Your FREE TSI Assessment (TSIA2) Practice Test 2026 – 140+ Q&A

TSI Practice Questions

1. Read the following lines from a short story: "When her sister announced the engagement, Priya smiled and raised her glass with everyone else, but later that night she scrubbed the same clean pot at the sink for nearly an hour." What can the reader most reasonably infer about Priya?
   • She is exhausted from preparing the celebration dinner
   • She is delighted and cannot stop thinking about the wedding plans
   • She is troubled by feelings she did not show at the celebration
   • She did not hear her sister's announcement clearly

   Correct answer: She is troubled by feelings she did not show at the celebration

   The reader can infer Priya is troubled by feelings she did not show. Her public smile and toast contrast sharply with the private, repetitive scrubbing of an already-clean pot, a sign of inner agitation she is masking rather than fatigue, delight, or having missed the news.

2. Read this line from a poem: "The harbor lay flat and patient, a held promise the tide had not yet kept." The poet's description of the harbor most clearly establishes which tone?
   • Frantic and chaotic
   • Quietly expectant
   • Bitter and resentful
   • Coldly scientific

   Correct answer: Quietly expectant

   The tone is quietly expectant. Words like "patient" and "a held promise" suggest calm anticipation of something still to come, not frenzy, bitterness, or detached observation.

3. Read the sentence: "The veteran diplomat was famous for his sangfroid, remaining utterly calm even as shouting erupted across the negotiating table." As used here, "sangfroid" most nearly means
   • Quickness to anger
   • Skill at telling jokes
   • Fear of confrontation
   • Composure under pressure

   Correct answer: Composure under pressure

   "Sangfroid" most nearly means composure under pressure. The clue that he remained "utterly calm" amid shouting points to coolness and self-control, ruling out anger, humor, or fear.

4. A literary passage states directly that Marcus left his umbrella by the door, walked three blocks in the rain, and arrived at the office soaked to the skin. Which detail is explicitly stated rather than inferred?
   • Marcus was distracted that morning
   • Marcus left his umbrella by the door
   • Marcus disliked rainy weather
   • Marcus was running late for work

   Correct answer: Marcus left his umbrella by the door

   The explicitly stated detail is that Marcus left his umbrella by the door. That fact appears word-for-word in the passage, while distraction, dislike of rain, and lateness are inferences a reader might draw from his behavior rather than stated facts.

5. Read the excerpt: "Each evening Ravi set two cups of tea on the small table, drank from one, and left the other to grow cold across from the photograph on the wall." Which inference is best supported by this detail?
   • Ravi is preparing tea for a guest who will arrive shortly
   • Ravi cannot decide which cup of tea he prefers
   • Ravi dislikes drinking tea while alone
   • Ravi keeps a ritual to honor someone he has lost

   Correct answer: Ravi keeps a ritual to honor someone he has lost

   The best-supported inference is that Ravi keeps a ritual to honor someone he has lost. Pouring a second cup that goes cold beside a photograph suggests remembrance of an absent person, not an arriving guest, indecision, or a dislike of solitude.

6. In a novel, the author writes: "The mansion's chandeliers blazed, but the laughter that rose to meet them was thin and brittle, like ice that knows it is about to crack." The simile in this sentence primarily serves to
   • Describe the building's expensive decorations
   • Hint that the guests' cheer is fragile and forced
   • Explain why the room felt physically cold
   • Show that a real accident is about to occur

   Correct answer: Hint that the guests' cheer is fragile and forced

   The simile hints that the guests' cheer is fragile and forced. Comparing the "thin and brittle" laughter to ice about to crack signals that the gaiety is precarious and strained, not a comment on decorations, temperature, or a literal accident.

7. Read the sentence: "Her praise for the new recruit was tepid, offered with a shrug and a quick change of subject." As used here, "tepid" most nearly means
   • Loud and exaggerated
   • Harsh and insulting
   • Lacking warmth or enthusiasm
   • Detailed and thoughtful

   Correct answer: Lacking warmth or enthusiasm

   "Tepid" most nearly means lacking warmth or enthusiasm. The accompanying shrug and quick subject change signal half-hearted approval, which excludes exaggeration, insult, or careful thoroughness.

8. Read the excerpt: "Asked whether he had finished the manuscript, Owen tapped the thick stack of pages, said only 'almost,' and slid the whole pile back into a drawer he then locked." What does Owen's behavior most strongly suggest?
   • He has lost interest in the manuscript entirely
   • He is reluctant to let anyone see the unfinished work
   • He has already published the manuscript
   • He has forgotten what the manuscript is about

   Correct answer: He is reluctant to let anyone see the unfinished work

   Owen's behavior most strongly suggests reluctance to let anyone see the unfinished work. Giving a clipped "almost" and locking the pages away points to guardedness about the incomplete draft rather than lost interest, publication, or forgetfulness.

9. Read these lines from a poem: "Spring arrives like an apology, soft-footed, unsure whether it is welcome after so long a winter." The poet's choice to describe spring this way chiefly conveys
   • Scientific facts about seasonal change
   • Anger at the harshness of winter
   • Excitement about summer's quick arrival
   • A sense of hesitant, tentative renewal

   Correct answer: A sense of hesitant, tentative renewal

   The description chiefly conveys a sense of hesitant, tentative renewal. Personifying spring as a "soft-footed" apology "unsure whether it is welcome" suggests cautious return rather than scientific reporting, anger, or eager anticipation of another season.

10. A story states directly: "The captain logged the storm, secured the cargo, and ordered the crew below deck before the first wave broke over the bow." Which of these must the reader infer rather than read explicitly?
    • The captain logged the storm
    • The captain expected the conditions to grow dangerous
    • The captain secured the cargo
    • The captain ordered the crew below deck

    Correct answer: The captain expected the conditions to grow dangerous

    The reader must infer that the captain expected conditions to grow dangerous. His preparations before the first wave broke imply foresight, while logging the storm, securing the cargo, and sending the crew below are all directly stated actions.

11. Read the sentence: "The river's course was meandering, looping lazily through the valley as if in no hurry to reach the sea." As used here, "meandering" most nearly means
    • Flowing with violent speed
    • Drying up in the heat
    • Running perfectly straight
    • Following a winding, indirect path

    Correct answer: Following a winding, indirect path

    "Meandering" most nearly means following a winding, indirect path. The image of looping "lazily" through the valley "in no hurry" signals a curving, unhurried route, which excludes violent speed, drying up, or a straight line.

12. Read the excerpt: "The boy clutched the ticket stub long after the carnival lights had gone dark, turning it over and over in the dim glow of the bus window." Which inference about the boy is best supported?
    • He plans to return the ticket for a refund
    • He is holding onto a memory he does not want to end
    • He has never attended a carnival before
    • He is checking the ticket for printing errors

    Correct answer: He is holding onto a memory he does not want to end

    The best-supported inference is that he is holding onto a memory he does not want to end. Clutching and repeatedly turning the stub long after the lights go dark suggests sentimental attachment to the experience, not a refund, first-time attendance, or a search for errors.

13. In a short story, the author writes: "The committee's decision fell on the small town like a verdict, final and without appeal." The author's comparison of the decision to a "verdict" primarily emphasizes
    • The town's pride in its legal system
    • That the decision was felt as harsh and unchangeable
    • That the committee acted illegally
    • That the townspeople agreed with the outcome

    Correct answer: That the decision was felt as harsh and unchangeable

    The comparison primarily emphasizes that the decision was felt as harsh and unchangeable. Calling it a "verdict" that was "final and without appeal" stresses its severity and irreversibility, not civic pride, illegality, or agreement.

14. Read the sentence: "After weeks of silence, his sudden, voluble explanation of every detail surprised everyone in the room." As used here, "voluble" most nearly means
    • Talking freely and at great length
    • Whispered and secretive
    • Brief and reluctant
    • Angry and threatening

    Correct answer: Talking freely and at great length

    "Voluble" most nearly means talking freely and at great length. The contrast with "weeks of silence" and the detail that he explained "every detail" signal a sudden flood of speech, ruling out whispering, brevity, or anger.

15. Read the excerpt: "Every report card she ever brought home is taped inside the cabinet door, the oldest now yellowed and curling at the corners, where only her father ever sees them." What can the reader most reasonably infer about the father?
    • He is disappointed by his daughter's grades
    • He is required to keep the records for school
    • He cannot afford to frame the report cards properly
    • He quietly treasures his daughter's achievements

    Correct answer: He quietly treasures his daughter's achievements

    The reader can infer the father quietly treasures his daughter's achievements. Keeping years of report cards taped in a private spot only he sees signals personal pride and sentiment, not disappointment, an external requirement, or a money problem.

16. A literary passage states that the actress took a deep breath, stepped into the spotlight, and delivered her opening line in a steady, ringing voice. Which statement is explicitly supported by the passage rather than merely inferred?
    • The actress had rehearsed for many months
    • The actress delivered her line in a steady voice
    • The actress was nervous before the performance
    • The actress hoped to win an award

    Correct answer: The actress delivered her line in a steady voice

    The explicitly supported statement is that the actress delivered her line in a steady voice. The passage states this directly, while months of rehearsal, nervousness, and hopes of an award are inferences not stated in the text.

