Modul TOEFL – English Medina 1

Vivi Usmayanti / @uusmayantivivi

READING COMPREHENSION
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UNIT 1
MAIN IDEA

Almost every reading passage on the paper TOEFL test or computer TOEFL test will have multiple
choice question about the main idea of a passage. Such a question may be worded in a variety of ways;
you may; for example, be asked to identify the topic, subject, title, primary idea, or main idea. These
questions are all really asking what primary point the author is trying to get across in the passage. Since
the TOEFL passages are generally written in a traditionally organized manner, it is relatively easy to find
the main ideas by studying the topic sentences, which are most probably found at the beginning of each
paragraph.

If a passage consists of only one paragraph, you should study the beginning of that paragraph to
determine the main idea. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL test that asks about
the topic of passage with one paragraph.

Example:

The passage :

Basketball was invented in 1891 by a physical education Instructor in Springfield. Massachusetts,

by the name of James Naismith. Became of the terrible weather in winter, his physical education students
were indoors rather than outdoors. They really did not like the idea of boring, repetitive exercises arid
preferred the excitement and challenge of a game. Naismith figured out a team sport that could be played
indoors on a gymnasium floor, that involved a jot of running. That kept all team members involved and
that did not allow the tacking and physical contact of American style football.

The question:

What is the topic of this passage?

(A) The life of James Naismith

(B) The history of sports
(C) Physical education and exercise
(D) The origin of basketball

The first sentence of this passage states that basketball was invented, so the invention of basketball
probably the topic. A quick check of the rest of the sentences in the passage confirms that the topic is, in
fact, the beginnings of the sport basketball. Now you should check each of the answers to determine
which one comes closest to the topic that you have determined. Answer (A) mentions James Naismith but
not basketball, so it is not the topic. Answer (B) is too general; it mentions sport but does not mention
basketball. Answer (C) is also too general; it mentions physical education but does not mention
basketball. The best answer, therefore, answers (D): the origin of basketball means that the way that
basketball was invented is going to be discussed.

If a passage consists of more than one paragraph, you should study the beginning of each
paragraph to determine the main idea. Look at a multiple-choice example that asks about the title of
passage with more than one paragraph.

Example:

Early maps of the North American continent showed a massive river that began in the Rocky
Mountains, flowed into the Great Salt Lake, and from there continued westward the Pacific Ocean. This
river named the Buenaventura River. On some maps rivaled the great Mississippi River. As late as the
middle of the nineteenth century, this river was Still on maps and explorers were still searching for it.

This mythical river, of course, does not exist, though there are several possible theories about how
it came to be on maps. Perhaps an early mapmaker hypothesized that such a river probably existed, then
this hypothesized river was copied from the map to map. Perhaps, instead, a smaller river was actually
seen, and its path from the Rockies to the Pacific was assumed.
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Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
a. Early Maps of North America
b. A Non-Existent River on Maps.
c. A Comparison of Two Rivers
d. Rivers in Mythology
This question asks you about the best title for the passage. In a passage with more than one paragraph,
you should be sure to read the first sentence of each paragraph to determine the subject, topic, title, or
main idea. In this example, the first sentence of the first paragraph states that early maps of the North
American continent showed a massive river, and the first sentence of the second paragraph states that this
mythical river, of course, does not exist. if you look only at the first paragraph, you might choose the first
answer, but this answer does not mention that the river does not exist. The third answer is incorrect
because a comparison of the Buenaventura and Mississippi Rivers is only one small detail in the first
paragraph. The last answer is incorrect because this passage is not about mythology. The best answer to
this question is the second answer; the first paragraph says that the river is on maps, and the second
paragraph says that the river... does not exist, which means that it is non-existent.

MAIN IDEA QUESTION

what is the topic of the passage?

what is the subject of the passage?
on both paper and what is the main idea of the passage?
HOW TO IDENTITY THE computer tests
what is the author's main point in the passage?
QUSTION
what is the author primaryly concerned?
which of the following would be the best title?
on computer test
click on the paragraph that...
only
WHERE TO FIND THE The answer to this type of question can generally be determined by
ANSWER looking at the first sentence of each paragraph
1. Read the first line of each paragraph
2. look for a common theme or idea in the first lines
HOW TO ANSWER THE 3. Pass your eyes quickly over the rest of the passage to check that you
QUESTION have really found the thopic sentence(s)
4. eliminate any definitely wrong anwers and choose the best answer
from the remaining choices

Exercise 1

PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)

Most of the ice on the Earth, close to 90 percent of it, is covering continent Antarctica. It does not snow
very much in Antarctica, but whatever snow does fall remains and grows deeper and deeper. In some
areas of Antarctica, the ice has perhaps been around for as much as a million years and now is more than
two miles deep.

