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TOEFL Experts Reading Practice 1

Reading Section

This section measures your ability to understand academic passages in English. You can skip questions and go back to them later as long as there is time remaining.

Now begin the Reading section.

Reading Section

This section measures your ability to understand academic passages in English. You can skip questions and go back to them later as long as there is time remaining.

Now begin the Reading section.

Ice on the Antarctic Peninsula

The Antarctic Peninsula juts out from the mainland body of Antarctica, and includes the northernmost point on the continent. Over 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) in length, the peninsula extends more than three degrees latitude beyond the Antarctic Circle and comes within 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) of the southernmost tip of South America. This mountainous peninsula carries a vast amount of land ice and borders several of the largest ice shelves1 in the world. The problem is, it’s melting.

Most of Antarctica currently has a climate below freezing for the entire year. As a result, the scant precipitation it does receive in the form of snow stays frozen year-round and simply accumulates, very slowly, over time. The Antarctic Peninsula, however, has a slightly milder climate, and thus, snow and ice on it can and do melt every year. The west coast of the peninsula is milder than the east coast, so there are fewer ice shelves along the west coast.

One of the largest of the west coast ice shelves is the Wilkins Ice Shelf₁. This shelf has seen rapid deterioration over the past decade due to climate warming. As recently as 2007, the Wilkins Ice Shelf was about 5,400 square miles (14,000 square kilometers) in size, or roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. In 2008 alone, over 900 square miles (2,400 square kilometers) of the ice shelf collapsed. Researchers believe that the entire ice shelf could disintegrate at any time now.

Perhaps even more alarming and less anticipated is the fact that larger ice shelves along the east coast of the peninsula are also melting. The Larsen Ice Shelf, which spans much of the length of the eastern edge of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, is historically divided by scientists into three sections: Larsen A, Larsen B, and Larsen C. Larsen A, the northernmost and smallest section, completely disintegrated in 1995. Larsen B experienced a rapid and near-complete deterioration in all but the southernmost portion in 2012. Within the span of months, it shrank from 4,445 square miles (about 11,500 square kilometers) in size to less than 1,400 square miles (about 3,625 square kilometers). The remnants of Larsen B are now less than half that size and are expected to disappear completely by 2020.

Larsen C, the southernmost section of the Larsen Ice Shelf, and by far the largest at about 19,300 square miles (50,000 square kilometers), is also now menaced by warming temperatures. As recently as 2004, scientists believed that Larsen C was completely stable. However, new reports indicate that a wide crack has developed in the northeast portion of the ice shelf; this crack is now 80 miles (about 130 kilometers) long and growing at a rate of more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) each month.

When ice shelves collapse or break away from the coastline they are connected to, sea levels do not directly rise, since the ice shelves were already floating in the ocean. A shelf is similar to an ice cube in a glass of water—the melting of the ice cube does not increase the level of water in the glass. However, the ice shelves act as a protective barrier that prevents ice and snow from the land masses they are connected to from falling into the ocean. Land ice (usually in the form of glaciers, which are massive, very slowly moving bodies of ice) along the coastline becomes liable to accelerate, break apart, and fall into the ocean after the ice shelf bracing it from below has disappeared. When this land ice falls into the ocean, the effect is comparable to adding more ice cubes to the glass of water—the level of water in the glass rises immediately. Since the near-complete collapse of Larsen B in 2002, scientists have calculated that the glaciers along the coast where Larsen B was located have accelerated. By some estimates, they have experienced an eight-fold increase in speed, which is much faster than scientists had predicted. As a result, this land ice may drop into the ocean much faster than anyone had previously thought.

ice shelf₁: a large sheet of ice floating in the ocean that is permanently attached to a coastline

Ice on the Antarctic Peninsula

ice shelf₁: a large sheet of ice floating in the ocean that is permanently attached to a coastline

→(P1) The Antarctic Peninsula juts out from the mainland body of Antarctica, and includes the northernmost point on the continent. Over 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) in length, the peninsula extends more than three degrees latitude beyond the Antarctic Circle and comes within 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) of the southernmost tip of South America. This mountainous peninsula carries a vast amount of land ice and borders several of the largest ice shelves1 in the world. The problem is, it’s melting.

Q: Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in paragraph 1? Incorrect choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information.

Over 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) in length, within 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) of the Antarctic Circle, the peninsula extends more than three degrees latitude beyond the southernmost tip of South America.

Over 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) in length, the peninsula’s southernmost tip extends more than three degrees latitude along the Antarctic Circle and comes within 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) of South America.

The peninsula is over 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) long and extends more than three degrees latitude north of the Antarctic Circle, coming within 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) of South America.

The peninsula is over 620 miles (about 995 kilometers) in length and extends more than three degrees latitude, coming within 800 miles (about 1,290 kilometers) of South America.

