Texas PACT ELAR 7-12 (731)
Which of the following pairs of words acquired new, specialized meanings due to the influence of the
field of psychology?
a. broadcast, screen
b. introvert, inhibition
c. network, window
d. sedan, coupe correct answersOption B is correct. This question requires the examinee to recognize
historical, social, and cultural influences that have helped shape the English language. The word introvert
was first used in the late seventeenth century to mean "to concentrate upon oneself." The word
inhibition was first used in the fourteenth century to mean "something that forbids or restricts." Each of
these words took on specialized meanings in the field of psychology in the late nineteenth century:
introvert came to mean "to produce psychological introversion in," and inhibition came to mean "a
mental process imposing restraint on behavior."
Learning how to behave when with your horse is the first step towards building a good working
relationship with him. A well-treated horse is trusting but a frightened horse can be very strong and
could be dangerously unsafe. Always speak calmly. Horses are sensitive to tone of voice, so never shout.
Avoid noises like road drills or motor bikes. Don't move suddenly or carelessly when around horses. Use
persuasion to encourage your horse. Horses never forget a bad experience, but you can use their
memory to your advantage as they will also remember praise and rewards. Horses work best when they
are in a happy environment and they like routine.
For which of the following statements does this excerpt offer a sufficient amount of supporting detail?
a. A calm horse requires less praise than a skittish horse.
b. Horses are best trained in remote, rural places.
c. A highly disciplined horse will be a hard-working horse.
d. correct answersOption D is correct. This question requires the examinee to assess the sufficiency of
evidence, examples, and reasons provided to explain a concept or process presented in an informational
text. The details in the excerpt explain the dos and don'ts of communicating with horses, such as do
"speak calmly" to them but don't "move suddenly or carelessly" around them. Collectively, these tips
support the practice of using steady, gentle encouragement with horses.
, Representative government in the United States has broken down. Our legislators do not represent the
public, the voters, or even those who voted for them but rather the commercial-industrial interests that
finance their political campaigns and control the organs of communication—the TV, the newspapers, the
billboards, the radio. Politics is a game for the rich only. Representative government in the USA
represents money, not people, and therefore has forfeited our allegiance and moral support. We owe it
nothing but the taxation it extorts from us under threats of seizure of property. . . .
Which of the following statements best describes the effect of the author's use of a rhetorical technique
in this excerpt?
a. The author's use of specific examples such as TV, newspapers, and radio demonstrates a thoroughly
researched perspective.
b. A reliance on exaggerations and sweeping generalizations reveals strong biases in correct
answersOption B is correct. This question requires the examinee to analyze the use of a rhetorical
technique in a persuasive text. In the excerpt, the author reveals strong biases through exaggerations
such as "Representative government in the United States has broken down" and sweeping
generalizations such as "Politics is a game for the rich only."
An individual reads the instructions below for acquiring an absentee ballot. She provides her local board
of elections with her driver's license, a statement identifying the election in which she would like to vote,
and an address to which she would like the absentee ballot mailed.
Voter Registration Information
How can I acquire an absentee ballot?Write or go to the board of elections in your county and request
an absentee ballot application. On the application, you must provide the following information:your
printed name and signature,the address at which you are currently registered to vote,your date of
birth,personal identification, which may be any one of the following:your driver's license number, orthe
last four digits of your social security number, ora copy of your current and valid photo identification or a
copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government docu
correct answersOption C is correct. This question requires the examinee to use information presented in
a technical text to gain knowledge and develop skills, such as learning and exercising citizens' rights.
When the individual acquires the application at her local board of elections, she will be able to fill in her
name, date of birth, and current address as well as provide her signature. In addition, she will have in
hand her driver's license, the address to which she would like her ballot mailed, and a statement
identifying the elections in which she would like to vote. According to the instructions, then, the last
piece she will need to complete her application is a statement declaring that she is a qualified elector.
