Day 1 • Q3 REVISION
(1) Solar panels have become significantly more affordable over the last decade. (2) Many homeowners are hesitant to install them due to concerns about storage capacity. (3) Engineering breakthroughs in battery technology are starting to address these worries.
Which word or phrase should be added to the beginning of sentence 2 to improve the transition?
A. Consequently,
B. Furthermore,
C. Nevertheless,
D. Specifically,
Day 1 • A3 CORRECT
CNevertheless,
Sentence 1 presents a positive trend, while Sentence 2 presents a obstacle. "Nevertheless" correctly signals this contrast/concession.
"Consequently" (A) implies a result, "Furthermore" (B) adds similar info, and "Specifically" (D) adds detail. None match the reversal in tone.
Focus today: Subject-Verb Agreement, Subordination, and Logical Sequencing.
Day 2 • Q1 GRAMMAR
The collection of rare postage stamps, along with several antique coins, were sold at an auction yesterday.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. were sold
B. was sold
C. has been sold
D. are sold
Day 2 • A1 CORRECT
Bwas sold
The subject is "collection" (singular). Phrases beginning with "along with" are prepositional and do not change the number of the subject.
Don't be fooled by "stamps" or "coins" near the verb. Focus on the word that comes before the prepositional phrase.
Day 2 • Q2 COMBINING
1. Many people want to learn a second language.
2. They often find it difficult to maintain a consistent practice schedule.
Which choice most effectively uses a subordinating conjunction to combine these sentences?
A. Many people want to learn a second language, but they find it difficult to maintain a schedule.
B. Although many people want to learn a second language, they often find it difficult to maintain a consistent practice schedule.
C. Many people want to learn a second language; however, they find it difficult to maintain a schedule.
D. Because many people want to learn a second language, they find it difficult to maintain a schedule.
Day 2 • A2 CORRECT
BAlthough many people want to learn a second language, they often find it difficult to maintain a consistent practice schedule.
The prompt asks for a subordinating conjunction. "Although" is the only choice that fits this grammatical requirement and the contrast in meaning.
A and C are grammatically correct but use a coordinating conjunction (but) or a conjunctive adverb (however). The question asks for a specific type.
Day 2 • Q3 PLACEMENT
[1] The marathon requires months of training. [2] Proper nutrition is also vital. [3] Runners must gradually increase their mileage each week to avoid injury. [4] Without a solid foundation, the body may fail.
Where is the most logical place to insert the following sentence?
"Rest days should also be integrated into the schedule to allow recovery."
A. Before sentence 1
B. After sentence 1
C. After sentence 2
D. After sentence 3
Day 2 • A3 CORRECT
DAfter sentence 3
Sentence 3 discusses "increasing mileage" to "avoid injury." Rest days are the logical counterpart to training intensity and injury prevention.
Always look for where the specific subject matter matches. "Mileage/Injury" and "Rest/Recovery" are a perfect thematic pair.
Focus today: Parallel Structure, Relative Pronouns, and Clarity Revisions.
Day 3 • Q1 STRUCTURE
The applicant had all the necessary qualifications for the job: a relevant degree, five years of experience, and excellent communication skills.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion. If no change is needed, choose A.
A. excellent communication skills.
B. having excellent skills in communicating.
C. she communicated excellently.
D. also she had excellent communication skills.
Day 3 • A1 CORRECT
Aexcellent communication skills.
The list requires parallel structure. The previous items are noun phrases ("a relevant degree," "five years..."). Option A is also a noun phrase.
Check the items: Noun Phrase, Noun Phrase, and Noun Phrase. Option C introduces a new clause ("she communicated"), which breaks the pattern.
Day 3 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The ancient library was destroyed in a fire.
2. The library housed thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts.
Which choice most effectively uses a relative pronoun to combine these sentences?
A. The ancient library was destroyed in a fire, and it housed thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts.
B. Housed with thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts, a fire destroyed the ancient library.
C. The ancient library, which housed thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts, was destroyed in a fire.
D. Thousands of manuscripts were in the ancient library when a fire destroyed it.
Day 3 • A2 CORRECT
CThe ancient library, which housed thousands of irreplaceable manuscripts, was destroyed in a fire.
Option C uses the relative pronoun "which" to create a non-essential clause that provides detail about the library while maintaining the main focus of the sentence.
Relative pronouns include who, whom, whose, which, and that. Option C is the only one that uses "which" to subordinately combine the ideas.
Day 3 • Q3 REVISION
The discovery was made by the researchers at the university, and it proved that the theory was fundamentally incorrect.
Which of the following is the most effective way to revise this sentence for clarity and conciseness?
