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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 13 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading September 6, 2017 0 Comment

SOLUTION & EXPLANATION FOR TOEFL IBT READING PRACTICE TEST 13 ( FROM TOEFL IBT IVY’S READING 15 ACTUAL TESTS)

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 1

1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (0) 4. (B) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (D) 8. (B) 9. (B) 10. (B) 11. (D) 12. H 13. (B), (D), (E)

1. Sentence Simplification I (B)

Q. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information.

Why? Two European branches of Indo-European are particularly important // to consider when looking at the history of how English developed: Germanic languages and the Romance languages, such as French, Italian, and Spanish, which have their roots in Latin.

Why Not? (A) Minor

(D) Not mentioned

2. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 1 and paragraph 2, which of the following is true about the English language?

Why? -See Clue 2(A)[lines 1-6]

Why Not? (B) Incorrect —See lines 13-14 /(C) Incorrect —See lines 10-11, 13-14, 18-211 (D) Incorrect — See lines 1-6

3. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to paragraph 3, which of the following is true about Old English?

Why? -See Clue 3{D)[lines 25-28]

► They spoke two dialects of West Germanic that were similar to one another, and these dialects merged into what we today call Old English …

Why Not? <A) The passage says that the Celtic and Viking languages influenced Old English in lines 32-34, but it does not say that they mostly influenced it / (B) Incorrect –See lines 23-29/(C) Not mentioned

4. Reference I (B)

Q. The word This in the passage refers to

Why? The Normans spoke a dialect of Old French known as Anglo-Norman, which had both French and Germanic influences. This became the chosen language of the upper class of England … “-See Clue 4<B)[lines 39-431

5. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word sever in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? break can replace sever in this context. Clue 5<A)[lines 46-49]

• sever v. to put an end to or break up (a relationship)

• break. to discontinue a relationship, an association, or an agreement

6. Factual Information I (B)

Q. In paragraph 4, the author states that

Why? ~See Clue 6(B)[lines 42-46]

► This became the chosen language of the upper class of England, the Normans, for more than one hundred years, while the majority of people continued to speak Old English.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect **See lines 42-46/ (C) Incorrect See lines 46-49/(D) Incorrect **See lines 53-56

7. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. Why does the author discuss current English speakers in paragraph 4?

Why? Current English speakers are discussed in order to explain that Middle English can be read by them unlike Old English. The author emphasizes the difference between Middle English and Old English by mentioning them. -‘See Clue 7(D)[lines 53-56]

8. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word proliferation in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? rapid creation can replace proliferation in this context **See Clue 8(B)[lines 85-87]

• proliferation n. increase in the amount of something

• rapid creation sudden formation of something

9. Rhetorical Purpose I (B)

Q. In paragraph 6, the author describes the “Great Vowel Shift” by

Why? The “Great Vowel Shift” is described by giving an example of a difference between Modem English and Middle English in the pronunciation of “e” at the end of the words, See Clue 9(B)[lines 86-84]

10. Inference I (B)

Q. Based on the information in paragraph 5 and paragraph 6, what can be inferred about how Middle English changed into Modem English?

Why? (B) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 61-62 and lines 84-86. –See Clue 10(B)

Why Not? (A) Incorrect –See lines 77-80/ (C) Incorrect **See lines 81-84/ (D) Not supported

11. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. In paragraph 7, why does the author mention computer?

m: Why? Computers are mentioned as an example of an area that requires new terminology due to constant technological advances. -‘See Clue 11(D)[lines 96-100]

12. Insert Text [A]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? When the Normans, residents of what is now a region of France, invaded and conquered England, the English language was forever changed. [A] What emerged was in many ways a new language with few ties to the old. The Normans spoke a dialect of Old French known as Anglo-Norman, which had both French and Germanic influences. [B]

13. Prose Summary

Q. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points

Why? The history of English, from the origins of the Germanic tongues to the language we speak today, has been marked by many changes.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) Anglo-Saxon invaders of Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries combined two versions of West Germanic to create Old English.	Clue 13(B)[lines 23-28] In the fifth and sixth centuries AD, West Germanic invaders called the Angles and the Saxons came to the British Isles. They spoke two dialects of West Germanic that were similar to one another, and these dialects merged into what we today call Old English
(D) Old English mixed with a dialect called Anglo-Norman to produce Middle English, which eventually became the official language of Britain.	Clue 13(D)[lines 51-53] This new language, which was a combination of Anglo-Norman and Old English, is now known as Middle English. [lines 57-58] English had become the official language of England
(E) Modern English emerged as a result of various phonological, technological, and social changes and has continued to absorb new vocabulary.	Clue 13(E)[lines 61-64] During the Renaissance, English changed again … many Latin and Greek words were introduced into English [lines 67-68] many other completely original words were introduced into English [lines 74-75] the “Great Vowel Shift” [lines 85-87] the invention of the printing press and the subsequent proliferation of books [lines 96-98] Technological advances have made necessary the creation of words to describe new objects, processes, … [lines 102-105] Another reason for the evolving vocabularies has been the increasing communication between and migration of people all over the world.

► The whole passage focuses on the origin and development of the English language. And it follows that ((B) Creation of Old English —► (D) Progression into Middle English —* (E) Evolution to Modern English and continuing changes) **See

Why Not? (A) Incorrect -■See lines 17-191 (C) Not mentioned / (F) Information that technological advances influenced the introduction of the foreign languages is not mentioned.

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 2

14. (C) 15. (D) 16.(C) 17. (A) 18. (D) 19. (B) 20.(C) 21. (B) 22. (A) 23. (A) 24. (C) 25. (A) 26. (D) 27. (A). (C). (E)

14. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word configuration in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? arrangement can replace configuration in this context. —See Clue 14(C)[lines 3-4]

• configuration n. arrangement of something

• arrangement n. state of something being put in a particular position

15. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word dismissed in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? rejected can replace dismissed in this context. —See Clue 15(D)[lines 10-12]

• dismiss v. to refuse to consider or brush aside someone’s idea or opinion

• reject v. to refuse to accept or agree with something

16. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 2, maps played a role in the development of the plate tectonics theory by

Why? -See Clue 16<C)[lines 13-16]

► With the creation of accurate global maps, many people began to wonder about the remarkable relationship between the coastlines …

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not mentioned

17. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. Why does the author mention fossils of tropical plants found in the Arctic in paragraph 3?

Why? -See Clue 17(A)[lines 42-46]

18. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to the information in paragraph 3 and paragraph 4, how did Wegener’s theory explain the existence of similar fossils on different continents?

Why? —See Clue 18(D)[lines 44-46. 49-51]

► It stated that the continents had at one time been joined together in a huge supercontinent…

Why Not? (A)-(C) Not mentioned

19. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The phrase account for in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? resolve can replace account for in this context. —See Clue 19(B)[lines 61-64]

• account for to offer a satisfactory explanation

• resolve v. to provide a solution

20. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? His theory proposed that the landmasses moved independently of the rest of Earth’s crust, simply smashing through the solid rock of the seafloor, // and no one, including Wegener, could come up with a force // that would be great enough to drive this type of movement.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect

(B) Not mentioned

(D) Information that scientists could not come up with a force that drives continental movement is left out.

21. Inference I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 5, it can be inferred that the scientific stuffy of Earth’s crust before 1950

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 65-67. —See Clue 21(B) m. Why Not? (A), (D) Not supported / (C) Incorrect —See lines 65-67

22. Reference I (A)

Q. The word Their in the passage refers to

v Why? … all of Earth’s crust is divided into several different plates.Some are entirely underwater, while others comprise both oceans and continents. Their movement is caused by the Earth’s dynamic mantle … -See Clue 22(A)[lines 77-78,81-84]

23. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word dynamic in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? active can replace dynamic in this context.

• dynamic adj. full of energy and constant movement

• active adj. always busy doing things

24. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 6, scientists determined that the forces responsible for plate movement originate

Why? —See Clue 24(C) lines 82-84]

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not mentioned

25. Inference I (A)

Q. Which of the following statements most accurately reflects the author’s opinion about science as expressed in paragraph 7?

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 97-100. —See Clue 25(A) mm Why Not? (B)-(D) Not supported

26. Insert Text I [D]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [C] Some scientists were intrigued by the close similarities in fossil remains found on separate continents—for example, in the northeastern United States and Scotland. [D] It was hard to believe that the exact same animal and plant species would have existed simultaneously on such distant lands. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the mainstream scientific community explained these findings by arguing that changing ocean levels sometimes exposed land bridges that connected the continents, allowing the overland migration of species.

► ‘such distant lands* in the given sentence refers to *the northeastern United States and Scotland.*

27. Prose Summary

Why? Though widely accepted today, it took many years for the basic concepts of the theory of plate tectonics to be established as fact.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(A) First inspired by the shapes of the continents as seen on maps, some scientists began to consider the idea of continental movement.	Clue 27(A)[lines 13-16] With the creation of accurate global maps, many people began to wonder about the remarkable relationship between the coastlines [lines 19-21] This was essentially the birth of what would eventually become the theory of plate tectonics.
(C) Wegener’s theory of continental drift was an important step towards discovering plate tectonics, but it misunderstood the exact nature of the crust’s movement.	Clue 27(C)[!ines 48-49] his theory of “continental drift,* the primary forerunner of plate tectonics [lines 55-58] Critics emphasized the failure of Wegener’s theory to sufficiently account for the means and causes of continental movement.
(E) After observing the seafloor and discovering the importance of the mantle, scientists finally proved the existence of continental drift with the plate tectonics theory.	Clue 27(E)[lines 65-68] It was not until the 1950s and ’60s, when new technologies enabled scientists to study the ocean floor, that the main concept of Wegener’s theory was proven correct. [lines 73-76] three American scientists used this discovery, along with other significant findings, to develop the theory of plate tectonics [lines 82-84] Their movement is caused by the Earth’s dynamic mantle

► The whole passage focuses on the establishment of the theory of plate tectonics. And it follows that {(A) Beginning of the idea of continental movement — (C) Significance and limitations of Wegener’s continental drift theory — (E) Verification of continental drift theory and establishment of plate tectonics theory) See

Why Not? (B) Not mentioned / (D) Mentioned in lines 65-67, but minor / (F) Mentioned in lines 90-96, but minor

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 3

28. (A) 29. (C) 30. (B) 31.(C) 32.(C) 33.(C) 34. (A) 35.(C) 36.(C) 37. (B) 38 (D) 39. [B] 40. Major Ampullate Silk: (A), (C), IF) / Minor Ampullate Silk: (E), (G) / Both: (D), (I)

28. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word dtoraebar in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? thickness can replace diameter in this context. -‘See Clue 28(A)[lines 16-21]

• diameter n. width of a circular shape

• thickness n. width of something

29. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 1, what is the function of the spinneret?

