THEA, Texas Higher Education Assessment

by Conner, Ellen; Chadwick-Joshua, Jocelyn; Parks, George P., Jr.; Truscott, Robert B.; Wajngurt, Clara, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9780738609676
• ISBN10: 0738609676
• Edition: 9th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-07-11
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

REA's THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment) Test Prep with TestWare CD Gets You a High Score! Updated 9th Edition!This updated ninth edition of our popular test prep was designed to help college-bound students in Texas master the information on the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA). This test prep is perfect for: Students entering Texas public colleges, universities, and technical institutes (including students transferring from out-of-state schools or from private institutions within the state of Texas) Students seeking admission to public and private teacher-education programs Students seeking admission to upper-level programs that require the THEA for admission Our comprehensive review chapters cover all math, reading, and writing skills tested on the exam.Drills in each chapter let you practice what you've learned and target areas in need of improvement. Two full-length, multiple-choice practice tests in the book simulate the actual THEA.Each practice test is balanced to include every type of question, subject area, and skill tested on the exam.Our practice tests replicate the THEA's question format, allowing you to assess your skills and gauge your test-readiness. The book's two exams are included on CD in a timed format with instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and on-screen detailed explanations of answers.Our TestWare CD offers the most powerful scoring and diagnostic tools available today. Automatic scoring and instant reports help you zero in on the topics and types of questions that give you trouble now, so you'll succeed when it counts! Every practice exam comes with detailed feedback on every question.We don't just say which answers are rightwe explain why the other answer choices are wrongso you'll be prepared on test day. Our detailed explanations of answers let you identify your strengths and weaknesses while building your skills. This complete test prep package comes with a customized study schedule and REA's test-taking strategies and tips. This test prep is a must-have for college-bound students in Texas!

