ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Exams — ACCUPLACER Next Generation Placement Test Reading Samples
Answer: C
Change “has” to “have”
To make the sentence grammatically correct, the verb “has” should be changed to “have” to agree with the plural subject “areas.” This ensures that the subject-verb agreement is maintained in the sentence.
A) Change “concluded” to “concludes”
Changing “concluded” to “concludes” would alter the tense of the verb, but it does not address the main grammatical error regarding subject-verb agreement. The original tense is appropriate given that the study's findings are being reported.
B) Change “containing” to “contained”
Changing “containing” to “contained” would not resolve the grammatical issue present in the sentence. The gerund “containing” correctly describes the areas, and altering it would not contribute to the grammatical correctness of the sentence.
C) Change “has” to “have”
This change is necessary for grammatical accuracy, as “areas” is a plural noun and requires the plural verb “have” to ensure proper subject-verb agreement. This adjustment directly addresses the error in the original sentence.
D) Change “lower crime rates” to “a lower crime rate”
While this change might offer a stylistic variation, it does not rectify the grammatical error regarding subject-verb agreement. The phrase “lower crime rates” is acceptable and does not need modification to be grammatically correct.
Conclusion
The necessary adjustment to ensure grammatical accuracy is to change “has” to “have,” aligning the verb with the plural subject “areas.” All other options either do not address the grammatical issue or alter the meaning without providing a necessary correction. Thus, option C is the definitive choice for making the sentence correct.
2. When a world record is broken in track and field, what typically happens?
Answer: A
The athlete receives a great deal of publicity and recognition.
When a world record is broken in track and field, the athlete typically gains significant publicity and recognition for their achievement. This acknowledgment often comes from media coverage, social media, and various sports organizations.
A) The athlete receives a great deal of publicity and recognition
This option is correct because breaking a world record in track and field frequently leads to widespread media attention and accolades for the athlete. The achievement is celebrated not only at the event but also across various platforms, enhancing the athlete's profile and legacy in the sport.
B) The athlete is immediately awarded government funding
This option is incorrect as government funding is not automatically provided to athletes upon breaking a record. While some athletes may receive sponsorships or funding based on their success, it is not a standard or immediate consequence of breaking a world record.
C) The previous record is erased from official history
This option is also incorrect. When a world record is broken, the previous record is not erased; instead, it is typically archived in record books to acknowledge the history of the sport. Both the new record and the old record coexist in official histories.
D) The event is considered less legitimate than before
This option is incorrect as breaking a world record generally enhances the legitimacy and prestige of the event. It signifies a high level of competition and achievement, which adds to the event's reputation rather than diminishes it.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is that the athlete receives a great deal of publicity and recognition, highlighting the importance of such achievements in the realm of sports. Other options either misrepresent the outcomes of record-breaking performances or fail to accurately reflect the significance of the event in the sport's history.
Answer: A
Replacing 'They say' with 'Researchers assert that' improves clarity and authority.
This change provides a more formal attribution to the claim regarding energy savings from reducing food waste, enhancing the credibility of the statement.
A) Replace 'They say' with 'Researchers assert that'
This option is correct because it strengthens the statement by specifying that the assertion comes from researchers, thereby lending greater authority and objectivity to the claim about energy savings related to food waste.
B) Insert 'probably' before 'save'
This option is incorrect as it introduces uncertainty into the statement. The original sentence makes a direct claim about the potential energy savings, and adding "probably" would dilute the impact of that assertion, making it less compelling.
C) Replace 'by addressing' with 'if we would address'
This option is also incorrect because it changes the original meaning of the sentence. The phrase 'if we would address' implies a conditional situation rather than a direct action, which weakens the clarity of the statement regarding the energy savings achievable through addressing food waste.
D) Replace 'problem' with 'problems'
This choice is incorrect since it does not accurately reflect the context of the original sentence. The term 'problem' singularly encapsulates the issue of food waste, while 'problems' may imply multiple unrelated issues, which could confuse the reader and detract from the focus on food waste.
Conclusion
Option A is definitively the best choice as it clarifies the source of the assertion about saving energy by addressing food waste, thus enhancing the statement's credibility. All other options either introduce ambiguity or alter the intended meaning, making them less effective in the context of the passage.
Answer: B
Lorca studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
Combining the two sentences effectively requires retaining the essential information about Lorca's education while maintaining the flow. Option B captures this by succinctly stating his academic focus.
A) Lorca was the oldest son of a wealthy landowner
This option only includes part of the information from the original sentences, focusing solely on Lorca's familial background without addressing his educational pursuits, making it an incomplete revision.
B) studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
This option accurately revises the sentences by emphasizing Lorca's academic focus and seamlessly connects his studies to his eventual career in writing, making it the best choice for combining the original ideas.
