[PDF] ACCUPLACER Collegeboard Reading Comprehension Test Answer Explanations.pdf | Plain Text

Reading Comprehension Answers and Explanations 1. The main idea of this paragraph is summed up in the first sentence. The rest of the paragraph is an example of how to improve the memory. Answer choice A should be thrown out as soon as you see the word " always ," since it is far too much of a generalization. The only answer choice that involves improving memory is C . 2. The first paragraph talks about the unemployment at the time that Franklin D. Roosevelt became President, so you might be tempted to choose A. However, the question is about the passage as a whole, not just the first paragraph. The first paragraph presents the problem, whereas the second paragraph describes the solution. Taken as a whole, the best choice for what the passage is about is D . 3. This question probably could cause some confusion, as the only thing the passage says about the English is they eat a lot of sugar. Choice A is not applicable, since this has nothing to do with the health value of sugar, and choice D should not be chosen, since it never mentions a connection between sugar and cavities. Choice B uses the word " every ," which is too large of a generalization. So by process of elimination, the best choice is C . 4. Again, this question can cause some confusion. However, there are keys in each answer choice that help make the decision. The first answer choice directly contradicts the first sentence of the paragraph, so it needs to be thrown out. Answer choices B and C both use the word " only ," which is too restrictive to be useful. Therefore by process of elimination, the best answer choice is D . 5. This question is easier to answer, since only one of the answer choices actually makes sense. The paragraph says nothing about how much money Charles Burton had, so answer choice A is out. Based on the last sentence, you can eliminate the last two answer choices. The only answer choice that makes sense is B . 6. This question is straightforward. The passage presents objective facts, with no opinions or problems addressed. The answer choice that reflects this is C . 7. This is the same paragraph in question 1, but it is asking a different question. You must be careful when you see these similarities. Based on this paragraph, the writer addresses the way to remember names specifically as, "plan to remember names." This is a conscious decision. The answer choice that reflects this is C . 8. This paragraph mainly describes the origin of piggy banks, something nearly everyone can relate to. While pottery in England and other countries is mentioned, it is definitely not the main point of the passage. The answer choice that reflects this is C . 9. This is the same paragraph in question 3, but it is asking a different question. You must again be careful when you see these similarities. Here the question focuses on the amount of sugar consumed in Great Britain. Based on the context, the writer says "a lot of people in Great Britain must be smiling" (line 5), so the answer choice that reflects this is A . 10. Again, this question can cause some confusion. Each answer choice could be considered, but you have to also take into account what the main point should be. All of the answer choices here are valid and true, but when taken together, they mainly point in one direction, the fact that the wheel is the

basis of so many other things. Therefore by process of elimination, the best answer choice is B . 11. The answer to this question can be found toward the end of the passage. The writer uses the phrase "grief-stricken," so it should point you to answer choice C , regarding a personal tragedy. 12. While the passage does mention Leonardo DaVinci's fame and talent, the main point for the writer was that he came up with these ideas long before they could feasibly be put into practice. Therefore, the best answer choice is C . 13. The best answer choice is B . Corn and soybeans are highly dependent on rain, so a drought would cause a shortage. Therefore the sentence pair is a cause and effect. 14. The best answer choice is A . Notice that the second sentence is also talking about social studies, but refers to it as the subject. It is describing more specific details of the classes, so it expands on the first sentence. 15. The best answer choice is D . Any confusion here may be a result of wording, as you must know what cultural diversity means. Cultural diversity actually refers to the differences in values and way of life in different cultures. Therefore, these two sentences says essentially the same thing. 16. The best answer choice is A . The second sentence reinforces the first because it shows that employers treat jury service as something important, since they are willing to pay employees who are performing that service, even though they miss work in order to do that. 17. The best answer choice is D . The first sentence is about dogs in general, while the second sentence refers to a particular breed of dog. It provides an example of a dog trained to provide a particular service. 18. The best answer choice is A . Both sentences refer to Paris in terms of an artistic center. The second sentence gives a more specific example, since mentions a famous artist and writer, so it makes the statement stronger. 19. The best answer choice is A . Both sentences make a connection between obesity rates and fast food restaurants, so they say essentially the same thing. It presents a problem, but without a solution, so answer choice C may be tempting, but is not correct. 20. The best answer choice is C . The first sentence gives a reason that ND is a desirable place to live, but the second sentence gives a reason that ND is not a desirable place to live. This is the opposite effect, which is a contradiction. 21. The best answer choice is B . The second sentence could be viewed as a reason for the first, as the the first sentence is a solution to the problem of long lines and wait times. However, that is not a choice. Looked at from another direction, shorter lines would be a desired result, or effect, which is answer choice B. 22. The best answer choice is A . One of the sentences refers to sleep needs of teenagers, while the other refers to sleep needs of adults. They are showing a difference between the two, which is the definition of contrast.