Chickenpox Vaccine - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answer Key

Preparing for the TOEFL iBT® exam becomes significantly easier when you utilize resources like practice tests, a highly beneficial strategy for thorough preparation. Engaging in simulated assessments, especially for the TOEFL iBT® Reading section will help you become well-versed with the exam's structure. 

So, let's delve into the TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test Paper on the topic- ‘Chickenpox Vaccine’ to aim for a clearer understanding of areas requiring improvement and help you reach your target score!

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. 

Chickenpox Vaccine

Chickenpox is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus. Those affected develop an itchy rash that quickly spreads over the body. The illness can persist for up to two weeks and can affect both children and adults, although children are especially susceptible. People with chickenpox can tolerate a considerable level of discomfort and a fever as the virus progresses. In the past, parents in the U.S. often viewed chickenpox as a normal childhood experience that could enhance a child's immunity to other illnesses later in life. However, this perception changed as further research uncovered unexpected risks associated with the virus. As a result, attitudes toward chickenpox and the importance of preventive measures have shifted significantly over time.

The strong belief in that perspective diminished when scientists uncovered the connection between Varicella zoster, the virus responsible for chickenpox, and shingles, a more severe, harmful, and longer-lasting disease affecting older adults and impacting the nervous system. They concluded that Varicella zoster remains inactive within the body, significantly increasing the likelihood of developing shingles. Consequently, the medical community in the U.S. advocated for the development, adoption, and utilization of a vaccine against chickenpox for the public. Despite the potential for chickenpox and shingles to manifest in the same individual with many years in between—often spanning several decades—the heightened risk of developing shingles at a younger age (30-40 years old rather than 60-70 years old) was sufficient to persuade the medical community that vaccination should be preferred over the traditional approach.

Another factor contributing to the initial reluctance of parents in the United States to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine stemmed from scientific observations indicating its limited duration and failure to provide lifelong immunity. Essentially, scientists viewed the advantages of the vaccine as short-lived when administered to young children. Additionally, there were concerns that it might increase the likelihood of contracting chickenpox later in adolescence or young adulthood, a stage characterized by more intense and prevalent symptoms lasting up to three or four weeks. Consequently, opting for natural infection in young children over vaccination was considered the preferable choice, given these circumstances. However, this perspective evolved over time with the introduction of booster doses that extended immunity and addressed the perceived shortcomings of the vaccine itself.

Currently, the chickenpox vaccine is widely used worldwide. Medical experts recommend the first vaccination dose for children after they reach one year of age, followed by booster shots after they turn eight. The vaccine is estimated to be highly effective, with up to a 90% success rate, and has significantly decreased global chickenpox cases from over 4,000,000 per year to 400,000 per year since its widespread adoption. Given these statistics, most healthcare professionals argue that the potential risks associated with developing shingles are outweighed by the benefits of avoiding rare complications linked to vaccinations. Despite this, some parents still perceive chickenpox as a mild illness and opt not to vaccinate their children. However, as more students receive vaccinations and the virus becomes less common, even this hesitancy among parents has not stopped the decline of chickenpox, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Directions: Now answer the questions. 

Paragraph 1

Chickenpox is an extremely contagious viral infection caused by the Varicella zoster virus. Those affected develop an itchy rash that quickly spreads over the body. The illness can persist for up to two weeks and can affect both children and adults, although children are especially susceptible. People with chickenpox can tolerate a considerable level of discomfort and a fever as the virus progresses. In the past, parents in the U.S. often viewed chickenpox as a normal childhood experience that could enhance a child's immunity to other illnesses later in life. However, this perception changed as further research uncovered unexpected risks associated with the virus. As a result, attitudes toward chickenpox and the importance of preventive measures have shifted significantly over time.

