TSIA2 English Language Arts and Reading Diagnostic Answer Key

Question 1

(1) Including such animals as elephants, cheetahs, and zebras, endangered species such as the black rhinoceros and the Puku antelope are part of the African country of Namibia's diverse and extensive wildlife population. (2) Most Namibian wildlife lives alongside people on communal land which leads to problems for both. (3) Agricultural activities can disrupt animal's natural habitats. (4) Wild animals often prey on domestic livestock; or disrupt human life in other ways. (5) For example, elephants can leave paths of destruction as they plow through villages to get to drinking water. (6) Such problems are expensive for a government to solve, and often a "solution" that helps one group hurts another. (7) The government of Namibia adopted legislation in 1996 to address these issues. (8) This legislation transferred the responsibility for wildlife in communal areas to independent conservancies created and maintained by local residents. (9) Conservancies are designed to be financially self-sustaining. (10) Many of their expenses are paid for using income generated by campsites, safaris, and tour companies that bring tourists to observe and photograph the wildlife. (11) They say that successful continuation of conservancies will benefit future generations, attracting more and more tourists from around the globe.

In context, where would the following sentence best be placed? Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.

This sentence best fits after sentence 7, as it highlights the positive impact of the model on wildlife populations, which follows the context established in the preceding sentences.

A) After sentence 2
Placing the sentence after sentence 2 would disrupt the flow of information, as the earlier sentences likely discuss different aspects of the wildlife model. The connection to increasing wildlife populations would be premature and not fully supported by the context at this point.

B) After sentence 4
This choice would also misalign the narrative, as sentence 4 may not adequately set up the cause-and-effect relationship between the model and the positive outcomes for wildlife. The context needed to understand the incentive aspect is likely not fully developed by this point in the text.

C) After sentence 7
This is the ideal placement, as sentence 7 likely provides sufficient context regarding the model's implications. Following this sentence with the statement about increasing wildlife populations creates a logical progression, reinforcing the positive outcomes resulting from residents' incentives to protect wildlife.

D) After sentence 10
Positioning the sentence here would be too late in the narrative, potentially losing the reader's engagement with the cause-and-effect relationship. By sentence 10, the discussion may have shifted away from the model, making the statement feel disconnected and less impactful.

Conclusion
The placement of the sentence is crucial for maintaining coherence in the argument about the wildlife model's effectiveness. By positioning it after sentence 7, the text effectively connects the incentive provided by the model to the observable increase in wildlife populations, thereby enhancing the reader's understanding of the positive outcomes fostered by the proposed initiatives.

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Question 2

"(1) The poet Robert Frost appreciated the many literary honors that had been bestowed upon him, but nothing could match the sense of pride that overwhelmed him in 1961. (2) He had received an invitation from President-Elect John F. Kennedy to read a poem at the inauguration. (3) The poet was gratified, at the age of eighty-six, to be part of what he saw as the dawning of a new cultural age. (4) He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies, therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
(5) The president-elect initially suggested that the poet compose new verse specifically for the event. (6) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. (7) It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion. (8) The president then requested one of the poet's well-known pieces, ""The Gift Outright,"" whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The poet concurred because he believed the theme captured the spirit of the event. (10) He was confident he could recite the piece impeccably in the commanding voice warranted by the distinguished gathering
(11) He devated himself to the task of creating a new poem, which he would read before he recited the familiar selection (12) Upon further reflection, Frost decided that such an auspicious occasion merited original verse. (13) He saw this event, which would be witnessed by millions, as an opportunity to further the cause of the arts in society. (14) in spite of his concem over time constraints-the occasion was an important one! he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
(15) As the immanent poet wrote, he contemplated the dual purpose of his new poem. (16) He wanted not only to honor the new president in a way that would touch the hearts of the audience but also to inspire others to appreciate the arts. (17) He proceeded with an enthusiasm befitting his notable role."

Which change is needed in the fourth paragraph?

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) A

Rationale

In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent.'

