Solution & Explanation for TOEFL IBT Reading Practice Test 02 ( From TOEFL iBT IVY’s Reading 15 Actual Tests)
KEY
1. (B) 2. (B) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6, (D) 7. |B) 8. |A) 9. (D) 10. (C) 11. H 12. |A), (B), (D)
1. Factual Information I (B)
Q. According to paragraph 1, a defining feature of tundra is its
Why? -See Clue 1(B)[lines 10-13]
► The name comes from a Finnish word meaning “treeless plain.” As this description implies, tundra regions are relatively flat and devoid of large vegetation.
Why Not? (A) Not mentioned / (C), (D) Each mentioned in line 15, line 9 but not a defining feature of tundra
2. Vocabulary I (B)
Q. The word barren in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? empty can replace barren in this context. —See Clue 2(B)[lines 14-16]
• barren adj. unable to produce fruit or seeds
• empty adj. nothing inside
3. Factual Information I (A)
Q. In paragraph 2, the author states that Antarctic tundra
Why? -See Clue 3(A)[lines 22-23] mm Why Not? (B)-(D) Not mentioned
4. Reference I (D)
Q. The phrase the term in the passage refers to
Why? … most tundra falls into the Arctic category, and when used generally, the term usually refers to that region. —See Clue 4(D)[lines 22-24]
5. Sentence Simplification I (A)
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? ->Because this water cannot drain down through the solid permafrost, it collects at the surface, forming bogs and ponds that // provide water for the survival of both plants and animals and even act as breeding grounds for some insects.
Why Not? (B) Information about the forming process of bogs and ponds is left out.
(C) Incorrect
(D) Information about the benefits that bogs and ponds provide plants and animals with is left out.
6. Inference I (D)
Q. According to paragraph 4, what can be inferred about the majority of plants in the tundra?
Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 53-54. —See Clue 6(D)
Why Not? (A) Not supported / (B) Incorrect —See lines 60-61 / (C) Incorrect —See lines 56-57
7. Vocabulary I (B)
Q. The word scarcely in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? rarely can replace scarcely in this context. “-See Clue 7(B)[lines 60-62]
• scarcely adv. barely or almost none at all
• rarely adv. not often
8. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word fluctuations in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? changes can replace fluctuations in this context. “-See Clue 8(A)[lines 74-76]
• fluctuation n. change in a measurable thing
o change n. process or outcome of something or someone becoming different
9. Rhetorical Purpose I (D)
Q. Why does the author discuss the lemming in paragraph 5?
Why? The lemming is discussed as an example of one key species that can determine the population of other animals. “-See Clue 9(D)[lines 78-80]
10. Negative Fact I (C)
Q. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as differences between tundra and other biomes EXCEPT
Why Not?
| Incorrect Answer Choices | — Mentioned in the passage |
| ‘
(A) the instability of animal populations |
…….—
[lines 75-76] larger than normal fluctuations in the animal populations |
| (B) a permanently frozen layer of soil | [lines 27-28] the ground remains frozen year round |
| (D) low yearly precipitation levels | [lines 39-40] only six to ten inches of precipitation annually |
11. Insert Text ! C
Q. Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
Why? B Similar to tundra plants, the animals in this biome reproduce quickly during the short period in summer when resources are more abundant. C Many of them also develop excess layers of fat at this time to protect them from the approaching cold. In winter, most animals either migrate farther south or remain in hibernation until the spring. D
► “them” in the given sentence refers to “the animals,” and “this time” refers to “the short period in summer.” Also is used to supplement the preceding information.
