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)
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? 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
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? 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)
KEY
14. Vocabulary I (C)
Q. The word profoundly in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? “were profoundly affected’ and ‘utterly transformed’ are equivalent can replace profoundly in this context. “-See Clue 14(C)[lines 10-15]
• profoundly adv. totally or completely
• greatly adv. extremely or very much
15. Inference I (B)
Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 1 about the Industrial Revolution?
Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 9-10. “-See Clue 15(B) \
Why Not? (A) Incorrect –See lines 1-6/(C), (D) Not supported
16. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word demarcated in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? measured can replace demarcated in this context. “-See Clue 16(A)[lines 19-22]
• demarcate v. to decide or mark the boundaries of an area
• measure v. to determine the size, length, or amount of something
17. Factual Information I (B)
Q. According to paragraph 3, performances during the Classical period
Why? “See Clue 17(B)[lines 40-41, 45-47]
Why Not? (A), (C), (D) Not mentioned
18. 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? At the turn of the nineteenth century, // when the myriad technological advancements of the Industrial Revolution were really beginning to affect the lives of ordinary people, // Classicism in Western music was gradually giving way to a new style—Romanticism, transitioning from Classical to Romantic »
Why Not? (A), (B), (C) Not mentioned
19. Inference I (D)
Q. Based on information from paragraph 4 about the relationship between the Classical and Romantic periods, it can be inferred that
Why? (D) can be inferred from the information in lines 66-69. **See Clue 19(D)
Why Not? (A) Incorrect See lines 58-59/ (B), (C) Not supported
20. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word expendable in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? extra can replace expendable in this context **See Clue 20(A)[lines 75-78]
• expendable adj. dispensable; not strictly necessary
• extra adj. additional or more
21. Rhetorical Purpose I (C)
Q. Why does the author mention celebrity status in paragraph 5?
Why? Celebrity status is mentioned in order to show that musicians were recognized in the Romantic period more than in the Classical period. That is, the author mentions it to contrast the status of musicians in the Romantic and Classical periods. ^See Clue 21(C)[lines 85-88]
22. Reference I (B)
Q. The word their in the passage refers to
Why? … musicians and composers lost their roles as servants to the aristocracy and gained celebrity status as more and more people were exposed to their work. «-See Clue 22(B)[lines 86-89]
23. Vocabulary I (D)
Q. The word manifested in the passage is closest in meaning to
k Why? displayed can replace manifested in this context. **See Clue 23(D)[lines 90-93]
• manifest v. to show clearly or evidently
• display v. to show something for others to see
24. Factual Information I (A)
Q. According to paragraph 6, what led the home to become a site for musical presentations?
Why? ~See Clue 24(A)[lines 95-101]
► … the Industrial Revolution also introduced their mass production. Ordinary people could now afford to buy their own pianos, violins, and guitars. In many homes, the parlor room was the center of family life, and during the Romantic period, it became the frequent site of solo and ensemble performances.
Why Not? (B), (D) Each mentioned in lines 102-103 and lines 103-105, but it is a result of the home becoming a site for musical presentations, not the cause / (C) Not mentioned
25. Insert Text | [A]
Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
Why? Another dramatic outcome of the Industrial Revolution was the rise of the middle class, a segment of society with enough expendable income to pay to attend concerts and recitals. [A] This new, sizable audience meant that musical performances no longer had to be organized to cater solely to high society.
Larger, more elaborate concerts were held, and this shift altered the music itself. [B]
► “This new, sizable audience” in the given sentence refers to “the middle class.”
26. Schematic Table
Q. Directions: Complete the table by matching the statements below.
Select the appropriate statements from the answer choices and match them to the musical period to which they relate. TWO of the answer choices will NOT be used. This question is worth 4 points.
Why?
| Correct Answers Choices | Clues in the passage | |
| Classical Period
|
(B) Musicians depended on the patronage of the wealthy. | Clue 26(B)[lines 37-401 Most composers were actually retained by noblemen or other powerful people as servants to provide music for their courts. |
| (D) Orchestras typically included fewer instruments. | Clue 26(D)[line 28] the limited full orchestras of the time | |
| (G) Audiences were familiar with formal music theory. | Clue 26(G)[lines 41-44] most people who attended a performance had at least some background knowledge of the musical principles of order and symmetry that were accepted at the time | |
| (H) Perfection of musical structure was the primary goal. | Clue 26(H)[lines 48-50] The structure of a composition was of equal or typically more importance than the emotional result of the music. | |
| Romantic Period
|
(C) Emotions evoked by music were more important than its format. | Clue 26(C)[lines 80-84] Composers experimented with stretching and even breaking the limits of the old Classical rules. Popular Romantic ideals of imagination and emotion were reflected in the music. |
| (F) Composers made use of folk melodies. | Clue 26(F)[lines 84-85] Folk tunes were even utilized to relate to a broader audience. | |
| {1) Quality instruments were accessible for private use. | Clue 26(l)[lines 96-98] Ordinary people could now afford to buy their own pianos, violins, and guitars. |
Why Not? (A) Incorrect **See lines 26-27, 100-101 / (E) Not mentioned
KEY
27. Rhetorical Purpose I (A)
Q. Why does the author mention Latin words in paragraph 1?
Why? The term Latin words is mentioned in order to show that ‘circadian* is of Latin origin. ■•’See Clue 27(A)[lines 1-4]
28. Factual Information | (A)
Q. According to paragraph 2, what is convergent evolution?
Why? *rSee Clue 28(A)]lines 24-27]
► … convergent evolution—the process of unrelated species developing similar adaptations in response to similar pressures in their environments.
