Reading Comprehension Section Test On the following pages you will find a practice section test for Section Three of the TOEFL Reading Comprehension. Allow yourself 55 minutes to complete this test Use the third part of the SECTION TESTS ANSWER SHEET, numbers 1-50, from the General Appendix, #3, page 508 to record your answers. When answering each question, use the strategies and skills you have reviewed in the preceding chapter. Score your test using the Answer Key. Next to cach answer in this key is the number of the checkpoint that is being tested in the corresponding Reading Comprehension Section Test questions. Use these numbers to determine which checkpoints, if any, you need to study again. Estimate your TOEFL score for this section test using Score Conversion Table 1 in the General Appendix, #2, page 505. Reading Comprehension 309Section 3 Reading Comprehension Time: 55 minutes Directions: In this section you will read several passages. Each one is followed by several questions about it. For questions 1-50, you are to choose the one best answer, (A), (B), (C), or (D), to each question. Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen, Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage. Read the following passage: The flamingo is a beautiful water bird with long legs and a curving neck like a swan’s. Most flamingos have deep red or flame-colored feathers with black quills. Some have pink or white feathers. The long legs and webbed feet are well suited Line for wading, The flamingo eats in a peculiar manner. It plunges its head (5) underwater and sifts the mud with a fine hairlike “comb” along the edge of its bent bill. In this way, it strains out small shellfish and other animals, The bird nests on a mound of mud with a hollow on top to hold its single egg. Flamingos are timid and often live together in large colonies, The birds once lived in the southern United States, but plume hunters killed them faster than they could (10) breed, and the flamingo no longer lives wild in the United States. Example I Sample Answer The flamingo can eat shellfish and other Deo@ animals because of its {A) curved neck {B) especially formed bill (©) long legs (D) brightly colored feathers z According to the passage, the flamingo sifts mud for food with “a fine haitlike ‘comb’ along the edge of its bent bill.” Therefore, you should choose (B). Example 11 Sample Answer In line 6, the phrase “strains out” is closest DOeD {in meaning to (A) propels (B) exerts pressure on (©) separates (D) rejects ‘The phrase “strains out” is closest in meaning to “separates.” Therefore, you should choose (C). Now begin work on the questions, Geen 310 Reading Comprehension Section Test3\ B\ AB B AB A B Questions 1-10 f ‘One of the most mysterious things in nature is the ability of certain creatures to find their way home, sometimes from great distances. Birds are not the only ones who can do this. Bees, eels, and salmon are able to return to a particular Line place after long journeys, too. (5) ‘Most migrations take place between breeding grounds and regions where animals feed. For some animals, such as the lemming, the move is a one-way trip. Some scientists call this movement emigration, because these animals never return to their homes. For other animals, such as birds, the migration includes a return trip home. Birds move in periodic migrations, or at regular times during, (10) their lives, and often to the same place year after year. Many experiments have been made with birds in an attempt to find out what guides them on their way home. In one case, seven swallows were taken 400 miles from home. When they were set free, five of them returned to their nests. In another case, a certain kind of sea bird was taken from its nest off the Welsh (15) coast to Venice by plane. When it was released, it made its way home to its nest, a distance of 930 miles if t flew in a straight line. Migrating birds offer an even more amazing example of this ability. There are swifts and house martins that migrate from England to South Africa every year. They not only return to England the next spring, but many of them come back to (20) nest in the very same house where they nested the year before. They fly the incredible distance of 6,000 miles, one way. Certain types of butterflies migrate, too, and find their way home over long distances. In the tropics one can sometimes see great mass flights of butterflies all flying steadily in one direction. They may go a thousand miles and more and (25) then return again in another season Despite all the efforts that have been made to explain how these creatures find t their way home, we stil have no sure explanation. Since many of the birds fly over great bodies of water, we can’t expiain it by saying they use landmarks to guide them, Just to say they have an “instinct” doesn’t really explain the right (30) conditions. The reason they do it may be to obtain food or to reproduce under the right conditions. But the signals and guideposts they use on their flights are still a mystery to man pecan : 1. What does this passage mainly discuss? 