TACHS CHSEE Reading Practice Test 2024

Last Updated on May 23, 2024

TACHS CHSEE Reading Practice Test 2024 for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS) review questions and answers for free.

TACHS CHSEE Reading Practice Test 2024

The Reading section of the TACHS contains two parts. Part 1 of the Reading section deals with vocabulary. Here you will be presented with vocabulary words within the context of short phrases. You will be asked to select from a group of possible answers the word that means the same or nearly the same as the underlined vocabulary word in the short phrase. Vocabulary words that appear on the exam may be nouns, verbs, and modifiers. Approximately the same number of each will appear on the exam.

To roam the plains

  • (A) follow
  • (B) wander
  • (C) disguise
  • (D) destroy

The correct answer is (B), wander. Other synonyms include “stray,” “ramble,” and “rove.”

Part 2 of the Reading section measures ability in reading comprehension, or how well you understand what you read. In Part 2, you will be presented with a number of reading passages of varying lengths. Some passages may be only a few lines while others may be up to a page in length. Reading passages will vary in content. Some passages may be fiction and may include fables, stories, and excerpts from previously published works. Other passages will be nonfiction and may include such topics as social studies and science. The exam will test your ability to comprehend what you read and will not strain your understanding of science and social studies, for example. For the most part, you will be asked to make inferences or generalizations about what you read. You may be asked to identify the meaning of a word or phrase in context, to identify the passage’s main idea, and to determine what might come next in the story or to ‘‘read between the lines.”

Paul Grisham, as a young boy, sold newspapers on the street corner to help his family. He went to work before sunrise, worked until it was time for school, and then returned home after school. Paul walked everywhere he went, regardless of the weather. The work ethic he developed as a youngster contributed to his eventual financial success as an adult.

Based on the information in the passage above, which of the following can be inferred about Paul’s family when he was a child?

  • (A) Paul’s family had very little money.
  • (B) Paul’s family was very wealthy.
  • (C) Paul’s family lived in the country.
  • (D) Paul’s family was very large.

The correct answer is (A). Paul worked before school and “walked everywhere he went.” It can be inferred from the passage that he worked, because he needed the money, and walked, because the family had no other means of transportation.

Passage:

Mary Jackson was a pioneering aerospace engineer and mathematician who made significant contributions to NASA’s space missions during her career. Born in 1921 in Hampton, Virginia, Mary faced numerous racial and gender barriers but overcame them through determination and hard work. She excelled academically, earning a dual degree in mathematics and physical science from Hampton Institute in 1942.

Mary began her career as a schoolteacher and later joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which would eventually become NASA. Starting as a research mathematician, also known as a “computer,” at the Langley Research Center, she performed complex calculations that were critical to the success of various projects. Her exceptional skills and dedication quickly became evident, and she was promoted to work alongside engineers in the wind tunnels.

Despite her obvious talent, Mary faced discrimination and was often assigned menial tasks because of her race and gender. Unfazed, she continued to pursue her ambitions, even taking additional courses to qualify for engineering roles. Her perseverance paid off when she became NASA’s first African-American female engineer. As an engineer, Mary worked on the development and testing of aircraft and spacecraft, contributing to several successful space missions, including the Apollo program.

Mary’s impact extended beyond her technical work. She was a passionate advocate for equal employment opportunities and actively supported the careers of other women and minorities in science and engineering. She often served as a mentor and advisor, encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of diverse scientists and engineers.

In recognition of her contributions, Mary received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She retired from NASA in 1985 but continued to be involved in community service and advocacy until her death in 2005. Her legacy lives on, inspiring countless individuals to break down barriers and achieve their dreams.

Part 1: Vocabulary

  1. To exaggerate the story
    (A) minimize
    (B) emphasize
    (C) detail
    (D) overlook
    Answer: (B)
  2. To comprehend the lesson
    (A) misunderstand
    (B) simplify
    (C) understand
    (D) complicate
    Answer: (C)
  3. To deliberate before making a decision
    (A) hesitate
    (B) ignore
    (C) discuss
    (D) ponder
    Answer: (D)
  4. To surpass expectations
    (A) fail
    (B) meet
    (C) exceed
    (D) ignore
    Answer: (C)
  5. To terminate the agreement
    (A) continue
    (B) begin
    (C) end
    (D) revise
    Answer: (C)

Part 2: Reading Comprehension

  1. Based on the passage, what can be inferred about Mary Jackson’s career progression?
    (A) She remained a schoolteacher throughout her career.
    (B) She became the first African-American female engineer at NASA.
    (C) She worked exclusively in non-technical roles.
    (D) She faced no barriers in her career.
    Answer: (B)
  2. Which of the following best describes Mary Jackson’s impact beyond her technical contributions?
    (A) She focused solely on her engineering tasks.
    (B) She supported equal employment opportunities for women and minorities.
    (C) She avoided involvement in social issues.
    (D) She discouraged others from entering science and engineering.
    Answer: (B)
  3. What does the word pioneering in the passage most likely mean?
    (A) Following
    (B) Innovating
    (C) Hindering
    (D) Observing
    Answer: (B)
  4. What can be inferred about the environment Mary Jackson worked in?
    (A) It was free of racial and gender discrimination.
    (B) It had significant racial and gender barriers.
    (C) It did not value her contributions.
    (D) It was exclusively run by women.
    Answer: (B)
  5. Which statement is true based on the passage?
    (A) Mary Jackson worked in the medical field.
    (B) Mary Jackson did not support other women in her field.
    (C) Mary Jackson contributed to various space missions.
    (D) Mary Jackson’s work was not recognized during her lifetime.
    Answer: (C)