Reading – short examples and tips

Gas answers

C is correct because we can find a true statement in paragraph 2 that uses the
keywords “sea level”, “elephant”, and “doormat”. Option a is wrong because the
forces are known; option b is wrong because it is mixing together two different
statements; and d is wrong because it uses an incorrect modifier, “small” to change
the meaning of the original statement.

Labelling

B is correct because “classification” is another word for “labeling”, and we can find a
keyword from the answer in the passage – “reactions”. Some of the other keywords
are mentioned throughout the paragraph, but option b summarizes the main
concluding statement about the labeling theory. Option a is correct because it is only
describing an example of the theory, not the entire theory itself. Option c is wrong
because it contradicts the statement made in the passage saying the label is
“determined by their own behavior”, and option d is wrong because the theory is not
a “categorization of behaviors”.

Roles

D is correct because the first three options are incorrect. Option a is technically true,
but it’s not the only role that is mentioned in the passage. Option b is untrue and
option c uses an incorrect modifier – “most”. Option d mentions all the “various
roles” they play, and though the words are in alternate forms, they are still present
in the paragraph – “consulting”, “advising”, and “expert witnesses”. B is incorrect
because of the difference between the word “expert” and the phrase in the passage
“good understanding”.

B is correct because we find the keywords “scientists”, “physical”, “gases”, and in this
case, “between” in first and same sentence in which the question keywords are
mentioned. Note that the question uses the numerical form of the dates mentioned
in the paragraph, i.e., 1600’s and 1700’s is the equivalent to the “seventeenth and…
eighteenth centuries”. Option a does match some of the keywords in the same
sentence as the correct option, but it doesn’t state that scientists constructed a
hypothesis about gas, pressure, volume, and temperature. Options c and d are
incorrect as they use additional or incorrect modifiers like “precise” and “small”.
https://www.toeflresources.com/reading-section/ - explanation per question

https://tstprep.com/topic/toefl-reading-practice-questions-sample-factual-information-questions/

short paragraphs per question

1. Factual Information Questions

These questions require you to find specific details or information that is

stated in the article. You will be given four answer choices and one or two
will be correct. If there are two correct answer choices, you must select
both of them to get a point. They look something like this:

 According to the paragraph, why did X…

 The author’s description of X mentions which of the following?

To answer these questions, look specifically for the requested

information. Don’t select an answer just because it includes a word that
appears in the article. Incorrect answer choices often include details that
appear in the article, but are not connected to information requested in
the question.

This is the most frequent question type in the reading section. Expect to
get between 1 and 3 factual information questions per article.

You need to answer these in 30 seconds.

Summary question

Energy Basics
Chemical changes and their accompanying changes in energy are important parts of
our everyday world. The macronutrients in food (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates)
undergo metabolic reactions that provide the energy to keep our bodies
functioning. We burn a variety of fuels (gasoline, natural gas, coal) to produce
energy for transportation, heating, and the generation of electricity. Industrial
chemical reactions use enormous amounts of energy to produce raw materials
(such as iron and aluminum). Energy is then used to manufacture those raw
materials into useful products, such as cars, skyscrapers, and bridges.

Q. 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.

Chemical reactions are accompanied by important energy changes that

humans rely on.
 a. Chemical changes are necessary for life on Earth
 b. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are macronutrients in food
 c. Metabolic reactions in the nutrients in food supply the energy humans
need
 d. Gasoline, natural gas, and coal are some forms of fuel that we use
 e. In order to produce raw materials, we require the energy from industrial
chemical reactions
 f. Raw materials are used to produce cars, skyscrapers, and bridges

Answer – A,C,E
Exercise 1

The city’s growth as an important population center was also a result

of its ability to establish and maintain economic links with
communities as far away as the Great Lakes to the north and the
Gulf Coast to the south. This was achieved through the trade of such
exotic items as copper, chert, and seashells. Chert, most notably,
was used in the production of hoes, a high demand tool for farmers
around Cahokia and other Mississippian centers. Recent research on
chert tools discovered at the Silvernail settlement site near modern
day Minnesota found that the raw materials used to construct some
of them originated near Cahokia.

According to paragraph 5, what has recent research on chert tools

found at the Silvernail settlement site revealed?

What in the question helps you find the answer?

A. Chert tools were started to be used after Cahokia became an

important city.

B. The residents of Cahokia were the only producers of farming tools

in the area.

