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

In the first two sentences ('During'… 'alley'), scientists are presented as all of the following EXCEPT:
  • A. predisposed
  • B. determined
  • C. inherently logical
  • D. overly zealous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The portrayal of scientists in the first two sentences emphasizes their predisposition (A) and determination (B) in their pursuits, highlighting their commitment to discovery. Additionally, the term "overly zealous" (D) suggests an intense passion, which can also be a characteristic of scientists. However, the phrase "inherently logical" (C) is not supported in the text, as it does not imply that scientists are always guided by logic alone; emotions and biases can also influence their work. Thus, option C stands apart from the others.
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.
The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to:
  • A. refute a theory
  • B. support a prediction
  • C. introduce an alternative view
  • D. downplay a change
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to support a prediction by illustrating how significant transformations can lead to anticipated outcomes. This connection reinforces the idea that change is not only possible but expected in certain contexts. Option A, refuting a theory, does not align since the claim does not attempt to discredit existing ideas. Option C, introducing an alternative view, is incorrect as the claim builds upon existing concepts rather than presenting a different perspective. Lastly, option D, downplaying a change, is inaccurate; the term 'metamorphosis' emphasizes rather than minimizes the impact of transformation.
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.