The term "eminent" correctly refers to someone or something that is well-known and respected, while "immanent" suggests something inherent or existing within. Thus, changing "immanent" to "eminent" aligns the sentence with its intended meaning regarding the significance of the subject.

A) In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent'
This choice accurately improves the clarity and meaning of the sentence. "Eminent" conveys the idea of prominence or noteworthy status, which is likely the intended context, making this the correct change.

B) In sentence 15, change 'dual' to 'duel'
This modification is incorrect because "dual" refers to something consisting of two parts, while "duel" signifies a contest between two people. Changing "dual" to "duel" alters the meaning of the sentence and does not address any grammatical or contextual error.

C) In sentence 16, change 'inspire' to 'aspire'
This choice is also incorrect since "inspire" means to motivate or encourage, whereas "aspire" means to have a strong desire to achieve something. The original verb likely fits the context better, and this change would distort the intended message of the paragraph.

D) In sentence 17, change 'proceeded' to 'preceded'
Changing "proceeded" to "preceded" is not necessary because "proceeded" means to move forward, while "preceded" means to come before. If the context does not require a shift in meaning, this adjustment may lead to confusion rather than clarity.

Conclusion
The necessary adjustment in the text is to change "immanent" to "eminent" in sentence 15, ensuring the sentence conveys the correct meaning of prominence. The other choices either misinterpret the intended message or introduce unnecessary confusion. Accurate word choice is crucial for maintaining clarity and coherence in written communication.

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Question 3

(1) The poet Robert Frost appreciated the many literary honors that had been bestowed upon him, but nothing could match the sense of pride that overwhelmed him in 1961. (2) He had received an invitation from President-Elect John F. Kennedy to read a poem at the inauguration. (3) The poet was gratified, at the age of eighty-six, to be part of what he saw as the dawning of a new cultural age. (4) He knew that he was the first poet to participate in these prestigious ceremonies, therefore, he contemplated which poem would be appropriate for the occasion.
(5) The president-elect initially suggested that the poet compose new verse specifically for the event. (6) The poet expressed reluctance to proceed in this manner. (7) It was not customary for him to write a commissioned poem for a certain occasion. (8) The president then requested one of the poet's well-known pieces, "The Gift Outright," whose subject was the history and the future of the land. (9) The poet concurred because he believed the theme captured the spirit of the event. (10) He was confident he could recite the piece impeccably in the commanding voice warranted by the distinguished gathering
(11) He devated himself to the task of creating a new poem, which he would read before he recited the familiar selection (12) Upon further reflection, Frost decided that such an auspicious occasion merited original verse. (13) He saw this event, which would be witnessed by millions, as an opportunity to further the cause of the arts in society. (14) in spite of his concem over time constraints-the occasion was an important one! he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.
(15) As the immanent poet wrote, he contemplated the dual purpose of his new poem. (16) He wanted not only to honor the new president in a way that would touch the hearts of the audience but also to inspire others to appreciate the arts. (17) He proceeded with an enthusiasm befitting his notable role.

The best placement for sentence 12 within the third paragraph would be

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) A

Rationale

Sentence 12 is best placed where it is now.

The placement of sentence 12 effectively transitions from Lorca's intentions about his poetry to the tragic circumstances surrounding his disappearance, maintaining a coherent narrative flow and emphasizing the poignancy of his last actions.

A) where it is now
The current placement of sentence 12 provides a natural progression in the narrative, linking Lorca's intention to leave his collection of poems with the subsequent context of his disappearance. This arrangement highlights the irony of his last actions and sets up the emotional weight of the following sentences about his tragic fate.

B) before sentence 11
If sentence 12 were placed before sentence 11, it would disrupt the chronological flow of Lorca's experience in New York. Instead of leading into his struggle with the English language, it would awkwardly interrupt the description of his writing process, diminishing the impact of his last moments before leaving for Madrid.

