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Finding high-quality resources online might be challenging, particularly if you’re looking for a free sample exam. But don’t be concerned! Our goal is to assist you. A free TOEFL practice test was made specifically for you by GeekforGeeks TOEFL experts. To help you with your test-day preparation, we have also compiled a list of numerous other free TOEFL practice materials. You are welcome to start taking the TOEFL practice test right away below. Alternatively, you can go directly to the optional test instructions if you want to get a bit ahead of time. TOEFL Mock Practice Test 4 TOEFL Reading Practice QuestionsDirections: Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by several questions. After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages.Passage-1The Ancient Civilization of the Indus ValleyThe Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, emerged around 3300 B.C. and flourished until approximately 1900 B.C. It spanned a vast region of what is now Pakistan and northwest India, covering over a million square kilometers. This civilization is renowned for its advanced urban planning, architecture, and social organization. At its peak, the Indus Valley Civilization consisted of numerous cities, with Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro being the most prominent. These cities featured well-planned grid layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and impressive structures, including large public baths and granaries. The standardized weights and measures found across various sites suggest a highly organized and centralized administration. Trade played a crucial role in the prosperity of the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological evidence points to extensive trade networks with Mesopotamia, Central Asia, and the Persian Gulf. Artifacts such as seals, pottery, and jewelry found in these regions indicate a robust exchange of goods and cultural interactions. The discovery of Indus Valley seals in Mesopotamia underscores the significance of these trade connections. Despite its achievements, the Indus Valley Civilization began to decline around 1900 B.C. The reasons for this decline remain debated among scholars, with theories ranging from environmental changes, such as river course shifts and droughts, to the possibility of invasions by nomadic groups. Another theory suggests that internal social and economic factors may have contributed to the civilization’s gradual disintegration. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Indus Valley Civilization is its undeciphered script. Numerous inscriptions have been found on seals and pottery, but the lack of a bilingual inscription has hindered efforts to understand this ancient language. The script’s complexity indicates a literate society with a rich cultural and administrative history, but its exact nature remains a mystery. Questions:What was a major factor in the prosperity of the Indus Valley Civilization?A. Military conquests in surrounding regions.B. Extensive trade networks with other civilizations.C. Isolation from external influences.D. Reliance on a single agricultural product. Which statement is true about the Indus Valley Civilization based on the passage?A. The civilization was primarily militaristic with frequent warfare.B. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro lacked sophisticated infrastructure.C. The cities were well-planned with advanced urban features.D. The Indus script has been fully deciphered. What likely contributed to the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization?A. Overpopulation and unsustainable agriculture.B. Shifts in river courses and possible invasions.C. Complete isolation from trade networks.D. A sudden epidemic that wiped out the population. Answers and Explanations:
Solve Free TOEFL Practice Papers: Passage-2The Rise and Fall of the Ancestral PuebloansThe Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, were an ancient Native American culture that flourished in the southwestern United States from approximately A.D. 900 to 1300. Centered in the Four Corners region, where present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet, the Ancestral Puebloans are renowned for their unique architectural achievements and sophisticated agricultural practices. One of the most iconic sites of the Ancestral Puebloans is Chaco Canyon in northwestern New Mexico. This area became a major cultural and economic hub around A.D. 900. Chaco Canyon is known for its impressive multi-storied stone buildings, called “Great Houses,” which included over 600 rooms and multiple kivas, or ceremonial structures. The largest of these, Pueblo Bonito, stood four stories high and covered nearly two acres. The Ancestral Puebloans developed advanced irrigation systems to support their agriculture, which included the cultivation of corn, beans, and squash. These irrigation systems allowed them to thrive in the arid environment of the Southwest. Chaco Canyon also became a center for trade, with turquoise, shells, and exotic birds from distant regions found at the site, indicating extensive trade networks. Despite their advancements, the Ancestral Puebloans experienced a dramatic decline around A.D. 1300. The reasons for this decline are still debated among archaeologists and historians. Theories include prolonged droughts, resource depletion, and social upheaval. Additionally, evidence suggests that internal conflicts and external pressures from neighboring groups may have contributed to their decline. QuestionsWhat do the exotic artifacts found at Chaco Canyon indicate about the Ancestral Puebloans?A. They were primarily a nomadic people.B. Chaco Canyon was a significant trading center.C. They avoided contact with neighboring cultures.D. The artifacts were left by invaders. Which feature of Chaco Canyon reflects the Ancestral Puebloans’ architectural and engineering skills?A. The location in the Four Corners region.B. The Great Houses and irrigation systems.C. The decline around A.D. 1300.D. The small size of their agricultural plots. What are possible reasons for the decline of the Ancestral Puebloans?A. Invasion by European settlers.B. Environmental and social challenges.C. A switch to a nomadic lifestyle.D. Continuous economic prosperity. Answers and Explanations