Table of Contents

About Research & Education Association	p. v
Study Schedule	p. x
Foreward	p. xi
Passing the THEA Test	p. 1
About this Book and TestWare®	p. 2
About the Test	p. 2
Who takes the test and what is it used for?	p. 2
Who administers the test?	p. 3
When should the THEA be taken?	p. 3
When and where is the test given?	p. 3
Is there a registration fee?	p. 4
How to Use this Book	p. 4
What do I study first?	p. 4
When should I start studying?	p. 4
Format of the THEA Test	p. 5
Sections of the THEA Test	p. 6
Reading Section	p. 6
Mathematics Section	p. 6
Writing Section	p. 6
About the Review Sections	p. 7
Reading Section Review	p. 7
Mathematics Section Review	p. 7
Writing Section Review	p. 7
Scoring the THEA Test	p. 8
How do I score my practice tests?	p. 8
Scoring the Reading and Mathematics Sections	p. 9
Scoring the Writing Section	p. 11
What scores do I need to pass the actual THEA?	p. 12
When will I receive my score report and what will it look like?	p. 12
Studying for the THEA Test	p. 13
THEA Test-Taking Tips	p. 14
The Day of the Test	p. 14
Before the Test	p. 14
During the Test	p. 15
After the Test	p. 16
Reading Section Review	p. 19
The Passages	p. 20
The Questions	p. 21
Strategies for the Reading Section	p. 22
A Four-Step Approach	p. 24
Preview	p. 24
Read Actively	p. 30
Review the Passage	p. 35
Answer the Questions	p. 35
Vocabulary Enhancer	p. 43
Similar Forms and Sounds	p. 43
Multiple Meanings	p. 47
Connotation and Denotation	p. 47
Vocabulary Builder	p. 49
Additional Vocabulary	p. 67
Knowing Your Word Parts	p. 85
Figures of Speech	p. 96
Interpretation of Graphic Information Questions	p. 97
Reading Drills Answer Key	p. 109
Mathematics Section Review	p. 115
Strategies for the Math Section	p. 117
Arithmetic	p. 121
Integers and Real Numbers	p. 121
Fractions	p. 126
Exponents	p. 134
Order of Operations	p. 137
Decimals	p. 139
Percentages	p. 145
Radicals	p. 150
Averages	p. 154
Arithmetic Drills Answer Key	p. 158
Algebra	p. 160
Operations with Polynomials	p. 160
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions	p. 164
Linear Equations	p. 168
Two Linear Equations	p. 173
Quadratic Equations	p. 180
Absolute Value Equations	p. 191
Inequalities	p. 192
Ratios and Proportions	p. 196
Algebra Drills Answer Key	p. 200
Geometry	p. 201
Points, Lines, and Angles	p. 201
Regular Polygons	p. 212
Triangles	p. 215
Quadrilaterals	p. 222
Circles	p. 229
Solids	p. 235
Coordinate Geometry	p. 237
Geometry Drills Answer Key	p. 242
Word Problems	p. 244
Algebraic	p. 244
Rate	p. 245
Work	p. 246
Mixture	p. 247
Interest	p. 249
Discount	p. 250
Profit	p. 252
Sets	p. 253
Geometry	p. 255
Measurement	p. 256
Data Interpretation	p. 258
Combination of Mathematical Skills	p. 261
Word Problem Drills Answer Key	p. 265
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 267
Reference Table	p. 285
Writing Section Review	p. 287
Multiple-Choice	p. 290
Strategies for the Multiple-Choice Subsection	p. 291
Recognizing the Writer's Purpose and Intended Audience	p. 293
Analyzing a Passage for Purpose and Audience	p. 293
Determine What Essay Strategy the Writer Uses: Explain, Inform, or Persuade	p. 293
Consider Implications and Inferences	p. 293
Determine the Nature of the Audience	p. 294
Recognizing Effective Organization: Unity, Focus, and Development	p. 296
Look for Key Sections (T) and (t)	p. 296
Key Sections to Recognize	p. 296
Determine the Type of Evidence (E)	p. 296
Check for Logic	p. 297
Note the Transitions	p. 298
Recognizing Effective Sentence Structure and Mechanics	p. 301
Test Your Skills	p. 301
Diagnostic	p. 301
Diagnostic Answer Key	p. 305
Review of Standard Written English	p. 308
Sentence Fragments	p. 308
Run-on Sentences	p. 308
Short Sentences/Wordiness	p. 309
Misplaced Modifiers	p. 311
Parallel Structure	p. 312
Phrases and Clauses	p. 313
Subject-Verb Agreement	p. 318
Comparison of Adjectives	p. 319
Pronouns	p. 320
Conjunctions	p. 338
The Comma	p. 339
The Colon and Semicolon	p. 347
Quotation Marks	p. 351
The Apostrophe	p. 358
Stops	p. 361
Interjections, Dashes, and Parentheses	p. 365
Capitalization	p. 368
Writing Drills Answer Key	p. 379
Writing Sample	p. 396
Strategies for the Writing Sample	p. 397
Appropriate, Unified, and Focused Essays: Recognizing Effective Writing	p. 399
Why Essays Exist	p. 399
Organization and Purposeful Development	p. 399
Essay Writing	p. 399
Seven Steps to Prove a Thesis	p. 400
The Writing Process: Controlling Organization, Paragraph Development, Sentence Structure, Usage, and Mechanical Conventions	p. 400
Composing Your Essay: Using the Writing Process	p. 400
Writing Your Essay	p. 402
Prewriting/Planning Time	p. 402
Consider Your Audience	p. 402
Control Your Point of View	p. 402
Consider Your Support	p. 403
Write Your Rough Draft	p. 403
Transitions	p. 403
Grammar	p. 404
Providing Evidence in Your Essay	p. 405
Organizing and Reviewing the Paragraphs	p. 405
Paragraphing with No Evidence	p. 405
Check for Logic	p. 406
Polishing and Editing Your Essay	p. 408
Polishing Checklist	p. 408
Proofreading	p. 408
Essay Writing Drills Answer Key	p. 411
The Practice Tests
	p. 419
Answer Key	p. 475
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 476
	p. 527
Answer Key	p. 585
Detailed Explanations of Answers	p. 586
Answer Sheets	p. 629
Installing REA's TestWare®	p. 644
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

About This Book & TestWare®
This book provides you with an accurate and complete representation of the Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) Test. Inside you will find reviews that are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to pass the exam, along with two practice tests based on the format of the most recently administered THEA. You are allowed five hours to complete the actual test. The same amount of time is given to take our practice tests. The practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to appear on the THEA. Following each test, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you more completely understand the test material.

The practice tests in this book and software package are included in two different formats. They are in printed form in this book and in TestWare® format on the enclosed CD. We recommend that you begin your preparation by first taking the practice exams on your computer. The software provides timed conditions and instantaneous, accurate scoring that makes it easier to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.About the Test
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The Texas Higher Education Assessment was designed to ensure that students obtain the reading, math, and writing skills appropriate to their grade level. Nearly 240,000 students take the THEA Test each year. The test is taken by four main groups of people:
1. Students entering Texas public colleges, universities, and technical institutes (including those students transferring from out-of-state schools or from private institutions within the state of Texas)
2. Students seeking admission to public and private teacher-education programs
3. Students seeking admission to upper-level programs that require the THEA for admission
4. Students enrolled in a certificate program of 43-59 semester credit hours or the equivalent
In addition, the THEA must be passed by:
- Those seeking teacher certification through an approved alternative certification program
- Anyone teaching through the use of an emergency teaching permit who wishes to have his/her permit renewed
Exemptions from the THEA are available for those students who meet qualifying standards on the ACT, SAT, or the exit-level Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) test. Check your eligibility with your TAAS or college admissions officer.
When taking the THEA, you do not have to take every section in one sitting. You may use the time allotted to complete all of the sections, or just one or two. But, keep in mind that you must eventually pass all three sections, and that you must wait until the next test administration to complete any sections not taken.
No Texas public college or university can deny you admission for failing the THEA; however, for any section(s) not passed, the completion of remedial course work in that subject area will be required. If you fail the THEA, don't panic! You may retake the test as many times as necessary, and you need only retake the section(s) you did not pass.
If you're thinking of taking the computer-administered THEA Test, consult the official THEA bulletin for details.
Who administers the test?
The THEA is developed and administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), and involves the assistance of educators throughout Texas. A test development process was designed and is implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.