1. Which word in the passage is most similar in meaning to "tolerable"?
   1. sudden
   2. bearable
   3. infrequent
   4. unexpected

1. In paragraph 1, which statement about the chickenpox virus is accurate?
   1. It can cause a fatal illness in adults.
   2. It may result in a rash that lasts a long time.
   3. It spreads easily from an infected person.
   4. It has almost disappeared in today's society

1. Which option correctly conveys the main idea of the highlighted sentence?
   1. U.S. parents thought that their children gained advantages from having chickenpox.
   2. U.S. parents thought that having chickenpox would provide immunity against many illnesses.
   3. U.S. parents aimed to ensure that their children contracted chickenpox.
   4. U.S. parents did not believe that additional vaccinations were necessary following chickenpox.

Paragraph 2

Originally developed in the mid-1960s by Michiaki Takahashi, a Japanese doctor and research scientist, the chickenpox vaccine involved isolating and cultivating the virus. Clinical trials began in 1972 using a weakened form of the virus to stimulate antibody production. By 1974, Japan and other nations initiated widespread vaccination programs. However, it wasn't until 1995 that the U.S. FDA approved the vaccine for broad use, despite its availability and FDA endorsement. Many parents typically cited the notion that chickenpox wasn't a serious enough illness to warrant vaccination.

1. What conclusion can be drawn from paragraph 2 regarding the clinical trials conducted for the chickenpox vaccine?
   1. They exceeded the projected duration.
   2. They required substantial financial resources for completion.
   3. They were prolonged in their completion.
   4. They achieved success in the end.

1.  Which term in the passage is most similar in meaning to "notion"?
   1. history
   2. findings
   3. fact
   4. belief 

Paragraph 3

Another factor contributing to the initial reluctance of parents in the United States to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine stemmed from scientific observations indicating its limited duration and failure to provide lifelong immunity. Essentially, scientists viewed the advantages of the vaccine as short-lived when administered to young children. Additionally, there were concerns that it might increase the likelihood of contracting chickenpox later in adolescence or young adulthood, a stage characterized by more intense and prolonged symptoms lasting up to three or four weeks. Consequently, opting for natural infection in young children over vaccination was considered the preferable choice, given these circumstances. However, this perspective evolved over time with the introduction of booster doses that extended immunity and addressed the perceived shortcomings of the vaccine itself.

1. As per paragraph 3, which statement regarding Varicella Zoster is accurate?
   1. It primarily affects individuals aged 60 and above.
   2. It is associated with a severe condition that frequently affects adults.
   3. It may not pose a significant enough risk to human health to warrant vaccination.
   4. It is eliminated entirely from the body following a bout of chickenpox.

1. Based on paragraph 3, which statement about the chickenpox virus is NOT accurate?
   1. It results in two separate but interconnected illnesses.
   2. It was not initially seen as a significant public health concern.
   3. It tends to enter a dormant state and remain inactive over time.
   4. Inoculation against it would reduce the risk of developing shingles.

Paragraph 4

Another factor contributing to the initial reluctance of parents in the United States to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine stemmed from scientific observations indicating its limited duration and failure to provide lifelong immunity. Essentially, scientists viewed the advantages of the vaccine as short-lived when administered to young children. Additionally, there were concerns that it might increase the likelihood of contracting chickenpox later in adolescence or young adulthood, a stage characterized by more intense and prevalent symptoms lasting up to three or four weeks. Consequently, opting for natural infection in young children over vaccination was considered the preferable choice, given these circumstances. However, this perspective evolved over time with the introduction of booster shots that extended immunity and countered the perceived shortcomings of the vaccine itself.