C. Some of the tools used by people at the Silvernail settlement were

made of materials from the area near Cahokia.

D. Agricultural tools were exchanged with people at the Silvernail

settlement for copper and seashells.

Answer C
Human Anatomy
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body’s structures. Some of these
structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed with the
assistance of a microscope. Other larger structures can readily be seen,
manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word “anatomy” comes from a
Greek root that means “to cut apart.” Human anatomy was first studied by
observing the exterior of the body and observing the wounds of soldiers and
other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect bodies of the dead to
augment their knowledge. When a body is dissected, its structures are cut
apart in order to observe their physical attributes and their relationships to
one another. Dissection is still used in medical schools, anatomy courses, and
in pathology labs.
Eliminate the wrong ones – extra words/ wrong words/ not completed
Q. Which of the following is true about human anatomy?
a. The word “anatomy” is derived from a French root that means “cut”
b. The observation of soldiers’ wounds were originally used to study
human anatomy
c. Human and animal bodies were dissected in labs to understand human
anatomy
d. The smaller structures of the human body need to be observed with a
telescope

answer
B
The Nature Of Astronomy
Astronomy is defined as the study of the objects that lie beyond our planet Earth
and the processes by which these objects interact with one another. We will see,
though, that it is much more. It is also humanity’s attempt to organize what we learn
into a clear history of the universe, from the instant of its birth in the Big Bang to the
present moment.
In considering the history of the universe, we will see again and again that the
cosmos evolves; it changes in profound ways over long periods of time. For
example, the universe made the carbon, the calcium, and the oxygen necessary to
construct something as interesting and complicated as you. Today, many billions of
years later, the universe has evolved into a more hospitable place for life. Tracing
the evolutionary processes that continue to shape the universe is one of the most
important (and satisfying) parts of modern astronomy.
Check for synonyms
Q. According to paragraph 2, the following is one of the most significant areas
of astronomy:
 a. The composition of the universe
 b. How something as complex and interesting as humans were developed
 c. Exploring the processes of evolution that still help shape the universe
 d. The study of objects made of carbon, calcium, and oxygen

Correct
C is correct because it uses synonyms as well as keywords that match passage text
whereas option a and d are not mentioned as specific areas of astronomy. Lastly,
option b partially mentioned though it’s not explicitly said to be an area of
astronomy.
Cold War Terminology
Cold War terminology was developed during the Cold War era (1945–1980). Familiar
and still used by many, it involves classifying countries into first world, second
world, and third world nations based on respective economic development and
standards of living. When this nomenclature was developed, capitalistic
democracies such as the U.S. and Japan were considered part of the first world. The
poorest, most undeveloped countries were referred to as the third world and
included most of sub- Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The second world
was the in-between category: nations not as limited in development as the third
world, but not as well off as the first world, having moderate economies and
standard of living, such as China or Cuba. Later, sociologist Manual Castells added
the term fourth world to refer to stigmatized minority groups that were denied a
political voice all over the globe (indigenous minority populations, prisoners, and the
homeless, for example).
Look for key words
Q. According to the paragraph, which of the following is true about the U.S.
and Japan?
 a. They categorized countries into the first, second, and third world
 b. They were among the poorest and most undeveloped countries at the
time
 c. They were both part of the Cold War from 1945-1980
 d. They were classified as first world nations at the time this categorization
system was created
3. Rhetorical Purpose Questions

You will be asked to find the answer that best explains the reason behind the
mentioned section of the text. The aim of this quiz is to test your ability to identify
the main point of a paragraph and understand how the referenced information is
related to that point.

These are questions about why the author of the article mentions a specific
detail. They often look like:

 Why does the author of the article mention X?

 In paragraph X, why does the author mention Y?

To answer these questions, look for sentences that use supporting examples.
The articles often use such examples to illustrate a concept, to show how two
things are similar, or to contrast two things.

These are fairly common questions. Expect to see between 0 and 2 per article.

Look for the quoted section given. Read the sentence before and after and look
for key words.