A. The university researchers' discovery fundamentally disproved the theory.
B. By university researchers, a discovery was made disproving the theory fundamentally.
C. That the theory was fundamentally incorrect was proven by the discovery made by university researchers.
D. There was a discovery by university researchers that disproved the theory fundamentally.
Day 3 • A3 CORRECT
AThe university researchers' discovery fundamentally disproved the theory.
Option A replaces wordy phrases ("discovery was made by," "it proved that... was fundamentally incorrect") with a strong verb: "disproved."
When revising for conciseness, look for ways to turn passive noun phrases into strong active verbs. "Disproved" is much more efficient than "proved to be incorrect."
Focus today: Pronoun Reference, Appositives, and Paragraph Transitions.
Day 4 • Q1 GRAMMAR
The managers told the employees that they would need to submit the reports by Friday.
Which of the following is the best way to revise the underlined portion for clarity?
A. they
B. the employees
C. those people
D. someone
Day 4 • A1 CORRECT
Bthe employees
The original sentence has ambiguous pronoun reference. It is unclear whether "they" refers to the managers or the employees. Replacing it with the noun clarifies the meaning.
When you have two possible plural nouns (managers and employees), a plural pronoun (they) creates confusion. Always favor the noun over the pronoun if there is any doubt.
Day 4 • Q2 COMBINING
1. Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
2. He established the nation's financial system.
Which is the most effective way to combine these sentences using an appositive?
A. Alexander Hamilton established the financial system while being the first Secretary of the Treasury.
B. The first Secretary of the Treasury was Alexander Hamilton, and he established the financial system.
C. Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, established the nation's financial system.
D. Establishing the nation's financial system was Alexander Hamilton, who was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Day 4 • A2 CORRECT
CAlexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, established the nation's financial system.
An appositive is a noun phrase that renames another noun right beside it. "The first Secretary of the Treasury" renames Alexander Hamilton smoothly and concisely.
Notice the commas! Non-essential appositives must be surrounded by commas. This is a very common structure on the TSIA2.
Day 4 • Q3 REVISION
The electric car market is expanding rapidly as more consumers prioritize sustainability. Furthermore, governments are offering incentives for buying them.
Which is the best way to revise the underlined portion to provide a stronger contrast to the previous idea?
A. Furthermore, governments are offering incentives for buying them.
B. In addition, the cost of lithium-ion batteries continues to drop.
C. However, the limited availability of charging stations remains a significant barrier.
D. Consequently, major auto manufacturers are phasing out internal combustion engines.
Day 4 • A3 CORRECT
CHowever, the limited availability of charging stations remains a significant barrier.
The prompt specifically asks for a contrast to the "expanding market" mentioned in the first sentence. Option C provides a negative counter-point ("limited availability").
Always look for the direction the prompt wants you to take. If it asks for contrast, look for transition words like however, nevertheless, conversely, or yet.
Focus today: Colons/Dashes, Participial Phrases, and Conclusion Sentences.
Day 5 • Q1 PUNCTUATION
The hiker carried only the essentials including a compass a water bottle, and a warm blanket.
Which is the best way to punctuate the underlined portion? If no change is needed, choose A.
A. including a compass
B. : a compass,
C. , a compass
D. —a compass,
Day 5 • A1 CORRECT
B: a compass,
A colon is used to introduce a list after a complete sentence. "The hiker carried only the essentials" is a complete thought, so the colon works perfectly.
Option D (dash) could work in some contexts, but it only has one dash. A list at the end of a sentence following a complete thought is the primary job of the colon.
Day 5 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The cat watched the bird from the window.
2. The cat twitched its tail with excitement.
Which choice most effectively uses a participial phrase to combine these sentences?
A. The cat watched the bird from the window, and its tail twitched with excitement.
B. Watching the bird from the window, the cat twitched its tail with excitement.
C. The cat, it watched the bird from the window while its tail twitched.
D. Because the cat was watching the bird, its tail twitched with excitement.
Day 5 • A2 CORRECT
BWatching the bird from the window, the cat twitched its tail with excitement.
"Watching the bird from the window" is a participial phrase (starting with an -ing verb) that modifies "the cat." This is a sophisticated way to combine actions.
Be careful! The noun immediately after the comma must be the one doing the action in the phrase. Here, "the cat" is correctly placed after "watching."
Day 5 • Q3 REVISION
(1) Remote work offers flexibility that many employees value. (2) However, it can also lead to a sense of isolation and blurred boundaries between home and office life. (3) Companies must find a balance to maintain employee well-being.
Which sentence would be the most effective conclusion for this paragraph?
A. Many people also enjoy working in coffee shops.
B. By implementing hybrid models, businesses can provide social interaction while preserving the benefits of autonomy.
C. Therefore, remote work is clearly better than working in a traditional office environment.
D. Statistics show that productivity remains high among remote workers.
Day 5 • A3 CORRECT
BBy implementing hybrid models, businesses can provide social interaction while preserving the benefits of autonomy.
