ESL Sentence Meaning Practice Test for the ACCUPLACER® test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: Michael looked for oncoming traffic then walked ____ the street to meet his friend.

among
around
behind
across (Correct answer)

Correct answer: across

The word 'across' means from one side to the other. When someone walks 'the street' to meet a friend, they are typically moving from one side of the street to the opposite side. This preposition accurately describes the action of traversing the width of the street.

Question 2: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: Miles Davis was a ____ jazz artist, recording more than 35 studio albums in his career.

versatile
famous
best-selling
prolific (Correct answer)

Correct answer: prolific

The sentence provides a clear clue: 'recording more than 35 studio albums in his career.' The word 'prolific' means producing a large number of works or results. This perfectly describes an artist who has recorded a significant volume of albums, indicating a high output.

Question 3: Jeff was always good at making people laugh, but he finally found a way to get paid for it. What is Jeff’s most likely profession?

a comedian (Correct answer)
a professor
a philanthropist
a journalist

Correct answer: a comedian

The sentence states that Jeff was 'always good at making people laugh' and 'finally found a way to get paid for it.' A comedian's profession is specifically centered around entertaining audiences and making them laugh for a living. This makes 'a comedian' the most logical and direct inference for Jeff's profession.

Question 4: Gary never takes advice; he always insists on doing things his own way. Which word would best describe Gary?

wary
flippant
intelligent
stubborn (Correct answer)

Correct answer: stubborn

The description 'never takes advice' and 'always insists on doing things his own way' directly defines the trait of stubbornness. A stubborn person is unwilling to change their mind or actions, even when presented with good reasons or alternative suggestions. Therefore, 'stubborn' is the best word to describe Gary.

Question 5: When the storm flooded the theater, Richard thought his play would be canceled, but the director was able to find another venue at the last minute. Where will the play be performed?

at a new location (Correct answer)
The play will not be performed.
outdoors
at its originally scheduled location

Correct answer: at a new location

The sentence explicitly states that the director was able to find 'another venue' for the play. A venue is the location where an event takes place. Since the original theater was flooded, finding 'another venue' means the play will be performed at a different, new location.

Question 6: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: My sister Hannah is known as one of the most talented and ____ actresses in her local theater community.

very beautiful
beautiful (Correct answer)
beautifully
beautifulest

Correct answer: beautiful

The blank requires an adjective to describe 'actresses,' similar to 'talented.' 'Beautiful' is an adjective that correctly modifies the plural noun 'actresses.' The other options are either an adverb ('beautifully'), redundant ('very beautiful' with 'most talented'), or grammatically incorrect ('beautifulest').

Question 7: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: I told everyone to come to my party at 8 p.m., but most people arrived much ____, long after the party had already started.

late
lately
latest
later (Correct answer)

Correct answer: later

The sentence indicates that people arrived 'long after the party had already started,' implying a comparison in time to the scheduled 8 p.m. start. 'Later' is the comparative form of 'late' and correctly conveys that their arrival time was subsequent to the planned time. This makes it the most appropriate adverb of time in this context.

Question 8: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: Because of his strength, speed, and skills on the field, Dwayne ____ a perfect candidate for the NBA draft when he graduated from college.

isn’t
is
was (Correct answer)
wasn’t

Correct answer: was

The phrase 'when he graduated from college' clearly places the entire statement in the past. Therefore, the past tense form of the verb 'to be' is required. 'Was' correctly indicates that Dwayne *was* a perfect candidate at that specific point in the past.

Question 9: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: Tanya ____ lots of new bicycle equipment, when she acquired her first sponsorship, because of her great abilities as a rider.

was giving
was given (Correct answer)
gave
was gave

Correct answer: was given

The sentence implies that Tanya *received* the equipment due to her abilities and sponsorship, rather than her giving it away. This requires the passive voice, where the subject is the recipient of the action. 'Was given' correctly forms the past tense passive voice, indicating that the equipment was provided to her by someone else.

Question 10: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: General Carter held strategy meetings ____ his most trusted advisors to help him decide the best plan of action.

about
without
around
with (Correct answer)

Correct answer: with

When someone holds strategy meetings and involves others in the discussion, they typically do so 'with' those individuals. The preposition 'with' indicates collaboration, participation, or accompaniment. This accurately describes General Carter's interaction with his trusted advisors.

