TOEFL Practice Test #7 2

Question 1

A TOEFL Reading passage on neuroscience uses the term "neuroplasticity" in the sentence: "The brain's remarkable neuroplasticity allows it to reorganize neural pathways in response to learning and injury." The word "neuroplasticity" describes:

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to change and reorganize its structure in response to experience

Answer

"Neuroplasticity" combines "neuro" (brain/nervous system) and "plasticity" (ability to be shaped or molded). The sentence itself provides a definition—"reorganize neural pathways in response to learning and injury"—indicating the brain's adaptable, changeable nature.

Question 2

In a TOEFL Listening lecture on archaeology, a professor says: "What we found at the site completely upended our initial assumptions." The phrase "upended our initial assumptions" means:

Accepted Answer

The findings overturned or dramatically challenged the archaeologists' original beliefs.

Answer

"Upend" literally means to turn something upside down. Figuratively, "upended our assumptions" means the findings overturned or contradicted what the archaeologists originally expected—a complete reversal of prior beliefs based on new evidence.

Question 3

A TOEFL Reading passage about ethics discusses utilitarian philosophy. The author explains: "Utilitarian theory holds that the morally correct action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number." This is an example of which type of passage organization?

Accepted Answer

Definition and example

Answer

The author introduces a philosophical term (utilitarianism) and then provides its definition. This definition-based structure is common in academic passages that introduce theoretical frameworks. Recognizing this pattern helps readers locate where examples and elaborations will appear.

Question 4

In the TOEFL Speaking section, Task 1 (Independent Speaking) asks the test taker to speak for how long?

Accepted Answer

45 seconds

Answer

TOEFL Speaking Task 1 gives test takers 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to respond. The response should be focused, use clear reasons and examples, and fill the time with substantive content. The 45-second limit requires efficient, organized delivery.

Question 5

During a TOEFL Listening conversation between two students discussing a research paper, one student says: "I think our argument kind of falls apart in section 3." The phrase "falls apart" most closely means:

Accepted Answer

Loses logical coherence or becomes unconvincing

Answer

"Falls apart" is an idiom meaning to disintegrate or cease to function properly. In the context of an argument, it means the reasoning loses its logical strength, becomes unconvincing, or contains a flaw that undermines the overall claim.