17. Read these lines from a poem: "The factory stood mute now, its great windows blank as the eyes of something that had once known how to work." The poet's description most strongly conveys a tone of
    • Hopeful renewal
    • Desolate abandonment
    • Cheerful nostalgia
    • Clinical neutrality

    Correct answer: Desolate abandonment

    The tone is desolate abandonment. Describing the factory as "mute" with windows "blank as the eyes" of something that "once knew how to work" evokes lifelessness and loss, not hope, cheer, or detached neutrality.

18. Read the sentence: "The trail grew increasingly arduous, each switchback steeper than the last until even the strongest hikers stopped to gasp for breath." As used here, "arduous" most nearly means
    • Gentle and easy
    • Demanding great effort
    • Short and pleasant
    • Scenic and colorful

    Correct answer: Demanding great effort

    "Arduous" most nearly means demanding great effort. The clue that even strong hikers "stopped to gasp for breath" on ever-steeper switchbacks signals strenuous difficulty, which excludes ease, brevity, or scenery.

19. Read the excerpt: "In the final scene the playwright gives the grieving widow no dialogue at all; she simply folds her husband's coat, sets it on the empty chair, and turns off the lamp." The playwright's choice to leave the widow silent most likely serves to
    • Suggest the widow has nothing important to express
    • Let her wordless actions convey grief more powerfully than speech
    • Indicate that the actor forgot her lines
    • Show that the play is unfinished

    Correct answer: Let her wordless actions convey grief more powerfully than speech

    The choice most likely serves to let her wordless actions convey grief more powerfully than speech. Folding the coat, placing it on an empty chair, and dimming the lamp express loss through gesture, a deliberate craft decision rather than a sign of emptiness, a mistake, or an incomplete play.

20. Read the following paragraph from an informational article: "Community gardens do more than supply fresh produce. Studies link them to lower neighborhood crime, stronger social ties among residents, and measurable drops in household grocery spending. In short, a plot of soil can quietly reshape a whole block." What is the central idea of this paragraph?
    • Community gardens benefit neighborhoods in ways that go well beyond producing food
    • Community gardens are the most effective way to reduce crime in cities
    • Growing vegetables is cheaper than buying them at a grocery store
    • Most neighborhoods would be improved by adding more green space

    Correct answer: Community gardens benefit neighborhoods in ways that go well beyond producing food

    The central idea is that community gardens benefit neighborhoods far beyond producing food. The paragraph opens by stating gardens "do more than supply fresh produce" and then lists social, safety, and financial effects as support; the crime, cost, and green-space statements are individual details or overreaches, not the unifying point.

21. An informational passage argues that remote work increases productivity. Which of the following sentences from the passage functions as a supporting detail rather than the main idea?
    • Remote work has reshaped how companies measure employee output
    • Working from home tends to make employees more productive
    • One survey found remote employees completed 13 percent more calls per hour than office staff
    • The future of the workplace is likely to be far more flexible

    Correct answer: One survey found remote employees completed 13 percent more calls per hour than office staff

    The supporting detail is the survey finding that remote employees completed 13 percent more calls per hour. A specific statistic provides evidence for the broader claim that working from home boosts productivity; the other choices state general claims or predictions rather than backing up the argument with concrete proof.

22. Passage 1 argues that cities should ban gas-powered leaf blowers because of their noise and emissions. Passage 2 argues that such bans unfairly burden small landscaping businesses that cannot afford electric replacements. A reader synthesizing both passages would most accurately conclude that the two authors
    • Completely agree that leaf blowers should be banned immediately
    • Disagree about whether a ban's benefits outweigh its costs to small businesses
    • Both believe gas leaf blowers cause no real harm
    • Are writing about entirely unrelated topics

    Correct answer: Disagree about whether a ban's benefits outweigh its costs to small businesses

    Synthesizing the two passages shows the authors disagree about whether the ban's benefits outweigh its costs to small businesses. Passage 1 stresses environmental and noise benefits while Passage 2 stresses the economic burden on small landscapers, so they share the topic but weigh the tradeoffs differently rather than fully agreeing, denying all harm, or addressing unrelated subjects.

23. Read this sentence from an informational report: "The new policy was intended to streamline the permit process, but the additional review boards it created only compounded the delays applicants already faced." As used in this sentence, the word "compounded" most nearly means
    • Reduced gradually over time
    • Made worse by adding to
    • Explained in detail
    • Reversed completely

    Correct answer: Made worse by adding to

    In this informational context, "compounded" most nearly means made worse by adding to. The contrast word "but" and the phrase "delays applicants already faced" show the new boards increased existing problems, which rules out reducing, explaining, or reversing them.

24. An informational article about sleep states, "Adults who consistently get fewer than six hours of sleep show impaired memory, slower reaction times, and a higher risk of chronic illness." Which statement best expresses the main idea this sentence supports?
    • Six hours of sleep is the exact amount every adult needs
    • Chronic illness is caused entirely by lack of sleep
    • Insufficient sleep harms adults across several areas of health and function
    • Reaction time is the most important measure of good sleep

    Correct answer: Insufficient sleep harms adults across several areas of health and function

    The main idea this sentence supports is that insufficient sleep harms adults across several areas of health and function. The sentence lists memory, reaction time, and illness risk as parallel consequences of too little sleep, rather than declaring an exact requirement, claiming sleep is the sole cause of illness, or elevating one measure above the rest.

25. Read the paragraph: "Critics of the highway expansion point to induced demand: when roads are widened, the added capacity attracts more drivers, so congestion soon returns to its previous level. Far from solving traffic, they argue, bigger highways may simply invite more of it." Which sentence best states the paragraph's main point?
    • Widening highways often fails to relieve congestion because it draws additional drivers
    • Highway expansion is too expensive for most cities to undertake
    • Drivers prefer wider roads to narrow ones
    • Induced demand is a term invented by traffic engineers

    Correct answer: Widening highways often fails to relieve congestion because it draws additional drivers

    The main point is that widening highways often fails to relieve congestion because it draws additional drivers. The paragraph explains induced demand and concludes bigger highways "may simply invite more" traffic, while cost, driver preference, and the term's origin are not the paragraph's claim.

26. Passage 1 presents evidence that early exposure to a second language improves children's problem-solving skills. Passage 2 reports that bilingual children sometimes reach certain vocabulary milestones slightly later than monolingual peers. Reading both passages together, a reader can best synthesize them by concluding that
    • Bilingualism is harmful to children's overall development
    • The two passages directly contradict each other and cannot both be true
    • Early bilingualism carries cognitive advantages alongside some minor, temporary tradeoffs
    • Vocabulary size is the only meaningful measure of language ability

    Correct answer: Early bilingualism carries cognitive advantages alongside some minor, temporary tradeoffs

    Synthesizing both passages, a reader can conclude that early bilingualism carries cognitive advantages alongside minor, temporary tradeoffs. Passage 1 shows a problem-solving benefit while Passage 2 notes a small vocabulary lag, so the two combine into a balanced view rather than proving harm, an outright contradiction, or that vocabulary alone defines language ability.

27. Read the sentence from a science article: "Although the experiment's results were promising, the researchers were careful to frame them as preliminary, cautioning that a single trial cannot establish a definitive conclusion." As used here, the word "preliminary" most nearly means
    • Final and conclusive
    • Coming before more complete work is done
    • Unrelated to the study
    • Widely accepted by experts

    Correct answer: Coming before more complete work is done

    In this informational context, "preliminary" most nearly means coming before more complete work is done. The researchers' caution that "a single trial cannot establish a definitive conclusion" signals an early, not-yet-final stage, which excludes conclusive, unrelated, or widely accepted meanings.

28. An informational essay opens by describing a coastal town's shrinking fishing industry, then presents data on warming ocean temperatures, and closes by urging policymakers to act on climate change. Which choice best identifies the overall main idea of the essay?
    • Fishing has always been an unstable way to earn a living
    • Ocean temperatures naturally rise and fall over the centuries
    • Climate change is harming coastal economies and requires policy action
    • Coastal towns should diversify away from fishing entirely

    Correct answer: Climate change is harming coastal economies and requires policy action

    The overall main idea is that climate change is harming coastal economies and requires policy action. The essay moves from a concrete example of harm, to supporting data, to a call for policy response, so the closing argument unifies the parts; the other options seize on isolated details or unsupported claims.

29. Passage 1 claims that standardized tests give colleges an objective benchmark for comparing applicants from different schools. Passage 2 claims that standardized tests mainly reflect a family's wealth and access to test preparation. A student asked to synthesize the two passages would most accurately say that
    • Both authors agree standardized tests should be eliminated
    • The authors disagree about whether standardized tests measure ability fairly
    • Neither author has any evidence for their position
    • The passages are about two completely different kinds of tests

    Correct answer: The authors disagree about whether standardized tests measure ability fairly

    A synthesis of the two passages shows the authors disagree about whether standardized tests measure ability fairly. One author treats the tests as an objective benchmark while the other sees them as a proxy for wealth, so they share the topic but reach opposing judgments rather than agreeing on elimination, lacking evidence, or discussing different tests.

