TOEFL test

What is TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (or TOEFL, pronounced "toe-full", or sometimes just "toffle") evaluates the potential success of an individual to use and understand Standard American English at a college level. It is required for non-native applicants at many American and English speaking colleges and universities. The TOEFL is the product of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which is contracted by the private, non-profit firm, the College Board to administer the test in institutions in the US; they also produce the SAT.

The test is usually taken on a computer in a test center, although paper versions are available where it is not possible to take it this way. TOEFL is administered worldwide.

The Computer Based Test for TOEFL called the CBT is an adaptive test; meaning that your next question's difficulty level depends on the correctness of your response to the current question. This helps TOEFL to grade the person's knowledge on the English language; by assuming him/her to be of an average capability at the beginning of the test, and with the responses received at the every question the program decides to give you a tougher or easier question based on whether your question was answered correctly or not. The CBT follows computer adaptive test strategy for the Listening and Structure section alone. The reading comprehension and Essay writing is not computer adaptive.
TOEFL Preparation

1)Reading Comprehension
2)Listening Comprehension
3)Structure and Written expression
4)Writing
1.01TOEFL Reading Comprehension
In TOEFL Sample Reading Comprehension section you will read three passages and answer reading comprehension questions about each passage. Most TOEFL sample reading comprehension questions are worth one point, but the last question in each set is worth more than one point. The directions indicate how many points you may receive.
Paper and Pencil Test
Passage-1

A new hearing device is now available for some hearing-impaired people. This device uses a magnet to hold the detachable sound-processing portion in place. Like other aids, it converts sound into vibrations. But it is unique in that it can transmit the vibrations directly to the magnet and then to the inner ear. This produces a clearer sound. The new device will not help all hearing-impaired people only those with a hearing loss caused by infection or some other problem in the middle ear. It will probably help no more than 20 percent of all people with hearing problems. Those people who have persistent ear infections, however, should find relief and restored hearing with the new device.

Following are some TOEFL exam questions on this passage:
What is the author's main purpose?
1. To describe a new cure for ear infections
2. To inform the reader of a new device
3. To urge doctors to use a new device
4. To explain the use of a magnet
Answer: B
The word "relief" in the last sentence means:
1. Less distress
2. Assistance
3. Distraction
4. Relaxation
Answer: A
1.02TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-II

One of the most dangerous drugs for pregnant women to consume is alcohol. Because alcohol is delivered quickly into the blood and passes quickly into the tissues and membranes, the human fetus is particularly vulnerable to its effects. In fact, the negative effects on a fetus are so pronounced that babies born after exposure to alcohol are said to be suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome.
As a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the alcohol is passed into her her bloodstream almost simultaneously. Moreover, because the bloodstream of the fetus is inextricably tied to that of the mother, the alcohol passes directly into the bloodstream of the fetus as well. And, what is more, the concentration of alcohol in the fetus is exactly the same as in the mother. For the mother, this concentration is not a problem because her liver can remove one ounce of alcohol from her system per hour. However, the fetus's liver is not completely developed (how developed it is depends on its stage of development). The rate at which it is able to eliminate the alcohol from the blood of the fetus is much slower. Eventually, the alcohol will be returned to the mother's system by passing across the placenta, but this process is slow. By the time this takes place, major neurological damage may have already occurred. Research has shown that as little as one drink of alcohol can produce significant, irreversible damage to the fetus. Babies born after exposure to alcohol generally exhibit facial distortion, inability to concentrate, and difficulty in remembering. Simply speaking, it is imperative that pregnant women avoid alcohol.

