Instructions for questions 1 to 15: Read the texts and answer the questions based on what is stated or implied in the reading comprehension material.
Accuplacer Reading - Computer Recycling
Many cities and towns are participating in computer recycling to protect the environment and avoid possible soil contamination. Because computers contain many parts that could release toxins into the soil, city governments are seeking alternative ways to dispose of antiquated computers and disused electronic equipment. This eventually will become a normal practice as more city councils become aware of the potential danger of dumping computers and other electronic products into landfills.
It is lamentable that some computer users dispose of their unwanted equipment by illegally dumping it, rather than taking the equipment to a place that is accredited for safe disposal. In many cities, there are local electronic stores or recycling centers that will take unwanted computers and other electronics, dismantle them, and place the parts into the appropriate containers for disposal. This method of disposal will soon become a necessity as the computer industry perpetually upgrades operating systems. In so doing, the industry effectively "enforces" a system whereby consumers have to replace old computers if they want to their equipment keep up-to-date.
If obsolete computers continue to be placed into landfills as they have in the past, the resulting environmental issues may need to be addressed by the government in order to protect the environment for us and for future generations. The average consumer does not appreciate that older computer monitors and television sets contain gases and other toxins that leech into the soil if placed in landfill sites. It is an inevitability of nature that these gases will be released into the atmosphere as well.
One of the issues surrounding computer disposal is the thousands if not millions of computers, printers, and monitors, as well as other electronics, that are already in landfills all over the world. Many people express concern about ways to clean up landfill sites that already have the electronics dumped there, but the cost would be in the millions to do such a huge project of this sort. Others argue that the electronics that have been in landfills for some time now should be left alone, having already done the harm they could do. Printers just need the ink cartridges or toner cartridges removed before dismantling them.
Recycling old computers to save the environment is necessary and everyone has a responsibility to abide by this practice in order to protect and preserve land and air quality. With newer computer systems becoming readily available at affordable prices in order to keep up with the relentless march of technological change, consumers are going to need new computers and other electronic equipment to keep up with our ever-changing world. More recycling centers are needed urgently since the quantity of disused computer equipment will double, if not triple, over the next few years.
Question 1: What is the main cause of environmental damage from computer disposal today?
Toxic gases from computers that are not disposed of properly are being released into the earth and atmosphere.
There is insufficient involvement of groups and organizations to raise awareness about computer recycling.
Some computer users illegally dispose of their unwanted equipment.
There is a certain amount of apathy about ways to clean up landfill sites that already have computer equipment dumped in them.
Accuplacer Reading - Computer Recycling
Many cities and towns are participating in computer recycling to protect the environment and avoid possible soil contamination. Because computers contain many parts that could release toxins into the soil, city governments are seeking alternative ways to dispose of antiquated computers and disused electronic equipment. This eventually will become a normal practice as more city councils become aware of the potential danger of dumping computers and other electronic products into landfills.
It is lamentable that some computer users dispose of their unwanted equipment by illegally dumping it, rather than taking the equipment to a place that is accredited for safe disposal. In many cities, there are local electronic stores or recycling centers that will take unwanted computers and other electronics, dismantle them, and place the parts into the appropriate containers for disposal. This method of disposal will soon become a necessity as the computer industry perpetually upgrades operating systems. In so doing, the industry effectively "enforces" a system whereby consumers have to replace old computers if they want to their equipment keep up-to-date.
If obsolete computers continue to be placed into landfills as they have in the past, the resulting environmental issues may need to be addressed by the government in order to protect the environment for us and for future generations. The average consumer does not appreciate that older computer monitors and television sets contain gases and other toxins that leech into the soil if placed in landfill sites. It is an inevitability of nature that these gases will be released into the atmosphere as well.
One of the issues surrounding computer disposal is the thousands if not millions of computers, printers, and monitors, as well as other electronics, that are already in landfills all over the world. Many people express concern about ways to clean up landfill sites that already have the electronics dumped there, but the cost would be in the millions to do such a huge project of this sort. Others argue that the electronics that have been in landfills for some time now should be left alone, having already done the harm they could do. Printers just need the ink cartridges or toner cartridges removed before dismantling them.
