El Niño - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Mastering academic reading is fundamental to succeeding in the TOEFL Reading section, designed to emulate the reading demands of English-speaking academic settings. This part of the test examines skills like identifying central ideas, locating details, making inferences, and understanding text structure. Regular practice is the way to excel.

Our practice tests are structured to closely match the real TOEFL, ensuring you feel prepared and confident. Take on our "El Niño" passage TOEFL Practice Test to get familiar with the exam format and pinpoint areas for enhancement!

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.

El Nio is a complex weather-related event marked by the regular warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This event typically happens every two to seven years and can last from nine months to two years. The term "El Nio," which means "the little boy" in Spanish, was originally used by fishermen along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador to describe the warm ocean current that appeared around Christmas time. Over the years, scientists have come to understand that El Nio is part of a larger climate pattern known as the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which includes both El Nio and its opposite, La Nia, marked by cooler ocean temperatures. The connection between these events significantly affects global weather patterns, making their study crucial for understanding climate changeability.

The mechanisms behind El Nio are complex and involve linked interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. During a typical year, trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific Ocean, pushing warm surface waters toward Asia and allowing cooler waters to rise near the Americas. However, during an El Nio event, these trade winds weaken or even reverse, causing warm water to gather in the central and eastern Pacific. This shift not only changes ocean temperatures but also disrupts movement patterns in the atmosphere, leading to important changes in weather conditions around the world. For example, regions that usually have dry weather may face increased rainfall, while areas used to wet conditions may suffer dry spells. As a result, the effects of El Nio extend far beyond the Pacific region, affecting weather systems globally.

The impacts of El Nio are wide-ranging and can have serious effects on global weather patterns, agriculture, and economies. In North America, for example, the event is often linked to wetter winters in the southern United States and drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest. Alternatively, countries in the western Pacific, such as Indonesia and Australia, frequently experience dry spells and a higher risk of wildfires during El Nio years. The agricultural sector is particularly at risk, as changes in rainfall and temperature can negatively affect crop yields. For instance, the 1997-1998 El Nio event led to significant losses in rice and corn production in various countries, highlighting the economic effects of this climatic event. Furthermore, the fishing industry, especially along the coasts of Peru, suffers due to the disruption of marine environments, which are sensitive to changes in water temperature.

While the immediate effects of El Nio are often dramatic, its long-term effects are equally important. Research shows that the event can influence the frequency and strength of tropical storms. For example, during El Nio years, the eastern Pacific tends to see an increase in hurricane activity, while the Atlantic Ocean may experience a decrease. This shift can be attributed to changes in wind patterns and ocean temperatures, which affect the conditions necessary for storm formation. Consequently, understanding El Nio is crucial for improving forecasting models of tropical storms and reducing their potential impacts on coastal communities. But it is important to note that the relationship between El Nio and tropical storms is not straightforward; other factors, such as air pressure and ocean conditions, also play critical roles.

Despite the advancements in understanding El Nio, many questions remain about its underlying causes and future behavior. Some scientists suggest that climate change may be altering the frequency and strength of El Nio events, potentially leading to more extreme weather patterns. For instance, a study published in 2019 indicated that the warming of the ocean could increase the likelihood of stronger El Nio events, which would have chain reaction effects on global weather systems. However, the relationship between climate change and El Nio is complex and not yet fully understood. Some researchers argue that while climate change may influence the strength of El Nio, it is not the only factor, as natural changeability also plays a significant role. This ongoing debate highlights the need for further research to unravel these connections and improve forecasting capabilities.

In conclusion, El Nio is an important climatic event with wide-ranging effects on global weather patterns, agriculture, and natural disasters. Its complex interaction between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions underscores the importance of continued research in this area. As climate change progresses, understanding the subtleties of El Nio will be essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impacts. The event serves as a reminder of the connection of Earth's systems and the need for a comprehensive approach to climate science. Also, as unanswered questions about its future behavior continue to pose challenges for scientists and policymakers alike, the study of El Nio remains a vital area of inquiry in the quest to understand and adapt to our changing climate.

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

Paragraph 1

El Nio is a complex weather-related event marked by the regular warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This event typically happens every two to seven years and can last from nine months to two years. The term "El Nio," which means "the little boy" in Spanish, was originally used by fishermen along the coasts of Peru and Ecuador to describe the warm ocean current that appeared around Christmas time. Over the years, scientists have come to understand that El Nio is part of a larger climate pattern known as the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which includes both El Nio and its opposite, La Nia, marked by cooler ocean temperatures. The connection between these events significantly affects global weather patterns, making their study crucial for understanding climate changeability.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, how often does El Nio typically occur?
   1. Every year
   2. Every two to seven years
   3. Every five to ten years
   4. Every month

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following about El Nio EXCEPT:
   1. It is part of the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
   2. It is associated with cooler ocean temperatures.
   3. It can last from nine months to two years.
   4. It was named by fishermen in Peru and Ecuador.

Paragraph 2

The mechanisms behind El Nio are complex and involve linked interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere. During a typical year, trade winds blow from east to west across the Pacific Ocean, pushing warm surface waters toward Asia and allowing cooler waters to rise near the Americas. However, during an El Nio event, these trade winds weaken or even reverse, causing warm water to gather in the central and eastern Pacific. This shift not only changes ocean temperatures but also disrupts movement patterns in the atmosphere, leading to important changes in weather conditions around the world. For example, regions that usually have dry weather may face increased rainfall, while areas used to wet conditions may suffer dry spells. As a result, the effects of El Nio extend far beyond the Pacific region, affecting weather systems globally.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of El Nio on global weather patterns?
   1. It only affects the Pacific region.
   2. It has no significant impact on weather conditions.
   3. It can lead to both increased rainfall and dry spells in different regions.
   4. It only causes dry conditions in the Americas.

