®

TOEFL

SAMPLE TEST 2
Section 1: Listening Comprehension

In this section of the test, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to understand
conversations and talks in English. There are three parts to this section, with special instructions
for each part. Answer all the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied by the speakers.
Do not write in your testbook.

Section 1, Part A

Directions: In Part A, you will hear short conversations between two people. After each
conversation, you will hear a question about the conversation. The conversations and questions
will not be repeated. After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in this booklet and
choose the best answer. 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.

Here is an example:

On the recording, you hear:

(woman) I don’t like oysters. What about you?
(man) I find the texture disgusting.
(narrator) What does the man mean?

Sample Answer
A
A _B _ C _D

In your booklet, you read: (A) He doesn’t like oysters either.

(B) He doesn’t know how to cook.
(C) He doesn’t have any oysters.
(D) He doesn’t know how to eat oysters.

You learn from the conversation that neither the man nor the woman likes eating oysters. The
best answer to the question “What does the man mean?” is (A), “He doesn’t like oysters either.”
Therefore, the correct choice is (A).

Go on to the next page.

3
1. (A) The man has quit smoking. 8. (A) Put the clothes in the dryer.
(B) The man is smoking less than he used (B) Fold the clothes.
to. (C) Put the clothes in the washing
(C) The man hasn’t even tried to quit machine.
smoking. (D) Rinse the clothes.
(D) The man is smoking more now than he
used to. 9. (A) That Hal is lowering car prices
drastically.
(B) That Hal is lowering car prices slightly.
2. (A) She doesn’t know how to tell if the
melon is ripe. (C) That Hal is raising car prices
drastically.
(B) She knows when a melon is ripe.
(D) That Hal is raising car prices slightly.
(C) She thinks that the melon is ripe.
(D) She doesn’t like melons.
10. (A) It was the man’s idea to go see the
movie.
3. (A) He doesn’t have a preference (B) The man had been invited to see the
regarding a team to root for. movie.
(B) He’s probably a Penguins fan. (C) The boy didn’t want the man to go with
(C) He doesn’t like sports. them to see the movie.
(D) He wishes a different team were in the (D) The man hadn’t been invited to go see
playoffs. the movie.

4. (A) The woman is pretty sure that she 11. (A) Eat dinner and forget about Al.
should buy a home instead of renting. (B) Call Al after they’ve finished dinner.
(B) The man has no opinion about whether (C) Keep trying to call Al and then eat.
the woman should rent or buy a home. (D) Call Al while he’s eating dinner.
(C) The woman isn’t sure whether she
should rent or buy a home. 12. (A) He’s getting exhausted.
(D) The man doesn’t know whether it’s (B) He’s going crazy.
better to rent or buy a home. (C) He’s getting invigorated.
(D) He’s getting messy.
5. (A) Watching the race made him feel sad.
13. (A) Picking her up and taking her to lunch.
(B) Watching the race made him feel sick.
(B) Paying for her lunch.
(C) Watching the race made him nervous.
(C) Picking up her lunch.
(D) Watching the race made him angry.
(D) Making her lunch.

6. (A) Write down the link to the website for 14. (A) That Cooper’s Rock is in the middle of
her. nowhere.
(B) Call her and give her the link to the (B) That Cooper’s Rock is a wonderful
website. place to camp.
(C) Enter the link to the website in her (C) That Cooper’s Rock is very far away.
browser. (D) That Cooper’s Rock is a well-known
(D) Email her the link to the website. vacation resort.

7. (A) The receiver needs to be fixed.
(B) The man can fix the receiver.
(C) They’re going to check out the prices
of new receivers.
(D) The receiver can’t be repaired.
15. (A) That his cellphone battery is weak.
(B) That his cellphone battery isn’t working
properly.
(C) That his cellphone battery has no
charge.
(D) That he lost his cellphone battery.

4
16. (A) Mark and his wife are going to pass 23. (A) The police stopped him because he
through Tuscany. was overtaking another car.
(B) Mark and his wife are thinking about (B) The police stopped him because he
going to Tuscany. ran through a red light.
(C) Mark and his wife are moving to Tuscany. (C) The police stopped him because he
(D) Mark and his wife are going to Tuscany. was driving too fast.
(D) The police stopped him because he
was driving on the wrong side of the
17. (A) He’s looking for a caterer and a
road.
reception hall.
(B) He’s found a caterer and a reception
24. (A) The call from Aunt Margie got her down.
hall.
(C) He hasn’t started looking for a caterer (B) The call from Aunt Margie cheered her up.
or a reception hall. (C) The call from Aunt Margie surprised her.
(D) He’s having problems finding a caterer (D) The call from Aunt Margie made her mad.
and a reception hall.
25. (A) He envies Arnie’s talent.
(B) He thinks he shouldn’t wear his hat when
18. (A) His son has a great memory. he’s with Arnie.
(B) His son sometimes loses his mind.
(C) He wants to give Arnie his hat.
(C) His son never remembers anything.
(D) He wants to congratulate Arnie.
(D) His son can be forgetful.
26. (A) You’re crazy.
19. (A) That Perry Olin was in town yesterday. (B) You’re absolutely right.
(B) That Perry Olin died yesterday. (C) Are you sure that’s a good idea?
(C) That Perry Olin drove by yesterday. (D) Why should we let her borrow the car?
(D) That Perry Olin flew into town
yesterday. 27. (A) Their father really likes his new job.
(B) Their father doesn’t like his new job.
20. (A) They should eat at restaurants more (C) Their father is talking a lot about his new job.
often. (D) Their father doesn’t talk much about his
(B) They should vacation more often. new job.
(C) They should drive around town more
often. 28. (A) It was an embarrassing failure.
(D) They should do more activities (B) It was an accident.
together away from home. (C) It was a tough decision.
(D) It was a downer.
21. (A) She thinks Mineo’s pizza is too
29. (A) He’s become tired of working in advertising.
expensive.
(B) He’s not appreciated enough in his
(B) She thinks Mineo’s pizza isn’t really
that good. advertising job.
(C) She thinks Mineo’s pizza is the best in (C) He’s not earning enough money working in
town. advertising.
(D) She thinks Mineo’s pizza doesn’t (D) He’s failed as an advertising executive.
deliver to their neighborhood.
30. (A) Their son has beaten his grandfather in
cards for the first time.
22. (A) Pat and Bob are having a child.
(B) Their son has beaten his grandfather in
(B) Pat and Bob are getting a divorce.
checkers for the first time.
(C) Pat and Bob are buying a rope.
(C) Their son has beaten his grandfather in
(D) Pat and Bob are getting married.
chess for the first time.
(D) Their son has beaten his grandfather in tic-
tac-toe for the first time.

