Practice Test #9

F O R T H E T O E F L®
R E A D I N G S E C T I O N

9
Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®​   
Reading Section 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

1
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
 
 
The TOEFL Reading Section:  
Directions 
 
 
This section measures your ability to understand academic passages in English. 
 
There are three passages in this section. You have 54 minutes to complete the entire section. You may 
read the passages and answer the questions in any order you choose, but plan to spend about 18 minutes 
on each passage and the accompanying questions.  
 
Most questions are worth one point, but the last question for each passage is worth more than one point. 
The directions for the last question indicate how many points you may receive.  
 
At the end of this practice test, you will find an answer key, information to help determine your score, and 
explanations of the answers.  
 
Turn the page to begin the reading section.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
 
Discovery and Orbits of Asteroids 
 
In the late 1700s, many astronomers were hunting for an additional planet they thought should exist in 
the gap between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Sicilian astronomer, Giovanni Piazzi, thought he had 
found this missing planet in 1801 when he discovered the first asteroid (or as it was later called, “minor 
planet”) orbiting the Sun. His discovery, which he named Ceres, was quickly followed by the ​detection​ of 
three other little planets in similar orbits. Clearly, there was not a single missing planet between Mars and 
Jupiter but rather a whole group of objects, each much smaller than our Moon. By 1890, more than 300 of 
these minor planets or asteroids had been discovered by sharp-eyed observers. In that year, Max Wolf of 
Germany introduced astronomical photography to the search for asteroids, greatly accelerating the 
discovery of these dim objects. In the twenty-first century, searchers use computer-driven electronic 
cameras, another leap in technology. More than half a million asteroids now have well-determined orbits. 
And many of these foreign objects are located in the area of space which is commonly referred to as the 
asteroid belt, or the main belt, to distinguish this particular area in space from other asteroid populations 
like near-Earth asteroids and trojan asteroids. 
 
Asteroids are as different as black and white. The majority are very dark, with a reflectivity of only 3 to 4%, 
like a lump of coal​. However, others shine brighter. The dark asteroids are usually referred to as primitive 
bodies -- those that have changed little chemically since the beginning of the solar system -- composed of 
silicates, a type of mineral that combines silicon and oxygen and helps form rocks here on Earth. Two of 
the largest asteroids, Ceres and Pallas, are primitive, as are almost all of the asteroids in the outer part of 
the belt. The second most populous group is the S-type asteroids, where “S” stands for a stony or silicate 
composition. The S-type asteroids are also chemically primitive, but their different composition indicates 
that they were probably formed in a different location in the solar system from the C-type asteroids. 
Asteroids of a third class, much less numerous than those of the first two, are composed primarily of 
metal and are called M-type asteroids (“M” for metallic). Since a metal asteroid, like an airplane or ship, is a 
much better reflector of radar than is a stony object, it appears bright when we aim a radar beam at it. 
 
The asteroids all revolve about the Sun in the same direction as the planets, and most of their orbits lie 
near the plane in which Earth and other planets circle. The majority of asteroids are in the asteroid belt, 
the region between Mars and Jupiter that contains all asteroids with orbital periods between 3.3 to 6 
years. Although more than 75% of the known asteroids are in the belt, they are not closely spaced. The 
volume of the belt is actually very large, and the typical spacing between objects is several million 
kilometers. This was fortunate for space crafts like Galileo, Cassini, Rosetta, and New Horizons, which 
needed to travel through the asteroid belt. 
 
 
 
 
 

3
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
Still, over the long history of our solar system, there have been a good number of collisions among the 
asteroids themselves. In 1918, the Japanese astronomer Kiyotsugu Hirayama found that some asteroids 
fall into families, groups with similar orbital characteristics. He hypothesized that each family may have 
resulted from the breakup of a larger body or, more likely, from the collision of two asteroids. Slight 
differences in the speeds with which the various fragments left the collision scene to account for the small 
spread in orbits now observed for the different asteroids in a given family. Several dozen families exist, 
and observations have shown that individual members of most families have similar compositions, as we 
would expect if they were fragments of a common parent. 
 
Source: Fraknoi, A., Morrison, D., & Wolff, S.C. (​2016). 
 
 
 
Reading Paragraph 1 
 
In the late 1700s, many astronomers were hunting for an additional planet they thought should exist in 
the gap between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Sicilian astronomer, Giovanni Piazzi, thought he had 
found this missing planet in 1801 when he discovered the first asteroid (or as it was later called, “minor 
planet”) orbiting the Sun. His discovery, which he named Ceres, was quickly followed by the ​detection​ of 
three other little planets in similar orbits. Clearly, there was not a single missing planet between Mars and 
Jupiter but rather a whole group of objects, each much smaller than our Moon. By 1890, more than 300 of 
these minor planets or asteroids had been discovered by sharp-eyed observers. In that year, Max Wolf of 
Germany introduced astronomical photography to the search for asteroids, greatly accelerating the 
discovery of these dim objects. In the twenty-first century, searchers use computer-driven electronic 
cameras, another leap in technology. More than half a million asteroids now have well-determined orbits. 
And many of these foreign objects are located in the area of space which is commonly referred to as the 
asteroid belt, or the main belt to distinguish this particular area in space from other asteroid populations 
like near-Earth asteroids and trojan asteroids. 
 
 
1. The word ​detection​ in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to  
 
a. Alignment 
b. Pairing 
c. Recognition 
d. Analysis  
 
 
 
 
 

4
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 1 
 
In the late 1700s, many astronomers were hunting for an additional planet they thought should exist in 
the gap between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. The Sicilian astronomer, Giovanni Piazzi, thought he had 
found this missing planet in 1801 when he discovered the first asteroid (or as it was later called, “minor 
planet”) orbiting the Sun. His discovery, which he named Ceres, was quickly followed by the ​detection​ of 
three other little planets in similar orbits. Clearly, there was not a single missing planet between Mars and 
Jupiter but rather a whole group of objects, each much smaller than our Moon. By 1890, more than 300 of 
these minor planets or asteroids had been discovered by sharp-eyed observers. In that year, Max Wolf of 
Germany introduced astronomical photography to the search for asteroids, greatly accelerating the 
discovery of these dim objects. In the twenty-first century, searchers use computer-driven electronic 
cameras, another leap in technology. More than half a million asteroids now have well-determined orbits. 
And many of these foreign objects are located in the area of space which is commonly referred to as the 
asteroid belt, or the main belt to distinguish this particular area in space from other asteroid populations 
like near-Earth asteroids and trojan asteroids. 
 