Following are some TOEFL Exam questions on this passage:
What is the main topic of this reading?
1. Women and drugs
2. The dangers of pregnancy
3. The fetus and alcohol
4. Drinking and the human body
Answer: C
In line 4 the word "its" refers to
1. the fetus
2. the blood
3. the tissue
4. the alcohol
Answer: D
In line 5, the word "pronounced" most closely means
1. evident
2. spoken
3. described
4. unfortunate
Answer: A
How much time can it is inferred that it takes alcohol to enter a woman's bloodstream after she takes a drink?
1. about one hour
2. a few seconds
3. several minutes
4. at least 24 hours
Answer: B
In line 9 the word "inextricably" most nearly means
1. unexplainably
2. formerly
3. forcefully
4. inseparably
Answer: D
According to the passage, how does the concentration of alcohol in a fetus compare to that in the mother?
1. The concentration is more.
2. The concentration is less.
3. The concentration is equivalent.
4. The concentration cannot be measured.
Answer: C
It can be inferred that the development of a fetal liver depends on
1. how many months pregnant the mother is
2. how much alcohol the mother has consumed
3. how large the fetus is
4. how well the mother has taken care of the fetus
Answer: A
According to the passage, how is alcohol finally returned to the mother's system?
1. it is carried through the bloodstream
2. it is transferred across the placenta
3. it is expelled by the fetus's liver
4. it is not completely returned
Answer: B
Which one of the following was NOT mentioned as a sign of fetal alcohol syndrome?
1. disfigurement of the face
2. concentration difficulties
3. increased aggression
4. memory problems
Answer: C
At what place in the passage does the author discuss the quantity of alcohol necessary to produce negative results?
1. Lines 2-3
2. Lines 11-13
3. Lines 21-22
4. Lines 24-25
Answer: C
1.03TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Sample-III

MARK HUGHES is a master of the fine art of survival. His Los Angeles-based Herb life International Inc. is a pyramid outfit that peddles weight-loss and nutrition concoctions of dubious value. Bad publicity and regulatory crackdowns hurt his U.S. business in the late 1980s. But Hughes, 41, continues to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in a $20 million Beverly Hills mansion. He has been sharing the pad and a yacht with his third wife, a former Miss Petite U.S.A. He can finance this lavish lifestyle just on his salary and bonus, which last year came to $7.3 million.

He survived his troubles in the U.S. by moving overseas, where regulators are less zealous and consumers even more naive, at least initially. Today 77% of Herb life retail sales derive from overseas. Its new prowling grounds: Asia and Russia. Last year Herb life’s net earnings doubled, to $45 million, on net sales of $632 million. Based on Herb life’s Nasdaq-traded stock, the company has a market capitalization of $790 million, making Hughes 58% worth $454 million.

There's a worm, though, in Hughes apple. Foreigners aren't stupid. In the end they know when they've been had. In France, for instance, retail sales rose to $97 million by 1993 and then plunged to $12 million last year. In Germany sales hit $159 million in 1994 and have since dropped to $54 million.

Perhaps aware that the world may not provide an infinite supply of suckers, Hughes wanted to unload some of his shares. But in March, after Herb life’s stock collapsed, he put off a plan to dump about a third of his holdings on the public.

Contributing to Hughes' woes, Herb life’s chief counsel and legal attack dog, David Addis, quit in January. Before packing up, he reportedly bellowed at Hughes, "I can't protect you anymore." Addis, who says he wants to spend more time with his family, chuckles and claims attorney-client privilege?

Trouble on the home front, too. On a recent conference call with distributors, Hughes revealed he's divorcing his wife, Suzan, whose beaming and perky image adorns much of Herb life’s literature.

Meanwhile, in a lawsuit that's been quietly moving through Arizona's Superior Court, former Herb life distributor Daniel Fallow of Sandpoint, Idaho charges that Herb life arbitrarily withholds payment to distributors and marks up its products over seven times the cost of manufacturing. Fallow also claims Hughes wanted to use the Russian mafia to gain entry to that nation's market.

Fallow himself is no angel, but his lawsuit, which was posted on the Internet, brought out other complaints. Randy Cox of Lewiston, Idaho says Herb life "destroyed my business" after he and his wife complained to the company that they were being cheated out of their money by higher-ups in the pyramid organization.

