ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the words of Thomas De Quincey, “It is notorious that the memory strengthens as you lay burdens upon it.” If, like most people, you have trouble recalling the names of those you have just met, try this: The next time you are introduced, plan to remember the names. Say to yourself, “I’ll listen carefully; I’ll repeat each person’s name to be sure I’ve got it, and I will remember.” You’ll discover how effective this technique is and probably recall those names for the rest of your life. The quotation from De Quincey indicates that the memory
- always operates at peak efficiency
- breaks down under great strain
- improves if it is used often (Correct answer)
- becomes unreliable if it tires
Correct answer: improves if it is used often
The quotation states, 'It is notorious that the memory strengthens as you lay burdens upon it.' This directly implies that the more you use your memory (lay burdens upon it), the stronger (improves) it becomes. The passage then offers techniques to actively use memory, reinforcing the idea that consistent use enhances its capability.
Question 2: Unemployment was the overriding fact of life when Franklin D. Roosevelt became president of the United States on March 4, 1933. At the time, the government did not systematically collect statistics of joblessness; actually it did not start doing so until 1940. The Bureau of Labor Statistics later estimated that 12,830,000 persons were out of work in 1933, about one-fourth of a civilian labor force of more than 51 million. Roosevelt signed the Federal Emergency Relief Act on May 12, 1933. The president selected Harry L. Hopkins, who headed the New York relief program, to run FERA. A gifted administrator, Hopkins quickly put the program into high gear. He gathered a small staff in Washington and brought the state relief organizations into the FERA system. While the agency tried to provide all the necessities, food came first. City dwellers usually got an allowance for fuel, and rent for one month was provided in case of eviction. This passage is primarily about
- methods of estimating unemployment rates in the 1930s
- the effect of unemployment on United States families
- President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency
- the creation of President Roosevelt’s FERA program (Correct answer)
Correct answer: the creation of President Roosevelt’s FERA program
The passage begins by setting the scene of high unemployment and Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency, but its primary focus quickly shifts. It then details the signing of the Federal Emergency Relief Act (FERA), the appointment of Harry L. Hopkins to lead it, and how the program was quickly put into action to provide necessities. Therefore, the main subject is the establishment and initial implementation of the FERA program.
Question 3: With varying success, many women around the world today struggle for equal rights. Historically, women have achieved greater equality with men during periods of social adversity. The following factors initiated the greatest number of improvements for women: violent revolution, world war, and the rigors of pioneering in an undeveloped land. In all three cases, the essential element that improved the status of women was a shortage of men, which required women to perform many of society’s vital tasks. We can conclude from the information in this passage that
- women today are highly successful in winning equal rights
- only pioneer women have been considered equal to men
- historically, women have only achieved equality through force
- historically, the principle of equality alone has not been enough to secure women equal rights (Correct answer)
Correct answer: historically, the principle of equality alone has not been enough to secure women equal rights
The passage explicitly states that women achieved greater equality during periods of social adversity, and the 'essential element' was a shortage of men, requiring women to perform vital tasks. This indicates that practical necessity, rather than the inherent principle of equality, was the driving force behind historical gains for women. Thus, the principle of equality alone was insufficient to secure these rights.
Question 4: All water molecules form six-sided structures as they freeze and become snow crystals. The shape of a snow crystal is determined by temperature, vapor, and wind conditions in the upper atmosphere. A snow crystal is always symmetrical because these conditions affect all six of its sides simultaneously. The purpose of the passage is to present
- a personal observation
- a solution to a problem
- factual information (Correct answer)
- \t opposing scientific theories
Correct answer: factual information
The passage provides objective details about the formation and characteristics of snow crystals, such as their six-sided structure and symmetry. It explains how temperature, vapor, and wind conditions influence their shape without presenting opinions, solving a problem, or comparing different theories. The sole purpose is to convey information about a natural phenomenon.
Question 5: \t In the words of Thomas De Quincey, “It is notorious that the memory strengthens as you lay burdens upon it.” If, like most people, you have trouble recalling the names of those you have just met, try this: The next time you are introduced, plan to remember the names. Say to yourself, “I’ll listen carefully; I’ll repeat each person’s name to be sure I have it, and I will remember.” You’ll discover how effective this technique is and probably recall those names for the rest of your life. The passage suggests that people remember names best when they
- meet new people
- are intelligent
- decide to do so (Correct answer)
- . are interested in people
Correct answer: decide to do so
The passage directly advises readers to 'plan to remember the names' and to consciously decide to listen, repeat, and actively intend to recall them. It suggests that this deliberate decision and mental commitment are the keys to improving memory for names. Therefore, remembering names best occurs when people make a conscious choice to do so.
