TSI Assessment Reading practice test

Read the passage and answer the question. The Great Migration was the movement of about six million African Americans out of the rural Southern United States to cities in the North, Midwest, and West between 1916 and 1970. Many were drawn by industrial jobs and the hope of escaping discriminatory laws. Cities such as Chicago and Detroit saw their Black populations grow dramatically during this period. According to the passage, what was one reason African Americans moved during the Great Migration?

Read the passage and answer the question. By the time Diego reached the trailhead, the parking lot was already overflowing, and hikers were leaving their cars along the narrow road. He checked his watch, sighed, and turned the car around without getting out. What can be inferred about Diego from this passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. Switching to a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest changes you can make. A single reusable bottle can replace hundreds of disposable plastic bottles each year, saving money and reducing waste. Make the switch today and feel good about the difference you are making. What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. The committee reached an impasse during the budget meeting. Neither side would compromise on funding for the new library, and after three hours of debate, they adjourned without a decision. As used in the passage, the word impasse most nearly means what?

Read the passage and answer the question. First, gather all of your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Next, mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Then combine the two mixtures until smooth. Finally, pour the batter into the pan and bake for thirty minutes. Which organizational pattern does this passage use?

Read the passage and answer the question. The city council voted to extend bus service until midnight on weekends. This is the best decision the council has made in years. The new schedule began on the first weekend of June. Which sentence from the passage states an opinion?

Read the passage and answer the question. The museum guide noticed the schoolchildren growing restless. She closed her notebook, smiled, and announced that the next stop would be the hands-on discovery room. The children immediately straightened up and began whispering excitedly. What can be inferred about the children's feelings toward the discovery room?

Read the passage and answer the question. Sleep is not merely a period of rest. During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, clears waste products, and regulates hormones that affect appetite and mood. Research increasingly shows that consistent, quality sleep is essential to nearly every aspect of physical and mental health. Which statement best expresses the main idea?

Read the passage and answer the question. The abandoned lighthouse stood at the edge of the cliff, its paint long since peeled away by decades of salt wind. Inside, a spiral staircase wound upward into shadow, each step groaning under the weight of forgotten years. Which word best describes the tone of this passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. A sudden cold snap swept through the orchard in early spring. Because the apple blossoms had already opened, the frost destroyed most of them. As a result, the farmers harvested far fewer apples that autumn. According to the passage, what caused the small apple harvest?

Read the passage and answer the question. Online courses offer flexibility, allowing students to study at any hour and from any location. Traditional classroom courses, on the other hand, provide face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback from instructors. Each format suits different learning needs. According to the passage, what is one advantage of traditional classroom courses over online courses?

Read the passage and answer the question. Maria had rehearsed her presentation for two weeks. When the projector failed minutes before she was due to speak, she simply unplugged it, picked up her printed notes, and walked confidently to the front of the room. What does the passage suggest about Maria?

Read the passage and answer the question. The volunteers worked tirelessly to restore the wetland. After months of effort, the once barren marsh began to flourish, attracting birds, fish, and other wildlife. As used in the passage, the word flourish most nearly means what?

Read the passage and answer the question. The invention of the printing press in the fifteenth century transformed Europe. Books, once copied slowly by hand, could now be produced quickly and in large numbers. As books became cheaper, literacy spread, new ideas circulated widely, and knowledge was no longer limited to a small elite. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. The desert receives less than ten inches of rain per year. To survive, the kangaroo rat never drinks water directly. Instead, it obtains all the moisture it needs from the dry seeds it eats, and its highly efficient kidneys lose very little water. What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. The store manager reviewed the sales data and noticed that nearly every customer who bought a winter coat also purchased a scarf in the same visit. She decided to place the scarf display directly next to the coats. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

Read the passage and answer the question. Many commuters complain that traffic congestion adds an hour to their daily travel. To address this, the city has proposed expanding the light rail line and adding dedicated bus lanes. Officials believe these measures will give residents faster alternatives to driving. Which organizational pattern does this passage use?

Read the passage and answer the question. For years, Aisha avoided the piano because she feared making mistakes in front of others. One evening she finally played a simple song for her family, stumbling over several notes. To her surprise, they applauded warmly, and she realized the joy of playing mattered more than perfection. What lesson does this passage most clearly convey?

Read the passage and answer the question. Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species. These reefs also protect coastlines from storms by absorbing wave energy and provide food and income for millions of people. According to the passage, about what fraction of marine species do coral reefs support?