1. The main idea of the passage is that

(A) the Earth is a cold planet
(B) most of the Earth's ice is found in Antarctica
(C) it snows more in Antarctica than in any other place on the Earth
D) Antarctica is only two miles wide but is 90 percent ice
2. The best title for the passage is
(A) Snowfall in Antarctica
(B) The Icy Earth
(C) The Cold, Cold Snow
D) The Causes of Antarctica's lce Pack
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UNIT 2
STATED DETAIL QUESTION

A Stated detail question asks about one piece of information in the passage rather than the passage as a
whole. The answers to these questions are generally given in the order in the passage, and the correct
answer is often a restatement of what is given in the passage. This means that the correct answer often
expresses the same idea as what is written in the passage, but the words are not exactly the same The
questions that test stated details are generally multiple-choice questions.
Example:
The passage:
Flutes have been around for quite some time. in all sorts of shapes and sizes and made from a variety of
materials. The oldest known flutes are about 20,000 years old; they were made from hollowed-out bones
with holes cut in them In addition to bone, older flutes were often constructed from bamboo or hollowed-
out wood.
Today's flutes are generally made of metal, and in addition to the holes, they have a complicated
system of keys, levers, and pads. The instrument belonging to well-known flutist James Galway is not just
made of any metal, it is made of gold.
The question:
1. According to the passage, the oldest flutes
(A) had holes cut in them
(B) were made of metal
(C) were made 200.000 years ago
(D) had a complicated set of levers and pads
2. The passage indicates that James Galway's flute is made of
(A) bones
(B) bamboo
(C) wood
(D) gold
Since this question is about James Galway's flute, you should skim through the passage to find the part of
the passage that discusses this topic. The answer to this question is found in the statement that the
instrument belonging to well-known flutist James Galway is not just made of any metal, it is made of
gold. The last answer is the best answer.

STATED DETAIL QUESTION

According to the passage...
On both paper and It is stated in the passage..
HOW TO IDENTITY THE computer tests The passage indicates that...
QUESTION Which of the following is true...?
On computer test
Click on the paragraph that...
only
WHERE TO FIND THE
The answer to those questions are found in order in the passage
ANSWER
1. Choose a keyword in the question
HOW TO ANSWER THE
QUESTION 2. Skim in the appropriate part of the passage for the keyword or idea
3. Read the sentence that contains the keyword od idea carefully
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4. eliminate any definitely wrong answers and choose the best answer
from the remaining choices
Exercise 1
PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)

Many parts of the southwestern United States would become deserts again without the waters of the
Colorado River. A system of thousands of miles of canals, hundreds of miles of tunnels and aqueducts,
and numerous dams and reservoirs bring Colorado River water to the area. The Imperial Valley in
southern California is an example of such a place, it is a vast and productive agricultural area that was
once a desert. Today, 2,000 miles of canals irrigate the fertile land and keep it productive.

1. Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a way that Colorado River water gets
to the Southwest?
(A) By truck
(B) In bottles
(C) In wells
(D) Through canals
2. According to the passage, the imperial Valley
(A) is a desert today
(B) is located in Colorado
(C) produces a lot of agricultural goods
(D) does not require irrigation

UNIT 3
UNSTATED DETAILS

You will sometimes be asked in the reading section to find an answer that is not Stated or not mentioned
or not true in the passage. This type of question really means that three of the answers are stated,
mentioned, or true in the passage, while one answer is not.

You should note that there are two kinds of answers to this type of question: (1) there are three
true answers and one that is not mentioned in the passage, or (2) there are three true answers and one that
is not true according to the passage. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL that asks
you to find the one answer that is not mentioned.

Example

The passage:

The Florida Keys are a beautiful chain of almost 1,000 coral and limestone islands. These islands form an
arç that heads first southwest and then west from the mainland. The U.S. Highway I, called the Overseas
Highway, connects the main islands in the chain. On this highway. It is necessary to cross forty-two
bridges over the ocean to cover the 159 miles from Miami, on the mainland. to Key West. the farthest
island on the high way and the Southernmost city in the united states.