When should the THEA be taken?
You must take the THEA before you can enroll in courses for which you may receive college credit.

When and where is the test given?
The THEA is administered on Saturday mornings six times during the year at approximately 140 locations. The test centers are located throughout the state and are primarily found at colleges and universities. It is required that you arrive at your test center no later than 8:00 a.m.
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the THEA, consult the THEA Test Registration Bulletin, which may be obtained from Texas public colleges, universities, and school districts or by contacting:

National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 140347
Austin, TX 78714-0347
[phone]
[phone] (for computer-administered testing)
Web site: www.thea.nesinc.com

Registration information, as well as test dates and locations, are provided in the bulletin. In addition, the registration bulletin should be consulted for information on making special testing accommodations for students with disabilities.
Is there a registration fee?
To take the THEA, you will be required to pay a registration fee. Financial assistance may be granted in certain situations. To find out if you qualify for assistance, contact your academic advisor or the financial aid officer at a college, university, or technical institute.　How to Use this Book
What do I study first?
Before you do anything else, take one of the practice tests included in this book to help determine which areas of the THEA may cause you the most difficulty. Carefully reviewing the detailed explanations of answers will help you to understand what you are doing wrong. After you have taken a practice test, you can begin studying the reviews that cover your problem areas. These reviews include the information you need to know when taking the exam.
Once you have done this, go back and study all of the remaining reviews and the test-taking tips that appear at the end of this introduction. They will be very useful in helping you brush up on your skills. Make sure to take the second practice test to further test yourself and become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual THEA.
To get the most out of your studying time, we recommend that you follow the Study Schedule appearing before this introduction. It details how you can best budget your time.
When should I start studying?
It is never too early for you to start studying for the THEA. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn and review the test material.

Format of the THEA Test

Section Number of Questions Skills/Areas Covered

Reading 40-50 multiple-choice Word and Phrase Meanings
Main Ideas and Supporting Details
Purpose, Point of View, and Intended Meaning
Relationship of Ideas
Critical Reasoning
Use of Study Skills

Mathematics 40-50 multiple-choice Fundamental Mathematics
Algebra
Geometry
Problem Solving

Writing (two parts):
Multiple-Choice 40-50 multiple-choice Elements of Composition
Subsection Sentence Structure, Usage,
and Mechanics

Writing Sample one essay of Appropriateness
Subsection 300-600 words Unity and Focus
Development
Organization
Sentence Structure
Usage
Mechanical Conventions

