ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Practice Test 4

Read the following passage and answer the question



Cities across the world are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that lead people to have vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments along with various art institutions like museums and theatres. Yet with all these blends of dining, art and night lives, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city? History. The undeniably unique history of each city provides rich traditions and a bond between the local people that overshadows any other city’s mélange of dining and art institutions.

Which of the following would the author believe is the most important city attraction or characteristic?

Read the following passage and answer the question



Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence.

This passage principally intends to:

Read the following passage and answer the question



Disequilibrium at the interface of water and air is a factor on which the transfer of heat and water vapor from the ocean to the air depends. The air within about a millimeter of the water is almost saturated with water vapor and the temperature of the air is close to that of the surface water. Irrespective of how small these differences might be, they are crucial, and the disequilibrium is maintained by air near the surface mixing with air higher up, which is typically appreciably cooler and lower in water vapor content. The turbulence, which takes its energy from the wind mixes the air. As the speed of wind increases, so does the turbulence, and consequently the rate of heat and moisture transfer. We can arrive at a detailed understanding of this phenomenon after further study. The transfer of momentum from wind to water, which occurs when waves are formed is an interacting-and complicated phenomenon. When waves are made by the wind, it transfers important amounts of energy-energy, which is consequently not available for the production of turbulence.

The wind over the ocean usually does which of the following according to the given passage?

1. Leads to cool, dry air coming in proximity with the ocean surface.

2. Maintains a steady rate of heat and moisture transfer between the ocean and the air.

3. Results in frequent changes in the ocean surface temperature.

ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension Practice Test 2

Read the following passage and answer the question



Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement.

The structure of this passage could be best described in what way?

Read the following passage and answer the question



Swimming has developed from a primal mode of movement to an advanced hobby and competitive sport. Exercising nearly every muscle group, swimming is a rigorous sport and requires intense training. In competitions swimmers typically contend for the fastest time to complete a certain distance by performing a specific swimming stroke. Also, swimmers work to build endurance and an ability to swim over long distances. Because swimming has developed into a highly intricate competitive sport, where one wrong technique can disqualify a participant, it is interesting to ponder how the sport will evolve for people in the future, either advancing into a progressive purpose or regressing to a primal mode of movement.

Which of the following situations would fulfill the author’s prophecy for swimming?

Of all the new social and professional networks, LinkedIn is quickly becoming a way of connecting with future employees for an increasing number of recruiters and hiring managers in the graphic design field. In a segment on National Public Radio (NPR), Yuki Noguchi wrote, “Not having a profile on the social networking site LinkedIn is, for some employers, not only a major liability but also a sign that the candidate is horribly out of touch.” Monica Bloom, a design industry recruiter for Aquent in Los Angeles, says that it is essential for graphic designers seeking employment to have a LinkedIn profile — more so than Facebook, although that is debatable.

The main purpose of this passage is to provide:

Over the coming decades we will witness both increasing numbers and increasing proportions of older adults in the United States and across the globe. At the global level, in 2012, one out of every nine persons was 60 years old or older. By 2050, one out of every five persons is projected to be over 60 years old. Moreover, by 2050 the global population of people 60 years old and older is expected to surpass, for the first time in history, the number of children under 15 years of age. Like much of the rest of the world, the United States is in the midst of a longevity revolution, primarily due to the massive numbers of Baby Boomers marching into later life. Beginning in 2012, nearly 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, essentially becoming an “older adult.”

Which of the following best paraphrases the passage?