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 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.
What is the main purpose of the questions in sentences 10–12?
  • A. To reveal the narrator's sense of isolation from family members other than her father
  • B. To suggest the narrator's uncertainty about whether the radio will work
  • C. To demonstrate the knowledge of electric principles required to operate the radio
  • D. To provide examples of the kinds of messages the narrator and her father obtained
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The main purpose of the questions in sentences 10–12 is to provide examples of the types of messages that the narrator and her father received, illustrating their communication and connection through the radio. Option A misinterprets the focus of the questions, as they do not primarily express isolation but rather highlight shared experiences. Option B suggests uncertainty about the radio's functionality, which is not the central theme of the questions. Option C incorrectly emphasizes technical knowledge, while the questions are more about the content of the messages rather than the mechanics of operating the radio.
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.
Because these speeding particles' compositions were quite different from those of other low-energy cosmic rays, scientists dubbed them ___ cosmic rays.
  • A. intermittent
  • B. transitory
  • C. resilient
  • D. anomalous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The term "anomalous" refers to something that deviates from the norm or is irregular, which accurately describes these speeding particles with compositions differing from typical low-energy cosmic rays. Option A, "intermittent," implies something occurring at irregular intervals, which does not capture the essence of the particles' unique composition. Option B, "transitory," suggests a temporary existence, failing to address the distinctiveness of the particles. Option C, "resilient," indicates strength or durability, which is unrelated to the compositional differences being highlighted. Thus, "anomalous" best conveys the uniqueness of these cosmic rays.