 
2. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true? 
 
a. Astronomers were searching for a planet between Mars and Jupiter in the 17th century 
b. Sicilian astronomer Giovanni Piazzi discovered a large new planet in 1801  
c. Giovanni Piazzi was an astronomer who named his discovery Ceres 
d. Minor planets were found orbiting the Moon 
 
 
3. According to paragraph 1, how did technology help advance the study of astronomy? 
 
a. Astronomical photography and electronic cameras aided astronomers in finding faint objects  
b. Computer-driven cameras introduced in the 21st century detected missing planets  
c. The development of astronomical photography led to the discovery of asteroids 
d. German astronomer Max Wolf invented cameras that were used specifically for astronomy  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

5
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 2 
 
Asteroids are as different as black and white. The majority are very dark, with a reflectivity of only 3 to 4%, 
like a lump of coal​. However, others shine brighter. The dark asteroids are usually referred to as primitive 
bodies -- those that have changed little chemically since the beginning of the solar system -- composed of 
silicates, a type of mineral that combines silicon and oxygen and helps form rocks here on Earth. Two of 
the largest asteroids, Ceres and Pallas, are primitive, as are almost all of the asteroids in the outer part of 
the belt. The second most populous group is the S-type asteroids, where “S” stands for a stony or silicate 
composition. The S-type asteroids are also chemically primitive, but their different composition indicates 
that they were probably formed in a different location in the solar system from the C-type asteroids. 
Asteroids of a third class, much less numerous than those of the first two, are composed primarily of 
metal and are called M-type asteroids (“M” for metallic). Since a metal asteroid, like an airplane or ship, is a 
much better reflector of radar than is a stony object, it appears bright when we aim a radar beam at it. 
 
 
4. Why does the author say, “​like a lump of coal​” in paragraph 2? 
 
a. To provide an approximate size comparison for asteroids 
b. To suggest that asteroids have a texture similar to coal 
c. As proof that other asteroids shine brighter  
d. To provide a comparison of the color and reflectivity of dark asteroids 
 
 
5. What does the author say about asteroids in paragraph 2? 
 
a. Few are dark because they have a low reflectivity  
b. The two largest asteroids that we know of are Ceres and Pallas 
c. Asteroids that have undergone little chemical change are typically called primitive bodies 
d. The most common group of asteroids is the S-type  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

6
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 3 
 
The asteroids all revolve about the Sun in the same direction as the planets, and most of their orbits lie 
near the plane in which Earth and other planets circle. The majority of asteroids are in the asteroid belt, 
the region between Mars and Jupiter that contains all asteroids with orbital periods between 3.3 to 6 
years. Although more than 75% of the known asteroids are in the belt, they are not closely spaced. The 
volume of the belt is actually very large, and the typical spacing between objects is several million 
kilometers. This was fortunate for space crafts like Galileo, Cassini, Rosetta, and New Horizons, which 
needed to travel through the asteroid belt. 
 
 
6. According to paragraph 3, most asteroids are located where? 
 
a. In an asteroid belt close to and around the Sun 
b. Between Jupiter and Mars in the asteroid belt 
c. In the asteroid belt between Earth and the Sun 
d. Outside the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars  
 
 
7. All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 3 EXCEPT  
 
a. Most asteroids are in the area between Mars and Jupiter 
b. Greater than three-quarters of the known asteroids are located within the asteroid belt  
c. The asteroids within the belt are typically millions of kilometers away from each other  
d. Some spacecrafts have had trouble navigating around the asteroids in the belt   
 
 
   

7
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL®
​ ​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 4 
 
Still, over the long history of our solar system, there have been a good number of collisions among the 
asteroids themselves. In 1918, the Japanese astronomer Kiyotsugu Hirayama found that some asteroids 
fall into families, groups with similar orbital characteristics. He hypothesized that each family may have 
resulted from the breakup of a larger body or, more likely, from the collision of two asteroids. Slight 
differences in the speeds with which the various fragments left the collision scene to account for the small 
spread in orbits now observed for the different asteroids in a given family. Several dozen families exist, 
and observations have shown that individual members of most families have similar compositions, as we 
would expect if they were fragments of a common parent. 
 
 
8. What was Kiyotsugu Hirayama’s explanation for his findings? 
 
a. The speed of an asteroid allowed it to be grouped into a family 
b. There were about a dozen categories of families  
c. Breakups and collisions of asteroids created families  
d. Families of asteroids tend to be made up of the same elements  
 
 
9. Look at the four squares (​A​, ​B​, ​C​, ​D​) that indicate where the following sentence could be added to 
the passage. 
 
This knowledge spurred a search for more “missing planets.”  
 
Where would the sentence best fit? 
 
The Sicilian astronomer Giovanni Piazzi thought he had found this missing planet in 1801 when he 
discovered the first asteroid (or as it was later called, “minor planet”) orbiting the Sun. ​A​ His discovery, 
which he named Ceres, was quickly followed by the detection of three other little planets in similar orbits. 
B​ Clearly, there was not a single missing planet between Mars and Jupiter but rather a whole group of 
objects, each much smaller than our Moon. ​C​ By 1890, more than 300 of these minor planets or asteroids 
had been discovered by sharp-eyed observers. ​D 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

10.​ ​DIRECTIONS​: ​Select the phrases that correctly describe each farming method. Two of the 
phrases will NOT be used.​ ​This question is worth 3 points​. 
 
All asteroids 
 
- 
- 
- 
 
S-type asteroids 
 
- 
- 
 
a. They are the second most common and have a stony or silicate makeup 
b. They are largely made up of metal and are much less common than the other groups 
c. They are typically spread millions of kilometers apart in the asteroid belt 
d. They are mostly similar in chemical composition and do not vary greatly in size 
e. Their chemical composition is considered primitive  
f. Most of them are dark with a low percentage of reflectivity and are located in the asteroid belt 
g. They orbit the Sun just as the planets do  

 
 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

The Cambrian Explosion and Mass Extinction 

 
The Cambrian period, occurring between approximately 542–488 million years ago, marks the most rapid 
evolution of new animal phyla (a class of species) and animal diversity in Earth’s history. It is believed that 
most of the animal phyla in existence today had their origins during this time, often referred to as the 
Cambrian explosion. Echinoderms, mollusks, worms, arthropods, and chordates arose during this period. 
 
The cause of the Cambrian explosion is still debated. There are many theories that attempt to answer this 
question. Environmental changes may have created a more suitable environment for animal life. Examples 
of these changes include rising atmospheric oxygen levels and large increases in oceanic calcium 
concentrations that preceded the Cambrian period. Some scientists believe that an expansive, continental 
shelf with numerous shallow lagoons or pools provided the necessary living space for larger numbers of 
different types of animals to co-exist. There is also support for theories that argue that relationships 
between species, such as changes in the food web, competition for food and space, and predator-prey 
relationships, were ready to promote a sudden massive coevolution of species. Theories that attempt to 
explain why the Cambrian explosion happened must be able to provide valid reasons for the massive 
animal diversification, as well as explain why it happened when it did. There is evidence that both supports 
and ​refutes​ each of the theories described above, and the answer may very well be a combination of these 
and other theories. 
 