5
Section 1, Part B

Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear longer conversations. After each conversation, you will
hear several questions. The conversations and questions will not be repeated.
After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in this booklet and choose the best answer.
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. Do not write in your testbook.

Go on to the next page.

6
31. (A) In the attic. 36. (A) New science and computer equipment
(B) In the storage closet in the garage. is less expensive than they had
(C) In her daughter’s bedroom. originally figured.
(D) In the living room. (B) They realized they didn’t need to
purchase new science and computer
equipment.
32. (A) To stimulate her nervous system.
(C) They found out they couldn’t afford to
(B) To enhance her physical resistance.
buy any new science and computer
(C) To improve brain health as she gets
equipment.
older.
(D) New science and computer equipment
(D) To slow down the aging process.
is more expensive than they had
originally figured.
33. (A) His wife was using a lot of scientific
terminology.
37. (A) The science equipment.
(B) He’s really impressed with his wife’s
(B) Equipment for the arts programs.
knowledge of the subject of the
(C) The minds of her teachers and
article.
students.
(C) He didn’t understand what his wife
(D) The computer equipment.
was talking about.
(D) He wants his wife to repeat what she
said in a simpler way. 38. (A) The gift of civilization.
(B) The life-blood of civilization.
(C) Art, architecture, food, and music.
34. (A) He is a better trombone player.
(D) All of the above.
(B) He is a better pianist.
(C) He is equally good at playing both
trombone and piano.
(D) He can’t play either instrument very
well.

35. (A) The board is considering allocating

more funds to arts programs.
(B) The board is considering auctioning
off older equipment to fund arts
programs.
(C) The board is considering a reduction
in funding for arts programs.
(D) The board is considering cutting arts
programs completely.

7
Section 1, Part C

Directions: In this part of the test, you will hear several short talks. After each talk, you will hear some
questions. The talks and questions will not be repeated.
After you hear a question, read the four possible answers in your booklet and choose the best answer.
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.

Here is an example:

On the recording, you hear: Sample Answer

_
A _B A C _D

Now listen to a sample question:

In your booklet, you read: (A) To demonstrate how birds attract mates.
(B) To show how some birds species became extinct.
(C) To explain the evolution of birds.
(D) To dramatize a famous bird song.
The best answer to the question “What is the main purpose of the program?” is (C), “To explain the
evolution of birds.” Therefore, the correct choice is answer (C).

Now listen to another sample question: Sample Answer

_
A _B _ C AD

In your booklet, you read: (A) It is required of all science majors.

(B) It will feature the professor's research.
(C) It can help viewers improve their birdwatching skills.
(D) It will help with course work.
The best answer to the question “Why does the professor recommend watching the program?” is (D),
“It will help with course work.” Therefore, the correct choice is answer (D).
Remember, you are not allowed to take notes or write in the testbook.

Go on to the next page.

8
39. (A) That they are harmful to their health. 45. (A) The ability to use sign language to
(B) That they can emit microwaves. communicate.
(C) That they reduce one’s ability to learn. (B) The ability to understand complex
(D) That they impair the development of concepts of mathematics.
the brain. (C) A sense of direction to travel long
distances.
40. (A) Stash it in a bag. (D) The ability to properly use a knife and
(B) Put it in silent mode. fork when eating.
(C) Keep it in a different room.
(D) Disconnect it. 46. (A) Making his own toys.
(B) Cleaning the toilet.
41. (A) The participants who didn’t have their (C) Cleaning up his room.
smartphones with them outperformed (D) All the above.
the others.
(B) The participants that kept their 47. (A) The importance of concentration.
smartphones face-down on the desk (B) The secrets of a good writer.
had the worst score on the tests. (C) How to keep coming up with new
(C) The participants who had put their ideas.
phones in a pocket or bag performed (D) How to become a famous writer.
slightly better than those who had put
their phones face-down on the desk. 48. (A) It helps support them when they are
(D) All groups received significantly not writing a book.
different scores on the tests. (B) It should be avoided.
(C) A second job can be a good distraction.
42. (A) One’s cognitive capacity decreases as (D) All famous writers have had careers in
smartphones become more noticeable. different areas.
(B) Students without a smartphone get
better grades. 49. (A) Have a notebook and a pen handy.
(C) Smartphones can interfere with one’s (B) Keep a journal.
way of solving problems. (C) Take notes.
(D) All the above. (D) All the above.

