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Sample Questions for the Computer-Based Test

The questions on the following pages are similar to Here is an example.


those that will be presented in the actual test.
On the computer screen, you will see:
Listening
The Listening section of the test measures the ability to
understand conversations and talks in English.You will
use headphones to listen to the conversations and talks.
While you are listening, pictures of the speakers or
other information will be presented on your computer
screen. There are two parts to the Listening section,
with special directions for each part.
On the day of the test, the amount of time you
will have to answer all the questions will appear on

Sample
the computer screen. The time you spend listening to

Sample Questions
the test material will not be counted. The listening
material and questions about it will be presented only
one time.You will not be allowed to take notes or have
any paper at your computer. You will both see and hear
the questions before the answer choices appear.You can On the recording, you will hear:

Questions
take as much time as you need to select an answer; (woman) Hey, where’s your sociology book?
however, it will be to your advantage to answer the
questions as quickly as possible. You may change your (man) At home. Why carry it around when we’re just
answer as many times as you want before you confirm going to be taking a test?
it. After you have confirmed an answer, you will not be (woman) Don’t you remember? Professor Smith said
able to return to the question. we could use it during the test.
Before you begin working on the Listening section,
you will have an opportunity to adjust the volume of (man) Oh, no! Well, I’ve still got an hour, right? I’m so
the sound. After you have started the test, you will glad I ran into you!
only be able to change the volume during question
directions. You will then see and hear the question before
the answer choices appear:
QUESTION DIRECTIONS — Part A 00:15 TOEFL - Listening 1 of 6
In Part A of the Listening section, you will hear short
conversations between two people. In some of the
conversations, each person speaks only once. In other
conversations, one or both of the people speak more
What will the man probably do next?
than once. Each conversation is followed by one
question about it. Begin studying for the sociology test

Each question in this part has four answer choices. Explain the problem to his professor
Go home to get his textbook
You should click on the best answer to each question. Borrow the woman’s book
Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or
implied by the speakers.

Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next
Time

To choose an answer, you will click on an oval. The oval


next to that answer will darken. The correct answer
is indicated on the next screen.

1
00:14 TOEFL - Listening 1 of 6 (narrator) Listen to part of a discussion in a marine
biology class.

What will the man probably do next?

Begin studying for the sociology test


Explain the problem to his professor
Go home to get his textbook
Borrow the woman’s book

Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next
Time

After you click on Next and Confirm Answer, the


next conversation will be presented.
(professor) A few years ago, our local government
QUESTION DIRECTIONS — Part B
passed a number of strict environmental laws. As a
In Part B of the Listening section, you will hear several
result, Sunrise Beach looks nothing like it did ten
longer conversations and talks. Each conversation or
years ago. The water is cleaner, and there’s been a
talk is followed by several questions. The conversations,
tremendous increase in all kinds of marine life —
talks, and questions will not be repeated.
which is why we’re going there on Thursday.
The conversations and talks are about a variety
of topics. You do not need special knowledge of the (woman) I don’t know if I agree that the water quality
topics to answer the questions correctly. Rather, you has improved. I mean, I was out there last weekend,
Sample Questions

should answer each question on the basis of what is and it looked all brown. It didn’t seem too clean
stated or implied by the speakers in the conversations to me.
or talks. (professor) Actually, the color of the water doesn’t
For most of the questions, you will need to click on always indicate whether it’s polluted. The brown
the best of four possible answers. Some questions will color you mentioned might be a result of pollution,
have special directions. The special directions will or it can mean a kind of brown algae is growing
appear in a box on the computer screen. there. It’s called “devil’s apron,” and it actually
serves as food for whales.
Here is an example of a conversation and (man) So when does the water look blue?
some questions:
(professor) Well, water that’s completely unpolluted
TOEFL - Listening
is actually colorless. But it often looks bluish-green
because the sunlight can penetrate deep down and
that’s the color that’s reflected.
(woman) But sometimes it looks really green. What’s
that about?
(professor) OK, well, it’s the same principle as with
Marine Biology “devil’s apron”: the water might look green because
of different types of green algae there — gulfweed,
phytoplankton. You all should finish reading about
algae and plankton before we go. In fact, those are
the types of living things I’m going to ask you to be
looking for when we’re there.
Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next
Time

2
After the conversation, you will read: After you click on Next and Confirm Answer,
TOEFL - Listening
the next question will be presented:
00:13 TOEFL - Listening 3 of 6

According to the professor, what can make ocean water


look brown?

