The Accuplacer is a computerized assessment test that will provide information about your abilities in Reading Comprehension and Elementary Algebra. You will take the test on a computer. A Test Administrator will be available if you have any questions during the test.

The test instructions are easy to understand. You will use the keyboard or the mouse to enter your answers and supply other information. Most questions are multiple choice. Tests are untimed so you can give each question as much thought as you wish.

You will also be asked to take a computer literacy test and do a writing sample. Once again, the results of these activities will help to place you into courses that are appropriate for your skill levels.

Elementary Algebra
There are three categories in the Elementary Algebra Test. The first category, operations with integers and rational numbers, includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering. The second category is operations with algebraic expressions. It tests your skills in evaluating simple formulas and expressions, and in adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. Both of these categories include questions about multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, evaluating positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring. The third category tests skill in solving equations, inequalities, and word problems. These questions include solving systems of linear equations, quadratic equations by factoring, verbal problems presented in algebraic context, geometric reasoning, the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions, and graphing. Twelve questions are presented.

2. You will be able to concentrate better on the test if you get plenty of rest and eat properly prior to the test. You should also arrive a few minutes early so you can find the testing area, bathrooms, etc., and gather your thoughts before the test begins.

3. Pay careful attention to directions and be sure you understand the directions before you begin each test.

4. You should understand that this is an adaptive test. Questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question when it is first given. You cannot omit any question or come back to change an answer. You may change your answer on a particular question, but you must do so before continuing on to the next question. If you do not, the answer is accepted and you cannot return to the question.

5.If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick one of the remaining choices.

6.Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, calculators, or other paper of any kind (except scratch paper provided by the Test Administrator for use with the mathematics tests) are not allowed in the testing room. In addition, anyone who gives or receives help during the test, or uses notes or books of any kind, will not be allowed to continue the test. Following the test period, no test materials or notes may be removed from the room.

7. Remember to bring your social security number.

8. Now that you have an idea of what the test covers, take a look at some of the SAMPLE QUESTIONS.

Question 1: Narrative
Read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the statement or passage.

There are two types of pottery that I do. There is production pottery -- mugs, tableware, the kinds of things that sell easily. These pay for my time to do the other work, which is more creative and satisfies my needs as an artist.

The author of this passage implies that:
A. artists tend to waste valuable time
B. creativity and mass-production are incompatible
C. most people do not appreciate good art
D. pottery is not produced by creative artists

Question 2: Sentence Relationships
Two bold sentences are followed by a question or statement about them. Read each pair of sentences and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement.

The Midwest is experiencing its worst drought in fifteen years.

Corn and soybean prices are expected to be very high this year.

What does the second sentence do?
A. It restates the idea found in the first.
B. It states an effect.
C. It gives an example.
D. It analyzes the statement made in the first.

ANSWERS TO READING COMPREHENSION SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
1. B
2. B

Elementary Algebra

There are three categories in the Elementary Algebra test.
1.Operations with integers and rational numbers.
2.Operations with algebraic expressions.
3.Equation solving, inequalities, and word problems.

A total of 12 questions are asked.

Question 1: If a number is divided by 4 and then 3 is subtracted, the result is 0. What is the number? A. 12 B. 4 C. 3 D. 2

Question 2: If A represents the number of apples purchased at $.15 each and B represents the number of bananas purchased at $.10 each, which of the following represents the total value of the purchases?
A. A+B
B. 25(A+B)
C. 10A + 15B
D. 15A + 10B

Question 3: Factor 16x - 8
A.8x
B.8(2x - x)
C.8(2x - 1)
D.8(2x - 8)

ANSWERS TO ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
1.A
2.D
3.C