Autonomous Vehicles - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

To succeed the TOEFL iBT^® exam, it is crucial to acquire skills such as identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. In the TOEFL Reading section, you will be assessed based on your ability to master academic texts in English. This section stimulates the reading challenges one might face in English-speaking academic setting. However, do not worry as you can practice to become familiarise with the format and ace the TOEFL exam.

With the TOEFL Practice Test on 'Autonomous Vehicles', you would get an opportunity to attempt the test as this closely mimic the exam format. Not only that buy you would be looking at different question types and level up your preparation, increasing your confidence level ont he exam day. So, why wait any further? Join us in taking the practice test today and let's get started!

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point. 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. 

The rise of self-driving cars marks a big change in transportation. These vehicles use modern technology like sensors, cameras, and smart technology to find their way and operate without needing a human driver. The push for self-driving cars comes from several factors, especially the pressing need for better road safety, more efficient transportation, and the potential to ease traffic jams. With urban populations growing, finding new solutions to these challenges has become increasingly important, leading to considerable funding and research in this area.

One main reason people support self-driving cars is the concerning number of road traffic accidents. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.35 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, with human error being a factor in over 90% of these cases. Supporters believe that removing human drivers could greatly lower accident rates. For example, self-driving cars can process huge amounts of data in real time, allowing them to respond to potential dangers faster than human drivers. Plus, features like automatic braking and crash prevention systems make these vehicles even safer. As a result, the chance for a significant drop in deaths and injuries makes a strong case for adopting this technology.

But, moving to fully self-driving cars comes with challenges that need careful thought. One big concern is how dependable and strong the technology is. Despite many successful tests showing what self-driving cars can do, there have been accidents involving these vehicles, raising doubts about their safety and dependability. Critics argue that the technology needs careful testing before it can be used widely. Together with this, the difficulty of real-world driving situations like erratic human behavior, bad weather, and different types of roads poses important challenges for developers. Because of this, many experts suggest a gradual rollout of self-driving cars, allowing for ongoing improvements based on real-world data and experiences.

Along with tech challenges, the rules and moral aspects of self-driving cars are also very important. Governments and regulatory bodies need to create clear rules for testing, deploying, and operating self-driving cars. This includes figuring out responsibility questions that come up when accidents happen with these vehicles. For example, if a self-driving car gets into a crash, it can be tough to determine who is responsible whether it's the car manufacturer, the software developer, or the car owner. Moral questions also arise about how self-driving cars should make decisions in life-or-death situations. Developing decision-making rules for these choices brings up serious questions about valuing human life and the ethics of programming vehicles to choose between different outcomes.

The economic effects of self-driving cars are also significant and deserve careful analysis. If self-driving cars become common, they could bring big changes to various industries, including car manufacturing, insurance, and public transportation. For example, if fewer people want to own personal vehicles, traditional car ownership models could be changed, leading to more shared mobility services. This shift could mean less vehicle production and a smaller automotive workforce. On the flip side, new job opportunities might arise in areas related to developing, maintaining, and regulating self-driving cars. Additionally, the potential for more efficient transportation could save money for consumers and businesses, as self-driving cars optimize routes and reduce fuel use, contributing to a more sustainable transportation system.

To sum up, the arrival of self-driving cars involves a mix of technological, regulatory, moral, and economic factors. While the potential benefits like improved safety and efficiency are strong, there are still many challenges to tackle before they can be fully integrated into society. As research and development continue to progress, its crucial for everyone involved policy makers, industry leaders, and the public to have meaningful discussions about the implications of this new technology. The future of transportation may depend on how well we handle these complex issues, ensuring that the shift to self-driving cars is safe and fair for everyone. As questions about ethics, liability, and societal impact remain open, ongoing discussion will be key in shaping the future of this exciting field.

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

Paragraph 1 

The rise of self-driving cars marks a big change in transportation. These vehicles use modern technology like sensors, cameras, and smart technology to find their way and operate without needing a human driver. The push for self-driving cars comes from several factors, especially the pressing need for better road safety, more efficient transportation, and the potential to ease traffic jams. With urban populations growing, finding new solutions to these challenges has become increasingly important, leading to considerable funding and research in this area.

1. According to paragraph 1, what are some of the technologies used by self-driving cars?
   1. Sensors and cameras
   2. Manual controls 
   3. Human drivers
   4. Traditional navigation systems

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a reason for the push towards self-driving cars EXCEPT: 
   1. The need for better road safety
   2. The potential to ease traffic jams
   3. The desire for more human drivers
   4. The need for more efficient transportation

Paragraph 2

One main reason people support self-driving cars is the concerning number of road traffic accidents. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.35 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents, with human error being a factor in over 90% of these cases. Supporters believe that removing human drivers could greatly lower accident rates. For example, self-driving cars can process huge amounts of data in real time, allowing them to respond to potential dangers faster than human drivers. Plus, features like automatic braking and crash prevention systems make these vehicles even safer. As a result, the chance for a significant drop in deaths and injuries makes a strong case for adopting this technology.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the potential impact of self-driving cars on road safety?
   
   1. They may increase the number of accidents.
   2. They could significantly reduce fatalities and injuries.
   3. They will have no effect on road safety.
   4. They will only benefit experienced drivers.

Paragraph 3

But, moving to fully self-driving cars comes with challenges that need careful thought. One big concern is how dependable and strong the technology is. Despite many successful tests showing what self-driving cars can do, there have been accidents involving these vehicles, raising doubts about their safety and dependability. Critics argue that the technology needs careful testing before it can be used widely. Together with this, the difficulty of real-world driving situations like erratic human behavior, bad weather, and different types of roads poses important challenges for developers. Because of this, many experts suggest a gradual rollout of self-driving cars, allowing for ongoing improvements based on real-world data and experiences.

