Questions of the TOEFL iBT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 013

Question 1. According to the paragraph, what is the mechanism of action of mRNA vaccines?
A) They introduce a live virus into the body.
B) They instruct the body's cells to produce a piece of the viral spike protein.
C) They generate memory T-cells that respond quickly to the virus.
D) They contain a piece of the virus's DNA.

Question 2. According to the paragraph, what are some advantages of mRNA vaccines?
A) They can be produced quickly, have high efficacy rates, and a good safety profile.
B) They contain a live virus, generate memory T-cells, and are more affordable.
C) They are easy to distribute, require no special equipment, and can be stored at room temperature.
D) They have a low efficacy rate, require a long development time, and can cause the disease.

Question 3. According to the paragraph, which of the following is NOT true about mRNA vaccines?
A) They can be developed and manufactured more quickly than traditional vaccines.
B) They have shown high efficacy rates in clinical trials.
C) They do not contain live virus and cannot cause the disease.
D) The mRNA used in these vaccines integrates into the host genome, posing long-term risks.

Question 4. Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph about mRNA vaccines?
A) mRNA vaccines contain live virus
B) mRNA vaccines do not trigger an immune response
C) mRNA vaccines are more expensive to manufacture than traditional vaccines
D) mRNA vaccines can provide long-term immunity against the virus

Question 5. The author of the paragraph implies that mRNA vaccines are superior to traditional vaccines in which of the following ways?
A) Efficacy rates
B) Cost of manufacturing
C) Ease of distribution
D) Ability to cause long-term effects

Question 6. Why does the author mention the need to store mRNA vaccines at very low temperatures?
A) To explain how mRNA vaccines work
B) To emphasize the safety of mRNA vaccines
C) To highlight the advantages of mRNA vaccines
D) To point out a disadvantage of mRNA vaccines

Question 7. The word "potency" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
A) Effectiveness
B) Quantity
C) Strength
D) Cost

Question 8. In stating that the mRNA used in these vaccines is "quickly degraded" the author means that:
A) The mRNA vaccines have a short shelf life
B) The mRNA vaccines are not effective
C) The mRNA in the vaccines breaks down quickly in the body
D) The mRNA in the vaccines is unstable

Question 9. Look at the four letters – (A), (B), (C), and (D), – that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. "The immune response triggered by the mRNA vaccines results in the production of memory T-cells that remain in the body after the initial response." Where would the sentence best fit?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Question 10. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage."The science behind mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, including their mechanism of action and advantages and disadvantages."
mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of the virus's genetic code into the body, triggering an immune response that creates long-term immunity against the virus.
mRNA vaccines are more quickly developed and manufactured than traditional vaccines, have high efficacy rates, and have a good safety profile.
One disadvantage of mRNA vaccines is that they are more expensive to manufacture and require specialized equipment, and they need to be stored at very low temperatures.
mRNA vaccines contain live virus, making them a risk for long-term effects and the potential to cause the disease.