Question 11: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: Because she has already gained 20 pounds since we bought her a month ago, our new puppy is surely ____ very large indeed.

being
been
will be
going to be (Correct answer)

Correct answer: going to be

The sentence describes a current situation ('gained 20 pounds') that serves as strong evidence for a future outcome. 'Going to be' is used to express a future event that is certain or highly probable based on present facts or intentions. The puppy's current growth makes it highly likely it will be very large.

Question 12: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: After my little brother graduates from high school, my whole family ____ on vacation in Hawaii!

has gone
goes
is going (Correct answer)
go

Correct answer: is going

The sentence describes a definite future plan or arrangement that will occur after another future event (graduation). The present continuous tense, 'is going,' is commonly used to express such pre-arranged future actions. It conveys a sense of certainty about the family's upcoming vacation.

Question 13: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: When we removed the old carpet in the second floor of our house, I was dismayed to find a hole that reached all the way ____ to the lower floor.

through (Correct answer)
inside
around
away from

Correct answer: through

The hole 'reached all the way ____ to the lower floor,' indicating a passage or connection from one floor to the other. 'Through' accurately describes this movement or extension from one side or level to another. It implies the hole completely penetrated the floor.

Question 14: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: I looked up and found an old bird’s nest ____ my window in the gutter on the roof.

along
above (Correct answer)
around
below

Correct answer: above

The sentence states 'I looked up' and the nest was 'in the gutter on the roof.' Gutters on a roof are always positioned higher than a window. Therefore, 'above' correctly indicates the nest's position relative to the window.

Question 15: Choose the correct words for the blank in this sentence: My teacher encouraged me to ____ the answer on my own, rather than simply asking him for the solution.

looking for
look in
looks up
look up (Correct answer)

Correct answer: look up

The phrasal verb 'look up' means to search for and find information, typically in a reference source or by researching. In this context, the teacher encourages the student to independently discover the answer, aligning perfectly with the meaning of 'look up.'

Question 16: Choose the correct words for the blank in this sentence: Jamie’s father decided that she was old enough to ____ on dates with boys her age.

gone out
goes out
going out
go out (Correct answer)

Correct answer: go out

The phrase 'to go out on dates' is a common idiom meaning to engage in social or romantic outings. After the infinitive marker 'to,' the base form of the verb is required. 'Go out' is the correct and grammatically appropriate form for this phrasal verb.

Question 17: Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: John’s great-grandfather was the ____ man I had ever met, and he was still healthy and active.

oldest (Correct answer)
older
most old
most oldest

Correct answer: oldest

The phrase 'the ____ man I had ever met' indicates a comparison among all men the speaker has encountered, requiring the superlative form of the adjective. For the adjective 'old,' the superlative form is 'oldest,' meaning the most advanced in age.

Question 18: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: Nancy’s new pug is the ____-looking dog I have ever seen, with its beady eyes and wrinkly face.

funniest (Correct answer)
most funnily
funnier
more funny

Correct answer: funniest

The phrase 'the ____-looking dog I have ever seen' indicates a comparison among all dogs the speaker has encountered, requiring the superlative form of the adjective. For the adjective 'funny,' the superlative form is 'funniest,' describing the dog as having the most amusing appearance.

Question 19: Don was taller than his four sisters but shorter than his father and older brother. Which sibling was taller than Don?

No sibling was taller than Don.
Don’s sister.
Don’s father.
Don’s older brother. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Don’s older brother.

The sentence explicitly states, 'Don was ... shorter than his father and older brother.' Since the question asks which *sibling* was taller than Don, his older brother is the correct answer. His father is not a sibling.

Question 20: I may have had them longer than any of my other shoes, but my hiking boots are easily my favorite. How do my boots compare to other shoes I own?

They are the newest shoes.
They are the same age.
They are the oldest shoes. (Correct answer)
There is no difference in age.

Correct answer: They are the oldest shoes.

The statement 'I may have had them longer than any of my other shoes' directly implies that the hiking boots have been owned for the longest duration compared to all other shoes. Therefore, they are the oldest shoes in the speaker's possession.

Question 21: When I was young, my mother told me that four-leafed clovers were rare, but that I could almost certainly find one if I looked hard enough. How likely was I to find a four-leafed clover?

not very likely
fairly likely (Correct answer)
a little likely
there is no way to know

Correct answer: fairly likely

While the mother mentioned clovers were 'rare,' she also added the crucial phrase 'almost certainly find one if I looked hard enough.' 'Almost certainly' indicates a very high probability, suggesting that finding one was indeed fairly likely with sufficient effort, despite their general rarity.

