The Accuplacer Reading test assesses your ability to understand, analyze, and reason with college-level texts not just recall facts. It includes 20 multiple-choice questions based on literary and informational passages, often asking you to identify main ideas, draw inferences, analyze rhetoric, or compare paired texts.
Start by mastering active reading. As you practice, underline claims, note transitions, and ask: “What’s the author’s purpose?” and “What evidence supports the conclusion?” This builds the critical thinking the test measures. Use official College Board Accuplacer practice questions they reflect the exact format and difficulty.
Focus on question types you’ll actually see:
Information and Ideas: Find central themes, summarize, or interpret details.
Rhetoric: Analyze word choice, text structure, or point of view.
Synthesis: Compare two passages and evaluate how they relate.
Don’t get stuck on unfamiliar vocabulary. Use context clues surrounding sentences often reveal meaning. If a question stumps you, eliminate clearly wrong choices first; the Accuplacer is untimed, so use that to your advantage by reading carefully and double-checking answers.
Build stamina by reading diverse materials daily news articles, essays, or short nonfiction. This sharpens comprehension and exposes you to academic language. Pair this with timed practice tests to simulate test-day focus.
Crucially, the Accuplacer is adaptive: early questions influence later ones. Give your full attention from the start, but don’t panic over a tough question it may mean you’re doing well! There’s no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
Passing isn’t about perfection it’s about demonstrating college-ready reading skills. With consistent, strategic practice, you’ll not only place into credit-bearing courses but also build the analytical foundation for real academic success. Trust your reasoning, stay engaged with the text, and remember: every passage is a conversation waiting for your insight.