Now get ready to answer Click on 2 answers.

the questions.
Pollution
Cloudy Skies
Sand
Algae

Time Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next

Time Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next

Then, the first question will be presented:

Sample
To choose your answers, you will click on the squares.

Sample Questions
00:14 TOEFL - Listening 2 of 6

An “X” will appear in each square. The correct answers


are indicated on the screen below.
00:12 TOEFL - Listening 3 of 6
What is the discussion mainly about?

Questions
The importance of protecting ocean environments
The reasons why ocean water appears to be different
colors
According to the professor, what can make ocean water
The survival of whales in polluted water
look brown?
The effect that colored ocean water has on algae
Click on 2 answers.

Pollution
Cloudy Skies
Sand
Algae

Time Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next

To choose an answer, you will click on an oval. The oval


next to that answer will darken. The correct answer is Time Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next
indicated on the screen below.
00:13 TOEFL - Listening 2 of 6

What is the discussion mainly about?

The importance of protecting ocean environments


The reasons why ocean water appears to be different
colors
The survival of whales in polluted water
The effect that colored ocean water has on algae

Time Volume
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next

3
Structure Clicking on an underlined word or phrase will darken it.
The correct answer is indicated on the screen below.
This section measures the ability to recognize language 00:13 TOEFL - Structure 2 of 2
that is appropriate for standard written English. There Directions: Click on the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed
are two types of questions in this section. for the sentence to be correct.

In the first type of question, there are incomplete


sentences. Beneath each sentence are four words or
phrases.You will choose the one word or phrase that
best completes the sentence.
One of the most difficult problems in understanding

Here is an example: sleep is determining what the functions of sleep is.


00:15 TOEFL - Structure 1 of 2

Directions: Click on the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence.

Time
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next
The columbine flower, to nearly
all of the United States, can be raised from
seed in almost any garden.
The sentence should read: “One of the most difficult
native
how native is problems in understanding sleep is determining what
how native is it
is native the functions of sleep are.” After you click on Next and
Confirm Answer, the next question will be presented.

Reading
? Answer
Time Help Confirm Next
This section measures the ability to read and under-
Sample Questions

stand short passages similar in topic and style to those


Clicking on a choice darkens the oval. The correct that students are likely to encounter in North American
answer will be indicated on the screen. universities and colleges. This section contains reading
passages and questions about the passages. There are
The second type of question has four underlined several different types of questions in this section.
words or phrases.You will choose the one underlined In the Reading section, you will first have the oppor-
word or phrase that must be changed for the sentence tunity to read the passage.
to be correct.
01:10 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension Text
Text
Beginning
Beginning
Here is an example: The The temperature
temperature of theof Sun
the Sunis overis over
10,000 10,000
When
finished
degrees Fahrenheit at the surface,
degrees Fahrenheit at the surface, but it rises to but it rises to reading the
00:14 TOEFL - Structure 2 of 2 passage
perhaps
perhaps more more than
than 27,000,000°
27,000,000° at at the
the center
center.the TheSun Sun click on the
isis so
so much
much hotter
hotter than
than the
the Earth
Earth that
that matter
matter can can exist
exist icon below
Directions: Click on the one underlined word or phrase that must be changed only
only asas aa gas,
gas, except
except perhaps
perhaps at at the
the core.
core.In In the
the core
core
for the sentence to be correct. ofof the
the sun,
Sun,the thepressures
pressuresare areso sogreat
greatthat,that,despite
despite
the
the high
high temperature,
temperature, there there maymay be be aa small
small solid
solid core.
core. Proceed
However,
However, no no oneone really
really knows,
knows, since since the the center
center of of the
the
Sun
Sun cancan never
never be be directly
directly observed.
observed.
Solar
Solar astronomers
astronomers do do know
know that that thethe SunSun isis
divided
divided into
into five
five general
general layers
layers or or zones.
zones.starting
Startingatat
the
the outside
outside andand going
going down
down intointo the
the sun,
Sun,the thezones
zonesare are
the
the corona,
corona, chromosphere,
chromosphere, photosphere,
photosphere, convection convection
zone,
zone, andand finally
finally the
the core.
core.The
The firstfirst three
three zoneszones are are r
regarded
regarded as as the
the Sun’s
Sun’s atmosphere.
atmosphere.But But since
since the the
One of the most difficult problems in understanding Sun
Sun hashas nono silid
solidsurface,
surface,it itisishard
hardtototell tellwhere
wherethe the
atmosphere
atmosphere ends ends andand the
the main
main body body of of the
the Sun
Sun
begins.
begins.
sleep is determining what the functions of sleep is. The
The Sun’s
Sun’s outermost
outermost layerlayer begins
begins about about 10,000
10,000
miles
miles above
above the the visible
visible surface
surface and and goesgoes outward
outward for for
millions
millions of of miles.
miles.this
Thisisisthe
theonly
onlypartpartofofthe theSun
Sunthat that
can
can bebe seen
seen during
during anan eclipse
eclipse suchsuch as as the
the one
one in in
February
February 1979.1979.At At any
any other
other time,
time, thethe corona
corona can can
bebe seen
seen only
only when
when special
special instruments
instruments are are used
used on on

