Adolf Hitler - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key

Achieving proficiency in the TOEFL Reading section demands adept analytical abilities tailored for academic English content. This segment evaluates your capacity to comprehend main concepts, discern crucial information, make logical deductions, and navigate text organization. The key? Regular practice!

Therefore, we present you with our practice tests that closely replicate the format and style of the real exam, fostering familiarity and assurance for test day. Ready to achieve your target score in the TOEFL Reading section? Let's take this practice test focused on "Adolf Hitler" to glean valuable insights into the structure and areas for enhancement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

Adolf Hitler 

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

To comprehend the outbreak of war in 1939, it is essential to consider the events of the 1930s and recall the conditions set by the Treaty of Versailles. Germany had suffered humiliation, and simmering resentment was pervasive. It required a fervent, nationalist leader to cultivate an environment conducive to war. Such a leader emerged in the 1920s: Adolf Hitler.

1. Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as contributing to the outbreak of war in 1939, according to the passage?
   1. Events of the 1930s
   2. Terms of the Treaty of Versailles
   3. Germany's humiliation
   4. Simmering resentment

Paragraph 2

In Hitler's view, the Treaty of Versailles was excessively harsh and a constant reminder of Germany's greatest defeat, wounding him deeply as a nationalist. He referred to the German leaders who signed the treaty as the "November Criminals" and vowed to overturn it once in power. Many of his subsequent policies and plans stemmed directly from this goal. Hitler sought to reclaim the territories Germany had lost under the Treaty of Versailles and believed that Germans, whom he considered a distinct race, living in Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland should be united with Germany. This concept, known as Lebensraum or "living space," drove his actions. When Hitler annexed the Sudetenland, Austria, and invaded Poland, he was attempting to realize this objective.

1. What can be inferred about Hitler's motivation for annexing the Sudetenland, Austria, and invading Poland?
   1. He wanted to establish a new government in those regions.
   2. He aimed to reclaim territories and unify Germans as part of his Lebensraum policy.
   3. He sought to form alliances with neighboring countries.
   4. He intended to weaken the influence of the Allies in Europe.

1. In the context of the passage, what does the term "November Criminals" refer to?
   1. The architects of the Treaty of Versailles.
   2. The Allied leaders who enforced the treaty.
   3. The German leaders who signed the Treaty of Versailles.
   4. The opposition leaders who resisted Hitler's policies.

Paragraph 4

In 1941, when Hitler broke the Nazi-Soviet pact and invaded Russia, he aimed to achieve his long-standing goal of expanding the German Empire and destroying Communism. Germany's actions, particularly after 1933, seemed like a strategic plan to prepare for war. They gradually increased their strength and territory, achieving their objectives in stages without provoking the major world powers, such as Britain and France, until they were ready to fight. However, it's important to note that some historians believe Hitler didn't have a detailed master plan for war. Instead, they argue that he made risky decisions and was encouraged to continue by the passive reactions of countries like Great Britain and France, which were supposed to be leading the League of Nations.

1. Which significant event marked Hitler's break from the Nazi-Soviet pact in 1941?
   1. The annexation of the Sudetenland
   2. The invasion of Poland
   3. The invasion of Russia
   4. The Anschluss with Austria

1. What is the primary purpose of mentioning that some historians believe Hitler didn't have a detailed master plan for war?
   1. To highlight the meticulous planning behind Germany's wartime strategy.
   2. To suggest that Hitler's decisions were opportunistic and influenced by external reactions.
   3. To argue that Hitler's main goal was the destruction of Communism.
   4. To emphasize the importance of the Nazi-Soviet pact in Hitler's overall strategy.

1. In the context of the passage, what does the term "passive" most nearly mean?
   1. Aggressive and confrontational
   2. Indifferent and inactive
   3. Supportive and encouraging
   4. Strategic and preemptive

Paragraph 5

Hitler came to power in 1933 and immediately began expanding Germany's armed forces, a move that was popular and provided jobs to many unemployed men, especially in the wake of the Great Depression. By 1936, conscription was introduced, forcing men to join the military, and massive rallies were held to display Germany's growing military strength. By 1939, Germany's army had swelled from the 100,000 soldiers permitted by the Treaty of Versailles to an impressive 950,000.

1. What does the word "conscription" most closely mean in the context of the paragraph?
   1. Voluntary enlistment
   2. Forced enlistment
   3. Military training
   4. Job creation

1. What is the best synonym for "swelled" as highlighted in the paragraph?
   1. Decreased
   2. Stabilized
   3. Expanded
   4. Diminished

Paragraph 6

In 1936, Hitler took a significant gamble by moving German troops into the Rhineland, a region that, according to the Treaty of Versailles, was to remain demilitarized as a buffer zone between Germany and France. (A) Hitler had instructed his generals to retreat if the French resisted, knowing that the German army was not yet as strong as the French. However, France, preoccupied with events in Abyssinia and an upcoming election, did not act, as no politician wanted to lead the country into another war. (B) This reluctance to confront Germany became a common stance in the following years. Recognizing the lack of international appetite for war, Hitler felt emboldened to pursue his aggressive aims. (C) Germany's successful trial of its new air force during the Spanish Civil War further boosted its confidence. By 1938, Hitler and Germany were prepared for their next major move: Anschluss, the political union between Germany and Austria, which was also prohibited by the Treaty of Versailles. (D)

1. Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   It marked a critical point in Hitler's plan to test the resolve of other European powers.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: You will find an introductory sentence for a summary of the passage provided below. Your task is to complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that best represent the key ideas in the passage. Be mindful that some sentences may not align with the main ideas or may have minor ideas in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   Adolf Hitler's strategic moves and the international response in the years leading up to World War II were crucial in shaping the course of history.
   