C) The oldest son of a wealthy landowner
Similar to option A, this choice omits Lorca's educational details and does not create a complete thought. It fails to connect his background with his academic journey.
D) Lorca studied literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
While this option contains accurate information, it does not combine both sentences from the question as effectively as Option B. It does not explicitly link his status as the oldest son to his education.
E) the oldest son of a wealthy landowner
This option is another incomplete thought that only mentions Lorca's familial background without any reference to his studies or career.
F) studying literature and law at the University of Granada before turning to writing full-time.
This option presents an incomplete sentence structure and also lacks the subject needed to clarify who is being discussed, making it less effective.
G) The oldest son of a wealthy landowner who studied literature and law at the University of Granada
Although this option combines the two original sentences, it does not include the crucial detail about Lorca turning to writing full-time, which is essential to the context of his career development.
Conclusion
Option B is the most effective choice as it succinctly conveys Lorca's educational background while maintaining clarity and flow. All other options either lack completeness or fail to integrate both aspects of his identity and career, making them less suitable for the task of revising and combining the original sentences.
Answer: A
Another common complaint about the new bike lanes was that bicyclists were not following traffic rules.
In addition to concerns about slowing car traffic and reducing parking spaces, many New Yorkers expressed frustration that bicyclists were not adhering to traffic regulations while using the bike lanes.
A) That bicyclists were not following traffic rules
This option is correct as the extract explicitly mentions that many New Yorkers complained about bicyclists not following traffic rules in the lanes, highlighting a significant concern regarding safety and adherence to regulations.
B) That they were too expensive to maintain
This option is incorrect because the provided extract does not mention any complaints related to the maintenance costs of the bike lanes. The focus is primarily on the impact of the lanes on traffic and safety.
C) That they interfered with bus routes
This option is also incorrect. The extract does not reference any issues regarding bus routes being affected by the bike lanes, making this complaint unfounded in the context provided.
D) That they increased accidents
This option is incorrect as well. While safety concerns are raised in the extract, specifically regarding how the bike lanes have made streets safer, there is no mention of an increase in accidents related to the implementation of the bike lanes.
Conclusion
The correct answer identifies a specific complaint about bicyclists not following traffic rules, which is directly supported by the text. Other options fail to address any concerns mentioned in the extract, thus reinforcing that A is the only accurate representation of public sentiment regarding the new bike lanes.
Answer: B
Blogs typically present ideas briefly and move on quickly compared to newspapers.
Blogs are characterized by their concise presentation of ideas, allowing for quick engagement and rapid content turnover, contrasting with the more in-depth exploration typically found in newspapers.
A) They explore ideas in great depth before moving on
This option is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that blogs provide extensive examination of ideas. Instead, it highlights the fast-paced nature of blogging, where ideas are presented briefly.
B) They present ideas briefly and move on quickly
This option is correct as it aligns with the passage's description of blogs, which emphasizes quick engagement with ideas rather than prolonged discussion. The nature of blogging allows for swift transitions between topics, making it distinct from traditional media.
C) They avoid substantive ideas altogether
This choice is incorrect because the passage does not imply that blogs lack substantive ideas. Rather, it suggests that while blogs may treat ideas less thoroughly than newspapers, they still convey meaningful content.
D) They repeat the same ideas for emphasis
This option is also incorrect. The passage does not indicate that blogs engage in repetition for emphasis; instead, it underscores the brevity and quick progression of ideas rather than reiterating them.
Conclusion
The correct answer, B, effectively captures the essence of blogging as described in the passage, which emphasizes quick engagement over in-depth analysis. Other options fail to accurately represent the characteristics of blogs, particularly their tendency to present ideas succinctly and move on.
7. The purpose of this passage is to
Answer: D
The purpose of this passage is to describe the scene at a library in ancient times.
The extract provides a detailed description of the royal library in Nineveh under King Assurbanipal, highlighting its organization, the types of documents it housed, and the activities that took place there, such as knowledge sharing and inquiry among wise men.
A) identify the kinds of books found in an excavation at Nineveh
This option is incorrect because the passage does not focus on discussing specific books found during an excavation. Instead, it emphasizes the library's overall organization and function rather than individual titles or artifacts.
B) recount Ashurbanipal's diverse interests
This option is incorrect as the passage does not delve into King Ashurbanipal's personal interests or achievements outside of the context of the library. The focus is primarily on the library itself and its role in ancient knowledge preservation.
C) explain how the first books were invented
This option is not accurate because the passage does not provide a historical account of the invention of books. Instead, it discusses the evolution of information storage and the establishment of libraries, which is a different topic.