1. The author mentions booster shots as an illustration of
   1. an endorsed medical approach for eradicating chickenpox
   2. a favored technique for managing chickenpox symptoms like rashes and fever
   3. a method to enhance the efficacy of the chickenpox vaccine
   4. a tactic for parents to circumvent vaccinating their child completely

1. Which term in the passage is most similar in meaning to "countered"?
   1. affirmed
   2. refuted
   3. supported
   4. defied

1. As per paragraph 4, why did numerous parents opt against the chickenpox vaccine?
   1. because they perceived the virus as mild and relatively harmless
   2. because they doubted the adequacy of available scientific information
   3. because they were uncertain about the vaccine's effectiveness based on its projected lifespan
   4. because they were persuaded it could be highly toxic, especially for older kids

Paragraph 5

Currently, the chickenpox vaccine is widely used worldwide. Medical experts recommend the first vaccination dose for children after they reach one year of age, followed by booster shots after they turn eight. The vaccine is estimated to be highly effective, with up to a 90% success rate, and has significantly decreased global chickenpox cases from over 4,000,000 per year to 400,000 per year since its widespread adoption. Given these statistics, most healthcare professionals argue that the potential risks associated with developing shingles are outweighed by the benefits of avoiding rare complications linked to vaccinations. Despite this, some parents still perceive chickenpox as a mild illness and opt not to vaccinate their children. However, as more students receive vaccinations and the virus becomes less common, even this hesitancy among parents has not stopped the decline of chickenpox, particularly among vulnerable populations.

1. Based on paragraph 5, which statement accurately describes the rates of chickenpox prior to the widespread adoption of the chickenpox vaccine?
   1. It was tenfold higher.
   2. It showed a continuous increase.
   3. It decreased gradually.
   4. It varied across several decades.

Paragraph 4

Another factor contributing to the initial reluctance of parents in the United States to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine stemmed from scientific observations indicating its limited duration and failure to provide lifelong immunity. Essentially, scientists viewed the advantages of the vaccine as short-lived when administered to young children. Additionally, there were concerns that it might increase the likelihood of contracting chickenpox later in adolescence or young adulthood, a stage characterized by more intense and prevalent symptoms lasting up to three or four weeks. Consequently, opting for natural infection in young children over vaccination was considered the preferable choice, given these circumstances. However, this perspective evolved over time with the introduction of booster doses that extended immunity and addressed the perceived shortcomings of the vaccine itself.

1. Which term in the passage has a meaning closest to "prevalent"?
   1. dangerous
   2. widespread
   3. infectious
   4. contaminated

Paragraph 5

Currently, the chickenpox vaccine is widely used worldwide. Medical experts recommend the first vaccination dose for children after they reach one year of age, followed by booster shots after they turn eight. The vaccine is estimated to be highly effective, with up to a 90% success rate, and has significantly decreased global chickenpox cases from over 4,000,000 per year to 400,000 per year since its widespread adoption. (A) Given these statistics, most healthcare professionals argue that the potential risks associated with developing shingles are outweighed by the benefits of avoiding rare complications linked to vaccinations. (B) Despite this, some parents still perceive chickenpox as a mild illness and opt not to vaccinate their children. (C) However, as more students receive vaccinations and the virus becomes less common, even this hesitancy among parents has not stopped the decline of chickenpox, particularly among vulnerable populations.(D) 

1. Directions: Look at the part of the passage that is displayed above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) indicate where the following sentence could be added.
   
   Meanwhile, some continue to remain unconvinced, citing a supposed potential of the vaccine to do harm.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: Complete the table below by indicating which statements describe chickenpox and which describe shingles. Two answer choices will NOT be used.
   
   This question carries a weight of 3 points.
   
   
   

   Chickenpox

   
   

   Shingles

   
   Answer Choices
   1. Efforts to vaccinate the public against it started in the 1970s.
   2. It was perceived as a bothersome yet relatively harmless sickness.
   3. Its main victims are adults.
   4. It is a severe and prolonged illness.
   5. It has adverse effects on the nervous system.
   6. Transmission typically happens through direct contact with infected rashes.
   7. There is uncertainty regarding the specific virus responsible for it.