Passage-3The Demise of the Woolly MammothThe woolly mammoth, an iconic symbol of the last Ice Age, roamed the vast expanses of the northern hemisphere until its extinction around 4,000 years ago. These large, shaggy creatures were well-adapted to cold environments, with their thick fur, insulating fat layers, and long, curved tusks. For many years, scientists have debated the causes of their extinction, considering factors ranging from climate change to human activity. During the peak of the Ice Age, vast ice sheets covered much of North America, Europe, and Asia. Woolly mammoths thrived in the cold, grassy plains known as the mammoth steppe, which stretched across these continents. This environment provided ample food resources, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs. However, as the Ice Age ended around 10,000 years ago, the climate began to warm, leading to the retreat of the ice sheets and significant changes in vegetation. The warming climate resulted in the transformation of the mammoth steppe into forests and wetlands, habitats that were less suitable for woolly mammoths. The shift from open grasslands to dense forests and swampy areas reduced the availability of the mammoths’ preferred food sources. Additionally, rising temperatures could have led to increased heat stress in these cold-adapted animals. Another factor that likely contributed to the woolly mammoth’s extinction was the arrival of humans. Archaeological evidence suggests that humans hunted mammoths for their meat, bones, and tusks. The development of sophisticated hunting tools and strategies enabled early humans to hunt these massive animals more effectively. Overhunting, combined with the already stressed mammoth populations due to habitat changes, could have accelerated their decline. Recent studies have also explored the possibility of disease contributing to the woolly mammoth’s extinction. As human populations expanded and migrated, they could have introduced new pathogens to which mammoths had no immunity. However, this theory remains speculative, as there is limited direct evidence to support it. One of the most intriguing discoveries regarding the woolly mammoth’s extinction is the presence of isolated populations that survived long after the species had disappeared from the mainland. For instance, a small population of mammoths persisted on Wrangel Island in the Arctic Ocean until about 4,000 years ago. This suggests that while the primary causes of extinction affected most populations, some isolated groups managed to survive in refugia where conditions remained favorable for a longer period. QuestionsWhat was one major factor contributing to the extinction of the woolly mammoth according to the passage?A) Competition with other herbivores for food.B) Drastic climate changes at the end of the Ice Age.C) The emergence of new predators.D) Genetic mutations reducing fertility. How did the transformation of the mammoth steppe affect the woolly mammoths?A) It provided them with new sources of food.B) It caused an increase in their population.C) It reduced their preferred food sources.D) It led to the expansion of their habitat. Why might human activity have contributed to the woolly mammoth’s extinction?A) Humans introduced new diseases to the mammoth populations.B) Humans competed with mammoths for the same food sources.C) Humans overhunted mammoths for meat, bones, and tusks.D) Humans destroyed the mammoth’s natural habitat. What evidence suggests that some woolly mammoths survived longer than others?A) Fossils of mammoths found in North America dated to 4,000 years ago.B) Isolated populations on Wrangel Island persisted until about 4,000 years ago.C) Records of mammoths found in early human settlements.D) DNA evidence showing genetic diversity among mammoth populations. Answers and Explanations
TOEFL Writing Practice QuestionsBoth integrated and autonomous writing assignments are included in the TOEFL writing section. The TOEFL writing for an academic debate task has taken the place of the solo writing work in the exam syllabus. It’s crucial to regularly practise with the most recent TOEFL writing samples in order to get ready for the new exam format. TOEFL Writing Academic DiscussionGeneral guidelines: In your response, you should do the following –
An effective response will contain at least 100 words. Question-1Prompt: Professor: Today, we’re discussing the impact of technology on education. Some people argue that technology enhances learning by providing access to vast resources and interactive tools. Others believe that it can be distracting and reduce the quality of education. What’s your perspective? Do you think technology is beneficial or harmful to education? Student 1: Sarah: I believe technology is beneficial to education. It offers students access to a wealth of information and diverse learning tools that can cater to different learning styles. For example, interactive simulations in science can help students understand complex concepts more effectively than traditional methods. However, it is essential to use technology appropriately and ensure that it complements rather than replaces traditional teaching methods. Student 2: James: I disagree with Sarah. While technology can provide valuable resources, it often leads to distractions in the classroom. Students may find it challenging to stay focused on their studies when they have access to social media and other non-educational content. Moreover, over-reliance on technology can diminish critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are better developed through traditional learning methods. Your response: I believe technology is a beneficial tool for education when integrated thoughtfully. It can enhance learning by providing access to a wide range of resources and interactive tools that support diverse learning styles. For instance, digital platforms can offer personalized learning experiences and immediate feedback, which can help students grasp complex subjects more effectively. However, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure that technology is used to complement traditional teaching methods rather than replace them. By fostering a disciplined approach to technology use and incorporating it alongside conventional techniques, we can maximize its benefits while minimizing potential distractions. Question-2Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Statement: The advantages of using technology in education outweigh the disadvantages. Your response: I agree that the