D) describe the scene at a library in ancient times
This is the correct option as the passage vividly describes the library in Nineveh, including how documents were arranged, the activities of wise men, and the overall environment within the library setting, effectively painting a picture of ancient scholarly life.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, is supported by the detailed depiction of the library's organization and activities in the passage. The other options fail to accurately represent the main focus of the text, which is centered on the library's role in ancient knowledge management rather than specific texts, personal interests, or the invention of books.
8. In context, the last sentence of Passage 2 is best understood to:
Answer: D
Emphasize the severity of a transgression
The last sentence of Passage 2 underscores the serious consequences of plagiarism by comparing it to a bank robbery, highlighting that such unethical behavior should be met with immediate and severe repercussions.
A) argue in favor of a restrained response
This option is incorrect because the last sentence advocates for decisive action against plagiarism rather than a restrained approach. It suggests that severe consequences are warranted, contrasting with the idea of restraint.
B) make light of a difficult situation
This option is also incorrect as the tone of the last sentence is serious and emphasizes the gravity of plagiarism. It does not trivialize the issue; instead, it underscores the need for accountability.
C) challenge an established belief
This option does not fit because the last sentence does not question or challenge any beliefs. Instead, it reinforces the idea that plagiarism is a serious offense deserving of harsh penalties, aligning with established views on academic integrity.
D) emphasize the severity of a transgression
This is the correct answer as the last sentence explicitly compares plagiarism to bank robbery, indicating that such actions should lead to immediate dismissal, thereby emphasizing the serious nature of the offense.
Conclusion
The last sentence of Passage 2 effectively emphasizes the severity of plagiarism by likening it to a criminal act, advocating for strict consequences. Options A, B, and C fail to capture this critical message, reinforcing why D is the most accurate interpretation of the passage's conclusion.
Answer: C
The arts reflect changes in the political and social landscape
The author illustrates that performance art has evolved in response to political and social issues, particularly during the 1960s when movements such as feminism and anti-war activism influenced artistic expression. This connection between art and societal context demonstrates how the arts serve as a mirror to the political climate.
A) The arts are a key driver of political and social change.
While the arts can indeed inspire change, the passage emphasizes reflection rather than direct influence. The focus is on how performance art responds to and mirrors the political and social landscape rather than driving it.
B) The arts are a way to distract people from political and social problems.
This option misinterprets the author's perspective. The passage highlights the engagement of art with political and social issues, suggesting that it does not serve as a distraction but as a platform for expression and commentary.
C) The arts reflect changes in the political and social landscape
This choice accurately captures the author's viewpoint, as the passage discusses how performance art emerged during times of political upheaval and reflects the societal changes of that era, particularly in relation to movements like feminism and anti-war activism.
D) The arts are stifled during times of political and social upheaval.
The passage does not support this characterization. Instead, it suggests that art, especially performance art, flourished in response to political turmoil, indicating that rather than being stifled, the arts adapt and respond dynamically to societal changes.
Conclusion
The correct answer, C, effectively encapsulates the relationship between the arts and the political and social landscape as presented in the passage. All other options either misinterpret the role of art or do not align with the author's depiction of performance art as a means of reflection and engagement with the issues of its time.
10. The best placement for sentence 12 within the third paragraph would be
Answer: C
Sentence 12 should be placed after sentence 13 to maintain logical flow.
Repositioning sentence 12 after sentence 13 ensures a coherent progression of ideas regarding meal planning and its impact on food waste reduction. This placement effectively links the concept of improved meal planning to the outcomes discussed in sentence 13.
A) where it is now
Keeping sentence 12 in its current position disrupts the logical flow of ideas presented in the paragraph. Its original placement does not effectively connect meal planning to the subsequent discussion on shopping habits and energy conservation.
B) before sentence 11
Placing sentence 12 before sentence 11 would lead to confusion, as it would disrupt the sequence of suggestions on informing shoppers about shelf life. It would not create a clear connection to the preceding idea of informing shoppers about true shelf life.
C) after sentence 13
This placement is the most effective as it directly connects the idea of better meal planning, discussed in sentence 12, to the potential benefits outlined in sentence 13. It allows for a seamless transition from discussing meal efficiency to the implications for shopping habits and waste reduction.
D) after sentence 14
Positioning sentence 12 after sentence 14 would further complicate the paragraph, as it would disconnect the idea of meal planning from the previously discussed benefits. This would hinder the reader’s understanding of the relationship between planning meals efficiently and reducing spoiled food.
Conclusion
Sentence 12 is best placed after sentence 13 because it logically follows the discussion on meal planning's benefits. The correct answer enhances the coherence of the paragraph by ensuring that the ideas about meal efficiency, shopping behavior, and waste reduction are clearly connected, while all other options disrupt this flow.