ACCUPLACER ESL Reading Practice Test

Read the passage. A class discussion summary describes how two roommates changed a routine after hearing concerns involving a plan for welcoming new members. It states that the roommates discovered that each person defined 'clean' differently. The passage implies that unclear expectations caused most of the tension. The source adds that the speaker tried to clarify the instructions. Because the note does not say the conflict disappeared completely, the conclusion remains limited. One chair had a loose screw. In the passage, the word "clarify" most nearly means:

Read the passage. A short story excerpt describes how Carlos understood a situation differently by the end involving a late bus ride. It states that the character first thought the delay was someone else's fault. The writer suggests that patience prevents a larger conflict. The source adds that the character felt relieved when the problem became smaller. Because the passage gives no information about the next day, the conclusion remains limited. The sidewalk was recently swept. In the passage, the word "relieved" most nearly means:

Read the passage. A lab note describes how volunteers at a community garden tracked a pattern before making a recommendation involving bean seedlings near a window. It states that the shaded samples changed more slowly than the samples in direct light. The passage links the change to moisture that remained after the morning. The source adds that the conclusion was tentative until more evidence could be gathered. Because rain interrupted one day of measurement, the conclusion remains limited. The notebooks were stored in a blue box. Why is the conclusion presented cautiously?

Read the passage. A science newsletter describes how students in an evening biology class tested a simple explanation involving algae on shaded pond stones. It states that the first result looked promising but came from only one location. The writer says the result may be connected to differences in light and heat. The source adds that the method was consistent because the same steps were used each time. Because the sample was small, the conclusion remains limited. One volunteer arrived by bus. Which statement best paraphrases the passage?

Read the passage. A library email describes how part-time workers gave instructions for a short-term change involving reserved study rooms. It states that requests made before noon will be answered the same day. The bulletin says the exception is meant for people already approved. The source adds that an alternate entrance was available during repairs. Because the notice does not list every available time, the conclusion remains limited. The bulletin board is beside the vending machine. In the sentence beginning "Because," what does "the conclusion" refer to?