However, unresolved questions about the animal diversification that took place during the Cambrian 
period remain. For example, we do not understand how the evolution of so many species occurred in such 
a short period of time. Was there really an “explosion” of life at this particular time? Some scientists 
question the validity of this idea because there is increasing evidence to suggest that more animal life 
existed prior to the Cambrian period and that other similar species’ so-called explosions occurred later in 
history as well. Furthermore, the vast diversification of animal species that appears to have begun during 
the Cambrian period continued well into the following Ordovician period. Despite some of these 
arguments, most scientists agree that the Cambrian period marked a time of impressively rapid animal 
evolution and diversification that is unmatched elsewhere during history. 
 
The periods that followed the Cambrian during the Paleozoic Era are marked by further animal evolution 
and the emergence of many new orders, families, and species. As animal phyla continued to diversify, new 
species adapted to new ecological conditions. During the Ordovician period, which followed the Cambrian 
period, plant life first appeared on land. This change allowed formerly aquatic animal species to invade 
land, feeding directly on plants or decaying vegetation. 
 
Changes in the environment often create new niches (living spaces) that contribute to rapid speciation and 
increased diversity. On the other hand, cataclysmic events, such as volcanic eruptions and meteor strikes 
that obliterate life, can result in devastating losses of diversity. Such periods of mass extinction have 
occurred repeatedly in the evolutionary record of life, erasing some genetic lines while creating room for 
others to evolve into the empty niches left behind. The end of the Permian period (and the Paleozoic Era) 
was marked by the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history, a loss of roughly 95 percent of the 

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

species at that time. Some of the dominant phyla in the world’s oceans, such as the trilobites, disappeared 
completely. On land, the disappearance of some dominant species of Permian reptiles made it possible for 
a new line of reptiles to emerge: the dinosaurs. The warm and stable climatic conditions of the ensuing 
Mesozoic Era promoted an explosive diversification of dinosaurs into every conceivable niche in land, air, 
and water. Plants, too, moved into new landscapes and empty niches, creating complex communities of 
producers and consumers, some of which became very large on the abundant food available. 
 
Source: OpenStax. (2019). 
 
 
 
 
Reading Paragraph 1 
 
The Cambrian period, occurring between approximately 542–488 million years ago, marks the most rapid 
evolution of new animal phyla (a class of species) and animal diversity in Earth’s history. It is believed that 
most of the animal phyla in existence today had their origins during this time, often referred to as the 
Cambrian explosion. Echinoderms, mollusks, worms, arthropods, and chordates arose during this period. 
 
 
1. What is the Cambrian period? 
 
a. A time when all animal phyla in existence today originated  
b. A period of time when the amount of animal phyla evolved and expanded rapidly  
c. A time when the largest event in Earth’s history known as the Cambrian explosion occurred  
d. A period of time millions of years ago when most dinosaurs died  
 
 
   

11
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 2 
 
The cause of the Cambrian explosion is still debated. There are many theories that attempt to answer this 
question. Environmental changes may have created a more suitable environment for animal life. Examples 
of these changes include rising atmospheric oxygen levels and large increases in oceanic calcium 
concentrations that preceded the Cambrian period. Some scientists believe that an expansive, continental 
shelf with numerous shallow lagoons or pools provided the necessary living space for larger numbers of 
different types of animals to co-exist. There is also support for theories that argue that relationships 
between species, such as changes in the food web, competition for food and space, and predator-prey 
relationships, were ready to promote a sudden massive coevolution of species. Theories that attempt to 
explain why the Cambrian explosion happened must be able to provide valid reasons for the massive 
animal diversification, as well as explain why it happened when it did. There is evidence that both supports 
and ​refutes​ each of the theories described above, and the answer may very well be a combination of these 
and other theories. 
 
 
2. Why does the author mention “​atmospheric oxygen levels​” and “​oceanic calcium concentrations​”? 
 
a. To state what may have caused the environment to be more accommodating of animal life 
b. To explain the true causes that allowed the emergence of various animal phyla 
c. To provide examples that prove what changes led to the Cambrian explosion  
d. To show that more than one change took place before the Cambrian period  
 
 
3. The word ​refutes​ in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to  
 
a. Strengthens  
b. Recognizes 
c. Discredits 
d. Explains 
 
 
4. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is true about the theories regarding the 
Cambrian period? 
 
a. Most scientists believe that a large continental shelf could accommodate a vast variety of animals 
b. Evidence suggests that a variety of factors allowed for a rapid coevolution of species 
c. Many of the theories regarding this period have been refuted due to a lack of evidence 
d. There are only a few theories that attempt to explain what caused the Cambrian explosion 
 
   

12
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 3 
 
However, unresolved questions about the animal diversification that took place during the Cambrian 
period remain. For example, we do not understand how the evolution of so many species occurred in such 
a short period of time. Was there really an “explosion” of life at this particular time? Some scientists 
question the validity of this idea because there is increasing evidence to suggest that more animal life 
existed prior to the Cambrian period and that other similar species’ so-called explosions occurred later in 
history as well. Furthermore, the vast diversification of animal species that appears to have begun during 
the Cambrian period continued well into the following Ordovician period. Despite some of these 
arguments, most scientists agree that the Cambrian period marked a time of impressively rapid animal 
evolution and diversification that is unmatched elsewhere during history. 
 
 
5. Which of the following is NOT true? 
 
a. There is proof that there were more animal species before the Cambrian period 
b. It appears that there were other periods of rapid species diversification 
c. The majority of scientists concur that the Cambrian period witnessed a unique spike in evolution 
d. Scientists are very close to understanding how such an explosion in evolution happened 
 
 
6. What can be inferred based on the information from paragraph 3? 
 
a. Scientists have a good understanding of events throughout the planet’s history 
b. It is likely that an explosion of species happened prior to the Cambrian period 
c. Scientists cannot definitively state whether or not this period marked the greatest growth of 
animal species in history 
d. This level of diversification carried on into the Ordovician period  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

13
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 4 
 
The periods that followed the Cambrian during the Paleozoic Era are marked by further animal evolution 
and the emergence of many new orders, families, and species. As animal phyla continued to diversify, new 
species adapted to new ecological conditions. During the Ordovician period, which followed the Cambrian 
period, plant life first appeared on land. This change allowed formerly aquatic animal species to invade the 
land, feeding directly on plants or decaying vegetation. 
 
