ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Exams — ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Comprehension
Answer: C
He spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish instead of studying English.
The best word to insert at the beginning of sentence 11 is "However," as it indicates a contrast to the expectation that he would be focusing on learning English during his time in New York.
A) In addition.
This option is incorrect because "In addition" suggests a continuation or addition to a previous idea. However, the context of sentence 11 presents a contrast to the expectation of learning English, making "In addition" unsuitable.
B) For example.
This option is also incorrect because "For example" implies that what follows is a specific instance related to a previously mentioned idea. Sentence 11 doesn't provide an instance but rather contradicts the implied notion of studying English, thus making this choice inappropriate.
C) However.
This option is correct as it effectively signals a contrast to the previous information regarding Lorca's intention to learn English. It highlights that despite his goal, he chose to focus on writing poems in Spanish instead, which is a deviation from the expected action.
D) Indeed.
This option is incorrect as "Indeed" is used to affirm or emphasize a statement. It does not appropriately indicate the contrast needed in this context, where Lorca's actions diverge from what would be anticipated based on his initial goal of learning English.
Conclusion
The word "However" is the most suitable choice for beginning sentence 11, as it clearly signifies a turn from Lorca's original intention of learning English to his actual focus on writing poems in Spanish. The other options fail to convey this necessary contrast, reinforcing the importance of using transitional words accurately to reflect the intended meaning in context.
Answer: C
Herodotus was credulous about historical facts.
Herodotus is described as credulous, meaning he readily accepted and believed in the historical facts and legends he encountered, even if they were improbable.
A) imperious
The term imperious refers to someone who is domineering or commanding, which does not accurately describe Herodotus’s approach to historical narratives. Instead of asserting control or authority, he was more accepting and willing to believe in the stories told to him.
B) prolific
While prolific means producing many works or results, it does not pertain to Herodotus's tendency to accept historical facts. This description focuses on quantity rather than his belief system or critical judgment regarding the information he encountered.
C) credulous
Credulous is the correct choice as it indicates Herodotus's tendency to believe in and accept the historical facts and legends presented to him, regardless of their plausibility. This characteristic is significant in understanding his historical narrative style and the nature of his writings.
D) derisive
Derisive implies a mocking or scornful attitude, which contrasts sharply with Herodotus's acceptance of various historical accounts. He did not dismiss or ridicule the legends he encountered; instead, he incorporated them into his historical narrative.
Conclusion
Herodotus's credulous nature allows us to understand how he approached the history he recorded, often accepting improbable legends as truth. The other options fail to capture this critical aspect of his character and writing style, making option C the only accurate descriptor in this context.
3. Unlike the author of Passage 1, the author of Passage 2 implies that keeping a blog might
Answer: B
Keeping a blog might involve irksome tasks.
The author of Passage 2 suggests that maintaining a blog can be tedious and may feel like a chore, highlighting the effort required to keep it updated and engaging.
A) benefit the community
This option is incorrect because neither passage emphasizes the community benefit of blogging. Passage 1 focuses on individual success stories, while Passage 2 discusses the personal effort involved in maintaining a blog, rather than any communal advantages.
B) involve irksome tasks
This option is correct as Passage 2 specifically mentions that maintaining a blog can seem like a chore due to the need for consistent updates and an appealing layout, indicating that it can be burdensome.
C) attract favorable attention
While blogging can attract attention, Passage 2 does not imply that this is a primary concern or benefit of maintaining a blog. Instead, it focuses on the effort and personal motivation behind blogging rather than public recognition.
D) reward real creativity
This option is not supported by the text. Passage 2 emphasizes the labor of blogging over any creative rewards, suggesting that the act of blogging may not necessarily lead to creative fulfillment or recognition.
Conclusion
The correct answer, B, accurately reflects the implication in Passage 2 that blogging can require significant effort and may feel burdensome. Other options fail to capture the essence of the challenges associated with blogging as highlighted by the author, making B the most appropriate choice.
4. Which of the following is the best revision for the quoted portion?
Answer: C
Which typically
The best revision for the quoted portion is "which typically," as it maintains the flow of the sentence while clarifying the relationship between the two clauses.
A) typically they
This option is incorrect because "typically they" disrupts the grammatical structure of the sentence. It does not adequately connect the idea of the rides ending in crashes to the context of the two friends discussing heavy subjects.
B) typically
While "typically" could work in isolation, it lacks the necessary connection to the preceding clause. It does not convey the same sense of continuity and context as "which typically," making it an incomplete revision.
C) which typically
This option is correct because it effectively links the two ideas, indicating that the rides, which typically end in crashes, serve as a backdrop for deeper discussions. It preserves the original meaning while enhancing the clarity of the sentence.
