TOEFL Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

In TOEFL Reading, a 'SENTENCE SIMPLIFICATION' question asks you to:

Accepted Answer

Choose the answer that best preserves the essential meaning of a highlighted sentence

Answer

Sentence simplification questions present a highlighted complex sentence and ask which answer choice best captures its essential meaning — without changing the core information.

Question 2

A TOEFL Reading passage discusses the water cycle. The passage states that 'transpiration from plants contributes significantly to atmospheric moisture.' What would an INFERENCE question based on this sentence most likely ask?

Accepted Answer

What can be concluded about the role of vegetation in local precipitation patterns?

Answer

An inference question would push beyond the stated fact to ask what logical conclusion can be drawn — here, that vegetation (which controls transpiration) likely influences rainfall.

Question 3

In TOEFL Reading, what is the primary purpose of the INTRODUCTION paragraph of an academic passage?

Accepted Answer

To present background information and establish the topic and main claim of the passage

Answer

The introduction in academic writing establishes the topic, provides relevant context or background, and typically ends with the thesis or main claim of the passage.

Question 4

When reading a TOEFL passage about a scientific controversy, the author writes: 'Although some researchers have endorsed the impact hypothesis, many geologists remain skeptical.' This sentence tells the reader that:

Accepted Answer

There is no scientific agreement on the impact hypothesis

Answer

The sentence presents two groups with opposing views — 'some researchers' who support it and 'many geologists' who are skeptical — indicating a lack of consensus.

Question 5

When answering a TOEFL 'Insert a Sentence' question, which factor is MOST important for choosing the correct location?

Accepted Answer

Checking that the new sentence logically connects to both the sentence before it and after it

Answer

The correct insertion point is where the new sentence connects logically and grammatically to both its preceding and following sentences — checking both connections is the key strategy.

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Practice Test

TOEFL Reading Comprehension 3