Why? -‘See Clue 29(C)[lines 16-20]

► The liquid silk is excreted from the silk glands in liquid form, but as it passes through the round spigots on a special organ—the spinneret—at the rear of the abdomen, it becomes solid.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect -‘See lines 16-201 (B), (D) Not mentioned

30. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word anchored in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? attached can replace anchored in this context. -‘See Clue 30(B)[lines 36-38]

• anchor v. to fasten something firmly so it is unmovable

• attach v. to connect an object to another

31. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author mention the elasticity of minor ampullate silk in paragraph 2?

Why? The elasticity of minor ampullate silk is mentioned in order to explain that minor ampullate silk and major ampullate silk are different in terms of elasticity. -‘See Clue 31(C)[lines 41-46]

32. Reference I (C)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? … completely binds a victim by encapsulating it in a cocoon. -‘See Clue 32(C)[lines 53-54]

33. Inference I (C)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about female spiders?

Why? (C) can be inferred from the information in lines 55-56. –See Clue 33(C) m. Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not supported

34. Sentence Simplification I (A)

Why? Because it is extremely lightweight and very resilient, // and because it offers significant potential for diverse applications in fields like medicine and defense, // spiders’ silk has, not surprisingly, been the subject of intense curiosity among members of the scientific community.

Why Not? (B) Information about the properties of the silk spiders produce is left out.

(D) Not mentioned

35. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word versatile in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? adaptable can replace versatile in this context.

• versatile adj. applicable in many different ways

• adaptable adj. able to adjust to different conditions

36. Inference I (C)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 4 about people’s interest in the properties of spiders’ silk?

Why? (C) can be inferred from the information in lines 61-63. «*See Clue 36(C)

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not supported

37. Negative Fact I (B)

Q. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as characteristics of spiders’ silk EXCEPT

Why Not?

Incorrect Answer Choices	Mentioned in the passage
(A) the capability to resist tears	[lines 32-36]… is the strongest silk a spider produces; its tensile strength—the maximum force a material can resist without tearing—is similar to …
(C) different degrees of elasticity	[lines 45-46] does not have the same elastic characteristics
(D) strength and lightness	[line 66-67] it is extremely lightweight and very resilient

38. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. Why does the author mention crosshair sights in paragraph 4?

Why? Crosshair sights are mentioned as an example of the past uses of spiders’ silk. ^See Clue 38(D)[lines 59-60]

39. Insert Text [B]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [A] Spiders possess the extraordinary ability to produce silk, which they use in a variety of ways to create egg sacs, to catch and hold insects, and to construct homes. [B] This creature, which may be smaller than a millimeter, is capable of producing a strong, flexible material that humans have not been able to replicate. An assortment of specialized glands, each responsible for forming a distinct kind of silk, is located within the spider’s abdomen and enables the spider to produce the different types of silk that it uses for those diverse purposes. [C]

► “This creature* in the given sentence refers to “Spiders.*

40. Schematic Table

Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases below.

Select the appropriate phrases from the answer choices and match them to the type of silk to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.

Why?

	Correct Answers	Clues in the passage
Major Ampullate Silk	(A) Retains its shape when stretched out	Clue 40(A)[lines 29-32] These foundation threads,… are composed of major ampullate silk, a sturdy, non-sticky, elastic material.
	(C) Is stronger than all the other silks produced by a spider	Clue 40(C)[lines 32-34] major ampullate silk is the strongest silk a spider produces
	(F) Forms safety lines that help spiders escape from predators	Clue 40(F)[lines 36-40] Draglines serve … as safetylines with which a spider can make a speedy exit from an unexpected predator.
Minor Ampullate	(E) Does not spring back into its original form when expanded	Clue 40(E)[lines 46-47] When minor ampullate silk is stretched, it remains permanently misshapen.
Minor Ampullate		Clue 40(G)[lines 41-43] minor ampullate (G) Performs a reinforcing rather than silk is also used in web construction, but foundational function as supporting threads rather than main draglines
Both	(D) is also used in web construction	Clue 40(D)[lines 40-42] Similar to major (D) Is used in web construction ampullate silk, minor ampullate silk
Both	(I) Is a non-sticky form of silk	Clue 40( I )lines 43-45] Like major ampullate silk, this silk is strong and non-sticky

Why Not? (B) Incorrect ■■‘See lines 43-45/[H) Incorrect **See lines 55-57

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 12 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading September 4, 2017 0 Comment

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 2

15. (B) 16.(0) 17.(0 18. (0 19.(0) 20.(0) 21. (A) 22. (A) 23. (O 24. (B) 25. (A) 26. (B) 27. Q 28. Igneous Rocks: (E), (H) / Sedimentary Rocks: (A), (D), (G) / Metamorphic Rocks: (B), (F)

15. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word composites in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? blends can replace composites in this context. See Clue 15(B)[lines 9-11]

• composite n. something created from different parts or materials

• blend n. a combination of different things

16. Factual Information I (0)

Q. According to paragraph 1, which relationship is true?

Why? the Earth 3 Rocks 3 Minerals 3 Elements —See Clue 16(D)[lines 9-13]

► These solid rocks are composites of different minerals, at times with some organic materials mixed in. Minerals are crystallized structures made up of either a single pure element or a mixture of elements.

17. Reference I (C)

Q. The word its in the passage refers to

Why? Every rock on the planet can be put into one of three distinct groups based on the processes that were responsible for its creation. See Clue 17(C)[lines 23-26]

18. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author repeat the term ‘volcanic * in paragraph 37

mi Why? The term “volcanic” is repeated in order to explain that volcanic rocks are easily found near volcanoes. —See Clue 18(C)[lines 39-41]

19. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word discern in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? determine can replace discern in this context- —See Clue 19(D)[lines 40-41]

• discern v. to notice or understand something by paying careful attention

• determine v. to discover the facts about something

20. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to paragraph 3, how are igneous rocks separated into two categories?

Why? -See Clue 20<D)[lines 29-31, 35-38]

Why Not? (A), (B) Not mentioned / (C) The passage says that an igneous rock’s physical features are related to its mineral composition in lines 45-48, but not the criteria determining the category of the igneous rocks.

21. Sentence Simplification I (A)

Why? As more and more debris accumulates on top of these layers, the underlying materials are buried subjected to increasing degrees of pressure, // and this force eventually cements the once loose sediments into a thin, solid layer of rock, a physical change referred to as lithification.

Why Not? (B), (C) Information that the pressure forms rock is left out.

(D) Information about the alteration of the physical properties of the rock is not mentioned.

22. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word coalesce in the passage is closest in meaning to

» Why? join can replace coalesce in this context **-See Clue 22(A)[lines 72-73]

• coalesce v. to join and form a single group

• join v. to connect things together

23. Inference I (C)

Q. According to the passage, it can be inferred that plant and animal fossils are most commonly observed in

Why? (C) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 52-53 and lines 58-61. –See Clue 23(C)

24. Inference I (B)

Q. What can be inferred about metamorphic rocks from paragraph 5?

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 74-75. See Clue 24(B) m Why Not? (A), (C) Not supported / (D) Incorrect ~See lines 76-85

25. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 5, what plays the biggest role in determining the characteristics of metamorphic rocks?

. Why? ~See Clue 25(A)[lines 90-93]

► The specific strengths of these forces are the primary factors dictating what physical properties a

26. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word radical in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? extreme can replace radical in this context ^See Clue 26(B)[lines 100-107]

• radical adj. departing markedly from the usual or customary; extreme

• extreme adj. great in degree or intense

27. Insert Text I [A]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? It is not difficult to see that all three types of rock are interconnected. [A] Indeed, the materials involved in rock formation are part of a gradual yet continuous cycle that is constantly redistributing the matter of the Earth. Igneous rocks at the surface are slowly weathered away, creating the building blocks for sedimentary rocks. [B]

► *a gradual yet continuous cycle” in the given sentence and the information that all three types of rock are interconnected in the preceding sentence are closely connected to each other in context.

28. Schematic Table

Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases below.

Select the appropriate phrases from the answer choices and match them to the type of rock to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points

Why?

	Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
Igneous Rocks	(E) Are the most common rocks in the crust	Clue 28(E)[lines 28-29] Igneous rocks make up the majority of the Earth’s crust
Igneous Rocks	(H) Occur anywhere that hot magma becomes solid	Clue 28(H)[lines 29-30] They form when magma is able to cool and solidify.
Sedimentary Rocks	(A) Can contain particles of organic matter	Clue 28(A)[lines 58-61] Pieces of organic material… can be included in the mixture as well.
	(D) Form from accumulations of Sedimentary Rocks weathered debris	Clue 28(D)[lines 54-57] Most of these sediments come from other rocks … slowly broken apart by the weathering forces
	(G) Retain the physical features of their constituent parts	Clue 28<G)[lines 70-721 The characteristics of rocks of this type are influenced mostly by the size, shape, and mineral makeup of the sediments
Metamorphic Rocks	(B) Form when solid rocks are chemically altered	Clue 28(B)[lines 83-85] Certain chemical changes result, producing new rocks that now fall into the metamorphic category.
Metamorphic Rocks	(F) Occur after materials are deeply submerged	Clue 28(F)[lines 74-75] Metamorphic rocks can only develop deep underground [lines 79-81] Subducted rocks, which can belong to any of the three types, sometimes reach depths

Why Not? (C), (I) Not mentioned

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 1

1. (A) 2. (D) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (B) 6. (C) 7. (A) 8. (A) 9. (C) 10. (A) 11. (A) 12.(C) 13. B 14. (C), (E), (F)

3. Reference I (A)

Q. The word they in the passage refers to

Why? … children remain in the sensorimotor stage, progressing through substages until they have developed the ability to accomplish objectives by planning steps toward a goal. —See Clue 3(A)[lines 18-22]

4. Inference I (D)

Q. According to paragraph 2, what can be inferred about a child’s method of problem solving before the concrete operational stage?

Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 26-27. —See Clue 4(D)

Why Not? (A), (B) Not supported / (C) Incorrect —See lines 26-29

5. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word abstract in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? conceptual can replace abstract in this context. —See Clue 5(B)[lines 43-44]

abstract adj. based on vague ideas c

onceptual adj. dealing with ideas

6. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 2, the formal operational stage

Why? -See Clue 6(C)[lines 38-40w 44-46]

According to Piaget’s theory, this stage represents a person’s way of thinking at its most sophisticated.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect —See lines 36-41 / (B) Not mentioned / (D) Incorrect —See lines 26-29

7. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 2, the developmental stage when a child’s reflexes are most important is

Why? -See Clue 7(A)[lines 14-15]

8. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word absorbed In the passage Is closest in meaning to

Why? accepted can replace absorbed in this context. ^See Clue 8(A)[lines 67-71]

• absorb v. to understand something new

• accept v. to take something in and agree to it

9. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author mention cats in paragraph 3?

» Why? Cats are mentioned as an example in order to explain the process of assimilation and accommodation. *See Clue 9(C)[lines 77-82]

10. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. Why does the author mention the1920s in paragraph 4?

Why? The 1920s is mentioned in order to emphasize how long Piaget’s theory has remained influential. ~See Clue 10(A)[lines 83-87]

11. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 4, some psychologists have criticized Piaget’s theory

Why? *rSee Clue 11 (A)[lines 89-91]

► … some psychologists have questioned whether children actually go through stages as Piaget conceptualized them … mm Why Not? (B)-(D) Not mentioned

12. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? Although there has been some criticism of his work — // some psychologists have questioned whether children actually go through stages as Piaget conceptualized them, and others have added that some people never attain the final stage, the formal operational stage —II Piaget’s theories still remain relevant and persuasive in modern developmental psychology. hi Why Not? (A), (B) Incorrect

(D) Information that some psychologists have questions about his theory is left out.

13. Insert Text ! [A]

Q. Look at the four squares [I] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? A child’s progress through these stages is determined by a process of learning that Piaget (two basic steps of a child’s learning) described in two basic steps: assimilation, the incorporation of new information into existing thought patterns—notions about how the world operates; and accommodation, the alteration of the present cognitive structure to accommodate the new information. Q These two steps allow children to develop working theories about their surroundings that help them to property adapt. Piaget reasoned that a biological drive motivates children to make sense of their environments and then develop ideas about how the world operates. El

► “These two steps” in the given sentence refers to the “two basic steps: assimilation and accommodation.” “Their surroundings” in the given sentence is changed to “their environments” in the following sentence.

14. Prose Summary

Why? Piaget’s cognitive development theory suggests that childhood development progresses through distinct stages.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(C) The characteristic behaviors of the four stages begin with babies’ reflexes in the sensorimotor stage and develop into sophisticated interactions in the formal operational stage.	Clue 14(C)[lines 9-15] Piaget conceived four stages of childhood development… At birth, children are in the first stage of development—the sensorimotor stage—exercising their reflexes (lines 38-40] children progress to the final stage of development, the formal operational stage [lines 45-46] this stage (the formal operational stage) represents a person’s way of thinking at its most sophisticated
(E) Children learn new things through a learning process that involves assimilating and accommodating information about the world around them.	Clue 14(E)[lines 47-52] A child’s progress through these stages is determined by a process of learning that Piaget described in two basic steps: assimilation,… accommodation
(F) Although some people have doubted that children develop in stages like Piaget proposed, his cognitive development theory continues to be a central idea in psychology.	Clue 14(F)[lines 87-91] Although there has been some criticism of his work—some psychologists have questioned whether children actually go through stages as Piaget conceptualized them [lines 93-95] Piaget’s theories still remain relevant and persuasive in modern developmental psychology.

► The whole passage focuses on the four stages of childhood development of Piaget’s cognitive development theory. And it follows that <(C) The four stages of childhood development — (E) Two basic steps of a child’s learning: assimilation and accommodation —► (F) Continual influence of Piaget’s theory on psychology) –See on p.435 tm. Why Not? (A) Not mentioned / (B) Mentioned in lines 35-36, but minor / (D) Mentioned in lines 91-93, but minor

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 3

29. (C) 30. (A) 31. (C) 32. (B) 33. (C) 34. (C) 35. (A) 36. (B) 37. (A) 38. (A) 39. (A) 40. (A) 41. [B] 42. (A). (B), (F)

29. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? At one time, wild bee populations—with the help of other natural pollinators like birds, butterflies, — Wild bees were once able to move enough pollen and bats—were sufficient to pollinate food crops, //transferring pollen from what is referred to as the male part of the flower (the anther) to the female part (the stigma), // in a crucial part of plant reproduction that enables crops to produce fruits and vegetables.

Why Not? (A) Not mentioned

(B), (D) Information that wild bees were once sufficient to pollinate food crops is left out.

30. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word solely in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? only can replace solely in this context

• solely adv. not involving anything else or alone

• only adv. just one of something

31. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author mention the change in the number of wild bee species in paragraph 2?

Why? The change in the number of wild bee species is mentioned as an example of the effect of habitat degradation in Costa Rica on them. «*See Clue 31(C)[lines 28-301

32. Inference I (B)

Q. It can be inferred from paragraph 2 that hardwood blossoms and hollow trees

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 23-27. **See Clue 32(B) am Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not supported

33. Inference I (C)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about commercial bees?

Why? (C) can be inferred from the information in lines 38-41. ^See Clue 33(C)

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not supported

34. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author mention the Canadian blueberry crops in paragraph 3?

Why? The Canadian blueberry crops are mentioned in order to explain how the pesticides in Canada have an effect on wild bees and the blueberry crop yields. <*See Clue 34(C)[lines 47-50]

35. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word defense in the passage is closest in meaning to

a Why? protection can replace defense in this context.

• defense n. resistance to attack

• protection n. attempt at safeguarding

36. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 4, why is international trade problematic for wild bees?

Why? ~See Clue 36(B)[lines 52-55]

Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not mentioned

37. Reference I (A)

Q. The word their in the passage refers to

Why? … adult female Varroa mites fasten themselves to the bee between its abdominal segments, an ideal site that makes their detection very difficult… «-See Clue 37<A)[lines 69-72]

38. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word assault in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? attack can replace assault in this context. –See Clue 38(A)[lines 73-74]

• assault v. to attack

• attack v. to set upon using deliberate force

39. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 5, Varroa mites affect bees by

Why? ~See Clue 39{A)[lines 75-80]

► Female mites lay their eggs with bee larvae so that the young bees will become hosts for the mites. Consequences for the hosts include deformed abdomen, abnormal wings, and misshapen legs.

Why Not? (B)-(D) Not mentioned

40. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word dwindle in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? shrink can replace dwindle in this context. See Clue 40(A)[lines 87-91]

• dwindle v. to gradually become less

• shrink v. to become reduced in size

41. Insert Text I [B]

Q. Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [A] The effect of pesticides has been an environmental issue for decades, and many species have been harmed by agricultural chemical spraying. [B] Wild bees are particularly susceptible to the damages caused by pesticides because of their constant exposure to agricultural chemicals. Although both commercial and wild bees play a role in crop pollination, commercial bees remain in pesticide-sprayed fields only long enough to pollinate them, but wild bees inhabit those fields and spend all their time there. [C]

► ‘the damages caused by pesticides’ in the given sentence refers to the harm by agricultural chemical spraying, particularly indicates that wild bees are one of the many species harmed by pesticides.

42. Prose Summary

Why? Wild bee populations are declining because they are facing several serious threats.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(A) By depriving them of food and shelter, loss of habitat has severely reduced the number of wild bee species in some areas.	Clue 42(A)[lines 25-30] the loss of hardwood blossoms and hollow trees results in a loss of wild bees. Over the course of a fourteen-year period, habitat degradation in Costa Rica caused the number of wild bee species to drop from seventy to thirty-seven.
(B) Pesticides endanger wild bees because they are constantly exposed to the chemicals that are applied to crop fields.	Clue 42{B)[lines 34-36] many species have been harmed by agricultural chemical spraying [lines 40-41] wild bees inhabit those fields and spend all their time there
(F) Parasites and diseases are a very severe problem for wild bee populations, which have nearly been destroyed by this menace.	Clue 42(F)[lines 51-52] Parasites and diseases have become more of a threat [lines 82-84] In the United States, Varroa infestations have nearly eradicated wild honeybee colonies.

