Free CLEP Practice Questions

College Algebra

Question 1: If f(x) = 2x² − 3x + 1, what is f(−2)?

• A) 3
• B) 11
• C) 15
• D) 23
• E) 27

f(−2) = 2(4) − 3(−2) + 1 = 8 + 6 + 1 = 15. A common trap is B, which forgets to negate the middle term.

Introductory Psychology

Question 2: Which neurotransmitter is most associated with the brain's reward pathway and is implicated in addiction?

• A) Serotonin
• B) GABA
• C) Dopamine
• D) Acetylcholine
• E) Norepinephrine

Dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway drives reward learning and is the primary neurotransmitter hijacked by addictive drugs. Serotonin is closer to mood regulation.

American Government

Question 3: Which of the following powers is RESERVED to the states under the Tenth Amendment?

• A) Coining money
• B) Regulating interstate commerce
• C) Issuing marriage licenses
• D) Declaring war
• E) Entering into treaties

Marriage licensing is a classic reserved power — not delegated to the federal government and not prohibited to the states. A, B, D, E are all enumerated federal powers.

Biology

Question 4: In eukaryotic cells, ATP is produced primarily in which organelle?

• A) Nucleus
• B) Golgi apparatus
• C) Mitochondrion
• D) Ribosome
• E) Lysosome

Oxidative phosphorylation occurs on the inner mitochondrial membrane, producing the bulk of cellular ATP. Ribosomes synthesize proteins, not ATP.

Macroeconomics

Question 5: If the Federal Reserve sells government bonds on the open market, what is the most likely immediate effect?

• A) The money supply increases
• B) Interest rates fall
• C) The money supply decreases
• D) Unemployment falls in the short run
• E) The price level rises

Selling bonds withdraws reserves from commercial banks, contracting the money supply. This is contractionary open-market policy — the opposite of A and B.