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Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL iBT® Reading Passage - Chickenpox Vaccine

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The word in the passage that is most similar in meaning to "tolerable" is "bearable" (option B). "Tolerable" means able to be endured or tolerated without causing significant discomfort or distress. Similarly, "bearable" refers to something that can be borne or endured without excessive difficulty or pain. In the context of the passage, it describes how people with chickenpox can withstand a certain level of discomfort and fever as the illness progresses, indicating that it is manageable or bearable for them.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The accurate statement about the chickenpox virus in paragraph 1 is (C) "It spreads easily from an infected person." This statement aligns with the description in the passage that chickenpox is "an extremely contagious viral infection" caused by the Varicella zoster virus. The passage also mentions that the illness can affect both children and adults and that those affected develop an itchy rash that quickly spreads over the body. These details collectively indicate that the virus spreads easily from an infected person to others, emphasizing its high level of contagiousness.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct option that conveys the main idea of the highlighted sentence is (A) "U.S. parents thought that their children gained advantages from having chickenpox." This option captures the essence of the sentence, which discusses how parents in the U.S. viewed chickenpox as a normal childhood experience that could enhance a child's immunity to other illnesses later in life. The sentence does not suggest that parents aimed to ensure their children contracted chickenpox (option C) or that they believed additional vaccinations were unnecessary (option D). Option B is close but does not specifically mention the belief in gaining advantages from having chickenpox, which is the central idea of the sentence.

4. Answer: D

Explanation: The conclusion that can be drawn from paragraph 2 regarding the clinical trials conducted for the chickenpox vaccine is (D) "They achieved success in the end." This conclusion is supported by the information in the paragraph that discusses the advocacy for the development and utilization of a vaccine against chickenpox by the medical community in the U.S. The paragraph explains that despite initial concerns and observations regarding the vaccine's limited duration and potential shortcomings, such as failing to provide lifelong immunity, the introduction of booster doses addressed these issues. As a result, the chickenpox vaccine is now widely used worldwide and is estimated to be highly effective, with a success rate of up to 90%. This indicates that the clinical trials ultimately succeeded in demonstrating the vaccine's efficacy and safety, leading to its widespread adoption.

5. Answer: D

Explanation: The term in the passage that is most similar in meaning to "notion" is (D) "belief."

In the context of the passage, the term "notion" refers to a conception or understanding held by parents in the U.S. regarding chickenpox. Specifically, it mentions that parents in the past viewed chickenpox as a normal childhood experience that could enhance a child's immunity to other illnesses later in life. This belief or perception is captured by the term "notion," which aligns with option (D) "belief."

6. Answer: B

Explanation: As per paragraph 3, the accurate statement regarding Varicella Zoster is (B) "It is associated with a severe condition that frequently affects adults." This statement is supported by the paragraph's explanation that Varicella Zoster remains inactive within the body after causing chickenpox and significantly increases the likelihood of developing shingles, a more severe, harmful, and longer-lasting disease that often affects older adults and impacts the nervous system. The paragraph discusses how this connection between Varicella Zoster and shingles led to the advocacy for vaccination against chickenpox, emphasizing the severity of the condition associated with Varicella Zoster, particularly in adults.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: The statement about the chickenpox virus that is NOT accurate based on paragraph 3 is (C) "It tends to enter a dormant state and remain inactive over time." This statement contradicts the information provided in the paragraph, which explains that Varicella Zoster, the virus responsible for chickenpox, remains inactive within the body but significantly increases the likelihood of developing shingles, a more severe disease. The paragraph emphasizes that Varicella Zoster does not remain completely dormant or inactive over time; rather, it can become reactivated, leading to the development of shingles. Therefore, option (C) is not accurate based on the information provided in paragraph 3.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The author mentions booster shots as an illustration of (C) "a method to enhance the efficacy of the chickenpox vaccine." This is evident from the paragraph discussing how the initial reluctance of parents in the United States to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine evolved over time with the introduction of booster doses. These booster doses addressed the perceived shortcomings of the vaccine itself, such as limited duration and failure to provide lifelong immunity. Therefore, booster shots were implemented as a method to extend immunity and improve the effectiveness of the chickenpox vaccine, making option (C) the correct choice.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The term in the passage that is most similar in meaning to "countered" is (B) "refuted."