1. Why does the author mention the challenges of real-world driving situations in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To highlight the need for more human drivers
   2. To emphasise the importance of careful testing and gradual rollout  
   3. To suggest that self-driving cars are already safe
   4. To argue against the development of self-driving cars

Paragraph 4

Along with tech challenges, the rules and moral aspects of self-driving cars are also very important. (A) Governments and regulatory bodies need to create clear rules for testing, deploying, and operating self-driving cars. (B) This includes figuring out responsibility questions that come up when accidents happen with these vehicles. (C) For example, if a self-driving car gets into a crash, it can be tough to determine who is responsible whether its the car manufacturer, the software developer, or the car owner. (D) Moral questions also arise about how self-driving cars should make decisions in life-or-death situations. Developing decision-making rules for these choices brings up serious questions about valuing human life and the ethics of programming vehicles to choose between different outcomes.

1. In paragraph 4, the word "deploying" is closest in meaning to:  
   1. Testing
   2. Using
   3. Designing
   4. Stopping

1. In paragraph 4, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph shows four letters  (A),  (B),  (C),  (D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

   "These discussions are essential for establishing a framework for the future of self-driving cars." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D

Paragraphs 5

The economic effects of self-driving cars are also significant and deserve careful analysis. If self-driving cars become common, they could bring big changes to various industries, including car manufacturing, insurance, and public transportation. For example, if fewer people want to own personal vehicles, traditional car ownership models could be changed, leading to more shared mobility services. This shift could mean less vehicle production and a smaller automotive workforce. On the flip side, new job opportunities might arise in areas related to developing, maintaining, and regulating self-driving cars. Additionally, the potential for more efficient transportation could save money for consumers and businesses, as self-driving cars optimise routes and reduce fuel use, contributing to a more sustainable transportation system.

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5?

 "If self-driving cars become common, they could bring big changes to various industries, including car manufacturing, insurance, and public transportation."   

1. 1. Self-driving cars will not affect any industries.
   2. Self-driving cars may significantly impact several industries.
   3. Self-driving cars will only change car manufacturing.
   4. Self-driving cars will lead to job losses in all industries.

Paragraphs 6

To sum up, the arrival of self-driving cars involves a mix of technological, regulatory, moral, and economic factors. While the potential benefits like improved safety and efficiency are strong, there are still many challenges to tackle before they can be fully integrated into society. As research and development continue to progress, its crucial for everyone involved policy makers, industry leaders, and the public to have meaningful discussions about the implications of this new technology. The future of transportation may depend on how well we handle these complex issues, ensuring that the shift to self-driving cars is safe and fair for everyone. As questions about ethics, liability, and societal impact remain open, ongoing discussion will be key in shaping the future of this exciting field.

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.  

1. Self-driving cars present a transformative opportunity in transportation, but they also raise significant challenges. 
   
   
   1. The technology behind self-driving cars is already fully reliable and safe.
   2. Ethical and regulatory considerations are crucial for the successful integration of self-driving cars.
   3. The economic impact of self-driving cars could reshape various industries and job markets.
   4. The potential benefits of self-driving cars include improved safety and efficiency.

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?   
   1. To discuss the technological advancements in self-driving cars
   2. To summarise the various factors influencing the adoption of self-driving cars
   3. To highlight the economic benefits of self-driving cars
   4. To argue against the use of self-driving cars

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Autonomous Vehicles

1.  Answer: A

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that self-driving cars use "modern technology like sensors, cameras, and smart technology." This indicates that these technologies are integral to the operation of self-driving vehicles, while the other options (manual controls, human drivers, traditional navigation systems) are not mentioned in this context.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage lists several reasons for the push towards self-driving cars, including the need for better road safety, the potential to ease traffic jams, and the need for more efficient transportation. However, it does not mention a desire for more human drivers, making option C the correct answer as it is the only one not supported by the text.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses the high number of road traffic accidents and suggests that removing human drivers could lower accident rates. It mentions that self-driving cars can respond to dangers faster than humans, implying that their adoption could lead to a significant reduction in fatalities and injuries.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The author mentions the challenges of real-world driving situations to highlight the need for careful testing and a gradual rollout of self-driving cars. This indicates that the technology must be thoroughly evaluated before widespread use, rather than suggesting that self-driving cars are already safe or that more human drivers are needed.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "deploying" refers to the act of putting self-driving cars into use. Therefore, "using" is the closest synonym, while the other options (testing, designing, stopping) do not accurately capture the meaning of "deploying."

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The missing sentence fits best after the mention of the need for clear rules for testing and deploying self-driving cars. It logically follows the discussion about the need for regulations, reinforcing the importance of establishing a framework for future developments.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. This option accurately reflects the essential information from the original sentence, which discusses the potential for self-driving cars to bring significant changes to various industries. The other options either downplay the impact or misrepresent the information.

8. Answer: B, C, D

Explanation: Option B highlights the importance of ethical and regulatory considerations, which is a key theme in the passage. Option C addresses the economic impact, which is also discussed in detail. Option D mentions the potential benefits of self-driving cars, aligning with the passage's focus on safety and efficiency. However, Option A is incorrect as it contradicts the passage's assertion that the technology is not yet fully reliable.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: - The main purpose of paragraph 6 is to encapsulate the various technological, regulatory, moral, and economic factors that influence the adoption of self-driving cars. It does not focus solely on technological advancements or argue against their use.

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