The question:

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned about the Florida keys?

(a) the Florida Keys are a chain of Islands.
(b) the Florida keys contain coral and limestone.
(c) the Florida Keys are in the shape of an arc.
(d) the Florida keys are not all inhabited.

This question asks for the one answers that is not mentioned about the Florida keys. The passage
states that Florida keys are a chain (answer A) with coral land limestone (answer B) in the shape of an arc
(answers C), so these answers are not correct. The best answer is therefore answer (D). The passage does
not mention whether or not the keys are all on inhabited.
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”UNSTATED’’ DETAIL QUESTION

HOW TO On both paper Which of the following is not stated…?
IDENTIFY THE and computer test Which of the following is not mentioned…?
QUESTION Which of the following is not discussed…?

All of the following are true except…

WHERE TO The answer to this question is found in order in the passage.
FIND THE
ANSWER

HOW TO 1. Choose a keyword in the question.

ANSWER THE 2. Scan the appropriate place in the passage for the keyword (or
QUESTION related idea).
3. Read the sentence that contains the keyword or idea carefully.
4. Look for answers that are definitely true according to the passage.
5. Choose the answer that is not true or not discussed in the passage.

Exercise 3
In the 1960s, a space trave was becoming such of much discussion. Pan American airlines began
receiving some fairly unusual requests for flight information. People began making requests to be on the
first flight that pan Am made to the Moon.
On a whim, Pan Am started waiting list for the first flight to the moon, similar requests have come
to Pan Am over the years, and pan Am fast responded by adding the names of there questers to the list.
Unfortunately for Pan Am, the original company is no longer in business, and it never got to the
Moon, However, when it went out of business, it had a waiting list of more than 90,000 names for its first
lunar flight.

1. All of the following arc mentioned about pan American airlines, EXCEPT, that
(A) It started business in the 1960s
(B) It received a request for its first hit to the Moon
(C) It kept some people on a long waiting list
(D) It went out of business

2. Which of the following is NOT true about pan Am’s Moon flights?
(A) People asked Pan Am about its nights to the Moon
(B) Pan Am kept a waiting list for ist Moon flights
(C) Pan Am never really made any Moon flights
(D) Pan Am’s waiting list had only a few names on it
(E)

UNIT4
IMPLIED DETAIL QUESTION

Implied detail questions may be found on the TOEFL test. In this type of question, you will be asked to
answer a multiple-choice question about reading passage by drawing a conclusion from a specific detail
or details in the passage. Question of this type of domain the world implied, inferred, likely, or probably
to let you know that the answer to the question a not directly stated. In the type of question, It is important
to understand that you do not have to“pull the answer out of thin air.” Instead, some information will be
given in the passage, and you will draw a conclusion from that information. Look multiple-choice
examples of an implied detail question from the TOEFL test.

Example

The passage:

The number of rings in a tree can be used to determine how old a tree really is. Each year a tree produces
a ring that is composed of one light-colored wide band and is produced during the spring and early
summer when free stem cells grow rapidly and become larger. The narrower band is produced in fall and
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early winter when cell growth is much slower and cells do not get very large. No cells are produced
during the harsh winter and summer months.

The question:

1. It is implied in the passage that if a tree has 100 wide bands and 100 narrow bands. Then it is
(A) a century-old
(B) two centuries old
(C) fifty years old
(D) two hundred old

This question asks about the age of a tree with 100 wide bands and narrow bands. The passage
does not tell the age of a tree with 100 wide and narrow bands, but it does indicate that one ... Wideband
and one ... Narrowband is produced each year. From this, you can draw the conclusion that a tree with
100 and narrow band is 100 years, or a Century, old. The best answer to this question is therefore answer
(A).

2. It can be inferred from the passage that cells do not grow

(A) when the tree is ill
(B) during extreme heat or cold
(C) when it rains too much
(D) If there are more light-colored bands than dark-colored bands

This question asks when Calls do not grow. The passage indicates that no cells are produced during
the harsh Winter and Summer months. From this, you can draw the conclusion that cells do not grow
during the extreme heat of summer or the extremely cold of winter. The second answer is, therefore, the
best answer, so you should click on the second answer to this question.

