ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Exams — ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Reading pdf
Answer: C
Conserve
The best version of the underlined portion of sentence 13 is "conserve," as it effectively conveys the idea of reducing resource use, which directly aligns with the goal of minimizing trips to the store to lower fuel consumption and pollution.
A) (as it is now)
This option is incorrect because the original phrasing "keep fuel" is vague and does not clearly communicate the intended meaning of reducing fuel usage. It lacks the precision and clarity that the term "conserve" provides.
B) protect
While "protect" suggests safeguarding resources, it does not specifically address the reduction of trips to the store or the associated decrease in fuel consumption and pollution. Thus, it fails to convey the intended action of minimizing resource use.
C) conserve
"Conserve" is the most appropriate choice as it directly implies the act of using less fuel, which correlates with the objective of reducing pollution through fewer trips to the store. This choice encapsulates both the environmental and practical implications of the statement.
D) support
This option is not suitable because "support" does not relate to the reduction of trips, fuel use, or pollution. It implies endorsement rather than the active reduction of resource consumption, making it irrelevant to the context of the statement.
Conclusion
The term "conserve" is definitively the best choice as it clearly articulates the goal of reducing resource use associated with fewer trips to the store, thereby effectively addressing both fuel consumption and pollution concerns. All other options either lack clarity or do not align with the intended meaning of minimizing environmental impact.
2. What does the passage imply about prejudice in New Spain toward painting?
Answer: A
It reflected a broader aristocratic disdain for manual work
The passage suggests that the prejudice against painting in New Spain stemmed from a broader aristocratic disdain for manual labor, viewing painting as an artisan activity rather than an intellectual pursuit. This perspective was rooted in Spanish aristocratic values that devalued commerce and physical work.
A) It reflected a broader aristocratic disdain for manual work
This option is correct as the passage explicitly states that the work of painters was not highly valued due to the Spanish aristocratic prejudice against commerce and manual labor. It indicates that such views were prevalent and influential in shaping the societal attitudes towards painting in the colonies.
B) It encouraged artists to leave the colonies
This option is incorrect because the passage does not mention any encouragement for artists to leave the colonies. Instead, it focuses on how the prevailing attitudes affected the perception and value of painting within the colonies, without implying any movement of artists.
C) It was primarily caused by competition from writers
This option is incorrect as the passage does not discuss competition from writers as a contributing factor to the prejudice against painting. The focus is primarily on the aristocratic disdain for manual labor, not on competition from other artistic fields.
D) It was based on religious laws of the Catholic Church
This option is incorrect because the passage does not link the prejudice against painting to religious laws of the Catholic Church. The context provided highlights social and aristocratic beliefs rather than religious influences as the cause of the negative perception of painting.
Conclusion
The correct answer, A, captures the essence of the passage by highlighting the aristocratic disdain for manual work as the root of prejudice against painting in New Spain. Other options fail as they introduce unrelated factors or misinterpret the source of the prejudice discussed in the passage.
3. Which of the following statements does the passage most directly counter?
Answer: A
The passage most directly counters the idea that having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work.
The passage illustrates that for certain artists, like William Carlos Williams, engaging in a non-artistic profession, such as medicine, can enhance and inform their creative output rather than hinder it.
A) Having a non-arts job stifles and detracts from an artist's creative work
This statement is directly countered by the passage, which presents the view that for Williams, his work as a physician enriches his poetry rather than detracts from it. The passage emphasizes the idea that both professions can coexist harmoniously and even support each other.
B) For people working in non-arts professions, art is more than just an entertaining distraction
While this statement may be true in some contexts, the passage does not focus on this perspective. Instead, it highlights the complementary relationship between art and non-arts work as demonstrated by Williams, making this statement less directly countered.
C) The poetry of William Carlos Williams exemplifies autobiographical poetry
This statement is not countered by the passage, as it does not address the relationship between his profession and his poetry. The focus is instead on how his medical practice informs his creative work, rather than labeling it strictly as autobiographical poetry.
D) The public's interest in the arts has declined over the last century
This statement is unrelated to the central theme of the passage and is not countered by it. The text does not address public interest in the arts, so it bears no relevance to the argument presented.
Conclusion
The passage definitively counters the idea that non-arts jobs inhibit artistic creativity, showcasing how Williams finds a synergistic relationship between his medical profession and his poetry. The remaining options either do not relate directly to the core argument or are not addressed in the passage, reinforcing that Option A is the most directly countered statement.
4. The author implies that the social sciences:
Answer: D
The social sciences may someday add to the world's knowledge.
The author implies that the social sciences offer the promise of progress in knowledge, suggesting that they have the potential to contribute meaningfully in the future.
A) are valued for their techniques
While the extract mentions a "hurried world, enamored of technique," it does not specifically state that the social sciences are valued solely for their techniques. Thus, this option misrepresents the author's intent regarding the social sciences.