 
7. What was the Ordovician period? 
 
a. The period after the Cambrian period when plants appeared on land 
b. The period prior to the Cambrian period and following the Paleozoic Era 
c. The period following the Paleozoic Era when plant and animal life appeared on land 
d. The period during the Paleozoic Era when animal life appeared on land  
 
 
Reading Paragraph 5 
 
Changes in the environment often create new niches (living spaces) that contribute to rapid speciation and 
increased diversity. On the other hand, cataclysmic events, such as volcanic eruptions and meteor strikes 
that obliterate life, can result in devastating losses of diversity. Such periods of mass extinction have 
occurred repeatedly in the evolutionary record of life, erasing some genetic lines while creating room for 
others to evolve into the empty niches left behind. The end of the Permian period (and the Paleozoic Era) 
was marked by the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history, a loss of roughly 95 percent of the 
species at that time. Some of the dominant phyla in the world’s oceans, such as the trilobites, disappeared 
completely. On land, the disappearance of some dominant species of Permian reptiles made it possible for 
a new line of reptiles to emerge, the dinosaurs. The warm and stable climatic conditions of the ensuing 
Mesozoic Era promoted an explosive diversification of dinosaurs into every conceivable niche in land, air, 
and water. Plants, too, moved into new landscapes and empty niches, creating complex communities of 
producers and consumers, some of which became very large on the abundant food available. 
 
 
8. According to paragraph 5, what effects do “​cataclysmic events​” have on evolution? 
 
a. Mass extinction and the loss of certain genetic lines 
b. An increase in diversity by creating room for new species  
c. It depends on the type and scale of the event   
d. Volcanic eruptions and meteor strikes become more common  
 
 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

9. Look at the four squares (​A​, ​B​, ​C​, ​D​) that indicate where the following sentence could be added to 
the passage. 
 
More research will have to be done if academics expect to find definitive answers to these speculations.   
 
Where would the sentence best fit? 
 
However, unresolved questions about the animal diversification that took place during the Cambrian 
period remain. ​A​ For example, we do not understand how the evolution of so many species occurred in 
such a short period of time. ​B​ Was there really an “explosion” of life at this particular time? ​C​ Some 
scientists question the validity of this idea because there is increasing evidence to suggest that more 
animal life existed prior to the Cambrian period and that other similar species’ so-called explosions 
occurred later in history as well. ​D 
 
 
10. 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​.  
 
Though debated, most scientists agree that the Cambrian period witnessed an explosion of new animal 
phyla so great and so diverse that it is considered the fastest evolution of phyla in history. 
 
- 
- 
- 
 
a. The Cambrian period was one of the longest periods in the Paleozoic Era  
b. Many theories exist about what caused the sudden increase in animal species 
c. The extinction of Permian reptiles and dinosaurs are examples of mass extinction  
d. It is likely that changes in oxygen levels, food sources, and predator-prey relationships contributed 
to the Cambrian explosion 
e. There is a lack of evidence from other points in history when rapid evolution may have occurred  
f. The Permian period followed the Cambrian period, during which there was a great extinction 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

The Mongol Era 

 
The Mongols greatly expanded into Central Asia during the thirteenth century. There they reunited with 
the Turkic groups who had been expelled from the Orkhon Steppe over the course of a millennium. The 
Mongols created the largest empire in history, as Central Asia externalized the violence of the steppe, yet it 
was with enormous difficulty that they even united as a people. Perhaps the greatest obstacle for them to 
overcome was their own ​divisiveness​. Inter-tribal strife was commonplace, but once they united, the 
Mongols expanded deep into Russia, China, India, and the Middle East.  
 
It was Temujin (1167 – 1227), later known as Genghis Khan, who brought this fractured people together 
and developed a method of governance and expansion that lasted long after his death. Born into the 
aristocratic Borjigin Clan, most likely in 1167, Temujin’s success related to his convictions. Inspired by oral 
tales of past glory, his personal charisma and sense of fate enabled him to survive a youth of poverty and 
eventually bring the various Mongol tribes together. 
 
With a keen awareness of his own destiny, Temujin was inspired to achieve greatness. He had a clear 
vision that God predestined him to function as ruler on Earth and exhibited a desire to claim universal 
lordship. Through a series of fights, he eventually subjugated local clans in eastern Mongolia. He then 
expanded his political control of the region through a marriage alliance to Börte Üjin, a member of the 
Olkhonut Tribe, which maintained friendly relations with Temujin’s Khiyad Tribe. Despite his early 
successes, Temujin remained greatly outnumbered by his opponents and was forced to retreat to the 
Heights of Baljuna, located in modern-day Manchuria, where he convinced his followers to swear an oath 
of total allegiance to him who called for them to fight unto death for him. For their ​unwavering​ loyalty, he 
promised his supporters a share in his glory upon their victory. 
 
Some Mongol tribes yielded to Temujin by 1204 and agreed to recognize him as their leader, thus paving 
the way for a period of unification of the Mongols. Temujin demanded a high level of commitment from 
his people, endowing his forces with coherence and unity of purpose. He also promoted allies based on 
merit rather than by the traditional Mongol method of advancement based on position within the tribal 
hierarchy. His opponents, on the other hand, lacked his force of will and entered into a series of 
squabbles. Temujin took advantage of their internal fights, emerging victoriously by 1206. 
 
Temujin adopted the name of Genghis Khan or universal ruler in this context. Genghis Khan presided over 
peoples who had experienced near-constant warfare since 1160. Previously, tribal confederations were 
loose alliances held together under charismatic khagans and punctuated by tribal warfare. He 
consolidated all of these diverse tribes and reshaped them into a single “nation,” endowing Mongol society 
with more cohesiveness, a key element to future expansion. He did this by developing a new political 
order that deviated from tradition. ​Restructuring Mongol society into new administrative military units, 
Genghis Khan charged each of his commanders with a tribal unit that was responsible for controlling a 
particular pasture and housing soldiers when needed​. His system assigned the members of one tribe to 
military detail with other rival tribes, thus emphasizing collective responsibility. By forcing the men from 
one tribe to stand guard over the pastures of other tribes, he weakened loyalty to ancestral lines and 

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

homelands, thereby reinforcing his own leadership. Genghis Khan represented the ultimate source of 
justice in his newly-formed state, consolidating his position and making it more authoritarian. By 
embodying autocracy in the position of the khan, he made the title of khan institutional, not personal, 
building a new foundation for legitimacy. 
 
His law, known as ​Yassa​, originated as ​decrees​ delivered during war. Yassa remained secret, which allowed 
Genghis Khan to adapt it to changing circumstances. For example, he later incorporated cultural elements 
indigenous to Mongol society into the law. He based his code on shamanist principles, and it served as the 
social and political formula binding all Mongols together. It also strengthened Mongol, rather than clan or 
tribal identification. 
 