Recycling old computers to save the environment is necessary and everyone has a responsibility to abide by this practice in order to protect and preserve land and air quality. With newer computer systems becoming readily available at affordable prices in order to keep up with the relentless march of technological change, consumers are going to need new computers and other electronic equipment to keep up with our ever-changing world. More recycling centers are needed urgently since the quantity of disused computer equipment will double, if not triple, over the next few years.
Question 2: In the passage above, the writer makes no claim about which of the following?
the provision of recycling by retail electronic stores
the involvement of government officials in resolving the issue of computer recycling
the harm done by computers already in landfills
the propensity of the average household to participate in local recycling schemes
Accuplacer Reading - Computer Recycling
Many cities and towns are participating in computer recycling to protect the environment and avoid possible soil contamination. Because computers contain many parts that could release toxins into the soil, city governments are seeking alternative ways to dispose of antiquated computers and disused electronic equipment. This eventually will become a normal practice as more city councils become aware of the potential danger of dumping computers and other electronic products into landfills.
It is lamentable that some computer users dispose of their unwanted equipment by illegally dumping it, rather than taking the equipment to a place that is accredited for safe disposal. In many cities, there are local electronic stores or recycling centers that will take unwanted computers and other electronics, dismantle them, and place the parts into the appropriate containers for disposal. This method of disposal will soon become a necessity as the computer industry perpetually upgrades operating systems. In so doing, the industry effectively "enforces" a system whereby consumers have to replace old computers if they want to their equipment keep up-to-date.
If obsolete computers continue to be placed into landfills as they have in the past, the resulting environmental issues may need to be addressed by the government in order to protect the environment for us and for future generations. The average consumer does not appreciate that older computer monitors and television sets contain gases and other toxins that leech into the soil if placed in landfill sites. It is an inevitability of nature that these gases will be released into the atmosphere as well.
One of the issues surrounding computer disposal is the thousands if not millions of computers, printers, and monitors, as well as other electronics, that are already in landfills all over the world. Many people express concern about ways to clean up landfill sites that already have the electronics dumped there, but the cost would be in the millions to do such a huge project of this sort. Others argue that the electronics that have been in landfills for some time now should be left alone, having already done the harm they could do. Printers just need the ink cartridges or toner cartridges removed before dismantling them.
Recycling old computers to save the environment is necessary and everyone has a responsibility to abide by this practice in order to protect and preserve land and air quality. With newer computer systems becoming readily available at affordable prices in order to keep up with the relentless march of technological change, consumers are going to need new computers and other electronic equipment to keep up with our ever-changing world. More recycling centers are needed urgently since the quantity of disused computer equipment will double, if not triple, over the next few years.
Question 3: Why does the writer place the word "enforces" in quotation marks in paragraph 2?
to provide emphasis to the idea
to show that the word is not used in its literal sense
to indicate an exact quotation
to reveal her approval of the concept
Accuplacer Reading - Computer Recycling
Many cities and towns are participating in computer recycling to protect the environment and avoid possible soil contamination. Because computers contain many parts that could release toxins into the soil, city governments are seeking alternative ways to dispose of antiquated computers and disused electronic equipment. This eventually will become a normal practice as more city councils become aware of the potential danger of dumping computers and other electronic products into landfills.
It is lamentable that some computer users dispose of their unwanted equipment by illegally dumping it, rather than taking the equipment to a place that is accredited for safe disposal. In many cities, there are local electronic stores or recycling centers that will take unwanted computers and other electronics, dismantle them, and place the parts into the appropriate containers for disposal. This method of disposal will soon become a necessity as the computer industry perpetually upgrades operating systems. In so doing, the industry effectively "enforces" a system whereby consumers have to replace old computers if they want to their equipment keep up-to-date.
If obsolete computers continue to be placed into landfills as they have in the past, the resulting environmental issues may need to be addressed by the government in order to protect the environment for us and for future generations. The average consumer does not appreciate that older computer monitors and television sets contain gases and other toxins that leech into the soil if placed in landfill sites. It is an inevitability of nature that these gases will be released into the atmosphere as well.
One of the issues surrounding computer disposal is the thousands if not millions of computers, printers, and monitors, as well as other electronics, that are already in landfills all over the world. Many people express concern about ways to clean up landfill sites that already have the electronics dumped there, but the cost would be in the millions to do such a huge project of this sort. Others argue that the electronics that have been in landfills for some time now should be left alone, having already done the harm they could do. Printers just need the ink cartridges or toner cartridges removed before dismantling them.
