ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Exams — ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Test
1. Which choice best maintains the sentence’s focus and clarity?
Answer: B
B: Many animals and people take up residence in places and structures vacated by others, illustrating a phenomenon that economists call a 'vacancy chain.'
This choice maintains clarity and focus by explicitly stating both animals and people in relation to the vacancy chain phenomenon. It effectively connects the concept to a wider context, demonstrating how both groups utilize vacated spaces.
A) Many animals illustrate a phenomenon that economists call a 'vacancy chain' by taking up residence in places vacated by others.
While this option discusses the vacancy chain phenomenon, it lacks clarity by not mentioning people, which could lead to confusion. The phrase structure is also more complex, making it less direct than the correct answer.
B) Many animals and people take up residence in places and structures vacated by others, illustrating a phenomenon that economists call a 'vacancy chain.'
This option is the most effective as it includes both animals and people, thereby enhancing the clarity of the sentence. It also clearly links the concept of the vacancy chain to the actions of both groups, making the explanation more comprehensive.
C) Economists illustrate a phenomenon called a 'vacancy chain' when animals take up residence in places vacated by others.
This choice misrepresents the relationship by suggesting that economists are the ones illustrating the phenomenon rather than describing it. It shifts the focus away from the animals and the context in which the vacancy chain occurs.
D) Many animals illustrate economists and people by taking up residence in places vacated by others.
This option is misleading as it incorrectly implies that animals are illustrating economists and people, which distorts the intended meaning. The focus is lost, making the sentence unclear and confusing.
Conclusion
Option B is the strongest choice as it clearly conveys the relationship between animals, people, and the vacancy chain phenomenon, ensuring both focus and clarity. The other options either misrepresent relationships or complicate the sentence unnecessarily, detracting from the main idea being discussed.
Answer: D
Conservationists often say “the last crop is always asphalt” to make the point that when open lands are developed, they are gone for good.
The best way to revise the underlined portion of sentence 12 is to maintain the phrase "that when open lands are developed," which clearly establishes the connection between the statement and the idea being conveyed.
A) that when open lands are developed
This option is identical to the correct answer but does not include the necessary context or structure that enhances clarity. While it seems functional, it lacks the concise phrasing needed to improve the flow of the sentence.
B) when open lands are developed
This option omits "that," which is essential for creating a clear dependent clause. Without "that," the sentence loses its formal structure and may confuse readers regarding the main idea being presented.
C) that (when open lands are developed)
This choice introduces parentheses, which disrupts the fluidity and clarity of the sentence. The use of parentheses in formal writing can suggest that the information is supplementary rather than integral to the main point, which weakens the overall impact of the statement.
D) that when open lands are developed
This option effectively maintains the necessary structure of the sentence, linking the claim made by conservationists directly to the consequence of land development. It is the most effective revision because it preserves the intended meaning and flow without unnecessary alterations.
Conclusion
Option D is the best choice as it retains the clarity and formality needed in the sentence, directly connecting the conservationists' statement to the consequence of land development. Options A, B, and C either fail to maintain the necessary structure or introduce ambiguity, making them less effective than the correct answer.
Answer: A
People appear to have welcomed waking in the middle of the night as natural, useful, and even enjoyable.
The best version of the underlined portion of the sentence is as it is now, as it effectively conveys the intended meaning without unnecessary punctuation or alterations.
A) (as it is now)
This option is correct because it maintains clarity and fluidity in the sentence. The phrase is structured well, allowing the reader to easily understand that the act of waking is perceived positively rather than negatively.
B) waking, in the middle of the night, as a nuisance;
This option is incorrect due to the unnecessary commas that disrupt the flow of the sentence. The phrase becomes awkwardly punctuated, making it harder for the reader to grasp the overall meaning.
C) waking in the middle of the night as a nuisance:
This option is also incorrect because it ends with a colon, which implies that additional information should follow. This punctuation choice leads to confusion, as no further explanation is given.
D) waking in the middle of the night as a nuisance-
This option is incorrect because it ends with a dash, which suggests an incomplete thought or an abrupt interruption. Such punctuation is inappropriate in this context, as it does not effectively convey a complete idea.
Conclusion
Option A is definitively the best choice because it provides a clear and concise expression of the idea without unnecessary punctuation. All other options introduce awkwardness or confusion in the sentence structure, which detracts from the intended message. Thus, A stands out as the most effective and accurate version of the phrase.
4. The collision of a comet and a planet is an ______ event in that it occurs only rarely.
Answer: D
Exceptional
The collision of a comet and a planet is an exceptional event in that it occurs only rarely. This term accurately captures the infrequency and unusual nature of such occurrences in the cosmos.