30. Read the paragraph: "The museum's renovation was praised for its glass atrium and expanded galleries. Yet some longtime visitors mourned the loss of the cramped, dimly lit rooms where they had first fallen in love with the collection." Which statement best captures the main idea of this paragraph?
    • The renovation improved every aspect of the museum
    • The museum's collection was sold during the renovation
    • Glass atriums are the best feature any museum can have
    • The renovation brought both celebrated improvements and a sense of loss

    Correct answer: The renovation brought both celebrated improvements and a sense of loss

    The main idea is that the renovation brought both celebrated improvements and a sense of loss. The paragraph balances praise for the new atrium and galleries against the regret of visitors who missed the old rooms, so a one-sided claim of total improvement, a sold collection, or a generalization about atriums all miss the dual point.

31. Read the sentence from an informational article: "The mayor's plan was ambitious, but its vague funding details left council members skeptical that it could ever move beyond the drawing board." As used in this sentence, the phrase "move beyond the drawing board" most nearly means
    • Be designed by an architect
    • Actually be put into practice
    • Be drawn on a large board
    • Be canceled by the council

    Correct answer: Actually be put into practice

    In context, the phrase "move beyond the drawing board" most nearly means to actually be put into practice. The council members' skepticism about vague funding suggests doubt that the plan would advance from idea to reality, not that it concerns architectural drawing, a literal board, or cancellation.

32. Two paired passages discuss urban beekeeping. Passage 1 emphasizes that rooftop hives boost pollination and local honey production. Passage 2 warns that an overcrowding of managed honeybees can outcompete native wild pollinators for limited flowers. Which conclusion best synthesizes the information from both passages?
    • Urban beekeeping should be banned in all cities
    • Native pollinators are more valuable than honeybees in every situation
    • Honeybees and native pollinators never compete for the same resources
    • Urban beekeeping offers real benefits but must be managed to protect native pollinators

    Correct answer: Urban beekeeping offers real benefits but must be managed to protect native pollinators

    The best synthesis is that urban beekeeping offers real benefits but must be managed to protect native pollinators. Passage 1 highlights pollination and honey gains while Passage 2 raises the risk of crowding out wild bees, so combining them points to balance rather than an outright ban, a blanket ranking of pollinators, or a denial that competition occurs.

33. An informational passage states: "The bridge has stood for over a century, surviving floods, heavy traffic, and decades of deferred maintenance. Its endurance is less a tribute to luck than to the engineers who overbuilt it for an age of horse-drawn carts." What is the main idea of this passage?
    • The bridge should be replaced because it is over a hundred years old
    • Horse-drawn carts were heavier than modern vehicles
    • Deferred maintenance has had no effect on the bridge
    • The bridge survives mainly because its original engineers built it far stronger than required

    Correct answer: The bridge survives mainly because its original engineers built it far stronger than required

    The main idea is that the bridge survives mainly because its engineers built it far stronger than required. The passage credits its endurance to engineers who "overbuilt it," not to luck, so the claims about replacement, cart weight, and maintenance are either unsupported or merely background details.

34. Solve the quadratic equation $x^{2} - 5x + 6 = 0$. What are the solutions?
    • X = -2 and x = -3
    • X = 2 and x = 3
    • X = 1 and x = 6
    • X = -1 and x = 6

    Correct answer: X = 2 and x = 3

    The solutions are x = 2 and x = 3. The trinomial factors as $(x - 2)(x - 3) = 0$ because -2 and -3 multiply to 6 and add to -5; setting each factor equal to zero gives the two positive roots, while the negative-root options fail the original equation.

35. What is the value of the expression $x^{2} + 3x - 4$ when $x = 2$?
    • 2
    • 8
    • 6
    • 10

    Correct answer: 6

    The value is 6. Substituting x = 2 gives $(2)^{2} + 3(2) - 4 = 4 + 6 - 4$, which simplifies to 6; the other choices result from arithmetic slips such as dropping the -4 or mishandling the squaring.

36. A function is defined by $f(x) = 2x^{2} - 3x + 1$. What is $f(3)$?
    • 16
    • 13
    • 19
    • 10

    Correct answer: 10

    The value $f(3)$ equals 10. Replacing $x$ with 3 gives $2(9) - 3(3) + 1 = 18 - 9 + 1 = 10$; the larger answers come from forgetting to subtract 3x or from squaring incorrectly.

37. Solve the system of equations: $y = 2x + 1$ and $y = -x + 7$. What is the solution (x, y)?
    • (2, 5)
    • (3, 7)
    • (1, 3)
    • (5, 2)

    Correct answer: (2, 5)

    The solution is (2, 5). Setting the two expressions for y equal gives $2x + 1 = -x + 7$, so $3x = 6$ and $x = 2$; substituting back yields $y = 2(2) + 1 = 5$, and only this pair satisfies both equations.

38. Which of the following represents the solutions to the quadratic equation $x^{2} - 9 = 0$?
    • X = 3 and x = -3
    • X = 9 and x = -9
    • X = 3 only
    • X = 81 and x = -81

    Correct answer: X = 3 and x = -3

    The solutions are x = 3 and x = -3. This is a difference of squares, factoring as $(x - 3)(x + 3) = 0$, so x equals positive or negative 3; taking only the positive value or using 9 directly ignores that squaring either 3 or -3 returns 9.

39. A population of bacteria doubles every hour and starts at 50 cells. Which expression gives the number of cells after t hours?
    • $50 + 2t$
    • $2 \times 50^{t}$
    • $50 \times 2^{t}$
    • $50 \times t^{2}$

    Correct answer: $50 \times 2^{t}$

    The correct expression is $50 \times 2^{t}$. Exponential growth that doubles each period uses the form (initial amount) times (growth factor) raised to the number of periods, so the base 2 carries the exponent t; the other choices model linear, mislabeled, or polynomial growth instead of doubling.

40. Solve the radical equation: $\sqrt{x + 4} = 5$. What is the value of $x$?
    • 1
    • 21
    • 9
    • 29

    Correct answer: 21

    The value of x is 21. Squaring both sides of $\sqrt{x + 4} = 5$ gives $x + 4 = 25$, so $x = 21$; checking confirms $\sqrt{21 + 4} = \sqrt{25} = 5$, while the smaller answers come from forgetting to square the 5.

41. At a fundraiser, adult tickets cost $8 and child tickets cost $5. If 30 tickets were sold for a total of $204, how many adult tickets were sold?
    • 12
    • 20
    • 10
    • 18

    Correct answer: 18

    The number of adult tickets sold is 18. Letting a be adults and c be children, $a + c = 30$ and $8a + 5c = 204$; substituting c = 30 - a gives $8a + 5(30 - a) = 204$, so $3a = 54$ and $a = 18$, which leaves 12 child tickets and checks out at $204.

42. Solve the rational equation: $\frac{12}{x} = 4$. What is the value of x?
    • 48
    • 3
    • 8
    • 16

    Correct answer: 3

    The value of x is 3. Multiplying both sides of $\frac{12}{x} = 4$ by $x$ gives $12 = 4x$, so $x = 3$; the choice 48 mistakenly multiplies instead of dividing, and the others do not satisfy the original equation.

43. The quadratic equation $x^{2} + 2x - 8 = 0$ is solved by factoring. Which factored form is correct, and what are its roots?
    • $(x - 4)(x + 2) = 0$; roots $x = 4$ and $x = -2$
    • $(x + 4)(x + 2) = 0$; roots $x = -4$ and $x = -2$
    • $(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0$; roots $x = -4$ and $x = 2$
    • $(x - 4)(x - 2) = 0$; roots $x = 4$ and $x = 2$

    Correct answer: $(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0$; roots $x = -4$ and $x = 2$

    The correct factored form is $(x + 4)(x - 2) = 0$ with roots $x = -4$ and $x = 2$. The constants must multiply to -8 and add to +2, which only 4 and -2 do; the alternative sign arrangements either add to -2 or fail to produce -8.

44. An investment of $1,000 grows according to the function $A = 1000(1.05)^{t}$, where t is the number of years. What does the 1.05 represent in this model?
    • A flat $5 added each year
    • A 105 percent loss each year
    • The total amount after one year
    • A 5 percent annual growth factor applied each year

    Correct answer: A 5 percent annual growth factor applied each year

    The 1.05 represents a 5 percent annual growth factor applied each year. In an exponential model $A = P(1 + r)^{t}$, the base equals 1 plus the rate, so 1.05 means the balance is multiplied by 1.05 (a 5 percent increase) every year, rather than adding a flat amount, representing a loss, or being the final total.

45. If $g(x) = 4x - 7$, for what value of x does $g(x) = 9$?
    • 2
    • 4
    • 16
    • -4

    Correct answer: 4

    The value of x is 4. Setting $4x - 7 = 9$ gives $4x = 16$, so $x = 4$; substituting back confirms $g(4) = 4(4) - 7 = 9$, while the other options either skip adding 7 or divide incorrectly.