Will Hughes survive again? Don't count on it this time.
Herb life Inc is based in:
1. Los Angeles
2. Columbus
3. New York
4. Austin
Ans : A
Daniel Fallow:
1. Was a former attorney for Hughes
2. Was a former distributor of Herb life
3. Co-founded Herb life
4. Ran Herb life’s German unit
Ans : B
Which of the following countries is mentioned where Hughes operated Herb life?
1. India
2. China
3. Germany
4. Ukraine
Ans : C
The complaint of Randy Cox of Lewiston, Idaho, against Herb life was:
1. The company did not pay them their dues
2. The products supplied by Hughes were inferior
3. Their higher-ups in the pyramid cheated them
4. Hughes had connections with the Russian mafia
Ans : C
Which of the following countries is NOT mentioned in the passage?
1. Russia
2. USA
3. France
4. Italy
Ans : D
In the year in which Hughes' salary and bonuses came to US$ 7.3 million, what was the retail sale for Herb life in France?
1. $12 million
2. $159 million
3. $54 million
4. $97 million
Ans : A
At the time when this article was written, if Herb life had had a market capitalization of $ 1 billion, what would have been Hughes' share?
1. $420 million
2. $580 million
3. $125 million
4. $500 million
Ans : B
1.04TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-IV

In any country, the wages commanded by the laborers who have comparable skills but who work in various industries are determined by the productivity of the least productive unit of labor, i.e. the unit of labor which works in the industry which has cattiest economic disadvantages. We will represent the various opportunities of employment in a country like United States by Symbols. A standing for a group of industries in which we have exceptional economic advantage over foreign countries; B for a group in which our advantages are less; E, one in which they are still less; D, the group of industries in which they are the least of all.

When our population is so small that all our labor can be engaged in the group represented by a, productivity of labor and (therefore wages) will be at their maximum. When our population increases so that some of the labor will have to work in group B, the wages of all labor must decline to the level of productivity in that group. But no employer, without government aid, will yet be able to afford to hire labor to exploit the opportunities, represented by E and D, unless there is a further increase in population.

But suppose that the political party in power holds the belief that we should produce everything that we consume, that the opportunities represented by E and D should also be exploited. The commodities, that the industries composing C and D will produce have been hitherto obtained from abroad in exchange for commodities produce by A and B. The government now renders this difficult by imposing high duties upon the former class of commodities. This means that workers in A and B must pay higher prices for what they buy, but do not receive higher prices for what they sell.

After the duty has gone into effect and the prices of commodities that can be produced by C and D have rich sufficiently enterprises will be able to hire labor at the wages prevailing in A and B and establish industries in C and D. So far as the remaining labors in A and B buy the products of C and D, the difference between the price which they pay for these product and the price they would pay it they were permitted to import those products duty-free is a tax paid not to the government, but to the producers in C and D, to enable the later to remain in business. It is on uncompensated deduction from the natural earnings of the laborers in A and B. nor are the workers in C and D paid as much, estimated in purchasing power as they would have received if they had been allowed to remain in A and B under the earlier conditions.
The author’s main point is that
1. The government ought to subsidize C and D
2. Wages ought to be independent of international trade
3. It is impossible to attain national self sufficiency
4. The varying productivity of the various industries leads tot he inequalities in wages of workers in these industries
5. A policy that draws labor from the fields of caterer natural productiveness to fields of lower natural productiveness tends to redirect purchasing power.
Answer: E
No employer, without government aid will yet be able to afford to hire labor to exploit the opportunities represented by C and D because
1. The population has increased
2. Productivity of labour is not at the maximum
3. Productivity would drop correspondingly with the wages of labour
4. We cannot produce everything we consume
5. Enterprises would have to pay wages equivalent to those obtained by workers in A and B while producing under caterer disadvantages.
Answer: E
When C and D are established, workers in these industries
1. Receives wages equal to those workers in A and B
2. Receives higher wages than do the workers in A and B
3. Are not affected so adversely by the levying of duties as are workers in A and B
4. Must be paid by government funds collected from the duties on imports.
5. Receive lower wages than do the workers in A and B.
Answer: A
We cannot exploit C and D unless
1. The producers in E and D are compensated for the disadvantages under which they operate.
2. We export large quantities of commodities produced by A and B
3. The prices of commodities produced by A and B are raised
4. The productivity of labour in all industries is increased
5. We allow duties to be paid to the producers in C and D rather than to the government.
Answer: A
1.05TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-V

Few areas of neuron behavioral research seemed more promising is the early sixties than that investigating the relationship between protein synthesis and learning. The conceptual framework for the research was derived directly from molecular biology, which had shown that genetic information is stored in nucleic acids and expressed in proteins why not acquired information as well.