A) Inferior
The term inferior does not apply in this context, as it generally refers to something of lower quality or status. A comet colliding with a planet is not a matter of quality but rather a matter of occurrence frequency, making this option incorrect.
B) Ordinary
Describing the event as ordinary implies that it occurs frequently, which contradicts the definition of the collision being rare. Thus, this option is incorrect as it fails to represent the uniqueness of such events.
C) Understandable
While the term understandable suggests that the event can be comprehended, it does not address the rarity of comet-planet collisions. Therefore, this option does not accurately reflect the context of the question and is incorrect.
D) Exceptional
Exceptional is the appropriate term to describe the rare occurrence of a comet colliding with a planet. This word signifies that such events are out of the ordinary and happen infrequently, aligning perfectly with the context provided in the question.
Conclusion
Exceptional is the definitive correct answer as it highlights the rarity and unusual nature of comet-planet collisions, which is the crux of the question. The other options fail to convey this essential characteristic, making them unsuitable in this context.
Answer: B
Scientists are attempting to measure aspects of the creative process scientifically.
Scientists are engaged in efforts to quantify and analyze the creative process within the realm of biomedical technology, which pertains to understanding how creativity functions and can be scientifically assessed.
A) Prove that artistic talent does not exist
This option is incorrect because the passage does not suggest that scientists are aiming to disprove the existence of artistic talent. Instead, it focuses on measuring and understanding creativity, rather than negating its value or existence.
B) Measure aspects of the creative process scientifically
This option is correct as it aligns with the passage's focus on the scientific study of creativity. Scientists are exploring how to assess and quantify creativity, indicating an interest in understanding its mechanisms rather than dismissing it.
C) Eliminate the need for artists in society
This choice is incorrect because there is no indication in the passage that scientists aim to diminish the role or necessity of artists. The intention appears to be more about understanding and measuring creativity rather than replacing artists.
D) Show that art and science are unrelated
This option is also incorrect. The passage implies an intersection between art and science by discussing how scientists are investigating the creative process, suggesting a relationship rather than a separation between the two fields.
Conclusion
Measuring aspects of the creative process scientifically is the primary focus of the correct answer, and it reflects an effort to bridge the gap between artistic expression and scientific inquiry. The other options either misinterpret the intent of the scientific pursuit or inaccurately portray the relationship between art and science. Thus, option B stands out as the most accurate representation of the passage's implications.
Answer: B
Displaying a heightened sense of decorum many of author Maria Cristina Mena's characters exemplify a dignified and polite society.
Decorum is the correct term to describe the heightened sense of proper behavior and etiquette exhibited by Maria Cristina Mena's characters, reflecting the values of a dignified and polite society.
A) eminence
Eminence refers to fame or recognized superiority in a particular field. While it suggests a level of respect, it does not specifically relate to the behavior or manners of the characters, making it an incorrect choice in this context.
B) decorum
Decorum signifies the appropriate behavior, manners, and conduct that align with societal expectations. This term accurately captures the essence of how Mena's characters embody the qualities of dignity and politeness, making it the correct choice.
C) ebullience
Ebullience describes an enthusiastic and lively expression of feelings. Although it conveys a sense of energy, it does not align with the notion of dignified behavior, making it an unsuitable option for the context of the question.
D) realism
Realism pertains to the representation of life as it is, without embellishment. While it may describe the narrative style, it does not address the specific social behaviors or manners of the characters, rendering it an incorrect choice.
Conclusion
Decorum is the most fitting choice as it directly relates to the dignified and polite behaviors of Mena's characters. The other options either fail to capture the essence of proper conduct or pertain to different concepts entirely, reinforcing that decorum is the key characteristic being highlighted in the question.
Answer: D
New chlorophyll no longer being produced
The change in leaf color during the fall is primarily due to the absence of new chlorophyll production. As the extract explains, in the fall, no new pigment is produced, which allows the other colors present in the leaves to become visible.
A) Chlorophyll in the leaves beginning to break down then
While chlorophyll does break down, this option does not fully capture the reason for the color change. The key factor is that no new chlorophyll is being produced, which is what ultimately leads to the visibility of other pigments.
B) Heat and light causing new pigments to be produced
This option is incorrect because the passage states that in the fall, no new pigment is produced at all. Instead, chlorophyll breakdown reveals pigments that were already present but hidden during the summer.
C) Existing pigments becoming more uniform
This choice is not supported by the text. The passage indicates that existing pigments are revealed due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, rather than becoming more uniform. The colors become visible, not uniform, as chlorophyll disappears.