 
 
 
Reading Paragraph 1 
 
The Mongols greatly expanded into Central Asia during the thirteenth century. There they reunited with 
the Turkic groups who had been expelled from the Orkhon Steppe over the course of a millennium. The 
Mongols created the largest empire in history, as Central Asia externalized the violence of the steppe, yet it 
was with enormous difficulty that they even united as a people. Perhaps the greatest obstacle for them to 
overcome was their own ​divisiveness​. Inter-tribal strife was commonplace, but once they united, the 
Mongols expanded deep into Russia, China, India, and the Middle East.  
 
 
1. Paragraph 1 mentions all of the following about the Mongols EXCEPT 
 
a. They united with other groups in Central Asia  
b. Their empire became the largest empire in history  
c. Their empire included areas as far east as China and as far west as Europe   
d. The tribes that composed the Mongol Empire had previously been divided   
 
 
 
 
 
   

17
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 3 
 
With a keen awareness of his own destiny, Temujin was inspired to achieve greatness. He had a clear 
vision that God predestined him to function as ruler on Earth and exhibited a desire to claim universal 
lordship. Through a series of fights, he eventually subjugated local clans in eastern Mongolia. He then 
expanded his political control of the region through a marriage alliance to Börte Üjin, a member of the 
Olkhonut Tribe, which maintained friendly relations with Temujin’s Khiyad Tribe. Despite his early 
successes, Temujin remained greatly outnumbered by his opponents and was forced to retreat to the 
Heights of Baljuna, located in modern-day Manchuria, where he convinced his followers to swear an oath 
of total allegiance to him who called for them to fight unto death for him. For their ​unwavering​ loyalty, he 
promised his supporters a share in his glory upon their victory. 
 
 
2. Why does the author say, “​With a keen awareness of his own destiny​”? 
 
a. To show that Temujin achieved greatness because his father had told him his destiny  
b. To provide the main reason why Temujin was motivated to accomplish what he did 
c. To suggest that Temujin only achieved greatness because he felt it was his destiny  
d. To prove that Temujin belonged to a tribe that was deeply religious and spiritual  
 
 
3. According to paragraph 3, how did Temujin increase his political power? 
 
a. He fought several clans located in eastern Mongolia 
b. He made alliances with other tribal leaders while promising to share power and wealth 
c. He married Börte Üjin of the Olkhonut Tribe 
d. He forced his opponents to surrender because his army greatly outnumbered their own 
 
 
4. The word ​unwavering​ in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to 
 
a. Frail 
b. Basic  
c. Forced 
d. Enduring 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

18
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 4 
 
Some Mongol tribes yielded to Temujin by 1204 and agreed to recognize him as their leader, thus paving 
the way for a period of unification of the Mongols. Temujin demanded a high level of commitment from 
his people, endowing his forces with coherence and unity of purpose. He also promoted allies based on 
merit, rather than by the traditional Mongol method of advancement based on position within the tribal 
hierarchy. His opponents, on the other hand, lacked his force of will and entered into a series of 
squabbles​. Temujin took advantage of their internal fights, emerging victoriously by 1206. 
 
 
5. All of the following are mentioned as ways in which Temujin governed EXCEPT 
 
a. He ensured his armies were united in one cause 
b. He required serious dedication from his people  
c. He used a merit-based ranking system 
d. He maintained the Mongol tradition of tribal hierarchy  
 
 
   

19
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 5 
 
Temujin adopted the name of Genghis Khan or universal ruler in this context. Genghis Khan presided over 
peoples who had experienced near-constant warfare since 1160. Previously, tribal confederations were 
loose alliances held together under charismatic khagans and punctuated by tribal warfare. He 
consolidated all of these diverse tribes and reshaped them into a single “nation,” endowing Mongol society 
with more cohesiveness, a key element to future expansion. He did this by developing a new political 
order that deviated from tradition. ​Restructuring Mongol society into new administrative military units, 
Genghis Khan charged each of his commanders with a tribal unit that was responsible for controlling a 
particular pasture and housing soldiers when needed​. His system assigned the members of one tribe to 
military detail with other rival tribes, thus emphasizing collective responsibility. By forcing the men from 
one tribe to stand guard over the pastures of other tribes, he weakened loyalty to ancestral lines and 
homelands, thereby reinforcing his own leadership. Genghis Khan represented the ultimate source of 
justice in his newly-formed state, consolidating his position and making it more authoritarian. By 
embodying autocracy in the position of the khan, he made the title of khan institutional, not personal, 
building a new foundation for legitimacy. 
 
 
6. According to paragraph 5, what was a critical step in the Mongols further expansion?  
 
a. Temujin took the title Genghis Khan, meaning universal ruler, to gain the respect needed to lead  
b. Temujin understood that the people he led had experienced constant conflict for many years 
c. Temujin brought together different tribes, in essence forming one nation 
d. Temujin abandoned most Mongol traditions and established a new political system 
 
 
7. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in 
paragraph 5? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential 
information. 
 
a. Genghis Khan created new military units and provided each with housing in certain pastures 
b. Genghis Khan reorganized the Mongols into military units and assigned each commander a 
specific territory 
c. Genghis Khan housed each of his military groups on a specific plot of land   
d. Genghis Khan organized society into groups which were assigned to a particular piece of land  
 
   

20
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Reading Paragraph 5 
 
Temujin adopted the name of Genghis Khan or universal ruler in this context. Genghis Khan presided over 
peoples who had experienced near-constant warfare since 1160. Previously, tribal confederations were 
loose alliances held together under charismatic khagans and punctuated by tribal warfare. He 
consolidated all of these diverse tribes and reshaped them into a single “nation,” endowing Mongol society 
with more cohesiveness, a key element to future expansion. He did this by developing a new political 
order that deviated from tradition. ​Restructuring Mongol society into new administrative military units, 
Genghis Khan charged each of his commanders with a tribal unit that was responsible for controlling a 
particular pasture and housing soldiers when needed​. His system assigned the members of one tribe to 
military detail with other rival tribes, thus emphasizing collective responsibility. By forcing the men from 
one tribe to stand guard over the pastures of other tribes, he weakened loyalty to ancestral lines and 
homelands, thereby reinforcing his own leadership. Genghis Khan represented the ultimate source of 
justice in his newly-formed state, consolidating his position and making it more authoritarian. By 
embodying autocracy in the position of the khan, he made the title of khan institutional, not personal, 
building a new foundation for legitimacy. 
 
 
8. What can be inferred about Genghis Khan based on the information from paragraph five? 
 
a. He had difficulty gaining respect as a leader because he did not follow Mongol tradition 
b. He deeply understood how to unite various groups and knew tactics to gain loyalty  
c. He did not have a detailed plan of action but did what was best in each given situation 
d. He was a headstrong dictator that ruled alone and hardly ever consulted his advisors 
 
 
9. Look at the four squares (​A​, ​B​, ​C​, ​D​) that indicate where the following sentence could be added to 
the passage. 
 
Genghis Khan reformed more than just the political and military systems; he also implemented a new 
system of law. 
 