advantages of using technology in education outweigh the disadvantages. Firstly, technology provides access to a vast array of resources that can significantly enhance the learning experience. For example, online libraries, educational videos, and interactive simulations allow students to explore topics in depth and at their own pace. This accessibility democratizes education, giving students from different backgrounds the opportunity to learn and excel. Secondly, technology can cater to diverse learning styles and needs. Digital tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and virtual reality can make learning more engaging and effective for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Additionally, technology facilitates personalized learning, enabling educators to tailor instruction to meet individual student needs. For instance, adaptive learning platforms can assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses and provide customized content to help them improve. Question-3Prompt: Professor: Today, we’re discussing the impact of social media on communication. Some people argue that social media enhances communication by connecting people globally. Others believe it reduces the quality of interactions and fosters superficial relationships. What’s your perspective? Do you think social media is beneficial or harmful to communication? Student 1: Emily: I think social media is beneficial for communication. It allows people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of distance. Social media platforms also provide a space for individuals to share ideas and engage in discussions, which can lead to greater understanding and collaboration. However, it’s important to use social media responsibly and be mindful of its potential to spread misinformation. Student 2: David: I disagree with Emily. While social media connects people, it often reduces the quality of interactions. Conversations on social media can be shallow and lack the depth of face-to-face communication. Additionally, social media can create echo chambers where people are exposed only to information that reinforces their beliefs, leading to increased polarization and misunderstanding. Your response: I believe social media can enhance communication when used appropriately. It provides a platform for people to connect with others globally, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussions. Social media can foster collaboration and understanding by bringing together diverse perspectives. However, it is essential to be aware of its limitations and potential downsides, such as superficial interactions and the spread of misinformation. By using social media mindfully and complementing it with face-to-face communication, we can maximize its benefits and improve the quality of our interactions. Moreover, technology fosters collaboration and communication among students and teachers. Online forums, group projects, and virtual classrooms allow for seamless interaction, even when participants are geographically dispersed. This collaborative environment helps students develop critical thinking and teamwork skills, which are essential for their future careers. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential disadvantages, such as distractions and over-reliance on digital tools. To mitigate these issues, educators must establish clear guidelines for technology use and integrate it purposefully into the curriculum. By doing so, they can ensure that technology enhances rather than hinders the learning process. In conclusion, while there are challenges associated with integrating technology into education, the benefits it offers far outweigh the disadvantages. By providing access to diverse resources, catering to different learning styles, and fostering collaboration, technology can significantly improve the quality of education and better prepare students for the future. Question-4Prompt: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Statement: The disadvantages of social media outweigh the advantages. Your response: I disagree that the disadvantages of social media outweigh the advantages. Social media offers numerous benefits that significantly enhance communication, information sharing, and community building. Firstly, social media platforms enable people to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of geographical barriers. This constant connectivity helps maintain relationships and fosters a sense of belonging, especially for those living far from their loved ones. Secondly, social media serves as a powerful tool for information dissemination and education. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn allow users to access and share news, research, and educational content quickly and efficiently. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media played a crucial role in disseminating vital health information and updates, helping people stay informed and safe. Moreover, social media empowers individuals to raise awareness about social issues and advocate for change. Activists and organizations use social media to mobilize support, organize events, and amplify their messages. The #BlackLivesMatter movement, for example, gained global attention and support through social media, highlighting its effectiveness in driving social progress. However, it is important to acknowledge the disadvantages of social media, such as the potential for spreading misinformation, fostering superficial relationships, and contributing to mental health issues. To mitigate these risks, users must develop critical thinking skills and be discerning about the content they consume and share. Additionally, setting boundaries and balancing online and offline interactions can help maintain healthy relationships and mental well-being. In conclusion, while social media has its drawbacks, its advantages in enhancing communication, information sharing, and social advocacy far outweigh the disadvantages. By using social media responsibly and critically, we can harness its potential to create positive impacts on society. Question-5Prompt: Professor: Today, we’re discussing the impact of remote work on productivity. Some people argue that working remotely increases productivity by allowing employees to work in a comfortable environment and reducing commute time. Others believe that remote work decreases productivity due to potential distractions at home and a lack of supervision. What’s