► The whole passage focuses on the seriousness of the decrease in wild bee populations and its reasons. And it follows that <(A) Harm of habitat degradation on wild bees — (B) Harm of pesticides on wild bees —► (F) Harm of parasites and diseases on wild bees) See on p.447

Why Not? (C) Mentioned in lines 42-46, but minor / (D) Not mentioned / (E) Mentioned in lines 55-59, but minor

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 11 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading September 3, 2017 0 Comment

SOLUTION & EXPLANATION FOR TOEFL IBT READING PRACTICE TEST 11 ( FROM TOEFL IBT IVY’S READING 15 ACTUAL TESTS)

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 1

1. (B) 2.(C) 3.(C) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (D) 9.(C) 10 (D) 11. (C) 12. Black-figure Style: (B), (H), (I) / Red-figure Style: (A), (C), (E), (F)

1. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 1, which of the following best explains why Greek pottery is valuable to historians?

Why? -See Clue 1(B)[lines 7-10]

► … the Greeks’ pottery is an essential source of historical information because so much of it survives today.

Why Not? (A), (C) Not mentioned / (D) Incorrect —See Clue line 10

2. Reference I (C)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? Analysis of ancient Greek pottery paintings shows several distinct periods, each capitalizing on and advancing the style that preceded it. —See Clue 2(C)[lines 18-21]

3. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? This gradual progression parallels developments in other areas of Greek society // —how their cultural interest shifted from a mythology of gods and heroes to the events of their own lives, // as they replaced the mythological figures in their pottery paintings with images of everyday Greeks.

Why Not? (A), (D) Incorrect

(B) Information about the relationship between the change of the pottery paintings and that of Greek society is left out.

4. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. Why does the author mention abstract shapes in paragraph 2?

Why? Abstract shapes are mentioned as a commencement of the development of Greek pottery painting styles. —See Clue 4(A)[lines 27-34]

5. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word imposed in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? established can replace imposed in this context —See Clue 5(A)[lines 65-66]

• impose v. to apply as compulsory m

establish v. to bring about permanently or concretely

6. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 4, what is the main weakness of the black-figure style?

Why? —See Clue 6{A)[lines 64-67]

► The primary drawback of the black-figure style was the constraints imposed by the tools used to etch designs in the black slip …

7. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word visualize in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? imagine can replace visualize in this context [vis- = see] ~See Clue 7(B)[lines 72-75]

• visualize v. to form a picture of something in one’s mind

• imagine v. to form a mental image of something

8. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to paragraph 6, what was the most significant achievement of the red-figure style?

Why? «-See Clue 8(D)[lines 94-101]

► By then painting details directly on the red clay instead of etching lines to remove slip, artists were able to make finer, more precise accents that increased the realism of figures’ hair, muscles, and skin. This style’s potential for naturalism led to a focus on facial expressions and motion that enriched the narrative …

Why Not? (A) Incorrect **See lines 94-96/(B) Mentioned in lines 91-94, but not the most significant achievement / (C) Not mentioned

9. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to the passage, a sense of depth in pottery paintings

Why? -See Clue 9<C) lines 87-89]

Why Not? (A), (B) Incorrect —See lines 87-89/(D) Not mentioned

10. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word apex in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? summit can replace apex in this context. —See Clue 10)D)[lines 101-102]

• apex n. top or highest peak

• summit n. highest state or degree

11. Insert Text | (C)

Q. Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [A] Early pottery decorations were composed of abstract shapes and lines that did not represent human activities. [B]Then,… the Greeks began to decorate their pottery using more realistically painted human and animal figures. [C] This shift from abstract decoration to the first human figure drawing was important in the evolution toward the more sophisticated styles of pottery painting that appeared later. It was not until Greek artists began producing black-figure-style paintings, however, that Greek pottery gained maturity as a fine art. [D]

► “This shift” in the given sentence refers to the preceding information that pottery decorations changed from abstract shapes to realistic shapes.

12. Schematic Table

Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases below. Select the appropriate phrases from the answer choices and match them to the style of pottery painting to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.

Why?

Why Not? (D) Mentioned in lines 30-34, but true of before the black-figure style, so belongs to neither of the two styles / (G) Mentioned in lines 27-30, but true of before the black-figure style, so belongs to neither of the two styles

	Correct answer choices	Clues in the passage
Black-figure Style	(B) Featured solid black silhouettes rather than outlined figures	Clue 12(B)[lines 42-44] Abandoning the practice of drawing outlined images, artists working in the black-figure style created silhouettes, figures that were completely black [lines 47-49] By creating solid figures … artists working in the black-figure style created human forms
	(H) Created details by carving into slip to expose a clay surface	Clue 12(H)[lines 60-61] by etching details into the silhouettes painted in slip, artists exposed the clay beneath
	(1) Required etching tools for drawing images on the pottery	Clue 12(1 Klines 64-67] The primary drawback of the black-figure style was the constraints imposed by the tools used to etch designs in the black slip
Red-figure Style	(A) Was practically the reverse of the style that preceded it	Clue 12(A)[lines 90-91] In essentially the reverse of the black-figure-style process, red-figure-style artists
	(C) Employed a technique that created a sense of depth on a flat surface	Clue 12(C)[lines 75-77] Artists began to create an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface
	(E) Produced images by painting the background but not the figures	Clue 12(E)[lines 91-94] red-figure-style artists painted the backgrounds of their pictures black and let the red clay show through as shapes in the foreground
	(F) Is considered the finest development in Greek pottery painting	Clue 12(F)[lines 98-102] This style(red-figure styleKs potential for naturalism led to a focus on facial expressions and motion that enriched the narrative, advancing Greek pottery design to its apex.

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 2

13. (B) 14. (A) 15. (D) 16 (D) 17. (B) 18. (B) 19. (A) 20.(C) 21. (D) 22.(D) 23. (B) 24(A) 25. (B), (C), (F)

13. Sentence Simplification 1 (B)

Why? Specific evidence was discovered during the excavation of ancient Babylon (modern-day Iraq), when ancient soapy matter was found in clay containers bearing inscriptions that indicated the contents were made by boiling fats with ashes—a method of soap making.

Why Not? (A) Information about the soapy matter is left out. (C) Information that the soapy matter was discovered and a method of soap making was inscribed on the clay containers is left out. (D) Not mentioned.

14. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word administered in the passage is closest in meaning to »

Why? given can replace administered in this context. »See due 14(A)[lines 19-21]

• administer v. to give or apply a remedy

• give v. to present something in assistance or as a treatment

15. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word authenticity in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? truth can replace authenticity in this context. It is also a clue that the story in line 39 is paraphrased to legend in line 37, and myth in line 40. ^See Clue 15(D)[lines 37-40]

• authenticity n. quality of being real

• truth n. undisputable fact

16. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. Why does the author mention the legend in paragraph 2?

Why? Legend is mentioned in order to support that the origin of soap is not clear in paragraph 1. **See Clue 16(D)[lines 38-39]

17. Inference I (B)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 4 about epidemics in the Middle Ages?

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 53-56. See Clue 17(B)

Why Not? (A)# (C), (D) Not supported

18. Reference I (B)

Q. The word its in the passage refers to

Why? … one kind of olive-oil soap—castile soap, believed to be named for the region in Spain where it originated—was widely exported throughout Europe, becoming famous for its quality. ‘■’See Clue 18(B)[lines 66-70]

Why Not? (A) its refers to olive-oil soap—castile soap, not olive oil.

19. Inference I (A)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 5 about Castile?

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 66-69. ~See Clue 19(A)

Why Not? (BHD) Not supported

20. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word Regulations in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? Rules can replace Regulations in this context. **See Clue 20(C)[lines 77-79]

• regulation n. principle, rule, or law designed to control or govern conduct

• rule n. principle governing action

21. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to paragraph 6, soap in England was not initially available to the masses because

_ Why? See Clue 21(D)]lines 80-82]

► Regulations and taxation made soap an expensive luxury that was not accessible to most people.

Why Not? (A), (B) Incorrect / (C) Not mentioned

22. Inference I (D)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 7 about colonists’ attitudes toward soap before the Civil War?

Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 90-93. **See Clue 22(D)

Why Not? (A)-(C) Not supported

23. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word concern in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? affairs can replace concerns in this context. **See Clue 23(B)[lines 92-93]

• concern n. matter that relates to or affects you

• affair n. matter of personal concern

24. Insert Text I [A]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? Virtually any vegetable oil could be used to make soap—palm, coconut, and almond oil were some of the more popular choices. [A] Soaps made with oils such as these were gentler on the skin than soaps made with animal fats, so vegetable-oil soaps quickly became desirable products. In particular, soap made from olive oil came to be regarded as a superior product. [B]

► “these” in the given sentence refers to “palm, coconut, and almond oil.” In particular was used to highlight olive oil soaps from among the various oil soaps.

25. Prose Summary

Why? Believed to date back thousands of years, the origin of soap is not entirely known, but it is clear that throughout its history, soap has varied in both composition and application depending on the cultures who used it.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) The first soaps were made from ash and animal fat, but later soaps used different types of vegetable oils.	Clue 25<B)[lines 9-12] ancient soapy matter was found in clay containers bearing inscriptions that indicated the contents were made by boiling fats with ashes [lines 57-60] Overtime, cultures experimented with soap-making recipes and eventually discovered that the animal fat they used could be replaced by vegetable oils.
(C) Some historians believe that the earliest soaps were used mainly for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.	Clue 25(C)[lines 16-21] Early soaps were not commonly used for bathing … among other uses, soap was administered as a wound medicament and applied as a hair dye.
(F) Gradually, soap became the product it is today, a cleanser used for bathing and for personal hygiene.	Clue 25(F)[lines 98-101] This resulted in a change in the way society viewed sanitation issues, leading to the installation of indoor bathrooms and sinks and introducing a demand for soap.