The first step towards establishing a connection between protein synthesis and learning seemed to be to block memory (cause adhesion) by interrupting the production of proteins. We were fortunate in finding a non lethal dosage of puromycin that could, it first appealed, thoroughly inhibit brain protein synthesis as well as reliability produce amnesia.

Before the actual connection between protein synthesis and learning could be established however we began to have douche about whether inhibition of protein synthesis was in fact the method by which puromycin produced amnesia. First, ocher drugs, glutavimides themselves potent protein synthesis inhibitors either failed to cause amnesia in some situations where it could easily be induced by puromycin or produced amnesia with a different time course from that of puromycin. Second, puromycin was found to inhabit protein synthesis by breaking certain amino acid claim, and the resulting fragments were suspected of being the actual cause of amnesia is some eases. Third, puromycin was reported to cause abnormalities in the train, including seizures. Thus, not only were decreased protein synthesis and amnesia dissociated, but alternative mechanisms for the amnesic action of puromycin were readily suggested.

So, puromycin turned out to be a disappointment. It came to be regarded as a poor agent for amnesia studies, although, of course, it was poor only in the context of our original paradigm of protein synthesis inhibition. In our frustration, our initial response was simply to change dregs rather than our conceptual orientation. After many such disappointments, however, it now appears unlikely, that we will make a firm connection between protein synthesis and learning merely by pursuing the approaches of the past our experience with drugs has shown that all the amnesic agents, often interfere with memory in ways that seem unrelated to their inhibition of protein synthesis. More importantly, the notion that the interruption or intensification of protein production in the train can be related in cause and affect fashion to learning non seems simplistic and unproductive. Remove the battery from a car and the car will not go Drive the car a long distance at high speed and the battery will become more highly charged. Neither of these facts proves that the battery power the car, only knowledge of the overall automotive system will reveal it mechanism of locomotion and the role of the battery with in the system.
The primary purpose a the passage is to show that extensive experimentation has
1. Mot supported the hypothesis that learning is directly dependent on protein synthesis
2. Cast doubt on the value of puromycin in the newer behavioral study of learning
3. Revealed the importance of amnesia in the neuron behavioral study of learning
4. Demonstrated the importance of amino acid fragmentation in the induction of amnesia.
5. Not yet demonstrated the applicability of molecular biology to behavioral research.
Answer: A
According to the passage, neuron behaviorists initially based their belief that protein synthesis was related to learning on which of the following?
1. Specific research into learning on which of the following
2. Traditional theories about learning
3. Historic experiments on the effects puromycin
4. Previous discoveries in molecular biology
5. Now technique in protein synthesis.
Answer: D
This passage was most likely accepted from
1. A book review in a leading journal devoted to genetic research.
2. A diary kept by a practicing neuron behavioral research
3. An article summarizing a series of scientific investigations in neuron behavioral research.
4. A news paper article on recent advances in the biochemistry of learning
5. A technical article on experimental techniques in the field of molecular biology.
Answer: C
It can be inferred from the passage that after puromycin was perceived to be a disappointment, researches did which of the following?
1. They continued to experiment with puromycin until a neuron anatomical framework was developed.
2. They continued to experiment with puromycin, but also tried other protein synthesis inhibitors
3. They ceased to experiment with puromycin and shifted to other promising protein synthesis inhibitors.
4. They ceased to experiment with puromycin and reexamined through experiments the relationship between genetic information and acquired information.
5. They continued to experiment with puromycin, but applied their results to other facts of memory research.
Answer: C
In the example of the car (lines 62-70) the battery is meant to represent which of the following elements in the neuron behavioral research program?
1. glutarimides
2. acquired information
3. puromycin
4. amnesia
5. protein synthesis
Answer: E
The passage all of the following as effects of puromycin except
1. Fragmentation of amino-acid chain
2. Inhibition of protein synthesis
3. Brain seizures
4. Memory loss
5. Destruction of genetic information
Answer: E
Which of the following statements would be most likely to come after the last sentences of the passage?
1. It is important in the future, therefore for behavioral bio- chemist to focus on the several components of the total learning system.
2. The ambivalent status of current research however should not deter neuron behaviorists from exploring the deeper connection between protein production and learning.
3. The failures of the past however must not impede further research into the amnesic of protein-synthesis inhibitors.
4. It is important in the future, therefore, for behavioral biochemist to emphasize more strongly place of their specific findings within the overall protein synthesis model of learning.
5. It is a legacy of this research; therefore, that molecular biology's genetic models have led to disagreement among neuron behaviorists.
Answer: A
1.06TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-VI

A clear answer to whether the languages of the ancient American peoples were made use of for expressing abstract universal concepts can be sought in the case of Nahunta, which like Greek and German, is a language that allows the formation of extensive compounds. By combining radicals or semantic elements, single compound words can express complex conceptual relations, often of an abstract universal character.