2. According to paragraph 2, the main 4 (A) How migratory creatures find their difference between animal emigration way home| and animal migration is 5 (B) Popular places for migration (A) the breeding places (©) Why animals migrate (B) the route taken 7 (D)_ The emigration pattems of butterflies (©) the time spent (D) the final destination Pocus The’ questions for this passage continue on the next page. Geren Reading Comprehension Section Test 3113\ SB\ AY BZ The following questions are based on the passage on page 311. . In paragraph 5 the author mentions butterflies in order to {A)_ include the tropics in the discussion of migration {B) give another example of migratory creatures {C) show that these small flying creatures don’t get lost {D) show that butterflies are sturdy creatures In line 17 the phrase “this ability” refers to {A) the ability to fly without stopping {B) the ability to build nests year after year {C) the ability to find their way home {D) the ability to fly in a straight line According to the passage, swallows travelling from South Africa to England (A) cover a relatively short distance 8) often return to precisely the same point each year (C) may not retumn for a number of years (D) rebuild the same type of nest in similar locations each spring. ‘The word “mass” in line 23 is closest in meaning to (A) visible (B) voluntary (©) rapid (D) large Reading Comprehension Section Test 7. 10. 3\ B\ B ‘The word “signals” in line 31 is closest in meaning to (A) indications (B) instincts (©) radar (D)_ maps ‘The author suggests that using “instinct” to explain the ability of animals to return home during migration is (A) absurd (8) incomplete (©) inaccurate (D) reliable Which of the following devices does the author use to present the information in the passage? (A) Support through exemplification (8) Narration (©) Cause and effect {D) Comparison and contrast The attitude of the author toward the ability of certain creatures to find their way home may best be expressed by which of the following? (A) Confused (8) Sympathetic (©) Admiring (D) Indifferent Ge3 Ques 3 ions 11-19 Medical research on the prevention of strokes has recently made several breakthroughs. The researchers studied strokes that are caused by an irregular heart rhythm that produces blood clots. When those clots get lodged in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, they reduce blood flow and produce a stroke. Up to 75,000 Americans who have strokes cach year suffer from irregular heart thythms. The use of the blood-thinning drug warfarin cuts the risk of a stroke by 67 percent. The data also suggest that aspirin is effective and is a reasonable altemative. Doctors might feel more comfortable prescribing aspirin because of the slight possibility that warfarin may lead to internal bleeding. In separate studies with patients with severe narrowing of the carotid artery, ‘one of the most common causes of a stroke, a form of surgery now exists whi effectively prevents strokes. The surgery involves the removal of a portion of the carotid artery in the neck when it is partially blocked by cholesterol deposits. ‘When the blocked portion has been temoved, the artery is reconnected with an artificial tube or a vein from elsewhere in the body. The research on stroke prevention has showed such dramatic results that doctors have abruptly halted the studies in order to make the information immediately available to all patients. 3\ B\ B B\ B Line ©) (10) 11. What does this passage mainly discuss? 14, Itcanbe inferred from the passage that (A). Surgery to prevent strokes strokes are a result of (B) Strokes and their causes (A) reduced blood flow to the brain (©) New measures for preventing strokes (8) _expansion of the carotid artery (D) Medication for stroke victims (C)_ taking too many aspirin 12. The word “breakthroughs” in line 2 is (0) internal bleeding closest in meaning to 15, The word “cuts” in ine 6s closest in (A). publications ‘meaning to (B) advances (A) severs ° (©) awards (B) interferes (D) operations (©) illustrates 13. According tothe passage, which of the iendaee following.is NOT true ofthe drug warfasin? 16. According to the article, the data about (A) Temight possibly lead to internal aspirin suggest that bleeding (A) itis notas useful as warfarin (B)_Tthas been effective in preventing () itis linked to internal bleeding strokes (©) it could be used instead of warfarin (C)_Ithas been used in research studies on people with irregular heartbeats, {D) Iteliminates cholesterol deposits in arteries (D) itis a substitute for surgery of the carotid artery The questions for this passage continue on the next page. Cee Reading Comprehension Section Test 3133\ B\ BY B B\ AB B The following questions are based on the passage on page 813. 17. The word “it” in line 13 refers to 19. We can conclude from the passage that the (A) the neck attitude of doctors toward the results of the (B) the carotid artery stroke prevention research is (©) surgery (A) cautious (D) astroke ®) positive 18. The word “abruptly” in line 17 is closest area in meaning to (A) carefully (B) suddenly (C) quietly (D) temporarily Eerie 314 Reading Comprehension Section TestX BA A A A A A Questions 20-29 For a brief interlude in American history between the passing of the Indian and the buffalo and the entry of the farmer and the barbed-wire fence, the Great Plains witnessed the most picturesque industrial drama ever staged—the drama Line of the open range and the cattle ranch. If the Southern planter could once claim (5) that cotton was king, the Western caitleman could proclaim with equal fervor that grass was king, For the time being, at least, the plains were one limitless, fenceless, gateless pasture of rich, succulent, and ownerless grass that was there for the taking, Within an incredibly short period the herds of bison had been replaced and outnumbered by the herds of cattle. ao This vast expanse of grassland, populated mainly by longhorn cattle and hardworking cowboys, became the domain of a group of entrepreneurs who decided that they could make money in cattle. These were the hardheaded businessmen who built the Western livestock industry. They were known as the cattle barons, a term they detested, and they ruled enormous fiefs that as of 1883 (15) held half of the West's 23 million cows. Inbackground these businessmen varied widely. A would-be baron often started as a cowboy himself—perhaps one of the men who had drifted into the brushlands after fighting in the Texas Revolution of 1836. Or he might be a refugee from a burned-out farm in the Old South. Or he might be an Easterner (20) seeking a new life and fortune on the frontier. In any case, he was likely to be an adventurous man, accustomed to hard work and violence and ready for both. ‘These men were alike in another respect: they kept their eyes fixed on the profit- and-loss statement. And in so doing they managed to establish a business—and a way of life—that the world would see only once in the Old West they ruled. 