accuplacer reading passage based practice test

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

The following sentence has a blank indicating that something has been left out Beneath the sentence are four words or phrases Choose the word or phrase that, when inserted in the sentence, best fits the meaning of the sentence as a whole.
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker leaves an impression on audiences: children especially remember the dazzling costumes and stirring music. Which word best completes the sentence?
  • A. amorphous
  • B. indelible
  • C. ineffable
  • D. inscrutable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The word "indelible" effectively conveys the lasting impact that Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has on audiences, particularly children, suggesting that the memories created are unforgettable. Option A, "amorphous," refers to something lacking a clear shape or form, which does not apply to the vivid impressions made by the performance. Option C, "ineffable," describes something too great to be expressed in words, which, while fitting in some contexts, does not specifically capture the idea of lasting memory. Option D, "inscrutable," means something that is difficult to understand or interpret, which is not relevant to the memorable experience described.

Other Related Questions

The passage indicates that ancient astronomers were 'baffled' because:
  • A. Their observations disproved the poetic tales of early cosmologies
  • B. They lacked the mathematical sophistication needed to calculate astronomical distances
  • C. Their theories of planetary movements were more complicated than the movements themselves
  • D. They could not reliably predict observable celestial phenomena
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Ancient astronomers were 'baffled' primarily because they struggled to reliably predict observable celestial phenomena. This unpredictability challenged their understanding and led to confusion in their astronomical models. Option A is incorrect as it implies a conflict with poetic tales, which was not the primary concern of astronomers. Option B misrepresents the issue; while mathematical sophistication was limited, the core problem was not solely about calculations. Option C inaccurately suggests that their theories were overly complex; rather, the issue lay in their inability to accurately forecast celestial events, which is the essence of their bafflement.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)? However, the fossil evidence suggested that sauropods will have existed, on land, for quite a long time.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. exist,
  • C. existed,
  • D. will exist.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The choice "existed" accurately reflects the past tense required by the context, indicating that the fossil evidence pertains to a time when sauropods were already present on Earth. Option A, retaining the original phrasing, incorrectly uses "will have existed," which suggests a future perfect tense that does not align with the historical nature of fossil evidence. Option B, "exist," shifts to present tense, failing to convey the past timeframe relevant to the fossils. Option D, "will exist," also implies a future occurrence, which is inconsistent with the established fact that sauropods are known to have lived in the past.
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
  • A. Sentence 6
  • B. Sentence 7
  • C. Sentence 9
  • D. Sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.
The main idea of the passage is that some types of poison frogs:
  • A. have developed the capacity to protect themselves from the poison they carry in their skin
  • B. could eventually produce a natural pain relief option for people who suffer from headaches
  • C. combine chemicals from their food to create a toxic substance that keeps them safe from predators
  • D. can be grouped based on the changes they've made to their nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A highlights the unique adaptation of certain poison frogs, emphasizing their ability to protect themselves from their own toxins. This reflects a key aspect of their survival strategy. Option B, while interesting, suggests a potential human application of frog toxins that is not the main focus of the passage. Option C inaccurately attributes the creation of toxins solely to food sources, overlooking the frogs' inherent toxic traits. Option D focuses on a specific biological mechanism that, while relevant, does not encapsulate the broader theme of self-protection central to the passage.