The tlamatinime ("those who know") were able to use this rich stock of abstract terms to express the nuances of their thought. They also availed themselves of other forms of expression with metaphorical meaning, some probably original, some derived from Toltec coinages. Of these forms the most characteristic in Nahunta is the juxtaposition of two words that, because they are synonyms, associated terms, or even contraries, complement each other to evoke one single idea. The juxtaposed terms, used as metaphor, suggest specific or essential traits of the being they refer to, introducing a mode of poetry as an almost habitual form of expression.
According to the passage, some abstract universal ideas can be expressed in Nahunta by
1. Putting various meaningful elements together in one word
2. Taking away from a word any reference to particular instances
3. Turning each word of a phrase into a poetic metaphor
4. Giving a word a new and opposite meaning
5. Removing a word from its associations with other words.
Answer: A
It can be inferred solely from the information in the passage that
1. Metaphors are always used in Nahunta to express abstract conceptual relationships
2. There are many languages that, like Greek or German, allow extensive compounding
3. The abstract terms of the Nahunta language are habitually used in poetry
4. Some record or evidence of the though of the tlamatinime exists
5. All abstract universal ideas are ideas of complex relations.
Answer: D
A main purpose of the passage is to
1. Argue against a theory of poetic expression by citing evidence about the Nahunta
2. Delineate the function of the tlamatinime in Nahunta society
3. Explore the rich metaphorical heritage the Nahunta received from the Toltec’s
4. Describe some conceptual and aesthetic resources of the Nahunta language
5. Explain the abstract philosophy of the Nahunta thinkers.
Answer: D
1.07TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-VII

from the 197 million square miles, which make up the surface of the globe, 71 per cent is covered by the interconnecting bodies of marine water; the Pacific Ocean alone covers half the Earth and averages near 14,000 feet in depth. The portions which rise above sea level are the continents-Eurasia, Africa; North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica. The submerged borders of the continental masses are the continental shelves, beyond which lie the deep-sea basins.

The ocean are deepest not in the center but in some elongated furrows, or long narrow troughs, called deeps. These profound troughs have a peripheral arrangement, notably around the borders of the pacific and Indian oceans. The positions of the deeps, like the highest mountains, are of recent origin, since otherwise they would have been filled with waste from the lands. This is further strengthened by the observation that the deeps are quite often, where world-shaking earthquakes occur. To cite an example, the "tidal wave" that in April, 1946, caused widespread destruction along Pacific coasts resulted from a strong earthquake on the floor of the Aleutian Deep.

The topography of the ocean floors is none too well known, since in great areas the available soundings are hundreds or even thousands of miles apart. However, the floor of the Atlantic is becoming fairly well known as a result of special surveys since 1920. A broad, well-defined ridge-the Mid-Atlantic ridge-runs north and south between Africa and the two Americas and numerous other major irregularities diversify the Atlantic floor. Closely spaced soundings show that many parts of the oceanic floors are as rugged as mountainous regions of the continents. Use of the recently perfected method of submarine topography. During World War II great strides were made in mapping submarine surfaces, particularly in many parts of the vast Pacific basin.

