accuplacer reading passage based 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.
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker leaves an impression on audiences: children especially remember the dazzling costumes and stirring music. Which word best completes the sentence?
  • A. amorphous
  • B. indelible
  • C. ineffable
  • D. inscrutable
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The word "indelible" effectively conveys the lasting impact that Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker has on audiences, particularly children, suggesting that the memories created are unforgettable. Option A, "amorphous," refers to something lacking a clear shape or form, which does not apply to the vivid impressions made by the performance. Option C, "ineffable," describes something too great to be expressed in words, which, while fitting in some contexts, does not specifically capture the idea of lasting memory. Option D, "inscrutable," means something that is difficult to understand or interpret, which is not relevant to the memorable experience described.

Other Related Questions

The writer is considering adding the following sentence to the end of the fourth paragraph: 'Surprisingly, according to The Economist, there were 1.6 million commercial farms in Brazil in 2010.' Should the writer make this addition here?
  • A. Yes, because it emphasizes the paragraph's focus on the economic power of large farms.
  • B. Yes, because it uses concrete data to provide context about local farms and commercial farms.
  • C. No, because it is unrelated to the economic challenges small farms may face.
  • D. No, because it fails to show a clear connection to the paragraph's focus on supporting local farms.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Adding the sentence enhances the paragraph by providing concrete data, which helps contextualize the discussion about local and commercial farms. It bridges the gap between the economic landscape and the realities faced by different types of farms, enriching the reader's understanding. Option A misinterprets the focus; while large farms are mentioned, the emphasis is on the economic challenges faced by smaller farms. Option C incorrectly suggests that the data is unrelated; understanding the number of commercial farms is essential to discussing the economic landscape. Option D overlooks that the data can indeed support a broader discussion about local farms by contrasting them with commercial operations.
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.
Which is the best way to revise and combine sentences 3 and 4 (reproduced below)? Lorca was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner. He studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
  • A. Lorca was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner, studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
  • B. The oldest son of a wealthy landowner, Lorca studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
  • C. Lorca, the oldest son of a wealthy landowner, studying literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
  • D. The oldest son of a wealthy landowner who studied literature and law at the University of Granada, Lorca then turning to writing full-time.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B effectively combines the two sentences by placing the subject, Lorca, at the beginning and clearly linking his identity to his actions. This structure maintains clarity and coherence, allowing readers to easily follow the progression of ideas. Option A lacks a conjunction, resulting in a sentence fragment that does not convey a complete thought. Option C incorrectly uses "studying," which creates a grammatical error by failing to connect the clauses properly. Option D introduces unnecessary complexity with "who studied," and the phrase "Lorca then turning" is awkward and grammatically incorrect. Thus, option B stands out as the most coherent and grammatically sound choice.
In context, the metaphor in the third sentence ('it was... years') chiefly serves to:
  • A. Call attention to the age of the United States as a nation
  • B. Question the literary value of the writings by Lewis and Clark
  • C. Trivialize the accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition
  • D. Place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The metaphor in the third sentence effectively places the Lewis and Clark expedition within a broader historical and cultural context, emphasizing its significance in relation to the age of the nation and its development. Option A, while related to the age of the United States, does not capture the metaphor's broader implications. Option B misinterprets the metaphor, as it does not question literary value but rather highlights historical importance. Option C inaccurately suggests that the metaphor diminishes the expedition’s achievements, whereas it actually elevates their significance by situating them within a larger narrative.