accuplacer reading sample questions 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.
The English monarch Elizabeth I may have wanted the miniature portraits of herself and her disgraced mother kept secret, since they were her ring.
  • A. concealed within
  • B. carved upon
  • C. displayed beside
  • D. different from
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The term "concealed within" accurately reflects the desire to keep the portraits secret, suggesting they were hidden or kept away from public view. This aligns with Elizabeth I's intent to protect her image and her mother's reputation. Option B, "carved upon," implies a physical alteration or decoration, which does not convey secrecy. Option C, "displayed beside," suggests visibility and openness, contradicting the idea of keeping the portraits secret. Option D, "different from," does not relate to the concept of secrecy and fails to address the context of the portraits' significance.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following, if true, would best serve to challenge Ogburn and Thomas's belief that the discovery of calculus is an example of the 'phenomenon' mentioned in the first sentence?
  • A. Uncovering the existence of a journal that Newton kept while working with calculus
  • B. Learning that scientists other than Newton and Leibniz had also made substantial progress on calculus
  • C. Finding a previously unknown letter between Newton and Leibniz discussing calculus that predated its commonly assumed discovery
  • D. Identifying a minor error in Newton's original mathematical calculations
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C effectively challenges Ogburn and Thomas's belief by suggesting that the discovery of calculus was not as isolated as previously thought. A letter between Newton and Leibniz predating the commonly accepted timeline implies prior knowledge or collaboration, undermining the notion of a singular 'phenomenon.' Option A, while interesting, does not directly challenge the notion of discovery but rather adds context to Newton's process. Option B highlights contributions from others but does not negate the significance of Newton and Leibniz’s roles. Option D points to an error that could suggest flaws in Newton's work but does not impact the legitimacy of the discovery itself.
At the end of Passage 2. ('While... them'), the expert emphasizes
  • A. function over form
  • B. theory over practice
  • C. ethics over ambition
  • D. quality over quantity
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The emphasis on quality over quantity highlights the importance of substance in achieving meaningful results. Focusing on quality ensures that efforts lead to impactful outcomes, rather than merely increasing the number of tasks or projects. Option A, function over form, suggests prioritizing practicality, which is not the main point in this context. Option B, theory over practice, implies valuing ideas over action, contradicting the emphasis on tangible quality. Option C, ethics over ambition, shifts the focus to moral considerations rather than the value of high-quality efforts. Thus, the passage underscores the significance of quality in any endeavor.
The ancient Greek writer Herodotus was inordinately as historical facts. blithely accepting wildly improbable legends
  • A. imperious
  • B. prolific
  • C. credulous
  • D. derisive
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Herodotus displayed a tendency to accept stories without skepticism, indicating a belief in their truthfulness, which aligns with the meaning of "credulous." Option A, "imperious," suggests an overbearing attitude, which does not fit his acceptance of legends. Option B, "prolific," refers to someone who produces a lot of work and does not pertain to his approach to historical facts. Option D, "derisive," implies mockery or disdain, contrasting with his acceptance of various narratives. Thus, "credulous" accurately captures Herodotus's inclination to accept improbable legends as historical truth.
Where in the passage should the following sentence be inserted? These 'heroes' are usually flawed and morally questionable people faced with a dilemma involving false suspicions or accusations.
  • A. After sentence 2
  • B. After sentence 6
  • C. After sentence 8
  • D. After sentence 10
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Inserting the sentence after sentence 8 is ideal as it aligns with the context of discussing complex characters and their moral dilemmas. This placement allows the reader to understand that these 'heroes' are not purely virtuous, which deepens the exploration of their struggles. Option A (after sentence 2) is too early, as it doesn’t yet establish the themes of moral complexity. Option B (after sentence 6) lacks the necessary context to support the idea of flawed heroes. Option D (after sentence 10) would disrupt the conclusion, as it introduces new information that should have been discussed earlier in the analysis.