→(P2) Most of Antarctica currently has a climate below freezing for the entire year. As a result, the scant precipitation it does receive in the form of snow stays frozen year-round and simply accumulates, very slowly, over time. The Antarctic Peninsula, however, has a slightly milder climate, and thus, snow and ice on it can and do melt every year. The west coast of the peninsula is milder than the east coast, so there are fewer ice shelves along the west coast.

Q: The word “scant” in the passage is closest in meaning to

Solid

Scarce

Wintry

Ample

→(P2) Most of Antarctica currently has a climate below freezing for the entire year. As a result, the scant precipitation it does receive in the form of snow stays frozen year-round and simply accumulates, very slowly, over time. The Antarctic Peninsula, however, has a slightly milder climate, and thus, snow and ice on it can and do melt every year. The west coast of the peninsula is milder than the east coast, so there are fewer ice shelves along the west coast.

Q: According to paragraphs 1 and 2, which of the following is true of the Antarctic Peninsula?

It receives scant precipitation.

Most of its ice shelves are located along its west coast.

All of it lies within the Antarctic Circle.

Some of its snow and ice melt annually.

→(P3) One of the largest of the west coast ice shelves is the Wilkins Ice Shelf₁. This shelf has seen rapid deterioration over the past decade due to climate warming. As recently as 2007, the Wilkins Ice Shelf was about 5,400 square miles (14,000 square kilometers) in size, or roughly the size of the state of Connecticut. In 2008 alone, over 900 square miles (2,400 square kilometers) of the ice shelf collapsed. Researchers believe that the entire ice shelf could disintegrate at any time now.

Q: In paragraph 3, the author’s primary purpose is to

Downplay the potential for the Wilkins Ice Shelf to disappear entirely

Explain why ice shelf changes on the west coast are more important than such changes on the east coast

Compare the size of the Wilkins Ice Shelf to that of Connecticut

Outline how quickly a particular ice shelf is deteriorating on the west coast

→(P4) Perhaps even more alarming and less anticipated is the fact that larger ice shelves along the east coast of the peninsula are also melting. The Larsen Ice Shelf, which spans much of the length of the eastern edge of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, is historically divided by scientists into three sections: Larsen A, Larsen B, and Larsen C. Larsen A, the northernmost and smallest section, completely disintegrated in 1995. Larsen B experienced a rapid and near-complete deterioration in all but the southernmost portion in 2012. Within the span of months, it shrank from 4,445 square miles (about 11,500 square kilometers) in size to less than 1,400 square miles (about 3,625 square kilometers). The remnants of Larsen B are now less than half that size and are expected to disappear completely by 2020.

Q: Which of the following can be inferred from paragraph 4 about the Larsen ice shelves on the east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula?

Larsen ice shelves A, B, and C were named according to their relative size.

The total collapse of Larsen A has likely quickened the partial disintegration of Larsen B.

The east coast ice shelves had been considered more stable than the west coast ice shelves.

CameThe east coast ice shelves had been considered more stable than the west coast ice shelves.ls and cattle

Q: Which of the following is true about the Larsen ice shelves, according to paragraph 4?

More of Larsen B was lost in 2012 than has been lost since.

Smaller ice shelves along the east coast are not disintegrating as fast as larger ice shelves are.

The northern parts of the Larsen Ice Shelf have remained the most intact.

Losses of these ice shelves have tended to occur smoothly.

→(P4) Perhaps even more alarming and less anticipated is the fact that larger ice shelves along the east coast of the peninsula are also melting. The Larsen Ice Shelf, which spans much of the length of the eastern edge of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, is historically divided by scientists into three sections: Larsen A, Larsen B, and Larsen C. Larsen A, the northernmost and smallest section, completely disintegrated in 1995. Larsen B experienced a rapid and near-complete deterioration in all but the southernmost portion in 2012. Within the span of months, it shrank from 4,445 square miles (about 11,500 square kilometers) in size to less than 1,400 square miles (about 3,625 square kilometers). The remnants of Larsen B are now less than half that size and are expected to disappear completely by 2020.

Q: The word “remnants” in the passage is closest in meaning to

Losses

Seeds

Vestiges

Neighbors

→(P5) Larsen C, the southernmost section of the Larsen Ice Shelf, and by far the largest at about 19,300 square miles (50,000 square kilometers), is also now menaced by warming temperatures. As recently as 2004, scientists believed that Larsen C was completely stable. However, new reports indicate that a wide crack has developed in the northeast portion of the ice shelf; this crack is now 80 miles (about 130 kilometers) long and growing at a rate of more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) each month.

Q: What does the development of the crack in the northeast portion of the Larsen C ice shelf demonstrate?

Larsen C is more stable than many had previously thought.

PhysicaScientists’ beliefs about the stability of Larsen C may be wrong.l

Larsen C is likely to disintegrate in the near future.

Scientists are unable to prevent the crack from spreading.