In the context of the passage, "countered" implies a response that challenges or opposes a previous argument or perspective. The passage discusses how attitudes toward chickenpox shifted over time as further research uncovered unexpected risks associated with the virus. This implies that the new information refuted or contradicted the previous belief that chickenpox was a normal childhood experience that could enhance a child's immunity to other illnesses. Therefore, "refuted" is the most appropriate synonym for "countered" in this context.

10. Answer: C

Explanation: As per paragraph 4, numerous parents opted against the chickenpox vaccine because (C) they were uncertain about the vaccine's effectiveness based on its projected lifespan. This is supported by the paragraph's discussion about the initial reluctance of parents to embrace and administer the chickenpox vaccine. Parents had concerns about the vaccine's limited duration of immunity and its potential failure to provide lifelong immunity. They doubted the effectiveness of the vaccine in the long term, especially when administered to young children. Therefore, their decision against the vaccine was influenced by their uncertainty regarding its effectiveness over time, making option (C) the correct choice.

11. Answer: A

Explanation: Based on paragraph 5, the statement that accurately describes the rates of chickenpox prior to the widespread adoption of the chickenpox vaccine is (A) "It was tenfold higher." This statement is supported by the passage, which mentions that the chickenpox vaccine significantly decreased global chickenpox cases from over 4,000,000 per year to 400,000 per year since its widespread adoption. "Tenfold higher" implies a rate that is ten times greater, which aligns with the substantial reduction in chickenpox cases due to the vaccine.

12. Answer: B

Explanation: The term in the passage that has a meaning closest to "prevalent" is (B) "widespread”. "Prevalent" means widely existing or occurring, which is similar in meaning to "widespread." In the context of the passage, the term "widespread" is used to describe the decline of chickenpox cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, as more students receive vaccinations and the virus becomes less common. This indicates that the virus was previously widespread but has now become less prevalent due to vaccination efforts.

13. Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence "Meanwhile, some continue to remain unconvinced, citing a supposed potential of the vaccine to do harm." would best fit at (B) Choice B in the passage. This sentence follows the discussion about the success and widespread adoption of the chickenpox vaccine, as well as the decrease in global chickenpox cases due to vaccination. It introduces a contrasting viewpoint by mentioning that despite the vaccine's effectiveness, some individuals remain unconvinced about its benefits. Placing it after the passage's description of the vaccine's success provides a logical transition to address potential skepticism or concerns about the vaccine's safety or side effects.

14. Answer: Chickenpox- A,B Shingles- C,D,E

Explanation: This is a categorization question. It is completed correctly below.

Answer Choices

(A) Efforts to vaccinate the public against it started in the 1970s.

(B) It was perceived as a bothersome yet relatively harmless sickness.

(C) Its main victims are adults.

(D) It is a severe and prolonged illness.

(E) It has adverse effects on the nervous system.

(F) Transmission typically happens through direct contact with infected rashes.

(G) There is uncertainty regarding the specific virus responsible for it.

Correct Choices 

Choice A, “Efforts to vaccinate the public against it started in the 1970s”, accurately describes chickenpox, as public vaccination efforts indeed started in the 1970s to combat the disease.

Choice B, “It was perceived as a bothersome yet relatively harmless sickness” also correctly describes chickenpox. It was commonly viewed as a bothersome yet generally benign illness, especially before the availability of vaccines and widespread awareness of its potential complications

Choices C, D and E refer to shingles. These details are supported by the sentence: "Strong belief in that view eroded when scientists discovered the link between Varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, and shingles, a far more serious, harmful, and longer-lasting disease in older adults that impacts the nervous system."

Incorrect Choices 

Choice F is not mentioned in the passage. While chickenpox is known to be highly contagious, the mode of transmission is not specified. Additionally, rashes are not described as infected in the passage, as all rashes are inherently considered infected.

Choice G is incorrect for both shingles and chickenpox. The passage clarifies that one virus, Varicella zoster, is responsible for both conditions stating that scientists discovered the link between Varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. 

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