D) it typically
This choice fails to appropriately connect the ideas as well. "It typically" does not provide a clear subject for the verb and does not create the necessary relationship between the crashes and the discussions that follow.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "which typically," effectively connects the clauses and preserves the intended meaning of the original text. All other options either disrupt the grammatical flow or fail to provide the necessary clarity, making them less suitable than the chosen revision.
5. In context, the metaphor in the third sentence ('it was . . . years') chiefly serves to
Answer: D
The metaphor in the third sentence chiefly serves to place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context.
The metaphor emphasizes that the history of the West predates the Lewis and Clark expedition by thousands of years, situating their journey within a much larger historical narrative rather than presenting it as the beginning of that history.
A) call attention to the age of the United States as a nation
While the metaphor does imply a historical depth, it does not specifically focus on the age of the United States. Instead, it highlights the extensive history of the West prior to U.S. involvement, making this option incorrect.
B) question the literary value of the writings by Lewis and Clark
The metaphor does not critique the literary value of the explorers' journals. Instead, it serves to contextualize their contributions within the broader history of the region, thus rendering this option incorrect.
C) trivialize the accomplishments of the Lewis and Clark expedition
The metaphor does not seek to diminish the significance of the expedition. Rather, it acknowledges the expedition's role within a larger historical framework, implying that while it was important, it was not the sole event of significance in that history.
D) place the Lewis and Clark expedition into a broad context
This option accurately reflects the purpose of the metaphor. It illustrates that the expedition was part of a much larger historical narrative, emphasizing the pre-existing history of the West prior to U.S. exploration and settlement.
Conclusion
The correct answer, option D, effectively captures the essence of the metaphor by illustrating the Lewis and Clark expedition as a component of a vast historical timeline, rather than an isolated event. All other options fail to recognize the metaphor's intent to contextualize the expedition within the rich history that preceded it.
Answer: D
Because of this model, which gives residents an incentive to protect wildlife, important wildlife populations are increasing at record rates.
The sentence fits best after sentence 10, as it directly relates to the success of conservancies in Namibia, emphasizing the positive outcomes of the model implemented by the government.
A) After sentence 2
Placing the sentence after sentence 2 would disrupt the flow of the argument, as the preceding sentences discuss the challenges faced by wildlife due to human activities. The context at this point focuses on problems rather than solutions or incentives for protecting wildlife.
B) After sentence 4
Sentence 4 describes the negative impacts of wildlife on human life, which is not conducive to introducing a statement about incentives for wildlife protection. It would create a disjointed narrative, as the focus is primarily on conflict rather than resolution.
C) After sentence 7
Following sentence 7 would not be appropriate since this sentence discusses the legislation aimed at addressing wildlife issues. The subsequent sentence about incentives would better fit after discussing the successes and financial sustainability of the conservancies, rather than a legislative context.
D) After sentence 10
This is the most suitable placement because sentence 10 highlights the financial sustainability of the conservancies and their role in attracting tourists. The new sentence naturally complements this by explaining how the model incentivizes residents to protect wildlife, leading to increased wildlife populations.
Conclusion
The placement of the sentence after sentence 10 effectively connects the incentive model to the positive impacts on wildlife populations, reinforcing the achievements of the conservancies. The other options fail to provide the necessary context or continuity, making them less suitable for this statement.
7. Which of the following statements does the passage most directly counter?
Answer: A
Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work.
The passage directly counters the notion that having a non-arts job diminishes an artist's creativity by illustrating how William Carlos Williams successfully integrated his professions as a physician and a poet. Rather than stifling his creativity, his medical practice provided rich material and inspiration for his artistic work.
A) Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work.
This statement is incorrect as the passage argues that Williams' dual roles as a doctor and a poet were complementary. It highlights that his work as a physician informed and enriched his poetry, demonstrating that non-arts jobs can enhance rather than hinder artistic expression.
B) For people working in non-arts professions, art is more than just an entertaining distraction.
While this statement aligns closely with the implications of the passage, it does not directly counter it. The passage suggests that art can stem from everyday experiences, providing insight into life beyond mere entertainment, but does not negate the importance of those experiences.
C) The poetry of William Carlos Williams exemplifies autobiographical poetry.
This statement is not directly countered by the passage, as it does not address the relationship between non-arts jobs and artistic work. Instead, it focuses on the nature of Williams' poetry, which may incorporate autobiographical elements, but does not contradict any ideas presented in the text.
D) The public's interest in the arts has declined over the last century.