43. (A) The transfer of an orangutan. 50. (A) Take a vacation.

(B) The death of an orangutan. (B) Change the topic they are writing
(C) The hospitalization of an orangutan. about.
(D) The health problems of an orangutan. (C) Find some distraction.
(D) Get another job.
44. (A) When he went to Zoo Atlanta.
(B) When he was transferred to the
University of Tennessee.
(C) When he starred in a film.
(D) When he appeared on TV.

This is the end of Section 1.

Read the instructions for Section 2 and begin work.

9
Section 2: Structure and Written Expressions

Time: 25 minutes, including the reading of directions

Now set your clock for 25 minutes.

This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard
written English. There are two types of questions in this section, with special directions for each type.

Structure

Directions: Questions 1–15 are incomplete sentences. Beneath each sentence you will see four
words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C) and (D). Choose the one word or phrase that best completes
the sentence. 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. Do not write in the testbook.

Example I Sample Answer

_A _
B A C _D

___________ being a famous philosopher, Aristotle is also recognized as a renowned scientist.

(A) Moreover
(B) Because
(C) Besides
(D) As well

The sentence should read, “Besides being a famous philosopher, Aristotle is also recognized as a
renowned scientist.” Therefore, the correct choice is (C).

Example II Sample Answer

_A _
B _ C AD

No one expected Winston Churchill ___________ after he was defeated in the 1945 election.
(A) resign
(B) resigning
(C) resign to
(D) to resign

The sentence should read, “No one expected Winston Churchill to resign after he was defeated in
the 1945 election.” Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

Now begin work on the questions.

10
1. The warriors wore ___________ on their 07. A beehive or bee nest is an enclosed
uniforms in respect to the dead soldiers. structure in which some honey bee species
(A) gold-embroidered velvet crosses live and raise ___________ young.
(B) crosses velvet gold-embroidered (A) they
(C) golden velvet crosses embroidered (B) its
(D) velvet embroidered gold crosses (C) their
(D) them

2. Trafalgar Square is a famous city square in

the UK. It’s ___________ an open plaza; it 08. Only after doing a lot of research on how the
has become an important social and political computer system C3 Wiki worked
location. ___________ to install it in our company.
(A) much more (A) he decided
(B) just more (B) had he decided
(C) just more than (C) he had decided
(D) much more than just (D) did he decide

3. After ___________ the microscope, 09. In 2015, ___________ the oldest British
scientists could see and study the smallest dinosaur fossil on the North Yorkshire
parts of plants and animals, as well as human coast.
cells. (A) was found by scientists
(A) inventing of (B) scientists have found
(B) the invention of (C) scientists found
(C) its invention (D) scientists who found
(D) the inventing

10. Listening to music, doing aerobic activities,

4. Stephen Hawking is considered ___________ and ___________ reduce anxiety.
stars in the scientific universe. (A) that sleeping
(A) brightest (B) sleeping
(B) one of the brightest (C) besides sleep
(C) the brightest (D) sleep
(D) one brightest

11. The senators objected ___________ raising

5. ___________ fingerprints are identical. cash from small businesses to pay for the tax
(A) Nor reform proposed last week.
(B) No (A) in
(C) None of (B) with
(D) Not (C) for
(D) to

6. Bears usually mark their territory by rubbing

against trees, or by clawing or biting objects, 12. Because of their busy schedules, people
___________ spread their scent. ___________ eat more processed foods
like canned pasta and chicken.
(A) to which may serve
(A) tend
(B) which may serve to
(B) is tended
(C) may which serve to
(C) tend to
(D) may to which serve
(D) tending to

11
13. Female blue whales are usually longer than 15. ___________ the president of the company
males. ___________ , males may be slightly knew what decision to make after the strike.
heavier than females of the same length, (A) Nor the director and
because of heavier muscles and bones. (B) Neither the director nor
(A) However (C) Neither the director neither
(B) Although (D) Nor the director not
(C) Therefore
(D) So

14. The suspect admitted ___________ the

chairman because of a silly misunderstanding.
(A) to having killed
(B) to have killed
(C) kill
(D) having to kill

Go on to the next page.

12
 Written Expression

Directions: In questions 16 – 40, each sentence has four underlined words or phrases. The four underlined
parts of the sentence are marked (A), (B), (C) and (D). Identify the one underlined word or phrase that
must be changed in order for the sentence to be correct. 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. Do
not write in the testbook.

Example I Sample Answer

AA _
B _ C _D

There are a lot of advantage of working from home; one of them is the economy of the indirect costs of going
A B
to work, such as fuel, road tolls, parking tickets, and many others.
C D

The sentence should read, “There are a lot of advantages of working from home; one of them is the economy
of the indirect costs of going to work, such as fuel, road tolls, parking tickets, and many others.” Therefore,
the correct choice is (A).

