accuplacer reading comprehension practice test

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

Plastics are extremely ______; they can be molded into objects in several different ways (for example, by casting or extrusion) and formed into a variety of shapes.
Which word best completes the sentence?
  • A. malleable
  • B. obscure
  • C. ominous
  • D. vigorous
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

In this context, "malleable" refers to something that can be easily shaped or influenced, making it the most fitting choice for a sentence discussing adaptability or flexibility. Option B, "obscure," implies something that is not well-known or hard to understand, which does not align with the intended meaning. Option C, "ominous," suggests a sense of foreboding or threat, which is unrelated to the idea of adaptability. Option D, "vigorous," conveys strength or energy but lacks the nuance of flexibility that "malleable" provides. Thus, "malleable" is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.

Other Related Questions

It can most reasonably be inferred from the passage that the music products industry would have a higher share of the e-commerce market if:
  • A. entry-level school music instruments were sold to schools' music directors rather than directly to students
  • B. the consumer market were to place less value on convenience and variety and more on competitive pricing
  • C. a few types of music products sold predominantly in brick-and-mortar stores were excluded from the calculation
  • D. brick-and-mortar store managers improved customer service and provided better training for their installation experts
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The inference about the music products industry’s higher e-commerce market share hinges on the exclusion of certain products sold mainly in physical stores. If these items are not considered, the e-commerce segment could appear more dominant. Option A suggests a shift in sales strategy, but it doesn’t directly impact the overall market share dynamics. Option B misplaces the focus on consumer preferences, which does not inherently increase e-commerce share. Option D addresses customer service improvements in physical stores, which would not enhance online sales. Thus, excluding certain products from the calculation is the most logical inference for a higher e-commerce share.
Which of the following statements does the passage most directly counter?
  • A. Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work
  • B. For people working in non-arts professions, art is more than just an entertaining distraction
  • C. The poetry of William Carlos Williams exemplifies autobiographical poetry
  • D. Work and art cannot meaningfully complement each other
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D is effectively countered by the passage, which likely illustrates how work and art can coexist and enhance each other, suggesting that they can provide mutual inspiration and growth. Option A misrepresents the relationship between non-arts jobs and creativity, as the passage may argue that such jobs can actually foster artistic development rather than hinder it. Option B acknowledges the significance of art in non-arts professions, which aligns with the idea that art can coexist with other careers, rather than opposing them. Option C focuses on a specific aspect of poetry that is unrelated to the broader theme of work and art's relationship, making it less relevant to the passage's main argument.
In context, the statement that the woman is 'draped from brow to ankle in gold and wind-crushed linen' (sentence 10) primarily:
  • A. reveals the narrator's assumptions about the woman's income
  • B. explains why the woman might be uncomfortable in the cold weather
  • C. shows how different the woman's clothing is from the narrator's clothing
  • D. emphasizes how out of place the woman seems in the surrounding environment
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The description of the woman being "draped from brow to ankle in gold and wind-crushed linen" emphasizes her opulent attire, suggesting she is out of place in her surroundings. This stark contrast highlights her distinctiveness compared to the environment, reinforcing her isolation. Option A misinterprets the focus on income rather than the visual impact of her clothing. Option B incorrectly assumes discomfort from the cold, which is not the primary focus of the imagery. Option C, while noting a difference in clothing, fails to capture the broader context of the woman’s disconnection from her environment, which is central to the statement.
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

Both 'Telemundo' and 'Ms. magazine' were designed to cater to specific audiences, focusing on the needs and interests of their respective consumer groups. Telemundo targets the Hispanic community, providing culturally relevant content, while Ms. magazine addresses feminist issues and women’s rights. Option A is incorrect as there is no evidence that both utilized similar marketing techniques. Option B is misleading; they were not created by the same visionary. Option C is inaccurate; while Johnson's work influenced media, it did not specifically lead to profound changes in either outlet.