The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about timplied detail
question:

”UNSTATED’’ DETAIL QUESTION

HOW TO On both paper it is implied in the passage that…

IDENTIFY THE and computer it can be inferred from the passage that…
QUESTION tests, it is mast likely that…
what probably happened…?

WHERE TO The answer to these questions is generally found in order in the passage.
FIND THE
ANSWER
HOW TO 1. Choose a keyword in the question.
ANSWER THE 2. Scan the passage for the keyword (or related idea).
QUESTION 3. Carefully read the sentence that contains the keyword.
4. Look for anwers that could be true, according to the sentence.
EXERCISE 4:

PASSAGE ONE (questions 1-3)

Until 1996, the Sears Tower was the tallest building in the world, with more than a hundred stories. It is
located in Chicago, whose nickname is the Windy City. The combination of a very tall building in a city
with such weather conditions leads to a lot of swaying in the breeze.

On a windy day, the top of the building can move back and forth as much as three feet every few
seconds. The inside doors at the top of the building open and close and water in sinks sloshes back and
forth.

1. The Sears tower is probably

(A) as tall as the Empire State building
(B) no longer the tallest building in the world
(C) taller than any other building
(D) still the highest building in the world
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2. It can be inferred from the passage that Chicago

(A) has moderate weather
(B) is generally warm
(C) has humid weather
(D) usually has a lot of wind

3. It is implied in the passage that the upper-level doors in the Sears tower open and close because
(A) The building was poorly constructed
(B) People go in and out so often
(C) The building moves in the wind
(D) Thereiswater in thesinks

UNIT 5
VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT QUESTION

On the TOEFL test, you may be asked to determine the meaning of a difficult word or expression that you
do not know. In this case, the passage often gives you a clear indication of what the word or expression
means. Look at a multiple-choice example from the paper TOEFL test of a vocabulary word that is
explained in the context.

Example :

……………. Professor Richmond’s hobby is philately. The professor has been quite interested in
collecting stamps for a number of years.

The question:

1. The word “philately. In line 1 could best replaced by

(A) a philanthropic attitude (C) stamp collection
(B) a common profession (D) teaching classes

In this question, you are asked to choose an expression to replace philately. You are not expected to
know the meaning of the word philately. Instead, you should understand from the context that if the
professor is interested in collection stamps, then philately is most likely stamps collecting. Answer ( C )
is, therefore, the best answer to this question.

2. Look at the word geranium in the passage. A geranium is most likely which of the following?
(A) A sofa (C) A fish
(B) A chair (D) A plant

In this question, you are asked to determine the meaning of the word geranium. You are not
expected to know the meaning of the word geranium. Instead, you should understand from the context
that if the geranium is growing in a pot, then it is probably a plant. The last answer is the best answer, so
you should click on the last answer to this question.

VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT QUESTIONS

HOW TO IDENTIFY On bach paper and What is the meaning of “X” in line Y?
THE QUESTIONS computer tests The word “X” in line Y could best be replaced
by…
On computer test only Look at the word X in paragraph Y. Click on
another word that is close in meaning to X.
Click on the word in paragraph Y that could best
be replaced by…
WHERE TO FIND Information to help you understand the meaning of vocabulary words can
THE ANSWER often be found in the context surrounding the word.

HOW TO ANSWER 1. Find the word in the passage

THE QUESTION 2. Read the sentence that contains the word carefully
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3. Look for context clues to help you understand the meaning.

4. Choose the answer that the context indicates
TOEFL EXERCISE 5: Study each of the passages and choose the best answers to the questions that
follow.

PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-5)

When babies are born, they always have blue eyes. This is because the melanin, the
pigment that colors the eyes, is not on the surface. Of the iris. Instead, it is within the creases of
the iris. Because there is little melanin on the surface of the iris, the eyes appear blue.
Line
(5) After a few months, the melanin moves to the surface of the iris. It is the amount of
melanin on the surface that determines a person’s permanent eye color; so it is at this point that a
baby’s eyes develop the color they will have for a lifetime.

1. The word “pigment’ in line 2 is closest in meaning to

(A) Skin
(B) Muscle
(C) Tissue
(D) Colo
2. Look at the word surface in paragraph 1. This word is closest in meaning to
(A) Top
(B) Inside
(C) Back
(D) Bottom

3. The word “permanent” in line 6could best be replaced by

(E) Changeable
(F) Lasting
(G) Dark
(H) Possible
4. Look at the word “point” in paragraph2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Dot
(B) Era
(C) Time
(D) Place

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (skills 1-5): study each of the passages and choose the best answers to the
questions that follow.