→(P5) Larsen C, the southernmost section of the Larsen Ice Shelf, and by far the largest at about 19,300 square miles (50,000 square kilometers), is also now menaced by warming temperatures. As recently as 2004, scientists believed that Larsen C was completely stable. However, new reports indicate that a wide crack has developed in the northeast portion of the ice shelf; this crack is now 80 miles (about 130 kilometers) long and growing at a rate of more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) each month.

Q: The word “menaced” in the passage is closest in meaning to

Damaged

Threatened

Frightened

Condemned

→(P6) When ice shelves collapse or break away from the coastline they are connected to, sea levels do not directly rise, since the ice shelves were already floating in the ocean. A shelf is similar to an ice cube in a glass of water—the melting of the ice cube does not increase the level of water in the glass. However, the ice shelves act as a protective barrier that prevents ice and snow from the land masses they are connected to from falling into the ocean. Land ice (usually in the form of glaciers, which are massive, very slowly moving bodies of ice) along the coastline becomes liable to accelerate, break apart, and fall into the ocean after the ice shelf bracing it from below has disappeared. When this land ice falls into the ocean, the effect is comparable to adding more ice cubes to the glass of water—the level of water in the glass rises immediately. Since the near-complete collapse of Larsen B in 2002, scientists have calculated that the glaciers along the coast where Larsen B was located have accelerated. By some estimates, they have experienced an eight-fold increase in speed, which is much faster than scientists had predicted. As a result, this land ice may drop into the ocean much faster than anyone had previously thought.

Q: According to paragraph 6, all of the following statements about Antarctic ice that melts or falls into the ocean are true EXCEPT:

The collapse of floating ice shelves is unlikely to raise sea levels either directly or indirectly.

When floating ice shelves disintegrate, the level of the ocean is not immediately affected.

The structural failure of floating ice shelves tends to facilitate the descent of land ice into the ocean.

Glaciers that are no longer obstructed by floating ice shelves are likely to speed up or fall apart.

→(P6) When ice shelves collapse or break away from the coastline they are connected to, sea levels do not directly rise, since the ice shelves were already floating in the ocean. A shelf is similar to an ice cube in a glass of water—the melting of the ice cube does not increase the level of water in the glass. However, the ice shelves act as a protective barrier that prevents ice and snow from the land masses they are connected to from falling into the ocean. Land ice (usually in the form of glaciers, which are massive, very slowly moving bodies of ice) along the coastline becomes liable to accelerate, break apart, and fall into the ocean after the ice shelf bracing it from below has disappeared. When this land ice falls into the ocean, the effect is comparable to adding more ice cubes to the glass of water—the level of water in the glass rises immediately. Since the near-complete collapse of Larsen B in 2002, scientists have calculated that the glaciers along the coast where Larsen B was located have accelerated. By some estimates, they have experienced an eight-fold increase in speed, which is much faster than scientists had predicted. As a result, this land ice may drop into the ocean much faster than anyone had previously thought.

Q: The word “liable” in the passage is closest in meaning to

Apt

Eager

Obliged

Unlikely

Q: In paragraph 6, the author’s primary purpose is to

Forecast that the Larsen ice shelves will soon disintegrate completely

Minimize the dangers of ice shelf collapse in comparison with those of glacier movement

Clarify the parallels between ice cubes in a glass and ice shelves

Explain the influence of ice shelf and land ice activity on sea level rise

In paragraph 4 of the passage, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters [A], [B], [C], and [D] that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

While scientists had anticipated the near collapse of this ice shelf for some time, the rate at which it took place took everyone by surprise.

Where would the sentence best fit?

→(P4) Perhaps even more alarming and less anticipated is the fact that larger ice shelves along the east coast of the peninsula are also melting. The Larsen Ice Shelf, which spans much of the length of the eastern edge of the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula, is historically divided by scientists into three sections: Larsen A, Larsen B, and Larsen C. [A] Larsen A, the northernmost and smallest section, completely disintegrated in 1995. Larsen B experienced a rapid and near-complete deterioration in all but the southernmost portion in 2012.[B] Within the span of months, it shrank from 4,445 square miles (about 11,500 square kilometers) in size to less than 1,400 square miles (about 3,625 square kilometers).[C] The remnants of Larsen B are now less than half that size and are expected to disappear completely by 2020.[D]

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. This question is worth 2 points.

Several large ice shelves bordering the Antarctic Peninsula are melting, with potentially dire consequences.

Ice shelves on both the west coast and the east coast of the peninsula have begun disintegrating at an alarming rate.

The crack in the Larsen C ice shelf is growing at rate of a more than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) each month.

The destruction of floating ice shelves indirectly contributes to sea level rise by freeing trapped land ice, which can then slip into the ocean.

Most of Antarctica currently has a climate below freezing for the entire year, with very little annual precipitation.

The collapse of ice shelves along the east coast has in fact accelerated the progress of land ice toward the sea, at a rate even higher than expected.

The only perfectly stable major ice shelf along either the east coast or the west coast of the peninsula is Larsen C.

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