EXERCISE*

Passage 1

Recent technological advances in manned and unmanned undersea vehicles, along with breakthroughs in satellite
technology and computer equipment, have overcome some of the limitations of divers and diving equipment for
scientists doing research on the great oceans of the world. Without a vehicle, divers often became sluggish, and their
mental concentration was severely limited. Because undersea pressure affects their speech organs, communication
among divers has always been difficult or impossible. But today, most oceanographers avoid the use of vulnerable
human divers, preferring to reduce the risk to human life and make direct observations by means of instruments that are
lowered into the ocean, from samples taken from the water, or from photographs made by orbiting satellites. Direct
observations of the ocean floor can be made not only by divers but also by deep-diving submarines in the water and
even by the technology of sophisticated aerial photography from vantage points above the surface of the water. Some
submarines can dive to depths of more than seven miles and cruise at depths of fifteen thousand feet. In addition, radio-
equipped buoys can be operated by remote control in order to transmit information back to land-based laboratories via
satellite. Particularly important for ocean study are data about water temperature, currents, and weather. Satellite
photographs can show the distribution of sea ice, oil slicks, and cloud formations over the ocean.Maps created from
satellite pictures can representthe temperature and the color of the ocean’s surface, enabling researchers to study the
ocean currents from laboratories on dry land. Furthermore, computers help oceanographers to collect, organize, and
analyze data from submarines and satellites. By creating a model of the ocean’s movement and characteristics, scientists
can predict the patterns and possible effects of the ocean on the environment.
Recently, many oceanographers have been relying more on satellites and computers than on research ships or even
submarine vehicles because they can supply a greater range of information more quickly and more effectively. Some of
humankind’s most serious problems, especially those concerning energy and food, may be solved with the help of
observations made possible by this new technology.

1. With what topic is the passage primarily concerned?

a. Technological advances in oceanography c. Direct observation of the ocean floor
b. Communication among divers d. Undersea vehicles

2.The word sluggish in paragraph1 is closest in meaning to

a. nervous b. confused c. slow moving d. very weak

3. Divers have had problems in communicating underwater because

a. the pressure affected their speech organs c. they did not pronounce clearly
b. the vehicles they used have not been perfected d. the water destroyed their speech organs

4. This passage suggests that the successful exploration of the ocean depends upon
a. vehicles as well as divers c. controllling currents and the weather
b. radios that divers use to communicate d. the limitations of diving equipment

5.Undersea vehicles
a. are too small for a man to fit inside c. have the same limitations that divers have
b. are very slow to respond d. make direct observations of the ocean floor

6.The word cruise in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by

a. travel at a constant speed c. stay in communication
b. function without problems d. remain still

7.How is a radio-equipped buoy operated?

a. By operators inside the vehicle in the part underwater c. By operators outside the vehicle on a diving platform
b. By operators outside the vehicle on a ship d. By operators outside the vehicle in a laboratory on shore

8.Look at the word informationin the passage. What is the word or phrase in underlined text that is closest in meaning to
information?
a. slicks b. analyze c. data d. pictures

9.Which of the following are NOT shown in satellite photographs?

a. The temperature of the ocean’s surface c. A model of the ocean’s movements
b. Cloud formations over the ocean d. the location of sea ice

10.Look at the word those in the passage. The word those refers to
a. humankind b. problems c. energy d. information
Passage 2

Although speech is generally accepted as the most advanced form of communication, there are many ways of
communicating without using words. In every known culture, signals, signs, symbols, and gestures are commonly
utilized as instruments of communication. There is a great deal of agreement among communication scientists as to
what each of these methods is and how each differs from the others. For instance, the basic function of any signal is to
impinge uponthe environment in such a way that it attracts attention, as, for example, the dots and dashes that can be
applied in a telegraph circuit. Coded to refer to speech, the potential for communication through these dots and dashes
—short and long intervals as the circuit is broken—is very great.Less adaptable to the codification of words, signs also
contain agreed upon meaning; that is, they convey information in and of themselves. Two examples are the hexagonal
red sign that conveys the meaning of stop, and the red and white swirled pole outside a shop that communicates the
meaning of barber.
Symbols are more difficult to describe than either signals or signs because of their intricate relationship with the
receiver’s cultural perceptions. In some cultures, applauding in a theater provides performers with an auditory symbol
of approval. In other cultures, if done in unison, applaudingcan be a symbol of the audience's discontent with the
performance. Gestures such as waving and handshaking also communicate certain cultural messages.
Although signals, signs, symbols, and gestures are very useful, they also have a major disadvantage in
communication. They usually do not allow ideas to be shared without the sender being directly adjacent to the receiver.
Without an exchange of ideas, interaction comes to a halt. As a result, means of communication intended to be used
across long distances and extended periods must be based upon speech. To radio, television, and the telephone, one
must add fax, paging systems, electronic mail, and the Internet, and no one doubts but that there are more means of
communication on the horizon.

11. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
a. Signs and Signals b. Gestures c. Communication d. Speech

12. What does the author say about speech?

a. It is the only true form of communication. c. It is necessary for communication to occur.
b. It is dependent upon the advances made by inventors d. It is the most advanced form of communication.

13. The phrase impinge uponin paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to

a. intrude b. improve c. vary d. prohibit

14. The word itin paragraph 1 refers to

a. function b. signal c. environment d. way

15. The word potential in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by

a. range b. advantage c. organization d. possibility

16. The word intricate in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by which of the following?
a. inefficient b. complicated c. historical d. uncertain

17. Applaud was cited as an example of

a. a signal b. a sign c. a symbol d. a gesture

18. The following sentence can be added to the passage: “A loud smacking of the lips after a meal can be either a
kinesthetic and auditory symbol of approval and appreciation, or simply a rude noise.” Where would it best fit in the
passage?
a. As the last sentence of paragraph 1 c. Before the last sentence of paragraph 2
b. Before the first sentence of paragraph 2 d. As the last sentence of paragraph 3

19. Why were the telephone, radio, and TV invented?

a.People were unable to understand signs, symbols, and c. People believed that sign, signals, and symbols were
signals. obsolete.
b. People wanted to communicate across long distances. d. People wanted new forms of entertainment.

20. Look at the word communication in the passage. What word is closest in meaning to communication?
a. interaction b. adjacent c. ideas d. distances
Passage 3

Fertilizer is any substance that can be added to the soil to provide chemical elements essential for plant nutrition so
that the yield can be increased. Natural substances such as animal droppings, ashes from wood fires, and straw have
been used as fertilizers in fields for thousands of years, and lime has been used since the Romans introduced it during
the Empire. It was not until the nineteenth century, however, that chemical fertilizers became widely accepted as normal
agricultural practice. Today, both natural and synthetic fertilizers are available in a variety of forms.
A complete fertilizer is usually marked with a formula consisting of three numbers, such as 4 -8- 2 or 6-6-4, which
designate the percentage of content of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash in the order stated. Synthetic fertilizers,
produced by factories, are available in either solid or liquid form. Solids, ln the shape of chemical granules, are in
demand because they are not only easy to store but also easy to apply. Recently, liquids have shown an increase in
popularity, accounting for about 20 percent of the nitrogen fertilizer used throughout the world. Formerly, powders
were also used, but they were found to be less convenient than either solids or liquids.
Fertilizers have no harmful effects on the soil, the crop, or the consumer as long as they are used according to
recommendations based on the results of local research. Occasionally, however, farmers may use more fertilizer than
necessary, in which case the plants do not need, and therefore do not absorb, the total amount of fertilizer applied to the
soil. The surplus of fertilizer thus can damage not only the crop but also the animals or human beings that eat the crop.
Furthermore, fertilizer that is not used in the production of a healthy plant is leached into the water table.
Accumulations of chemical fertilizer in the water supply accelerate the growth of algae and consequently, may disturb
the natural cycle oflife, contributing to the death of fish. Too much fertilizer on grass can cause digestive disorders in
cattle and in infants who drink cow’s milk.Fertilizer must be used with great attention to responsible use or it can harm
the environment.

21. With which of the following topics is the passage primarily concerned?
a. Local research and harmful effects of fertilizer c. A formula for the production of fertilizer
b. Advantages and disadvantages of liquid fertilizer d. Content, form, and effects of fertilizer

22.The word essential in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by which of the following?
a. limited b. preferred c. anticipated d. required

23. Which of the following has the smallest percentage content in the formula 4-8-2?
a. Nitrogen b. Phosphorus c. Acid d. Potash

24.What is the percentage ot phosphoric acid in a 5-8-7 formula fertilizer?

a. 3 percent b. 5 percent c. 7percent d. 8 percent

25.The word designate in paragraph 2 could best be replaced by

a. modify b. specify c. limit d. increase

26.Which of the following statements about fertilizer is true?

a. Powders are more popular than ever. c. Liquids are increasing in popularity.
b. Solids are difficult to store. d. Chemical granules are difficult to apply.