Here’s a sample:
The Nature Of Astronomy
Astronomy is defined as the study of the objects that lie beyond our planet Earth
and the processes by which these objects interact with one another. We will see,
though, that it is much more. It is also humanity’s attempt to organize what we learn
into a clear history of the universe, from the instant of its birth in the Big Bang to the
present Moment.
In considering the history of the universe, we will see again and again that the
cosmos evolves; it changes in profound ways over long periods of time. For
example, the universe made the carbon, the calcium, and the oxygen necessary to
construct something as interesting and complicated as you. Today, many billions of
years later, the universe has evolved into a more hospitable place for life. Tracing
the evolutionary processes that continue to shape the universe is one of the most
important (and satisfying) parts of modern astronomy.
Q. Why does the author say “For example, the universe made the carbon, the
calcium, and the oxygen necessary to construct something as interesting and
complicated as you”?
 a. To explain one way in which the universe has evolved significantly over
great lengths of time
 b. To explain why the universe evolves so much over long periods of time
 c. To describe one topic of study in the field of astronomy
 d. To prove how quickly the universe evolves

A is the correct answer because the specific example is directly preceded by a broad
statement about how the “universe changes in profound ways over long periods of
time”. It does not explain why the universe changes over time (B), nor does it
describe a field of study (C) or how the universe evolves quickly (D).
Europa, a Moon with an Ocean
Europa and the inner two Galilean moons, are not icy worlds like most of the moons
of the outer planets. With densities and sizes similar to our Moon, they appear to be
predominantly rocky objects.
The most probable cause is Jupiter itself, which was hot enough to radiate a great
deal of infrared energy during the first few million years after its formation. This
infrared radiation would have heated the disk of material near the planet that would
eventually coalesce into the closer moons.
Thus, any ice near Jupiter was vaporized, leaving Europa with compositions similar
to planets in the inner solar system.
Despite its mainly rocky composition, Europa has an ice-covered surface, as
astronomers have long known from examining spectra of sunlight reflected from it.
In this it resembles Earth, which has a layer of water on its surface, but in Europa’s
case the water is capped by a thick crust of ice. There are very few impact craters in
this ice, indicating that the surface of Europa is in a continual state of geological self-
renewal. Judging from crater counts, the surface must be no more than a few
million years old, and perhaps substantially less. In terms of its ability to erase
impact craters, Europa is more geologically active than Earth.
When we look at close-up photos of Europa, we see a strange, complicated surface.
For the most part, the icy crust is extremely smooth, but it is crisscrossed with
cracks and low ridges that often stretch for thousands of kilometers. Some of these
long lines are single, but most are double or multiple, looking rather like the
remnants of a colossal freeway system.
Q. In paragraph 5, the author mentions “close-up photos of Europa” in order
to:
 a. Identify its location in the cosmos
 b. Explain why Europa is not an icy world like most of the moons of the outer
planets
 c. Show proof that Europa is different from other planets
 d. Explain how astronomers know what Europa looks like

D is correct because features of the surface of Europa are described immediately

following this. Since the passage is about the surface and appearance of Europa, the
author concludes the passage with a summary of the observations based on the
photos s/he mentions. C is also incorrect because Europa is a moon, not a planet.
Types of Mixtures
A mixture is composed of two or more types of matter that can be present in
varying amounts and can be separated by physical changes, such as evaporation
(you will learn more about this later). A mixture with a composition that varies from
point to point is called a heterogeneous mixture. Italian dressing is an example of a
heterogeneous mixture. Its composition can vary because we can make it from
varying amounts of oil, vinegar, and herbs. It is not the same from point to point
throughout the mixture—one drop may be mostly vinegar, whereas a different drop
may be mostly oil or herbs because the oil and vinegar separate and the herbs
settle. Other examples of heterogeneous mixtures are chocolate chip cookies (we
can see the separate bits of chocolate, nuts, and cookie dough) and granite (we can
see the quartz, mica, feldspar, and more).
A homogeneous mixture, also called a solution, exhibits a uniform composition and
appears visually the same throughout. An example of a solution is a sports drink,
consisting of water, sugar, coloring, flavoring, and electrolytes mixed together
uniformly. Each drop of a sports drink tastes the same because each drop contains
the same amounts of water, sugar, and other components. Note that the
composition of a sports drink can vary—it could be made with somewhat more or
less sugar, flavoring, or other components, and still be a sports drink. Other
examples of homogeneous mixtures include air, maple syrup, gasoline, and a
solution of salt in water.
Q. Why does the author say “Note that the composition of a sports drink can
vary—it could be made with somewhat more or less sugar, flavoring, or other
components, and still be a sports drink”?
 a. To show that sports drinks can be both homogeneous and heterogeneous
mixtures
 b. To make it clear that sports drinks are still homogeneous solutions despite
the various compositions
 c. To introduce other examples of homogeneous mixtures
 d. To describe one exception to the sports drink example