Most of the continents stand on an average of 2870 feet above sea level. North America averages 2300 feet; Europe averages only 1150 feet; and Asia, the highest of the larger continental subdivisions, averages 3200 feet. Mount Everest, which is the highest point in the globe, is 29,000 feet above the sea; and as the greatest known depth in the sea is over 35,000 feet, the maximum relief (that is, the difference in altitude between the lowest and highest points) exceeds 64,000 feet, or exceeds 12 miles. The continental masses and the deep-sea basins are relief features of the first order; the deeps, ridges, and volcanic cones that diversify the sea floor, as well as the plains, plateaus, and mountains of the continents, are relief features of the second order. The lands are unendingly subject to a complex of activities summarized in the term erosion, which first sculptures them in great detail and then tends to reduce them ultimately to sea level. The modeling of the landscape by weather, running water, and other agents is apparent to the keenly observant eye and causes thinking people to speculate on what must be the final result of the ceaseless wearing down of the lands. Much before there was any recognizable science as geology, Shakespeare wrote "the revolution of the times makes mountains level."
The peripheral furrows or deeps are found
1. only in the pacific and Indian oceans
2. near earthquakes
3. near the shore
4. in the center of the ocean
5. to be 14,000 feet in depth in the pacific.
Answer: C
The largest ocean is the
1. Atlantic
2. pacific
3. Aleutian deep
4. arctic
5. Indian.
Answer: B
We may conclude from this passage that earth quakes
1. Occur more frequently in newly formed land or sea formations
2. Are caused by the weight of the water
3. Cause erosion
4. Occur in the deeps
5. Will ultimately "make mountains level".
Answer: A
The highest mountains are
1. oldest
2. in excess of 12 miles
3. near the deeps
4. relief features of the first order
5. of recent origin.
Answer: E
The science of geology was started
1. By the Greeks
2. During world war II
3. April 1946
4. After 1600
5. In 1920
Answer: D
The highest point on North America is
1. 2870 feet above sea level
2. not mentioned in the passage
3. higher than the highest point in Europe
4. 2300 feet above sea level
5. In Mexico.
Answer: B
The deeps are subject to change caused by
1. erosion
2. soundings
3. earthquakes
4. waste
5. weathering
6.
Answer: C
The continental masses
1. Rise above sea level
2. Consist of six continents
3. Are relief features of the second order
4. Are partially submerged
5. Comprise 29 per cent of the earth's surface.
Answer: D
1.08TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-VIII

According to Albert Einstein the non mathematician, is seized by a mysterious shuddering when he hears of 'four-dimensional' things, he is seized by a feeling, which is very similar to the thoughts awakened by the occult. And at the same time the statement that the world in which we live is a four-dimensional space - time continuum is quite a common place statement.

This might lead to an argument regarding the use of the term ''commonplace'' by Einstein. Yet the difficulty lies more in the wording than the ideas. Einstein's concept of the universe as a four-dimensional space-time continuum becomes plain and clear, when what he means by ''continuum'' becomes clear. A continuum is something that is continuous, a ruler, for example, is a one-dimensional space continuum. Most rulers are divided into inches and fractions, scaled down to one-sixteenth of an inch.

Will it be possible to conceive a ruler, which is calibrated to a millionth or billionth of an inch? In theory there is no reason why the steps from point to point should not be even smaller. What distinguishes a continuum is the fact that the space between any two points can be sub-divided into an infinite number of smaller divisions.

A railroad track is a one-dimensional space continuum and on it the engineer of a train can describe his position at any time by citing a single co-ordinate point - i.e., a station or a milestone. A sea captain, however, has to worry about two dimensions. The surface of the sea is a two-dimensional continuum and the co-ordinate points by which sailor fixes his positions in his two dimensional continuum are latitude and longitude. An airplane pilot guides his plane through a three - dimensional continuum; hence he has to consider not only latitude and longitude, but also his height above the ground. The continuum of an airplane pilot constitutes space as we perceive it. In other words, the space of our world is a three-dimensional continuum.