Time
?
Help Prev Next

Time
?
Help
Answer
Confirm Next

4
You will use the scroll bar to view the rest of Here is an example:
the passage. 01:02 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension 2 of
Text
4
Questions 1 to 4 MoreBeginning
Available

01:06 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension Text Solar astronomers do know that the Sun is Look at the word one in the
divided into five general layers or zones. Starting at passage. Click on the word or
End When the outside and going down into the sun, the zones are phrase in the bold text that one
atmosphere ends and the main body of the Sun finished the corona, chromosphere, photosphere, convection refers to.
begins. reading the zone, and finally the core. The first three zones are
The Sun’s outermost layer begins about 10,000 passage
click on the regarded as the Sun’s atmosphere. But since the
miles above the visible surface and goes outward for icon below Sun has no solid surface, it is hard to tell where the
millions of miles. This is the only part of the Sun that atmosphere ends and the main body of the Sun
can be seen during an eclipse such as the one in begins.
February 1979. At any other time, the corona can Proceed The Sun’s outermost layer begins about
be seen only when special instruments are used on 10,000 miles above the visible surface and
cameras and telescopes to block the light from the goes outward for millions of miles. This is the
photosphere. only part of the Sun that can be seen during an
The corona is a brilliant, pearly white, filmy light, eclipse such as the one in February 1979. At
about as bright as the full Moon. Its beautiful rays any other time, the corona can be seen only when
are a sensational sight during an eclipse. The special instruments are used on cameras and
corona’s rays flash out in a brilliant fan that has wispy telescopes to block the light from the photosphere.
spikelike rays near the Sun’s north and south poles. The corona is a brilliant, pearly white, filmy light,
The corona is generally thickest at the Sun’s equator. about as bright as the full Moon. Its beautiful rays
The corona is made up of gases streaming are a sensational sight during an eclipse. The
outward at tremendous speeds that reach a corona’s rays flash out in a brilliant fan that has wispy
temperature of more than 2 million degrees spikelike rays near the Sun’s north and south poles.
Fahrenheit. The gas thins out as it reaches the The corona is generally thickest at the Sun’s equator.
space around the planets. By the time the gas of The corona is made up of gases streaming
the corona reaches the Earth it has a relatively low
density.
Time
?
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Time
?
Help Prev Next To answer, you can click on any part of the word or
phrase in the passage.Your choice will darken to show

Sample
When you have finished reading the passage, you will which word you have chosen. The correct answer is

Sample Questions
use the mouse to click on Proceed. Then the questions indicated on the screen below.
about the passage will be presented.You are to choose
01:01 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension 2 of
Text
4
the one best answer to each question. Answer all Questions 1 to 4 MoreBeginning
Available When
questions about the information in a passage on the Solar astronomers do know that the Sun is Look at the word one in the finished
reading the
divided into five general layers or zones. Starting at passage. Click on the word or
basis of what is stated or implied in that passage. the outside and going down into the sun, the zones are
passage
phrase in the bold text that one