Where would the sentence best fit? 
 
A​ His law, known as ​Yassa​, originated as decrees delivered during war. ​B​ Yassa remained secret, which 
allowed Genghis Khan to adapt it to changing circumstances. ​C​ For example, he later incorporated cultural 
elements indigenous to Mongol society into the law. ​D​ He based his code on shamanist principles, and it 
served as the social and political formula binding all Mongols together. 
 
   

21
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
10. 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​.  
 
The Mongols expanded their territory significantly under the rule of Genghis Khan, who united warring 
tribes and reformed their society. 
 
- 
- 
- 
 
a. Genghis Khan was actually born Temujin until he adopted the name meaning universal ruler 
b. Genghis Khan made it his mission to bring the Mongol tribes together and conquer vast territories  
c. Genghis Khan married Börte Üjin, who was a member of the Khiyad Tribe 
d. Khan’s leadership allowed the Mongols to expand into Russia, China, India, and the Middle East 
e. Genghis Khan deviated from tradition and reorganized the military and the tribal ranking system 
f. Though he was born into an aristocratic family, Genghis Khan survived an impoverished youth and 
became a man of great charisma  

 
   

22
 
 
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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Practice Test #9 

For the TOEFL® ​ ​ Reading Section 
Answer Key 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
   

24
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

The Grading Rubric  

 
Use the chart below to determine your score in the reading section.  
 
There are only 30 questions in this reading section, but the highest raw score is 34. The last question of 
each passage, either in the form of a summary or organization question, is worth two to three points since 
each requires more than one answer.  
 
Summary questions are worth two points. If all three choices are correct, award yourself ​two points​. If two 
choices are correct and one is incorrect, award yourself ​one point​. If two or more choices are incorrect, 
you earn ​zero points​ for the given question.  
 
Organization questions are worth three points. If all five choices are correct, award yourself ​three points​. If 
four choices are correct and one is incorrect, award yourself ​two points​. If three choices are correct and 
two are incorrect, award yourself ​one point​. If three or more choices are incorrect, you earn zero points 
for the given question.  
 
 
Raw   Score  Raw   Score  Raw   Score 
Points  Estimate   Points  Estimate  Points  Estimate 

34  30  23  20  12  11 

33  29  22  19  11  10 

32  28  21  19  10  9 

31  27  20  18  9  8 

30  26  19  17  8  7 

29  26  18  16  7  6 

28  25  17  15  6  5 

27  24  16  14  5  4 

26  23  15  13  4  3 

25  22  14  12  3  3 

24  21  13  11  2-1  2-1  

25
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

Discovery and Orbits of Asteroids: Answer Key 

Source: Fraknoi, A., Morrison, D., Wolff, S.C. (​2016). 

1. C (vocabulary)  
 
C​ is correct because “​detection​” means discovery, perception, identification, or recognition, and is closest in 
meaning to “recognition” in this situation. The first part of the sentence provides a context clue by stating 
that “​his discovery...was quickly followed by…” ​which indicates that “​detection​” is related to “​discovery​,” so ​C​ is 
the only logical fit. ​A​ (“​alignment​”), ​B​ (“​pairing​”) and ​D ​(“​analysis​”) do not make sense in this context.  
 
2. C (factual information)  
 
C​ is correct because the paragraph states that ​“The Sicilian astronomer Giovanni Piazzi thought he had found 
this missing planet…”​ and that he named his discovery “​Ceres​”. Option ​A​ is incorrect because it was in the 
18th century that astronomers were ​“hunting for an additional planet…”​ as the 1700s is the 18th century. 
Option ​B​ is incorrect because Giovanni Piazzi did not discover a new planet, but he “​thought he had found 
this missing planet...when he discovered the first asteroid.​” Option​ D​ is incorrect because the asteroids, or 
minor planets, orbit the Sun, not the Moon. 
 
3. A (factual information)  
 
A​ is correct because the second half of the paragraph says that Max Wolf ​“introduced astronomical 
photography...greatly accelerating the discovery of these dim objects,”​ and that in the 21st century, ​“searchers 
use computer-driven electronic cameras, another leap in technology.”​ Option ​B​ is incorrect because 
computer-driven electronic cameras detected asteroids, not missing planets. Option ​C​ is incorrect because 
the sentence says the development of astronomical photography sped up the ​“discovery of these dim 
objects,”​ not that it led to the discovery of asteroids. Option ​D​ is wrong because Max Wolf did not invent 
cameras used for astronomy; the sentence says that he ​“introduced astronomical photography”.  
 
4. D (rhetorical purpose)  
 
D​ is correct because prior to this phrase, the author discusses the color and reflectivity of dark asteroids, 
which make up “​the majority​”, and he uses this comparison to illustrate the color and level of reflectivity 
that these “​very dark​” asteroids possess. Options ​A​ and ​B​ are incorrect because he does not talk about 
their size or texture. Option ​C​ is incorrect because this phrase does not prove that “​other asteroids shine 
brighter​”.  
 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

5. C (factual information)  
 
C​ is correct because the third sentence states that “​dark asteroids are usually referred to as primitive bodies -- 
those that changed little chemically since the beginning of the solar system.”​ Option ​A​ is incorrect because the 
paragraph actually says that​ “The majority” --not “few” -- “are very dark...with reflectivity of only 3 to 4 %....​” 
Option ​B​ is incorrect because the paragraph says Ceres and Pallas are ​“Two of the largest asteroids,​” not the 
two largest asteroids that we know of. Option ​D​ is wrong because the paragraph says that the S-type of 
asteroids are “​The second most populous group,”​ not the most common group.  
 
6. B (factual information)  
 
B​ is correct because the paragraph says that ​“The majority of asteroids are in the asteroid belt, the region 
between Mars and Jupiter.​” Option ​D ​is incorrect because most asteroids are in the asteroid belt, not 
“​outside​” it. ​A​ and ​C​ are not correct because the asteroid belt is not between the Earth and the Sun or 
around the Sun. It is between Mars and Jupiter, as the paragraph says. 
 
7. D (negative factual information) 
 
D​ is correct because the paragraph says that the ​“typical spacing between objects is several million 
kilometers”​ and that the spacing was ​“fortunate for space crafts...which needed to travel through the asteroid 
belt”.​ Options ​A​ and option ​B ​are true and therefore, incorrect. The passage states, “​The majority of 
asteroids are in the asteroid belt, the region between Mars and Jupiter that contains all asteroids with orbital 
periods between 3.3 to 6 years. Although more than 75% of the known asteroids are in the belt.​” 
 
8. C (factual information) 
 
C​ is correct because Kiyotsugu Hirayama found that ​“some asteroids fall into families”​ and ​“He hypothesized 
that each family may have resulted from the breakup of a larger body or, more likely, from the collision of two 
asteroids.”​ ​A ​is not correct because it misstates the information in the paragraph. “​Slight differences in the 
speeds with which the various fragments left the collision scene to account for the small spread in orbits now 
observed for the different asteroids in a given family,”​ so the speed does not “allow” asteroids to be grouped 
into a family. Options ​B​ and option ​D​ are incorrect because these choices are not explanations of 
Hirayama’s findings.  
 