Question 22: My dad told me to remind him to register his car in a couple of weeks. When should I remind my dad?

in 14 days (Correct answer)
in 7 days
in 3 days
in 1 month

Correct answer: in 14 days

The phrase 'a couple of weeks' is a common idiom that means two weeks. Since there are seven days in one week, two weeks would be 7 days multiplied by 2, which equals 14 days. Therefore, the reminder should be given in 14 days.

Question 23: Michael’s friends can always rely on him for whatever they need, whether it’s a ride to the airport or just a friend to listen. Which of the following words most accurately describes Michael?

plain-spoken
dependable (Correct answer)
prudent
emotional

Correct answer: dependable

The sentence states that Michael's friends 'can always rely on him for whatever they need.' The word 'dependable' means trustworthy and reliable, accurately describing someone who consistently fulfills commitments and can be counted on in various situations. This perfectly matches Michael's character.

Question 24: Jerry frequently makes simple mistakes that could easily be avoided, like leaving the oven on and losing his keys. Which of the following words most clearly describes Jerry?

rugged
immoral
complacent
careless (Correct answer)

Correct answer: careless

Jerry is described as frequently making 'simple mistakes that could easily be avoided,' such as forgetting to turn off the oven or losing his keys. This behavior is characteristic of someone who is 'careless,' meaning they do not pay enough attention to avoid errors or harm. Therefore, 'careless' is the most accurate description.

Question 25: John Lennon is best known for his singing and songwriting for the Beatles during the 1960s. What was John Lennon’s profession?

He was an engineer.
He was a publisher.
He was a musician. (Correct answer)
He was a producer.

Correct answer: He was a musician.

The passage states that John Lennon is known for his 'singing and songwriting for the Beatles.' Both singing and songwriting are fundamental activities associated with the profession of a musician. Therefore, 'musician' is the most accurate description of his profession based on the provided information.

Question 26: Ernest Hemingway is known for the crisp and precise prose in his novels, even years after his death. What was Ernest Hemingway’s profession?

He was a physician.
He was an editor.
He was a merchant.
He was a writer. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He was a writer.

The passage mentions Ernest Hemingway's 'crisp and precise prose in his novels.' Writing novels is the primary activity and defining characteristic of a writer. Thus, 'writer' is the correct profession that aligns with the description.

Question 27: Though the party was enjoyable, Eve was tired and had to hit the road at midnight. What did Eve do at midnight?

drive away from the party (Correct answer)
go to bed
find the restroom
go to another party

Correct answer: drive away from the party

The phrase 'hit the road' is an idiom meaning to depart or leave a place. In the context of Eve being tired and needing to leave the party, 'drive away from the party' accurately captures the meaning of this idiom. It implies she left the location to go home.

Question 28: Dr. Benway looked forward to receiving tenure after he had been teaching at the university for 20 years. What will happen to Dr. Benway’s job when he receives tenure?

He will retire from his job.
He will get a promotion.
He will be fired.
He will have a greater guarantee of job security. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He will have a greater guarantee of job security.

In academia, tenure is a status granted to a professor after a probationary period, providing them with permanent employment and significant protection against dismissal. This greatly increases their job security. Therefore, receiving tenure means Dr. Benway will have a greater guarantee of job security.

Question 29: It was very exciting for my wife and me to celebrate our first wedding anniversary during the fall. How long had the couple in the above sentence been married when they celebrated?

1 year (Correct answer)
26 weeks
2 years
10 years

Correct answer: 1 year

An 'anniversary' marks a yearly recurrence of an event. The term 'first wedding anniversary' specifically indicates that one full year has passed since the wedding. Thus, the couple had been married for 1 year.

Question 30: Dr. Brown was a veteran in the field of orthodontics and had earned the respect of her community for all of her hard work. How long had Dr. Brown been doing her job?

a short time
5 to 10 years
a long or short time, it is impossible to say
many years (Correct answer)

Correct answer: many years

The word 'veteran' refers to someone who has a great deal of experience in a particular field or activity. For Dr. Brown to be considered a veteran in orthodontics, it implies she has been practicing her job for many years, gaining extensive experience and respect.

Question 31: Every day Derek runs a mile in the morning, works out at the gym in the afternoon, and swims laps in his swimming pool after dinner. Which word best describes Derek?

active (Correct answer)
fun-loving
ambitious
conceited

Correct answer: active

Derek's daily routine includes running a mile, working out at the gym, and swimming laps. These activities all involve physical exertion and movement, which are characteristics of an active person. The word 'active' best summarizes his lifestyle.