20. What does the passage mainly discuss? 22. All of the following can be inferred from the (A) The decline of buffalo herds first paragraph EXCEPT (B) The early development of the (A) there were more cattle gn the range cattle industry during this period than buffalo (C) Financial advantages of Western (B) grass was the most important ranching commodity for the cattleman (D) Techniques of raising cattle (C)__ grazing land at this time was free 21, According to the passage, a notable “ eam sca a characteristic of the Great Plains at this time was 23. The word “entrepreneurs” in line 11 is (A) its relation to the Old South closest in meaning to (B) its crowded population (A) thieves (©) its open grassland (B)_ laborers (D) its opportunities for farmers (©) businessmen () engineers ‘The questions for this passage continue on the next page. Cee Reading Comprehension Section Test 315AB A A A A A A The following questions are based on the passage on page 315. 24, The author mentions that the cattle barons “ruled enormous fiefs” in order to imply that, {A)_ they controlled vast areas of land {B) they paid good wages {C)_ they took advantage of their position {D) they were very hardworking 25, We can infer from the passage all of the following about the cattle barons of the West EXCEPT {A) they were a genteel group {B)_ they owned large tracts of land {C)_ they knew something about finance {D) they came from different backgrounds 26. According to the passage, how did the cattle barons often get their start? (A) They learned about the cattle business in school. {B)_ They read about the West in Eastern newspapers, (©) They began as cowboys on the range. (D) They conquered the area during the war. 316 Reading Comprehension Section Test 27, The word “detested” in line 14 is closest in meaning to (A) respected (B) chose (© treasured (D) disliked 28. Where in the passage does the author ‘mention how the cattle barons achieved their business success? (A) Lines 12-15 (B) Lines 17-20 (©) Lines 20-21 (D) Lines 22-24 29, We can infer from the passage that the lifestyle of the cattle barons (A) remains unchanged (B)_ was dull and dreary (C) no longer exists today (D) relied on the cooperation of farmers EeeRA AAA ASA Questions 30-39 Tomatoes are probably the most popular garden vegetable grown in the United States. This can be attributed to their unique flavor, attractiveness, richness as a source of vitamins C and A, and versatility as a food. The Line popularity of peppers as a garden plant can be attributed to the same factors, (5) although they are usually not consumed in large enough quantities to make them an important nutritional factor in the diet. The cultivated tomato originated in the Andes mountains of South America. It was introduced to other areas of the world by Indians and European travelers. Its seeds were taken to Europe, where a superstition soon arose that the tomato (10) stimulated love. Because of this, the tomato was called the “love apple.” The first report of the tomato in North America was in 1710, where it was grown primarily as an omamental plant. Early colonists brought the seeds to Virginia and grew tomatoes in flower gardens. Tomatoes, actually a fruit that is used as a vegetable, began gaining wide (15) acceptance as a food plant in the United States between 1820 and 1850. Modern plant growers have done much to improve the tomato and add to its usefulness. Its yields have been doubled, and varieties with larger, smoother, more even shapes and meatier pulps have been developed. The tomato is the leading crop canned in the United States today. (20) Peppers are also native to America and were grown by American Indian tribes in both North and South America over 2,000 years ago. The small red hot peppers were discovered by Columbus in the West Indies and introduced into Europe, where they became popular before gaining widespread acceptance in the United States, Peppers became one of the first New World foods used (25) commercially in Europe, Botanists class the fruit of the bush-type garden pepper as a berry. Although most varieties of peppers produce red fruits (which are green in their immature stage), there are some yellow-fruited varieties, and Peppers are of both mild and pungent types. Peppers enjoy warm climates, and young plants can be injured by frosts. Seasonings such as paprika and chili (30) powder and food products such as canned pimentos are commercial uses of garden peppers that are grown in the United States today. The familiar spice black pepper known in households throughout the world is the product of a trailing or climbing shrub grown in Indonesia and other hot countries. The islands of Java and Madura furnish most of the black pepper used (35) in American homes. The United States buys almost 25,000 tons of this spice annually. a i ‘The questions for this passage continue on the next page. Eeyore Reading Comprehension Section Test 31731. 