Question 6: Many people have owned, or have heard of, traditional “piggy banks,” coin banks shaped like pigs. A logical theory about how this tradition started might be that because pigs often symbolize greed, the object is to “fatten” one’s piggy bank with as much money as possible. However, while this idea makes sense, it is not the correct origin of the term. The genesis of the piggy bank is the old English word “pygg,” which was a common kind of clay hundreds of years ago in England. People used pots and jars made out of this red “pygg” clay for many different purposes in their homes. Sometimes they kept their money in one of the pots, and this was known as a pygg bank. Over the years, because “pygg” and “pig” sounded the same, glaziers began making novelty banks out of pottery in the shape of a pig as a kind of joke. These banks were given as gifts and exported to countries where people spoke other languages and where no one had ever heard of pygg clay. The tradition caught on all over the world, and today piggy banks come in all colors and are made of all kinds of materials, including plastic. This passage is mainly about how
- people in different countries save their money
- people in England made pottery centuries ago
- a common term originated in a surprising way (Correct answer)
- an unusual custom got started
Correct answer: a common term originated in a surprising way
The passage explicitly debunks a common, logical theory about the origin of 'piggy banks' and then reveals the surprising true etymology. It explains how the term evolved from 'pygg' clay pots to pig-shaped banks due to a linguistic coincidence. This narrative primarily focuses on how a familiar term has an unexpected and interesting historical origin.
Question 7: The wheel is considered one of the most important mechanical inventions of all time. Many technologies since the invention of the wheel have been based on its principles, and since the industrial revolution, the wheel has been a basic element of nearly every machine constructed by humankind. No one knows the exact time and place of the invention of the wheel, but its beginnings can be seen across many ancient civilizations. The passage suggests that the wheel is an important invention because it
- is one of the world’s oldest inventions
- forms the basis of so many later inventions (Correct answer)
- can be traced to many ancient cultures
- is one the world’s most famous inventions
Correct answer: forms the basis of so many later inventions
The passage emphasizes the wheel's importance by stating that 'Many technologies since the invention of the wheel have been based on its principles' and that it is a 'basic element of nearly every machine constructed by humankind.' This highlights its foundational role in subsequent mechanical innovations. Its significance stems from its influence on countless later inventions.
Question 8: \t Samuel Morse, best known today as the inventor of Morse Code and one of the inventors of the telegraph, was originally a prominent painter. While he was always interested in technology and studied electrical engineering in college, Morse went to Paris to learn from famous artists of his day and later painted many pictures that now hang in museums, including a portrait of former President John Adams. In 1825, Morse was in Washington, D.C., painting a portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette when a messenger arrived on horseback to tell him that his wife was gravely ill back at his home in Connecticut. The message had taken several days to reach him because of the distance. Morse rushed to his home as fast as he could, but his wife had already passed away by the time he arrived. Grief-stricken, he gave up painting and devoted the rest of his life to finding ways to transmit messages over long distances faster. Morse left the art world and helped to invent the telegraph because he
- was tired of painting
- wanted to communicate with people far away
- experienced a personal tragedy in his life (Correct answer)
- was fascinated by science
Correct answer: experienced a personal tragedy in his life
The passage clearly states that Samuel Morse, originally a painter, gave up art and devoted his life to inventing the telegraph after a personal tragedy. His wife died because a message about her illness took too long to reach him. This profound personal loss directly motivated his pursuit of faster long-distance communication.
Question 9: \t Leonardo da Vinci is not only one of the most famous artists in history, but he was also a botanist, a writer, and an inventor. Even though most of his inventions were not actually built in his lifetime, many of today’s modern machines can be traced back to some of his original designs. The parachute, the military tank, the bicycle, and even the airplane were foretold in the imaginative drawings that can still be seen in the fragments of da Vinci’s notebooks. Over 500 years ago, this man conceived ideas that were far ahead of his time. The author of this passage is praising da Vinci primarily for his
- artistic talent
- intelligence
- foresight (Correct answer)
- fame
Correct answer: foresight
The author praises da Vinci for conceiving ideas 'far ahead of his time,' noting that many modern machines can be traced back to his original designs. This highlights his ability to envision future technologies and concepts centuries before they became reality. This forward-thinking quality is best described as foresight.
Question 10: The Midwest is experiencing its worst drought in 15 years. Corn and soybean prices are expected to be very high this year. What does the second sentence do?
- It restates the idea found in the first.
- It states an effect. (Correct answer)
- It gives an example.
- It analyzes the statement made in the first.
Correct answer: It states an effect.
The first sentence describes a drought, which is a cause of agricultural problems. The second sentence then states that 'Corn and soybean prices are expected to be very high this year,' which is a direct consequence or result of the drought. Therefore, the second sentence describes an effect of the situation presented in the first.
Question 11: Social studies classes focus on the complexity of our social environment. The subject combines the study of history and the social sciences and promotes skills in citizenship. What does the second sentence do?
- It expands on the first sentence. (Correct answer)
- It makes a contrast.
- It proposes a solution.
- It states an effect.
Correct answer: It expands on the first sentence.
The first sentence makes a general statement about the focus of social studies classes. The second sentence then elaborates on this by specifying what the subject combines (history and social sciences) and what skills it promotes (citizenship). This provides more detail and depth to the initial statement, thus expanding on it.