A good conclusion summarizes the main conflict and offers a resolution. Option B addresses the "balance" mentioned in sentence 3 and ties together the pros and cons.
Option A and D introduce new, specific topics (coffee shops, productivity) that aren't the focus. Option C is too biased and ignores the "isolation" mentioned in sentence 2.
You've mastered 15 fundamental TSIA2 Writing skills.
Coming Up Next Week
Sentence Variety • Advanced Modifiers • Tone Revisions
B. The powerful volcanic eruption sent ash clouds thousands of feet into the atmosphere.
C. Sent into the atmosphere, a powerful volcanic eruption was the cause of ash clouds.
D. There was a powerful volcanic eruption; it sent ash into the air.
Day 6 • A3 CORRECT
BThe powerful volcanic eruption sent ash clouds thousands of feet into the atmosphere.
Option B converts the first sentence into an adjective ("powerful"), allowing for a single, focused sentence. This is much better than the "and" in Option A.
When combining, check if one sentence can become a modifier (adjective, adverb, or phrase) for the other. It usually leads to the most effective choice.
Focus today: Apostrophes, Subordination, and Logical Rearranging.
Day 7 • Q1 PUNCTUATION
The committees' decision to change the policy was met with resistance.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion. (Context: There is only one committee).
A. committees' decision
B. committee's decision
C. committees decision
D. committees's decision
Day 7 • A1 CORRECT
Bcommittee's decision
For a singular noun (committee), show possession by adding an apostrophe and an s ('s). Option A shows plural possession (more than one committee).
Singular: 's (dog's). Plural ending in s: s' (dogs'). Always check the context to see how many subjects own the object.
Day 7 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The software update was released yesterday.
2. It fixed several critical security vulnerabilities.
Which choice most effectively uses a subordinating conjunction?
A. The software update was released yesterday, and it fixed vulnerabilities.
B. When the software update was released yesterday, it fixed several critical security vulnerabilities.
C. Releasing yesterday, the software update fixed several vulnerabilities.
D. The software update fixed vulnerabilities; it was released yesterday.
Day 7 • A2 CORRECT
BWhen the software update was released yesterday...
The prompt specifically asks for a subordinating conjunction. "When" is the only option that meets this requirement while maintaining the meaning.
Always follow the specific structural instruction in the prompt. "And" (A) is a coordinating conjunction. Option C uses a participial phrase. Option D uses a semicolon.
Day 7 • Q3 PLACEMENT
[1] The company's profits surged by 20%. [2] This growth was attributed to the new product line. [3] Management decided to increase the marketing budget. [4] They hoped to maintain this momentum.
Where is the most logical place to insert the following sentence?
"However, production costs also rose during this period, slightly dampening the net gain."
A. After sentence 1
B. After sentence 2
C. After sentence 3
D. After sentence 4
Day 7 • A3 CORRECT
AAfter sentence 1
The word "However" signals a contrast. It should follow the positive statement (surge in profits) it intends to qualify.
When you see "However" or "Nevertheless" in a placement question, look for a claim that the sentence opposes or complicates. Place it directly after that claim.
Focus today: Verb Tense Consistency, Appositives, and Concluding Statements.
Day 8 • Q1 GRAMMAR
The conductor raised his baton, the audience became silent, and the orchestra begins to play.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. begins to play.
B. was beginning to play.
C. began to play.
D. will begin to play.
Day 8 • A1 CORRECT
Cbegan to play.
The first two verbs ("raised" and "became") are in the past tense. To maintain consistency, the third verb must also be past tense ("began").
Verb tense errors are common in lists of actions. Always check the first verb in the sentence to set your "anchor" tense.
Day 8 • Q2 COMBINING
1. Marie Curie was a pioneer in radioactivity research.
2. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
Which is the most effective way to combine these using an appositive?
A. Marie Curie, a pioneer in radioactivity research, was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.
B. Marie Curie won a Nobel Prize, and she pioneered radioactivity research.
C. Being the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, Marie Curie was a pioneer.
D. Marie Curie pioneered radioactivity, and then she won a Nobel Prize.
Day 8 • A2 CORRECT
AMarie Curie, a pioneer in radioactivity research...
An appositive is a noun phrase that renames the subject. "A pioneer in radioactivity research" renames Marie Curie perfectly.
Subject, [Noun Phrase], Verb. This structure is very efficient because it avoids using a separate sentence for background info.
Day 8 • Q3 REVISION
(1) Green roofs are covered with vegetation that absorbs sunlight. (2) They help manage stormwater runoff. (3) They reduce urban heat.
Which concluding sentence would best summarize the benefits mentioned?