Question 32: Ruth likes to care for stray dogs while finding good homes for them. She also is friendly and helpful to the children who live on her block, always playing with them and helping them with their homework. Which word best describes Ruth?

careful
hard-working
nurturing (Correct answer)
busy

Correct answer: nurturing

Ruth's actions of caring for stray dogs, finding them homes, being friendly and helpful to children, playing with them, and assisting with homework all demonstrate a strong inclination to care for and foster the well-being of others. This behavior is best described as nurturing.

Question 33: Thelonious Monk is still famous for the jazz compositions and improvisations that he performed decades ago. What was Thelonious Monk’s profession?

He was a journalist.
He was a musician. (Correct answer)
He was a filmmaker.
He was a lawyer.

Correct answer: He was a musician.

The passage states that Thelonious Monk is famous for his 'jazz compositions and improvisations' that he 'performed.' Composing and performing music, especially jazz, are the core activities of a musician. Therefore, 'musician' is his profession.

Question 34: Wayne Gretzky was one of the greatest athletes to ever hit a puck across the ice with a stick. What sport did Wayne Gretzky play?

ice fishing
ice skating
hockey (Correct answer)
rugby

Correct answer: hockey

The description 'hit a puck across the ice with a stick' directly refers to the primary action in the sport of hockey. Wayne Gretzky is famously known as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. This specific action clearly identifies the sport.

Question 35: I missed the original broadcast of my favorite TV show, but luckily I was able to watch a repeat showing at 11. What happened at 11?

A good movie came on TV.
The TV show came on again. (Correct answer)
A similar show came on.
An episode from an earlier season came on.

Correct answer: The TV show came on again.

A 'repeat showing' explicitly means that a television program or movie is broadcast again after its initial airing. The speaker missed the 'original broadcast' and was able to watch a 'repeat showing,' indicating the same TV show was aired again.

Question 36: To settle his nerves, Bobby whistled on the long, dark walk home from his friend’s house. Why was Bobby whistling?

because he was lonely
because he felt ill
because he loved music
because he was a little frightened (Correct answer)

Correct answer: because he was a little frightened

Bobby whistled 'to settle his nerves' on a 'long, dark walk home.' Whistling in such a context is often a coping mechanism to alleviate feelings of fear or apprehension. Therefore, he was whistling because he was a little frightened.

Question 37: Because of limitations set by law, the President will not be able to remain in office after his second term. What will happen after the President’s second term?

He will be fired.
He will not be President anymore. (Correct answer)
He will start his third term.
He will remain in office.

Correct answer: He will not be President anymore.

The passage states that 'Because of limitations set by law, the President will not be able to remain in office after his second term.' This directly means that he will no longer hold the position of President once his second term concludes. Term limits prevent him from continuing in that role.

Question 38: Will settled his tab at the restaurant and went home, full and happy. What did Will have to do before he left the restaurant?

tip the waiter
pay for his food and drink (Correct answer)
order food to go
thank the hostess

Correct answer: pay for his food and drink

To 'settle his tab' at a restaurant is an idiom meaning to pay the bill for the food and drinks consumed. After settling his tab, Will 'went home, full and happy,' indicating he had completed the transaction for his meal. Therefore, he paid for his food and drink.

Question 39: Larry was a loner in elementary school, but he grew up to have many friends in high school. Was Larry popular in elementary school?

The sentence doesn’t say.
No, he was not. (Correct answer)
Yes, he was.
Yes, Larry befriended more people in elementary school than in high school.

Correct answer: No, he was not.

The sentence explicitly states that 'Larry was a loner in elementary school.' A 'loner' is someone who prefers to be alone and typically does not have many friends, which directly implies he was not popular. The contrast with 'many friends in high school' further emphasizes his earlier solitude.

Question 40: Olive struggled in her primary math classes, but with hard work she developed into an advanced student of calculus by the time she was old enough to enter college. Was Olive good at math at the end of high school?

Yes, Olive was good at math at the end of high school. (Correct answer)
The sentence doesn’t tell us the answer.
No, Olive was mediocre at math at the end of high school.
No, Olive was not good at math at the end of high school.

Correct answer: Yes, Olive was good at math at the end of high school.

The passage states that Olive 'developed into an advanced student of calculus by the time she was old enough to enter college.' Calculus is a high-level math subject, and being an 'advanced student' indicates a strong proficiency. This implies she was very good at math by the end of high school.