C) after sentence 13
Placing sentence 12 after sentence 13 would cause confusion, as it would follow the mention of his note about returning, making it unclear why he left the poems behind and suggesting a disjointed timeline. The emotional weight of his note would be lost, and the reader may not fully grasp the significance of his sudden disappearance.

D) after sentence 14
If sentence 12 were placed after sentence 14, it would disrupt the narrative climax of Lorca's tragic death and shift the focus away from the events leading up to his disappearance. This placement would create a jarring transition, as it would bring up his poetry at a moment when the narrative is emphasizing the finality of his life.

Conclusion
The most effective placement for sentence 12 is where it currently exists, as it seamlessly connects Lorca's artistic intentions with the tragic context of his disappearance. This arrangement enhances the emotional resonance of the narrative, allowing readers to grasp the significance of Lorca's last moments and the impact of his untimely death on his work. By maintaining a coherent flow, the story preserves the poignancy of his legacy as a poet.

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Question 4

Which version of the underlined portion in sentence 14 (reproduced below) most effectively elaborates on the idea presented at the beginning of the sentence? In spite of his concern over time constraints—the occasion was an important one—he resolved to compose a relevant tribute.

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) A

Rationale

As it is now.

The original phrasing effectively conveys the importance of the occasion while highlighting the speaker's emotional state. The phrase "an important one" succinctly encapsulates the significance of the event, allowing readers to understand the context without unnecessary elaboration.

A) (as it is now)
This option maintains the original structure and meaning, clearly expressing both the speaker's concern and the importance of the occasion. The succinctness of this choice allows it to work effectively as part of the sentence without overshadowing the main idea or introducing unrelated details.

B) the event would be held in the nation's capital!—
This choice shifts focus to the location of the event, which, while potentially significant, does not directly elaborate on the speaker's emotional state or the urgency of the tribute. It introduces a new idea rather than enhancing the existing one, diluting the impact of the original sentiment.

C) only two days until the ceremony!—
While this option adds a sense of urgency, it diverts from the primary concern of the speaker's emotional state regarding the tribute. It focuses on the countdown to the event rather than emphasizing the importance of the occasion itself, which is central to the original message.

D) the president would hear him recite!—
This choice introduces an important figure but shifts the focus away from the speaker's personal concerns about time. It suggests external validation rather than deepening the understanding of the occasion's significance, which is the intent of the original sentence.

Conclusion
The original phrasing effectively combines the speaker's concern about time with the importance of the occasion in a clear and concise manner. Options B, C, and D introduce new ideas that distract from the main point, while choice A preserves the original intent, making it the most effective elaboration. This balance is crucial for maintaining clarity and emotional resonance in the tribute context.

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Question 5

In context, which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person when I was in grade school and wanted to be able to juggle like my big brother.

Your Answer: Option(s)

Correct Answer: Option(s) C

Rationale

I first recognized this trait in myself.

This revision clarifies the speaker's self-awareness by using the past tense "recognized," which aligns better with the context of reflecting on a past experience in grade school. It also simplifies the sentence structure, making it more direct and easier to understand.

A) (As it is now)
The original phrasing mixes tenses by using "recognize" in the present tense while referring to a past experience ("when I was in grade school"). This inconsistency can confuse the reader and detracts from the clarity of the statement.

B) In fact, I first recognize that I am a very stubborn person
This option also uses the present tense "recognize," which is inconsistent with the past context of the sentence. The phrase "In fact" adds unnecessary complexity and does not enhance the meaning or clarity of the sentence.

D) The first time I recognize is
This choice is incomplete and lacks a clear subject or verb complement after "is." It leaves the reader hanging and fails to convey the intended meaning about self-recognition in a past context.

Conclusion
The best choice for the underlined portion is "I first recognized this trait in myself." This option effectively captures the essence of the speaker's reflection on a past experience while maintaining grammatical consistency. Clear communication of past experiences is crucial for effective writing, and this revision achieves that goal succinctly.

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Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.

In sentence 15, change 'immanent' to 'eminent.'

Sentence 12 is best placed where it is now.

As it is now.

I first recognized this trait in myself.

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