Questions of the TOEFL iBT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 011

Question 1. According to the paragraph, what is the Richter scale used for?
A) Determining the size of tectonic plates
B) Measuring the duration of an earthquake
C) Expressing the magnitude of an earthquake
D) Determining the proximity to populated areas

Question 2. According to the paragraph,which of the following statements is true about earthquakes?
A) They only occur in certain parts of the world
B) They are always caused by human activity
C) They can happen without warning
D) They only occur at specific times of the year

Question 3. According to the paragraph, which of the following is NOT true about the impacts of earthquakes?
A) They can cause physical and economic damage
B) They can have social and psychological impacts
C) They can affect ecosystems and wildlife habitats
D) They only affect the immediate vicinity of the earthquake

Question 4. The author mentions all of the following EXCEPT:
A) Loss of lives
B) Increased levels of stress and anxiety
C) Impact on tectonic plates
D) Physical and economic damage

Question 5. Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph about earthquakes?
A) Earthquakes occur only in certain regions of the world
B) The impacts of earthquakes are solely physical and economic
C) Understanding the mechanics of earthquakes is essential for managing the risks associated with this natural hazard
D) Earthquakes can be predicted with great accuracy

Question 6. Why does the author mention the Richter scale?
A) To emphasize the importance of earthquake duration
B) To explain how seismic waves are generated
C) To provide a method for measuring earthquake intensity
D) To describe the impact of earthquakes on ecosystems

Question 7. The word "liquefaction" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
A) Solidification
B) Vaporization
C) Melting
D) Softening

Question 8. In stating that "Understanding the mechanics of earthquakes and their impacts is critical to managing the risks associated with this natural hazard" in the first paragraph, the author means that:
A) Earthquakes can be prevented through proper understanding
B) Earthquakes can be predicted with great accuracy
C) It is important to be aware of the risks associated with earthquakes
D) Knowing the mechanics of earthquakes can help mitigate their effects

Question 9. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following sentence? "The impacts of earthquakes can be significant and far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate vicinity of the earthquake, but also the wider region and even the entire world."
A) Earthquakes have impacts that are significant and far-reaching, affecting only the immediate vicinity of the earthquake.
B) Earthquakes can cause significant and far-reaching impacts beyond the immediate vicinity, affecting the wider region and even the entire world.
C) The impacts of earthquakes are limited to the immediate vicinity of the earthquake and do not affect the wider region or the entire world.
D) Earthquakes can cause significant impacts in the immediate vicinity, but they do not have any effect beyond that.

Question 10. Look at the four letters – (A), (B), (C), and (D), – that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. "Understanding the mechanics of earthquakes is essential to managing the risks associated with this natural hazard." Where would the sentence best fit?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)