► The whole passage focuses on the change in components and the uses of soap throughout the history. And it follows that <(B) Change in the components of soap — (C) Uses of early soaps — (F) Change in the uses of soap) «~See on p. 423 mm Why Not? (A), (D), (E) Not mentioned

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 3

26. (D) 27. (D) 28. (B) 29. (A) 30. (C) 31. (C) 32.(D) 33. (C) 34. (B) 35. (A) 36.(C) 37.(B) 38. (A), (B), (F)

26. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word ojoctod in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? thrown can replace ejected in this context [eject = e(x)(out) + ejct(throw)] —See Clue 26(D)[lines 11-13]

• eject v. to suddenly send something out 9

throw v,: to put something somewhere quickly and carelessly

27. Inference I (D)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 1 about Earth’s core temperature?

Why? (D) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 1-3 and lines 5-11. —See Clue 27(D) m

Why Not? (A), (C) Not supported / (B) Incorrect —See lines 6-11

28. Sentence Simplification I (B)

Why? Scientists had anticipated that lo’s surface, // like those of most other rock-based bodies that inhabit our solar system, would display the typical craters and impact marks from countless collisions over time with meteors and other objects adrift in space.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect

(D) Not mentioned

29. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. Why does the author mention Probes in paragraph 3?

Why? Probes are mentioned in order to explain how scientists could gather definitive information about lo. -See Clue 29{A)[lines 28-31]

30. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 3, how do scientists determine the ages of rock-based moons?

Why? —See Clue 30(C)[lines 44-48]

► They planned to use those marks to estimate the age of the moon’s surface by recording the amount of craters—the more craters, the older the surface, impact marks ms Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not mentioned

31. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word trace in the passage is closest in meaning to

wm Why? evidences can replace traces in this context. –See Clue 31(C)[lines 60-63]

• trace n. small sign showing that something was present

• evidence n. facts or signs that show clearly that something exists or is true

32. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. Why does the author mention lava flows and volcanic geyser in paragraph 5?

Why? Lava flows and volcanic geysers are mentioned as evidences that other celestial bodies exist with hot cores like Earth’s. The author lists observations that allowed scientists to confirm the nature of the cores of other celestial bodies. **See Clue 32(D)[lines 70-76]

33. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word speculated in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? imagined can replace speculated in this context It can be inferred that speculate is opposite in meaning to confirm in line 73. <*-See Clue 33(C)[lines 72-74]

• speculate v. to make a guess about something

• imagine v. to form a mental picture

34. Reference I (B)

Q. The word them in the passage refers to

Why? … the cores of other moons and planets: like Earth’s, some of them are hot See Clue 34(B)[lines 74-761

35. Factual Information I (A)

Why? –See Clue 35(A)]lines 86-89]

Why Not? (B) Not mentioned / (C) The passage talks about the gravitational forces of Jupiter and other moons, not lo’s own. **See lines 82-85! (D) Volcanoes are the result from lo’s hot interior, not the cause.

See lines 88-90

36. Inference I (C)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 6 about lo?

Why? (C) can be inferred from the information in lines 82-85. See Clue 36(C)

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not supported

37. Insert Text | [B]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [A] However, these processes are not unique to our world. [B] Most of the rocky planets and moons in our solar system experience similar events. In fact, lo, one of the largest moons orbiting the planet Jupiter, is the most volcanically active celestial body known to exist. [C]

► “similar events” in the given sentence refers to “these processes(tectonic shifts, earthquakes, and volcanoes}.” continued ^

38. Prose Summary

Why? Since the discovery that lo is the most volcanically active location in our solar system, scientists have been using it to learn about conditions on the early Earth.

Correct Answer Choices	Gues in the passage
(A) Instead of observing craters on lo’s surface, NASA’s probes revealed the presence of volcanic activity on the moon.	Clue 38(A)[lines 48-50] When scientists saw the probes’ images, however, they were shocked to see an absence of impact craters. [line 55] lo’s surface is covered with volcanoes.
(B) The volcanic activity on lo is so intense that the moon’s surface is constantly being recycled and renewed, similar to theories about what happened on Earth.	Clue 38(B)[lines 55-60] It is constantly changing as new volcanoes emerge, others become extinct, and magma deposits accumulate or disappear. Just like on Earth, these processes continually renew the moon’s surface
(F) Because of the peculiarities in the orbiting patterns of Jupiter’s moons, lo experiences intense gravitational forces that heat its core.	Clue 38{F)[lines 77-79] Part of the reason for its fiery interior, and hence also for its volcanic activity, has to do with lo’s somewhat unique orbital position.

► The whole passage focuses on the volcanic activities on lo and their importance in learning about ancient Earth. And it follows that «A) Observations of lo’s volcanic activities — (B) Characteristics of volcanic activities on lo — <F) The reason why lo’s core is hot) –See

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 10 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading September 2, 2017 0 Comment

Solution for TOEFL iBT Reading Practice Test 10

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 2

15. (D) 16. (A) 17. (B) 18. (B) 19. (C) 20. (B) 21. (D) 22. (A) 23. (C) 24. (B) 25. (A) 26. (D) 27. (B), (C), (F)

15. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. In paragraph 1, why does the author mention Iran?

Why? Iron is mentioned in order to explain how steel was made. The author mentions the historical importance of iron and how the steel-making process used iron. “-See 15{D)[lines 8-9]

16. Inference I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 1, what can be inferred about the availability of iron?

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 5-6. –See Clue 16(A)[lines –

Why Not? (B) Incorrect –See lines 5-6/(C), (D) Not supported

17. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 1, iron is changed into steel by

Why? -See Clue 17{B)[lines 8-11]

► … iron can be made into an even stronger material by removing the impurities and controlling its carbon content. The resulting material is known as steel.

18. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 2, the Bessemer converter was important because it

Why? —See Clue 18(B)[lines 18-21]

► The Bessemer process required only a half an hour to accomplish what had previously taken weeks, and the cost involved was greatly reduced.

Why Not? (A) Incorrect ~See lines 12-13/ (C) Not mentioned / (D) Incorrect «-See lines 24-25

19. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 3, vertical integration means

Why? -See Clue 19(C)[lines 37-40]

► … “vertical integration,” meaning that he attempted to control every stage of the steel production process.

Why Not? (A), (B) Not mentioned / (D) Incorrect —See lines 45-46

20. Rhetorical Purpose I (B)

Q. In paragraph 3, why does the author mention

Why? Andrew Carnegie is mentioned in order to explain that his introduction of vertical integration brought about innovation to the American steel industry. —See Clue 20(B)[lines 36-38,47-50]

21. Reference I (D)

Q. The word those in the passage refers to

Why? … sell steel supplies for prices cheaper than those of his competitors. ■•■See Clue 2HD)[lines 49-50]

22. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word primary in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? main can replace primary in this context

• primary adj. of ultimate importance

• main adj. bigger or more important than other things

23. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word transformation in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? change can replace transformation in this context

• transformation. complete change in something

• change n. process or result of something becoming different

24. Inference I (B)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 6 about Carnegie’s decision to hire Frick?

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 81-83. «-See Clue 24(B) mm

Why Not? (A). <C), (D) Incorrect -See lines 81-S3

25. Sentence Simplification I (A)

Why? While the early U.S. steel industry helped the economy expand and enabled some businesspeople, such as Andrew Carnegie, to acquire great wealth, // it also highlighted the uneasy relationship that was growing between American laborers and the corporations they worked under.

Why Not? (B)-(D) Not mentioned

26. Insert Text I [D]

Q. Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [C] When Frick hired three hundred security guards to stop the strike, ten people were killed, and the National Guard of Pennsylvania was called in to control the situation. [D] This tragedy demonstrated a serious difference of interests between factory owners and employees—a discrepancy that was becoming a national trend.

► “This tragedy” in the-given sentence refers to “ten people were killed.

27. Prose Summary

Why? In American society, there were important changes that resulted when steel replaced iron as a construction material.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) In America, the steel industry created jobs and boosted the economy, and by 1910 the country had become the worldwide leader in steel production.	Clue 27(B)[lines 51-54] These low steel prices contributed to American economic growth, and the development of the industry provided many new jobs. [lines 60-63] America became the largest steel producer,… by 1910
(C) The poor working conditions that resulted from the American steel industry’s motivation to increase production and profits created a need for labor unions and safety regulations.	Clue 27(C)[lines 67-70] The early steel industry’s focus on maximizing production and minimizing costs often came at the expense of the workers, [lines 74-77] In response to these dangerous working conditions, labor unions were formed to help establish safety regulations that would protect steel workers.
(F) The United States steel industry gave factory owners the chance to make tremendous profits, while demonstrating the value of labor unions to workers.	Clue 27(F)[lines 104-106] As the steel industry inspired some people with dreams of becoming rich, it alerted others to the need for unions

► The whole passage focuses on the development of the early American steel industry and its influence.

And it follows that <(B) Development of American steel industry — (C) The poor working conditions of steel industry workers and the need for safety regulations —* (F) Significance of the development of American steel industry) *See minor

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 1

1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (C) 4. (A) 5. (D) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (B) 9. (C) 10. (A) 11. (A) 12.(C) 13.0 14. (B), (D), (F)

3. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? The stated goal of the WPA was to provide people with jobs // that would not only serve the public good but would allow those workers involved to utilize their specific talents and skills and receive a sense of fulfillment as well.