Recycling old computers to save the environment is necessary and everyone has a responsibility to abide by this practice in order to protect and preserve land and air quality. With newer computer systems becoming readily available at affordable prices in order to keep up with the relentless march of technological change, consumers are going to need new computers and other electronic equipment to keep up with our ever-changing world. More recycling centers are needed urgently since the quantity of disused computer equipment will double, if not triple, over the next few years.
Question 4: Which of the following does not provide a logical step in the structure of the writer’s argument?
In many cities, there are local electronic shops or recycling centers that will take unwanted computers and other electronics, dismantle them, and place the parts into their correct respective containers for disposal.
If obsolete computers continue to be placed into landfills as they have in the past, the resulting environmental issues may need to be addressed by the government in order to protect the environment for us and for future generations.
Printers just need the ink cartridges or toner cartridges removed before dismantling them.
One of the issues surrounding computer disposal is the thousands if not millions of computers, printers, and monitors, as well as other electronics, that are already in landfills all over the world.
Hamlet said: “We end the heartache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.” It has always been the function of the actor to be the emotional physician, who gives solace, encouragement, and freedom of feeling to people who need it – when they need it.
Acting is a challenging profession, and this has been the challenge of the actor since the beginning of time. He or she is the torchbearer of a great tradition – a fearless trail blazer into an expanding frontier. Actors must not be afraid to be the catalyst between progress and people. They must approach their calling with authority, humility, and fearlessness.
As the human race progressed, instinct gave way to inspiration. Inspiration became a creative tool of civilization. To be aware of creation, which is born of inspiration, and to be able to direct that creation, are the results of intelligence.
Accordingly, the duty of the serious actor is great. In ancient Greece thousands of years ago, acting served the same purpose that it still serves today. Its fundamental purpose has not changed from the time cavemen lined up in a circle and performed their ritualistic chants and pantomimic dances to stir the emotions of their audience. Through these rituals, which were basically acts, the primitive emotions were excited to a point of emotional stimulation that propelled our civilization onward.
Passage 2:
There has been a fundamental change in the relationship between the actor and the audience in recent years. According to Aristotelian principles, actors should provoke an emotional catharsis in the members of the audience. Traditionally, actors have provided this emotional release, but this is far from the case in many modern motion pictures and television programs. Many performances and productions nowadays lack gravitas; rather, they are based on contrived stories or weak plots that have been created merely as mindless diversions. When actors engage in such vacuous performances, they do not even begin to serve the higher purpose of their profession.
Question 5: How would the writer of Passage 1 respond to the last sentence of Passage 2? (When actors . . . profession.)
by pointing out that actors sometimes fail to exemplify Aristotelian principles.
by asserting that these performances do serve a purpose because they give the audience the opportunity to experience “freedom of feeling.”
by claiming that productions do not always help audience members to overcome emotional tensions.
by arguing that the primary role of the actor is to entertain the audience.
Accuplacer Reading - The Acting Profession
Passage 1:
Hamlet said: “We end the heartache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.” It has always been the function of the actor to be the emotional physician, who gives solace, encouragement, and freedom of feeling to people who need it – when they need it.
Acting is a challenging profession, and this has been the challenge of the actor since the beginning of time. He or she is the torchbearer of a great tradition – a fearless trail blazer into an expanding frontier. Actors must not be afraid to be the catalyst between progress and people. They must approach their calling with authority, humility, and fearlessness.
As the human race progressed, instinct gave way to inspiration. Inspiration became a creative tool of civilization. To be aware of creation, which is born of inspiration, and to be able to direct that creation, are the results of intelligence.
Accordingly, the duty of the serious actor is great. In ancient Greece thousands of years ago, acting served the same purpose that it still serves today. Its fundamental purpose has not changed from the time cavemen lined up in a circle and performed their ritualistic chants and pantomimic dances to stir the emotions of their audience. Through these rituals, which were basically acts, the primitive emotions were excited to a point of emotional stimulation that propelled our civilization onward.
Passage 2:
There has been a fundamental change in the relationship between the actor and the audience in recent years. According to Aristotelian principles, actors should provoke an emotional catharsis in the members of the audience. Traditionally, actors have provided this emotional release, but this is far from the case in many modern motion pictures and television programs. Many performances and productions nowadays lack gravitas; rather, they are based on contrived stories or weak plots that have been created merely as mindless diversions. When actors engage in such vacuous performances, they do not even begin to serve the higher purpose of their profession.