A. Therefore, green roofs offer a multi-functional environmental solution for cities.
B. City planners like green roofs.
C. However, they are expensive.
D. More cities should plant trees.
Day 8 • A3 CORRECT
ATherefore, green roofs offer a multi-functional environmental solution for cities.
A conclusion should synthesize the points made. "Multi-functional" covers all the specific benefits (heat, runoff, sunlight absorption) listed previously.
Look for a sentence that acts as a "bucket" for all the specific details. Option A uses broad, academic language that wraps up the paragraph's purpose.
Focus today: Parenthetical Elements, Relative Clauses, and Active Voice.
Day 9 • Q1 PUNCTUATION
The original plan which was drafted by a junior architect was scrapped.
Choose the best way to punctuate the underlined portion.
A. which was drafted by a junior architect
B. , which was drafted by a junior architect,
C. (which was drafted by a junior architect)
D. —which was drafted by a junior architect—
Day 9 • A1 CORRECT
B, which was drafted by a junior architect,
The phrase is non-essential. It adds detail but isn't required to understand which plan was scrapped. Non-essential "which" clauses must be set off by commas.
"Which" = Extra info (Commas). "That" = Essential info (No commas). This is a top-3 most frequent rule on the TSIA2.
Day 9 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The novelist wrote her book in three months.
2. The book became a national bestseller.
Which choice most effectively uses a relative clause?
A. The book, which was written in three months, became a national bestseller.
B. After writing her book in three months, it became a bestseller.
C. The novelist wrote her book in three months, and it was a bestseller.
D. Writing the book in three months made it a bestseller.
Day 9 • A2 CORRECT
AThe book, which was written in three months...
Option A correctly uses the relative pronoun "which" to embed the first sentence's information into the second, creating a more sophisticated structure.
Option B has a dangling modifier. "After writing her book" must be followed by the novelist, not "it" (the book).
Day 9 • Q3 REVISION
Because of the fact that it was raining, the game was cancelled by officials.
Which is the most effective way to revise this for conciseness?
A. The officials cancelled the game because of rain.
B. Rain caused the game to be cancelled by officials.
C. It was raining, so the game was cancelled.
D. Due to rain, officials made a cancellation.
Day 9 • A3 CORRECT
AThe officials cancelled the game because of rain.
Option A uses active voice (officials cancelled) and removes wordy phrases like "because of the fact that." It is the most direct.
"Because of the fact that" can always be shortened to "Because" or "Due to." "Was cancelled by" should be shortened to "cancelled."
Focus today: Comparative/Superlative, Complex Combining, and Supporting Evidence.
Day 10 • Q1 GRAMMAR
Of all the projects submitted, yours is definitely the more creative.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. more creative.
B. most creative.
C. creative.
D. creatively.
Day 10 • A1 CORRECT
Bmost creative.
The phrase "Of all" implies a comparison of more than two things. When comparing 3+, use the superlative form ("most").
Comparing 2? Use more. Comparing 3 or more? Use most. Simple rule, but often tested in tricky contexts.
Day 10 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The storm knocked out the power.
2. It took twelve hours to restore it.
3. Residents used candles for light.
Which is the most effective way to combine all three?
A. The storm knocked out power, so residents used candles for twelve hours until it was restored.
B. Because of the power outage and storm, residents used candles for twelve hours.
C. Twelve hours later power was restored, but residents had been using candles after the storm.
D. Power was restored in twelve hours; it was out from the storm, and residents used candles.
Day 10 • A2 CORRECT
AThe storm knocked out power, so residents used candles...
Option A maintains a logical sequence: Cause (Storm) → Result (Candles) → End condition (Restored). It uses "so" and "until" effectively.
The best combination usually follows the actual timeline of events. First the storm, then the light alternative, then the resolution.
Day 10 • Q3 REVISION
Subway systems move millions of people. However, many aging systems require upgrades.
Which would provide the best supporting evidence for the second sentence?
A. Many people like to ride the subway to work.
B. Inspections of tunnels revealed structural cracks that will cost $2 billion to repair.
C. New York has the largest subway system.
D. Bicycles are also popular.
Day 10 • A3 CORRECT
BInspections... revealed cracks... $2 billion to repair.
Evidence should be concrete. "Structural cracks" and "$2 billion" are specific details that prove the need for "upgrades."
TSIA2 organizational questions often test your ability to spot a general claim and pair it with a specific fact that supports it.
10 days down. Halfway to mastery.
Coming Up Next Week
Modifier Placement • Faulty Parallelism • Argumentative Revision
A. Nevertheless,
B. Furthermore,
C. Conversely,
D. Similarly,
Day 11 • A3 CORRECT
BFurthermore,
"Furthermore" is used to introduce an additional point that supports the same main idea. "Consequently" implies a result (X leads to Y), which isn't quite the case here.
