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.
The author of Passage 2 would likely respond to the actions attributed to 'academia' in the fifth sentence of Passage 1 ('academia...complaints') by asserting that:
  • A. these actions are consistent with the approach common in publishing
  • B. academic plagiarism has usually been misrepresented in surveys
  • C. universities increasingly treat plagiarism as a serious offense
  • D. colleges should provide amnesty to researchers accused of plagiarism
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The assertion in Passage 2 likely aligns with the view that universities are taking a stronger stance against plagiarism, reflecting a growing seriousness about academic integrity. This perspective supports option C, as it highlights an evolving attitude within academia. Option A misrepresents the author's likely stance, as it suggests acceptance of the status quo in publishing rather than a critique of it. Option B incorrectly implies that the author believes surveys misrepresent plagiarism, which may not be the focus of their argument. Option D suggests a leniency that contradicts the seriousness implied in Passage 2, as it undermines the accountability that academia is increasingly emphasizing.

Other Related Questions

The primary purpose of the passage is to:
  • A. Trace the history of guilds in New Spain
  • B. Criticize the Spanish beliefs about manual labor
  • C. Describe some particular works of art created in New Spain in the 1600s
  • D. Describe the influence of Spanish attitudes and practices on the painting of New Spain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The primary focus of the passage is on how Spanish attitudes and practices shaped the artistic landscape of New Spain, specifically in painting. This influence is central to understanding the cultural exchange and evolution of art during that period. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not primarily trace the history of guilds, but rather discusses their impact on art. Option B misinterprets the passage's intent; it does not criticize Spanish beliefs but rather examines their influence on art. Option C, while mentioning art, fails to capture the broader context of Spanish influence, which is the main theme of the passage.
As used in sentence 17, 'manipulating' most nearly means
  • A. cheating
  • B. using
  • C. plotting with
  • D. carrying out
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

In sentence 17, 'manipulating' refers to skillfully handling or controlling something, which aligns closely with the meaning of 'using.' This term emphasizes the active engagement and application of a tool or concept. Option A, 'cheating,' implies deceit and is unrelated to the neutral connotation of 'manipulating.' Option C, 'plotting with,' suggests a conspiratorial context, which does not fit the original intent. Option D, 'carrying out,' while somewhat related, lacks the nuance of skillful application inherent in 'using.' Thus, 'using' is the most accurate interpretation in this context.
The passage states that Russian and English are alike in that in both languages:
  • A. short syllables are not accented
  • B. the last syllable of words cannot be accented
  • C. only one syllable in each word is accented
  • D. the accent may fall on any syllable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Both Russian and English exhibit a flexible accentuation pattern, allowing the accent to potentially fall on any syllable within a word. This characteristic is evident in various examples from both languages. Option A is incorrect because, while some short syllables may not be accented, this is not a defining feature of either language. Option B is misleading; accents can occur on the last syllable in both languages, contradicting this statement. Option C is also inaccurate, as both languages allow for multiple syllables to be accented, not limiting it to just one per word.
The author implies that the social sciences:
  • A. are valued for their techniques
  • B. can make no contribution to progress
  • C. cannot deal with long-term issues
  • D. may someday add to the world's knowledge
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The social sciences are suggested to have the potential to enhance global understanding and knowledge in the future, reflecting their evolving nature and relevance. Option A is incorrect; while techniques are important, the value of social sciences extends beyond methodologies to their insights and applications. Option B misrepresents the author's view, as the social sciences do contribute to societal progress, even if their impact may not always be immediately evident. Option C wrongly assumes that social sciences lack the capacity to address long-term issues; in fact, they often engage with complex, enduring societal challenges.