9. C (insert text) 
 
C​ is correct because the pronoun referent “​this knowledge​” refers back to the idea that there was a ​“whole 
group of objects​” missing. The mention of “​missing planets​” in quotations refers back to the mention of the 
“​missing planet​” in the previous sentence but also makes reference to the earlier statement that it was not 
actually a missing planet but an asteroid. The following sentence explains how many more asteroids were 
discovered by 1890, following the discovery that there were many objects between Mars and Jupiter, and 
after the search for more “​missing planets​” started, so ​D​ is not correct.  

27
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

 
10. All asteroids - C, F, G; S-type asteroids - A, E (fill in a table) 
 
Options ​C​, ​F​, and​ G​ are characteristics that describe all asteroids while options ​A​ and ​E​ describe S-type 
asteroids. Option ​B​ is incorrect because it describes M-type asteroids, and option ​D​ is incorrect because it 
is untrue. The passage explains how different asteroids are by saying they are, ​“as different as black and 
white”.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

28
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

The Cambrian Explosion and Mass Extinction: Answer Key 

Source: OpenStax. (2019). 
 
1. B (factual information) 
 
B​ is correct because the paragraph explains that “​The Cambrian period...marks the most rapid evolution of 
new animal phyla...and animal diversity in Earth’s history.”​ Option ​A​ is incorrect because it has the modifier 
“​all​” which makes the statement false. Option ​C​ is wrong because it was not an actual explosion but a time 
of swift growth of animal diversity. Option ​D​ is wrong because dinosaurs are never mentioned in the 
paragraph.   
 
2. A (rhetorical purpose) 
 
A​ is correct. The author says, “​Environmental changes may have created a more suitable environment for 
animal life,”​ and then goes on to state examples of changes, such as the “​rising atmospheric oxygen levels​” 
and ​“increases in oceanic calcium concentrations”​ that could have resulted in the Cambrian explosion of 
species. Options​ B​ and ​C​ are wrong because the causes are not known for sure, just theorized and 
debated, as the paragraph explains. Option ​D​ is incorrect because this is not the purpose of the statement 
about these changes. 
 
3. C (vocabulary)  
 
C​ is correct because “​refutes​” means “​disproves​”, “​debunks​”, or “​discredits​”, and in this case, “​discredits​” is 
closest in meaning. In the context of the sentence, the word “​both​” is a clue that “​refutes​” means the 
opposite of “​supports​”. The sentence reads, ​“The evidence both refutes and supports…​.” Therefore, 
“​discredits​” is both accurate and logical. The sentence continues with ​"...the answer may very well be a 
combination of these and other theories.…"​ Therefore, ​B​ (“​recognizes​”) can be eliminated. ​A​ (“​strengthens​”) 
and ​D​ (“​explains​”) are incorrect because they are closer in meaning to “​support​”. 
 
4. B (factual information) 
 
B​ is correct because the paragraph says that there is ​“support for theories that argue that relationships 
between species, such as changes in the food web, competition for food and space, and predator-prey 
relationships, were ready to promote a sudden massive coevolution of species.”​ Option ​A​ is wrong because the 
modifier “most” is not used in the original sentence: “​Some scientists believe…”. ​Option ​C ​is incorrect 
because, again, the modifier “​many​” changes the sentence, which says that ​“There is evidence that both 
supports and refutes each of these theories.”​ Option ​D​ is incorrect because the modifier “​few​” changes the 
original sentence, making it the opposite of what it actually says.  
 
   

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 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

5. D (negative factual information) 

 
D​ is correct because it is untrue. In fact, the paragraph says, ​“we do not understand how the evolution of so 
many species occurred in such a short period of time”.​ Options ​A​ to ​C​ are incorrect because they are true and 
stated in the paragraph. ​A​ and ​B​ are true because the paragraph says, “​there is increasing evidence to 
suggest that more animal life existed prior to the Cambrian period and that other similar species’ so-called 
explosions occurred later in history as well​”. ​C​ is also true because it states, “​most scientists agree that the 
Cambrian period marked a time of impressively rapid animal evolution​”. 
 
6. C (inference) 
 
C​ is correct. Based on the information from the paragraph, it is reasonable to infer that scientists cannot 
say the Cambrian period experienced the most rapid growth of animal phyla ever. The whole paragraph 
discusses the unresolved questions, the lack of proof and the limited knowledge scientists have about 
other points in history, so they cannot say this period saw the greatest growth. Option ​A​ is incorrect 
because the opposite is stated in the paragraph, thus we have no reason to infer this. Option ​B​ is wrong 
because the paragraph states that ​"...more animal life existed prior to the Cambrian period",​ but it is never 
implied that there was an explosion. Option ​D​ is wrong because it is not an inference; it is stated right in 
the paragraph so it is wrong. 
 
7. A (factual information) 
 
A​ is correct because the paragraph says, ​“During the Ordovician period, which followed the Cambrian period, 
plant life first appeared on land.​” Option ​B ​is wrong because it was not before the Cambrian period, but 
after, and the Paleozoic Era was an era of time during which several periods occurred. Options ​C​ and ​D​ are 
incorrect as well as because the Ordovician period did not include animal life.  
 
8. A (factual information) 
 
A​ is correct because the paragraph explains that cataclysmic events, such as volcanic eruptions and 
meteor strikes…can result in...“​periods of mass extinction...erasing some genetic lines​.” Option ​B​ is wrong 
because, while the second half is true, the first half is the opposite of what the paragraph states: 
“​cataclysmic events...can result in devastating losses of diversity​.” Option ​C​ is wrong because the scale of the 
event is not mentioned in the paragraph. Option ​D​ is wrong because these are two types of cataclysmic 
events, not the effects of such events. 
 
   

30
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

9. D (insert text)  
 
D​ is the correct answer because “​these speculations​” refer back to the last sentence, which states, 
“​increasing evidence to suggest that more animal life existed prior to the Cambrian period and that other similar 
species’ so-called explosions occurred later in history as well...​”. The inserted sentence does not make sense in 
options ​A​ or option ​B​. This could fit in option​ C ​since it follows a question, but the problem here is that the 
following sentence uses the pronoun referent “​this idea,​” which refers back to the previous sentence, so, 
the inserted sentence can not fit in choice ​C​.  
 
