TSI
Reading Exam |Questions and Answers |Fall 2
025/2026 Update
Question 1
When we think of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and smoke- filled air come to mind—all
occurring on land. Most people are surprised to learn about the prevalence of
underwater volcanoes on our planet. Because the lava and smoke spilling out of an
active, underwater volcano is contained by the ocean, people generally do not take
note of these eruptions. However, the largest underwater volcanoes are capable of
creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.
Correct Answer
D. underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be
dangerous
Question 2
In 2010, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and novelist Jonathan Franzen kissed and
made up after a nine-year feud. In 2001, Franzen was disinvited from appearing on
Winfrey's TV show to pitch his novel The Corrections after he made it clear that he
was unhappy about the book's being chosen for the Oprah Book Club. Describing his
work as
"in the high-art literary tradition," Franzen said he didn't want to be associated with
the Club, which he accused of occasionally choosing "schmaltzy, one-dimensional"
novels. But Winfrey is apparently able to forgive and forget: she chose Franzen's next
novel, Freedom, for her book club and said of it, "Now you haven't heard me say this
word often, but this book is a masterpiece."
Correct Answer
A. pride
Page 1 of 8
, Question 3
The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are
usually thought of as America's "Founding Fathers." Other, less known personages
also deserve the title, however, and Noah Webster was one
of these. Through his writings, which include the still- influential dictionary that bears
his name, Webster sought to legitimize an "American English" that was independent
of British spelling and pronunciation. For instance, Webster removed the "u" from
"colour," creating the distinct American version of the word.
Correct Answer
B. To present information about an important American
Question 4
If you are committed to healthy, green living and want to reduce your environmental
footprint, you might consider expanding your daily diet to include bugs. Supporters
of the edible insect initiative rightfully argue that farming insects has a much lower
environmental impact than does raising livestock since bugs are easier to harvest and
require a fraction of the water and land space that cattle need. Indeed, the high-
protein, low-fat health benefits of bug-eating have long been known. For hundreds of
years, crickets, silkworms and even tarantulas have been served roasted, stewed and
fried at the dinner tables of many cultures
Correct Answer
B. interest and support
Question 5
Long thought to be a case of mistaken identity, the discovery of the Bornean rainbow
toad by European explorers in 1924 was recently verified by scientists. The explorers
had made a black-and-white sketch of an unusual toad they had found in the jungles
of Southeast Asia, christening it the Bornean rainbow toad. Skeptical but curious,
scientists recently went to look for the toad—and ended up finding three specimens.
Correct Answer
A. Some people doubted the existence of the toad.
Page 2 of 8
Reading Exam |Questions and Answers |Fall 2
025/2026 Update
Question 1
When we think of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and smoke- filled air come to mind—all
occurring on land. Most people are surprised to learn about the prevalence of
underwater volcanoes on our planet. Because the lava and smoke spilling out of an
active, underwater volcano is contained by the ocean, people generally do not take
note of these eruptions. However, the largest underwater volcanoes are capable of
creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.
Correct Answer
D. underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be
dangerous
Question 2
In 2010, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and novelist Jonathan Franzen kissed and
made up after a nine-year feud. In 2001, Franzen was disinvited from appearing on
Winfrey's TV show to pitch his novel The Corrections after he made it clear that he
was unhappy about the book's being chosen for the Oprah Book Club. Describing his
work as
"in the high-art literary tradition," Franzen said he didn't want to be associated with
the Club, which he accused of occasionally choosing "schmaltzy, one-dimensional"
novels. But Winfrey is apparently able to forgive and forget: she chose Franzen's next
novel, Freedom, for her book club and said of it, "Now you haven't heard me say this
word often, but this book is a masterpiece."
Correct Answer
A. pride
Page 1 of 8
, Question 3
The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are
usually thought of as America's "Founding Fathers." Other, less known personages
also deserve the title, however, and Noah Webster was one
of these. Through his writings, which include the still- influential dictionary that bears
his name, Webster sought to legitimize an "American English" that was independent
of British spelling and pronunciation. For instance, Webster removed the "u" from
"colour," creating the distinct American version of the word.
Correct Answer
B. To present information about an important American
Question 4
If you are committed to healthy, green living and want to reduce your environmental
footprint, you might consider expanding your daily diet to include bugs. Supporters
of the edible insect initiative rightfully argue that farming insects has a much lower
environmental impact than does raising livestock since bugs are easier to harvest and
require a fraction of the water and land space that cattle need. Indeed, the high-
protein, low-fat health benefits of bug-eating have long been known. For hundreds of
years, crickets, silkworms and even tarantulas have been served roasted, stewed and
fried at the dinner tables of many cultures
Correct Answer
B. interest and support
Question 5
Long thought to be a case of mistaken identity, the discovery of the Bornean rainbow
toad by European explorers in 1924 was recently verified by scientists. The explorers
had made a black-and-white sketch of an unusual toad they had found in the jungles
of Southeast Asia, christening it the Bornean rainbow toad. Skeptical but curious,
scientists recently went to look for the toad—and ended up finding three specimens.
Correct Answer
A. Some people doubted the existence of the toad.
Page 2 of 8