Example II Sample Answer

_A _
B _ C AD

Cold damp soil is a serious problem when harvesting corn on winter.

A B C D

The sentence should read, “Cold damp soil is a serious problem when harvesting corn in winter.” Therefore,
the correct choice is (D).

Now begin your work on the questions.

13
16. Anxiety, depression and drug addiction are some of the problems people with a low threshold of
A B C
boring usually face.
D

17. You should tell your parents about your decision to study abroad before sending in your application
A B C D
last week.

18. Professor Hank’s studies recent about human behavior caused a stir in the scientific community.
A B C D

19. There’s an opening for a part time job in our company. They are hiring teens to hand in promotional
A B C D
pamphlets.

20. A tropical flower begonia is a natural remedy for eliminating headaches and toxins in the body.
A B C D

21. Tides affect not only marine species and also the shape of the coastal landscape.
A B C D

22. According to medieval stories, King Arthur was a legendary British warrior which defended Britain
A B C
against Saxon invaders.
D

23. Although authorities claim that the police is prepared to combat violence, the population is still fearful.
A B C D

24. The students likes to read and discuss Charles Dickens’s novels in Professor Brood’s literature classes.
A B C D

25. As his grandfather, Kevin worked as a medical-social assistant in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
A B C D

26. After the hearing, the man asked to spend a little minutes alone before going back to prison.
A B C D

27. The dream of every graduate student is to get a highly very well-paid job when they finish college.
A B C D

28. Napoleon’s creation use of artillery as a moving force to support his infantry enabled him to triumph
A B C D
on the battlefield.

14
29. In Doctor Lawrence’s speech about healthy eating habits, he will discuss topics such food additives
A B C D
and contaminants.

30. The American intelligence services detected a plan by terrorists to blow out a shopping center in Manhattan
A B C
using home-made liquid explosives.
D

31. Mrs. Stevenson agreed helping me finish the project on educational reform.
A B C D

32. Therefore Pamela shows up out of the blue, we know she’s in trouble.
A B C D

33. The intern would rather spend hours trying to solve the problem to ask for help.
A B C D

34. Research reveals that believing in one is important to gain confidence and control in life.
A B C D

35. Volcanoes erupt because high temperatures and pressure causes the Earth’s mantle to melt and
A B C
move towards the surface.
D

36. You will find a lot of informations about the GSL computer program in our brochures.
A B C D

37. I wonder how Mr. Johnson found out about the accident. I don’t remember to tell him anything about it.
A B C D

38. According to scientists, genetically modified crops are more strong and more resistant to pests.
A B C D

39. Studies show that besides the traditional five senses of sight, hearing, taste, smelling, and touch,
A B C
there are other internal senses such as temperature, pain, and balance.
D

40. Unfortunately, George learned how to deal with his weaknesses the most hard way.
A B C D

This is the end of Section 2.

Read the instructions for Section 3 and begin work.

15
 Section 3: Reading Comprehension
Time: 55 minutes, including the reading of the directions.

Now set your clock for 55 minutes.

Directions: In this section you will read several passages. Each 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 the passage.

Read the following sample passage:

1 Even though the term “urban sprawl” was first used to describe the expansion of metropolitan
London after World War II, it is actually a uniquely American invention. It is used most often to describe
lower-density and largely unplanned suburban development covering areas surrounding dense urban
cores. It requires a few things: a relatively unlimited supply of land and resources which extend out from
5 a very dense city center, a population which desires to live in a less-densely populated area, and a
population which loves their automobiles. Living in sprawl means one drives to work, drives to do the
shopping, and drives to meet one’s friends. It also means, usually, living in a free-standing home on a
plot of land, both of which require personal maintenance, instead of a low-maintenance apartment in a
high-rise building. And finally, it means that the area one lives in generally has no public transportation
10 system.

Example I
Sample Answer
AA _
B _ C _
D

The word “cores” in line 4 is closest in meaning to:

(A) centers
(B) areas
(C) standards
(D) districts

The word that is closest in meaning to “cores” is “centers”. Therefore, the correct choice is (A).

16
Example II Sample Answer
_
A _B _ C AD

Which of the disadvantages of living in sprawl is mentioned in the text?

(A) House maintenance costs.
(B) Lack of public transportation.
(C) The distance from other populated areas.
(D) All of the above.

The disadvantages (house maintenance costs, lack of public transportation and the distance from other
populated areas) are mentioned in this part of the paragraph. Living in sprawl means one drives to work,
drives to do the shopping, and drives to meet one’s friends. It also means, usually, living in a free-standing home
on a plot of land, both of which require personal maintenance, instead of a low-maintenance apartment in a high-
rise building. And finally, it means that the area one lives in generally has no public transportation system.
Therefore, the correct choice is (D).

Now begin work on the questions.