When the second sentence adds another piece of evidence to the pile, use words like: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Additionally.
Focus today: Pronoun Agreement, Relative Clauses, and Topic Sentences.
Day 12 • Q1 GRAMMAR
Neither of the students have completed their assignment on time.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. have completed their
B. has completed their
C. has completed his or her
D. have completed his or her
Day 12 • A1 CORRECT
Chas completed his or her
The subject "Neither" is singular. It requires a singular verb ("has") and a singular pronoun ("his or her"). Option B is a common error using plural "their" with singular "neither."
Always treat Each, Neither, Either, Someone, Everyone as singular subjects. They are "magnet" words for agreement errors on the TSIA2.
Day 12 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The scientist published a groundbreaking paper.
2. The scientist works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Which is the most effective way to combine these sentences using a relative clause?
A. The scientist, who works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, published a groundbreaking paper.
B. Working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a groundbreaking paper was published by the scientist.
C. The groundbreaking paper was published by the scientist, and she works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
D. There was a scientist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who published a groundbreaking paper.
Day 12 • A2 CORRECT
AThe scientist, who works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, published a groundbreaking paper.
Option A correctly uses the relative pronoun "who" to create a non-essential clause, providing background info about the scientist while keeping the main focus on the paper.
Use "who" for people and "which/that" for things. Option B contains a dangling modifier (papers don't work for NOAA). Option C is wordy and less focused.
Day 12 • Q3 REVISION
(1) ____________________________. (2) Unlike traditional medicine, which treats symptoms, physical therapy aims to find the root cause of movement dysfunction. (3) By strengthening specific muscle groups, patients can avoid long-term reliance on pain medication.
Which would be the most effective topic sentence (Sentence 1) for this paragraph?
A. Many people find that physical therapy is quite expensive without insurance.
B. Physical therapy offers a holistic and preventative approach to managing injury and chronic pain.
C. Traditional medicine has many benefits for acute illnesses.
D. There are many types of doctors who specialize in movement disorders.
Day 12 • A3 CORRECT
BPhysical therapy offers a holistic and preventative approach...
A topic sentence must introduce the scope of the entire paragraph. Since the rest of the sentences discuss the benefits and mechanisms of physical therapy, Option B is the perfect fit.
A good topic sentence acts like an umbrella. It should be broad enough to cover all the points in the paragraph but specific enough to be distinct from other topics.
Focus today: Parallel Structure, Colons vs. Semicolons, and Argumentative Support.
Day 13 • Q1 STRUCTURE
Success in the program requires students to attend all lectures, complete the weekly quizzes, and participating in a group project.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. participating in a group project.
B. to participate in a group project.
C. participate in a group project.
D. they must participate in a group project.
Day 13 • A1 CORRECT
Cparticipate in a group project.
This list uses parallel structure. The first two items are "attend" and "complete." To match, the third must be "participate."
Read the list without the middle items: "...requires students to attend... and participate." It must sound natural and match the lead-in verb form.
Day 13 • Q2 PUNCTUATION
The research focuses on three primary variables temperature; humidity; and light intensity which affect the growth rate of the plants.
Choose the best way to punctuate the underlined portion.
A. temperature; humidity; and light intensity
B. temperature, humidity, and light intensity:
C. : temperature, humidity, and light intensity,
D. , temperature, humidity, and light intensity,
Day 13 • A2 CORRECT
C: temperature, humidity, and light intensity,
The colon correctly introduces the list of variables following the independent clause. The final comma sets off the list as a non-essential appositive before the "which" clause.
Use a colon after a full sentence to introduce a list. "The research focuses on three primary variables" is a full sentence. Use semicolons ONLY for internal complexity or joining two sentences.
Day 13 • Q3 REVISION
Mandatory community service for high school students fosters civic responsibility. However, many students already have busy schedules.
Which is the most effective way to revise the underlined sentence to provide better support for the main argument in favor of community service?
A. By engaging with local charities, students gain valuable real-world experience and develop empathy.
B. Some studies suggest that mandatory service can lead to resentment among teenagers.
C. Graduation requirements already include many different types of testing.
D. Teachers often find it difficult to track student hours accurately.
Day 13 • A3 CORRECT
ABy engaging with local charities, students gain valuable real-world experience...
The prompt asks for a sentence that supports the argument in favor. Option A provides specific positive outcomes ("real-world experience," "empathy") that reinforce the claim about "civic responsibility."
When revising an argument, ensure all sentences pull in the same direction. The original sentence introduced a counter-argument ("busy schedules"), which weakened the main claim.
Focus today: Subject-Verb Agreement (Complex), Subordination, and Conclusion Clarity.