B is the correct answer because the author is clarifying the previous statement,
“Each drop of a sports drink tastes the same because each drop contains the same
amounts of water, sugar, and other components.” The author includes this note to
elaborate on why sports drinks are still homogeneous solutions – because they are
mixed uniformly – even though the amounts of each ingredient may vary.
2. Vocabulary Questions

These questions test your vocabulary level. A single word or phrase is

highlighted and you must pick the best synonym from four possible
choices. Vocabulary questions usually look like:

 The word X in the paragraph is closest in meaning to…

The key to mastering this question type is to pick an answer quickly. Don’t
spend too much time thinking about the answer. In most cases you will
either know the answer or will not know the answer. You probably won’t
find too many clues in the rest of the paragraph. If you don’t know the
answer right away, just make a guess and move on.

This is one of the most common question types. Expect to get 1-3 per
article.

Here’s a sample:

What accounts for the tremendous population growth of the city and
its influence on the surrounding region? Among the main factors
currently cited are the city’s location on a natural trade route near
the confluence of three major rivers (the Mississippi, Missouri and
Illinois), its attractiveness as a religious pilgrimage site for
inhabitants of other settlements, and the economic value of chert
that could be collected in nearby streams. The influence of other
possible factors is much less clear – for example the ingenuity and
foresightedness of the city’s leadership, the construction of advanced
defensive structures, and the emergence of new and more
productive agricultural techniques first practiced in Mesoamerica.

Which words in the sentence before/ after can help you?

The word “ingenuity” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:

A. ambition
B. sincerity
C. faith
D. cleverness
 Human Anatomy
Human anatomy is the scientific study of the body’s structures. Some of
these structures are very small and can only be observed and analyzed
with the assistance of a microscope.Other larger structures can readily be
seen, manipulated, measured, and weighed. The word “anatomy” comes
from a Greek root that means “to cut apart.” Human anatomy was first
studied by observing the exterior of the body and observing the wounds of
soldiers and other injuries. Later, physicians were allowed to dissect bodies
of the dead to augment their knowledge. When a body is dissected, its
structures are cut apart in order to observe their physical attributes and
their relationships to one another. Dissection is still used in medical
schools, anatomy courses, and in pathology labs.
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 8.5
1. The word augment is closest in meaning to
1. Prove
2. Increase
3. Validate
4. Spread
Types of Pressure
Pressure is a force exerted by a substance that is in contact with another substance.
Atmospheric pressure is pressure exerted by the mixture of gases (primarily
nitrogen and oxygen) in the Earth’s atmosphere. Although you may not perceive it,
atmospheric pressure is constantly pressing down on your body. This pressure
keeps gases within your body, such as the gaseous nitrogen in body fluids,
dissolved. If you were suddenly ejected from a spaceship above Earth’s atmosphere,
you would go from a situation of normal pressure to one of very low pressure. The
pressure of the nitrogen gas in your blood would be much higher than the pressure
of nitrogen in the space surrounding your body. As a result, the nitrogen gas in your
blood would expand, forming bubbles that could block blood vessels and even
cause cells to break apart.
Atmospheric pressure does more than just keep blood gases dissolved. Your ability
to breathe—that is, to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide—also depends
upon a precise atmospheric pressure. Altitude sickness occurs in part because the
atmosphere at high altitudes exerts less pressure, reducing the exchange of these
gases, and causing shortness of breath, confusion, headache, lethargy, and nausea.
Mountain climbers carry oxygen to reduce the effects of both low oxygen levels and
low barometric pressure at higher altitudes.
Q. The word perceive in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to:
 a. Realize
 b. Believe
 c. Desire
 d. Portray

A is correct because realize is closest in meaning to perceive in this situation.