B) can make no contribution to progress
This option contradicts the implication in the extract, which suggests that the social sciences do offer some promise of progress, albeit not to the same extent as the sciences. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
C) cannot deal with long-term issues
The extract does not imply that social sciences are incapable of addressing long-term issues. Instead, it emphasizes their potential to contribute to progress, indicating that they may address significant questions, including those of long-term relevance.
D) may someday add to the world's knowledge
This option accurately reflects the author's implication that the social sciences hold the potential for future contributions to knowledge, distinguishing them from the humanities, which do not offer the same promise of progress.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, emphasizes the potential future contributions of the social sciences, aligning with the author's perspective on the importance of these disciplines in exploring meaningful questions. The other options either misinterpret or contradict the extract, failing to capture the nuanced view presented regarding the role of social sciences in knowledge development.
Answer: C
The historian's having 'lifted passages from other historians' is far from an isolated incident.
The author quoted in Passage 1 suggests that the issue of plagiarism is widespread, comparing it to cockroaches, where visible cases represent many more hidden ones. This implies that such incidents are not rare occurrences but rather part of a larger, troubling trend in academia.
A) an example of academic collaboration
This option misinterprets the nature of plagiarism. Academic collaboration typically involves mutual consent and acknowledgment of contributions, whereas lifting passages without credit is a violation of academic integrity and does not represent collaboration.
B) deserving of harsh punishment
While the author may agree that plagiarism should be addressed seriously, this option focuses on punishment rather than the prevalence of the issue. The emphasis in Passage 1 is on how often plagiarism occurs and how it is often ignored, rather than the consequences.
C) far from an isolated incident
This option aligns perfectly with the author's perspective in Passage 1, which emphasizes that plagiarism is a widespread issue within academia, with many unseen cases. The quote about cockroaches highlights the idea that for every visible incident, there are many more that go unreported.
D) a comparatively recent problem
This option suggests that plagiarism is a new issue, which is not supported by the context provided. The author indicates that while the consequences of plagiarism have become more severe in recent years, the act itself is not new, as evidenced by the historical context of academic misconduct.
Conclusion
The reasoning in favor of option C is supported by the author's analogy and observations regarding the prevalence of plagiarism in academia. Other options either mischaracterize the nature of plagiarism, focus on punishment rather than its commonality, or incorrectly present the issue as a recent development. Thus, option C is the most accurate reflection of the author's viewpoint.
Answer: A
Calvin and Hobbes was an immensely popular comic strip that featured a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger.
This revision effectively combines the information from both original sentences into a single, coherent statement that retains all essential details.
A) Calvin and Hobbes was an immensely popular comic strip that featured a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger.
This option is correct as it smoothly merges the two sentences while maintaining clarity and flow. It clearly identifies the comic strip's popularity and describes its main characters without losing any critical information.
B) Calvin and Hobbes, immensely popular, it was a comic strip that featured a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger.
This option is incorrect due to its awkward structure and the unnecessary use of "it was." This construction disrupts the flow and clarity, making the sentence harder to read and understand.
C) The immensely popular comic strip was Calvin and Hobbes, which featured a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger.
While this option presents the information accurately, it is less direct and slightly less engaging than the correct option. The introductory phrase "The immensely popular comic strip" can make the sentence feel cumbersome and detracts from the straightforwardness of the information.
D) It featured a six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger, Calvin and Hobbes was an immensely popular comic strip.
This option is incorrect due to its grammatical structure; it improperly combines two independent clauses with a comma, creating a run-on sentence. The lack of conjunction or proper punctuation makes it confusing and grammatically flawed.
Conclusion
Option A is the best choice because it succinctly and effectively combines both sentences into a clear and grammatically correct statement. The other options either compromise clarity, structure, or grammatical correctness, thus failing to convey the intended message as effectively as Option A.
7. Which word best completes the sentence?
Answer: A
Plastics are extremely malleable.
Plastics are extremely malleable; they can be molded into objects in several different ways (for example, by casting or extrusion) and formed into a variety of shapes. This property allows for versatility in manufacturing and design.
A) malleable
This option is correct because "malleable" refers to the ability of a material to be easily shaped or formed, particularly when subjected to pressure. In the context of plastics, this property is essential as it enables them to be molded into various forms and shapes.
B) obscure
"Obscure" is incorrect as it means not clear or hard to perceive. This term does not relate to the characteristics of plastics in terms of their physical manipulation or shaping capabilities, which is the focus of the sentence.
C) ominous
"Ominous" is also incorrect, as it refers to something that suggests a future event, typically a negative one. This word does not apply to the physical properties of plastics and does not contribute to the intended meaning of the sentence.
