#2 Reading Comperhension

This is the model test of TOEFL Reading Comprehension. Please note the time limit. You must finish the test not more the 55 minutes no matter what will happen. Remember to answer the entire question even you are not sure because there will be no penalty for guessing. Good Luck For the test 

 

Question          :  50

Time                :  55 minutes

Direction:

In this section, you will read several passages. Each one is followed by a number of questions about it. For question 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 about the information in a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in that passage

Question 1 – 10, are based from this passage

Line 5 10 15 20 25

Lichens, of which more than twenty thousand species have been named, are complex associations between certain algae. The lichen itself is not an organism; rather it is the morphological and biochemical product of the association. Neither a fungus nor an alga alone can produce lichen. The intimate relationship between these two living components of lichen was once erroneously thought to represent mutualism. In mutual relationship, both participants benefit. With lichens, however, it appears the fungus actually parasitizes the algae. This one of the conclusions drawn from experiments in which the two components of lichens were separated and grown apart. In nature, lichen fungi may encounter and grow around several kinds of algae. Some types of algae may kill the fungi; other types may reject it. Lichen algae are autotrophic, meaning they make their own food through photosynthesis. Lichen fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they depend upon the algae within the lichen to supply their food. Up to ninety percent of the food made by the green algae cell is transferred to the fungus. What, if anything, the fungus contributes to the association is not well understood. Lichens are hardy. They grow in many habitats and are often pioneers in hostile environments where few other organisms can flourish. They have been known to grow endolithically, having been discovered thriving inside of rocks in Antarctica. Lichens help reduce erosion by stabilizing soil. Several kinds of insects glue lichens to their exoskeletons for camouflage. Many species of birds use lichens as building materials for nests. Human have used lichens for dyes and antibiotics.

1.      Which of the following best describes lichen association?

A.    Simple plants made of two different autotrophic organisms

B.     A mutual association between a fungus and an alga

C.     A parasitic association between two fungi, one autotrophic, the second heterotrophic

D.    A union between a parasitic fungus and an autotrophic alga.

2.      The word “hardy” in line 22 is closest in meaning to

A.    Tender

B.     Durable

C.     Armed

D.    Beneficial

3.      In biology, mutualism occurs when two different organism live close together and

A.    One organism parasitizes other

B.     Both organism benefit from the association

C.     Both organism are harmed by the association

D.    One organism benefits while the other does not or is harmed by the association

4.      In line 6, the word “intimate” is nearest in meaning to

A.    Living

B.     Extraordinary

C.     Biological

D.    Close

5.      Lichens serve as camouflage for which of the following?

A.    Insects

B.     Birds

C.     Reptiles

D.    Mammals

6.      The true nature of the relationship between the lichen components was clarified by

A.    Examining lichens with a microscope

B.     Observing lichens placed in the dark

C.     Observing the lichen components when grown apart

D.    Decreasing the amount of nutrients available to the lichens

7.      In line 22, the word “hostile” is closest in meaning to

A.    Unusual

B.     Cool

C.     Untraveled

D.    Inhospitable

8.      An endolithic lichen is one that

A.    Grows in the canopies of trees

B.     Grows inside rocks

C.     Grows at very high altitudes

D.    Grows inside other organism, including other lichens

9.      Many lichens contribute at the communities they inhabit by

A.    Removing pollutants from the air

B.     Controlling wood-rotting fungi

C.     Slowing the spread of viruses

D.    Reducing soil erosion

10.  In what part of the passage does the author indicate that scientists have changed their previous position on the make-up of lichens?

