accuplacer reading sample questions 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.
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.

Other Related Questions

The main idea of the passage is that some types of poison frogs
  • A. have developed the capacity to protect themselves from the poison they carry in their skin
  • B. could eventually produce a natural pain relief option for people who suffer from headaches
  • C. combine chemicals from their food to create a toxic substance that keeps them safe from predators
  • D. can be grouped based on the changes they've made to their nicotinic acetylecholine receptors
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A highlights the unique adaptation of certain poison frogs, emphasizing their ability to protect themselves from their own toxins, which is central to understanding their survival strategy. Option B incorrectly suggests a potential medical application of the frogs' toxins, which is not the main focus of the passage. Option C mentions the frogs' use of dietary chemicals for defense, but does not address their self-protection mechanism, which is crucial to the main idea. Option D discusses a specific biological aspect of the frogs without linking it to their overall survival strategy, missing the broader context of the passage.
Unlike the author of Passage 1, the author of Passage 2 implies that keeping a blog might
  • A. benefit the community
  • B. involve irksome tasks
  • C. attract favorable attention
  • D. reward real creativity
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The implication in Passage 2 suggests that maintaining a blog can involve tedious or bothersome tasks, which aligns with option B. This contrasts with the more positive view presented in Passage 1. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on community benefits, which is not addressed in Passage 2. Option C misinterprets the author's tone; while attracting attention may be a byproduct, it isn't emphasized as a primary implication. Option D suggests that blogging inherently fosters creativity, which is not a theme in Passage 2, where the focus is more on the challenges rather than the rewards.
The narrator primarily portrays the woman she is observing as someone who is
  • A. modest and self-effacing
  • B. imposing and dignified
  • C. youthful and energetic
  • D. angry and impatient
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The woman is depicted as imposing and dignified, suggesting a strong presence that commands attention and respect. Her stature and demeanor contribute to an air of authority, contrasting with the other options. Option A, modest and self-effacing, does not align with the portrayal of a woman who stands out prominently. Option C, youthful and energetic, may apply in some contexts but fails to capture the essence of her dignified nature. Option D, angry and impatient, misrepresents her character, as the observation emphasizes strength and poise rather than negative emotions. This nuanced depiction highlights her impressive stature and grace.
In the context of Passage 2, the quotation by the expert primarily serves to
  • A. analyze a hypothesis
  • B. account for a phenomenon
  • C. advocate an action
  • D. qualify a claim
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The quotation by the expert primarily serves to account for a phenomenon by providing insight into the underlying reasons or mechanisms behind it. This explanation helps clarify why the observed event occurs, enhancing the reader's understanding. Option A, analyzing a hypothesis, suggests a focus on evaluating an idea rather than explaining an occurrence. Option C, advocating an action, implies a call to action that is not present in the quotation. Option D, qualifying a claim, would indicate that the expert is limiting or adjusting a statement, which does not align with the purpose of the quotation in context.