Free Practice Accuplacer Tests
Sep 19, 2024If you have secured a place at college or university, congratulations! This is a huge achievement, and you should be very proud of yourself.
All of your study and hard work has paid off and you can now progress to the next stage of your education.
However, before you can begin your college course, there is another assessment to take: the Accuplacer Placement Test.
This examination is administered in the subject areas of reading, writing, and math. It is designed to assess your abilities and determine which college course you are best suited to.
The set of Accuplacer tests were developed by the College Board in 1985. The most recent tests are the Next-Generation Accuplacer, designed in 2017. This guide covers the Next-Generation format.
This TestHQ Accuplacer guide has been created to highlight the importance of practicing for the Accuplacer Test.
This guide will help you find and use free Accuplacer test prep resources so you can prepare for the Accuplacer Test at no cost. As a college student on a budget, it is important that you make use of Accuplacer study guide materials to avoid financial stress.
The College Board provides a wealth of information and study resources for the Accuplacer test. You can find out more in this guide.
Preparation is the key to success and will help you achieve a high score so you can start your college journey in the best way.
Why You Should Practice the Accuplacer Test
Before you take the real Accuplacer Test, it is a good idea to practice using sample tests. This can help you identify any weaker areas so you can strengthen them ahead of the assessment.
Taking free online Accuplacer tests can also help reduce test anxiety as you will be more familiar with the action of answering questions.
Practicing with an official free Next-Generation Accuplacer Practice test will provide you with an insight into the question format. This will save time in the real exam as you will not have to understand the structure and can instead begin answering the questions right away
This will in turn boost your score and move you one step closer to excelling on your chosen college course.
One of the main benefits of using Accuplacer practice test free resources is that they allow you to identify your strengths and weaknesses ahead of the Accuplacer exam.
This insight is crucial, as it will enable you to tailor your study to focus on your weaker areas. If you can do this, you will enhance your overall knowledge, which gives you a better chance of achieving a high score.
The free online Accuplacer tests are specially designed to simulate the actual test format. This feature will help you become more comfortable with the format so the Accuplacer will not seem unfamiliar to you.
Free Accuplacer Practice Test Questions
1. Reading Comprehension
These questions test your ability to understand and analyze written passages.
Example 1:
"Many people believe that daily exercise is important for maintaining good health. Physical activity can help reduce stress, increase energy levels, and improve overall mood. Regular exercise is also linked to better sleep patterns and a stronger immune system."
What is the main idea of the passage?
a) Exercise can lead to a stronger immune system.
b) Physical activity is important for overall health.
c) Stress is reduced by daily exercise.
d) Sleep patterns are improved with physical activity.
The correct answer is: b) Physical activity is important for overall health.
The passage emphasizes the overall importance of physical activity for maintaining good health. Although other choices mention benefits of exercise, they focus on specific aspects rather than the main idea.
Example 2:
"The desert climate is harsh, with extreme temperatures and very little rainfall. Despite these conditions, many species of plants and animals have adapted to survive in this environment. For example, cacti store water in their thick stems, while desert animals are often nocturnal to avoid the heat of the day."
How have desert plants and animals adapted to their environment?
a) Cacti store water in their roots.
b) Animals in the desert hibernate during the summer.
c) Cacti store water in their thick stems, and animals are nocturnal to avoid the heat.
d) Desert animals rely on plants for water.
The correct answer is: c) Cacti store water in their thick stems, and animals are nocturnal to avoid the heat.
The passage provides examples of how cacti and animals have adapted to the harsh desert conditions, which is best summarized by option C.
2. Sentence Skills (Writing)
These questions assess your ability to revise and edit sentences for grammar, clarity, and structure.
Example 1:
Which sentence is written correctly?
a) After the game, the team went out to celebrate their win with pizza and having ice cream.
b) After the game, the team went out to celebrate their win with pizza and ice cream.
c) After the game, the team went out to celebrate their win by eating pizza, ice cream was had.
d) After the game, the team went out to celebrate winning the game with pizza and ice cream.
The correct answer is: b) After the game, the team went out to celebrate their win with pizza and ice cream.
This sentence is clear and concise. The other options contain awkward phrasing or incorrect structure.
Example 2:
Which of the following is the best way to combine the two sentences?
"Emily enjoys reading. She often reads mystery novels."
a) Emily enjoys reading and often reads mystery novels.
b) Emily enjoys reading, she often reads mystery novels.
c) Emily enjoys reading mystery novels, she often reads them.
d) Emily enjoys reading, but she often reads mystery novels.
The correct answer is: a) Emily enjoys reading and often reads mystery novels.
Option A combines the two ideas smoothly with "and." The other options either create run-on sentences (B and C) or add unnecessary contrast (D).
3. Elementary Algebra
These questions assess your basic algebraic skills.
Example 1:
Solve for
3
a) 4
b) 3
c) 6
d) 7
The correct answer is: a) 4
To solve for
Subtract 7 from both sides to isolate the term with x:
Simplify the right side:
12
Divide both sides by 3 to solve for x:
Simplify:
x = 4
Example 2:
Simplify the expression:
a) 2
b)
c)
d) 8
The correct answer is: c)
Distribute the 2 to both terms inside the parentheses:
4. College-Level Math
These questions test more advanced mathematical concepts such as functions, geometry, and algebra.
