accuplacer reading sample questions practice test

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

Read the passage(s) below and answer the question based on what is stated or implied in the passage(s) and in any introductory material that may be provided. Passage Performance is a genre in which art is presented "live," usually by the artist but sometimes with collaborators or performers. It has had a role in avant-garde art throughout the twentieth century, playing an important part in movements such as Futurism. Indeed, whenever artists have become discontented with conventional forms of art, such as painting and traditional modes of sculpture, they have often turned to performance as a means to rejuvenate their work. The most significant flourishing of performance art took place following the decline of modernism and Abstract Expressionism in the 1960s, and it found exponents across the world. Performance art of this period was particularly focused on the body, and is often referred to as Body art. This reflects the period's so-called "dematerialization of the art object, and the flight from traditional media. It also reflects the political ferment of the time: the rise of feminism, which encouraged thought about the division between the personal and political and anti-war activism, which supplied models for politicized art "actions." Adapted from "Performance Art ©2018 by The Art Story Foundation
Which choice best characterizes the way the author presents the relationship between the arts and political and social issues?
  • A. The arts are a key driver of political and social change.
  • B. The arts are a way to distract people from political and social problems.
  • C. The arts reflect changes in the political and social landscape,
  • D. The arts are stifled during times of political and social upheaval
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The author illustrates that the arts serve as a mirror to society, effectively reflecting the evolving political and social landscape. This perspective highlights how artistic expression often responds to and encapsulates the sentiments of the times. Option A overstates the influence of the arts, suggesting they actively drive change rather than reflect it. Option B misrepresents the role of the arts, implying they serve only as distractions, which neglects their deeper societal relevance. Option D presents a limited view, focusing solely on suppression during upheaval, ignoring the arts' potential to comment on or critique such situations.

Other Related Questions

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.
The author of Passage 2 suggests that 'some' would most likely view the description in Passage 1 ('the world... successful') as
  • A. surprisingly apt
  • B. overly optimistic
  • C. needlessly pedantic
  • D. insufficiently detailed
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The description in Passage 1 presents an idealized view of the world, which may lead some readers to perceive it as overly optimistic, especially if they believe it does not account for real-world challenges. Option A, "surprisingly apt," implies a positive reception that does not align with the critical tone suggested by the author. Option C, "needlessly pedantic," suggests an excessive focus on trivial details, which is not applicable here since the passage discusses broader concepts rather than minutiae. Option D, "insufficiently detailed," indicates a lack of information, whereas the passage's description may be seen as too idealistic rather than lacking substance.
According to the passage, which of the following most directly causes leaves to change their color in the fall?
  • A. Chlorophyll in the leaves beginning to break down then
  • B. Heat and light causing new pigments to be produced
  • C. Existing pigments becoming more uniform
  • D. New chlorophyll no longer being produced
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Leaves change color in the fall primarily due to the cessation of chlorophyll production. As chlorophyll breaks down and is not replaced, other pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, become more visible, leading to the vibrant autumn colors. Option A is misleading; while chlorophyll does break down, the key factor is that new chlorophyll is not produced. Option B incorrectly suggests that heat and light create new pigments, which is not the primary cause of color change. Option C is incorrect as it implies existing pigments become uniform rather than highlighting their visibility due to the lack of chlorophyll.
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.