17
 Questions 1 - 10

1 I’m a particle physicist, and when people ask me what I do, I like to joke that most of the time, my job
is to observe nothing. This usually gets a laugh, but it really is true, and I’ll explain in more detail below.
It’s been a dream of my adult life to be given the opportunity to conduct research at CERN
(European Center for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland. Here at CERN, we’re conducting
5 research using the Large Hadron Collider, which is, in fact, the largest, most powerful (and most
expensive) machine ever built by human beings. But most people don’t have any idea what it really is,
what it does, and how we use it to make our discoveries. [1]
What is it? Well, it’s a particle accelerator. In other words, it speeds up the individual particles of
hydrogen atoms to the speed of light. It sends these particles in opposite directions through a circular
10 tunnel nearly seventeen miles long. It’s actually very complex, but simply put, this circle causes the
sped-up particles to crash into one another. These collisions break up the initial particles into even
smaller pieces in an attempt to create new particles. [2] The new particles are the ones we’re trying to
discover and observe.
Now, this may sound very strange to the average person, but in order to discover new particles, we
15 actually observe nothing. Over ninety-nine percent of our effort to find a new particle is discovering
where it isn’t, and what it isn’t, so that we know where not to look and what not to look for. And the
particles created by the collider usually decay so rapidly that we’re rarely able to observe anything.
The real excitement comes when all the mathematical computations we’ve done prior to any
experimentation show us that something very specific should happen—that a certain particle we’ve
20 never seen before must be present in a certain situation. [3] In this way, mathematics give us a
theoretical law of physics. We then use the collider to see if the law checks out.
At this point, we’re actually hoping for two things. First, we’re hoping that all the new pieces we’ve
predicted through mathematics fit together correctly. But we’re also secretly hoping that the pieces
behave in unpredictable ways, or that some of the particles aren’t anything we’ve predicted or seen
25 before. [4] The rapid particle decay in the collider usually dashes both hopes.
So, less than one percent of our time is spent looking at things we generally already know. And, as
I said earlier, most of our time is spent literally observing absolutely nothing.

1. What does the author really mean when he 3. Mark the option that is closest in meaning to
says he spends most of his time observing the word “initial” in line 11.
nothing? (A) leading
(A) The particles the author is looking for (B) momentary
are invisible. (C) original
(B) The particles the author is looking for (D) smallest
are impossible to find.
(C) The particles the author is looking for 4. The word “decay” in line 17 can be
don’t really exist. substituted by:
(D) The particles the author is looking for (A) deteriorate
might not exist. (B) break
(C) fall
(D) flicker
2. What does the author do at the CERN Large
Hadron Collider? 5. What part does mathematics play in the
(A) He or she oversees the entire facility. narrator’s work?
(B) He or she is an assistant there. (A) Mathematical theories always help the
(C) He or she is an important researcher narrator find new particles.
there. (B) Mathematics explains how the
(D) He or she is helping build the largest, researchers should use the collider.
most powerful machine in the planet. (C) The narrator uses mathematics to
understand how the collider functions.
(D) Mathematical computations are done
before experiments.

18
6. Where can the sentence “On the rare 9. According to the narrator, why is it so difficult
occasion we do see something, it’s usually to discover new particles?
more common, well-known particles” be (A) Because the particles are so tiny.
added? (B) Because the particles sometimes don’t
(A) [1] in line 7. exist.
(B) [2] in line 12. (C) Because the particles created in the
(C) [3] in line 20. collider decay so quickly.
(D) [4] in line 25. (D) Because the particles created in the
collider are deliberately elusive.
7. The highlighted sentence in line 21 can best
be paraphrased as:
(A) Then we use the collider to collect data 10. Which statement is FALSE in relation to this
to prove our theory. physicist and the work he or she does?
(B) Then we use the collider to create data (A) He or she likes to do nothing.
to prove our theory. (B) He or she often observes nothing.
(C) Then we use the collider to collect (C) He or she is proud of his or her work.
particles to prove our theory. (D) He or she is probably a very good
(D) Then we use the collider to create mathematician.
computations to prove our theory.

8. Which of the following is TRUE regarding

what the narrator expects from his
experiments?
(A) That his mathematical predictions turn
out to be a surprise.
(B) That things he has predicted never
materialize.
(C) That something he didn’t predict can
occur.
(D) That nothing ever happens during an
experiment.

19
 Questions 11 - 20

1 Have you ever wondered why dragons are such a powerful and prevalent creature in mythology,
folklore, fantasy, and pop culture? Dragons have existed in the consciousness of humans for thousands
of years. They’ve been written about in every corner of the globe, including Europe, Asia, and both North
and South America.
5 The dragons found in Asian legends came in a variety of sizes; some could even expand and shrink
at will. They didn’t have wings, and so they couldn’t fly. They were long and thin, covered with scales,
and usually had four legs. And they had magical, god-like powers: they breathed the clouds into the sky,
had the ability to control rivers, lakes, and seas, and were the bringers of rain. [1] Asian dragons were
wise and protective creatures, held in awe by the people and not feared like the dragon legends we
10 know most about in the West.
The dragons most of us are familiar with are of European origin. These were huge flying beasts,
covered with thick scales, possessing ominous claws, with the ability to blast fire from a mouth full of
sharp fangs. Stories brought terror to cities and towns. Legendary medieval knights fought them. St.
George killed one. They often hid in caves, guarding marvelous treasures. When they were hungry, they
15 snatched and devoured sheep and cattle wandering near their lair. [2]

