accuplacer reading passage based practice test

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

(1) Federico García Lorca was 20th-century Spain's most famous poet and playwright.(2) Lorca was born on June 5, 1898, in a small town a few miles west of Granada, in southern Spain. (3) He was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner. (4) He studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time. (5) In 1928, he published the most famous of all his poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used the rhythms of the traditional Spanish ballad to describe the Gypsies of southern Spain. (6) Gypsy Ballads was largely responsible for making Lorca famous throughout the Spanish-speaking world within a few years. (7) In June 1929, at a time when most young writers and painters dreamed of living in Paris, Federico Lorca broke with tradition and sailed for New York. (8) His nine months in New York changed his vision of poetry and the social role of the artist. (9) Lorca also traveled to Havana, Cuba. (10
Which sentence should be deleted because it contains irrelevant information?
  • A. Sentence 6
  • B. Sentence 7
  • C. Sentence 9
  • D. Sentence 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Sentence 9 introduces information that does not directly support the main argument or theme of the passage, making it irrelevant to the central discussion. In contrast, Sentence 6 provides context, Sentence 7 offers a critical example, and Sentence 14 concludes the argument effectively. Each of these sentences contributes meaningfully to the overall coherence and purpose of the text. Removing Sentence 9 enhances clarity by eliminating distractions, allowing the reader to focus on the essential points being made.

Other Related Questions

Which is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 5 (reproduced below)? However, the fossil evidence suggested that sauropods will have existed, on land, for quite a long time.
  • A. (as it is now)
  • B. exist,
  • C. existed,
  • D. will exist.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The choice "existed" accurately reflects the past tense required by the context, indicating that the fossil evidence pertains to a time when sauropods were already present on Earth. Option A, retaining the original phrasing, incorrectly uses "will have existed," which suggests a future perfect tense that does not align with the historical nature of fossil evidence. Option B, "exist," shifts to present tense, failing to convey the past timeframe relevant to the fossils. Option D, "will exist," also implies a future occurrence, which is inconsistent with the established fact that sauropods are known to have lived in the past.
In the passage, the author refers to the photography technique of double exposure primarily to:
  • A. Explain that Rodriguez frequently uses that technique to create eerie and distorted representations of city life
  • B. Illustrate how Rodriguez's innovative use of double exposure inspired other photographers to do so as well
  • C. Provide an example of how Rodriguez explored the tension between his identity as a photographer and as a scholar
  • D. Set up a metaphor comparing that technique to the way Rodriguez's work depicts the duality of Los Angeles
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The reference to double exposure serves as a metaphor for the duality of Los Angeles, highlighting the complexity and contrasting elements within the city. This choice effectively encapsulates Rodriguez's artistic vision, illustrating how his work reflects both the vibrant and shadowy aspects of urban life. Option A inaccurately suggests a focus on Rodriguez's frequent use of the technique rather than its metaphorical significance. Option B misinterprets the intent, as the passage emphasizes Rodriguez's personal exploration rather than his influence on others. Option C, while relevant, does not capture the primary purpose of the metaphor, which centers on the depiction of duality rather than identity tension.
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

Telemundo and Ms. magazine both target specific audiences, making option D the most accurate choice. Telemundo caters primarily to Spanish-speaking viewers, while Ms. magazine focuses on feminist issues and women’s rights, appealing to a distinct demographic. Option A is incorrect as there is no indication that both used similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; the two were not created by the same visionary, as they emerged from different cultural and social contexts. Option C is also inaccurate; while Johnson's work may have influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.
In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 1 and 2 (reproduced below)? Sauropods, known today as the largest dinosaurs, were long-necked giants. Their fossils have baffled scientists for decades.
  • A. The fossils of sauropods, the long-necked giants who are known today as the largest dinosaurs, have baffled scientists for decades.
  • B. Sauropods, long-necked giants, are known today as the largest dinosaurs whose fossils have baffled scientists for decades.
  • C. Scientists have been baffled for decades by sauropod fossils; they are known today as the largest dinosaurs, being giants with long necks.
  • D. Scientists studying fossils of the giant, long-necked dinosaurs called sauropods have been baffled by the largest dinosaurs known today for decades.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A effectively combines the two sentences, maintaining clarity and coherence. It clearly identifies sauropods as long-necked giants and links them directly to their fossils, which have puzzled scientists, all in a single, fluid statement. Option B, while informative, awkwardly positions the phrase "whose fossils" and slightly disrupts the flow. Option C introduces unnecessary complexity with a semicolon and the phrase "being giants," which can confuse the reader. Option D is overly verbose and convoluted, making it less effective in conveying the main ideas succinctly.