10. B, D, E (prose summary) 
 
Options ​B​, ​D​, and ​E​ are correct. These options are broad statements that relate directly to the summary 
sentence and to the main topic of the passage. They are elaborated on throughout the passage. Option ​A 
is a detail, but it is wrong because the passage does not say it was the longest period. Options ​C​ and ​F​ are 
details that contribute to the main points but are not directly related to the summary sentence or the main 
discussion in the passage.  
 
   

31
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

The Mongol Era: Answer Key 

 
1. C (negative factual information) 
 
C​ is the correct answer. Paragraph one says that​ “the Mongols expanded deep into Russia, China, India, and 
the Middle East,”​ but Europe is never mentioned. All of the other answers are incorrect because they are 
directly stated in the paragraph. ​A​ is true because the passage states they reunited with the Turkin groups. 
B​ is also true: “​The Mongols created the largest empire in history​,” and ​D​ is true because the passage states 
that “​Inter-tribal strife was commonplace...”. 
 
2. B (rhetorical purpose) 
 
B​ is correct because the second part of the sentence explains the result of the first part, “​With a keen 
awareness of his own destiny, Temujin was inspired to achieve greatness​”. The author also mentions more 
about Temujin’s ​“clear vision​” by explaining that he was ​“predestined​” to become a ruler and that this was 
the strongest motivation for him. Option ​A​ is incorrect because nothing in the rest of the paragraph says 
anything about his father telling him this was his destiny. Option ​C​ is incorrect because this phrase does 
not suggest that this was the “​only​” reason Temujin achieved greatness. Option ​D​ is incorrect because the 
phrase does not prove anything; it provides reason and motivation.  
 
3. C (factual information) 
 
C​ is correct because the paragraph says, ​“He then expanded his political control of the region through a 
marriage alliance to Börte Üjin, a member of the Olkhonut Tribe.”​ Option ​A​, while true, is incorrect because 
this is not how he expanded his power politically. Option ​B​ is incorrect as it is not mentioned in the 
paragraph. Option ​D​ is actually the opposite of what is stated in the paragraph, “​Temujin remained greatly 
outnumbered by his opponents and was forced to retreat to the Heights of Baljuna”. 
 
4. D (vocabulary) 
 
D​ is correct because “​unwavering​” is closest in meaning to “​enduring​”. Option ​A​ is incorrect because “​frail​” 
means weak or fragile, which does not fit the context as it is not an adjective that is used to describe 
“​loyalty​”. Option ​B​ (“​basic​”) is also incorrect because, again, it does not fit the context and is not used to 
describe one’s loyalty. Option ​C​ can be eliminated because based on the rest of the sentence, it is clear 
that loyalty was not “​forced​” as those who were loyal were to “​share in his glory​”. 
 
   

32
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

5. D (negative factual information) 

 
D​ is correct because the paragraph says that Temujin did not keep this tradition; he ​“promoted allies based 
on merit, rather than by the traditional Mongol method of advancement based on position within the tribal 
hierarchy.” ​This also makes option ​C​ true, and therefore incorrect. Options​ A​ and option​ B​ are incorrect 
because they are mentioned in the paragraph, “​Temujin demanded a high level of commitment from his 
people, endowing his forces with coherence and unity of purpose.”  
 
6. C (factual information) 
 
C​ is correct because within paragraph five it says,​ “He consolidated all of these diverse tribes and reshaped 
them into a single ‘nation,’ endowing Mongol society with more cohesiveness, a key element to future expansion.” 
Therefore, the “​key element​” or “​critical step​” was to provide more cohesiveness and bring the Mongols 
together as one nation. Option ​A​ is wrong because this was not a key step in expanding, and in fact, it had 
no impact on the expansion according to the information in the paragraph. Option ​B​ is incorrect because 
the paragraph does not say that his understanding of this was critical to expansion. Option ​D​ is incorrect 
because the first half of the statement is untrue as it is not mentioned in the paragraph, and the second 
half, “​established an entirely new political system​”, explains “​how​” Temujin endowed the “​Mongol society with 
more cohesiveness​”. 
 
7. B (sentence simplification) 
 
B​ is the correct answer because it correctly summarizes and reiterates the original statement. Option ​A​ is 
incorrect because the original sentence does not say that he provided each of them with housing in 
certain pastures, but that he ​“charged each of his commanders with a tribal unit that was responsible for 
controlling a particular pasture and housing soldiers when needed.​” Option ​C​ is wrong because the original 
sentence says that the tribal units were ​“responsible for controlling a particular pasture”​ while each unit had 
a commander. Option ​D​ is wrong because it does not properly reiterate the main point of the original 
statement.  
 
8. B (inference) 
 
B​ is correct because we can infer this based on the information in the paragraph; he was able to unite 
“rival tribes”​ and reinforce​ “his own leadership”​ through certain strategic tactics. Option ​A​ is wrong because 
nothing in the paragraph suggests this, and in fact, the information in the paragraph actually suggests the 
opposite. Option ​C​ is incorrect because nothing in the paragraph implies that this was the case, and again, 
the information suggests the opposite. While he might have been like a dictator, there is nothing in 
paragraph 5 that implies that Genghis Khan was a “​headstrong dictator​” who did not listen to anybody.  
 
   

33
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

9. A (insert text)  
 
A​ is correct. The sentence best fits here because it is an introductory sentence that introduces the 
paragraph and its topic. The first half of the sentence, “​Genghis Khan reformed more than just the political 
and military systems”​ refers back to previous topics and introduces what else he reformed. The second half 
of the sentence actually introduces the topic of ​“a new system of law”.​ The second sentence in the 
paragraph has the pronoun referent “​his law”​ which refers back to the ​“new system of law”​ that Genghis 
Khan implemented, which is mentioned in the missing sentence. For these reasons, the sentence does not 
fit anywhere else in the paragraph.  
 
10. B, D, E (prose summary) 
 
B​, ​D​, and ​E​ are correct. These options are directly related to and further express the main points of the 
summary sentence. They are each elaborated upon further throughout the passage. Option ​A​ and option 
F​ are incorrect because they are minor facts about Genghis Khan that are not essential to the main topic. 
Option ​C​ is incorrect because he married a member of the Khiyad Tribe, and he married a member of the 
Olkhonut Tribe in order to accomplish political control.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

34
 
 
 Practice Test #9 
For the TOEFL​®​ Reading Section 
 
 

References 
 
Fraknoi, A., Morrison, D., Wolff, S.C. ​2016. Asteroids. In ​Astronomy.​ Retrieved from: 
 
https://openstax.org/books/astronomy/pages/13-1-asteroids 
 
OpenStax. (2019). The evolutionary history of the animal kingdom. In ​Biology. ​Retrieved from: 
 
https://cnx.org/contents/GFy_h8cu@11.10:CgswGrCE@7/The-Evolutionary-History-of-the-Animal- 
 
Kingdom 
 

35
 
 
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