32, 33, 34, 318 3\ B\ A B “The following question’ are based on the passage on page 317. ‘The topic of this passage is (A) food discoveries of early Europeans (B) the nutritional value of garden vegetables (C) tomatoes and peppers (D) why tomatoes are more popular than peppers The word “versatility” in line 3 is closest in meaning to (A) economic value (B) range of uses (©) tastiness (D) marketability According to the passage, why are peppers not an important nutritional factor in a diet? (A) People don’t eat enough of them, (B) They lack the necessary vitamins. (©) They are tess tasty than tomatoes. (D) Peppers are found in tropical climates. In can be inferred from the passage that tomatoes were first used in North America (A) for food (B) as decoration (©) in place of peppers (D) for nutritional purposes Itcan be inferred from the passage that the tomato was called the “love apple” because (A) its fruit was heart-shaped (B) it supposedly aroused affectionate feelings (© people liked to eat it (D) itis beautiful to look at Reading Comprehension Section Test 385, 37. 39. 3\ B\ 8B ‘The word “native” in line 20 is closest in meaning to (A) indigenous (B) legendary (Q colorful (D) located . The phrase “mild and pungent types” in line 28 refers to (A) size (B) taste (C)_ botanical classification (D) color All of the following can be inferred from the passage about peppers EXCEPT (A) peppers became popular in the United States later than in Europe (B) peppers were bought and sold in Europe (C)_ red peppers are highly spiced (D) peppers originated fairly recently in North and South America The phrase “this spice” in line 35 refers to (A) paprika (B) chili powder (©) pepper berries (D) black pepper Which of the following best describes the format of this passage? (A) A series of conjectures (B) A general introduction followed by elaboration (©) A response to a criticism {D) A question and subsequent answers Eee3 B BY AB A A B Questions 40-50 ‘What makes science fiction the literature choice for so many? Arthur C. Clarke, the novelist and scientist, gave a good answer once when asked why he chose to write in this genre: “Because,” he said, “no other literature is concerned Line reality.” i) Clarke didn’t say what sort of reality he had in mind, but there are two that suggest themselves. One of the significant realities of our time is the rapid advances in science and technology. These are the areas that have made this, century move so fast, in ways that earlier generations could hardly even imagine, and science fiction has played some part in accelerating their progress. 3 (10) In the 1980s there was no television, radio showed litle interest in science, even the daily newspapers covered it scantily and not very well; but science-fiction magazines were exploring in every newsstand edition the latest concepts from genetics and nuclear physics to cosmology. I think it is fair to say that a majority of the world’s leading scientists today were first turned on to their subjects by (15) reading science-fiction stories. 1 ‘The other reality that has contributed to a fascination with science fiction is that the central fact of contemporary life is rapid, ever-accelerating change, change that alters the rules of all our lives all the time. And science fiction is, in essence, the literature of change. 40. What does this passage mainly discuss? 43. According to the passage, which of the (A) Why people read science fiction following carried news of science and (8) How science relates to reality technology to the public in the 1930s? (©) Popular literature of the 1930s (A). Radio broadcas (D) Topics in science fiction (B) Science-fiction magazines (C) Television programs 41. The word “accelerating” in line 9 is closest {(D) Newspaper coverage in meaning to (A) accentuating 44, Where in the passage does the author speeding up mention topics with which science fiction {C) clarifying often deals? (D) publicizing (A) Lines 3-4 42. The phrase “thei progress” inne fg ees 4 (A) people who read science fiction Oe ee (B) earlier generations 45, The word “scantily” in line 11 is closest in (©) science and technology meaning to {D) radio and television (A). very little (8) quickly (© sensationally (D) fervently ‘The questions for this passage continue on the next page. Geen Reading Comprehension Section Test 31946. All of the following can be inferred from the 3\ B\ 8 3\ 3\ £3 The following questions are based on the passage on page 319, passage about science fiction EXCEPT (A) itis literary genre (B) itis read by a wide variety of people (C) itis mainly published in sciontific journals (D) itis 2 favorite of the author of the passage 47. The phrase “turned on to” in line 14 is closest in meaning to (A) employed by (B) introduced to (C) disenchanted with (D) changed by 48, The author mentions all of the following as 320 being part of the reality with which science fiction is concerned EXCEPT (A) change (B) publication (©) science (D) technology 49. What is the author’s main purpose in this passage? (A) To explain the popularity of science fiction literature (B) To show the need for science fiction literature (C) Toclassify different types of literature (D) To discuss the work of Arthur C. Clarke 50. The attitude of the author toward science fiction literature can best be described as (A) critical (8) admiring (©) wary (D) cold This is the end of Section 3. If you finish before time is called, check your work on Section 3 only. For more practice, take a complete test from The Heinemann TOEFL Practice Tests. Reading Comprehension Section Test