27.The word they in paragraph 2 refers to

a. powders b. solids c. liquids d. fertilizer

28.The word convenient in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

a. effective b. plentiful c. easy to use d. cheap to produce

29. Look at the word harm in the passage. It has the closest in meaning to
a. leach b. accelerate c. damage d. disturbed

Passage 4

The development of the horse has been recorded from the beginning through all of its evolutionary stages to the
modern form. It is, in fact, one of the most complete and well-documented chapters of paleontological history. Fossil
finds provide us not only with detailed information about the horse itself but also with valuable insights into the
migration of herds, and even evidence for speculation about the climatic conditions that could have instigated such
migratory behavior.
 Geologists believe that the first horses appeared on Earth about sixty million years ago as compared with two
million years ago for the appearance of human beings. There is evidence of early horses on both the American and
European continents, but it has been documented that, almost twelve million years ago at the beginning of the Pliocene
Age, a horse about midway through its evolutionary development crossed a land bridge where the Bering Strait is now
located, from Alaska into the grasslands of Asia, and traveled all the way to Europe. This early horse was a hipparion,
about the size of a modern-day pony with three toes and specialized cheek teeth for grazing. In Europe, the hipparion
encountered another less advanced horse called the anchitheres, which had previously invaded Europe by the same
route, probably during the Miocene Period. Less developed and smaller than the hipparion, the anchitheres was
eventually completely replaced by it.
By the end of the Pleistocene Age, both the anchitheres and the hipparion had become extinct in North America
where they had originated, as fossil evidence clearly indicates. In Europe, they evolved into the larger and stronger
animal that is very similar to the horse as we know it today. For many years, the horse was probably hunted for food by
early tribes of human beings. Then the qualities of the horse that would have made it a good servant were noted—
mainly its strength and speed. It was time for the horse to be tamed, used as a draft animal at the dawning of agriculture,
and then ridden as the need for transportation increased. It was the descendant of this domesticated horse that was
brought back tothe Americas by European colonists.

30. What is this passage is mainly about?

a. The evolution of the horse c. The modern-day pony
b. The migration of horses d. The replacement of the anchitheres by the hipparion

31.According to the author, fossils are considered valuable for all of the following reasons EXCEPT
a. they suggest how the climate may have been c. they document the evolution of the horse
b. they provide information about migration d. they maintain a record of life prior to the Miocene Age

32.The word instigated in paragraph 1 could best be replaced by

a. explained b. caused c. improved d. influenced

33. What does the author mean by the statement “Geologists believe that the first horses apperared on Earth about sixty
million years ago as compared with two million years ago for the appearence of human beings?
a. Horses appeared long before human beings according to the theories of geologists.
b. Both horses and human beings appeared several million years ago, if we believe geologists.
c. The geological records for the appearance of horses and human beings are not very accurate.
d. Horses and human beings cannot be compared by geologists because they appeared too long ago.

34. Which of the following conclusions may be made on the basis of information in the passage?
a. The hipparions migrated to Europe to feed in developing grasslands.
b. There are no fossil remains of either the anchitheres or the hipparion.
c. There were horses in North America when the first European colonists arrived.
d. Very little is known about the evolution of the horse.

35. According to this passage, the hipparions were

a. five-toed animals c. larger than the anchitheres
b. not as highly developed as the anchitheres d. about the size of a small dog

36.The word it in paragraph 2 refers to

a. anchitheres b. hipparion c. Miocene Period d. route

37. The word extinct in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to

a. familiar b. widespread c. nonexistent d. tame

38. Lookat the word domesticated in the passage. What is the closest in meaning to the word domesticated?
a. hunted b. used c. tamed d. brought

39. It can be concluded from this passage that the

a. Miocene Period was prior to the Pliocene c. Pleistocene Period was prior to the Pliocene
b. Pleistocene Period was prior to the Miocene d. Pliocene Period was prior to the Miocene

*Source:
Sharpe PJ, Barron’s How To Prepare For The TOEFL test: test of English as a foreign language. 11th ed, New York,
2004, p. 295-307.
Glossary
Algae : ganggang
Cruise : menjelajah
Designate : menunjuk, menandai
Domesticated : dijinakkan
Draft animal : hewan pengangkut beban
Impinge : menimpa, mengenai, menubruk
Instigate : menghasut, mendesak
Leeched : larut
Slicks : lapisan-lapisan
Specify : menentukan, merinci
Swirled pole : tiang berputar
Water table : permukaan air