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The History of the Amazon Rainforest


Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL

Passage 1
The Amazon Rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," is located in South America, stretching across nine countries: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. It is the largest rainforest on the planet, covering about 5.5 million square kilometers. The Amazon is home to about one-tenth of the world’s species, some of which have yet to be discovered.

Passage 2
The rainforest plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. It absorbs and stores vast amounts of carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change. The Amazon is also responsible for producing approximately 20% of the world’s oxygen, though this figure is sometimes disputed. More importantly, the region is a crucial part of the water cycle, contributing to the rainfall that sustains agriculture in nearby areas.

Passage 3
Over the past several decades, the Amazon has faced growing threats due to deforestation, logging, and agriculture. As the global demand for timber, soybeans, and beef has increased, forests are being cleared at an alarming rate. While the Brazilian government has made efforts to reduce deforestation, illegal logging and land clearing for agriculture remain significant problems.

Passage 4
Despite these threats, the Amazon still holds tremendous potential for scientific discovery. Many species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that inhabit the rainforest are yet to be studied in detail. Some of these species may hold the key to medical breakthroughs. For example, the Amazon is home to a wealth of medicinal plants that have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries, and modern scientists are beginning to investigate their therapeutic potential.

Passage 5
The future of the Amazon Rainforest remains uncertain. Conservationists are working to protect it by advocating for stricter regulations on deforestation and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, the rapidly increasing global population and the continued demand for natural resources put immense pressure on this fragile ecosystem. If the Amazon is to survive for future generations, international cooperation and strong political will will be required.

Q1. What is the Amazon Rainforest primarily known for?
(a) Its role in producing food for nearby areas
(b) Its size and biodiversity
(c) Its contributions to global oxygen levels
(d) Its ability to regulate rainfall in South America

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer
Ans: (b)
Solution: The Amazon primarily known as the "largest rainforest" and home to a wide variety of species, emphasizing its size and biodiversity.

Q2. Why is the Amazon Rainforest referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" in paragraph 1?
(a) Because it produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide
(b) Because it is the largest forest in the world
(c) Because it helps regulate global temperatures
(d) Because it is located in South America

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer
Ans: (a)
Solution: The term "lungs of the Earth" refers to the Amazon's role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, similar to the function of human lungs.

Q3. What role does the Amazon play in the Earth's climate?
(a) It contributes to the greenhouse effect.
(b) It absorbs and stores carbon dioxide.
(c) It produces oxygen, which counteracts climate change.
(d) It is responsible for regulating temperatures worldwide.

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer
Ans: (b)
Solution: The Amazon plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.

Q4. Which of the following is true according to paragraph 3?
(a) The Amazon has always been a heavily protected area.
(b) Logging and agriculture have led to large-scale deforestation.
(c) There is no evidence of illegal logging in the region.
(d) The Brazilian government has been ineffective in reducing deforestation.

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Solution: Paragraph 3 discusses how global demand for timber, soybeans, and beef has resulted in deforestation, which is a major threat to the Amazon.

Q5. Why is the Amazon still important to scientific research?
(a) It is home to many species that may have medical applications.
(b) It has been fully explored and documented by scientists.
(c) It contains resources that are essential for the global economy.
(d) It is a stable environment for scientific research.

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (a)
Solution: The Amazon is home to numerous species, including medicinal plants, that have the potential for significant scientific and medical discoveries.

Q6. The word "mitigate" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
(a) Exacerbate
(b) Alleviate
(c) Intensify
(d) Complicate

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (b)
Solution: "Mitigate" means to reduce or lessen the severity of something, which is similar to the meaning of "alleviate."

Q7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as a threat to the Amazon Rainforest?
(a) Illegal logging
(b) Increasing global demand for beef
(c) The spread of diseases
(d) Deforestation for agriculture

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Solution: The passage discusses deforestation, logging, and agriculture as threats to the Amazon but does not mention the spread of diseases.

Q8. The phrase "tremendous potential" in paragraph 4 refers to:
(a) The possibility of the rainforest providing more oxygen to the Earth.
(b) The likelihood of the rainforest surviving without significant intervention.
(c) The chance that new scientific discoveries could come from the rainforest.
(d) The potential for the rainforest to expand in size.

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Solution: "Tremendous potential" refers to the opportunity for scientific discoveries, such as the medicinal uses of plants, as mentioned in paragraph 4.

Q9. What is necessary for the Amazon to survive for future generations?
(a) A complete halt to deforestation worldwide
(b) Local conservation efforts by indigenous communities
(c) International cooperation and strong political will
(d) An increase in global agricultural practices

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: (c)
Solution: The survival of the Amazon depends on international cooperation and strong political action to prevent further deforestation.

Q10. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, but it faces numerous challenges.
(a)The Amazon Rainforest has unique biodiversity and plays a significant role in regulating the Earth’s climate.
(b) The Amazon has been heavily protected by the Brazilian government, ensuring its survival.
(c) Global demand for timber and agricultural products has led to widespread deforestation.
(d) Many medicinal plants in the Amazon may hold promise for future medical discoveries.
(e) The Amazon’s survival depends on international efforts to prevent further deforestation.

Reading Practice test - 2 | Practice Tests for TOEFL  View Answer

Ans: A, C, D
Solution: The key points about the Amazon's biodiversity, the threats from global demand for natural resources, and its potential for medical discoveries are highlighted in options A, C, and D. Option B is incorrect because the passage does not state that the Amazon has been "heavily protected" by the Brazilian government.

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FAQs on Reading Practice test - 2 - Practice Tests for TOEFL

1. What is the structure of the TOEFL Reading section?
Ans.The TOEFL Reading section typically consists of 3 to 4 passages, each approximately 700 words long. Test-takers are required to answer a total of 30 to 40 questions based on these passages. The questions assess comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to identify main ideas and supporting details.
2. How can I improve my reading skills for the TOEFL exam?
Ans.To improve reading skills for the TOEFL exam, practice reading academic texts in English, such as articles, textbooks, and journals. Focus on summarizing paragraphs, identifying main ideas, and understanding vocabulary in context. Additionally, taking practice tests can help familiarize you with the question formats.
3. Are there specific types of questions in the TOEFL Reading section?
Ans.Yes, the TOEFL Reading section includes various types of questions, such as multiple-choice, sentence completion, and questions that require you to identify the purpose of a passage. Familiarizing yourself with these question types is essential for effective preparation.
4. How much time is allocated for the TOEFL Reading section?
Ans.Test-takers are typically given 60 to 80 minutes to complete the TOEFL Reading section, depending on the number of passages. It's important to manage your time effectively to ensure you can read each passage and answer all questions within the allotted time.
5. Can I use a dictionary during the TOEFL Reading section?
Ans.No, you are not allowed to use a dictionary or any external resources during the TOEFL Reading section. The exam is designed to test your reading comprehension skills in a timed setting, so it’s important to practice reading without relying on additional tools.
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