accuplacer reading comprehension practice test

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

During the Second World War, when the Wrigley Company discovered that it did not have the resources to produce enough chewing gum for both civilians at home and soldiers abroad—soldiers who relied on gum to avoid having dry mouths on the battlefield—the company immediately donated all of its gum to the war effort. After the war, Wrigley’s gum sales grew stronger than ever, as Americans clamored for the company’s “patriotic” chewing gum.
Why does the author place quotation marks around the word 'patriotic' (sentence 2)?
  • A. To attribute to postwar Americans the perception of Wrigley’s gum as patriotic
  • B. To praise the patriotism the Wrigley Company demonstrated during wartime
  • C. To show that American soldiers used the word 'patriotic' to describe Wrigley’s gum
  • D. To reveal that the Wrigley Company changed the name of its gum to include the word 'patriotic'
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

The use of quotation marks around 'patriotic' indicates that the term reflects the perception held by postwar Americans rather than the author's own endorsement. This suggests a distance from the term, highlighting it as a viewpoint rather than an absolute truth. Option B misinterprets the author's intent; the quotation marks do not imply praise for the Wrigley Company's actions. Option C inaccurately suggests that soldiers specifically coined the term in reference to the gum, which is not supported by the context. Option D incorrectly assumes that the company changed the product name, which is not indicated in the text.

Other Related Questions

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.
Both authors indicate that meeting the world's food needs should not come at the expense of:
  • A. innovative farming practices
  • B. environmental integrity
  • C. humane treatment of animals
  • D. economic development
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Meeting the world’s food needs should prioritize environmental integrity, as it ensures sustainable practices that protect ecosystems for future generations. If environmental health is compromised, long-term agricultural productivity is at risk. Option A, innovative farming practices, while important, can still be pursued without sacrificing environmental integrity. Option C, humane treatment of animals, is critical but may not directly relate to the broader environmental concerns outlined by the authors. Option D, economic development, is essential for food security, but it should not overshadow the imperative of maintaining ecological balance.
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 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 portrayal of the woman emphasizes her imposing and dignified presence, suggesting strength and confidence. This is evident through her posture and the way she commands attention in her environment. Option A, modest and self-effacing, contradicts the strong impression she leaves, as she does not appear to shy away from the spotlight. Option C, youthful and energetic, overlooks the woman's gravitas and maturity, focusing instead on a fleeting quality. Option D, angry and impatient, misrepresents her demeanor, which is more composed and authoritative than reactive. Thus, the emphasis on dignity and presence aligns best with the narrator's observations.