12. 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? Its harsh climate and thick layer of frozen soil make the Arctic tundra one of Earth’s most unique biomes.
| Correct Answer Choices | Clues in the passage |
| (A) Even though the tundra is usually very cold and dry, melting ice in summer produces surface water that can sustain various species. | Clue 12(A)[lines 31-33] temperatures in the tundra biome remain low for most of the year [line 38] the tundra biome is one of the world’s driest
[lines 40-42] Life is sustained by the ice in the soil and the aboveground snow that melt during the summer months. |
| (B) Plants have adapted to the tundra by developing shallow roots and taking advantage of the short summer growing season. | Clue 12(B)[lines 53-54] plants with shallow root systems are best adapted for survival [lines 58-60] the plants able to grow and reproduce quickly during this brief time have the best chance of survival |
| (D) Many animals inhabiting the tundra survive by reproducing quickly in summer and either migrating or hibernating in winter. | Clue 12(D)[lines 69-73] the animals in this biome reproduce quickly during the short period in summer when resources are most abundant. In winter, most animals either migrate farther south or remain in hibernation until the spring. |
► The whole passage focuses on the environmental features of the tundra region and adaptation of the tundra plants and animals. And it follows that ((A) The environmental features of tundra region —• (B) Adaptation of tundra plants — (D) Adaptation of tundra animals) «-See <Graphic Organizer) on p.255
Why Not? (C) Mentioned in lines 12-13, 60-61, but minor / (E) Mentioned in lines 82-85, but minor / (F) Not mentioned
13. Vocabulary I (D)
Q. The word exclusive in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? unique can replace exclusive in this context. –See Clue 13(D)[lines 1-5]
• exclusive adj. available or belonging only to specific people, and not shared
• unique adj. being the only one of its kind, special
14. Factual Information I (D)
Q. According to paragraph 1, what is true about the relationship between mammoths and elephants?
Why? –See Clue 14(D)[lines 3-6] an Why Not? (A), (B) Incorrect –See lines 3-6/(C) Not mentioned
15. Sentence Simplification I (D)
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? Some of the most significant finds have involved // complete mammoth carcasses preserved in the glaciers and permafrost // of Siberia and Alaska, which are particularly useful to scientists // because they provide samples of tissue, hair, and even undigested food from these creatures that perished so long ago.
Why Not? (A) Information about what mammoth carcasses provide is left out.
(B) Information about where mammoth carcasses were discovered and what they provide is left out.
(C) Information about other types of remains is not mentioned.
16. Inference I (B)
Q. What can be inferred from the discussion of fossilized teeth in paragraph 2?
Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 28-30. “-See Clue 16(B)
Why Not? (A), (D) Not supported / (C) Incorrect <*See lines 16-19
17. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word remnants in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? traces can replace remnants in this context. <^See Clue 17(A)[lines 26-28]
• remnant n. surviving trace or sign of something that once existed but exists or appears no more
• trace n. small sign revealing that someone or something was present or existed
18. Vocabulary I (C)
Q. The word (Tails in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? characteristics can replace traits in this context. –See Clue 18(C)[lines 31-34]
• trait n. specific quality in someone’s character
• characteristic n. quality or feature of something or someone that is typical of them and easily identifiable
19. Rhetorical Purpose ! (C)
Q. Why does the author mention the ekphant-like trunk in paragraph 3?
Why? The elephant-like trunk is mentioned in order to give an example of the common traits among the different mammoth species. —See Clue 19(C)[lines 33-34]
20. Inference I (A)
Q. From paragraph 4, it can be inferred that tusk length in mammoths was
Why? (A) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 44-46 and lines 49-51. —See Clue 20(A)
Why Not? (B)-(D) Not supported
21. Vocabulary I (B)
Q. The word withstand in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? bear can replace withstand in this context. —See Clue 21(B)[lines 68-70]
• withstand v. to be strong enough to remain unaffected by something such as great heat, cold, pressure etc.