Why Not? (A), (D) Information that the WPA contributed to the public good is left out.

(B) Not mentioned

4. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word inception in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? launch can replace inception in this context. —See Clue 4(A)[lines 32-34]

• inception n. beginning of an organization or institution

launch n. promotion of something new

5. Inference i (D)

Q. It can be inferred from paragraph 4 that the largest proportion of workers in the Federal Art Project

Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 39-41. —See Clue 5(D)

Why Not? (A), (B) Not supported / (C) Incorrect —See lines 44-45

6. Reference I (A)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? This program divided its resources between education and performance, and thousands of local concerts were held all over the country. Like the Federal Art Project, it carried out the documentation of older, sometimes obscure sources of American music, including regional folk songs. —See Clue 6(A)[lines 55-62]

7. Inference I (B)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 6 about the Federal Writers Project?

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 82-85. —See Clue 7(B)

Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not supported

8. Negative Fact I (B)

Q. According to the passage, all of the Federal One projects addressed some form of American history EXCEPT

Why Not? (A) Mentioned in 76-78 / (C) Mentioned in 49-51 / (D) Mentioned in 59-62

9. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to the passage, which Federal One program employed the most people at a single time?

Why? -See Clue 9(C)[lines 53-55, 62-63, 70-72, 79-82]

10. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word outright in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? entirely can replace outright in this context. —See Clue 10(A)[lines 93-94]

• outright adv. totally and completely

entirely adv. completely and wholly

11. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. Why does the author mention wartime industries in paragraph 7?

Why? Wartime industries is mentioned as a reason why the WPA was dissolved. The author explains that large numbers of the unemployed found work in the wartime industries, and as a result, the WPA was not needed any longer. —See Clue 11(A)[lines 100-103]

12. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word procure in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? obtain can replace procure in this context. —See Clue 12(C)[lines 94-98]

• procure v. to obtain something not commonly found

• obtain v. to get something that you desire

13. Insert Text | [A]

Q. Look at the four squares [] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Q. Why? Even larger was the Federal Music Project, which had more than 15,000 registered employees in the same year. [A] The high number probably reflected the fact that two-thirds of musicians were unemployed during the Great Depression. This program divided its resources between education and performance, and thousands of local concerts were held all over the country. [B]

“The high number” in the given sentence refers to “more than 15,000 registered employees.

14. Prose Summary

Why? During the Great Depression, the American government created cultural jobs for unemployed professional workers through the Federal One agency of the WPA.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) Federal One addressed the needs of people not accustomed to construction jobs, employing 40,000 such workers in various programs in its first year.	Clue 14(B)[lines 20-26] Previous New Deal programs had focused almost solely on construction projects, for which some of the more specialized segments of the population were unsuited. Artists, teachers, office workers, writers, performers, and musicians … also needed work. [lines 31-34] Consisting of five different programs, it had employed 40,000 various cultural workers within one year of its inception.
(D) Most Federal One programs focused not only on the creation of cultural products but also on the preservation of historical American culture.	Clue 14(D)[lines 38-41] the Federal Art Project, which concentrated roughly half its resources on the production of art [lines 50-51] documenting the history of American art [lines 59-62] it (the Federal Music Project) carried out the documentation of older, sometimes obscure sources of American music, including regional folk songs [lines 76-77] they (publications by the Federal Writers Project) also included large amounts of information on the history
(F) Four of the five Federal One programs continued for a few years even after Congress cut their budgets, and they left a lasting influence on the country.	Clue 14(F)[lines 89-91] succeeded in persuading Congress to reorganize the WPA. Its emphasis was shifted even further toward construction projects [lines 93-94] the Federal Theatre Project was eliminated outright [lines 98-100] the remaining projects continued to hire workers and carry out their various functions [lines 103-105] Its legacy, including that of the Federal One programs, is still present throughout the U.S.

► The whole passage focuses on the creation of cultural jobs through the Federal One agency of the WPA during the Great Depression. And it follows that <(B) Employment in the area of culture through the Federal One agency —* (D) The contents of the Federal One programs — (F) End of Federal One and its influence) » See 24. (B)

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 3

28.(B) 29. (A) 30. (A) 31. (B) 32. (A) 33. (D) 34. (A) 35. (A) 36. (B) 37. (B) 38. (C) 39. (C) 40. Oil: (F). (H) / Coal: (A), (B), (D) / Natural Gas: (C), (E)

28. Sentence Simplification I (B)

Why? It has been profitably extracted from many sites across the globe, // and its liquid form makes it relatively easy to transport; // these two characteristics of oil have contributed to the development of an enormous international industry based on the production and distribution of this fuel.

Why Not? (A) Information about the ease of transporting oil is left out.

(D) Not mentioned

29. Factual Information I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true about extracting oil from the ground?

Why? ~ See Clue 29(A)[lines 4-7]

► Found in natural underground reservoirs, oil is a thick, dark liquid that is recovered from the ground through pumping and drilling processes.

Why Not? (B), (D) Not mentioned / (C) Incorrect ~See lines 5-7

30. Inference I (A)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about coal?

Why? (A) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 20-21 and lines 32-37. **See Clue 30(A)

Why Not? (B) Incorrect See lines 21-23/ (C), (D) Not supported

31. Reference I (B)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? Although the applications of coal have changed since the introduction of the internal combustion engine decreased the need for coal to power steam engines, it is still a heavily exploited energy source.

– See Clue 31(B)[lines 32-37]

32. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word Comprising in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? constituting can replace comprising in this context. **-See Clue 32(A)[lines 43-45]

• comprise v. to form a portion of a larger group

• constitute v. to officially form a group

33. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. In paragraph 3, the author explains that natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels by

Why? The author explains that natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels by comparing their carbon dioxide emission figures. –See Clue 33(D)[lines 65-68]

34. Inference I (A)

Q.What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about natural gas?

Why? (A) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 49-51 and lines 53-55. See Clue 34(A)

Why Not? (B) Incorrect **-See lines 65-681 (C) Not supported / (D) Incorrect See lines 53-54

35. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word diverse in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? various can replace diverse in this context. «”See Clue 35{A)[lines 61-64]

• diverse adj. of various kinds or forms

• various adj. of many different types

36. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word finite in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? limited can replace finite in this context. ^See Clue 36(B)[lines 72-74]

• finite adj. having an end or limit

• limited adj. restricted in amount or number

37. Rhetorical Purpose I (B)

Q. In paragraph 4, why does the author mention ODd dud?

Why? Coal dust is mentioned as an example of health risks miners face. The author points out the drawbacks of using fossil fuel in terms of health. <*See Clue 37(B)[lines 89-92]

38. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word intrinsic in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? fundamental can replace intrinsic in this context. ••See Clue 38{C)[lines 85-92] 9

intrinsic adj. being inherent in one’s nature or character 9

fundamental adj. relating to the most basic and important part of something

39. Insert Text (C)

Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? (B) It helps produce electricity, fuels vehicles, and meets household energy needs—for example in cooking and heating. (C) in addition to these uses of natural gas, there are many potential applications that have not been fully realized yet. In terms of pollution, natural gas is a cleaner fossil fuel; when burned it releases 30 percent less carbon dioxide than oil and 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal. (D)

► ‘these uses* in the given sentence refers to the various uses of natural gas exemplified in previous sentence. In addition to is used to add further information to the preceding sentence.

40. Schematic Table

Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases below.

Select the appropriate phrases from the answer choices and match them to the type of fossil fuel to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.

	Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
Oil	(F) Is the predominant transportation fuel	Clue 40(F)[lines 14-17] Oil is … 90 percent of the fuel that powers vehicles.
Oil	(H) Is the most widely used energy source	Clue 40(H)[lines 1-2] the most commonly consumed source of energy is oil
Coal	(A) Is no longer the world’s dominant fuel source	Clue 40(A)[lines 21-23] it currently accounts for a smaller percentage of global energy consumption than oil
	(B) Is the most plentiful kind of fossil fuel	Clue 40(B)[lines 28-29] More abundant than any other fossil fuel
	(D) Emits more carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels	Clue 40(D)[lines 66-68] when burned it (natural gas) releases 30 percent less carbon dioxide than oil and 45 percent less carbon dioxide than coal
Natural Gas	(C) Was once considered a mere byproduct	Clue 40(C)[lines 51-53] for some time it was considered to be nothing more than a byproduct of oil
Natural Gas	(E) Can be transported in either liquid or gaseous form	Clue 40(E)[lines 53-55] transporting natural gas was expensive and required complex pipeline systems [lines 58-60] As a liquid, natural gas can be distributed using systems similar to those used for oil.

Why Not? (G) Not mentioned / (I) Incorrect See line 81

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 09 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading August 7, 2017 1 Comment

Solution for TOEFL iBT Reading Practice Test 09

KEY for reading passage 2

15. (B) 16. (B) 17. (A) 18. (C) 19. (C) 20. (A) 21. (B) 22. (A) 23. (C) 24 (B) 25. (B) 26. Impact Theory: (A), (C), (H) / Volcano-Greenhouse Theory: (B), (E), IB, (G)

15. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word enticing in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? inviting can replace enticing in this context. **See Clue 15(B)[lines 1-4]

# enticing ad j. tempting or alluring

• inviting adj. so attractive you want to experience it

16. Inference I (B)

Q. In paragraph 2, what can be inferred about the iridium in the Earth’s crust?

Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 21-24. **See Clue 16(B)

Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not supported

17. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word Speculation in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? conjecture can replace speculation in this context. **See Clue 17(A)[lines 24-28]

• conjecture n. formation of ideas or opinions without much basis

• speculation n. guess about something

18. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 3, some scientists initially doubted the validity of the impact theory because

Why? ^See Clue 18(C)[lines 50-57]

► … when it was initially presented, some scientists were skeptical about the idea of an enormous asteroid. Due to the fact that objects of that size make impressive craters, they argued that the impact mark from the Alvarez asteroid should still be observable. However, for years no one was able to identify a crater of the appropriate size and age. mi

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not mentioned

19. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? The widely accepted impact theory, proposed by Luis Alvarez in 1980, // explains that the high levels of iridium at the K-T boundary may have been caused by a huge asteroid—probably miles in diameter—that slammed into the Earth 65 million years ago, // and the result of that impact was a colossal explosion that created sky-darkening dust clouds around the entire planet.

