Climate Change and its effects - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

The TOEFL iBT® exam includes the reading section which evaluates skills such as recognizing text structure, identifying main ideas, extracting details, and drawing conclusions. It reflects the difficulties associated with reading in academic settings that use the English language. The secret to succeeding in this part is consistent practice.

We make sure you feel confident and ready for the test by creating sample exams that closely resemble the structure and writing style of the real exam. You can use this test paper on “Climate Change and its effects” to practice and get immersed into the TOEFL Reading Practice Test.

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, 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. 

Climate Change and its effects

There has been an increase in global temperatures which has become one of climate change's most obvious effects. Earth's average temperature has been rising at a startling rate, which has increased the frequency and severity of heatwaves. The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is just one of the many effects of these temperature increases. As a result, there is a rise in sea level due to which there is a high risk of coastal erosion, flooding, as well as uprooting of low-lying towns.

Similarly, modification of precipitation patterns is another important effect of climate change. In places where there was consistent rainfall or continuous drought are now becoming more prevalent. Due to this fluctuation, food security, agriculture, and water supply are all affected. For example, droughts can affect the crops and create food shortages, while flooding and severe rains can threaten infrastructure in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, habitats are also being disrupted due to these patterns, causing a change in the species and their ecosystems. While some species might migrate to colder regions, other individuals could be on the verge of extinction if these situations are not in control. For example, due to their high susceptibility to changes in temperature, coral reefs are rapidly bleaching and dying, thereby having a consequence on the marine ecosystem and the standard of life for the communities which depend on them.

Higher temperatures can exacerbate heat-related illnesses and increase the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Due to changes in weather conditions, it might lead to the transmission of vector-borne diseases that includes dengue fever and malaria. Heat-related concerns with air quality might constitute more of a threat to public health.

In the 21st century, one of the most critical issues which humanity continues to face is climate change. The consequences of global warming are already evident at present from altered ecosystems and rising sea levels to a rise in severe weather events. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the issues caused by climate change and research on various possible solutions as we turn to the future.

The UN brings together governments, organisations, and stakeholders to formulate and implement climate policies. This provides a forum for discussions and decision-making on climate-related issues. The UN's duties in overseeing the execution of these agreements include monitoring progress, providing technical help, and exerting pressure on countries to raise their climate commitments. There must be steps to significantly accelerate action towards mitigating climate change and achieving global climate goals. The UN strives to ensure that international climate agreements are robust, workable, and effective.

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

Paragraph 1 

There has been an increase in global temperatures which has become one of climate change's most obvious effects. Earth's average temperature has been rising at a startling rate, which has increased the frequency and severity of heatwaves. The melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is just one of the many effects of these temperature increases. As a result, there is a rise in sea level due to which there is a high risk of coastal erosion, flooding, as well as uprooting of low-lying towns.

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of increased global temperatures in Paragraph 1?
   1. A) Melting glaciers
   2. B) Rising sea level
   3. C) Reducing hurricane intensity
   4. D) Increased frequency of heatwaves

1. The word “uprooting” in Paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to
   1. A) Establishing 
   2. B) Displacing
   3. C) Building
   4. D) Planting

Paragraph 2

Similarly, modification of precipitation patterns is another important effect of climate change. In places where there was consistent rainfall or continuous drought are now becoming more prevalent. Due to this fluctuation, food security, agriculture, and water supply are all affected. For example, droughts can affect the crops and create food shortages, while flooding and severe rains can threaten infrastructure in the surrounding area.

1. The word "fluctuation" in the paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
   1. A) Variation
   2. B) Consistency 
   3. C) Stability
   4. D) Reduction

1. According to Paragraph 2, what can be inferred about the relationship between droughts and food security?
   1. A) Droughts are beneficial for certain crops.
   2. B) Droughts can lead to enhanced food production. 
   3. C) Droughts can severely compromise food security.
   4. D) Droughts have no significant impact on food security.

Paragraph 3

Furthermore, habitats are also being disrupted due to these patterns, causing a change in the species and their ecosystems. While some species might migrate to colder regions, other individuals could be on the verge of extinction if these situations are not in control. For example, due to their high susceptibility to changes in temperature, coral reefs are rapidly bleaching and dying, thereby having a consequence on the marine ecosystem and the standard of life for the communities which depend on them.