D) New chlorophyll no longer being produced
This is the correct option because the lack of new chlorophyll production in the fall allows the other pigments in the leaves to be seen clearly for the first time, as highlighted in the extract.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, accurately reflects the process described in the extract where the absence of new chlorophyll production reveals the pre-existing pigments. The other options either misinterpret the information provided or fail to address the key mechanism behind the color change in leaves during fall. Thus, D is definitive in explaining the phenomenon of changing leaf colors.
8. What effect did Lorca’s nine months in New York have on him, according to the passage?
Answer: B
They changed his vision of poetry and the social role of the artist
Lorca's nine months in New York significantly transformed his perspective on poetry and the responsibilities of artists within society. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping his literary voice and approach.
A) They discouraged him from pursuing poetry
This option is incorrect because the passage indicates that Lorca's time in New York did not discourage him; rather, it had the opposite effect by changing his vision of poetry. There is no mention of discouragement in the context provided.
B) They changed his vision of poetry and the social role of the artist
This option is correct as the passage explicitly states that his nine months in New York altered Lorca's understanding of poetry and the artist's role in society. This highlights the transformative impact of his experiences in an urban, multicultural environment.
C) They led him to stop writing in Spanish
This option is incorrect because the extract notes that Lorca spent most of his time writing poems in Spanish during his stay in New York, rather than ceasing to write in his native language. Therefore, it does not align with the information provided.
D) They inspired him to become a painter instead
This option is incorrect as well since the passage does not suggest that Lorca was inspired to pursue painting during his time in New York. Instead, it emphasizes his continued focus on poetry and the change in his artistic vision.
Conclusion
The correct answer is definitively B, as it directly reflects the impact of Lorca's time in New York as described in the passage. The other options fail to capture the essence of his transformative experience, either misrepresenting his actions or lacking supportive evidence from the text.
9. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
Answer: D
The name Scarlet Knights most likely refers to clothing worn by Rutgers players in the 1869 game.
The connection between the name "Scarlet Knights" and the clothing worn by Rutgers players during the first intercollegiate football game is evident. The passage notes that some Rutgers players wore scarlet-colored scarves to distinguish themselves, suggesting that the color scarlet is significant to the team's identity.
A) American football has not changed much since the first intercollegiate football game was played.
This option is incorrect as the passage implies that the early game resembled rugby and involved players wearing hats and coats instead of modern protective gear. The evolution of the game is not addressed, making it unreasonable to conclude that little has changed since then.
B) Most early football players did not know how to throw a football properly.
There is no evidence in the passage to support this inference. The text focuses on the attire of the players and the nature of the game, not their skills or abilities, making this option unfounded.
C) Rutgers' current football team is better than Princeton's.
This statement cannot be inferred from the passage. While Rutgers won the first game, the passage does not provide current performance comparisons or data about either team's ongoing success, rendering this option speculative.
D) The name Scarlet Knights most likely refers to clothing worn by Rutgers players in the 1869 game.
This option is correct as the passage directly mentions that Rutgers players wore scarlet scarves during the game. This historical detail likely influenced the choice of the name "Scarlet Knights" for the current team, establishing a clear connection.
Conclusion
The correct inference is that the name "Scarlet Knights" is directly linked to the scarlet scarves worn by Rutgers players in the first intercollegiate football game. All other options either lack support from the passage or make unfounded assumptions about the players' skills and team comparisons. Thus, only option D accurately reflects the information provided.
Answer: B
Many of author Maria Cristina Mena's characters exemplify a 'dignified and polite society' through decorum.
Decorum refers to behavior that is socially acceptable and appropriate, which aligns perfectly with the description of a 'dignified and polite society' as portrayed in Mena's characters.
A) eminence
Eminence refers to a position of prominence or superiority. While it suggests a level of respect, it does not specifically relate to the appropriate behavior or manners that define a polite society, making this option incorrect in the context of the question.
B) decorum
Decorum is the correct answer as it directly relates to the standards of behavior that characterize a dignified and polite society. Mena's characters display behavior that adheres to these social norms, highlighting their respectability and propriety.
C) ebullience
Ebullience describes a lively or enthusiastic expression. This term implies a sense of exuberance that does not necessarily correlate with the dignified and polite demeanor expected in Mena's portrayal of her characters. Therefore, it is not a suitable option for this context.
D) realism
Realism refers to the depiction of subjects as they are in everyday life, often focusing on ordinary and unidealized experiences. While Mena's work may contain elements of realism, it does not encapsulate the essence of a dignified and polite society, making this option incorrect.
Conclusion
The option decorum is definitive in capturing the essence of the question, as it directly relates to the conduct expected in a dignified and polite society, which is central to Mena's character portrayals. All other options fail to connect appropriately with the notion of social propriety that defines the characters in her works.