• bear v. to bravely endure through a painful, difficult, or upsetting situation
22. Negative Fact ! (C)
Q. According to paragraph 5, the woolly mammoth differed from other mammoths in all of the following EXCEPT
Why? -See Clue 22{C)[lines 75-78]
Why Not? (A) —See lines 68-70/ (B) —See lines 61-63/(D) —See lines 65-68
23. Factual Information I (A)
Q. According to paragraph 6, the Wrangel Island pygmies
Why? —See Clue 23(A)]lines 83-86] m Why Not? (B), (D) Not mentioned / (C) Incorrect —See lines 83-86
24. Reference I (A)
Q. The word them in the passage refers to
Why? This species most likely evolved from Columbian mammoths that wandered over to the islands … the limited space and resources available on the islands forced IMP to evolve smaller bodies in order to adapt. —See Clue 24<A)[lines 90-92, 95-97]
25. Insert Text |C
Q. Look at the four squares [] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
Why? B To withstand the frigid climate, the woolly mammoth developed long, dense coats of hair and fur, giving it a truly extraordinary appearance. C It also maintained a thick layer of fat just beneath the outer skin that served as insulation from the cold. With a height of ten feet and weighing about five tons, it was much smaller than the Columbian mammoth, and its tusks were also slightly shorter, reaching a maximum length of fourteen feet. D
► Also is used to supplement the preceding information. continued
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 species of mammoth 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 | |
| Columbian
Mammoth |
(A) Was probably the largest land mammal of its time | Clue 26(A)[lines 1-6] The two modern elephant species maintain the exclusive status of being the largest land mammals on the planet. In the past, however, they had to share this distinction. Their closest prehistoric relatives were the mammoths
[lines 44-45] The Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) was the largest of all the mammoths. |
| (H) Appeared first around 100,000 years ago | Clue 26(H)[lines 54-56] Fossil evidence shows that this species lived between 100,000 and 9,000 years ago | |
| (1) Is known to have lived in a tropical environment | Clue 26(1 Klines 51-54] It made its home in the warmer regions of North America, reaching as far south as Central America. | |
| (B) Is more likely to have been preserved in glaciers | Clue 26(B)[lines 61-63] inhabiting, unlike many other mammoths, the far northern expanses of the globe | |
| Woolly Mammoth | (E) Existed simultaneously on multiple continents | Clue 26(E)[lines 65-68] it occupied a range along the entire northern rim, from the British Isles east through Siberia, over the Bering land bridge, and into northern Canada |
| Pygmy Mammoth | (D) Became extinct most recently | Clue 26(D)[lines 100-101] these miniature mammoths lasted longer than any other species |
| (F) Evolved in isolated habitats | Clue 26(F)[lines 95-96] the limited space and resources available on the islands |
Why Not? (C) Not mentioned / (G) Incorrect *■-See lines 75-78
Solution for Reading Passage 3
27. Sentence Simplification 1 (D)
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? Through the country’s first century, laborers in all kinds of trades were involved // in small-scale protests to better their working conditions, // but it was when the first labor unions—organizations that speak on behalf of workers for fair wages and good working conditions—began to appear in the late 1800s that // the labor movement gained momentum.
Why Not? (A) Information about the significance labor unions have for the labor movement is left out.
(B) Information that protests were ineffective is not mentioned.
(C) Information that labor unions provided workers with the first opportunity to convey their opinions is not mentioned.
28. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word ideals in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? principles can replace ideals in this context.
• ideal n. principle about a perfect standard that you hope to attain
• principle n. moral rule or belief about what is right and wrong that affects how you behave
29. Vocabulary I (C)
Q. The word hazardous in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? dangerous can replace hazardous in this context. ^See Clue 29<C)[lines 28-31]
hazardous adj. dangerous, especially to people’s well-being • dangerous adj. possessing ability to harm or kill you
30. Factual Information I (B)
Q. According to paragraph 3, the Washing Society organized strikers by
Why? ~See Clue 30(B)[lines 35-39]
► They formed a union named the Washing Society and organized a strike, spreading the word by going door to door and inviting other washerwomen to join them.
31. Inference I (A)
Q. According to paragraph 3, what can be inferred about the general population’s attitude toward the washerwomen before the strike?