46. A rectangular garden has a length that is 3 feet more than its width. If the area is 40 square feet, which equation correctly models the situation, where w is the width?
    • $w + (w + 3) = 40$
    • $w(w + 3) = 40$
    • $w(w - 3) = 40$
    • $2w + 2(w + 3) = 40$

    Correct answer: $w(w + 3) = 40$

    The correct model is $w(w + 3) = 40$. Area equals length times width, and the length is the width plus 3, so multiplying w by $(w + 3)$ and setting it equal to 40 captures the relationship; the addition and perimeter forms describe sums or perimeter, not area.

47. Solve the system of equations using elimination: $3x + 2y = 12$ and $3x - 2y = 0$. What is the value of x?
    • 4
    • 6
    • 2
    • 3

    Correct answer: 2

    The value of x is 2. Adding the two equations eliminates y because $2y$ and $-2y$ cancel, leaving $6x = 12$, so $x = 2$; the larger answers come from mis-adding the constants or not canceling the y-terms correctly.

48. Which statement best explains why the equation $x^{2} + 4 = 0$ has no real-number solutions?
    • The equation is missing a middle term
    • No real number squared can equal a negative number such as -4
    • Quadratic equations always have exactly one solution
    • The constant 4 cannot be moved to the other side

    Correct answer: No real number squared can equal a negative number such as -4

    The equation has no real solutions because no real number squared can equal a negative number such as -4. Isolating $x^{2}$ gives $x^{2} = -4$, but squaring any real number yields zero or a positive result, so no real value works; the missing middle term and the claim about a single solution are not the reason, and the constant can in fact be moved.

49. A car's value depreciates so that each year it is worth 80 percent of its value the previous year. If it is worth $20,000 now, which expression gives its value after 3 years?
    • $20000(1.8)^{3}$
    • $20000 - 0.8(3)$
    • $20000(0.8)^{3}$
    • $20000(0.2)^{3}$

    Correct answer: $20000(0.8)^{3}$

    The correct expression is $20000(0.8)^{3}$. Losing value to 80 percent of the prior year is exponential decay with a base of 0.80, applied three times, so the initial value is multiplied by 0.8 raised to the third power; a base of 1.8 would model growth, 0.2 would drop 80 percent each year, and the subtraction form is linear.

50. Two numbers have a sum of 15 and a difference of 3. Using a system of equations, what are the two numbers?
    • 12 and 3
    • 10 and 5
    • 8 and 7
    • 9 and 6

    Correct answer: 9 and 6

    The two numbers are 9 and 6. Writing $x + y = 15$ and $x - y = 3$, adding the equations gives $2x = 18$ so $x = 9$, and then $y = 6$; this pair has a sum of 15 and a difference of 3, while the other pairs fail one of the two conditions.

51. A rectangular storage room measures 14 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 8 feet high. What is the total surface area of all six walls, floor, and ceiling of the room?
    • 620 square feet
    • 504 square feet
    • 868 square feet
    • 1,008 square feet

    Correct answer: 620 square feet

    The total surface area is 620 square feet. For a rectangular box the surface area is $2(lw + lh + wh) = 2(14 \times 9 + 14 \times 8 + 9 \times 8) = 2(126 + 112 + 72) = 2(310) = 620$; the 1,008 figure is the volume, and the other values drop a pair of faces or add the areas only once.

52. A road sign indicates a distance of 4.5 kilometers to the next town. Knowing that 1 kilometer equals 1,000 meters, how many meters is the distance to the next town?
    • 450 meters
    • 45,000 meters
    • 4,500 meters
    • 4.5 meters

    Correct answer: 4,500 meters

    The distance is 4,500 meters. Converting from kilometers to meters multiplies by 1,000 because each kilometer contains 1,000 meters, so $4.5 \times 1{,}000 = 4{,}500$; dividing instead of multiplying gives 450, and shifting the decimal incorrectly produces 45,000 or 4.5.

53. A cylindrical water tank has a radius of 3 meters and a height of 10 meters. Using 3.14 for pi, approximately how many cubic meters of water can the tank hold when full?
    • About 94.2 cubic meters
    • About 282.6 cubic meters
    • About 188.4 cubic meters
    • About 942 cubic meters

    Correct answer: About 282.6 cubic meters

    The tank holds about 282.6 cubic meters. The volume of a cylinder is pi times the radius squared times the height, so $3.14 \times 3^{2} \times 10 = 3.14 \times 9 \times 10 = 282.6$; using the radius without squaring gives 94.2, and the other answers misplace a factor of the radius or height.

54. A point located at $(4, 2)$ on the coordinate plane is reflected across the y-axis. What are the coordinates of the reflected point?
    • (4, -2)
    • (-4, 2)
    • (-4, -2)
    • (2, 4)

    Correct answer: (-4, 2)

    The reflected point is (-4, 2). Reflecting across the y-axis reverses the sign of the x-coordinate while leaving the y-coordinate unchanged, so $(4, 2)$ becomes $(-4, 2)$; changing the y-sign would reflect across the x-axis, changing both signs is a rotation, and swapping the coordinates is a different transformation entirely.

55. A right triangle has an angle of 30 degrees, and the side opposite that angle measures 5 inches. If the hypotenuse is needed and $\sin(30^{\circ}) = 0.5$, what is the length of the hypotenuse?
    • 2.5 inches
    • 5 inches
    • 15 inches
    • 10 inches

    Correct answer: 10 inches

    The hypotenuse is 10 inches. The sine of an angle equals the opposite side divided by the hypotenuse, so $0.5 = \frac{5}{\text{hypotenuse}}$, which means the hypotenuse $= \frac{5}{0.5} = 10$; multiplying 5 by 0.5 instead of dividing gives 2.5, and the other choices ignore the sine relationship.

56. A recipe calls for 2 quarts of broth, but a cook only has a measuring cup marked in cups. Knowing that 1 quart equals 4 cups, how many cups of broth does the recipe require?
    • 6 cups
    • 2 cups
    • 16 cups
    • 8 cups

    Correct answer: 8 cups

    The recipe requires 8 cups. Because each quart equals 4 cups, converting 2 quarts multiplies $2 \times 4 = 8$ cups; adding instead of multiplying yields 6, using only one quart gives 4, and squaring the conversion produces 16.

57. Two rectangular gift boxes have the same height, but the second box has a length and width each twice as large as the first box's length and width. Which statement best describes how the area of the top face of the second box compares to that of the first?
    • The top area is twice as large
    • The top area is four times as large
    • The top area is the same
    • The top area is eight times as large

    Correct answer: The top area is four times as large

    The top area is four times as large. The area of a rectangular top is length times width, so doubling both dimensions multiplies the area by $2 \times 2 = 4$; the answer is not simply doubled because two dimensions changed, and it is not eight times larger because height does not affect the top face's area.

58. A standard six-sided die is rolled once. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?
    • $\frac{1}{3}$
    • $\frac{1}{6}$
    • $\frac{1}{2}$
    • $\frac{2}{3}$

    Correct answer: $\frac{1}{3}$

    The probability is 1/3. The outcomes greater than 4 are 5 and 6, giving 2 favorable results out of 6 equally likely outcomes, and $\frac{2}{6}$ reduces to $\frac{1}{3}$; choosing 1/6 counts only one outcome, while 1/2 and 2/3 overcount the favorable rolls.

59. The number of hours seven students studied for an exam were 3, 5, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. What is the median number of hours studied?
    • 5
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6

    Correct answer: 6

    The median is 6 hours. With seven values already listed from least to greatest, the median is the fourth value, which is 6; the value 5 is the mode, while 8 and 7 are not the center value of the ordered list.

60. A bag contains 4 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 5 green marbles. If one marble is drawn at random, what is the probability that it is blue?
    • $\frac{3}{12}$ reduced to $\frac{1}{4}$
    • $\frac{1}{3}$
    • $\frac{3}{9}$
    • $\frac{5}{12}$

    Correct answer: $\frac{3}{12}$ reduced to $\frac{1}{4}$

    The probability of drawing a blue marble is 3/12, which reduces to 1/4. There are 3 blue marbles out of a total of $4 + 3 + 5 = 12$ marbles, so the favorable count is 3 over 12; using 9 in the denominator ignores the green marbles, and 5/12 counts green instead of blue.

61. A teacher recorded these quiz scores: 7, 9, 9, 10, and 15. What is the mean of the scores?
    • 9
    • 11
    • 10
    • 12

    Correct answer: 10

    The mean is 10. Adding the scores gives $7 + 9 + 9 + 10 + 15 = 50$, and dividing the sum by the 5 values yields 10; the value 9 is the mode, and the other choices come from dividing by the wrong count or mis-adding the scores.

62. Two data sets have the same mean. Set A has values clustered tightly around the mean, while Set B has values spread far from the mean. Which statement correctly compares their standard deviations?
    • Set A has the larger standard deviation
    • Set B has the larger standard deviation
    • The standard deviations are equal because the means are equal
    • Standard deviation cannot be compared without the median

    Correct answer: Set B has the larger standard deviation

    Set B has the larger standard deviation. Standard deviation measures how far values typically fall from the mean, so the set whose values are spread farther out has the greater standard deviation regardless of having the same mean; equal means do not force equal spread, and the median is not needed to make this comparison.