A.    Lines 3 – 5

B.     Lines 7 – 9

C.     Lines 14 – 16

D.    Lines 25 – 27

Question 11 – 20, are based from this passage

Line 5 10 15 20

When buying a house, you must be sure to have it checked for termites. A termite is much like an ant in its communal habits, although physically the two insects are distinct. Like those of ants, termite colonies consist of different classes, each with its own particular job. The most perfectly formed termites, both male and female, make up the reproductive class. They have eyes, hard body walls and fully developed wings. A pair of reproductive termites found the colony. When new reproductive termites develop, they leave to form another colony. They use their wings only this on time and then break them off. The worker termites are small, blind, and wingless, with soft bodies. They make up the majority of the colony and do all the work. Soldiers are eyeless and wingless but are larger than the workers and have hard heads and strong jaws and legs. They defend the colony and are cared for by the workers. The male and female of the reproductive class remain of eggs. The workers place eggs in cell and care for them. Even if one colony is treated with poison, if a male and female of the reproductive class escape, they can form a new colony. Pest control companies can inspect a house for infestation of termites. Often, a lay person cannot spot professional. Treatments vary depending upon the type of termite.

11.  Many lichens contribute at the communities they inhabit by

A.    They live in communities, and each class has a specific duty

B.     Their bodies are the same shape

C.     The king and queen are imprisoned

D.    The females reproductive capacities are the same

12.  The word “communal” in line 2 is closest in meaning to

A.    Eating

B.     Reproducing

C.     Organizational

D.    Social

13.  The word “communal” in line 2 is closest in meaning to

A.    All termites have eyes

B.     Some termites cannot fly

C.     Workers are smaller than soldiers

D.    Termites do not fly often

14.  In line 3, the word “distinct” is closest in meaning to

A.    Similar

B.     Different

C.     Genetically related

D.    Strong

15.  In line 4, “Classes” is closest in meaning to

A.    Sexes

B.     Colonies

C.     Courses

D.    Categories

16.  Which of the following statements is probably true?

A.    Thousands of termites may move together to develop a new colony

B.     The male and female reproductions do not venture outdoors except to form a new colony

C.     There are more soldiers than workers

D.    A worker could easily kill a soldier

17.  The word “found” in line 8 is nearest in meaning to

A.    Establishes

B.     Destroys

C.     Control

D.    Guards

18.  The word “cell” in line 18 is closest in meaning to

A.    Combs

B.     Rows

C.     Compartments

D.    Placenta

19.  Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?

A.    Termites destroy houses

B.     Termites work well together

C.     The habits and physical characteristics of termites

D.    The relationship of soldier and worker termites

20.  The word “each” in line 5 refers to

A.    Ants

B.     Colonies

C.     Jobs

D.    Classes

Question 21 – 31, are based from this passage

Line 5 10 15 20 25 30

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of the inadequacies of the judicial system in the United States. Costs are staggering both for the taxpayers and the litigants or parties; have to wait sometimes many years before having their day in court. Many suggestions have been made concerning methods of ameliorating the situation but as in most branches of government, changes come slowly. One suggestion that has been made in order to maximize the efficiency of the system is to allow districts that have an overabundance of pending cases to borrow judges from other districts that do not have such a backlog. Another suggestion is to use pretrial conferences, in which judges meet in their chambers with the litigants and their attorneys in order to narrow the issues, limit the witnesses, and provide for a more orderly trial. The theory behind pretrial conferences is that judges will spend less time on each case and parties will more readily settle before trial when they realize the adequacy of their claims and their opponent’s evidence. Unfortunately, at least one study has shown that pretrial conferences use more judicial time than they save, rarely result in pretrial settlements, and actually result in higher damage settlements. Many states have now established another method, small-claims courts, in which cases over small sums of money can be disposed of with considerable dispatch. Such proceedings cost the litigants almost nothing. In California, for example, the parties must appear before the judge without the assistance of counsel. The proceedings are quite informal and there is no pleading the litigants need to make only a one sentence statement of their claim. By going to this type of court, the plaintiff waives any right to a jury trial and the right to appeal the decision. In coming years, we can expect to see more and more innovations in the continuing effort to  remedy a situation which must be remedied if the citizens who have valid claims are going to be able to have their day in court

