What is the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test?
The ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test consists of 20 questions that measure your ability to understand and draw conclusions from a text.
There are two types of Reading Comprehension questions. The first type introduces 10 reading passages followed by a question based on each passage. The second type consists of 10 pairs of sentences followed by a question about the relationship between the two sentences. These questions assess your level in five main skills:
- critical thinking skills
- understanding complicated written material
- identifying main ideas
- understanding direct statements and secondary or supporting ideas
- identifying the relationship between two sentences
At many universities and colleges, a student's ACCUPLACER score determines the course level that he or she will enter. Accurately preparing for the ACCUPLACER can mean a huge leg-up when choosing your academic courses.
At TestPrep-Online we offer you the comprehensive ACCUPLACER English Practice Pack, which includes a grammar guide with exercises, practice questions, and full practice tests.
How to Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Reading Test
It may be tempting to not prepare for the reading section of the test at all. After all, what more can you possibly do but read? In fact, the answer is: quite a bit. Most importantly, you must come on test day, not as a passive reader, but rather, as an active one. Below are a series of tips on how to become an active reader, and come ready for the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test:
- Don’t jump into the text. Standardized tests can cause us to go into survival mode. We feel rushed, and start reading without even thinking. However, this is not the way to go. Slow down. Take a deep breath, and skim through the passage before reading it. Identify purpose, subject, and point of view. And remember—the ACCUPLACER Reading Test is untimed, so there is no need to panic.
- Take notes: Remember to ask these questions as you read: "What is the passage about? What points is the author making, and how is s/he supporting them?"
- Don’t be overwhelmed by length: On the ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test, some passages will be longer than others. Don't fret! That does not mean that they are harder; in fact, they may be just as easy as the shorter passages, or even easier. Just follow the structure of skim, note, read, and ask.
ACCUPLACER Reading Practice Test Questions
TestPrep-Online’s ACCUPLACER English Practice Pack is equipped with a large variety of reading comprehension questions to help you practice and progress. To enhance your studying process, each question is followed by a detailed explanation which allows you to see where your strengths are and to learn which concepts you need to improve. Take a look at some examples below:
Passage Related Question
After you have read the passage, choose the best answer to the question based on what the passage implies.
This passage implies that the writer thinks that microwave popcorn
A. is healthy
B. is inconvenient
C. is not the best choice
D. was intended as a cereal
Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is (C).
In the last sentence of the passage, the author mentions that preparing popcorn in a pot on the stovetop makes for fresher and crunchier popcorn than microwaving popcorn. Answer (A) is incorrect because health is not mentioned in the passage. Answer (B) is incorrect because the first sentence of the passage clearly categorizes microwave popcorn as “convenience food.” Answer (D) is incorrect because there is no mention in the passage of what popcorn was intended as, it is mentioned only as a snack.
Sentence Relationship Question
This question deals with the relationship between two sentences. You must decide if, for example, one sentence contradicts or agrees with the other, if the second sentence repeats the same information, or if the second sentence reinforces the statement made in the first. Choose the best answer for the question.
The DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report states that the top five colors for cars are white, black, silver, gray, and red, in that order.
How do the two sentences relate?
A. They contradict each other.
B. They express roughly the same idea.
C. They present problems and solutions.
D. They establish a contrast.
Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is (D).
The first sentence states that blue is the most popular color in the world; however, blue is not among the top five popular colors for cars, according to the second sentence. The sentences establish a contrast. With that said, the sentences do not contradict each other, as they do not make opposite or contradictory statements. Therefore, answer (A) is incorrect. Answer (B) is incorrect because the sentences do not express the same idea. The first sentence deals with the popularity of a specific color, and the second sentence deals with car colors. Answer (C) is incorrect because neither sentence presents either a problem or a solution.
Get Ready for the ACCUPLACER Reading Test!
Come prepared on test day! Our pack includes three full-length ACCUPLACER reading tests, as well an additional 360 questions, and three Sentence Skills tests. With our practice material, you will know just what it is you need to practice most. Our tests can give you the chance to work at your pace, and with your own goals in mind. Try our ACCUPLACER English Practice Pack today!
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