accuplacer reading full length practice test

Commonly used by colleges and universities to place students into appropriate courses.

Passage 1: In a recent survey concerning plagiarism among scholars, two University of Alabarma economists asked 1,200 of their colleagues if they believed their work had ever been stolen. A startling 40 percent answered yes. While not a random sample, the responses still represent hundreds of cases of alleged plagiarism. Very few of them will ever be dragged into the sunlight. That's because academia often discourages victims from seeking justice, and when they do, tends to ignore their complaints. 'It's like cockroaches,' says the author of a recent book about academic fraud. 'For every one you see on the floor, there are a hundred behind the stove.' Passage 2: Words belong to the person who wrote them. There are few simpler ethical notions than this, particularly as society directs more and more energy toward the creation of intellectual property. In the past 30 years, copyright laws have been strengthened, fighting piracy has become an obsession with w Hollywood, and, in the worlds of academia and publishing, plagiarism has gone from being bad literary manners to something close to a felony. When a noted historian was recently found to have lifted passages from other historians, she was asked to resign from the board of the Pulitzer Prize committee. And why not? If she had robbed a bank, she would have been fired the next day.
In context, the last sentence of Passage 2 is best understood to:
  • A. argue in favor of a restrained response
  • B. make light of a difficult situation
  • C. challenge an established belief
  • D. emphasize the severity of a transgression
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The last sentence of Passage 2 emphasizes the seriousness of the transgression, highlighting its impact and consequences. This aligns with option D, as it conveys a strong sense of urgency and gravity regarding the situation. Option A misinterprets the tone, as a restrained response would downplay the issue rather than underscore its severity. Option B suggests a light-hearted approach, which contradicts the serious nature of the transgression discussed. Lastly, option C implies a challenge to beliefs, but the sentence focuses more on the severity of actions rather than questioning established norms.

Other Related Questions

The author's description focuses mainly on Coleman's:
  • A. Humility
  • B. Audacity
  • C. Creativity
  • D. Generosity
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Coleman's audacity is emphasized throughout the text, showcasing his boldness and willingness to take risks. This characteristic drives many of his actions and decisions, illustrating a fearless approach to challenges. Option A, humility, is not the focus, as the text highlights Coleman's confidence rather than modesty. Option C, creativity, while relevant, is secondary to the audacious choices he makes. Option D, generosity, may be mentioned but does not capture the essence of his character as vividly as his audacity does. Thus, the primary emphasis lies in his boldness and daring spirit.
The author quoted in Passage 1 would likely argue that the historian’s having 'lifted passages from other historians' (sentence 4, Passage 2) is:
  • A. an example of academic collaboration
  • B. deserving of harsh punishment
  • C. far from an isolated incident
  • D. a comparatively recent problem
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author in Passage 1 likely views the historian's practice of lifting passages as a common occurrence in the field, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend rather than an isolated case. This aligns with option C, emphasizing the prevalence of such practices among historians. Option A misinterprets the act as collaboration, which typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment, whereas lifting passages often lacks proper attribution. Option B is incorrect as it implies a punitive view that the author does not express. Lastly, option D suggests a recent emergence of this issue, contradicting the author's perspective that it has long been a part of historical writing.
Which choice best summarizes the passage?
  • A. The narrator receives a ham radio from her father, then begins using it to exchange messages with another child.
  • B. The narrator's father is interrupted as he's putting together a ham radio, but later returns to the project and eventually completes it.
  • C. The narrator's father brings home the parts needed to build a ham radio, but he and the narrator struggle to assemble them.
  • D. The narrator and her father put together a ham radio and get radio licenses, then use the radio to receive messages.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D effectively encapsulates the passage by highlighting both the assembly of the ham radio and the subsequent achievement of obtaining radio licenses, emphasizing the active engagement of both the narrator and her father in communication. Option A is too narrow, focusing solely on the exchange of messages without mentioning the assembly or licensing process. Option B inaccurately suggests that the father is interrupted, which does not capture the collaborative effort in building the radio. Option C implies struggle without acknowledging the successful completion and use of the radio, missing the positive outcome of their efforts.
The purpose of this passage is most likely to:
  • A. present factual information about Egyptian culture
  • B. make the case that Egypt is a worthwhile place to visit
  • C. suggest a theory about the building of the ancient Egyptian monuments
  • D. offer a survey of ancient Roman civilization
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively captures the passage's intent by highlighting Egypt as an appealing travel destination. The text likely emphasizes its rich history, stunning monuments, and vibrant culture to persuade readers to consider visiting. Option A is incorrect as it implies a purely informative approach without the persuasive element. Option C misinterprets the passage's aim by focusing on a specific theory rather than promoting tourism. Lastly, Option D is off-topic, as it shifts the focus to ancient Roman civilization, which is unrelated to the discussion of Egypt.