Just indicating its position in space is not enough while describing any physical event, which involves motion. How position changes in time also needs to be mentioned. Thus to give an accurate picture of the operation of a New York - Chicago express, one must mention not only that it goes from New - York to Albany to Syracuse to Cleveland to Toledo to Chicago, but also the times at which it touches each of those points. This can be done either by means of a timetable or a visual chart. If the miles between New York and Chicago are plotted horizontally on a piece of ruled paper and the hours and minutes are plotted vertically, then a diagonal line properly drawn across the page illustrates the progress of the train in two - dimensional space - time continuum. This type of graphic representation is familiar to most newspaper readers; a stock market chart, for example, pictures financial events in a two - dimensional dollar - time continuum. Similarly for the best pasteurization of the flight of an airplane from New York to Los Angeles a four - dimensional space - time continuum is essential. The latitude, longitude and altitude will only make sense to the traffic manager of the airline if the time co - ordinate is also mentioned. Therefore time is the fourth dimension. If a flight has to be looked at, perceived as a whole, it wouldn't work if it is broken down into a series of disconnected take - offs, climbs, glides, and landing, it needs to be looked at and perceived as a continuous four - dimensional space - time continuum curve.
In order to explain a difficult topic, the author use
1. Simply phrased definition's
2. An incessant metaphor
3. A plain writing style
4. Familiar images
5. A quotation from Einstein
Answer: D
The significant feature of a continuum, according to the passage, revolves around
1. The divisibility of the interval between any two points.
2. An ordinary ruler's caliber for marking
3. Its unending curve
4. Its lucid from providing comprehensibility to the non - scientists as well
5. Its variety of co - ordinates.
Answer: A
The purpose of this passage is to highlight the point that
1. Plots and sea captains have something in common
2. Stock market charts may be helpful to physicists
3. The fourth dimension is time.
4. Non - mathematician's are often afraid of the commonplace
5. There is a marked quality to distance
Answer: C
According to the passage, an airlines traffic manager depends upon all of the following EXCEPT
1. latitude
2. altitude
3. the time co - ordinate
4. longitude
5. the continuous curve in co four
Answer: E
The underlying tone of this selection is
1. persuasive
2. deferential
3. candid
4. instructive
5. gently condescending
Answer: D
According to the author if on wishes portray a physical event in which motion plays a role - one has to
1. Make use of a time-table
2. Indicate how position changes in time
3. Be conversant with the scientist's theories
4. Describe it graphically
5. Be aware of altitude, latitude and longitude
Answer: B
The sea-captain's example has been cited in order to
1. Help understand a two - dimensional continuum
2. Set up a logical progression
3. Simplify what ever is too elaborate
4. Mitigate the gap between the engineer and pilot
5. To sustain out interest in the reading of the passage.
Answer: A
1.09TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Sample-IX

Visual recognition involves storing and retrieving memories. Neural activity, triggered by the eye, forms an image in the brains memory system that constitutes an internal representation of the viewed object. When an object is encountered again, it is matched with its internal representation and thereby recognized. Controversy surrounds the question of whether recognition is a parallel, one-step process or a serial, step-by-step one. Psychologists of the Gestalt school maintain that object are recognized as wholes in a parallel procedure: , the internal representation is matched with the retinal image in a single operation. Other psychologists have proposed that internal representation features are matched serially with an object's features. Although some experiments show that, as an object become familiar, its internal representation becomes more familiar, its internal representation becomes more holistic and the recognition process correspondingly more parallel, the weight of evidence seems to support the serial hypothesis, at least for objects that are not notably simple and familiar.
It can be inferred from the passage that the matching process in visual recognition is
1. Not a natural activity.
2. Not possible when an object is viewed for the very first time.
3. Not possible if a feature of a familiar object is changed in same way.
4. Only possible when a retinal image is received in the brain as a unitary whole.
5. Now fully understood as a combination of the serial and parallel process.
Answer: A
In terms of its tone and form, the passage can best be characterized as
1. A biased exposition
2. A speculative study
3. A dispassionate presentation
4. An indignant denial
5. A dogmatic explanation.
Answer: C
The author is primarily concerned with
1. Explaining how the brain receives images
2. Synthesizing hypotheses of visual recognition
3. Examining the evidence supporting the serial recognition hypothesis
4. Discussing visual recognition and some hypotheses proposed to explain it.
5. Reporting on recent experiments dealing with memory systems and their relationship to neural activity.
Answer: B
According to the passage, Gestalt psychologists make which of the following suppositions about visual recognition?
I A retinal image is in exactly the same form as its internal representation
II An object is recognized as a whole without any need for analysis into component parts.
III the matching of an object with its internal representation occurs in only one step
1. II only
2. III only
3. I and III only
4. II and III only
5. I, II and III
Answer: D
1.010TOEFL Reading Comprehension
Passage-X

There was in increase of about 10 % in the investment in the public sector, like electricity, irrigation quarrying, public services and transport; even though the emphasis leaned towards transport and away from the other sectors mentioned. A 16-17% growth in investment, including a 30% increase in investment in business premises has been recorded in trade and services. Although there continued to be a decline in the share of agriculture in total gross investment in the economy, investment grew by 9% in absolute terms, largely spurred on by a 23% expansion of investment in agriculture equipment. Housing construction had 12% more invested in it in 1964, not so much owing to increase demand, as to fears of impending new taxes and limitation of building.

