accuplacer reading comprehension practice test

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

The act of producing art can be anything but romantic. To escape the blank page, the only thing on earth as passive as yourself, you cast about for distractions, half-convinced that avoiding your project will shower some sort of mystical growth hormone on your ideas. Yet for some artists, such as William Carlos Williams, life and art were more than each ether's palate cleansers. The poet doctor saw his dual vocations as mysteriously fused 'They are two parts of a whale,' he contended in his 1967 autobiography. 'It is not two jobs at all.. one rests the man when the other fatigues him.' Asa physician, Williams developed an antenna for the 'inarticulate poems' emanating from his patients, even as he resolved to 'use the material I knew from practicing medicine in his writing. What, then, is the real relationship between art and trade? Agonistic? Complementary? The question, suggesting something like a creative sanctum shimmering a few meters above the room in which you punch a clock or schedule a meeting, supposes that aesthetic experience is categorically different from everyday experience, and that muse-fueled invention floats apart from earthier forms of productivity.
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.

Other Related Questions

Which choice best describes the overall structure of the passage?
  • A. The passage examines the effect of decreased environmental awareness on some animals' predation risk and then describes the strategies those animals use to increase their environmental awareness while sleeping.
  • B. The passage distinguishes between bihemispheric slow-wave sleep (BSWS) and unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS) and then explains why USWS is less beneficial than BSWS for animals such as mallards and penguins.
  • C. The passage discusses the advantages for some animals of sleeping at the center of a group and then questions whether those advantages extend to colonial birds.
  • D. The passage provides an extended description of how mallards typically sleep and then compares sleeping behaviors in mallards to those in penguins.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Choice C accurately captures the passage's structure, which begins by exploring the benefits of group sleeping for certain animals and then raises a critical inquiry regarding the applicability of these benefits to colonial birds. This dual focus on advantages and questioning reflects a balanced examination of the topic. Option A misrepresents the content by suggesting a focus on predation risk and strategies for environmental awareness, which is not the main theme. Option B incorrectly centers on a comparison of sleep types, neglecting the broader discussion of group sleeping benefits. Option D inaccurately emphasizes a detailed comparison of mallards and penguins, rather than the initial exploration of group sleeping advantages.
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.
The author's description focuses mainly on Coleman's:
  • A. humility
  • B. audacity
  • C. creativity
  • D. generosity
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The author's description emphasizes Coleman's audacity, showcasing his boldness and willingness to take risks in pursuit of his goals. This trait is pivotal in illustrating his character and driving force. Option A, humility, is not a central theme; instead, Coleman's confidence is highlighted. Option C, creativity, while relevant, is secondary to his audacious nature, which propels his innovative ideas. Option D, generosity, does not align with the primary focus, as the text centers on his daring actions rather than acts of giving. Thus, audacity stands out as the defining characteristic.
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.