accuplacer reading timed practice test

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

This passage is from a 2018 novel. Evan and his partner, Nicole, are Anishinaabe and live in an Indigenous community in Canada known as a reserve. Evan has just returned home from hunting for food. (1) 'You hungry?' Nicole asked. (2) 'Yeah, I just noticed,' Evan replied. (3) 'Well, I put a plate in the fridge for you. (4) You just gotta throw it in the microwave. (5) You're lucky the kids saved you some.' (6) She nudged him toward the fridge, and he took out the plate. (7) His stomach growled as he waited for the meal to heat up. (8) Evan Whitesky and Nicole McCloud had been in each other's lives since childhood. (9) He could trace the path of his own life by his signpost memories of her, and she could do the same. (10) He remembered the first time he saw her, swimming at the lake the summer before kindergarten began. (11) She wore a light blue bathing suit and her wet hair was tied into a long ponytail. (12) Her older sister Danielle was watching her. (13) Nicole was smiling and laughing. (14) They crossed paths again on their first day of kindergarten. (15) She still teased him about the awkward outfit he wore that day: baggy overalls and a red T-shirt with fading yellow cartoon characters on the front and a bowl haircut that made his head look big. (16) He was shy and didn't talk much most of the morning, and shortly before the school day broke at noon, he cried for his mother. (17) He went home with wet cheeks and a runny nose. (18) Being somewhat unacquainted at such a young age was unusual in a community as small as theirs. (19) Their parents knew one another but weren't close friends or relatives—his mom and her dad both came from different reserves in the South. (20) Basically, they weren't cousins, and that perhaps destined them to bond as curious friends in elementary school and become a couple by high school. (21) Innocent attraction became intense passion and, despite a year apart when Nicole went to college in the South, it eventually evolved into the loving partnership that bore two beautiful young children. (22) The eldest, Maiingan, was five and had school in the morning. (23) Three-year-old Nangohns was still at home with Nicole. (24) The kids were what pushed Evan through the bush on the hunt. (25) Feeding them always motivated him to see the task through. (26) The microwave beeps interrupted his thoughts and he pulled open the door to grab his plate, sitting down across from Nicole, who'd come to the table to join him.
The sixth paragraph (sentences 14–17) suggests that on the first day of kindergarten, Evan felt:
  • A. happy to be surrounded by so many other children for the first time
  • B. excited by everything he expected to learn
  • C. resentful of being indoors after spending most of the summer outside
  • D. upset by unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The sixth paragraph highlights Evan's feelings of discomfort and anxiety as he navigates a new environment. This suggests he was upset by the unfamiliar circumstances and surroundings, aligning with option D. Option A misinterprets his feelings; while being around other children can be exciting, the text emphasizes his unease rather than happiness. Option B focuses on his excitement for learning, which is not supported by the text's portrayal of his initial emotional state. Lastly, option C incorrectly suggests resentment towards being indoors; the emphasis is on his overall discomfort rather than frustration with a specific situation.

Other Related Questions

Unlike Passage 2, Passage 1 makes use of:
  • A. Scientific observation
  • B. Historical allusion
  • C. Personal anecdote
  • D. Logical reasoning
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Passage 1 effectively employs personal anecdotes, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the author's experiences, which enhances engagement and relatability. In contrast, Passage 2 lacks this personal touch. Option A, scientific observation, is not present in either passage, as both focus on narrative rather than empirical data. Option B, historical allusion, may be found in Passage 2, but it is absent in Passage 1. Option D, logical reasoning, is utilized in both passages, but Passage 1 stands out for its personal storytelling approach, making it distinct in its method of conveying ideas.
Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 2 (reproduced below)? Its first bike lane — and the country's first, was built in 1894, along Brooklyn's Ocean Parkway.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. first
  • C. first:
  • D. first—
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D is the best choice as it correctly uses an em dash to emphasize the phrase "the country's first," creating a strong pause that enhances clarity. Option A, "as it is now," is irrelevant and does not fit the context of the sentence. Option B, "first," lacks punctuation, which disrupts the flow and clarity of the sentence. Option C, "first:," incorrectly employs a colon, which is inappropriate here since the phrase following it is not a complete explanation or list. Thus, D effectively conveys the intended meaning while maintaining grammatical accuracy.
In context, the second quotation in Passage 1 ('Cats... own') serves to:
  • A. Present an alternative view of a troubling situation
  • B. Reinforce an observation by using a metaphor
  • C. Warn the reader of an existing danger
  • D. Cite an authority to support a point
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The second quotation in Passage 1 uses a metaphor to illustrate the unique and independent nature of cats, effectively reinforcing the observation that they possess a distinct personality. This figurative language emphasizes the author's point, making it more relatable and engaging. Option A is incorrect as the quotation does not present an alternative view; it rather supports the existing perspective on cats. Option C misinterprets the intent, as there is no warning about danger in the quotation. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation does not reference an authority but instead relies on metaphorical language to convey its message.
In context, what does the final sentence suggest about Native American ceremonial texts?
  • A. Understanding them requires a highly developed memory.
  • B. Their inclusion of complicated and detailed material is traditional.
  • C. They are important in the everyday lives of many Native Americans.
  • D. Their use of repetition cannot be explained as an aid to memorization.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The final sentence suggests that repetition in Native American ceremonial texts serves a purpose beyond mere memorization, indicating a deeper significance in their cultural context. Option A is incorrect because the emphasis is not on memory development but on the intrinsic value of repetition. Option B misinterprets the role of complexity; while tradition is important, the sentence highlights repetition's unique function rather than the intricacy of content. Option C overlooks the specific focus on repetition, which is the core of the final sentence, rather than the broader context of everyday importance.