1. Which of the following reasons can be inferred from paragraph 3 as to why coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to climate change?
   1. A) They are not affected by temperature changes.
   2. B) They thrive in high temperatures.
   3. C) They are highly susceptible to changes in temperature.
   4. D) They are primarily located in colder regions.

1. According to paragraph 3, which of the following best describes the term "bleaching" as  
   1. A) The whitening of coral due to the loss of algae.
   2. B) The process of coral turning into sand.
   3. C) The migration of coral to different regions.
   4. D) The covering of coral by underwater plants.

Paragraph 4

Higher temperatures can exacerbate heat-related illnesses and increase the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Due to changes in weather conditions, it might lead to the transmission of vector-borne diseases that includes dengue fever and malaria. Heat-related concerns with air quality might constitute more of a threat to public health.

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consequence of higher temperatures in paragraph 4?
   1. A) Increase in vector-borne diseases
   2. B) Exacerbation of heat-related illnesses
   3. C) Reduction in air quality
   4. D) Improvement in cardiovascular health

Paragraphs 5

In the 21st century, one of the most critical issues which humanity continues to face is climate change. The consequences of global warming are already evident at present from altered ecosystems and rising sea levels to a rise in severe weather events. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the issues caused by climate change and research on various possible solutions as we turn to the future

1. The word “consequences” in the paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to:
   1. A) Ignorance
   2. B) Causes
   3. C) Effects
   4. D) Prevention

Paragraph 6

The UN brings together governments, organisations, and stakeholders to formulate and implement climate policies. (A) This provides a forum for discussions and decision-making on climate-related issues. (B) The UN's duties in overseeing the execution of these agreements include monitoring progress, providing technical help, and exerting pressure on countries to raise their climate commitments. (C) There must be steps to significantly accelerate action towards mitigating climate change and achieving global climate goals. (D) The UN strives to ensure that international climate agreements are robust, workable, and effective.

Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.

1. The Paris accord is a historic global agreement which was developed under the UNFCCC's auspices to tackle climate change. 
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. A) Choice A
   2. B) Choice B
   3. C) Choice C
   4. D) Choice D

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

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Climate Climate and its effects

1.  Answer: C

Explanation:  The correct answer is option C. In paragraph 1, it discusses increasing sea levels, melting glaciers, and an increase in heat wave frequency. These are also stated as consequences of rising global temperatures. It makes no indication about reduced storm intensity. Therefore, option C is the only suitable response.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the paragraph, the term "uprooting" is used to depict the process of low-lying settlements which are being moved or removed due to increasing sea levels. It also suggests making anything move or be taken out of its original location.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. Rather of regularity, stability, or reduction, the term "fluctuation" describes shifts or variances in precipitation patterns. In other words, it suggests an unsteadiness.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. According to the paragraph 2, agricultural damage from droughts can result in food shortages and ultimately affect food security. This implies a grave consequence for food security.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The term "coral bleaching" describes the whitening of coral brought on by the disappearance of the algae that coexist in symbiosis with it. The coral's condition and hue are impacted by this algae removal.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. Coral bleaching refers to the whitening of coral caused by the loss of the algae that live in symbiosis with them. This loss of algae affects the health and color of the coral.

7. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. Concerns regarding air quality, an increase in vector-borne infections, and the aggravation of heat-related disorders are discussed in paragraph 4. It makes no indication that warmer temperatures benefit cardiovascular health.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. In this context, "consequences" refers to the effects or outcomes of global warming. It is used to depict the impacts or results of climate change.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. The sentence about the Paris Accord fits best in Choice B, which discusses the UN’s role in overseeing the execution of climate agreements and providing technical help. The Paris Accord is a specific example of a global agreement developed under the UNFCCC’s framework, making it appropriate to place it in the context of discussing the UN’s responsibilities and contributions to climate action.

Well done on completing the "Climate Change and its effects" practice test! Curious to dive deeper into TOEFL preparation? We offer an array of resources designed to enhance your skills and familiarity with the exam format. Whether it's practice tests, study guides, or tips, we're here to support your learning journey.

So, why wait? Click on the next practice test and start your journey to success!

Also Read:

• How to Prepare for TOEFL: A Definitive Guide to Effective Preparation
• Craftsmen vs Industrialization - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Social Media - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test with Sample Answers