Tissue and Aging
According to poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The surest poison is time.” In fact, biology
confirms that many functions of the body decline with age. All the cells, tissues, and
organs are affected by senescence (the process of deterioration) with
noticeable variability between individuals owing to different genetic makeup and
lifestyles. The outward signs of aging are easily recognizable. The skin and other
tissues become thinner and drier, reducing their elasticity, contributing to wrinkles
and high blood pressure. Hair turns gray because follicles produce less melanin, the
brown pigment of hair and the iris of the eye. The face looks flabby because elastic
and collagen fibers decrease in connective tissue and muscle tone is lost. Glasses
and hearing aids may become parts of life as the senses slowly deteriorate, all due
to reduced elasticity. Overall height decreases as the bones lose calcium and other
minerals. With age, fluid decreases in the fibrous cartilage disks intercalated
between the vertebrate in the spine. Joints lose cartilage and stiffen. Many tissues,
including those in muscles, lose mass through a process called atrophy. Lumps and
rigidity become more widespread. As a consequence, the passageways, blood
vessels, and airways become more rigid. The brain and spinal cord lose mass.
Nerves do not transmit impulses with the same speed and frequency as in the past.
Some loss of thought clarity and memory can accompany aging. More severe
problems are not necessarily associated with the aging process and may be
symptoms of underlying illness. As exterior signs of aging increase, so do the
interior signs, which are not as noticeable.
Q. The word variability is closest in meaning to:
 a. Similarity
 b. Indifference
 c. Difference
 d. Adaptability

C is correct because difference is closest in meaning to variability in this case.

Although indifference looks similar to difference, it is not related.
7. Sentence Insertion Questions

In this question type, you will be given a new sentence, and you must determine
where it fits best in the paragraph. The question usually looks like this:

 Where would the following sentence best fit?

Pay attention to the purpose of the given paragraph, and how it is

presenting information. Try to determine if it is illustrating a sequence of
events. Or if it is becoming more specific as it continues. Or if it is
describing a cause and effect relationship. If you know the flow of the
paragraph, you will have an easier time determining where the sentence
fits. This is one of the most time-consuming questions. Give yourself
extra time to complete it.

Every article has just one insert sentence question, and it is always the
final multiple choice question.

NOTE: You should try the sentence in each of the possible positions in the reading passage.
You can move the sentence to other positions as many times as you want.

The flow of the sentences is important. Read the insert sentence carefully.

Look for key words in the insert sentence. Sentence connectors,

Is it giving more information about something introduced in the previous

sentence.

Is it introducing something. The next sentence will elaborate.

Chemistry: The Central Science
Chemistry and the language of chemists play vital roles in biology, medicine,
materials science, forensics, environmental science, and many other fields.
A The basic principles of physics are essential for understanding many aspects of
chemistry, and there is extensive overlap between many subdisciplines within the
two fields, such as chemical physics and nuclear chemistry. B Mathematics,
computer science,and information theory provide important tools that help us
calculate, interpret, describe,and generally make sense of the chemical
world. C Biology and chemistry converge in biochemistry, which is crucial to
understanding the many complex factors and processes that keep living organisms
(such as us) alive. D Chemical engineering, materials science, and nanotechnology
combine chemical principles and empirical findings to produce useful substances,
ranging from gasoline to fabrics to electronics. Agriculture, food science, veterinary
science, and brewing and winemaking help provide sustenance in the form of food
and drink to the world’s population..
Q. In paragraph 2 there is a missing sentence. Look at the four squares [A, B, C, D]
that indicate where the sentence could be added. Where would the sentence best
fit?
Biochemistry is one of the five major branches of chemistry, which can be
divided into many sub-branches.
 A
 B
 C
 D

D is correct. The sentence mentions “biochemistry” which is explained in the previous sentence,
so it makes sense for the missing sentence to be placed here. It does not fit in place C because
the following sentence explains what biochemistry is and does not mention any sub-branches or
subdisciplines. The sentence does not fit or flow in any other place in the paragraph.
Types of Mixtures
A mixture is composed of two or more types of matter that can be present in
varying amounts and can be separated by physical changes, such as
evaporation. A A mixture with a composition that varies from point to point is called
a heterogeneous mixture. B Italian dressing is an example of a heterogeneous
mixture. C Its composition can vary because we can make it from varying amounts
of oil, vinegar, and herbs. D It is not the same from point to point throughout the
mixture—one drop may be mostly vinegar, whereas a different drop may be mostly
oil or herbs because the oil and vinegar separate and the herbs settle. Other
examples of heterogeneous mixtures are chocolate chip cookies (we can see the
separate bits of chocolate, nuts, and cookie dough) and granite (we can see the
quartz, mica, and more).
Note that the composition of a sports drink can vary—it could be made with
somewhat more or less sugar, flavoring, or other components, and still be a sports
drink. Other examples of homogeneous mixtures include air, maple syrup, gasoline,
and a solution of salt in water.
Q. In paragraph 1 there is a missing sentence. Look at the four squares [A, B, C, D]
that indicate where the sentence could be added. Where would the sentence best
fit?
Though there are specific types of mixtures within them, the two principal
categories of mixture are heterogeneous and homogeneous.
 A
 B
 C
 D

