its soil had been |
Question 9 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). “It’s” is a contraction of “it is.” To write “because it is soil was” would be incorrect. We want the possessive form of “it,” which is “its.” Further, the word “because” shows causation and does not need changed.
Question 10 |
Janice was the one that broke the window.
one that broke | |
one that has broke | |
one who broken | |
one who broke |
Question 10 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). “That” is used for inanimate objects while “who” is used for people. Since we are referring to Janice, we should use “who.” The verb “broke” is in the correct form and does not need changed or added to.
Question 11 |
The envelope, which contained a check for one thousand dollars, sat tauntingly on the desk.
which contained a check for one thousand dollars | |
with a check for one thousand dollars being contained within | |
containing a check for $1,000 dollars | |
even though it contained a check for one thousand dollars |
Question 11 Explanation:
The correct answer is (A). The underlined portion of the sentence is an appositive, meaning it is a phrase between two commas that provides clarification. The appositive clarifies what is in the envelope and provides context for why it seems so “taunting.” The other answer options make the sentence more complex or introduce errors.
Question 12 |
For questions 12–15, read this early draft of an essay and then answer the questions that follow.
(1) In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations. (2) Change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. (3) There seems to be no end in sight, either, as digital innovation seems to be growing exponentially. (4) This revolution has them wondering about where technology is headed, with many positing that we are headed towards what they call “the singularity,” or a technological singularity.
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 1 and 2 (reproduced below)?
In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations. Change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society.
In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations, and change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. | |
In the last 25 years (and beyond), digital innovations have changed our world so quickly that we often don’t have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. | |
In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations, but change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. | |
Digital innovations have changed society, and who knows what innovations will come in the future? |
Question 12 Explanation:
The correct answer is (B). The correct answer is the most concise, eliminating redundancies found in the other answers. Multiple references to “changing” or “transforming” are not needed to understand the sentence, and only muddles its meaning. Changing the sentences into a question also changes the meaning of the sentence, and adds in thoughts that weren’t in the original text.
Question 13 |
(1) In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations. (2) Change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. (3) There seems to be no end in sight, either, as digital innovation seems to be growing exponentially. (4) This revolution has them wondering about where technology is headed, with many positing that we are headed towards what they call “the singularity,” or a technological singularity.
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
In context, which is the best revision to sentence 4 (reproduced below)?
This revolution has them wondering about where technology is headed, with many positing that we are headed towards what they call “the singularity,” or a technological singularity.
Delete “or a technological singularity” | |
Replace “we” with “mankind” | |
Insert “currently” before “headed” | |
Replace “them” with “some experts” |
Question 13 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). The pronoun “them” doesn’t have an antecedent anywhere in the passage. Without an antecedent, “them” does not make sense and needs more clarification. Replacing it with “some experts” fixes this issue.
Question 14 |
(1) In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations. (2) Change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. (3) There seems to be no end in sight, either, as digital innovation seems to be growing exponentially. (4) This revolution has them wondering about where technology is headed, with many positing that we are headed towards what they call “the singularity,” or a technological singularity.
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
In context, where would the following sentence best be placed?
The concept of “the singularity” plays on peoples’ fear of causing their own destruction.
After sentence 3 | |
After sentence 4 | |
After sentence 5 | |
After sentence 6 |
Question 14 Explanation:
The correct answer is (D). This additional sentence would build a nice bridge between sentence 6, which introduces how common the concept is, and sentence 7, which discusses its appearance in popular films.
Question 15 |
(1) In the last 25 years (and beyond), our world has been quickly transforming due to digital innovations. (2) Change is occurring so quickly that we often don’t even have enough time to analyze how these changes are designing our society. (3) There seems to be no end in sight, either, as digital innovation seems to be growing exponentially. (4) This revolution has them wondering about where technology is headed, with many positing that we are headed towards what they call “the singularity,” or a technological singularity.
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
(5) The basic idea of “the singularity” is that technology will eventually grow to the point that we no longer have control over it and no way of reversing it. (6) The label “singularity” has only become widely used in the last 30 years, but the idea of man building technology that he can no longer control is incredibly common. (7) The film industry has taken a particular interest in this concept, whether in the form of a computer turning on its users, like in 1968’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or artificial intelligence waging genocide on the entirety of humanity, like in 1984’s The Terminator or 1999’s The Matrix. (8) While the conceits of these films seem outlandish and fantastical, it’s hard to predict where modern technology is taking us. (9) After all, who would have predicted 25 years ago where technology has brought us today?
In context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted between sentences 7 and 8?
Not all of these films are amazing, but the philosophy driving them is fascinating. | |
The Matrix sequels explore this idea with even more depth, although they were not well-received by critics. | |
These films don’t even always portray the singularity as violent, like 2013’s Her, in which the artificially intelligent being that the protagonist has been speaking with throughout the film just decides to leave the protagonist in favor of an independent existence. | |
These ideas are being explored in all types of creative expression because they are so universal. |
Question 15 Explanation:
The correct answer is (C). It expands on sentence 7 without interrupting the flow of the passage into sentence 7. The other answer choices distract from the writer’s purpose and/or editorialize unnecessarily.
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