Why Not? (A), (D) Incorrect

(B) Information about the effect of an asteroid hit on Earth is left out.

20. Reference I (A)

Q. The word they in the passage refers to

Why? … when it was initially presented, and some scientists were skeptical about the idea of an enormous asteroid. Because objects of that size make impressive craters, they argued that the impact mark from the Alvarez asteroid should still be observable. —See Clue 20(A)[lines 51-55]

21. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The phrase ushering in in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? introducing can replace ushering in in this context. See Clue 21(B)[lines 65-68]

• introduce v. to bring about for the first time

• usher in to bring or attend at the beginning

22. Inference I (A)

Q. According to the passage, what does the author imply about the volcano-greenhouse theory?

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 69-70. ~See Clue 22(A)

Why Not? (B), (D) Incorrect —See lines 99-100/(C) Not supported

23. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word fatally in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? lethally can replace fatally in this context. —See Clue 23(C)[lines 88-90]

• fatally adv. in a way that results in death

• lethally adv: in a way that causes death

24. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 4, the volcano-greenhouse theory claims that species became extinct because

Why? -See Clue 24(B)[lines 92-95]

Why Not? (A), (D) Each mentioned in lines 91,81-84, but they are not the direct causes for the species’ extinction / (C) Not mentioned

25. Insert Text [B]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [A] What caused the mass extinctions about 65 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period has long been an enticing scientific riddle, and the reasons for the resulting extermination of the dinosaurs have been the topic of fierce dispute for some time. [B] Since the 1970s, scientists have extensively researched the matter, attempting to ascertain why dinosaurs, which had been the dominant land animals for approximately 160 million years, suddenly vanished at the end of the Cretaceous Period. By studying the layers of the Earth’s crust that correspond to the time period of the mass extinctions, scientists have uncovered clues that, over the past few decades of debate, have evolved into two major theories about the cause of the mysterious mass extinctions. [C]

► “the matter” in the given sentence refers to “What caused the mass extinctions.

26. Schematic Table

Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the phrases below.

Select the appropriate phrases from the answer choices and match them to the theory to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.

Why?

Correct Answer Choices	, Clues in the passage
	(A) Involves a destructive effect caused by dust from a major explosion	Clue 26(A)[lines 34-37] the result of that impact was a colossal explosion that created sky-darkening dust clouds around the entire planet
Impact Theory	(C) Describes the catastrophes caused by blockage of sunlight	Clue 26(C)[lines 44-49] The absence of sunlight and the sudden temperature drop would have quickly destroyed plant species, gradually starved larger herbivores … and eventually killed the carnivores …
	(H) Has a major source of evidence just off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico	Clue 26(H)[lines 59-62] researchers stumbled upon a probable impact site— a huge crater partially submerged in the ocean off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
	(B) Theorizes that the iridium at the K-T boundary is native to the Earth	Clue 26(B)[lines 75-76] the iridium in the K-T boundary originated in the center of the Earth
Volcano- Greenhouse	(E) Suggests that there were disastrous results of a change in the gas composition of the Earth’s atmosphere	Clue 26(E)[lines 84-90] would have thrown massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect… The volcano-greenhouse theory asserts that the planet’s temperature would have risen and fatally disrupted the biosphere.
Theory	(F) Hypothesizes that the Earth’s temperature rose during the extinction period	Clue 26<F)[lines 88-90] The volcano-greenhouse theory asserts that the planet’s temperature would have risen and fatally disrupted the biosphere.
	(G) Refers to geologic phenomena located on the Indian subcontinent	Clue 26(G)[lines 78-81] the Deccan Traps—a volcanic region on the Indian subcontinent—exhibited some of the most severe volcanism in the entire history of the planet

Why Not? (D) Incorrect “See lines 1-2/ (I) Not mentioned

KEY for reading passage 3

27. (B) 28. (A) 29. [A] 30.(D) 31. (B) 32.(C) 33. (B) 34. (D) 35. (C) 36. (A) 37.(D) 38. (B), (E). (F)

27. Vocabulary | (B)

Q. The word curtailed in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? reduced can replace curtailed in this context. –See Clue 27(B)[lines 16-18]

• curtail v. to reduce or limit something

• reduce v. to bring down to a smaller extent size, amount or price

28. Reference I (A)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? When a PCB chemical enters the human body, it is transported throughout the body by the bloodstream and is eventually stored in fatty tissue, where it typically lingers for a long time. ~See Clue 28{A)[lines 31-36]

29. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word expelled in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? eliminated can replace expelled in this context. **See Clue 29(A)]lines 38-39]

• expel v. to discharge or eject something; to force or drive out

• eliminate v. to completely get rid of something

30. Negative Fact I (D)

Q. In paragraph 3, the author states that PCBs are responsible for all of the following health problems EXCEPT

Why Not?

Incorrect Answer Choices	Mentioned in the passage
(A) issues with reproductive abnormalities	[lines 42-43] reproductive irregularities
(B) conditions related to the immune system	[line 44] conditions affecting the immune system
(C) different kinds of cancer	[line 43] various types of cancer

31. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word negligence in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? disregard can replace negligence in this context. **See Clue 31(B)[lines 63-66]

• negligence n. failure to take care of something that you are responsible for

• disregard n. lack of attention; neglect

32. Sentence Simplification I (C)

Why? Soon after, rising fears regarding the poisonous aspects of PCBs, and their constant exposure to the environment, // resulted in congressional intervention in 1976, // when the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed, prohibiting the commercial production and distribution of PCBs. of the chemicals

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Incorrect

33. Inference I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 4, which of the following sentences most accurately reflects the author’s opinion about General Electric’s use of PCBs?

Why? (B) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 63-66 and lines 69-71. ‘See Clue 33(B)

Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Incorrect •’See lines 63-66,69-71

34. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)

Q. In paragraph 4, why does the author mention activist groups?

Why? Activist groups are mentioned as an example of organizations that tried to stop the further use of PCBs. ‘See Clue 34{D)[lines 58-62]

35. Factual Information I (C)

Q. According to paragraph 5, how are some researchers attempting to reduce PCB pollution?

Why? ‘See Clue 35(C)[lines 89-94]

► … researchers conducted studies on ways to eliminate PCBs from the environment using bacteria that exist naturally. The researchers focused their work on the badly contaminated Hudson River, using an inexpensive system involving anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.

Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Not mentioned

36. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word conversion in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? transformation can replace conversion in this context «”See Clue 36{A)[lines 97-99]

• conversion n. switching something from one form to another one

• transformation n. total change

37. Insert Text [D]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [C] However, due to these qualities, PCBs remain in the environment and are difficult to remove. [D] If discarded in water or soil, for instance, the chemicals can cause major ecological problems.

► “the chemicals’ in the given sentence refers to ‘PCBs.’

38. Prose Summary

Q. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

Why? The presence of harmful PCBs in the environment remains a current and global pollution issue.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) PCBs have a stable nature that allows them to remain in the environment for a long time, causing serious health problems to humans and animals.	Clue 38(B)[lines 11-12] They are also known to be very stable [lines 14-15] due to these qualities, PCBs remain in the environment [lines 41-45] they may reach the dangerous levels to which reproductive irregularities, various types of cancer, conditions affecting the immune system, and other illnesses have been attributed
(E) Before the 1970s corporations dumped millions of pounds of PCBs into the environment, but as people became aware of the dangers, the government restricted the chemicals’ use.	Clue 38(E)[lines 69-71] It had dumped approximately 1.3 million pounds of PCBs into the Hudson River, [lines 75-78] rising fears regarding the poisonous aspects of PCBs, and their constant exposure to the environment, resulted in congressional intervention in 1976
(F) Researchers are working on ways to clean up the PCB waste that, though discarded before the 1970s, continues to pollute the environment.	Clue 38(F)[lines 16-21] Before PCB use was curtailed by legislation in the 1970s, their widespread use created environmental problems that remain current global issues. PCBs persist in the environment and pollute the ecosystem by contaminating water, soil, and air. [lines 89-90] researchers conducted studies on ways to eliminate PCBs from the environment

► The whole passage focuses on the serious effect of PCBs in the environment and the response to it. And it follows that <(B) Qualities of PCBs and their effect on the environment —*• (E) Discard of PCBs by corporations and the restriction of the government — (F) Attempt to clean the PCB chemicals) ~See

Why Not? (A) Mentioned in lines 6-9, but minor / (C) Mentioned in lines 19-21, 30-31, but minor / (D) Mentioned in lines 34-36, but minor

KEY FOR READING PASSAGE 1

1. (A) 2. (B) 3. (B) 4. (D) 5. (D) 6. (A) 7. (B) 8. (A) 9. (A) 10. (D) 11. (B) 12. (C) 13. (D) 14. (B). (D), (F)

5. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word repercussions in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? impacts can replace repercussions in this context «-See Clue 5(D)[lines 44-45, 46, 50]

• repercussion n. effect, influence, or result of an action or event

• impact n. effect or influence of one thing on another

6. Inference I (A)

Q. According to paragraph 4, it can be inferred that, after it was created, the Erie Canal rapidly became

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 51-58. **See Clue 6(A)

Why Not? (B), (D) Not supported / (C) Incorrect See lines 51-58

7. Reference I (B)

Q. The word it in the passage refers to

Why? … the volume of shipping traffic quickly escalated. Even the widespread growth of the railroad as a viable form of land transportation in the mid-1800s did nothing to lessen it ~See Clue 7(B)[lines 54-58]

8. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)

Q. In paragraph 5, the author mentions Ohio, Indian and Illinois to

Why? Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois are mentioned in order to show that inhabitants in those regions could deliver their goods to the eastern markets thanks to the Erie Canal, and that the canal ultimately contributed to the westward expansion of the nation. ■*- See Clue 8(A)[lines 62-66,69-71]

9. Vocabulary I (A)

Q. The word facilitating in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? aiding can replace facilitating in this context. —See Clue 9(A)[lines 68-71]

• facilitate v. to make it easier for something to happen

• aid v. to help or offer assistance

10. Sentence Simplification I (D)

Why? Within fifteen years of the canal’s construction, // the amount of goods flowing into New York City and the resultant blossoming of commercial activities had transformed the city into the country’s busiest port, // and ultimately helped it become the prosperous metropolis it is today.