your perspective? Do you think remote work is beneficial or detrimental to productivity? Student 1: Emily: I believe remote work is beneficial to productivity. It eliminates the need for commuting, allowing employees to save time and start their workday refreshed. Additionally, a comfortable home environment can enhance focus and creativity. Many studies have shown that remote workers often produce higher quality work and report greater job satisfaction. Student 2: David: I disagree with Emily. While remote work has its advantages, it can also lead to decreased productivity due to numerous distractions at home. Without a structured office environment and direct supervision, employees may struggle to stay focused and manage their time effectively. Moreover, remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, which can negatively impact motivation and collaboration. Your response: I believe remote work can be beneficial to productivity if managed effectively. The elimination of commuting time allows employees to start their day with less stress and more energy. A well-organized home office can provide a comfortable and distraction-free environment. However, it is essential for employees to establish clear boundaries and routines to maintain focus. Regular communication with supervisors and colleagues can help mitigate feelings of isolation and ensure that remote work remains productive and collaborative. TOEFL Integrated Writing Task1. Reading Passage (Reading time: 3 minutes) Some birds, like the white-winged choughs, exhibit cooperative breeding behaviors where multiple adults help in raising the young. Traditionally, this has been seen as a form of altruism, where non-breeding individuals sacrifice their own reproductive opportunities to aid in the upbringing of others’ offspring. These helpers, often previous offspring of the breeding pair, help by feeding the chicks and defending the nest against predators. Transcript of the Lecture: Professor: Recent studies have uncovered that the cooperative breeding behaviors observed in white-winged choughs may not be purely altruistic. It turns out that these helpers gain significant benefits from their actions. Firstly, by assisting in raising their siblings, they increase the survival rate of the chicks, thereby ensuring the continuation of their own genetic line. Additionally, staying and helping within the group increases their chances of inheriting a breeding territory in the future. This future territory inheritance is crucial as it is very difficult for white-winged choughs to establish new territories on their own. Therefore, what appears as altruistic behavior is actually a strategic investment in their own genetic and reproductive success. Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture and explain how they cast doubt on the points made in the reading passage.
2. Reading Passage Reciprocal altruism is a behavior observed in some animals where individuals help each other with the expectation of future reciprocation. This is seen in vampire bats, which share blood with those that have shared with them in the past, ensuring survival during times of food scarcity. Transcript of the Lecture: Professor: Recent research has shown that reciprocal altruism in vampire bats may involve more strategic and self-serving motives than previously thought. Studies indicate that vampire bats are more likely to share blood with individuals that are either close relatives or have a history of reciprocation, ensuring that their generosity is returned. This selective sharing enhances their own survival prospects, rather than being purely altruistic. Question: Summarize the points made in the lecture and explain how they contradict the reading passage’s description of reciprocal altruism.
3. Reading Passage Eusociality is a social structure seen in species like ants and bees, where there is a clear division of labor, cooperative care of young, and overlapping generations. Worker ants, for example, sacrifice their own reproductive opportunities to support the queen and her offspring, which is seen as an altruistic behavior. Transcript of the Lecture: Professor: While it appears that worker ants are sacrificing their own reproductive opportunities for the colony, recent research suggests that this behavior has genetic benefits. Worker ants share a high percentage of genes with the queen’s offspring, so by supporting the queen, they are indirectly ensuring the propagation of their own genetic material. Therefore, their actions can be seen as a strategy to ensure the survival of their genes, rather than purely altruistic behavior. Question: How does the information in the lecture challenge the interpretation of eusocial behavior in ants as described in the reading passage?
4. Reading Passage Mobbing behavior in animals, such as crows, involves groups of individuals harassing or attacking a predator. This is often seen as a form of selfless community defense, where individuals risk their lives to protect others in the group. Transcript of the Lecture: Professor: Although mobbing behavior in crows appears to be a selfless act of community defense, recent studies suggest it provides indirect benefits to the mobbers. Participating in mobbing can enhance an individual’s social standing within the group and provide better access to resources and mating opportunities. These benefits can significantly improve their own survival and reproductive success. Question: Explain how the points made in the lecture provide a different perspective on mobbing behavior in crows compared to the reading passage.
5. Reading Passage Warning calls among animals are typically viewed as altruistic behaviors where individuals alert others of impending danger, often at a risk to themselves. For example, meerkats emit alarm calls to warn their colony of predators, seemingly compromising their own safety. Transcript of the Lecture: Professor: Although warning calls by meerkats might seem altruistic, recent studies suggest these calls also benefit the caller. The alarm calls can confuse or deter predators, increasing the caller’s chances of escape. Additionally, frequent callers may be signaling their fitness to potential mates, thereby gaining a reproductive advantage. Question: Summarize how the lecture challenges the traditional view of warning calls as purely altruistic, as described in the reading passage.
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