PASSAGE ONE (questions 1-9)

Geographically, California's diversity is breathtaking, and the state’s coastline from northern to
South is no exception. Measuring 840 miles in length, the coast consists of the rugged cliffs of the coast
ranges in the north and wide Sandy beaches in the south. Along the coastline, there are two major harbors,
one in the north at San Fransisco and the other in the south as San Diego. Near Humboldt and Monterey
are smaller natural ports.

1. The topic of this passage is

(A) How the state of California is divided into North and South
(B) The variations in California’s coastal geography
(C) The breathtaking beauty of California
(D) The exceptions in coastal geography

2. Look at the word harbors in the passage. Which word in the passage is close in meaning to harbors?

3. It is implied in the passage that northern California

(A) Has more beaches than southern California
(B) Has some type of coastline as southern California
(C) Has fewer major harbors than southern California
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(D) Has a different coastline from southern California

4. The word “breathtaking” in line I probably means

(A) Breathing
(B) Amazing southern California
(C) Stolen
(D) Usual

5. According to the passage, what measures 840 miles in length? California?

(A) The California coastline
(B) The Coast Ranger
(C) The rugged cliffs
(D) The exceptional part of northern California

6. The Coast Ranges are probably

(A) Flat, sandy areas on the coast of California
(B) Found in southern California
(C) A series of mountains
(D) Hundreds of miles north of the cliffs

7. According to the passage, where are the major harbors located in California?
(A) In San Diego
(B) Only in northern California
(C) Near Humboldt and Monterey
(D) In the north and in the south

8. In line 5, “natural ports” are

(A) Not human-mode
(B) Always small in size
(C) Evenly shaped
(D) Constructed of natural-materials

9. Which of the following geographical features is NOT mentioned in the passage?

(A) Cliffs
(B) Canyons
(C) Beaches
(D) Harbors

PASSAGE TWO (questions 10-17)

Among some groups of people, cats have a reputation as rather silly animals that are always getting
themselves stuck in trees. Cats have often been known to become frightened of something, to run up a
tree and then to cry sadly until they are rescued.
There is, in reality, a reasonable explanation for this type of behavior, and it has to do with the
shape of the cat’s claws are hooked in a direction that Makes climbing up a tree a rather easy task.
However, when it comes to climbing back down the tree, these claws are not very helpful.
Thus, if you happen to see a meowing cat stuck in a tree, have some sympathy for the cat. The cat
managed to get up in the tree quite easily, but the shape of its claws make it quite impossible for the cat
too. Climb down with some ease.

10. The idea of the passage is that

(A) cat’s really are silly animals
(B) cats have a good reason for their behavior
(C) cats enjoy climbing trees
(D) cats’ sharp claws are unnecessary for survival

11. According to the passage, a cat CANNOT

(A) climb up a tree
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(B) gets tuck in a tree

(C) cry easily
(D) climb down easily

12. The passage indicates that some people think that cats are silly because the cats
(A)have funny-looking claws
(B) frighten other cats
(C) climb trees and cannot get down
(D) are unable to rescue other cats

13. Which word in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ”saved”?

14. The expression“in reality” in line 4 could best be replaced by

(A) in contrast
(B) in fact
(C) in agreement
(D) in all probability

15. It is implied in the passage that, if a cat tries to climb down a tree, it will
(A) be able to do it easily
(B) move very quickly
(C) cry to other cats
(D) perhaps fall

16. Look at the world hooked in paragraph 2. This world is closest in meaning to
(A) curved
(B) straightened
(C) sharpened
(D) shortened

17. The world “helpful” in line 7 could best be replaced by

(A) friendly
(B) useful
(C) nice
(D) sincere

PASSAGE THERE (questions 18-26)

In the 1890s, the bicycle became quite popular in the United States as the new “safety” bicycle
replaced the older Penny-farthing bicycles. On the Penny-farthing bicycles, one wheel was much larger
than the other, and these bicycles were not very stable; they were always falling over. On the new
“safety” bicycles, both wheels were equal in size, and they were much easier to control.