21.  The pretrial conference, in theory, is supposed to do all of the following EXCEPT

A.    Narrow the issues

B.     Cause early settlements

C.     Save judicial time

D.    Increase settlement costs

22.  The word “ameliorating” in line 6 is closest in meaning to

A.    Improving

B.     Increasing

C.     Worsening

D.    Distinguishing

23.  In line 11, the word “backlog” is closest in meaning to

A.    Improving

B.     Increasing

C.     Worsening

D.    Distinguishing

24.  What is the main topic of the passage?

A.    All states should follow California’s example in using small-claims courts in order to free judges for the other work

B.     The legislature needs to formulate fewer laws so that the judiciary can catch up on its order cases

C.     Nobody seems to care enough to attempt to find methods for making the judicial system more efficient

D.    While there are many problem with the court system, there are viable suggestions for improvement

25.  In line 3, “litigants” is closest in meaning to

A.    Jury members

B.     Commentators

C.     Parties in lawsuit

D.    Taxpayers

26.  Which of the following is true about small-claims courts?

A.    It is possible to have one’s case heard by jury if one is dissatisfied with the court decision

B.     The litigants must plead accurately and according to a strict form

C.     The decision may not be appealed to a higher court

D.    The parties may not present their cases without an attorney’s help

27.  The word “staggering” in line 3 is nearest in meaning to

A.    Up and down

B.     Decreasing

C.     Charged

D.    Astounding

28.  The word “dispatch” in line 24 means most nearly the same as

A.    Transmittal

B.     Haste

C.     Clarity

D.    Conflict

29.  It is implied in the passage that

A.    Most people who feel they have been wronged have a ready remedy in courts of law

B.     Many people would like to bring a case to court but are unable to because of the cost and the required

C.     The judicial system in the United States is highly acclaimed for its efficiency

D.    Somebody pretrial conference likely will replace trials completely

30.  The word “remedy” in line 33 is closest in meaning to

A.    Correct

B.     Review

C.     Expose

D.    Discover

31.  The passage indicates that pretrial conferences may not actually produce positive result in lines

A.    3 – 5

B.     10 – 14

C.     18 – 21

D.    29 – 31

Question 32 – 39, are based from this passage

Line 5 10 15

In an effort to produce the largest, fastest, and most luxurious ship afloat, the British built the S. S, Titanic. It was so superior to anything else on the seas that it was dubbed “unsinkable”. So sure of this were the owners that they provided only twenty lifeboats and rafts, less than one half the number needed for the 2,227 passengers on board. Many passengers were aboard the night it rammed an iceberg, only two days at sea and more than halfway between England and its New York destination. Because the luxury liner was traveling so fast, it was impossible to avoid the ghostly looking iceberg. An un-extinguished fire also contributed to the ship’s submersion. Panic increased the number of casualties as people jumped into the icy water or fought to be among the few to board the lifeboats. Four hours after the mishap, another ship, the Carpathia, rescue the 705 survivors. The infamous S. S. Titanic had enjoyed only two days of sailing glory on its maiden voyage in 1912 before plunging into 12,000 feet of water near the coast of Newfoundland, where it lies today.