63. A weather station records the daily high temperatures for a week as 70, 72, 68, 75, 80, 66, and 71 degrees. What is the range of these temperatures?
    • 10 degrees
    • 14 degrees
    • 12 degrees
    • 80 degrees

    Correct answer: 14 degrees

    The range is 14 degrees. Range is found by subtracting the smallest value from the largest, so $80 - 66 = 14$; the value 80 alone is just the maximum, and the other answers come from using the wrong endpoints in the subtraction.

64. A scatter plot shows that as the number of hours spent exercising per week increases, resting heart rate tends to decrease. Which type of association does this scatter plot display?
    • A positive association
    • No association
    • A negative association
    • An exponential association

    Correct answer: A negative association

    The scatter plot displays a negative association. When one variable increases while the other consistently decreases, the relationship is negative, which matches more exercise pairing with a lower resting heart rate; a positive association would show both rising together, and no association would show no clear trend.

65. A bar graph shows the number of books read by four students: Ana read 12, Ben read 8, Cara read 15, and Dan read 5. According to the graph, how many more books did the student who read the most read than the student who read the fewest?
    • 7 books
    • 3 books
    • 15 books
    • 10 books

    Correct answer: 10 books

    The difference is 10 books. The graph shows Cara read the most at 15 and Dan read the fewest at 5, so subtracting gives $15 - 5 = 10$; the value 7 compares the wrong pair, 3 compares Ana and Ben, and 15 is only the highest single bar.

66. A spinner is divided into 8 equal sections numbered 1 through 8. What is the probability that a single spin lands on an even number?
    • $\frac{1}{4}$
    • $\frac{1}{8}$
    • $\frac{3}{8}$
    • $\frac{1}{2}$

    Correct answer: $\frac{1}{2}$

    The probability is 1/2. The even numbers from 1 to 8 are 2, 4, 6, and 8, giving 4 favorable outcomes out of 8 equally likely sections, and $\frac{4}{8}$ reduces to $\frac{1}{2}$; the smaller fractions undercount the even results among the eight sections.

67. A small company reports these annual salaries: $40,000, $42,000, $45,000, $43,000, and $300,000. Why is the median a better measure of a typical salary than the mean for this data set?
    • The median is always larger than the mean
    • The mean ignores the highest value entirely
    • The $300,000 outlier pulls the mean upward, while the median is not distorted by it
    • The median uses every value, so it is more accurate

    Correct answer: The $300,000 outlier pulls the mean upward, while the median is not distorted by it

    The median is better here because the $300,000 outlier pulls the mean upward, while the median is not distorted by it. An extreme value greatly raises the average but barely affects the middle value, so the median better reflects a typical salary; the mean does include every value rather than ignoring the high one, and the median is not always larger than the mean.

68. A student is writing an essay arguing that schools should start later in the day. Which sentence would best serve as the essay's thesis statement?
    • Many high school students feel tired in the morning.
    • Sleep is an important topic that scientists study often.
    • Because adolescents are biologically wired to sleep later, schools should push start times to at least 8:30 a.m. to improve student health and learning.
    • This essay will talk about why school start times matter to a lot of people.

    Correct answer: Because adolescents are biologically wired to sleep later, schools should push start times to at least 8:30 a.m. to improve student health and learning.

    Option C is the best thesis because it makes a clear, arguable claim and previews the supporting reasons (biology, health, learning). The others are too general, are mere facts, or simply announce the topic without taking a position.

69. Consider this paragraph: "Recycling reduces landfill waste. (1) It also conserves raw materials. (2) Many cities now offer curbside pickup. (3) My uncle collects vintage stamps. (4)" Which sentence should be deleted because it is irrelevant to the paragraph's focus?
    • Sentence 1
    • Sentence 2
    • Sentence 3
    • Sentence 4

    Correct answer: Sentence 4

    Sentence 4 about an uncle collecting stamps has nothing to do with recycling's benefits and should be deleted. Sentences 1 through 3 all develop the paragraph's focus on recycling.

70. A writer wants to add a transition at the start of the second paragraph to show that the new idea contrasts with the first paragraph's point. Which transition best signals contrast?
    • In addition,
    • For example,
    • However,
    • As a result,

    Correct answer: However,

    However signals contrast. In addition adds information, for example introduces an illustration, and as a result shows cause and effect.

71. Read the sentence from an essay's introduction: "Today's teenagers spend hours scrolling." The writer wants a stronger opening that introduces the essay's argument about social media's effect on attention. Which revision best accomplishes this?
    • Teenagers really like their phones a lot these days.
    • While endless scrolling feels harmless, mounting evidence shows that constant social media use is quietly eroding teenagers' ability to focus.
    • Social media is something many people use every single day.
    • Phones have screens that show many different applications.

    Correct answer: While endless scrolling feels harmless, mounting evidence shows that constant social media use is quietly eroding teenagers' ability to focus.

    Option B introduces a clear argument (social media erodes focus) and engages the reader, which fits the writer's purpose. The others are vague, off-purpose, or merely descriptive.

72. In a paragraph explaining how to plant a tree, the steps appear in this order: dig the hole, choose a sunny spot, place the tree, fill with soil. Which revision improves the logical organization?
    • Leave the order unchanged because all steps are present.
    • Move 'choose a sunny spot' to the beginning, before 'dig the hole.'
    • Move 'fill with soil' to the beginning.
    • Delete 'place the tree' since it is obvious.

    Correct answer: Move 'choose a sunny spot' to the beginning, before 'dig the hole.'

    Choosing the location must come before digging the hole, so moving that step to the beginning fixes the chronological order. The other choices either ignore the sequence error or remove a necessary step.

73. A concluding paragraph currently reads: "In conclusion, recycling is good." Which revision provides a more effective conclusion that reinforces the essay's argument?
    • In conclusion, recycling is good and also fun.
    • To sum up, recycling is a topic.
    • Ultimately, by recycling consistently, communities can cut waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment for future generations.
    • In conclusion, I have written about recycling in this essay.

    Correct answer: Ultimately, by recycling consistently, communities can cut waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment for future generations.

    Option C synthesizes the essay's main points and ends with a meaningful takeaway. The others are vague, merely restate the topic, or comment on the essay itself rather than reinforcing the argument.

74. Read these two sentences from a draft: "The museum opened in 1920. The museum has welcomed millions of visitors since then." Which revision combines them most effectively without changing the meaning?
    • The museum opened in 1920, it has welcomed millions of visitors since then.
    • Opened in 1920, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors since then.
    • The museum opened in 1920 and the museum has welcomed millions of visitors.
    • The museum, opening in 1920, millions of visitors have come since then.

    Correct answer: Opened in 1920, the museum has welcomed millions of visitors since then.

    Option B combines the ideas concisely using an introductory participial phrase while preserving meaning. Option A is a comma splice, option C is wordy and repetitive, and option D is grammatically garbled.

75. A writer's body paragraph makes a claim but offers no support. Which sentence would best develop the claim "Exercise improves mental health"?
    • Exercise is something everyone should think about.
    • A 2019 study found that adults who exercised three times a week reported a 26 percent drop in symptoms of depression.
    • Many gyms are open late for people who work.
    • Mental health is a very important issue today.

    Correct answer: A 2019 study found that adults who exercised three times a week reported a 26 percent drop in symptoms of depression.

    Option B develops the claim with specific evidence (a study and statistic). The others are vague, tangential, or restate the topic without supporting the claim.

76. Which sentence contains an unnecessary shift in verb tense that an editor should correct?
    • The chef chopped the onions and then sauteed them in oil.
    • She studied for hours and finally passed the exam.
    • He walks into the room and immediately sat down at the desk.
    • They will travel to Austin and visit the capitol.

    Correct answer: He walks into the room and immediately sat down at the desk.

    The third sentence shifts from present tense (walks) to past tense (sat) without reason, which an editor should fix. The other sentences keep tense consistent.

77. An essay's paragraph jumps abruptly from describing a problem to proposing a solution with no connecting sentence. What revision would most improve the paragraph's coherence?
    • Delete the description of the problem.
    • Add a transitional sentence such as 'To address this issue, the city could take several steps.'
    • Move the solution to a different essay.
    • Repeat the problem statement twice.

    Correct answer: Add a transitional sentence such as 'To address this issue, the city could take several steps.'

    Adding a transitional sentence bridges the problem and the solution, improving coherence. Deleting content, relocating it, or repeating the problem does not connect the two ideas.

78. Read the sentence: "The new policy was implemented in order to provide a reduction in the amount of paperwork that employees are required to complete." Which revision is the most concise without losing meaning?
    • The new policy was put into place so as to reduce the paperwork employees do.
    • The new policy reduced employees' paperwork.
    • The new policy, which was implemented, reduced paperwork for the employees who work there.
    • In order to provide a reduction, the new policy was implemented for paperwork.