Where did all these legends come from? Ancient peoples likely found the bones of giant prehistoric
animals such as dinosaurs or whales, and wondered what these animals were like. They were obviously
large, intimidating creatures. In addition to these ancient fossils uncovered by the less scientific, more
superstitious civilizations of the past, animals such as alligators and snakes still live among us today,
20 helping to perpetuate the fearful image of European dragons we are used to seeing on the TV and cinema
screens. [3]
Until a few hundred years ago, whales were very mysterious creatures, as they spent most of their
time under water, and their full bodies were rarely seen by humans. But they did horrific damage to ships
when they decided to get violent. [4] Crocodiles and alligators—considered by many to be the planet’s
25 most perfect predators—are direct descendants of the dinosaurs and roam throughout the Americas,
Africa, Asia, and Australia. Large and venomous snakes, large birds of prey, wolves, and big cats, of
course, also make just about any animal a bit weak in the knees.
And then there is us. There is scientific evidence that we humans still have an instinctive fear of
large and dangerous predators. If you combine innate human fears with imagination, which is unique to
30 our species, dragons can easily be hatched from the large eggs we prefer to call skulls.

11. This text is about ____________.
(A) why stories about dragons puzzle us
(B) why stories about dragons have been
so common across the ages
(C) why stories about dragons are always
so scary
(D) why stories about dragons have been
so memorable
13. Which of the following best explains the
difference between the Asian dragon and the
European dragon?
(A) Asian dragons did not breath fire.
(B) European dragons were predatory.
(C) Asian dragons had god-like control over
the weather and bodies of water.
(D) All of the above.

12. The highlighted part of the sentence in line 3 14. Which phrase best replaces the phrase “held
can be paraphrased as: in awe” as used in line 9?
(A) nowhere in the world (A) highly revered
(B) just around every corner (B) extremely scared
(C) every street corner on the planet (C) very entertained
(D) worldwide (D) fiercely hunted

20
15. The term “are familiar with” as used in line 18. According to the article, why, until relatively
11 can be best replaced with: recently, were whales so mysterious?
(A) concerned about (A) They were instinctively afraid of human
(B) keen on contact.
(C) aware of (B) They were extremely large animals.
(D) afraid of (C) They came by this trait naturally.
(D) They were usually submerged.

16. Most of the dragons we see in the movies

and on TV are based on ____________. 19. Mark the option that would best substitute
(A) ancient Asian tales “weak in the knees” in line 27.
(B) verifiable historical evidence (A) infatuated
(C) Greek mythology (B) afraid
(D) European legends (C) angry
(D) sad

17. Where would the sentence “They might have

occasionally eaten a young girl or two as 20. Which of the following is likely the most
well” be best located? significant reason for the existence of
(A) [1] in line 8. dragons?
(B) [2] in line 15. (A) The human imagination.
(C) [3] in line 21. (B) Snakes.
(D) [4] in line 24. (C) Crocodiles and alligators.
(D) Dinosaur fossils.

21
 Questions 21 - 30

1 For every human being on Earth, there are approximately 1.4 billion insects. Without insects, our
planet would likely be uninhabitable. Insects help feed us in several ways. In some regions around the
world, they are even an important food source. They also help clean up waste, as the primary food
source for many insects is animal feces, dead animal carcasses, and rotting plant material. [1]
5 It is estimated by researchers that insects contribute in excess of fifty-seven billion dollars to the
world economy. How? By being the base of the food chain for fish, birds, and mammals; by providing
pest control as predators to other insects; by pollinating plants; and by eating dead animals and plants.
And nearly 2,086 different species of insects are eaten worldwide by thousands of ethnic groups in
about 130 countries. In Mexico, fried grasshoppers are eaten as street food like popcorn. Bugs are
10 blended with chilies and salts and cooked in hollow bamboo stems in Borneo. [2] Many Africans love
their caterpillars, which are a good source of zinc, calcium, iron, and potassium. In many established
restaurants in Japan, one can order locusts and wasp larvae.
Besides being a food source, recent medical and scientific research has uncovered other unique
benefits. The medical community is presently researching the use of deathstalker scorpion venom,
15 which curiously enough appears to attach itself to cancerous tumors. Cockroaches are being studied for
their incredible antibiotic resistance. [3] Many robotic labs are studying insects to use as a basis for the
movement and “hive mind” collaboration processes in robot development.
Unfortunately, over the last fifteen to twenty years, climate change has severely affected several
populations of vital insects. For example, in the 1990s, one could have seen one billion monarch
20 butterflies migrating to Mexico. This number has since been reduced to about fifty-six million. The
Obama Administration, realizing the effect this was having on the North American ecosystem, enacted
a sort of migration highway running from Texas to Minnesota. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service planted
milkweed, the monarch butterfly’s primary host plant, along their general migratory path. In this way, the
Service hopes to quadruple the number of butterflies by 2020. Also of great concern over the last five
25 years is a significant reduction in the North American bee population. Steps are now being taken to try
and nip this issue in the bud, as bees are a huge contributor to the food chain through pollination. [4]
So you see, insects already play an absolutely vital role in the success of ecosystems worldwide.
And in the future, through research and development, scientific innovation will allow them to contribute
even more to the welfare of the planet and humanity.