This statement is irrelevant to the argument presented in the passage. The passage does not address public interest in the arts, focusing instead on the personal relationship between art and non-arts professions, making this option unrelated to the main argument.
Conclusion
The correct answer, A, is definitively supported by the passage, which illustrates how Williams' medical profession complemented his artistic endeavors, demonstrating that non-arts jobs can enhance creativity rather than stifle it. In contrast, the other options do not directly counter the central theme of the integration of art and profession as presented in the text.
Answer: C
Conserve is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13.
Using "conserve" fits best in the context of maintaining resources, as it implies a careful and efficient use of fuel that aligns with the intent of reducing consumption and pollution.
A) (as it is now)
Keeping the original phrase "which could keep fuel and cut down on pollution" is less effective because "keep" does not convey a proactive approach to managing resources. It suggests merely maintaining the current level of fuel use rather than promoting a reduction.
B) protect
While "protect" suggests safeguarding resources, it does not directly imply the efficient use of fuel. It lacks the clarity of action regarding the reduction of fuel consumption, making it a less suitable choice in the context of the sentence.
C) conserve
"Conserve" is the most appropriate choice as it emphasizes the responsible and sustainable use of fuel, directly supporting the idea of reducing waste and pollution. This term aligns perfectly with the overall message of the extract regarding resource efficiency.
D) support
"Support" does not fit well in this context since it implies backing or assisting rather than actively managing fuel use. It fails to convey the intended meaning of reducing fuel consumption, making it an unsuitable option.
Conclusion
The word "conserve" effectively communicates the necessity of efficient resource management in the context of reducing food waste and its associated environmental impact. Other options either lack clarity or do not align with the proactive approach needed to address fuel consumption and pollution effectively. Thus, "conserve" stands out as the best choice for conveying the intended message.
Answer: B
Change 'show' to 'shows'
In sentence 11, the verb "show" should be changed to "shows" to agree with the singular subject "a recent poll," which requires a singular verb form.
A) Change 'gotten' to 'got'
Changing 'gotten' to 'got' would not address the grammatical error in the sentence. The use of 'gotten' is acceptable in American English, and the issue lies with the verb agreement rather than the past participle form used.
B) Change 'show' to 'shows'
This option correctly identifies the grammatical mistake. Since the subject "a recent poll" is singular, the verb should also be singular; therefore, "show" must be changed to "shows" to ensure subject-verb agreement.
C) Change 'support' to 'supported'
Changing 'support' to 'supported' would alter the meaning of the sentence and is not necessary for grammatical correctness. The present tense "support" accurately reflects the ongoing sentiment of the poll respondents.
D) Change 'lanes' to 'lane'
Modifying 'lanes' to 'lane' is unnecessary and incorrect, as the sentence refers to multiple bike lanes. The plural form is appropriate in this context and does not contribute to the grammatical error present in the sentence.
Conclusion
The correct change to make sentence 11 grammatically correct is to alter "show" to "shows," ensuring that the singular subject "a recent poll" agrees with the verb. The other options either do not address the actual grammatical issue or would change the intended meaning of the sentence. Thus, option B is the only choice that resolves the error effectively.
Answer: C
In 1928 he published the most famous of all his poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used...
The best version of the underlined portion is "poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used" because it correctly employs a comma to separate the title of the poem from the rest of the sentence, ensuring clarity and proper punctuation.
A) (as it is now)
This option lacks the necessary punctuation after "Gypsy Ballads," which creates confusion regarding the relationship between the poem's title and the subsequent clause. The absence of a comma makes the sentence less clear and grammatically incorrect.
B) poems, Gypsy Ballads; which used
While this option uses a comma correctly to separate the title from the main sentence, it incorrectly employs a semicolon before "which used." A semicolon is not appropriate in this context, as it suggests a stronger break than intended and disrupts the flow of the sentence.
C) poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used
This option is correct because it uses a comma after "Gypsy Ballads" to properly introduce the relative clause. This punctuation effectively clarifies that the phrase "which used the rhythms of the traditional Spanish ballad" is describing "Gypsy Ballads," maintaining grammatical integrity and clarity.
D) poems: Gypsy Ballads, which used
Using a colon before "Gypsy Ballads" suggests that what follows is an explanation or elaboration of what precedes it, which is not the case here. The title is not an elaboration but rather an integral part of the sentence, making this option incorrect in terms of punctuation and sentence structure.
Conclusion
The correct answer, "poems, Gypsy Ballads, which used," is the most grammatically sound choice due to its appropriate use of commas, enhancing clarity and coherence in the sentence. All other options either misuse punctuation or fail to convey the intended meaning clearly, reinforcing the importance of proper punctuation in written communication.