Day 14 • Q1 GRAMMAR
The results of the preliminary study, despite the initial skepticism from the board of directors, was far better than expected.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. was far better
B. were far better
C. has been far better
D. are being far better
Day 14 • A1 CORRECT
Bwere far better
The subject is "results" (plural). The intervening phrase ("despite the initial skepticism...") does not change the subject's number. Plural subjects require plural verbs ("were").
Cross out everything between the subject and the verb. "The results [of the study... from the board...] were better." If you isolate it, the answer becomes obvious.
Day 14 • Q2 COMBINING
1. The chef prepared a five-course meal for the guests.
2. The meal was inspired by her recent travels to Thailand.
Which choice most effectively uses a subordinating conjunction to combine these sentences?
A. The chef prepared a five-course meal for the guests, which was inspired by her travels.
B. Because she was inspired by her recent travels to Thailand, the chef prepared a five-course meal for the guests.
C. The meal was inspired by her travels, and the chef prepared it for the guests.
D. Inspired by her recent travels to Thailand, a five-course meal was prepared by the chef.
Day 14 • A2 CORRECT
BBecause she was inspired by her recent travels to Thailand, the chef prepared a five-course meal for the guests.
The prompt specifically asks for a subordinating conjunction ("Because"). This creates a cause-and-effect relationship between the inspiration and the action.
Option D also looks good but it uses passive voice ("was prepared by"). Option B is stronger because it maintains the chef as the active subject.
Day 14 • Q3 REVISION
(1) Online shopping has transformed the retail landscape over the last decade. (2) Consumers enjoy the convenience of home delivery and competitive pricing. (3) Traditional brick-and-mortar stores must offer unique in-person experiences to compete.
Which concluding sentence would best summarize the impact of online shopping as described?
A. Consequently, the future of retail depends on a delicate balance between digital ease and physical engagement.
B. Many people still like to go to the mall with their friends.
C. Delivery fees can sometimes be very expensive for shoppers.
D. Amazon is currently the largest online retailer in the world.
Day 14 • A3 CORRECT
AConsequently, the future of retail depends on a delicate balance...
Option A synthesizes both sides of the transformation: the "digital ease" of online shopping and the "physical engagement" needed by traditional stores. It brings the paragraph to a logical point.
Option D is a true fact, but it's too narrow. A good conclusion should address the general theme of the paragraph (transformation of retail) rather than one specific player.
Today is a cumulative review. We will mix all types to prepare for the final sprint next week.
Day 15 • Q1 MIXED PRACTICE
The detective examined the crime scene he however didn't find any fingerprints.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. he however didn't
B. ; he, however, didn't
C. , however he didn't
D. ; he however, didn't
Day 15 • A1 CORRECT
B; he, however, didn't
The semicolon joins the two independent clauses. "However" is a conjunctive adverb that needs commas on both sides when it appears in the middle of a clause.
Remember: Sentence 1 ; however , Sentence 2. If "however" moves after the subject, it's: Sentence 1 ; Subject , however , Verb.
Day 15 • Q2 MIXED PRACTICE
1. The museum exhibited a collection of ancient pottery.
2. The pottery was found during a 1920s excavation.
Which choice most effectively uses an appositive phrase to combine these sentences?
A. Found during a 1920s excavation, the museum exhibited a collection of ancient pottery.
B. The museum exhibited a collection of ancient pottery, items found during a 1920s excavation.
C. The museum exhibited pottery and it was found in the 1920s during an excavation.
D. During a 1920s excavation, the museum exhibited a collection of ancient pottery.
Day 15 • A2 CORRECT
B...ancient pottery, items found during a 1920s excavation.
Option B uses "items found..." as an appositive to rename and describe "pottery." Option A has a dangling modifier (it says the museum was found in an excavation!).
An appositive usually follows the noun it describes. "Pottery, items found..." is a clear, concise way to merge the two thoughts.
Day 15 • Q3 MIXED PRACTICE
(1) Modern smartphones have more computing power than the computers used for the first moon landing. (2) These devices allow for instantaneous communication across the globe. (3) __________________________.
Which sentence would best complete the logical progression of this paragraph?
A. Consequently, society must address the challenges of digital privacy and screen addiction.
B. Some smartphones are also waterproof and can take high-quality photos.
C. The first moon landing occurred in 1969.
D. Many people buy a new phone every two years.
Day 15 • A3 CORRECT
AConsequently, society must address the challenges...
The first two sentences establish the massive power and reach of smartphones. Option A provides a logical consequence to this power, suggesting we now face new societal responsibilities.
Paragraphs should move from Facts → Impact → Conclusion/Reflection. Option A is the only choice that offers a reflection on the facts presented.
15 days down. Your TSIA2 score is climbing.