21. Which of the following options describes the 23. Which of the following probably would not be
main topic of the text? considered “waste” as used in line 3?
(A) Insects play a crucial role in the vitality (A) garbage in landfills
of civilizations. (B) solid animal excretion
(B) Insects play a crucial role in the vitality (C) biodegrading plant material
of ecosystems. (D) the bodies of dead animals
(C) Insects play a crucial role in the vitality
of waste cleanup. 24. Where would the sentence “This in turn
(D) Insects play a crucial role in the vitality helps return vital nutrients to soil, keeping
of scientific research. the circle of life in rotation” best be located?
(A) [1] in line 4.
22. How can the highlighted phrase in line 2 be (B) [2] in line 10.
best paraphrased? (C) [3] in line 16.
(A) would likely be unable to maintain (D) [4] in line 26.
animal life
(B) would likely be unable to maintain 25. The word “besides” in line 13 can be best
aquatic life replaced with ____________.
(C) would likely be unable to maintain (A) since
human life (B) in addition to
(D) would likely be unable to maintain (C) next to
insect life (D) in contrast to

22
26. Governments in North America have shown
great concern for the relatively recent
decline of which species?
(A) Cockroaches and scorpions.
(B) Bees and cockroaches.
(C) Scorpions and butterflies.
(D) Butterflies and bees.
29. Which of the following phrases is closest in
meaning to the phrase “nip this issue in the
bud” as used in line 26?
(A) stop this problem in its tracks
(B) reduce the effects of this bad situation
(C) improve these horrible conditions
(D) shine a light on the subject

27. According to the text, what is the biggest 30. Which of the following scientific advances
cause for the reduction of insect populations does the text mention as showing promise?
over the last few decades? (A) Cancer treatment.
(A) disease (B) Immunology.
(B) pesticides (C) Robotics.
(C) climate change (D) All of the above.
(D) overharvesting

28. Which of the following would best

paraphrase “curiously enough” as used in
line 15?
(A) obviously
(B) unfortunately
(C) surprisingly
(D) grudgingly

23
 Questions 31 - 40
1 Any creative endeavor, in whatever form—the plastic arts, music, writing, even project planning—
is difficult work. And every creator hits a frustrating block somewhere along the line. Sometimes it’s
easily overcome. In some cases it feels like the emptiness is bottomless. However, there is a way to get
oneself out of that hole. This isn’t some newfangled technique—it actually dates back nearly 120 years
5 to the German scientist Hermann von Helmholtz. [1] And it’s not really a technique, but a process.
Becoming aware of the process and how it works can help you find solutions to just about any problem
you’re facing.
During a speech Helmholtz made at his 70th birthday party, he shared how he was able to achieve
his creative insights. Thirty-five years later, social psychologist Graham Wallas distilled Helmholtz’s
10 explanation into four “stages of control”: Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, and Verification. It reads like
a scientific process, but it can be applied to any sort of problematic situation requiring a solution.
During the Preparation phase, you’re studying your idea or issue, examining it from all angles, doing
the research necessary so that everything you need to know about it is inside your head. [2] Then in the
Incubation phase, you let your unconscious mind fiddle around with all this information. Take a nice, long,
15 relaxing walk, or a shower, eat a meal, or even sleep, i.e., do completely unrelated activities in an effort to
have an enjoyable experience as a distraction. You’re out to achieve a feeling of fresh, quiet well-being.
The Illumination phase isn’t actually a phase; it’s the event—the moment when a solution comes
to you. [3] And it often comes when you’re not sitting at your desk or staring at a blank canvas or sheet
of paper. It could be when you just wake up in the morning or from a nap, or while doing one of the
20 activities you were participating in during the Incubation phase. Then the moment comes. It can come
softly to you as an “oh, yeah” kind of feeling. Or it could be a strong, cathartic “oh, wow” event.
You know when this event comes. Now it’s time for the Verification phase. You go straight away to
that place where you go to get your work done, and you flesh out the solution. Does the solution you
arrived at meet your standards? Is there something missing? Does it solve the initial problem you
25 identified at the Preparation stage? More often than not, after a bit of work, the answer will be yes.

[4] Your brain is an amazing organ, always at work, organizing information. Conscious thought can
prevent that work from being constructive. Conscious thought about your issue should not become a
distraction. If it does, you’ve arrived at the point when some completely unrelated, enjoyable distraction
can be the most beneficial. And more often than not, it’s during this, the Incubation phase, when
30 solutions sneak up behind you, tap you on the shoulder, and say, “Hey. Here I am.”

31. What is the main idea of this text? (D) rational

(A) Strategies to come up with a solution to 34. What is one’s intention during the
a problem. Preparation phase?
(B) Different ways of solving a problem. (A) To come up with new ideas.
(C) The importance of Hermann von (B) To gather information.
Helmholtz in the history of science. (C) To build a team.
(D) How a creative mind works. (D) To create a diversion.

32. What does the word “newfangled” mean in 35. As used in this article, to incubate something
line 4? is to allow the unconscious mind to
(A) very ancient ____________.
(B) commonly known (A) make sense of it
(C) modern (B) ignore it completely
(D) harebrained (C) accumulate knowledge about it
(D) play around with information about it
33. The word “problematic,” as used in line 11,
can best be replaced by:
(A) impossible
(B) difficult
(C) annoying

24
36. Why is the Illumination phase named as 39. Where would the best location for the
such? sentence “It turns out that good research and
(A) Because, in a way, it shines a light on then some quality distraction work hand-in-
the other phases. hand” be?
(B) Because, in a way, it shines a light on (A) [1] in line 5.
the distractions. (B) [2] in line 13.
(C) Because, in a way, it shines a light on (C) [3] in line 18.
the solution. (D) [4] in line 26.
(D) None of the above.
40. Which of the following is not beneficial to
37. How does a solution to a difficult issue often problem-solving?
present itself? (A) Showering.
(A) When you’re not expecting it. (B) Overthinking.
(B) Like a soft tap on the shoulder. (C) Napping.
(C) As a strong, cathartic moment. (D) Walking.
(D) All of the above.