Total Testing Time: 5 hours

All of the questions on the THEA, with the exception of the Writing Sample Subsection, will be in multiple-choice format. Each question will have four answers, lettered A through D, from which to choose. You should have plenty of time in which to complete the THEA, but be aware of the amount of time you are spending on each section so that you allow yourself time to complete the test. Keep in mind that no one will tell you when to move on to the next test, so work straight through to the end. Although speed is not very important, a steady pace should be maintained when answering the questions. Using the practice tests will help you prepare for this task.
Sections of the THEA Test
Reading SectionThe first part of the THEA is the Reading Section, which consists of between 40 and 50 multiple-choice questions based on approximately 7 reading selections. The passages vary in length from 300 to 750 words, and present diverse topics that simulate the types of reading materials you will be exposed to as a first-year college student. The skills tested in this section are determining word and phrase meanings; understanding main ideas and supporting details; identifying the author's purpose, point-of-view, and intended meaning; analyzing relationships between ideas; using critical reasoning to evaluate passages; and completing reading assignments through the use of study skills such as organizing and summarizing information, understanding and following directions, and interpreting graphs, tables, and charts.
Mathematics Section
In the Mathematics Section, you will encounter between 40 and 50 multiple-choice questions based on fundamental mathematics, algebraic graphing and equations, algebraic operations and quadratics, and geometry and reasoning. Fundamental mathematics questions include using number concepts and computation; solving word problems that deal with integers, fractions, or decimals; and interpreting graphs, tables, and charts. Questions involving algebraic graphing and equations cover graphing numbers and the relationship between numbers; solving equations with one and two variables; and solving one- and two-variable word problems. Questions dealing with algebraic operations and quadratics require understanding operations involving algebraic expressions and solving problems involving quadratic equations. Geometry and reasoning questions comprise solving problems with geometric figures and solving problems using reasoning skills.
Writing Section
The Writing Section consists of two parts: a Multiple-Choice Subsection and a Writing Sample Subsection.
You will be presented with approximately 16 passages in the Multiple-Choice Subsection. Each passage will be followed by a number of multiple-choice questions, each referring to a numbered portion of the passage. Between 40 and 50 questions appear in all. The skills covered will include the elements of composition, sentence structure, usage, and mechanics. Questions focusing on the elements of composition will cover recognizing an essay's purpose and audience; recognizing unity, focus, and development in an essay; and recognizing effective organization. Questions dealing with sentence structure, usage, and mechanics will include recognizing sentences that are effective and recognizing edited standard written English.
In the Writing Sample Subsection, you will be required to write a 300- to 600- word, multiple-paragraph essay on a given topic. The skills you will be expected to demonstrate correctly in your writing are appropriateness, unity and focus, development, organization, sentence structure, usage, and mechanical conventions.
About the Review Sections
Our reviews are written to help you understand the concepts behind THEA Test questions. They will help prepare you for the test by teaching you what you need to know. The three reviews in this book correspond to the three sections of the actual THEA, and are complete with drills to help reinforce the subject matter. By using the reviews in conjunction with taking the practice tests, you will be able to sharpen your skills and pass the THEA Test.
Reading Section Review
This review includes strategies for the Reading Section, a four-step approach to answering each of the different types of reading questions, a vocabulary enhancer, and drills to help reinforce the review material. Studying this information and completing the drills will improve your performance and help you pass the Reading Section of the THEA. The vocabulary enhancer will not only help you to excel on the Reading Section, but it will also increase your skills for the Writing Section.
Mathematics Section Review
Covered in this review are the basics of what you need to know to pass the Mathematics Section. You will find strategies for the Mathematics Section, a review of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems, and drills to strengthen your abilities in these areas.Writing Section Review
The Writing Section Review is divided into two parts: Part I covers the Multiple-Choice Subsection, and Part II covers the Writing Sample Subsection.
Part I of this review comprises strategies for the Multiple-Choice Subsection, reviews on recognizing the writer's purpose and intended audience, recognizing effective organization, recognizing effective sentence structure and mechanics, and a review of standard written English. As with the other reviews, this material is reinforced by drills.
In Part II, you will be armed with strategies for the Writing Sample Subsection. Also included will be review material dealing with appropriate, unified, and focused essays, writing your essay, polishing and editing your essay, and drills.
Studying for the THEA Test
It is very important for you to choose the time and place for studying that works best for you. Some students may set aside a certain number of hours every morning to study, while others may choose to study at night before going to sleep. Other students may study during the day, while waiting on a line, or even while eating lunch. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective. But, be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it!
When you take the practice tests, try to make your testing conditions as much like the actual test as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and sit down at a quiet table free from distraction. Make sure to time yourself. Start off by setting a timer for four hours, then if you need that additional hour, reset the timer for one hour.
As you complete each practice test, score your test and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly; however, do not review too much at any one time. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reviewing the question and explanation, and by studying our review until you are confident that you completely understand the material.
Since you will be allowed to write in your test booklet during the actual THEA Test, you may want to write in the margins and spaces of this book when practicing; however, do not make miscellaneous notes on your answer sheet. Mark your answers clearly and make sure the answer you have chosen corresponds to the question you are answering.
Keep track of your scores and mark them on the Scoring Worksheet! By doing so, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. You should carefully study the reviews that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas.
THEA Test-Taking Tips
Although you may be unfamiliar with standardized tests such as the THEA, there are many ways to acquaint yourself with this type of examination and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Listed below are ways to help you become accustomed to the THEA, some of which may be applied to other standardized tests as well.
Become comfortable with the format of the THEA. When you are practicing to take the THEA, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. You should practice under the same time constraints as well. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only a couple of times, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual THEA much more confidently.
Know the directions and format for each section of the test. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the different test sections will not only save you time, but will also ensure that you are familiar enough with the THEA to avoid nervousness (and the mistakes caused by being nervous).
Work on the easier questions first. If you find yourself working too long on one question, make a mark next to it in your test booklet and continue. After you have answered all of the questions that you can, go back to the ones you have skipped.
If you are unsure of an answer, guess. Remember, only correct answers will be counted in your score, so you will not be penalized for guessing. If you do guess, guess wisely. Use the process of elimination by going through each answer to a question and eliminating as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating two answer choices, you have given yourself a fifty-fifty chance of getting the item correct since there will only be two choices left from which to make your guess.
Be sure that you are marking your answer in the circle that corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the multiple-choice sections are graded by machine, marking one wrong answer will throw off your score.