accuplacer reading comprehension practice test

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

In 1921, when Bessie Coleman became the first licensed African American aviator, there was not much need for commercial pilots—passenger air travel didn’t become popular until the 1930s. To put her aviation license to use, Coleman began to train as a stunt flyer. This competitive field required not only superior technical skills, but also boldness and charisma. Coleman, often billed as 'the world’s greatest woman flyer,' attracted large crowds with her daring aerial maneuvers and fearless persona.
The author's description focuses mainly on Coleman's:
  • A. humility
  • B. audacity
  • C. creativity
  • D. generosity
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The author's description emphasizes Coleman's audacity, showcasing his boldness and willingness to take risks in pursuit of his goals. This trait is pivotal in illustrating his character and driving force. Option A, humility, is not a central theme; instead, Coleman's confidence is highlighted. Option C, creativity, while relevant, is secondary to his audacious nature, which propels his innovative ideas. Option D, generosity, does not align with the primary focus, as the text centers on his daring actions rather than acts of giving. Thus, audacity stands out as the defining characteristic.

Other Related Questions

In context, 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' serve as examples of media that:
  • A. devised similar marketing techniques
  • B. were created by the same media visionary
  • C. underwent profound changes as a result of Johnson's work
  • D. were designed to appeal to particular groups of consumers
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Both 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' were designed to cater to specific audiences, focusing on the needs and interests of their respective consumer groups. Telemundo targets the Hispanic community, providing culturally relevant content, while Ms. magazine addresses feminist issues and women’s rights. Option A is incorrect as there is no evidence that both utilized similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; they were not created by the same visionary. Option C is inaccurate; while Johnson's work influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
In sentence 13, the narrator most likely uses the image of 'a tightly woven fruit basket' to suggest that the rain is:
  • A. a physical challenge that must be endured
  • B. falling so heavily that she can barely see through it
  • C. a reminder of the weather in harvest season
  • D. important because it allows crops to survive
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The image of "a tightly woven fruit basket" conveys the idea of resilience and endurance, suggesting that the rain is a challenge that must be faced. This metaphor implies that just like a tightly woven basket holds its contents together despite external pressures, the narrator must endure the rain's intensity. Option B misinterprets the imagery; while heavy rain can obscure vision, the metaphor focuses more on endurance than visibility. Option C incorrectly links the rain to harvest season, which is not implied in the context. Option D, while true about rain's importance for crops, does not capture the struggle suggested by the basket imagery.
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
  • A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
  • B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy.
  • C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis.
  • D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research is supported by the passage's context, which aims to highlight the potential of algae in energy production. This suggests a need to clarify the Department's involvement. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not provide a comparison of costs related to gas production. Option B is misleading; the passage does not confirm the Department's current use of hydrogen-producing algae. Option C is not supported; the passage does not address the capabilities of mutant algae in photosynthesis. Thus, option D aligns with the author's intent to bridge a knowledge gap.
The final paragraph suggests that seeing the woman has caused the narrator to:
  • A. face the negative feelings she has about her new home
  • B. realize that she misses her mother more than she admits
  • C. think about her own feelings about her family and background
  • D. remember the reason she moved away from her home country
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The final paragraph emphasizes the narrator's introspection triggered by seeing the woman, leading her to reflect on her own feelings about family and background. This deep connection to identity is central to her experience. Option A misinterprets the focus; while negative feelings may exist, the emphasis is on personal reflection rather than facing negativity. Option B suggests a specific emotion related to her mother, which is not explicitly indicated in the text. Option D implies a recollection of her reasons for moving, but the paragraph centers more on her current emotional state rather than past motivations.