Questions
click on the
the corona, chromosphere, photosphere, convection refers to. icon below
Most of the questions will be multiple choice. To zone, and finally the core. The first three zones are
regarded as the Sun’s atmosphere. But since the
answer a question you will click on a choice below the Sun has no solid surface, it is hard to tell where the
atmosphere ends and the main body of the Sun
Proceed

begins.
question. The Sun’s outermost layer begins about
10,000 miles above the visible surface and
goes outward for millions of miles. This is the
only part of the Sun that can be seen during an
Here is an example: eclipse such as the one in February 1979. At
any other time, the corona can be seen only when
01:03 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension 1 of
Text
4 special instruments are used on cameras and
Questions 1 to 4 MoreBeginning
Available telescopes to block the light from the photosphere.
When The corona is a brilliant, pearly white, filmy light,
The temperature
However, no one really ofknows,
the Sunsince is over the10,000
center of the With what topic is paragraph 2finished
mainly about as bright as the full Moon. Its beautiful rays
degrees
Sun canFahrenheit
never be directlyat the surface,
observed. but it rises to concerned? reading the
passage are a sensational sight during an eclipse. The
➞ Solar
perhaps more than 27,000,000°
astronomers do knowatthat thethecenter
Sunthe is Sun click on the corona’s rays flash out in a brilliant fan that has wispy
isdivided
so much intohotter than the
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layers matter
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Starting at How the Sun evolved icon below spikelike rays near the Sun’s north and south poles.
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the outside and except
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down into at the sun,core.theIn the
zonescoreare The structure of the Sun The corona is generally thickest at the Sun’s equator.
ofthethe sun, the
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chromosphere, so great that,convection
despite Why scientists study the Sun The corona is made up of gases streaming
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zone,highandtemperature,
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since the
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planets
Time
?
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Solar astronomers
atmosphere ends and the do main
knowbody that the SunSun
of the is Paragraph 2 is marked with an arrow
divided
begins.into five general layers or zones. starting at [ ➞ ].
the outside
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is the The
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regarded
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Time
?
Help Prev Next

When you click on a choice, the oval will darken to


show which answer you have chosen. To choose a
different answer, click on a different oval. You will see
the next question after you click on Next.
To answer some questions you will click on a word
or phrase.

5
To answer some questions you will click on a square Writing
to add a sentence to the passage.
In this section, you will have an opportunity to demon-
Here is an example: strate your ability to write in English. This includes the
01:00 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension 4 of
Text
4
ability to generate and organize ideas, to support those
Questions 1 to 4 MoreBeginning
Available When
➞ ■ The temperature of the Sun is over 10,000 The following sentence can be added
finished
reading the
ideas with examples or evidence, and to compose in
degrees Fahrenheit at the surface, but it rises to to paragraph 1.
perhaps more than 27,000,000° at the center. ■ The
passage
click on the standard written English a response to an assigned
Sun is so much hotter than the Earth that matter can At the center of the Earth’s
icon below
exist only as a gas, except perhaps at the core. In the
core of the Sun, the pressures are so great that,
solar system lies the Sun. topic.
despite the high temperature, there may be a small
solid core. ■ However, no one really knows, since the
Where would it best fit in Proceed
paragraph 1? Click on the square
On the day of the test, an essay topic will be given to
center of the Sun can never be directly observed. ■
Solar astronomers do know that the Sun is
[ ■ ] to add the sentence to the
paragraph.
you.You will have 30 minutes to write your essay
divided into five general layers or zones. Starting at
the outside and going down into the sun, the zones are Paragraph 1 is marked with an arrow
on that topic.You must write on the topic you are
the corona, chromosphere, photosphere, convection [ ➞ ].
zone, and finally the core. The first three zones are assigned. An essay on any other topic will receive a
regarded as the Sun’s atmosphere. But since the
Sun has no solid surface, it is hard to tell where the score of “0.” Before the topic is presented, you must
atmosphere ends and the main body of the Sun
begins. choose whether to type your essay on the computer
The Sun’s outermost layer begins about 10,000
miles above the visible surface and goes outward for or to handwrite your essay on the paper essay answer
millions of miles. This is the only part of the Sun that
can be seen during an eclipse such as the one in sheet provided.
February 1979. At any other time, the corona can
be seen only when special instruments are used on You will be given scratch paper for making notes.
Time
?
Help Prev Next
However, only your response handwritten on the single
page, two-sided essay answer sheet or typed in the
When you click on a square, the sentence will appear essay box on the computer will be scored.
in the passage at the place you have chosen.You can The essay topic will be presented to you on the
read the sentence added to the paragraph to see if this computer screen.You will be given one essay topic.You
is the best place to add it.You can click on another do not have a choice of essay topics. The essay screen
square to change your answer. will be similar to this:
The sentence will be added and shown in a
00:30 TOEFL - Writing 1 of 1
dark box. The correct answer is indicated on the
Sample Questions