Why Not? (A) Information that the Erie Canal helped New York become the prosperous city it is today is left out.

(B) Not mentioned

11. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 6, how was the canal modified in both the nineteenth and twentieth centuries?

Why? ■■’See Clue 1 lines 82-83, 86-88]

► Between 1836 and 1862, it was enlarged … The enlargement process was carried out again in the early 1900s…

Why Not? (A), (C) Mentioned in lines 90-94, but only true of the 20th century / (D) Not mentioned

12. Factual Information I (C)

Q. In paragraph 7, the author states that the Erie Canal currently

Why? -See Clue 12(C) lines 99-101]

► … in 1994, all commercial traffic on the waterway was stopped.

Why Not? (A), (D) Not mentioned / (B) Incorrect **See lines 99-103

13. Insert Text [D]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [B]The substantial changes in elevation along the route required the installation of eighty-three locks that would lift or lower cargo to the level of the next section of canal. [C] it included eighteen raised aqueducts that allowed the waterway to cross ravines and rivers. [D] Also, bridges were built so that preexisting roads cut by the canal could remain in use. Cargo barges were usually pulled by a team of pack animals from a towpath that ran alongside the canal.

14. Prose Summary

Why? In the early nineteenth century, the Erie Canal was created as a way to move goods across New York to points farther west.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(B) A truly monumental project involving numerous construction tasks, the canal was finished in 1825 after about eight years of work.	Clue 14(B)[line 25] construction began in 1817 [lines 26-29] the arduous undertaking was carried out by hundreds of hardworking local and immigrant laborers [lines 30-31] In 1825, the Erie Canal was completed
(D) The Erie Canal provided a cheap means of shipping products between distant regions, significantly boosting the economies of both the Midwest and New York City.	Clue 14(D)[lines 51-54] transporting a ton of cargo by road from Buffalo to New York City cost around $100. By 1835, the canal had cut the figure to only four dollars per ton [lines 69-72] the Erie Canal greatly contributed to the westward expansion of the American nation. However, the eastern endpoint of the route was affected as well.
(F) Over the years, the canal was updated to address increases in traffic and remained in use until it was finally sidelined by the highway system.	Clue 14(F)[lines 80-82] As shipping traffic increased and new engineering technologies became available, the canal received many upgrades. [lines 95-99] It was not until the second half of the twentieth century, when highways began to replace railways as the dominant form of land transport, that use of the Erie Canal began to decrease rapidly.

► The whole passage focuses on the construction of the Erie Canal and its effects on the economy of the U.S. And it follows that ((B) The construction of the Erie Canal —* (D) The effects of the Erie Canal on the economies of the Midwest and New York City —* (F) Updates to the Erie Canal and end of its commercial use) **See

Why Not? (A) Mentioned in lines 12-15, but minor / (C) Not supported / (E) Incorrect ~See lines 95-99

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 08 Solution & Explanation

By Wiki Study in Solution for Reading August 6, 2017 0 Comment

SOLUTION & EXPLANATION FOR TOEFL IBT READING PRACTICE TEST 08 ( FROM TOEFL IBT IVY’S READING 15 ACTUAL TESTS)

KEY

1. (A) 2. (D) 3. (B) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (C) 7. (C) 8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (C) 11. (B)

1. Inference I (A)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 1 about the origin of Ancient Puebloan culture?

Why? (A) can be inferred from the information in lines 23-26. ••See Clue 1(A)

Why Not? (B) Incorrect See lines 7-11 / (C) Incorrect «-See lines 23-26/ (D) Not supported

2. Vocabulary I (D)

Q. The word predecessors in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? ancestors can replace predecessors in this context. «-See Clue 2(D)[lines 27-28]

predecessor n. person who was a member of one’s family a long time ago and from whom one is descended

ancestor n. person from whom one is descended, especially if more remote than a grandparent

3. Factual Information I (B)

Q. According to paragraph 2, there is no Pueblo term for their culture’s ancestors because

Why? See Clue 3(B)[lines 30-33]

Because the different groups of modern Pueblos speak different languages, there is no single term for their common ancestors,

Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not mentioned

4. Inference I (D)

Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the term Anasazi?

Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 35-39. ~See Clue 4(D)

Why Not? (A), (C) Not supported / (B) Incorrect **See lines 35-36

5. Vocabulary | (A)

Q. The word fortified in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? strengthened can replace fortified in this context. **-See Clue 5{A)[lines 46-49]

• fortify v. to build physical structures around an area or city for defense

• strengthen v. to make something able to withstand more

6. Reference | (C)

Q. The word that in the passage refers to

Why? Small groups of households composed early communities that eventually expanded into hamlets, villages, and then towns. ^See Clue 6<C)[lines 62-65]

7. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)

Q. Why does the author mention food and wafer supplies in paragraph 4?

Why? Food and water supplies are mentioned as a purpose over which Puebloan communities joined together. ^See Clue 7(C)[lines 67-69]

8. Vocabulary I (B)

Q. The word flourished in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? thrived can replace flourished in this context. **-See Clue 8(B)[lines 79-81]

• flourish v. to develop and be successful

• thrive v. to prosper and become very successful

9. Factual Information I (D)

Q. According to the passage, what happened to the Ancient Puebloans between 1000 and 1300 AD?

Why? ~See Clue 9(D)[lines 83-85]

► From about 1000 to 1300 AD, Ancient Puebloan culture is believed to have reached a climax …

Why Not? (A) It was after 1300 AD that the Ancient Puebloans left the region that their culture had inhabited for centuries. **See lines 87-881 (B), (C) Not mentioned

10. Vocabulary I (C)

Q. The word lingering in the passage is closest in meaning to

Why? remaining can replace lingering in this context. **See Clue 10(C)[lines 94-97]

• lingering adj. continuing to exist for longer than normal or wanted

• remaining adj. being left over

11. Sentence Simplification I (B)

Why? As many as ten thousand of the Ancient Puebloans may have moved southward into the Rio Grande Valley, //which is where Spaniards encountered them a few hundred years later and called them pueblos, meaning “towns’ in Spanish.

Why Not? (A), (D) Not mentioned / (C) Incorrect

12. Insert Text | [C]

Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Why? [B] Using stone hammers to shape sandstone blocks for construction, they later moved from jacal homes to larger, multi-level stone buildings, eventually carving them into cliffs—most likely for protection against enemies. [C] Such dwellings had other advantages astwell because cliff dwellings provided extra protection from weather and did not take up land that could be used for agriculture.

► “Such dwellings” in the given sentence refers to “carving them into cliffs.”

13. Prose Summary

Why? Although archaeologists have evidence about the origin and expansion of the Ancient Puebloan population, they still wonder about the reason for its departure from the Four Comers region.

Correct Answer Choices	Clues in the passage
(A) It is estimated that the Ancient Puebloans first appeared in the fertile Four Corners region around 2000 to 3500 years ago.	Clue 13(A)[lines 23-26] most agree that it was well established in the Four Corners region by at least 1 AD, though some trace its origins as far back as 1500 BC.
(C) Architecture and crafts in the Four Corners region reveal the Ancient Puebloans’ cultural growth.	Clue 13(C)[lines 80-82] Ancient Puebloan culture and art flourished, as seen in numerous baskets and pottery crafts [lines 84-87] Ancient Puebloan culture is believed to have reached a climax, particularly in the areas of pottery, weaving, and architecture
(D) Archaeologists cannot prove why the Ancient Puebloan population departed from the Four Comers region.	Clue 13{D)[lines 91-92] What caused the Ancient Puebloans to leave is not entirely clear to archaeologists.

► The whole passage focuses on the history of the Ancient Puebloans and their cultural development. And it follows that <(A) The origin of the Ancient Puebloans — (C) The culture of the Ancient Puebloans — (D) Relocation of the Ancient Puebloans)

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 13 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 17, 2016 37 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 13 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

This section measures your ability to understand academic passages in English. The Reading section is divided into 2 separately timed parts.
Most questions are worth 1 point but the last question in each set is worth more than 1 point. The directions indicate how many points you may receive.

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 12 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 16, 2016 9 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 12 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 11 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 15, 2016 22 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 11 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 10 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 14, 2016 12 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 10 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 09 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 13, 2016 20 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 09 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 08 from IVY’s Reading Actual Test

By Wiki Study in Reading September 13, 2016 24 Comments

TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 08 from IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Test

Some passages include a word or phrase that is underlined in blue. Click on the word or phrase to see a definition or an explanation. Continue reading

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