accuplacer reading comprehension practice test

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

Bones found in South America reveal a bizarre new dinosaur Based on an ancestry that links it to Tyrannosaurus rock, this reptile should have been a meat eater. Instead, it preferred plants. Researchers described the new species in Nature. its genus name – Chilesaurus – reflects that it was found in what's now Chile. The team that discovered the fossils gave it a species name of diegosuarezi to honor Diego Suarez. While just 7 years old, Diego found the first dinosaur bones in the same general area of Chile, It's a place know as to Toqur Fomation C. diegosuarezi roamed South America around 150 million years ago. It measured about 3 meters (roughly 10 feet) from head to tail. Its sturdy back legs, thin body, and short, stout arms made it look a bit like T. rex. But it also had a long neck, small head, and a mouth full of leaf-shaped teeth. These features gave it a more Brontosaurus-like appearance. And like Brontosaurus, it would have eaten plants, making it an herbivore
When the author writes that Chilesaurus diegosuarezi “should have been a meat-eater,” she most likely means that the species:
  • A. would have been healthier if it had eaten meat
  • B. would have grown even larger if it had eaten meat
  • C. had the head, neck, and teeth of a meat-eater
  • D. had body features similar to those of its meat-eating relative
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The statement implies that Chilesaurus diegosuarezi possesses physical characteristics akin to those of carnivorous dinosaurs. Option D accurately reflects this by highlighting that its body features resemble those of its meat-eating relatives, suggesting an evolutionary expectation based on morphology. Option A incorrectly assumes a health benefit from a meat-based diet, which is not the focus of the author's observation. Option B speculates on size without evidence, as diet does not directly correlate with growth potential in this context. Option C, while partially true about its head and teeth, overlooks the broader comparison to body features, making D the most comprehensive choice.

Other Related Questions

In context, the metaphor in the third sentence ('it was only a subplot in a historical drama of time, place, and people that had been playing for thousands of 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 emphasizes the Lewis and Clark expedition as part of a much larger historical narrative, illustrating its significance within the vast timeline of human events. This context helps readers understand that while the expedition was important, it is just one chapter in a much larger story. Option A incorrectly focuses solely on the age of the United States, missing the broader historical context. Option B misinterprets the metaphor by suggesting it critiques the literary value of the writings, which is not the focus. Option C wrongly implies that the metaphor diminishes the expedition's significance, whereas it actually situates it within a grander narrative.
What assumption does the author of the passage make?
  • A. Gases produced by algae will be cheaper to produce than other gases.
  • B. The Department of Energy is already using hydrogen-producing algae as a source of energy.
  • C. Mutant versions of algae will not be capable of the process of photosynthesis.
  • D. Readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The assumption that readers do not associate the Department of Energy with algae research is supported by the passage's context, which aims to highlight the potential of algae in energy production. This suggests a need to clarify the Department's involvement. Option A is incorrect as the passage does not provide a comparison of costs related to gas production. Option B is misleading; the passage does not confirm the Department's current use of hydrogen-producing algae. Option C is not supported; the passage does not address the capabilities of mutant algae in photosynthesis. Thus, option D aligns with the author's intent to bridge a knowledge gap.
The author of Passage 2 would most likely respond to the statement in the fifth sentence of Passage 1 ('Environmentalists must face the fact that unless high-yield crop varieties, pesticides, and fertilizers are widely used in developing nations, the world's food supply will be outstripped by spiraling demand') by arguing that:
  • A. industrialized nations pose a greater threat to the environment than do developing nations
  • B. many fertilizers are organic substances that produce no ill effects in humans
  • C. agricultural chemicals can be used on a small scale and still significantly improve crop yields
  • D. the use of pesticides is unnecessary if high-yield crop varieties are adopted
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C aligns with the idea that improving crop yields can be achieved through targeted use of agricultural chemicals, suggesting a balanced approach rather than widespread reliance. This reflects the author's likely advocacy for sustainable practices that enhance productivity without overwhelming environmental concerns. Option A diverts the focus to industrialized nations, which may not directly address the statement's emphasis on developing nations' agricultural needs. Option B incorrectly implies that all fertilizers are harmless, overlooking potential environmental impacts. Option D dismisses the potential benefits of pesticides entirely, which may not align with the author's nuanced view on agricultural practices.
The author implies that the social sciences:
  • A. are valued for their techniques
  • B. can make no contribution to progress
  • C. cannot deal with long-term issues
  • D. may someday add to the world's knowledge
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The social sciences are portrayed as fields that hold potential for future contributions to global knowledge, indicating optimism about their evolving role. Option A suggests that their value lies solely in techniques, which limits their broader impact. Option B dismisses their potential entirely, contradicting the author's implication of future contributions. Option C incorrectly asserts that social sciences cannot address long-term issues, overlooking their capability to analyze historical trends and societal changes. Thus, the emphasis on future contributions aligns best with the text's implications.