    Correct answer: The new policy reduced employees' paperwork.

    Option B conveys the full meaning in the fewest words. The other versions retain wordy, redundant phrasing such as 'in order to provide a reduction.'

79. A writer wants the reader to understand the rhetorical purpose of a paragraph that lists statistics about plastic pollution. The paragraph most likely serves to
    • Entertain the reader with a humorous anecdote
    • Establish the scope of the problem with concrete evidence
    • Summarize the essay's counterarguments
    • Provide a personal narrative about the writer's childhood

    Correct answer: Establish the scope of the problem with concrete evidence

    Listing statistics about pollution functions to establish the problem's scope with concrete evidence. It is not humorous, it does not summarize counterarguments, and it is not a personal narrative.

80. Read the draft sentence: "Although the experiment failed but the team learned valuable lessons." How should an editor revise it?
    • Although the experiment failed, but the team learned valuable lessons.
    • Although the experiment failed, the team learned valuable lessons.
    • Although the experiment failed; the team learned valuable lessons.
    • The experiment failed although but the team learned lessons.

    Correct answer: Although the experiment failed, the team learned valuable lessons.

    Although and but both signal contrast, so using them together is redundant. Removing but and keeping the introductory clause with a comma produces a correct sentence.

81. An essay's paragraphs are ordered: childhood, adulthood, teenage years. To present the subject's life in chronological order, the writer should
    • Leave the order as is
    • Place the teenage years paragraph between childhood and adulthood
    • Delete the adulthood paragraph
    • Place adulthood first

    Correct answer: Place the teenage years paragraph between childhood and adulthood

    Chronological order requires childhood, then teenage years, then adulthood, so the teenage years paragraph should be moved between the other two. The other options ignore the time sequence.

82. Which revision best improves the flow between these sentences: "The hurricane caused widespread damage. Thousands of homes were destroyed."
    • The hurricane caused widespread damage; for instance, thousands of homes were destroyed.
    • The hurricane caused widespread damage, thousands of homes were destroyed.
    • The hurricane caused widespread damage but thousands of homes were destroyed.
    • The hurricane caused widespread damage thousands of homes were destroyed.

    Correct answer: The hurricane caused widespread damage; for instance, thousands of homes were destroyed.

    Joining the sentences with 'for instance' shows that the destroyed homes are an example of the damage. Option B is a comma splice, option C misuses a contrast word, and option D is a run-on.

83. A writer is revising for audience. The essay, intended for elementary school students, contains the sentence: "The photosynthetic process necessitates chlorophyll." Which revision best fits the audience?
    • Photosynthesis necessitates the presence of chlorophyll molecules.
    • Plants need a green substance called chlorophyll to make food from sunlight.
    • The photosynthetic mechanism requires chlorophyllous pigmentation.
    • Chlorophyll is necessitated by the process of photosynthesis.

    Correct answer: Plants need a green substance called chlorophyll to make food from sunlight.

    For young students, plain wording and a brief explanation work best, so option B is the strongest revision. The other choices use technical or wordy language unsuitable for the audience.

84. Read the sentence that a writer wants to make more precise: "The food at the restaurant was good." Which revision adds the most precise, vivid detail?
    • The food at the restaurant was really good.
    • The food at the restaurant tasted nice and was good.
    • The restaurant's smoky barbecue brisket was tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork.
    • The food at the restaurant was very, very good indeed.

    Correct answer: The restaurant's smoky barbecue brisket was tender enough to fall apart at the touch of a fork.

    Option C replaces the vague word 'good' with specific, vivid detail. The other revisions merely add intensifiers or repeat the vague description.

85. A paragraph contains five sentences, but sentence 3 repeats the same idea already stated in sentence 1. What is the best editorial action?
    • Add a sixth sentence to balance the paragraph.
    • Delete the redundant sentence 3.
    • Move sentence 1 to the end.
    • Combine sentences 4 and 5.

    Correct answer: Delete the redundant sentence 3.

    Deleting the redundant sentence removes repetition and tightens the paragraph. The other options do not address the redundancy.

86. Which sentence would most effectively serve as a topic sentence for a paragraph that goes on to describe the benefits of reading: longer attention span, larger vocabulary, and greater empathy?
    • Reading is a hobby that some people enjoy.
    • Regular reading offers wide-ranging benefits, from sharper focus to a richer vocabulary and deeper empathy.
    • Books come in many genres and lengths.
    • Some people read on tablets instead of paper books.

    Correct answer: Regular reading offers wide-ranging benefits, from sharper focus to a richer vocabulary and deeper empathy.

    Option B previews the paragraph's three benefits and states a clear main idea. The other sentences do not introduce the benefits that follow.

87. Read the sentence: "After reviewing the data, it was decided that the project should continue." An editor wants to eliminate the dangling modifier and passive construction. Which revision is best?
    • After reviewing the data, the decision was made to continue the project.
    • It was decided to continue the project after reviewing the data.
    • After reviewing the data, the committee decided to continue the project.
    • The project should continue after the data was reviewed by someone.

    Correct answer: After reviewing the data, the committee decided to continue the project.

    The committee is the logical agent who reviewed the data, so naming it fixes the dangling modifier and removes the passive voice. The other options keep the modifier dangling or remain passive.

88. An essay about climate change includes a paragraph on the writer's favorite vacation spot. To improve unity, the writer should
    • Expand the vacation paragraph with more detail
    • Delete or substantially revise the off-topic paragraph so it connects to climate change
    • Move the vacation paragraph to the introduction
    • Add a vacation paragraph to each section

    Correct answer: Delete or substantially revise the off-topic paragraph so it connects to climate change

    Unity requires every paragraph to support the essay's main topic, so the off-topic paragraph should be deleted or revised to relate to climate change. The other options keep or multiply the irrelevant content.

89. Which transition word best completes this sentence to show a cause-and-effect relationship: "The bridge had not been inspected in years; ____, engineers were not surprised when cracks appeared."
    • Nevertheless
    • Consequently
    • Meanwhile
    • Similarly

    Correct answer: Consequently

    Consequently signals that the cracks resulted from the lack of inspection, the cause-and-effect link the sentence needs. The other options signal contrast, simultaneity, or comparison.

90. Choose the word that correctly completes the sentence: "Each of the students ____ responsible for bringing a calculator to the exam."
    • Are
    • Is
    • Were
    • Have been

    Correct answer: Is

    The subject 'Each' is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'is.' The other options are plural verbs that do not agree with the singular subject.

91. Which version of the sentence is punctuated correctly?
    • My sister who lives in Dallas is a nurse.
    • My sister, who lives in Dallas, is a nurse.
    • My sister who lives in Dallas, is a nurse.
    • My sister, who lives in Dallas is a nurse.

    Correct answer: My sister, who lives in Dallas, is a nurse.

    The nonessential clause 'who lives in Dallas' must be set off by a pair of commas, as in option B. The other versions omit one or both required commas.

92. Choose the option that corrects the misplaced modifier: "Running down the street, the backpack fell off the boy."
    • Running down the street, the backpack fell off the boy.
    • The backpack fell off the boy running down the street.
    • Running down the street, the boy's backpack fell off.
    • While running down the street, the boy's backpack fell off.

    Correct answer: The backpack fell off the boy running down the street.

    The modifier 'running down the street' should describe the boy, not the backpack. Option B places the phrase next to 'the boy' so it modifies him correctly. The others leave the modifier attached to the backpack.

93. Which sentence uses the correct pronoun?
    • The teacher gave the awards to Jamal and I.
    • The teacher gave the awards to Jamal and me.
    • The teacher gave the awards to Jamal and myself.
    • The teacher gave the awards to I and Jamal.

    Correct answer: The teacher gave the awards to Jamal and me.

    After the preposition 'to,' the object pronoun 'me' is correct, as in option B. 'I' is a subject pronoun, 'myself' is a reflexive that needs an antecedent, and option D also misuses 'I.'

94. Select the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.
    • The committee of doctors meet every Friday.
    • The list of supplies were on the desk.
    • Neither the manager nor the employees was informed.
    • The box of old photographs is in the attic.

    Correct answer: The box of old photographs is in the attic.

    In option D the singular subject 'box' takes the singular verb 'is'; the prepositional phrase 'of old photographs' does not change the subject. The other sentences pair plural verbs or wrong forms with singular subjects.

95. Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
    • We packed sandwiches, fruit, and water for the trip.
    • We packed sandwiches fruit, and water for the trip.
    • We packed sandwiches, fruit and, water for the trip.
    • We packed, sandwiches, fruit, and water for the trip.

    Correct answer: We packed sandwiches, fruit, and water for the trip.

    Items in a series are separated by commas, and option A places them correctly. The other versions misplace or omit commas in the list.

96. Which choice best completes the sentence with correct parallel structure: "On weekends she enjoys hiking, swimming, and ____."
    • To ride her bike
    • She rides her bike
    • Biking
    • Bike rides

    Correct answer: Biking

    Parallel structure requires the third item to match the gerund form of the others (hiking, swimming), so 'biking' is correct. The other options break the pattern.