A is correct. The missing sentence provides more information about mixtures, which
are introduced in the previous sentence. The missing sentence introduces “the two
principal categories of mixture”, the first of which is defined in the following
sentence.
The Process of Scientific Research
In the scientific context, deductive reasoning begins with a generalization—one
hypothesis—that is then used to reach logical conclusions about the real world. If
the hypothesis is correct, then the logical conclusions reached through deductive
reasoning should also be correct. A deductive reasoning argument might go
something like this: All living things require energy to survive (this would be your
hypothesis). Ducks are living things. Therefore, ducks require energy to survive (this
would be your logical conclusion). In this example, the hypothesis is correct;
therefore, the conclusion is correct as well. Sometimes, however, an incorrect
hypothesis may lead to a logical but incorrect conclusion. Consider this argument:
all ducks are born with the ability to see. Quackers is a duck. A Therefore, Quackers
was born with the ability to see. B Scientists use deductive reasoning to empirically
test their hypotheses. C Returning to the example of the ducks, researchers might
design a study to test the hypothesis that if all living things require energy to
survive, then ducks will be found to require energy to survive. D
Q. In paragraph 2 there is a missing sentence. Look at the four squares [A, B, C, D]
that indicate where the sentence could be added. Where would the sentence best
fit?
This means that they create studies that are designed specifically to analyze
their observations or experiences in order to prove or disprove their
hypotheses.
 A
 B
 C
 D

C is correct. The missing sentence starts with, “This means that…”, which adds
information to the previous sentence, and by looking at some of the keywords –
“scientists”, “create”, “studies”, and “hypotheses” – we can see that these match some
of the keywords in the previous sentence that says
Cultural Universals
Often, a comparison of one culture to another will reveal obvious differences. Still,
it’s important to note that all cultures also share some common elements. Cultural
universals are patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies. One
example of a cultural universal is the family unit: every human society recognizes a
family structure that regulates sexual reproduction and the care of children. Even
so, how that family unit is defined and how it functions vary. A In many Asian
cultures, for example, family members from all generations commonly live together
in one household. B In these cultures, young adults will continue to live in the
extended household family structure until they marry and join their spouse’s
household, or they may remain and raise their nuclear family within the extended
family’s homestead. C In the United States, by contrast, individuals are expected to
leave home and live independently for a period before forming a family unit
consisting of parents and their offspring. D
Q. In the paragraph there is a missing sentence. Look at the four squares [A, B, C, D]
that indicate where the sentence could be added. Where would the sentence best
fit?
In conclusion, commonalities, known as cultural universals, – like that of the
family structure – between cultures can be noticed all over the world whether
one compares continents or countries.
 A
 B
 C
 D

D is correct. From the first two words, “In conclusion”, we can reasonably assume
that the missing sentence belongs at the end – the conclusion – of the paragraph. It
refers to the “family structure” which is explained previously throughout the
paragraph,
Sentence simplification

This quiz focuses on Sentence Simplification questions. You will be asked to find
the phrase that conveys the same meaning as the referenced passage in the given
text. The aim of these questions is to test your ability to understand the meaning of
a given passage and find alternative ways of conveying the same meaning while
using different words.

The Giant Impact Hypothesis

In an effort to resolve these apparent contradictions, scientists developed a fourth
hypothesis for the origin of the Moon, one that involves a giant impact early in
Earth’s history. There is increasing evidence that large chunks of material—objects
of essentially planetary mass—were orbiting in the inner solar system at the time
that the terrestrial planets formed. The giant impact hypothesis envisions Earth
being struck obliquely by an object approximately one-tenth Earth’s mass—a
“bullet” about the size of Mars. This is very nearly the largest impact Earth could
experience without being Shattered.
Such an impact would disrupt much of Earth and eject a vast amount of material
into space, releasing almost enough energy to break the planet apart. Computer
simulations indicate that material totaling several percent of Earth’s mass could be
ejected in such an impact. Most of this material would be from the stony mantles of
Earth and the impacting body, not from their metal cores. This ejected rock vapor
then cooled and formed a ring of material orbiting Earth. It was this ring that
ultimately condensed into the Moon.
Q. Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the
highlighted sentence in paragraph 1? Incorrect choices change the meaning in
important ways or leave out essential information.
 a. Objects of planetary mass usually orbit the inner solar system
 b. More and more evidence exists that indicates that big objects orbited the
inner solar system when the terrestrial planets were created
 c. There is more evidence to suggest that the terrestrial planets were formed
in the inner solar system
 d. The terrestrial planets formed when they were orbiting the inner solar
system
B is correct because the main point is that “there is increasing evidence” that proves
that “large chunks of material” were in orbit “at the time the terrestrial planets
formed”.