Many women also enjoyed these new “safety” bicycles, but they had to take measures to deal with
their clothing while riding bicycles. The fashion at the time was for long, full skirts that did not go well
with bicycles. Some women put the lead weight in their skirts to keep their skirts from blowing up. Other
women changed from long skirts to bloomers, which were long, full, wide pants, but some people felt that
bloomers were inappropriate for women to wear; in fact, some newspapers and magazines of the day
criticized the new bicycle fashion as a danger to ladies morals.

18.the passage in is mainly about

(A) the popularity of safety bicycles, even among woman
(B) the differences between safety and Penny-farthing bicycles
(C) women’s fashions in the nineteenth century
(D) the lack of stability of the Penny-farthing bicycles

19. The word “stable” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

(A) dangerous
(B) expensive
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(C) big
(D) steady

20. Which of the following in NOT true about the safety bicycle?
(A) It had equal wheels.
(B) It was fairly simple to control.
(C) It preceded the Penny-farthing bicycles
(D) It becomes popular in the 1890s.

21. Which word in paragraph I that could best be replaced by “handle”?

22. Look at the word measures in paragraph 2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Counts
(B) Number
(C) Steps
(D) Problem

23. The passage indicates that it was fashionable in the 1890s for woman to wear
(A) Long skirts
(B) Short pants
(C) Small hats
(D) Men’s clothing

24. it is implied in the passage that lead is

(A) Heavy
(B) Soft
(C) Delicate
(D) Light

25. In line 10, “bloomers” are

(A) Shirts
(B) Skirts
(C) Hats
(D) Pants

26. it is implied in the passage that newspapers expressed the opinion that woman
(A) Should wear bloomers
(B) Should not ride bicycles
(C) Should not wear long, full skirts
(D) Should always follow the fashion

UNIT 6
“WHERE” QUESTION

Sometimes the final question accompanying a reading passage (or one paragraph of a passage) on the
TOEFL test will ask you to determine where in the passage a piece of information is found. On the paper
test, there will be a multiple-choice question that asks where certain information is found. The answer
choices will list possible locations for that information.
Example:
The words “capital” and “capitol” are confused in spelling and in meaning by a lot of
people who try to use them. Both their spellings and their meanings are quite closely related. A
Line “capital” is the location of the center of government. While a “capitol” is the actual building
(5) where the government officials meet. Thus in the United States, for example, the Capitol is
located in Washington D.C., which is the capital city of the United States.
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The question:
Where in the passage does the author define the word “capital”?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Lines 4-5
(C) Line 6
(D) Line 8

To answer this question, you should skim for the word capital and then look for its meaning. A capital is
the location of the center of government, and this definition is given in the fourth and fifth lines. Answer
(B) is, therefore, the best answer to this question.

QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE IN THE PASSAGE

HOW TO IDENTIFY On paper test Where in the passage…?
THE QUESTION only
On computer Click on the sentence indicates…
test only
WHERE TO FIND On paper test The answer can be in any of the lines listed in the answers to
THE ANSWER only the question
On computer This answer will be one of the sentences in the
test only paragraph listed in the questions
HOW TO ANSWER 1. Choose a keyword or idea in the question
THE QUESTION` 2. Skim the appropriate part(s) of the passage looking for the keyword
or idea.
3. Choose the answer that contains the key word or idea.
TOEFL EXERCISE 6
PASSAGE ONE (Questions 1-2)
A geyser occurs when rainwater seeps into the ground and volcanic magma beneath the
surface heats it. The rainwater then turns into steam. The pressurized steam rises to the surface
and bursts out as a geyser.
Line Yellowstone National Park has more geysers than all of the rest of the world together the
(5) most famous of these geysers is Old Faithful, which erupts in a high are of steam about an hour.

There have not been any volcanic eruptions in the Yellowstone area for 70,000 years
however, the existence of the geysers is proof that the area is volcanically active.

1. Where in the passage does the author mention what heats the water in a geyser?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Line 4
(C) Lines 5-6
(D) Line 7

2. Where in the passage docs the author state how long it has been since a volcano erupted at
Yellowstone?
(A) Line 2
(B) Line 4
(C) Lines 5-6
(D) Lines 7-8

TOEFL REVIEW EXERCISE (Skills 1-6): Study each of the passage and choose the best answers to the
questions that follow.
PASSAGE TWO (Questions 1-10)
REM(rapid eye movement) sleep is a type of sleep that is important to humans. This type
of sleep generally occurs four or five times during one night of sleep. The duration of each of
these occurrences ranges from five minutes to forty minutes. The period of REM sleep becomes
longer and as the night progresses.
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Vivi Usmayanti / @uusmayantivivi

Line Physical changes occur in the body to show that a person has transitioned from
NREM(non-rapid eye movement) sleep to REM sleep. Breathing becomes faster, the heart rate
(5)
increases, and, as the name implies, the eyes begin to move quickly.
Accompanying these physical changes in the body is a very important characteristic of
REM sleep. It is during REM sleep that dreams occur.