Question 6: The writer of Passage 2 would most likely criticize the writer of Passage 1 for which of the following?
Comparing actors to Hamlet.
Providing the example of acting in ancient Greece.
Claiming that inspiration is the "creative tool of civilization."
stating that acting has "propelled our civilization onward."
Accuplacer Reading - The Acting Profession
Passage 1:
Hamlet said: “We end the heartache, and the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to.” It has always been the function of the actor to be the emotional physician, who gives solace, encouragement, and freedom of feeling to people who need it – when they need it.
Acting is a challenging profession, and this has been the challenge of the actor since the beginning of time. He or she is the torchbearer of a great tradition – a fearless trail blazer into an expanding frontier. Actors must not be afraid to be the catalyst between progress and people. They must approach their calling with authority, humility, and fearlessness.
As the human race progressed, instinct gave way to inspiration. Inspiration became a creative tool of civilization. To be aware of creation, which is born of inspiration, and to be able to direct that creation, are the results of intelligence.
Accordingly, the duty of the serious actor is great. In ancient Greece thousands of years ago, acting served the same purpose that it still serves today. Its fundamental purpose has not changed from the time cavemen lined up in a circle and performed their ritualistic chants and pantomimic dances to stir the emotions of their audience. Through these rituals, which were basically acts, the primitive emotions were excited to a point of emotional stimulation that propelled our civilization onward.
Passage 2:
There has been a fundamental change in the relationship between the actor and the audience in recent years. According to Aristotelian principles, actors should provoke an emotional catharsis in the members of the audience. Traditionally, actors have provided this emotional release, but this is far from the case in many modern motion pictures and television programs. Many performances and productions nowadays lack gravitas; rather, they are based on contrived stories or weak plots that have been created merely as mindless diversions. When actors engage in such vacuous performances, they do not even begin to serve the higher purpose of their profession.
Question 7: Both passages suggest that
acting is a challenging profession.
modern acting has evolved to a higher level from traditional acting.
actors often fail to provoke an emotional response from the audience.
actors need to be intelligent in order to perform well.
Accuplacer Reading - Excerpt from the State v. Scopes Trial, Delivered by Ben G. McKenzie, 1925
This line of inquiry is wholly improper and argumentative. It is not a statement as to what the issues are. Your Honor has already held that this act is constitutional, it being the law of the land. There is but one issue before this court and jury, and that is, did the defendant violate the statute. If Your Honor would please consider that some of the witnesses in this case are not very well and others are awfully ignorant. Furthermore, we have just agreed among ourselves to disregard the so-called evidence and argue the case.
Question 8: Within the passage, words such as "improper," "argumentative," and "ignorant" are used to support the speaker’s intention to:
placate the opposition.
reconcile differing points of view.
dispense with the current line of questioning.
offer further evidence to support his argument.
Accuplacer Reading - Excerpt from Robinson Crusoe
I cannot say that after this, for five years, any extraordinary thing happened to me, but I lived on in the same course, in the same posture and place. At last, being eager to view the circumference of my little kingdom, I resolved upon my cruise; and accordingly I victualed my ship for the voyage, putting in two dozen of loaves (cakes I should call them) of barley-bread, an earthen pot full of parched rice (a food I ate a good deal of), a little bottle of rum, half a goat, and powder and shot for killing more, and two large watch-coats, of those which, as I mentioned before, I had saved out of the seamen’s chests; these I took, one to lie upon, and the other to cover me in the night.
It was the 6th of November, in the sixth year of my reign – or my captivity, which you please –that I set out on this voyage, and I found it much longer than I expected; having secured my boat, I took my gun and went on shore, climbing up a hill, which seemed to overlook that point where I saw the full extent of it, and resolved to venture. In my viewing the sea from that hill where I stood, I perceived a strong, and indeed a most furious current.
Question 9: What does the narrator mean when he says that he “victualed” the ship for the voyage?
He loaded hunting supplies.
He packed clothing for the voyage.
He put on food and edible supplies.
He checked that he had bed clothes.