screen below. Read the topic below and then make any notes that will help you plan your response.
Begin typing your response in the box at the bottom of the screen, or write your answer
on the answer sheet provided to you.
00:59 TOEFL - Reading Comprehension 4 of
Text
4
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
Questions 1 to 4 MoreBeginning
Available When Teachers should make learning enjoyable and fun for their students.
➞ At the center of the Earth’s solar system The following sentence can be added
finished
reading the Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
lies the Sun. The temperature of the Sun is over to paragraph 1.
passage
10,000 degrees Fahrenheit at the surface, but it rises click on the
to perhaps more than 27,000,000° at the center. ■ The At the center of the Earth’s
icon below
Sun is so much hotter than the Earth that matter can solar system lies the Sun.
exist only as a gas, except perhaps at the core. In the
Cut
core of the Sun, the pressures are so great that, Where would it best fit in Proceed
despite the high temperature, there may be a small paragraph 1? Click on the square
solid core. ■ However, no one really knows, since the [ ■ ] to add the sentence to the Paste
center of the Sun can never be directly observed. ■ paragraph.
Solar astronomers do know that the Sun is
divided into five general layers or zones. Starting at Paragraph 1 is marked with an arrow Undo
the outside and going down into the sun, the zones are [ ➞ ].
the corona, chromosphere, photosphere, convection
zone, and finally the core. The first three zones are
regarded as the Sun’s atmosphere. But since the
Sun has no solid surface, it is hard to tell where the
atmosphere ends and the main body of the Sun
begins.
The Sun’s outermost layer begins about 10,000 010. ? Answer
miles above the visible surface and goes outward for Time Help Confirm Next
millions of miles. This is the only part of the Sun that
can be seen during an eclipse such as the one in
February 1979. At any other time, the corona can You can click on Next and Confirm Answer to
? end the Writing section at any time. At the end of
Time Help Prev Next
30 minutes, the computer will automatically end
the section.
DO NOT click on Next and Confirm Answer
until you have finished typing or writing your essay.
NOTE: Some of the possible writing topics are printed
on pages 12-14.You may find it helpful to use these
topics to practice.

6
Sample Questions for the Paper-Based Test

Section 1 — Listening Comprehension In your test book, you will read:


(A) To demonstrate the latest use of computer
In this section of the test, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate graphics.
your ability to understand conversations and talks in English. There are (B) To discuss the possibility of an economic
three parts to this section, with special directions for each part. Answer depression.
all the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied by the speakers (C) To explain the workings of the brain.
you hear. Do not take notes or write in your test book at any time. Do (D) To dramatize a famous mystery story.
not turn the pages until you are told to do so.
The best answer to the question, “What is the main purpose of the
Directions: In Parts A and B, you will hear conversations between two program?’’ is (C), ‘‘To explain the workings of the brain.’’ Therefore, the
people. After each conversation, you will hear a question about the correct choice is (C).
conversation. The conversations and questions will not be repeated.
After you hear a question, you will read the four possible answers in Sample Question Sample Answer
your test book and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet,
find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to You will hear: A B C D

the letter of the answer you have chosen. (narrator) Why does the speaker
recommend watching the program?
Here is an example. Sample Answer
In your test book, you will read:
On the recording, you will hear: A B C D
(A) It is required of all science majors.

Sample Questions
(woman) I don’t like this (B) It will never be shown again.
painting very much. (C) It can help viewers improve their memory
(man) Neither do I. skills.
(narrator) What does the man mean? (D) It will help with course work.
In your test book, you will read:
The best answer to the question, ‘‘Why does the speaker recommend
(A) He doesn’t like the painting either.
watching the program?’’ is (D), ‘‘It will help with course work.’’
(B) He doesn’t know how to paint.
(C) He doesn’t have any paintings. Therefore, the correct choice is (D).
(D) He doesn’t know what to do. Remember, you are not allowed to take notes or write in your test
book.
You learn from the conversation that neither the man nor the woman
likes the painting. The best answer to the question, ‘‘What does the man Section 2 —
mean?” is (A), ‘‘He doesn’t like the painting either.’’ Therefore, the
correct choice is (A). Structure and Written Expression
This section is designed to measure your ability to recognize language
Directions: In Part C of this section you will hear several talks. After that is appropriate for standard written English. There are two types
each talk, you will hear some questions. The talks and questions will not of questions in this section, with special directions for
be repeated. each type.
After you hear a question, you will read the four possible answers in
your test book and choose the best answer. Then, on your answer sheet, Structure
find the number of the question and fill in the space that corresponds to
the letter of the answer you have chosen. Directions: These questions are incomplete sentences. Beneath each
sentence you will see four words or phrases, marked (A), (B), (C), and
Here is an example. (D). Choose the one word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
On the recording, you will hear: Then, on your answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in
(narrator) Listen to an instructor talk to his class about a the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen.
television program. Look at the following examples:
(man) I’d like to tell you about an interesting TV program
that’ll be shown this coming Thursday. It’ll be on Example I Sample Answer
from 9 to 10 pm on Channel 4. It’s part of a series
called “Mysteries of Human Biology.” The subject Geysers have often been compared to volcanoes A B C D