1. The subject of this passage is

(A) The human need for REM sleep
(B) Physical changes in the human body
(C) The characteristics of REM sleep
(D) Why people sleep

2. The “N” in NREM probably stands for which of the following words?
(A) Nine
(B) Non
(C) Name
(D) Night

3. According to the passage, how often does REM sleep occur in one night?
(A) Once
(B) Twice
(C) Four or five times
(D) Forty times

4. According to the passage, all of the following occur during REM sleep EXCEPT that
(A) The rate of breathing increases
(B) The heart rate speeds up
(C) The eyes remain steady
(D) Dreams take place

5. A REM sleep period of forty minutes would most likely be which period of REM sleep?
(A) The first period
(B) The second period
(C) The third period
(D) The fourth period

6. The word “Accompanying” in line 8 could best be replaced by which of the following?
(A) Along with
(B) In spite of
(C) To contrast to
(D) Because of

7. The word “progresses” in line 4 is closest in meaning to

(A) Continues
(B) Darkens number
(C) Bits
(D) Sleeps

8. Which line in the passage does the author mention the occurrences per night of REM sleep?

9. Look at the word transitioned in paragraph 2. This word could best be replaced by
(A) Breathed
(B) Increased
(C) Fallen
(D) Moved

10. Where in the passage does the author discuss the length of periods of REM sleep?
 Modul TOEFL – English Medina 15
Vivi Usmayanti / @uusmayantivivi

PASSAGE TWO (Questions 11-20)

In the 1930s, Chester F. Carlos was working in the patents department of a large
electronics firm in New York City. One of the major problems in this work was the length of
time and expense involved in getting patents copied; patens were lengthy legal documents, and
Line the only ways to get them copied were to take them to a typist or to take them to a photographer.
(5) Either way of copying patents took a lot of time and cost a lot of money.

He came up with the idea for a machine that would copy documents quickly and
efficiently. He researched the idea in the library and then worked over a three-year period on
developing a machine that used light, an electrostatically charged plate, and powder to duplicate
(10) images on paper. The result of this work was a machine that produced the first xerographic copy
on October 22, 1938. He named the process “Xerox” which means “dry writing”.

Carlson felt that he had a good idea, one that would be extremely helpful in the business
world. He tried to sell his idea to a number of large corporations, but they were not terribly
(15) interested in his machine. A few years later he sold the process to a small family-owned
company. This small company grew into the giant Xerox corporation, and both Carlson and
Xerox became rather wealthy in the process

11. This passage is mainly about

(A) Carlson’s job in a patent office
(B) Now the Xerox machine works
(C) Carlson’s success in business
(D) The development of the Xerox machine

12. Carlson most likely began work on the machine in

(A) 1930
(B) 1935
(C) 1938
(D) 1941

13. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a problem that Carlson encountered in getting patents
copied?
(A) The time needed for copying
(B) The expense of the copying
(C) The length of the patents
(D) Dependability of photographer

14. The passage indicates that the large corporations that Carlson tried to sell his process to
(A) Were family owned
(B) Were nonprofit institutions
(C) Helped to develop the process
(D) Did not want to buy his machine

15. The word “expense” in line 3 is closest in meaning to

(A) Cost
(B) Difficulty
(C) Legality
(D) Payment

16. The word “giant” in the line 15 could best be replaced by

(A) Monster
(B) Tiny
(C) Familiar
(D) Huge

17. Which word in paragraph 2 is the closest meaning to “looked” for information about”.
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Vivi Usmayanti / @uusmayantivivi

18. Where in the passage does the author indicate what a patent is?
(A) Lines 1-2
(B) Line 3
(C) Lines 6-7
(D) Lines 9-10

19. The following are components of Carlson’s machine EXCEPT

(A) A light
(B) A charged plate
(C) Powder
(D) A typewriter