NCDAP Test Preparation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why is it important NOT to use a calculator during NCDAP math preparation if the test does not allow one?
- Calculators improve math intuition in all situations
- Practicing without a calculator builds the mental math skills needed on test day (Correct answer)
- Colleges provide calculators during the actual NCDAP
- Calculator use is optional on all sections of the NCDAP
Correct answer: Practicing without a calculator builds the mental math skills needed on test day
Practicing under the same conditions as the actual test ensures you are prepared for the restrictions you will face on test day.
Question 2: Which sentence contains a comma splice error that would be penalized on the NCDAP writing section?
- She studied hard; therefore, she passed.
- She studied hard, she passed. (Correct answer)
- She studied hard and passed.
- Because she studied hard, she passed.
Correct answer: She studied hard, she passed.
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, which is a grammatical error tested on placement exams.
Question 3: A student has two weeks before their NCDAP date. What should be their primary focus during the first week?
- Reviewing topics they already know well to build confidence
- Identifying and intensively studying weak areas revealed by a diagnostic practice test (Correct answer)
- Reading novels to improve general literacy
- Resting to preserve mental energy for test week
Correct answer: Identifying and intensively studying weak areas revealed by a diagnostic practice test
The first week should target weaknesses identified through diagnostic practice so that improvement is maximized before the test date.
Question 4: On NCDAP reading passages, what does an 'inference question' require you to do?
- Copy a sentence directly from the passage as your answer
- Draw a conclusion based on evidence implied in the passage (Correct answer)
- Define a vocabulary word using a dictionary
- Count the number of paragraphs in the passage
Correct answer: Draw a conclusion based on evidence implied in the passage
Inference questions test whether you can draw logical conclusions from information that is implied but not explicitly stated in the passage.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes a 'developmental course' at an NC community college?
- An advanced honors course for high-achieving students
- A non-credit or preparatory course that builds skills before college-level work (Correct answer)
- A course that transfers directly to a four-year university
- An elective that counts toward a degree without prerequisites
Correct answer: A non-credit or preparatory course that builds skills before college-level work
Developmental courses are preparatory, remedial-level courses designed to strengthen foundational skills before students enter college-level coursework.
Question 6: Which math skill is tested in the pre-algebra section of the NCDAP?
- Solving quadratic equations by factoring
- Working with ratios, proportions, and percentages (Correct answer)
- Finding limits of functions
- Performing Gaussian elimination on matrices
Correct answer: Working with ratios, proportions, and percentages
Ratios, proportions, and percentages are core pre-algebra skills assessed on the NCDAP to determine readiness for introductory college math.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a 'holistic' placement model used by some NC community colleges alongside or instead of the NCDAP?
- To replace all standardized testing with GPA alone
- To consider multiple factors — GPA, test scores, high school coursework — for a fuller placement picture (Correct answer)
- To automatically place all students in college-level courses
- To test students on knowledge of all academic subjects simultaneously
Correct answer: To consider multiple factors — GPA, test scores, high school coursework — for a fuller placement picture
Holistic placement uses multiple data points to give a more accurate picture of a student's readiness than a single test score alone.
NCDAP Test Preparation 4
Why is it important NOT to use a calculator during NCDAP math preparation if the test does not allow one?