38. Which of the following most closely matches

“flesh out” as used in line 23?
(A) develop
(B) stretch
(C) build
(D) fill out

25
 Questions 41 - 50
1 Most of us love to travel to foreign countries. But having a wonderful experience or a terrible
experience is often dependent on whether you’re a good traveler or a bad tourist. [1] Let’s examine the
habits of a good traveler, and from this you’ll hopefully be able to infer how not to be a bad tourist.
First of all, and most important, if you’re a good traveler, you do extensive research. You want to
5 know a lot more than just where to go and what to see while you’re there. What are the people who live
in that city or town like? What language do they speak? What currency do they use? What kinds of
activities do they enjoy? What do they prefer to eat and drink? How do they dress? What’s unique about
this place, what makes it special? How can I make that special quality an integral part of my experience?
Are the people friendly? How do they treat visitors? Are there any local animals, insects, or plants that I
10 should steer clear of? In essence, as a good traveler, you’ll be thinking, “How do I conduct myself
respectfully at my destination?” It’s also very important to know things that you normally do that the local
people don’t! A good traveler respects the norms of one’s destination.
Being inconspicuous is not necessarily the goal. [2] Odds are you’ll be carrying a backpack or some
other type of bag to carry your daily essentials, like a camera, sunscreen, maybe a ball cap or hat, an
15 umbrella, and maybe a sweater or jacket. And many foreign destinations aren’t necessarily the safest
places to visit. But obviously, one rule of thumb when traveling is, “If you don’t want to be robbed, you
shouldn’t try to look like you should be robbed.” Yes, the local people are going to know you’re not one
of them, but don’t stick out like a sore thumb.
You should also learn some phrases in the language of your destination. Be gracious and kind.
20 Never assume everyone speaks English. [3] You’ll probably need to ask for directions to places you’d
like to see, to the nearest bathroom, to train or bus stations. If you find a friendly native, it’s a good idea
to learn ahead of time how to ask for recommendations about favorite restaurants and fun activities off
the beaten path. There are often many wonderful places and things to do that may not be in a guide
book or on the Internet. Sometimes, just going to a town’s main square and watching people while eating
25 some ice cream or some other local treat can provide an hour or two of sheer delight.

Don’t necessarily always try to understand why something is the way it is when traveling abroad.
Just take things for what they are, because sometimes customs are so different from yours as to seem
unpleasant at first. You’re a visitor and not really in a position to judge. [4] In the process of judging, you
should expect to be judged in return. So be open-minded. You don’t have to eat those strange crunchy
30 fried insects or that small rodent on a skewer in the market. But don’t make a disgusted face. Just smile
and say, “No, thank you.” In their language. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Engage with people
because they’re humans, not props for a selfie. Let them enlighten you. Because in the end, the good
traveler understands that a good trip is almost never about the traveler.

41. Why is doing research about a destination 43. When you “steer clear” of something, as
important? used in line 10, you:
(A) One should know the cultural norms of (A) Avoid it.
one’s destination. (B) Seek it out.
(B) One should know about things to see. (C) Drive around it.
(C) One should know about things that one (D) Ignore it.
shouldn’t do.
(D) All of the above. 44. What should a good traveler do to avoid
being robbed?
42. The word “extensive” in line 4 can be best (A) Keep one’s valuables in a safe.
replaced with ____________. (B) Not carry cameras and cellphones.
(A) ample (C) Not wear flashy clothing and jewelry.
(B) previous (D) Not talk to strangers.
(C) further
(D) more

26
45. Where can the sentence “It’s not always 49. What should you do if someone offers you a
possible to completely `fit in´ when traveling” local delicacy that you really don’t want to
be added? eat?
(A) [1] in line 2. (A) Smile and politely decline the offer in
(B) [2] in line 13. the local language.
(C) [3] in line 20. (B) Accept it and thank him or her in the
(D) [4] in line 28. native language.
(C) Pretend to eat it and throw it in the trash
46. Which is closest in meaning to the later.
expression “stick out like a sore thumb” in (D) Pretend not to hear him or her.
line 18?
(A) be conspicuous 50. What does the author imply by saying that a
(B) be confident good trip is usually not about the traveler?
(C) be wise (A) A good trip should focus on the
(D) be difficult enjoyment of fellow travelers.
(B) A good trip should focus on one’s own
47. The highlighted sentence in line 19 can enjoyment.
paraphrased by: (C) A good trip should focus on enjoying
(A) Be respectful and curious. one’s destination.
(B) Be classy and open-minded. (D) A good trip should focus on the
(C) Be tactful and nice. specifics of one’s journey.
(D) Be courteous and friendly.

48. When traveling, sometimes people-watching

can be:
(A) A blast.
(B) A bore.
(C) A hassle.
(D) A threat.

This is the end of Section 3.

If you finish in less than 55 minutes, check your work on Section 3 only. Do NOT read or work on
any other section of this test.

27