29. Reference I (B)
Q. The word their in the passage refers to
Why? … convergent evolution—the process of unrelated species developing similar adaptations in response to similar pressures in their environments. <*See Clue 29(B)[lines 24-27]
30. Vocabulary I (B)
Q. The word standpoint in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? perspective can replace standpoint in this context.
• standpoint n. particular way of thinking about something
• perspective n. way of thinking about something that is often influenced by one’s experiences or environment
31. 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? In nature, the evolution of circadian rhythms has contributed to species’ survival, // as these clocks prepare organisms for cyclical events in their environment // and therefore help them to anticipate the availability of food and light, the risk of predators, and the best conditions for survival.
Why Not? (A), (C) Information that the evolution of circadian rhythms has contributed to species’ survival is left out.
(D) Not mentioned
32. Negative Fact I (D)
Q. According to the passage, all of the following demonstrate evolutionary advantages of circadian rhythms EXCEPT
Why Not?
| Incorrect Answer Choices | Mentioned in the passage |
| (A) Insects that emerge from pupal cases in the early morning | [lines 40-41] insects to come out of their pupal cases near dawn |
| (B) species that are active while their natural enemies are inactive | [lines 36-37] anticipate the availability of food and light, the risk of predators |
| (C) forager bees that search for food on a rhythmic schedule | [lines 60-62] As foragers, bees search for food on a rhythmic schedule guided by circadian rhythms |
33. Factual Information I (D)
Q. According to paragraph 4, why is it important that nurse bees lack circadian rhythms?
Why? ~See Clue 33(D)[lines 51-571
► … it is advantageous for non-forager bees—like nurse bees, for example, which spend their time working within the hive, performing caregiving tasks that require constant attention—to lack circadian rhythms and maintain their duties twenty-four hours a day.
Why Not? (A)-(C) Not mentioned
34. Vocabulary I (B)
Q. The word coordination in the passage is closest in meaning to
b Why? organization can replace coordination in this context. ••See Clue 34(B)[lines 46-49]
• coordination n. harmonious adjustment or interaction of parts so that they function well
• organization n. act or process of organizing or arranging
35. Inference I (C)
Q. Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 6 about the short-term effect of a completely dark environment on circadian rhythms?
Why? (C) can be inferred from the information in lines 95-97. 3See Clue 35(C)
Why Not? (A), (B), (D) Incorrect –See lines 95-97
36. Vocabulary I (A)
Q. The word eliminated in the passage is closest in meaning to
Why? removed can replace eliminated in this context 3See Clue 36(A)[lines 89-94]
• eliminate v. to completely do away with something
• remove v. to get rid of something
37. Inference I (B)
Q. What can be inferred from paragraph 7 about the relationship between circadian rhythms and health?
Why? (B) can be inferred from the information in lines 102-105. See Clue 37(B) m Why Not? (A) Not supported / (C) Incorrect 3-See lines 102-105/ (D) Not supported (the passage says asynchronous circadian rhythms cause sleep disorders and diabetes, but whether the converse is true or not is not mentioned.)
38. Insert Text [B]
Q. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
Why? [A] The SCN uses this information to regulate hormones, body temperature, alertness, and sleep patterns. [B] All of these rhythmic biological functions depend on the SCN to guide the body through its daily cycles. Body temperature is lowest during sleep and may range as much as two degrees Fahrenheit over the course of a day. [C]
► ‘these rhythmic biological functions’ in the given sentence refers to ‘to regulate hormones, body temperature, alertness, and sleep patterns.”
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? Circadian rhythms are universal, beneficial, and powerful influences on daily life on Earth.
| Correct Answer Choices | Clues in the passage |
| (B) From bacteria to humans, dissimilar species across the planet have evolved circadian rhythms that synchronize them with the Earth’s twenty-four-hour cycle. | Clue 39(B)[lines 15-19] Because it is advantageous for organisms to operate on a twenty-four-hour cycle that mimics the rotational period of the Earth, diverse species have evolved internal mechanisms that maintain circadian rhythms. |
| (D) Maintaining social order, increasing species’ chances of survival, and preparing people for daily routines, circadian rhythms are advantageous in many respects. | Clue 39(D)[lines 32-35] the evolution of circadian rhythms has contributed to species’ survival, as these clocks prepare organisms for cyclical events in their environment
[lines 47-48] circadian rhythms are essential for the maintenance of social order [lines 83-85] All of these aspects of human life are to some degree governed by circadian rhythms. |
| (E) Circadian rhythms use light to synchronize themselves with the Earth’s cycle, but they are capable of continuing even without any hints from the external environment. | Clue 39(E)[lines 55-66] circadian rhythms synchronize the body with the cycle of day and night [lines 95-97] circadian rhythms persist, even when all temporal hints are removed from an individual’s environment |
► The whole passage focuses on the characteristics and functions of circadian rhythms. And it follows that <(B) Circadian rhythm as a result of convergent evolution — (D) Advantages of circadian rhythms — (E) Persistence of circadian rhythms) «-See on p. 375 mm Why Not? (A) Mentioned in lines 1-4, but minor / (C) Mentioned in lines 73-75, but minor / (F) Mentioned in lines 98-105, but minor