   
   Answer Choices
   1. Hitler's rearmament policy in 1933 was popular in Germany and provided jobs to many unemployed men.
   2. The lack of French resistance to the remilitarization of the Rhineland in 1936 emboldened Hitler to pursue further aggressive aims.
   3. Germany's successful trial of its new air force during the Spanish Civil War demonstrated its growing military strength.
   4. The Anschluss in 1938 was a minor event that did not significantly impact the European political landscape.
   5. The Treaty of Versailles was a pivotal document that restricted Germany's military capabilities after World War I.
   6. France's preoccupation with other international and domestic issues led to a reluctance to confront Germany in the Rhineland.

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore what is a good TOEFL score!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Adolf Hitler

1.  Answer: C
Explanation: This is a Factual Question and the right answer is C. In the passage, the causes of World War II are discussed in terms of the broader historical context of the 1930s, the terms of the Treaty of Versailles which were seen as unfair to Germany, and the general resentment that these conditions fostered. "Germany's humiliation" is a concept that may be inferred from the broader historical context, but it is not explicitly cited in the passage as a contributing factor to the outbreak of war. Therefore, C is correct because it is the only option that does not directly align with the passage’s content.

2. Answer: B
Explanation: This is an Inference type Question. The correct answer is B as it reflects the central theme of Hitler’s foreign policy goals, which included reclaiming territories lost under the Treaty of Versailles and expanding German territory to provide living space (Lebensraum) for Germans. The passage indicates that Hitler’s motivations included both the reclamation of territories and the fulfillment of his expansionist ambitions as part of his broader political strategy.

3. Answer: C
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question and the correct answer is C. In the historical context of the passage, "November Criminals" is a term used by right-wing Germans to denounce the German leaders who signed the Treaty of Versailles in November 1918. This term was used to blame these leaders for the perceived injustices of the Treaty and the resultant hardships in Germany.

4. Answer: C
Explanation: This is a Fact-based question. The correct answer is C. In 1941, Hitler broke the Nazi-Soviet Pact by launching Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. This event marked a significant shift in World War II, breaking the non-aggression pact that had been in place between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

5. Answer: B 
Explanation: The correct answer is B. This question explores the rhetorical purpose behind a specific detail in the passage. By acknowledging that some historians view Hitler’s decisions as opportunistic, the passage suggests that Hitler was flexible and responsive to the international climate, rather than strictly following a detailed master plan. This view contrasts with the idea of a grand, premeditated strategy and highlights the element of chance and reaction in Hitler’s policies.

6. Answer: B
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question that pertains to the word "passive" highlighted in the paragraph. The correct answer is choice B. In the context of the passage, "passive" describes France's stance towards Germany's military actions. This term implies a lack of action or intervention, which aligns with France’s reluctance to confront Germany despite the Treaty of Versailles restrictions.

7. Answer: B
Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question that pertains to the word "conscription" and the correct answer is B. In the passage, “conscription” refers to the mandatory military service imposed by the German government. It signifies that men were required to join the military, which was not a voluntary process.

8. Answer: C
Explanation: This is a vocabulary question. The correct answer is C. In the passage, “swelled” describes the increase in the size of Germany’s military forces, growing from 100,000 to 950,000 soldiers. “Swelled” means to increase in size or number, which fits the context of Germany’s military expansion. The term effectively conveys the significant growth of the German army.

9. Answer: B
Explanation: This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. Among the four possible answer choices provided, the sentence "It marked a critical point in Hitler's plan to test the resolve of other European powers" is most fittingly inserted in choice A. This choice describes the context of Hitler's gamble by moving German troops into the Rhineland and explains that this was a significant test of the European powers' resolve. It was a pivotal moment where Hitler assessed how other countries would respond to his aggressive moves, aligning perfectly with the idea of testing the international reaction to his expansionist policies. 

Choice B describes the lack of French response to German actions and how this reluctance became a pattern for the future. The proposed sentence about testing the resolve doesn’t fit here because Choice B is more about the immediate reaction of France to the Rhineland occupation rather than the strategic implications of the act.

Choice C focuses on how Germany’s success in the Spanish Civil War boosted its confidence for future actions. By this time, the testing of European resolve through the Rhineland occupation had already been completed. Thus, inserting the sentence here would be out of sequence because Choice C is about the aftermath and the confidence gained from the Spanish Civil War, not the strategic purpose of the Rhineland move.

Choice D covers the Anschluss with Austria and relates to how Hitler's plans progressed after the Rhineland occupation. The new sentence about testing European resolve would be misplaced here because Choice D deals with the specific results of Hitler's previous actions and the lead-up to the Anschluss, rather than the initial strategic test of the Rhineland.

10. Answer: B, C, F

Explanation: This is a Prose Summary question, and the correct responses are B, C, and F. Therefore, options A, D, and E are incorrect.

Correct Choices

Choice B: This choice highlights the significance of the lack of resistance to the remilitarization of the Rhineland, which encouraged Hitler to continue his aggressive policies.

Choice C: This choice mentions the demonstration of Germany's growing military strength during the Spanish Civil War, which contributed to Hitler's confidence.

Choice F: This choice explains why France did not respond to the Rhineland's remilitarization, a key factor in the international response to Hitler's actions.

Incorrect Choices

Choice A: Choice A is incorrect because while it mentions an important aspect of Hitler's rearmament policy, it does not capture the key ideas of international response and strategic moves.

Choice D: Choice D is incorrect because the Anschluss was a significant event, contrary to what the choice suggests.

Choice E: Choice E is incorrect because although the Treaty of Versailles is relevant background information, it does not summarize the key points of the passage regarding Hitler's actions and the international response.

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