The Final Sprint
Next week: Full Mixed Practice • Timed Drills • Mastery
Which is the best way to revise the underlined sentence to provide better support for the argument in favor of nuclear energy?
A. It also provides a steady base-load power supply that solar and wind currently cannot match.
B. Many people are worried about the safety of waste storage.
C. Building new plants can take over a decade.
D. Solar energy is generally more popular with the public.
Day 16 • A3 CORRECT
AIt also provides a steady base-load power supply...
The prompt asks for a sentence that supports the positive claim. Option A adds another benefit (stability), whereas the other options highlight drawbacks.
Don't pick based on your own opinion! Pick the answer that does what the question asks: "support for the argument in favor."
Focus today: Pronoun Case, Complex-Compound Combining, and Clarity.
Day 17 • Q1 MIXED PRACTICE
The mystery of the disappearing artifacts fascinated the historians whom spent years studying the ancient ruins.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. whom spent years
B. who spent years
C. which spent years
D. that spent years
Day 17 • A1 CORRECT
Bwho spent years
In this clause, the pronoun is the subject of the verb "spent." Use the subjective case (who) for subjects and the objective case (whom) for objects.
Swap with "he/him." If "he" fits (he spent years), use who. If "him" fits (the historians told him), use whom.
Day 17 • Q2 MIXED PRACTICE
1. The storm damaged the coastal boardwalk.
2. Repairs will cost the city millions.
3. Tourists are staying away from the area.
Which choice most effectively combines all three ideas into a single sentence?
A. The storm damaged the boardwalk, which will cost millions to repair, and tourists are staying away.
B. Repairs to the boardwalk damaged by the storm will cost millions, while tourists stay away.
C. Because the storm damaged the boardwalk, repairs will cost the city millions, and tourists are avoiding the area.
D. There was damage to the boardwalk and costs will be millions, so tourists stay away.
Day 17 • A2 CORRECT
CBecause the storm damaged the boardwalk, repairs will cost millions, and tourists are avoiding the area.
Option C captures the full chain of cause and effect: Storm → Repair Cost + Lack of Tourists. It uses subordination and coordination correctly.
A "compound-complex" sentence is often the best way to link three separate events. It groups two results under one single cause ("Because...").
Day 17 • Q3 MIXED PRACTICE
The expansion of the highway system led to the growth of suburbs and it increased the dependence on automobiles.
Which of the following is the most effective way to revise this for parallel structure?
A. led to growing suburbs and increasing automobile dependence.
B. led to the growth of suburbs and an increase in automobile dependence.
C. led to the suburbs growing and more automobiles being depended on.
D. led to suburbs that grew and automobiles that were depended on.
Day 17 • A3 CORRECT
B...the growth of suburbs and an increase in automobile dependence.
Option B provides two matching noun phrases: "the growth of..." and "an increase in...". This is perfect parallel structure.
Check your forms! "Growth" is a noun; "Increase" is a noun. Balancing them makes the sentence easier to process and much more professional.
Focus today: Subject-Verb Agreement, Punctuation Mastery, and Sentence Sequencing.
Day 18 • Q1 MIXED PRACTICE
The list of requirements for the application is so extensive that it discourage many potential candidates.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. is so extensive that it discourage
B. are so extensive that it discourages
C. is so extensive that it discourages
D. are so extensive that they discourage
Day 18 • A1 CORRECT
Cis so extensive that it discourages
The subject "The list" is singular. It requires a singular verb ("is"). The pronoun "it" correctly refers back to "the list" and requires the singular verb "discourages."
This question tests agreement twice. First: List → Is. Second: It → Discourages. Always check both halves of the revision.
Day 18 • Q2 MIXED PRACTICE
The team finished the project ahead of schedule this achievement was noted by the vice president in her monthly report.
Which is the best way to punctuate the underlined portion? If no change is needed, choose A.
A. this achievement was noted
B. , this achievement was noted
C. ; this achievement was noted
D. this achievement, was noted
Day 18 • A2 CORRECT
C; this achievement was noted
The sentence contains two independent clauses (two full sentences). Joining them without punctuation (A) or with only a comma (B) is a major error. The semicolon (C) is the proper fix.
A comma alone (B) is too "weak" to hold two full sentences together. This is called a comma splice. Always look for a period, a semicolon, or a comma + FANBOYS.
Day 18 • Q3 MIXED PRACTICE
[1] The artist spent years perfecting her technique in the studio. [2] Her early works were characterized by vibrant colors and bold lines. [3] This evolution in her style eventually led to her first major gallery exhibition. [4] Later, her palette became more muted and focused on shadows.
What is the most logical order for these sentences?
