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

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 highlights a potential gap in public awareness, which the author seeks to address. Option A incorrectly suggests a comparison of costs that may not be discussed in the passage. Option B assumes current use of hydrogen-producing algae by the Department of Energy, which may not be established in the text. Option C presumes that mutant algae cannot photosynthesize, which overlooks the possibility of their adaptability. Each of these options misinterprets the author's intent and the context provided in the passage.
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 passage describes scientists as predisposed, determined, and overly zealous, highlighting their passion and commitment to their work. Option A suggests an inclination towards inquiry, while B emphasizes their resolve in seeking answers. D portrays them as excessively enthusiastic, which aligns with the tone of the text. In contrast, option C, "inherently logical," implies a strict adherence to rationality without acknowledging the emotional and passionate aspects of scientific pursuit. This distinction makes C the only option that does not accurately reflect the portrayal of scientists in the sentences.
The last sentence of the passage primarily emphasizes which point about jazz?
  • A. Jazz is hard to define and varies greatly among performers.
  • B. Years of training are needed to hone a jazz musician's skills.
  • C. Jazz performances are comparable to paintings and sculptures.
  • D. Playing jazz is a highly personal and creative activity.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The last sentence highlights the personal and creative nature of jazz, illustrating how musicians express their individuality through their performances. This aligns with option D, emphasizing the unique artistic voice each musician brings to the genre. Option A, while true, focuses on the complexity of defining jazz rather than its personal nature. Option B addresses the technical aspect of training, which is important but not the central theme of the conclusion. Option C compares jazz to visual arts, but this analogy does not capture the essence of personal expression that the final sentence conveys.
The narrator primarily portrays the woman she is observing as someone who is
  • A. modest and self-effacing
  • B. imposing and dignified
  • C. youthful and energetic
  • D. angry and impatient
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The woman is depicted as imposing and dignified, suggesting a strong presence that commands attention and respect. Her stature and demeanor contribute to an air of authority, contrasting with the other options. Option A, modest and self-effacing, does not align with the portrayal of a woman who stands out prominently. Option C, youthful and energetic, may apply in some contexts but fails to capture the essence of her dignified nature. Option D, angry and impatient, misrepresents her character, as the observation emphasizes strength and poise rather than negative emotions. This nuanced depiction highlights her impressive stature and grace.