97. Identify the sentence that is free of run-on errors.
    • The rain stopped the game continued.
    • The rain stopped, the game continued.
    • The rain stopped, so the game continued.
    • The rain stopped the game, continued.

    Correct answer: The rain stopped, so the game continued.

    Option C correctly joins two independent clauses with a comma and the coordinating conjunction 'so.' Option A is a fused sentence, option B is a comma splice, and option D changes the meaning and is still faulty.

98. Choose the correct verb form: "By the time we arrived, the movie ____ already started."
    • Has
    • Had
    • Have
    • Having

    Correct answer: Had

    The past perfect 'had started' shows that the movie began before the past moment of arriving, so 'had' is correct. The other forms do not fit the sequence of past events.

99. Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?
    • The dogs bowl was empty.
    • The dog's bowl was empty.
    • The dogs' bowl was empty for the single dog.
    • The dogs bowl's was empty.

    Correct answer: The dog's bowl was empty.

    For a single dog, the possessive is 'dog's,' as in option B. Option A omits the apostrophe, option C uses the plural possessive for one dog, and option D misplaces the apostrophe.

100. Which revision corrects the faulty comparison: "The traffic in Houston is worse than Austin."
     • The traffic in Houston is worse than Austin.
     • The traffic in Houston is worse than the traffic in Austin.
     • The traffic in Houston is more worse than Austin.
     • The traffic in Houston is worst than Austin's.

     Correct answer: The traffic in Houston is worse than the traffic in Austin.

     The original illogically compares traffic to a city. Option B compares traffic to traffic. Option C uses a double comparative, and option D uses the superlative incorrectly.

101. Choose the sentence with correct capitalization.
     • We visited the grand canyon last Summer.
     • We visited the Grand Canyon last summer.
     • We visited the Grand canyon last Summer.
     • We visited the Grand Canyon last summer

     Correct answer: We visited the Grand Canyon last summer.

     Proper nouns like 'Grand Canyon' are capitalized, while seasons and mid-sentence common words are not, making option B correct. The others miscapitalize or fail to capitalize the proper noun or sentence start.

102. Which option correctly completes the sentence: "If I ____ more time, I would learn another language."
     • Have
     • Had
     • Will have
     • Having

     Correct answer: Had

     The hypothetical conditional uses the past subjunctive 'had' in the if-clause paired with 'would,' so 'had' is correct. The other forms do not fit the contrary-to-fact condition.

103. Identify the sentence with a correctly used semicolon.
     • I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.
     • I have a big test tomorrow; because I can't go out tonight.
     • I have a big test; tomorrow I can't go out tonight.
     • I have a big test tomorrow; and I can't go out tonight.

     Correct answer: I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.

     A semicolon joins two related independent clauses, as in option A. Option B follows the semicolon with a dependent clause, and options C and D create faulty constructions.

104. Choose the correct word: "The principal asked the students to remain quiet during the ____ assembly."
     • Hole
     • Whole
     • Holy
     • Wholly

     Correct answer: Whole

     'Whole' means entire and correctly describes the assembly. 'Hole' is an opening, 'holy' means sacred, and 'wholly' is an adverb meaning completely.

105. Which sentence corrects the dangling modifier: "To pass the test, the material must be studied carefully."
     • To pass the test, the material must be studied carefully.
     • To pass the test, you must study the material carefully.
     • To pass the test, careful study of the material is needed.
     • The material, to pass the test, must be studied carefully.

     Correct answer: To pass the test, you must study the material carefully.

     The phrase 'to pass the test' needs a person to perform the action; option B supplies 'you' as the logical subject. The other versions leave the modifier dangling.

106. Select the sentence with correct usage of 'fewer' and 'less.'
     • There were less people at the concert this year.
     • We had fewer rain this spring than last spring.
     • This express lane is for shoppers with fewer than ten items.
     • She has less books than her brother.

     Correct answer: This express lane is for shoppers with fewer than ten items.

     'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like items, so option C is correct. 'People' and 'books' are countable and need 'fewer,' while 'rain' is uncountable and needs 'less.'

107. Choose the option that completes the sentence with correct verb agreement: "There ____ several reasons for the team's success."
     • Is
     • Was
     • Are
     • Has been

     Correct answer: Are

     The plural subject 'reasons' requires the plural verb 'are.' The singular verbs 'is,' 'was,' and 'has been' do not agree with the plural subject.

108. Which sentence correctly uses a colon?
     • The recipe needs three ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs.
     • The recipe needs: flour, sugar, and eggs.
     • The recipe needs three ingredients; flour, sugar, and eggs.
     • The recipe: needs three ingredients, flour, sugar, and eggs.

     Correct answer: The recipe needs three ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs.

     A colon follows a complete independent clause to introduce a list, as in option A. Option B places a colon after a verb, option C misuses a semicolon, and option D interrupts the clause.

109. Choose the best word to complete the sentence: "The committee will ____ the proposal before voting."
     • Affect
     • Effect
     • Review
     • Reviews

     Correct answer: Review

     'Review' is the correct base verb after 'will' and fits the meaning of examining the proposal. 'Affect' and 'effect' do not fit the meaning, and 'reviews' is the wrong form after 'will.'

110. Which sentence correctly maintains pronoun-antecedent agreement?
     • Every player must bring their own water bottle.
     • Each of the girls turned in her assignment on time.
     • Neither of the boys finished their lunch.
     • Somebody left their coat in the classroom.

     Correct answer: Each of the girls turned in her assignment on time.

     In option B the singular antecedent 'Each' agrees with the singular pronoun 'her.' The other sentences pair singular antecedents (Every player, Neither, Somebody) with the plural pronoun 'their' in formal usage.

111. A recipe that serves 4 people requires 3 cups of flour. How many cups of flour are needed to serve 10 people, keeping the same ratio?
     • 6 cups
     • 7 cups
     • $7.5$ cups
     • $8.5$ cups

     Correct answer: $7.5$ cups

     Set up the proportion $\frac{3}{4} = \frac{x}{10}$. Cross-multiplying gives $4x = 30$, so $x = 7.5$ cups.

112. A jacket originally priced at $80 is on sale for 25 percent off. What is the sale price?
     • $55
     • $60
     • $65
     • $75

     Correct answer: $60

     A 25 percent discount on $80 is $0.25 \times 80 = 20$. Subtracting, $80 - 20 = 60$, so the sale price is $60.

113. A car travels 150 miles in 3 hours at a constant speed. At this rate, how far will it travel in 5 hours?
     • 200 miles
     • 225 miles
     • 250 miles
     • 300 miles

     Correct answer: 250 miles

     The speed is $150 \div 3 = 50$ miles per hour. In 5 hours the car travels $50 \times 5 = 250$ miles.

114. In a class of 30 students, 18 are girls. What percent of the class is girls?
     • 55 percent
     • 60 percent
     • 62 percent
     • 65 percent

     Correct answer: 60 percent

     The fraction of girls is $\frac{18}{30} = 0.6$, which equals 60 percent.

115. A map uses a scale of 1 inch = 25 miles. Two towns are 4.5 inches apart on the map. What is the actual distance between the towns?
     • 100 miles
     • 112.5 miles
     • 125 miles
     • 150 miles

     Correct answer: 112.5 miles

     Multiply the map distance by the scale: $4.5 \times 25 = 112.5$ miles.

116. A water tank is filled at a constant rate. After 6 minutes it holds 90 gallons. Assuming it started empty, how many gallons will it hold after 10 minutes?
     • 120 gallons
     • 135 gallons
     • 150 gallons
     • 160 gallons

     Correct answer: 150 gallons

     The rate is $90 \div 6 = 15$ gallons per minute. After 10 minutes the tank holds $15 \times 10 = 150$ gallons.

117. A shirt costs $24 after a 20 percent discount was applied. What was the original price?
     • $28.80
     • $30
     • $32
     • $36

     Correct answer: $30

     The sale price is 80 percent of the original, so $0.80 \times p = 24$. Dividing, $p = 24 \div 0.80 = 30$, so the original price was $30.

118. The ratio of cats to dogs at a shelter is 3 to 5. If there are 24 cats, how many dogs are there?
     • 30 dogs
     • 32 dogs
     • 40 dogs
     • 45 dogs

     Correct answer: 40 dogs

     Set up $\frac{3}{5} = \frac{24}{d}$. Cross-multiplying gives $3d = 120$, so $d = 40$ dogs.

119. A phone plan charges a $15 monthly fee plus $0.10 per minute of calls. What is the total cost in a month with 200 minutes of calls?
     • $25
     • $30
     • $35
     • $50

     Correct answer: $35

     The call charge is $0.10 \times 200 = 20$ dollars. Adding the fee, $15 + 20 = 35$, so the total is $35.

120. A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. If one marble is drawn at random, what is the probability it is blue?
     • $\frac{1}{5}$
     • $\frac{3}{10}$
     • $\frac{1}{3}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{10}$

     There are $5 + 3 + 2 = 10$ marbles total and 3 are blue, so the probability is $\frac{3}{10}$.