of the program is the human brain — how it _ _ _ _ _ they both emit hot liquids from below
functions and how it can malfunction. Topics that the Earth’s surface.
will be covered are dreams, memory, and (A) due to
depression. These topics are illustrated with (B) because
outstanding computer animation that makes the (C) in spite of
explanations easy to follow. Make an effort to see (D) regardless of
this show. Since we’ve been studying the nervous
system in class, I know you’ll find it very helpful. The sentence should read, “Geysers have often been compared to
volcanoes because they both emit hot liquids from below the Earth’s
Sample Question Sample Answer surface.” Therefore, you should choose answer (B).
You will hear: A B C D

(narrator) What is the main purpose


of the program?

7
Example II Sample Answer Read the following passage:
During the early period of ocean navigation, A B C D The railroad was not the first institution to impose regularity on
_ _ _ _ _ any need for sophisticated instruments society, or to draw attention to the importance of precise
and techniques. timekeeping. For as long as merchants have set out their wares at
Line daybreak and communal festivities have been celebrated, people
(A) so that hardly (5) have been in rough agreement with their neighbors as to the time of
(B) where there hardly was
day. The value of this tradition is today more apparent than ever.
(C) hardly was
Were it not for public acceptance of a single yardstick of time,
(D) there was hardly
social life would be unbearably chaotic: the massive daily transfers
The sentence should read, “During the early period of ocean navigation, of goods, services, and information would proceed in fits and
there was hardly any need for sophisticated instruments and techniques.” (10) starts; the very fabric of modern society would begin to unravel.
Therefore, you should choose answer (D).
Example I Sample Answer

Written Expression What is the main idea of the passage? A B C D

Directions: In these questions, each sentence has four underlined (A) In modern society we must make more
words or phrases. The four underlined parts of the sentence are marked time for our neighbors.
(A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the one underlined word or phrase that (B) The traditions of society are timeless.
must be changed in order for the sentence to be correct. Then, on your (C) An accepted way of measuring time is
answer sheet, find the number of the question and fill in the space that essential for the smooth functioning of
corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen. society.
Look at the following examples: (D) Society judges people by the times at
which they conduct certain activities.
Example I Sample Answer The main idea of the passage is that societies need to agree about how
Guppies are sometimes 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
call rainbow 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
fish 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
because A B C D time is to be measured in order to function smoothly. Therefore, you
A B C should choose answer (C).
of the males’ 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
bright colors.
D Example II Sample Answer

The sentence should read, “Guppies are sometimes called rainbow fish In line 6, the phrase ‘‘this tradition’’ refers to A B C D

because of the males’ bright colors.” Therefore, you should choose (A) the practice of starting the business day
answer (A). at dawn
(B) friendly relations between neighbors
Sample Questions

Example II Sample Answer


(C) the railroad’s reliance on time schedules
Serving several 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬 term in Congress, Shirley A B C D (D) people’s agreement on the measurement
A B of time
Chisholm became an 㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬
important United States
C The phrase ‘‘this tradition’’ refers to the preceding clause, ‘‘people have
politician.
㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬㛬 been in rough agreement with their neighbors as to the time of day.’’
D Therefore, you should choose answer (D).
The sentence should read, “Serving several terms in Congress, Shirley
Chisholm became an important United States politician.” Therefore,
you should choose answer (B).

Section 3 — Reading Comprehension


This section is designed to measure your ability to read and understand
short passages similar in topic and style to those that students are likely
to encounter in North American universities and colleges. This section
contains reading passages and questions about the passages.

Directions: In this section you will read several passages. Each one is
followed by a number of questions about it. 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.

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