TOEFL ® Prediction Test, Vocabulary in Context with Answer Key

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1. The professor's elaborate explanation clarified the confusing topic for most students.

What is the meaning of the word elaborate in the passage?

A. Quick
B. Complicated
C. Thorough
D. Brief

Answer: C

2. Despite the arid climate, the region supports a variety of plant species.

What is the meaning of the word arid?

A. Windy
B. Fertile
C. Dry
D. Rainy

Answer: C

3. The research was meticulous, ensuring every detail was recorded precisely.

What is the meaning of meticulous?

A. Sloppy
B. Careful
C. Impulsive
D. Hasty

Answer: B

4. The outcome of the experiment was ambiguous, making it difficult to draw conclusions.

What does ambiguous mean?

A. Clear
B. Uncertain
C. Obvious
D. Strong

Answer: B

5. She was reluctant to accept the offer because of the long working hours.

What does reluctant mean?

A. Willing
B. Hesitant
C. Happy
D. Excited

Answer: B

6. John and Tim worked hard on the project, but he forgot to submit it.

To whom does the word he refer?

A. John
B. Tim
C. Both
D. Not clear

Answer: A

7. The wolves chased the deer through the forest until they were exhausted.

What does they refer to?

A. Wolves
B. Deer
C. Forest
D. Chase

Answer: A

8. The comet, which was discovered by a young astronomer, amazed scientists because it was brighter than expected.

What does it refer to?

A. The scientist
B. The astronomer
C. The comet
D. The brightness

Answer: C

9. Many migratory birds have stopped coming to the region due to recent climate changes.

What can be inferred from the passage?

A. The birds are extinct.
B. The region is experiencing unusual weather patterns.
C. Migration has increased.
D. Birds prefer warmer climates.

Answer: B

10. Even though the movie had great reviews, it failed to attract audiences.

What can be inferred about the movie?

A. It was boring.
B. Critics did not like it.
C. It was unsuccessful commercially.
D. It had poor acting.

Answer: C

11. Tom’s car broke down just as he was about to leave for an important meeting.

What can be inferred about Tom?

A. He was happy.
B. He was late.
C. He missed the meeting.
D. He had a backup plan.

Answer: B/C

12. After the long drought, the farmers rejoiced at the sight of dark clouds.

What can you infer from this passage?

A. The farmers fear rain.
B. The farmers prefer sunny days.
C. The farmers need rain for crops.
D. The clouds bring wind.

Answer: C

13. The Amazon rainforest is home to over 400 billion individual trees and thousands of plant and animal species.

According to the passage, how many trees are in the Amazon?

A. 40 billion
B. 400 million
C. 4 billion
D. 400 billion

Answer: D

14. Thomas Edison held over 1,000 patents and invented the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the electric light bulb.

Which of the following was NOT invented by Edison?

A. Phonograph
B. Motion picture camera
C. Electric light bulb
D. Telephone

Answer: D

15. Water boils at 100°C at sea level, but the boiling point decreases at higher altitudes due to lower atmospheric pressure.

What happens to water's boiling point at higher altitudes?

A. It increases
B. It stays the same
C. It decreases
D. It evaporates immediately

Answer: C

16. The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles and was built over centuries to protect the empire from invasions.

What was the primary purpose of the Great Wall?

A. Tourism
B. Trade
C. Protection
D. Agriculture

Answer: C

17. Marie Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1911.

How many Nobel Prizes did Marie Curie receive?

A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. None

Answer: B

18. With the rise of digital technology, traditional print media is experiencing a steady decline in readership.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Digital technology is expensive.
B. People read more print books.
C. Print media is becoming less popular.
D. Magazines are growing in popularity.

Answer: C

19. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Landfills are dangerous.
B. Recycling has environmental benefits.
C. People don’t recycle.
D. Recycling is costly.

Answer: B

20. The invention of the steam engine revolutionized transportation and industry by providing a reliable source of power.

What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Steam engines were difficult to build.
B. Transportation became slower.
C. Steam engines changed the world.
D. Factories replaced workers.

Answer: C

21. This article explains how photosynthesis occurs in plants and its importance in the ecosystem.

What is the purpose of this passage?

A. To criticize photosynthesis
B. To entertain with a plant story
C. To explain a scientific process
D. To describe gardening

Answer: C

22. The following report presents the findings from a recent study on teenage sleep patterns.

Why did the author write this passage?

A. To explain why teens need phones
B. To report study results
C. To argue against school hours
D. To compare sleep to food

Answer: B

23. This manual provides step-by-step instructions for installing the software.

What is the purpose of the manual?

A. To persuade users to buy software
B. To entertain
C. To give directions
D. To describe a product's history

Answer: C

24. Solar panels generate electricity using sunlight, require little maintenance, and reduce electricity bills. However, they are not effective in shaded areas.

Which of the following is NOT true about solar panels?

A. They work in shade
B. They need little maintenance
C. They use sunlight
D. They help save money

Answer: A

25. Whales are mammals that live in the ocean, give birth to live young, and breathe air through lungs.

Which of the following is NOT true about whales?

A. They breathe air
B. They give birth
C. They lay eggs
D. They live in water

Answer: C