121. A worker earns $18 per hour and time-and-a-half (1.5 times the rate) for hours beyond 40 in a week. What is the pay for a 46-hour week?
     • $828
     • $882
     • $900
     • $972

     Correct answer: $882

     Regular pay is $40 \times 18 = 720$. Overtime is $6 \times (18 \times 1.5) = 6 \times 27 = 162$. The total is $720 + 162 = 882$, so $882.

122. A survey of 250 people found that 40 percent prefer tea over coffee. How many people prefer tea?
     • 80 people
     • 90 people
     • 100 people
     • 110 people

     Correct answer: 100 people

     Compute $0.40 \times 250 = 100$, so 100 people prefer tea.

123. If 3 pounds of apples cost $4.50, what is the cost of 7 pounds at the same unit price?
     • $9.50
     • $10.50
     • $11.00
     • $12.50

     Correct answer: $10.50

     The unit price is $4.50 \div 3 = 1.50$ dollars per pound. For 7 pounds, $7 \times 1.50 = 10.50$, so $10.50.

124. A population of bacteria doubles every hour. If it starts at 200, how many bacteria are present after 3 hours?
     • 600
     • 800
     • 1200
     • 1600

     Correct answer: 1600

     Doubling three times multiplies by $2^{3} = 8$. Thus $200 \times 8 = 1600$ bacteria after 3 hours.

125. A store increases the price of a $50 item by 10 percent, then later decreases the new price by 10 percent. What is the final price?
     • $49.50
     • $50.00
     • $50.50
     • $45.00

     Correct answer: $49.50

     After the increase the price is $50 \times 1.10 = 55$. After the decrease it is $55 \times 0.90 = 49.50$, so the final price is $49.50.

126. Three friends share a restaurant bill of $72 equally and add a 15 percent tip on the total bill. How much does each friend pay?
     • $24.00
     • $26.40
     • $27.60
     • $28.80

     Correct answer: $27.60

     The tip is $0.15 \times 72 = 10.80$, so the total is $72 + 10.80 = 82.80$. Dividing by 3 gives $82.80 \div 3 = 27.60$, so each pays $27.60.

127. A line passes through the points $(0, 2)$ and $(4, 10)$. What is its slope?
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • 1
     • 2
     • 3

     Correct answer: 2

     The slope is $\frac{10 - 2}{4 - 0} = \frac{8}{4} = 2$.

128. A spinner is divided into 8 equal sections numbered 1 through 8. What is the probability of landing on a number greater than 5?
     • $\frac{1}{4}$
     • $\frac{3}{8}$
     • $\frac{1}{2}$
     • $\frac{5}{8}$

     Correct answer: $\frac{3}{8}$

     The numbers greater than 5 are 6, 7, and 8, which is 3 of 8 sections, so the probability is $\frac{3}{8}$.

129. A printer prints 24 pages in 3 minutes at a constant rate. How long will it take to print 200 pages?
     • 20 minutes
     • 24 minutes
     • 25 minutes
     • 30 minutes

     Correct answer: 25 minutes

     The rate is $24 \div 3 = 8$ pages per minute. Time for 200 pages is $200 \div 8 = 25$ minutes.

130. A table shows that a gym had 120 members in January and 150 members in March. What was the percent increase in membership over that period?
     • 20 percent
     • 25 percent
     • 30 percent
     • 33 percent

     Correct answer: 25 percent

     The increase is $150 - 120 = 30$ members. As a percent of the original, $\frac{30}{120} = 0.25$, or 25 percent.

131. A recipe calls for 2 parts juice to 3 parts soda to make punch. To make 20 cups of punch, how many cups of juice are needed?
     • 6 cups
     • 8 cups
     • 10 cups
     • 12 cups

     Correct answer: 8 cups

     The total parts are $2 + 3 = 5$, so each part is $20 \div 5 = 4$ cups. Juice is 2 parts, so $2 \times 4 = 8$ cups.

132. A driver uses 12 gallons of gas to travel 348 miles. What is the car's fuel efficiency in miles per gallon?
     • 27 miles per gallon
     • 29 miles per gallon
     • 31 miles per gallon
     • 33 miles per gallon

     Correct answer: 29 miles per gallon

     Divide miles by gallons: $348 \div 12 = 29$ miles per gallon.

133. A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its perimeter?
     • 17 cm
     • 34 cm
     • 60 cm
     • 68 cm

     Correct answer: 34 cm

     The perimeter is $2(l + w) = 2(12 + 5) = 2 \times 17 = 34$ cm.

134. A right triangle has legs of length 6 and 8. What is the length of the hypotenuse?
     • 10
     • 12
     • 14
     • 48

     Correct answer: 10

     By the Pythagorean theorem, $c = \sqrt{6^{2} + 8^{2}} = \sqrt{36 + 64} = \sqrt{100} = 10$.

135. A circle has a radius of 7. Using $\pi \approx 3.14$, what is its area, rounded to the nearest whole number?
     • 44
     • 144
     • 154
     • 308

     Correct answer: 154

     The area is $\pi r^{2} = 3.14 \times 7^{2} = 3.14 \times 49 = 153.86$, which rounds to 154.

136. A rectangular box has dimensions 4 cm by 5 cm by 3 cm. What is its volume?
     • 12 cubic cm
     • 47 cubic cm
     • 60 cubic cm
     • 94 cubic cm

     Correct answer: 60 cubic cm

     The volume is $l \times w \times h = 4 \times 5 \times 3 = 60$ cubic cm.

137. Two angles are complementary. If one angle measures 35 degrees, what is the measure of the other angle?
     • 45 degrees
     • 55 degrees
     • 65 degrees
     • 145 degrees

     Correct answer: 55 degrees

     Complementary angles sum to 90 degrees, so the other angle is $90 - 35 = 55$ degrees.

138. A triangle has angles measuring 50 degrees and 60 degrees. What is the measure of the third angle?
     • 60 degrees
     • 70 degrees
     • 80 degrees
     • 110 degrees

     Correct answer: 70 degrees

     The angles of a triangle sum to 180 degrees, so the third angle is $180 - 50 - 60 = 70$ degrees.

139. Two similar triangles have corresponding sides in the ratio 2 to 3. If a side of the smaller triangle is 8, what is the corresponding side of the larger triangle?
     • 10
     • 12
     • 16
     • 24

     Correct answer: 12

     Set up $\frac{2}{3} = \frac{8}{x}$. Cross-multiplying gives $2x = 24$, so $x = 12$.

140. What is the distance between the points $(1, 2)$ and $(4, 6)$ in the coordinate plane?
     • 5
     • 6
     • 7
     • 25

     Correct answer: 5

     The distance is $\sqrt{(4-1)^{2} + (6-2)^{2}} = \sqrt{9 + 16} = \sqrt{25} = 5$.

141. A square has an area of 81 square inches. What is the length of one side?
     • 8 inches
     • 9 inches
     • 18 inches
     • 40.5 inches

     Correct answer: 9 inches

     The side length is $\sqrt{81} = 9$ inches.

142. A triangle has a base of 10 cm and a height of 6 cm. What is its area?
     • 16 square cm
     • 30 square cm
     • 60 square cm
     • 32 square cm

     Correct answer: 30 square cm

     The area of a triangle is $\frac{1}{2} \times b \times h = \frac{1}{2} \times 10 \times 6 = 30$ square cm.

143. Two angles are supplementary. If one angle measures 110 degrees, what is the measure of the other angle?
     • 20 degrees
     • 70 degrees
     • 80 degrees
     • 90 degrees

     Correct answer: 70 degrees

     Supplementary angles sum to 180 degrees, so the other angle is $180 - 110 = 70$ degrees.

144. A cylinder has a radius of 3 and a height of 10. Using $\pi \approx 3.14$, what is its volume, rounded to the nearest whole number?
     • 94
     • 188
     • 283
     • 565

     Correct answer: 283

     The volume is $\pi r^{2} h = 3.14 \times 3^{2} \times 10 = 3.14 \times 9 \times 10 = 282.6$, which rounds to 283.

145. A circle has a diameter of 10. Using $\pi \approx 3.14$, what is its circumference?
     • 15.7
     • 31.4
     • 62.8
     • 78.5

     Correct answer: 31.4

     The circumference is $\pi d = 3.14 \times 10 = 31.4$.

146. The midpoint of a line segment has coordinates $(3, 4)$. If one endpoint is $(1, 2)$, what are the coordinates of the other endpoint?
     • $(2, 3)$
     • $(4, 6)$
     • $(5, 6)$
     • $(6, 8)$

     Correct answer: $(5, 6)$

     The midpoint formula gives $\frac{1 + x}{2} = 3$ so $x = 5$, and $\frac{2 + y}{2} = 4$ so $y = 6$. The other endpoint is $(5, 6)$.

147. A right triangle has a hypotenuse of 13 and one leg of 5. What is the length of the other leg?
     • 8
     • 10
     • 12
     • 18

     Correct answer: 12

     By the Pythagorean theorem, the other leg is $\sqrt{13^{2} - 5^{2}} = \sqrt{169 - 25} = \sqrt{144} = 12$.