D) vigorous
"Vigorous" is incorrect, as it means strong, healthy, or full of energy. While it describes a quality that could be associated with some materials, it does not accurately describe the ability of plastics to be molded or shaped, which is the key point of the sentence.
Conclusion
Malleability is the defining characteristic of plastics that allows them to be easily shaped and formed, making option A the only suitable choice. The other options fail to capture the essence of the statement, which focuses on the physical properties of plastics in manufacturing and design. Thus, "malleable" is the word that best completes the sentence.
8. The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to
Answer: B
The claim about the 'metamorphosis' primarily serves to support a prediction.
The mention of 'metamorphosis' in this context indicates a significant transformation in language use in the United States, supporting the prediction that Latinos will become the largest minority group and that their influence will reshape American culture.
A) refute a theory
This option is incorrect because the extract does not aim to disprove any existing theories. Instead, it discusses the ongoing changes in language and culture influenced by the growing Latino population, which supports rather than refutes a theory about demographic shifts.
B) support a prediction
This option is correct as the claim about 'metamorphosis' illustrates the anticipated changes in language and culture due to the increasing Latino population. It aligns directly with the prediction that one in four Americans will be of Hispanic descent, indicating a future where Spanish becomes more prevalent.
C) introduce an alternative view
This option is incorrect because the extract does not present an alternative perspective. It specifically focuses on the changes already occurring as a result of demographic shifts, rather than offering a contrasting viewpoint.
D) downplay a change
This option is also incorrect since the term 'metamorphosis' conveys a significant transformation rather than minimizing the changes taking place. The extract emphasizes the profound impact of the Latino population on American culture and language.
Conclusion
The correct answer, B, is supported by the context of the extract, which highlights the transformative impact of the Latino population on language in the U.S. The other options do not align with the overall message of change and prediction, failing to capture the essence of the cultural shift described.
Answer: C
The sentence would best fit immediately after Sentence 5.
The sentence about the robots' eye and body movements mimicking those of human visitors logically follows Sentence 5, which discusses how users experience real-time sensations through their robot avatars. This connection emphasizes the relationship between the technology's functionality and the users' experiences.
A) Sentence 3
Sentence 3 introduces the concept of enhancing telepresence but does not discuss the specifics of how users interact with their robot avatars. Therefore, placing the new sentence here would disrupt the flow of information regarding the technology's capabilities, making it an incorrect choice.
B) Sentence 4
Sentence 4 describes the use of sophisticated robots for users to "visit" faraway destinations. While it introduces the robots, it does not delve into the mechanics of how these robots function or the experiences of the users, making it an unsuitable spot for the new sentence about mimicry.
C) Sentence 5
Sentence 5 details how users wear goggles and suits that provide real-time sensory feedback, making it the perfect context for the new sentence about the robots mimicking human movements. By placing the new sentence here, it reinforces the immersive experience users have, highlighting the technology's advanced capabilities in telepresence.
D) Sentence 6
Sentence 6 focuses on the communication aspects through microphones, speakers, and headphones but does not relate directly to the physical movements of the robots. Including the new sentence here would disrupt the focus on auditory communication rather than the physical representation of the visitors.
Conclusion
The correct placement after Sentence 5 seamlessly integrates the new sentence into the discussion of how users interact with their telepresence robots. All other options fail to provide the necessary context for discussing the robots' mimicry of human visitors, which is central to understanding the immersive experience of telepresence technology. Thus, Sentence 5 is the most logical choice for this addition.
Answer: B
The lanes, providing both environmental and safety benefits, have been widely supported
This revision effectively combines the ideas of safety and environmental benefits while emphasizing the widespread support for the bike lanes. It captures the essence of the original sentences succinctly.
A) The lanes have environmental benefits and provide safety to riders
While this option acknowledges both environmental benefits and safety, it does not convey the widespread support for the bike lanes, which is a crucial aspect highlighted in the original context. Additionally, it lacks the fluidity of combining the ideas into one cohesive statement.
B) The lanes, providing both environmental and safety benefits, have been widely supported
This option is correct as it effectively merges the points about environmental benefits and safety while also explicitly mentioning the support for bike lanes among New Yorkers. It reflects the information presented in the extract, making it the most comprehensive revision.
C) The lanes help protect riders and support environmental reasons
This choice correctly identifies the protective aspect for riders and the environmental reasons but lacks the emphasis on the support that the bike lanes have received from the community. It presents the ideas as separate rather than integrated, weakening its overall impact.
D) The lanes provide protection while being environmentally beneficial
Though this option conveys the protection and environmental benefits, it fails to mention the support from the community, which is a significant element of the passage. It also does not combine the ideas as effectively as the correct answer does.
Conclusion
Option B is the most effective revision as it encapsulates the critical elements of safety, environmental benefits, and community support in a single, fluid statement. The other options either miss key points or do not combine the ideas as seamlessly, making them less suitable.