There was a rise of close to 11% in the total consumption in real terms during 1964 and per capita personal consumption by under 7%, as in 1963. The undesirable trend towards a rapid rise in consumption, evident in previous years, remains unaltered. Since at current prices consumption rose by 16% and disposable income by 13%, there was evidently a fall in the rate of saving in the private sector of the economy. Once again a swift advance in the standard of living was indicated in consumption patterns. Though fruit consumption increased, expenditure on food, especially bread and staple items, declined significantly. There was a continuing increase in the outlay on furniture and household equipment, health, education and recreation. The greatest proof of altered living standards was the rapid expansion of expenditure on transport (including private cars) and personal services of all kinds, which occurred during 1964. The changing composition if purchased durable goods demonstrated the progressive affluence of large sectors of the public. On the one hand increased purchase of automobiles and television sets were registered, a point of saturation was rapidly being approached for items like the first household radio, gas cookers, and electric refrigerators.
It is possible to to conclude from this passage, that the people of the country were
1. spending more money than they earn
2. investing and consuming at an accelerated pace
3. saving more money than previously
4. spending their money wisely
5. lacking in necessities
Answer: B
According to the author the trend towards a rapid rise in consumption is "undesirable" as:
1. there was an increase in the expenditure on frills and luxuries
2. the people were affluent
3. there was a rise in the standard of living
4. people were eating less
5. people were saving less
Answer: E
It is possible to conclude that the United States is not the discussed country as:
1. there was a decline in the expenditures for food
2. From the statement that the saturation point was rapidly being approached for first household radios
3. there is no mention of military expenditures
4. the people were affluent
5. the people were not saving their money
Answer: B
The area, which saw the greatest expenditure of investment funds was
1. The public sector
2. Business premises
3. Housing construction
4. Agricultural equipment
5. A field which cannot be determined
Answer: E




2.01TOEFL Test Pattern:
The test consists of four sections:
Listening Comprehension:
Objective: To test the candidate's listening capabilities

Type of Questions: Conversations between two or more people in academic environments. Short conversations between students and lectures may be possible conversations. Questions are basically of the who said what type.

Duration: 45-70 minutes
Structure:
Objective: To check the candidate's knowledge of English grammar.

Type of Questions: Identify the erroneous words(s) in the sentence. Fill up the blanks using the appropriate word.

Duration: 15-20 minutes
Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary:
Objective: To test the candidate's reading and vocabulary skills.

Type of Question: Three or four long passages, typically 300 words long are given, and questions based on the content, intent of the author, and ideas inferred from the passage. Generally prior knowledge of the subject under discussion is not necessary to come to the correct answer; though a priori knowledge may help.

Duration: 70-90 minutes
Essay Writing:
Objective: To test the candidate's writing skills

Type of Question: To write an essay on some general topic, and your position towards it. e.g.: "Is stem cell research necessary? Explain your stand?"

Duration: 30 minutes.
The test was first administered 1964 and has since been taken by nearly 20 million students. A revamped version of the test is slated for adoption in September 2005. This has been dubbed the Next Generation TOEFL and will include diagnostic reports on a student's strengths and weaknesses.

Currently, the TOEFL does not include a test of speaking, although this will be introduced in 2005 when the TOEFL Academic Speaking Test (TAST) is integrated into the main TOEFL, replacing the current "Structure" section. Currently, a stand-alone TAST is available only as a practice test, which is taken using a telephone. With the upcoming retooled TOEFL, however, examinees will be asked to speak extemporaneously into a microphone; a digital recording of their speech will then be scored remotely. The purpose of the TAST is to assess a student's ability to speak English clearly and fluently.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is similar, but it emphasizes British English and Australian English. It is recognized primarily by Commonwealth universities and organizations, but also by many U.S. institutions.