32.  All of the following are true EXCEPT

A.    Only a third of those aboard perished

B.     The Carpathia rescued the survivors

C.     The S.S Titanic sank near Newfoundland

D.    The S.S Titanic was the fastest ship afloat in 1912

33.  All of the following contributed to the large death toll EXCEPT

A.    Panic

B.     Fire

C.     Speed

D.    The Carpathia

34.  How many days the S. S. Titanic at sea before sinking?

A.    2

B.     4

C.     6

D.    12

35.  In line 11, the word “un-extinguished” is closest in meaning to

A.    Indestructible

B.     Uncontrollable

C.     Undiscovered

D.    Unquenched

36.  In line 17, “maiden voyage” is closest in meaning to

A.    Inaugural

B.     Most elegant

C.     Longest

D.    Final

37.  The word “dubbed” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

A.    Called

B.     Initiated

C.     Christened

D.    Listed

38.  What is the main idea of this passage?

A.    The S. S. Titanic proved itself the most seaworthy vessel in 1912

B.     Attempts to rescue the S. S. Titanic survivors were not successful

C.     Overconfidence by builders and owners was greatly responsible for the sinking of the vessel

D.    A fire and panic were the only causes for the sinking of the ship

39.  In which lines does the author indicate that the S.S Titanic’s owners were overly confident about its seaworthiness

A.    Lines 1 – 2

B.     Lines 4 – 6

C.     Lines 7 – 9

D.    Lines 14 – 16

Question 40 – 50, are based from this passage

Line 5 10 15

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramid of Giza was a monument of wisdom and prophecy built as a tomb for Pharaoh Cheops in construction make it  one of the truly great wonders of the world/ the thirteen-acre structure near the Nile River is a solid mass of stone blocks  covered with limestone. Inside are a number of hidden passageways and the burial chamber for the pharaoh. It is the largest single structure in the world. The four sides of thy pyramid are aligned almost exactly on true north, south, east, and west. An incredible engineering feat. The ancient Egyptians were sun worshipers and great astronomers, so computations for the Great Pyramid were based on astronomical observations Explorations and detailed examinations of the base of the structure reveal many intersecting lines. Further scientific study indicates that these represent a type of time of events-pas, present, and future. Many of the events have been interpreted and found to coincide with known facts of the past. Others are prophesied for future generations and are currently under investigation. Many believe that pyramids have supernatural powers, and this one is no exception. Some researches even associate it with extraterrestrial beings of the ancient past.

40.  What has research of the base revealed?

A.    There are cracks in the foundation

B.     Tomb robbers have stolen the Pharaoh’s body

C.     The lines represent important events

D.    A superior race of people built it

41.  Extraterrestrial beings are

A.    Very strong workers

B.     Astronomers in the ancient times

C.     Researchers on Egyptology

D.    Living beings from other planets

42.  What was the most probable reason for providing so many hidden passages?

A.    To allow the weight of the pyramid to settle evenly

B.     To permit the high priests to pray at night

C.     To enable the pharaoh’s family to bring food for his journey to the afterlife

D.    To keep grave robbers from finding the tomb and the treasure buried with the Pharaoh

43.  The word “intersecting” in line 14 is nearest in meaning to

A.    Crossing

B.     Aligning

C.     Observing

D.    Cutting

44.  What do the intersecting lines in the base symbolize?

A.    Architects plans for the hidden passages

B.     Pathways of the great solar bodies

C.     Astrological computations

D.    Dates of important events taking place throughout time

45.  In line 18, the word “prophesied” is closest in meaning to

A.    Affiliated

B.     Precipitated

C.     Terminated

D.    Foretold

46.  What is the best title for the passage?

A.    Symbolism of the Great Pyramids

B.     Problems with the Construction of the Great Pyramid

C.     Wonders of the Great Pyramid of Giza

D.    Exploration of the Burial Chambers of Cheops

47.  On what did the ancient Egyptians base their calculations?

A.    Observation of the celestial bodies

B.     Advanced technology

C.     Advanced tools of measurement

D.    Knowledge of the earth’s surface

48.  Why was the Great Pyramid constructed

A.    As a solar observatory

B.     As a religious temple

C.     As a tomb for the pharaoh

D.    As an engineering feat

49.  Why is the Great Pyramid of Giza considered one the seven wonders of the world?

A.    It is perfectly aligned with the four cardinal points of the compass and contains many prophecies

B.     It was selected as the tomb Pharaoh Cheops

C.     It was built by a super race

D.    It is very old

50.  The word “feat” in line 10 is closest in meaning to

A.    Accomplishment

B.     Appendage

C.     Festivity

D.    Structure