Question 41: The new Governor of Maryland won the election by a landslide, to the surprise of many voters. By how many votes did the new Maryland Governor win the election?

by just a few votes
it was a tie
by a moderate number of votes
by very many votes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: by very many votes

Winning an election 'by a landslide' is an idiom that means winning with an overwhelming majority of votes. It signifies a decisive victory where the winning candidate receives significantly more votes than their opponents. Therefore, the Governor won by very many votes.

Question 42: At the concert, Tanya’s father said that Angus Young was a killer guitar player. What did he mean by “killer guitar player”?

a murderer
a player of unpleasant music
an impressively skilled musician (Correct answer)
a player of all the wrong notes

Correct answer: an impressively skilled musician

In informal language, 'killer' is often used as an intensifier to describe something as exceptionally good, impressive, or outstanding. When applied to a 'guitar player,' it means he is an impressively skilled musician, not literally a murderer or someone who plays unpleasant music.

Question 43: Jared’s brother told him that he would never find a good job, but Jared proved that he was just a late bloomer when he finally got a great job with a good company. What is a “late bloomer”?

someone who is lazy
someone who forgets to do things
someone who succeeds later in life than others (Correct answer)
someone who doesn’t get things right

Correct answer: someone who succeeds later in life than others

A 'late bloomer' is an idiom referring to someone who achieves success, develops skills, or matures later in life than is typical for others. Jared 'finally got a great job with a good company,' illustrating that his success came later, fitting the definition of a late bloomer.

Question 44: Tyler needed to pass his last test to graduate on time. When the grades were returned, he was delighted to find that he had passed by the skin of his teeth. What kind of grade did Tyler get?

He got a perfect score.
He failed the test.
We don’t know what kind of grade he got.
He passed by a very small margin. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He passed by a very small margin.

The idiom 'by the skin of his teeth' means to succeed or escape by the narrowest possible margin. Tyler was 'delighted to find that he had passed,' indicating he did pass, but the idiom clarifies it was a very close call. Therefore, he passed by a very small margin.

Question 45: Kara couldn’t eat without getting food all over her. Her friends said that she ate ____.

slovenly
giddily
thoughtfully
messily (Correct answer)

Correct answer: messily

The sentence states that Kara 'couldn’t eat without getting food all over her.' This action directly describes eating in a messy or untidy manner. Therefore, her friends would say she ate 'messily' to describe her habit.

Question 46: The Institute for Public Learning (IPL) was founded in the late 20th century. Which year might the IPL have been founded?

1898
1985 (Correct answer)
2010
1950

Correct answer: 1985

The 20th century spans from the year 1901 to 2000. The 'late 20th century' refers to the latter decades of this period. Among the given options, 1985 falls within this timeframe, specifically in the latter half of the century.

Question 47: George furnished his house with items he found at second-hand stores and yard sales. What word best describes George?

thrifty (Correct answer)
imaginative
extravagant
arrogant

Correct answer: thrifty

George furnished his house with items from 'second-hand stores and yard sales.' This practice indicates a deliberate effort to save money by buying used items rather than new, expensive ones. This behavior is characteristic of someone who is thrifty or economical.

Question 48: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: Jane, the ____ of the four sisters, is Head of Emergency Nursing at the local hospital.

most old
older
oldest (Correct answer)
more older

Correct answer: oldest

When comparing three or more items or people, the superlative form of an adjective is used. Since there are 'four sisters,' we need the superlative form of 'old,' which is 'oldest.' This indicates Jane is the most senior among all four.

Question 49: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: She and her friends ____ at the movies.

are (Correct answer)
are being
is
is being

Correct answer: are

The subject of the sentence is 'She and her friends,' which is a compound subject and therefore plural. For a plural subject, the plural form of the verb 'to be' in the present tense is 'are.' Thus, 'She and her friends are at the movies' is grammatically correct.

Question 50: Choose the correct word(s) for the blank in this sentence: Nikola Tesla ____ for Thomas Edison for a short time in the 1880s, but the two men disagreed on which type of electricity was better and safer.

worked (Correct answer)
will be working
works
has worked

Correct answer: worked

The sentence describes an event that happened in the past, specifically 'in the 1880s'. The simple past tense 'worked' is the correct choice to indicate a completed action at a specific time in the past. Options like 'will be working' (future), 'works' (present), or 'has worked' (present perfect, implying an action continuing to the present or with present relevance) do not fit the historical context provided.

ESL Sentence Meaning Practice Test for the ACCUPLACER® test 1

Choose the correct word for the blank in this sentence: Michael looked for oncoming traffic then walked ____ the street to meet his friend.