Here is a sample:

In paragraph 1 of the passage, there is a missing sentence. The

paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D)
that indicate places the following sentence could be added. Where
would the following sentence best fit?

“In fact, artifacts and tools from Cahokia have been discovered in
sites as far away as the shores of Lake Superior to the north, and
Appalachia to the south.”

The ancient city of Cahokia was located at a site very close to modern
St. Louis in the United States. At its apex from A.D. 1100 to 1200,
Cahokia covered about 16 square kilometers and probably had a
population that peaked at about 15,000, the largest in the
surrounding region. [A] During this period the landscape of the city
was dominated by the presence of a large number of public plazas
separated by at least 120 man-made mounds, the largest of which
was topped by a major temple. [B] Remains have also been found of
an elaborate copper workshop that produced sophisticated metal
goods traded with both nearby and distant settlements. Moreover,
the city is noted for its significant economic and spiritual contacts
with other settlements in the Mississippi area. [C] Although the
inhabitants left no written records beyond symbols on pottery,
shells, wood, and stone, the remains of the elaborately planned
community reveal a complex society. [D]

A: A

B: B

C: C

D: D
2. Negative Factual Information Questions

These questions require you to identify specific information or details that

are not mentioned in the article. They usually look like this:

 According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true of X?

 The author’s description of X mentions all of the following EXCEPT…
 In paragraph X, each of the following is mentioned about Y,
EXCEPT…

These questions are very time-consuming, since you will need to read
the entire paragraph very carefully. Give yourself more time to solve this
question than most other question types.

This is a fairly common question type. Expect to get about 1 or 2 per

article.

Here’s a sample:

The ancient city of Cahokia was located at a site very close to modern
St. Louis in the United States. At its apex from A.D. 1100 to 1200,
Cahokia covered about 16 square kilometers and probably had a
population that peaked at around 15,000. Excavations of the city
have revealed that it contained a large number of public plazas that
were separated by at least 120 man made earthen mounds, the
largest of which was topped by a major temple. Remains have also
been found of an elaborate copper workshop that produced
sophisticated metal goods likely traded with both nearby and distant
settlements. Moreover, the city is noted for its significant economic
and spiritual contacts with other communities in the Mississippi
area. Although the inhabitants left no written records beyond
symbols on pottery, shells, wood and stone, the remains of this
elaborately planned community suggest that it was home to a
complex society that had great influence over a large geographic
area.
In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a feature of the
city of Cahokia between A.D 1100 to 1200 EXCEPT:

A. Man-made mounds

B. Several large temples

C. A manufacturing workshop

D. Many public plazas

3. Inference Questions

To answer inference questions, you must make logical connections

between details in the article and claims which are not mentioned in the
article. These questions often look like:

 What can be inferred from paragraph X about Y?

 The author of the article implies that X…

Once again, you should try to avoid picking answer choices just because
they contain words which appear in the article. Look for details in the
article that express cause and effect relationships, or sequences of events.

This is an uncommon question type. Expect to get between 0 and 1 per

article.

Here’s a sample:

The importance of the last factor is a matter of some debate.

Cahokia’s peak in 1100 coincided with the emergence in the region of
new methods of agricultural production. These included the “three
sisters” method of farming first discovered centuries earlier in
Mesoamerica. However, even though the city was ringed by farming
communities, due to rapid population growth they were unable to
feed the whole population. A related problem was the challenge of
waste disposal in such a dense community, and people in Cahokia
likely became sick from polluted waterways. Because it was such an
unhealthy place to live, modern historians believe that the town had
to rely on social and political attractions to bring in a steady supply
of new immigrants. Without their arrival, this problem would have
caused the city to be abandoned much earlier than it eventually was.

What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about agricultural

methods used in Cahokia in 1100?

A. They were not as advanced as those used in Mesoamerica.

B. They were sometimes unable to supply enough food for the city.

C. They were carried out by newly arrived immigrants.

D. They were seriously affected by environmental pollution.