Accuplacer Reading - Radioactive Waste
Highly concentrated radioactive waste is lethal and can remain so for thousands of years. Accordingly, the disposal of this material remains an issue in most energy-producing countries around the world. In the United States, for example, liquid forms of radioactive waste are usually stored in stainless steel tanks. For extra protection, the tanks are double-walled and surrounded by a concrete covering that is one meter thick. This storage solution is also utilized the United Kingdom, in most cases.
The long-term problem lies in the fact that nuclear waste generates heat as the radioactive atoms decay. This excess heat could ultimately result in a radioactive leak. Therefore, the liquid needs to be cooled by pumping cold water into coils inside the tanks. This means that the tanks are only a temporary storage solution. The answer to the long-term storage of nuclear waste may be fusing the waste into glass cylinders that are stored deep underground.
Question 10: Which of the following assumptions has most influenced the writer?
The threat of a radioactive leak is exaggerated by the public.
The storage of radioactive waste in stainless steel tanks is extremely dangerous.
The underground storage of glass cylinders containing radioactive waste is a very risky procedure.
A radioactive leak would have disastrous consequences around the globe.
Recent research shows that the rise in teenage smoking in the 1990s primarily took place in the youth from more affluent families, whose parents were both working. Therefore, these teenagers were not from disadvantaged homes, as most people seem to believe. Indeed, the facts demonstrate quite the opposite because the most striking and precipitous rise in smoking was for teenagers from the most financially advantageous backgrounds.
What is the primary purpose of this passage?
to provide information on a recent trend
to emphasize the dangers of smoking
to dispel a common misconception
to highlight the difference between two types of teenagers
Accuplacer Reading - Watergate
The Watergate burglary had many aspects, but at its center was President Richard Nixon. Throughout the investigation of the burglary, government officials denied involvement in the crime. An extensive cover-up operation followed in an attempt to conceal those who were involved in planning the break-in. Yet, this subterfuge failed when the FBI investigated the hundred dollar bills that were found in the pockets of the burglars. After making inquiries, the FBI discovered that this money originated from the Committee for the Re-election of the President, thereby confirming governmental involvement. In the end, individuals who had entered the highest branches of the American government to serve and protect the people went to prison instead.
What is main reason why the cover-up of the Watergate break-in failed?
because the Committee for the Re-election of the President denied involvement
to emphasize the dangers of smoking
to dispel a common misconception
to highlight the difference between two types of teenagers
Accuplacer Reading - Causes of Cancer
Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to divide abnormally and form more cells without control or order. There are some factors which are known to increase the risk of cancer. Smoking is the largest single cause of death from cancer in the United States. In addition, poor food choices increase cancer risk. Indeed, research shows that there is a definite link between the consumption of high-fat food and cancer.
From this passage, we can infer that:
a low-fat diet can reduce the risk of cancer.
smoking usually causes cells to divide abnormally.
the consumption of high-fat food has increased in recent years.
most cancer sufferers have made poor food choices.
Accuplacer Reading - Fresh Water Supply
Around the world today, more than a billion people still do not have fresh, clean drinking water available on a daily basis. Indeed, hundreds of thousands of people in developing countries die needlessly every year because of the consumption of unclean, disease-ridden water. In brief, fresh water saves lives. However, what has been understood only recently is that the provision for fresh water around the globe also protects the environment because it means that those who manage water supplies must evaluate in more detail why and how developed countries consume and pollute their available water. Without this evaluation, an ever-increasing number of individuals will continue to die from water-related diseases.
We can conclude from the information in this passage that:
water-related disease will decline in the future.
water-related deaths could be avoided.
children are the most vulnerable to water-related disease and death.
developed countries manage their water supplies better than developing countries.
Accuplacer Reading - Sir Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton had the prescience to appreciate that his study of natural phenomena was of great import for the scientific community and for society as a whole. It is because of Newton’s work that we currently understand the effect of gravity on the earth as a global system. As a result of Newton’s investigation into the subject of gravity, we know today that geological features such as mountains and canyons can cause variances in the Earth’s gravitational force. Newton must also be acknowledged for the realization that the force of gravity becomes less robust as the distance from the equator diminishes, due to the rotation of the earth, as well as the declining mass and density of the planet from the equator to the poles.
What is the author’s main purpose?
to analyze natural phenomena
to reconcile various gravitational theories
to identify a reservation which Newton experienced
to emphasize the significance of Newton’s achievement
On the real Accuplacer writing test, you will not be allowed to go back once you have answered a question.
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