A. 1, 2, 4, 3
B. 2, 4, 1, 3
C. 1, 3, 2, 4
D. 4, 2, 1, 3
Day 18 • A3 CORRECT
A1, 2, 4, 3
The paragraph follows a chronological timeline. First (1) the studio years, then (2) the early work, then (4) the later work, and finally (3) the result of this total "evolution."
Look for keywords like "early," "later," and "evolution." Sentence 3 summarizes the "evolution" mentioned in the transition between 2 and 4, making it the perfect conclusion.
Focus today: Verb Tense Consistency, Participial Combinations, and Wordiness.
Day 19 • Q1 MIXED PRACTICE
If the team had arrived earlier, they would have seen the pre-game ceremony.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion. If no change is needed, choose A.
A. would have seen
B. would of seen
C. saw
D. will have seen
Day 19 • A1 CORRECT
Awould have seen
This is the past unreal conditional. It describes an event that didn't happen. The "if" clause uses past perfect (had arrived), so the result clause must use would have + past participle.
Option B ("would of") is a common phonetic error. It sounds like the contraction would've, but "of" is never part of a verb phrase. "Have" is always the correct word.
Day 19 • Q2 MIXED PRACTICE
1. The gardener planted several rose bushes.
2. She was wearing heavy protective gloves.
Which is the most effective way to combine these sentences using a participial phrase?
A. The gardener planted roses, and she wore gloves.
B. Wearing heavy protective gloves, the gardener planted several rose bushes.
C. Roses were planted by the gardener wearing heavy protective gloves.
D. Because she wore gloves, the gardener planted rose bushes.
Day 19 • A2 CORRECT
BWearing heavy protective gloves, the gardener planted...
Option B uses the participial phrase ("Wearing...") to describe the subject's condition during the action. This is the exact structure requested by the prompt.
Option C is risky because it's unclear if the "gardener" or the "roses" are wearing the gloves. Option B is crystal clear because the gardener follows the phrase immediately.
Day 19 • Q3 MIXED PRACTICE
The reason why the budget was exceeded was due to the fact that there were many unexpected costs.
Which is the most effective way to revise this for conciseness?
A. The budget was exceeded due to unexpected costs.
B. Unexpected costs caused the budget to be exceeded by the team.
C. Due to the fact that there were costs, the budget was exceeded.
D. There were many costs, and that was why the budget was exceeded.
Day 19 • A3 CORRECT
AThe budget was exceeded due to unexpected costs.
Option A removes all redundancy. Phrases like "The reason why... was due to the fact that" are logically repetitive and should always be shortened.
If you see "The reason why..." at the start of a sentence, there is almost certainly a way to delete it and start with the actual subject. Always aim for the fewest words possible.
Cumulative Review. You are ready.
Day 20 • Q1 FINAL DRILL
The novel, along with three short stories that was written by the author, were finally published last year.
Choose the best way to revise the underlined portion.
A. that was written by the author, were
B. that were written by the author, was
C. that were written by the author, were
D. that was written by the author, was
Day 20 • A1 CORRECT
Bthat were written by the author, was
The relative pronoun "that" refers to "three short stories" (plural), so it needs "were." However, the main subject is "The novel" (singular), which needs "was."
This is a "final boss" level agreement question. You must check the verb for the dependent clause (were) AND the verb for the main sentence (was) separately.
Day 20 • Q2 FINAL DRILL
The weather was clear; nevertheless, the flight was delayed. Wait times at the gate were long and frustrating for travelers.
Which word or phrase, if added to the beginning of the underlined sentence, would provide the best transition?
A. Consequently,
B. However,
C. On the other hand,
D. Specifically,
Day 20 • A2 CORRECT
AConsequently,
The first sentence establishes that the flight was delayed. The second sentence describes the result of that delay (long wait times). "Consequently" correctly signals this cause-effect link.
Always ask: "Is sentence B a result of sentence A?" If yes, use result words like: Consequently, Therefore, As a result, Thus.
Day 20 • Q3 FINAL DRILL
The primary reason for the decline in local biodiversity is the fragmentation of habitats due to urban sprawl.
Which of the following is the most effective concluding sentence for a paragraph about this topic?
A. Many people also enjoy hiking in the local parks.
B. Therefore, preserving connected wildlife corridors is essential to protecting regional ecosystems.
C. Urban sprawl can lead to longer commute times for workers.
D. Some animals are very adaptable to city environments.
Day 20 • A3 CORRECT
BTherefore, preserving connected wildlife corridors is essential...
A conclusion should offer a solution or summary based on the problem presented. Since the problem is "fragmentation," the solution is "connected corridors."
The correct conclusion will always address the specific core problem mentioned in the text. Habitat fragmentation → Habitat connection. Match the problem to the fix.
20 Days. 60 Questions. 100% Ready.
TSIA2 SUCCESS
MASTERED