Example 1:
Solve for x in the equation:
a)
b)
c)
d)
The correct answer is: a) st, simplify the equation:
First, isolate
Take the square root of both sides.
Example 2:
What is the slope of the line that passes through the points (2,3) and (4,7)?
a) 2
b) 4
c)
d) 3
The correct answer is: a) 2
The formula for slope is:
y2 − y1
5. Arithmetic
These questions assess your ability to solve basic arithmetic problems.
Example 1:
What is 35% of 200?
a) 50
b) 70
c) 80
d) 90
The correct answer is: b) 70
200 × 0.35 = 70
Example 2:
Simplify:
a)
b)
c)
d)
The correct answer is: c)
First, find a common denominator (which is 8). Convert
6. Sentence Relationships
These questions test your ability to understand how two sentences relate to each other.
Example 1:
Sentence 1: "John loves watching movies."
Sentence 2: "John goes to the cinema every weekend."
How are these sentences related?
a) Sentence 2 provides an example of Sentence 1
b) Sentence 2 contradicts Sentence 1
c) Sentence 1 is the result of Sentence 2
d) Sentence 1 and Sentence 2 are unrelated
The correct answer is: a) Sentence 2 provides an example of Sentence 1
Sentence 2 illustrates an activity John does that aligns with his love for movies mentioned in Sentence 1.
Example 2:
Sentence 1: "The weather was terrible yesterday."
Sentence 2: "I stayed inside and read a book."
How are these sentences related?
a) Sentence 2 contradicts Sentence 1
b) Sentence 2 provides a cause for Sentence 1
c) Sentence 2 provides a reason for Sentence 1
d) Sentence 2 provides a result of Sentence 1
The correct answer is: d) Sentence 2 provides a result of Sentence 1
The poor weather caused the speaker to stay inside, making Sentence 2 the result of Sentence 1.
How to Prepare for the Accuplacer Test
If you are to achieve a good score on the Accuplacer Test, it is crucial that you prepare. There are many tips you can incorporate into your study time so you can go into the assessment feeling confident.
Understand the Test Structure
If you can set aside time to understand the format of the Accuplacer test, you can save valuable minutes when it comes to the real exam.
While there is no time limit for the Accuplacer, you will want to focus on applying your knowledge rather than understanding the test structure.
Doing this in advance will allow you to stay focused and demonstrate your abilities. This is where free Next-Generation Accuplacer Practice tests will come in handy.
Free Accuplacer Test Prep
Accuplacer practice free tests are a really valuable resource, as they are specially designed to replicate the real assessment.
They are available for the topics of reading, writing, and math and feature sample questions in the style of those on the Accuplacer test.
Study With Free Accuplacer Study Guides
Along with free practice tests, free Accuplacer Study Guides are also very helpful. They often contain sample questions with a host of other information on the Accuplacer test.
Study guides such as those by TestHQ provide guidance on preparing for the Accuplacer and how to understand your scores.
Use Timed Practice Tests
When you take the Accuplacer Test, you will be able to spend as long as you want answering the questions.
That said, most students complete the test within two hours, and you probably have better things to do!
By using timed Accuplacer practice free tests, you can figure out how long it typically takes you to complete the exam.
This insight can be helpful as you can analyze whether you spend too much time deliberating over an answer, or not enough time thinking it through.
Understanding your completion time will also help you monitor whether you are working at your usual pace in the real test.
Review Answer Explanations
If you find that you are answering questions incorrectly, don’t worry. It is likely that you have the knowledge but are not applying it in the way that Accuplacer is looking for.
Reviewing answer explanations is a great way to understand how you need to arrive at an answer, whether that is a math equation or writing an opinion essay.
If you can learn what exemplary Accuplacer answers look like, you can work on your ability to fully explain your responses.
Develop a Study Schedule
You are far more likely to achieve a high score on your Accuplacer test if you create a study schedule.
By using practice tests – such as those found on TestHQ – to understand your strengths and weaknesses, you can make a revision plan that focuses on your areas for improvement.
Remember that creating a study schedule is the first step – you need to stick to it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Accuplacer Test?
The Accuplacer Test is a placement test used by colleges and universities in the US. There are three tests: writing, reading, and math. Its purpose is to match students to a course that suits their abilities.
Where can I find free Accuplacer practice tests?
You can find full free Accuplacer practice tests on the Accuplacer website. There are also provided sample questions in this free guide. You can find even more in the TestHQ practice test pack.
What is the best way to prepare for the Accuplacer test?
The best way to prepare for the Accuplacer test is to practice using sample tests. This will introduce you to the question type and exam format so you can create an effective study plan.
Is there a difference between the traditional and Next-Generation Accuplacer tests?
The Next-Generation Accuplacer test is a revised version of the traditional Classic Accuplacer test. It features 25 questions, up from 20, and is more closely aligned with topics that are covered in high school.
How long does it take to complete the Accuplacer test?
It typically takes two hours to complete the Accuplacer test.
Final Thoughts
The Accuplacer test may seem daunting, but it is perfectly possible to achieve a high score with some preparation.
Practice is the key to unlocking your chosen college course and avoiding having to take remedial classes.
By using the resources such as the practice tests and study materials signposted in this guide, you can prepare for Accuplacer success.