Question 12: Knowledge of another language fosters greater awareness of cultural diversity among the peoples of the world. Individuals who have foreign language skills can appreciate more readily other peoples’ values and ways of life. How are the two sentences related?
- They contradict each other
- They present problems and solutions
- They establish a contrast.
- They repeat the same idea. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They repeat the same idea.
Both sentences convey the same core message: learning another language leads to a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures. The second sentence rephrases and reinforces the idea presented in the first, stating that foreign language skills enable individuals to 'appreciate more readily other peoples’ values and ways of life.' They essentially express the same concept in slightly different words.
Question 13: While most people think of dogs as pets, some dogs are bred and trained specifically for certain types of work. The bloodhound’s acute sense of smell and willing personality make it ideal for tracking lost objects or people. What does the second sentence do?
- It makes a contrast.
- It restates an idea found in the first.
- It states an effect.
- It gives an example. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It gives an example.
The first sentence makes a general statement about dogs being trained for work. The second sentence then provides a specific instance of this by describing the bloodhound's abilities and its suitability for tracking lost objects or people. This serves as a concrete illustration or example of the general point made in the first sentence.
Question 14: Paris, France, is a city that has long been known as a center of artistic and cultural expression. In the 1920s, Paris was home to many famous artists and writers from around the world, such as Picasso and Hemingway. What does the second sentence do?
- It reinforces the first (Correct answer)
- It states an effect.
- It draws a conclusion.
- It provides a contrast.
Correct answer: It reinforces the first
The first sentence asserts that Paris is known as a center of artistic and cultural expression. The second sentence then provides specific historical evidence, mentioning that in the 1920s, Paris was home to many famous artists and writers like Picasso and Hemingway. This specific example strongly supports and confirms the general claim made in the first sentence, thereby reinforcing it.
Question 15: Studies show that the prevalence of fast-food restaurants corresponds with the rates of obesity in both children and adults. Obesity is now on the rise in countries where fast-food restaurants are becoming more common. How do the two sentences relate?
- They express roughly the same idea. (Correct answer)
- They contradict each other.
- They present problems and solutions.
- They establish a contrast.
Correct answer: They express roughly the same idea.
Both sentences communicate the central idea that there is a connection between the increase in fast-food restaurants and rising obesity rates. The second sentence essentially restates the correlation mentioned in the first, using slightly different phrasing to convey the same information. They are expressing the same idea in two ways.
Question 16: Compared with the rest of the country, North Dakota has a thriving economy, making it a place where more people want to live. With temperatures in January ranging from 2 to 17 degrees Fahrenheit, winters in North Dakota are viewed by some prospective residents as inhospitable. What does the second sentence do?
- It reinforces the first
- It explains what is stated in the first.
- It contradicts the first. (Correct answer)
- It analyzes a statement made in the first.
Correct answer: It contradicts the first.
The first sentence presents North Dakota as desirable due to its thriving economy, suggesting people would want to live there. The second sentence introduces a negative factor—inhospitable winters—which makes it less appealing to some prospective residents. This presents a contrasting viewpoint to the initial positive assessment, thus contradicting the first statement.
Question 17: Some stores are testing a new checkout system that allows shoppers to use their mobile phones to scan items as they walk through stores and pay at self-service kiosks, skipping the cashiers’ lines. The new mobile checkout system reduces long lines and customer wait times in stores. What does the second sentence do?
- It expands on the first
- It states an effect. (Correct answer)
- It contrasts with the first.
- It gives an example.
Correct answer: It states an effect.
The first sentence describes a new checkout system. The second sentence then explains a direct positive outcome or consequence of implementing this system: it 'reduces long lines and customer wait times in stores.' This clearly describes an effect of the system detailed in the first sentence.
Question 18: According to the American Sleep Disorders Association, the average teenager needs around 9.5 hours of sleep per night, possibly because critical growth hormones are released during sleep. The average adult requires between six and eight hours of sleep per night for optimal health and productivity. How do the two sentences relate?
- They establish a contrast. (Correct answer)
- They contradict each other.
- They reinforce each other.
- They provide a problem and solution
Correct answer: They establish a contrast.
The two sentences present different sleep requirements for two distinct demographic groups: teenagers and adults. By highlighting these differing needs (9.5 hours for teenagers vs. 6-8 hours for adults), they draw a clear comparison that emphasizes their differences. This comparison serves to establish a contrast between the two groups.
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Test 1
In the words of Thomas De Quincey, “It is notorious that the memory strengthens as you lay burdens upon it.” If, like most people, you have trouble recalling the names of those you have just met, try this: The next time you are introduced, plan to remember the names.
Say to yourself, “I’ll listen carefully; I’ll repeat each person’s name to be sure I’ve got it, and I will remember.” You’ll discover how effective this technique is and probably recall those names for the rest of your life.
The quotation from De Quincey indicates that the memory