Why? (A) can be inferred from combining the information in lines 32-34 and lines 47-49. «-See Clue 31(A)
Why Not? (B)-(D) Not supported
32. Rhetorical Purpose I (B)
Q. In paragraph 4, why does the author mention the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory owner’s policy of locking the factory doors?
Why? The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory owner’s policy of locking the factory doors is mentioned in order to show that the owner’s policy was responsible for the tragedy and there should be an action to prevent such a thing from happening again. ®-See Clue 32(B)[lines 59-61, 63-65]
33. Inference I (B)
Q. According to paragraph 4, what can be inferred about factory safety before the founding of the Factory Investigating Commission?
Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 70-73. «-See Clue 33(B)
Why Not? (A), (D) Not supported / (C) Incorrect ®-See lines 70-73
34. Vocabulary i (A)
Q. The word endorsed in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? supported can replace endorsed in this context. “-See Clue 34(A)[lines 90-93]
• endorse v. to communicate formal support or approval for someone or something
• support v. to agree with an idea, group, or person
35. Negative Fact I (C)
Q. All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 5 as results of the labor movement EXCEPT
| Incorrect Answer Choices | Mentioned in the passage |
| (A) a limited work week that provides employees with two-day weekends | |
| (B) a minimum wage that guarantees employees will receive a certain amount of compensation | [lines 96-97] laws against… minimum wages |
| (D) a fixed length for workdays so that people cannot be forced to work more than eight hours a day | [line 96] eight-hour workdays |
36. Reference 1 (D)
Q.The word they in the passage refers to
Why? Because they provide people with a way of coordinating their efforts and defending their common interests, labor unions perform a democratic function. «-See Clue 36(D)[lines 98-101]
37. Vocabulary I (C)
Q. The word coordinating in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? organizing can replace coordinating in this context. **-See Clue 37(C)[lines 98-101]
• coordinate v. to organize an activity so that the people involved in it will cooperate and achieve good results
• organize v. to make the necessary arrangements so that an activity can run effectively
38. Insert Text | B
Q. Look at the four squares [|] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
Why? A They say that unions are responsible for decreasing working hours and establishing safety laws, which increases costs for companies and inhibits their productivity. B This argument is valid because companies do have to make some concessions in order to protect their employees. The problem with this argument, however, is that it suggests that profit is more valuable than laborers’ well-being. C “This argument” in the given sentence refers to what the opponents of the labor movement insisted, and is repeated in the following sentence.
39. 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? From the earliest days of the United States, workers have been organizing and staging group actions to improve their collective working conditions and benefits.
| Correct Answer Choices | Clues in the passage |
| (B) The Washing Society labor union conducted a strike in Atlanta and raised both the pay and the recognition of washerwomen. | Clue 39(B)[lines 32-34] twenty black women who worked as washerwomen met to discuss setting a standard wage
[lines 41-44] The Washing Society’s group action could not be ignored, and city officials were eventually forced to acknowledge these women’s concerns. [lines 47-49] the strike encouraged this large population to think about the washerwomen’s situation |
| (D) A fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and the subsequent pressure from labor unions led the government to pass laws ensuring the safety of workers. | Clue 39(D)[lines 56-58] the 1911 fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory that killed 146 of the 500 factory employees
[lines 65-69] The Women’s Trade Union League demanded an investigation, and soon the Factory Investigating Commission was founded, passing laws to promote safety in factories. |
| (E) The labor movement rejects the idea that company profit is more important than workers’ rights and instead struggles to secure better benefits for laborers.
— |
Clue 39(E)[lines 90-95] Workers are people with rights—a point of view that labor unions have endorsed throughout the history of the labor movement. This belief has led unions to fight for the benefits that many modern working people take for granted |
► The whole passage focuses on the role of labor unions in American labor movement history and two major events contributing to its development. And it follows that {(B) Major event 1: Atlanta washerwomen’s strike — (D) Major event 2: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire — (E) Functions of labor unions) ^See
Why Not? (A), (C), (F) Not supported