Accuplacer 2026 Exams Q&A all subjects included

Accuplacer 2026 Exams Q&A
all subjects included
SECTION I: READING COMPREHENSION (Questions 1–25)

Question 1
Which of the following best states the main idea of a passage arguing that urban green spaces
reduce crime?

A. Cities should plant more trees.
B. Urban green spaces are associated with reduced crime rates through increased community
surveillance and reduced stress.
C. Crime is caused by lack of trees.
D. Parks are expensive to maintain.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B captures the full argument (green spaces → reduced crime via mechanisms). A
is too narrow; C is an oversimplification; D is irrelevant to the main idea.



Question 2
In the sentence "The scientist's findings were equivocal," what does equivocal mean?

A. Definitive
B. Ambiguous
C. Fraudulent
D. Revolutionary

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Equivocal means open to multiple interpretations; ambiguous. "Definitive" is its
antonym.



Question 3
A passage states: "Although the policy was popular, its long-term effects were dubious." What is
the author's attitude?

,A. Enthusiastic support
B. Skeptical caution
C. Outright hostility
D. Neutral indifference

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: "Although popular" contrasts with "dubious effects," signaling skepticism rather
than hostility or indifference.



Question 4 (SATA)
Which of the following are valid inferences from a passage stating a study found correlation
between coffee and alertness? Select all that apply.

A. Coffee may improve alertness.
B. Coffee causes alertness.
C. The study does not prove causation.
D. Further research is needed.

Correct Answers: A, C, D
Rationale: Correlation ≠ causation (C). A and D are reasonable inferences; B overstates
causation.



Question 5
"The author's tone can best be described as:"

A. Sarcastic
B. Didactic
C. Nostalgic
D. Belligerent

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Didactic = intended to teach. Without contrary evidence, instructional tone is
most defensible.



Question 6
What is the primary purpose of a topic sentence?

,A. To conclude the paragraph
B. To introduce the main idea of a paragraph
C. To provide evidence
D. To cite sources

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Topic sentences state the paragraph's main idea; evidence and conclusions
follow.



Question 7
A passage compares two theories. Which question would best test comprehension?

A. What is the author's birthday?
B. How do the two theories differ?
C. How long is the passage?
D. What font is used?

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Comparing/contrasting is the central task in a comparative passage.



Question 8
"Notwithstanding the evidence, the committee remained unconvinced." Notwithstanding
means:

A. Because of
B. In spite of
C. In addition to
D. According to

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Notwithstanding = despite/in spite of.



Question 9
Which sentence is a fact rather than an opinion?

A. Water boils at 100°C at sea level.
B. Summer is the best season.

, C. Chocolate is delicious.
D. Everyone should exercise.

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A is empirically verifiable; the others are subjective.



Question 10 (SATA)
Which are examples of persuasive techniques? Select all that apply.

A. Ethos
B. Pathos
C. Logos
D. Photosynthesis

Correct Answers: A, B, C
Rationale: Ethos, pathos, logos are Aristotelian appeals; photosynthesis is unrelated.



Question 11
The word ubiquitous most nearly means:

A. Rare
B. Everywhere
C. Hidden
D. Ancient

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ubiquitous = present everywhere.



Question 12
A passage's thesis is best defined as:

A. A minor detail
B. The central argument
C. A counterexample
D. A citation

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Thesis = main claim/argument.