Paragraph 3

The impacts of El Nio are wide-ranging and can have serious effects on global weather patterns, agriculture, and economies. In North America, for example, the event is often linked to wetter winters in the southern United States and drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest. Alternatively, countries in the western Pacific, such as Indonesia and Australia, frequently experience dry spells and a higher risk of wildfires during El Nio years. The agricultural sector is particularly at risk, as changes in rainfall and temperature can negatively affect crop yields. For instance, the 1997-1998 El Nio event led to significant losses in rice and corn production in various countries, highlighting the economic effects of this climatic event. Furthermore, the fishing industry, especially along the coasts of Peru, suffers due to the disruption of marine environments, which are sensitive to changes in water temperature.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author provide examples of the impacts of El Nio on agriculture and the fishing industry in paragraph 3?
   1. To illustrate the economic importance of these sectors.
   2. To emphasise the severity of El Nio's effects on global weather.
   3. To show that El Nio only affects certain regions.
   4. To argue that El Nio is a natural phenomenon.

Paragraph 4

While the immediate effects of El Nio are often dramatic, its long-term effects are equally important. Research shows that the event can influence the frequency and strength of tropical storms. For example, during El Nio years, the eastern Pacific tends to see an increase in hurricane activity, while the Atlantic Ocean may experience a decrease. This shift can be attributed to changes in wind patterns and ocean temperatures, which affect the conditions necessary for storm formation. Consequently, understanding El Nio is crucial for improving forecasting models of tropical storms and reducing their potential impacts on coastal communities. But it is important to note that the relationship between El Nio and tropical storms is not straightforward; other factors, such as air pressure and ocean conditions, also play critical roles.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "dramatic" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Subtle
   2. Significant
   3. Unnoticeable
   4. Predictable

Paragraph 5

Despite the advancements in understanding El Nio, many questions remain about its underlying causes and future behavior. Some scientists suggest that climate change may be altering the frequency and strength of El Nio events, potentially leading to more extreme weather patterns. For instance, a study published in 2019 indicated that the warming of the ocean could increase the likelihood of stronger El Nio events, which would have chain reaction effects on global weather systems. However, the relationship between climate change and El Nio is complex and not yet fully understood. Some researchers argue that while climate change may influence the strength of El Nio, it is not the only factor, as natural changeability also plays a significant role. This ongoing debate highlights the need for further research to unravel these connections and improve forecasting capabilities.

Sentence Simplification Question

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

"Some scientists suggest that climate change may be altering the frequency and strength of El Nio events, potentially leading to more extreme weather patterns."

1. 1. Climate change is believed to have no effect on El Nio events.
   2. Climate change may be changing how often and how strong El Nio events occur.
   3. El Nio events are becoming less frequent due to climate change.
   4. The frequency of El Nio events is stable despite climate change.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, El Nio is an important climatic event with wide-ranging effects on global weather patterns, agriculture, and natural disasters. Its complex interaction between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions underscores the importance of continued research in this area. As climate change progresses, understanding the subtleties of El Nio will be essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impacts. The event serves as a reminder of the connection of Earth's systems and the need for a comprehensive approach to climate science. Also, as unanswered questions about its future behavior continue to pose challenges for scientists and policymakers alike, the study of El Nio remains a vital area of inquiry in the quest to understand and adapt to our changing climate.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   1. To summarise the effects of El Nio on agriculture.
   2. To highlight the importance of studying El Nio in the context of climate change.
   3. To discuss the historical significance of El Nio.
   4. To explain the mechanisms behind El Nio.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 6, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

"Understanding these interactions is crucial for effective climate policy." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

In conclusion, El Nio is an important climatic event with wide-ranging effects on global weather patterns, agriculture, and natural disasters. (A) Its complex interaction between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions underscores the importance of continued research in this area. (B) As climate change progresses, understanding the subtleties of El Nio will be essential for developing effective strategies to reduce its impacts. (C) The event serves as a reminder of the connection of Earth's systems and the need for a comprehensive approach to climate science. (D)

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

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of paragraph 5 is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the TWO answer choices that express the most important ideas in the paragraph.

"El Nio is a significant climatic phenomenon that affects global weather patterns and ecosystems."

1. 1. El Nio is part of a larger climate pattern known as the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
   2. The impacts of El Nio are primarily limited to the Pacific region.
   3. Changes in ocean temperatures during El Nio can lead to extreme weather events worldwide.
   4. Understanding El Nio is essential for improving forecasting models and climate policy.

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - El Niño

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage states that El Nio typically occurs every two to seven years. This information is clearly presented in the first paragraph, making option B the correct choice. The other options do not align with the information provided in the text.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: While the passage discusses El Nio's connection to the El Nio-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and mentions La Nia, which is associated with cooler ocean temperatures, it does not state that El Nio itself is associated with cooler temperatures. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it is the only statement not supported by the text.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage explains that El Nio can cause regions that usually experience dry weather to face increased rainfall, while areas accustomed to wet conditions may suffer from dry spells. This indicates that El Nio has a diverse impact on weather patterns globally, making option C the most accurate inference.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: The author discusses the significant economic impacts of El Nio on agriculture and the fishing industry to highlight how these sectors are affected by climatic changes. This serves to underscore the broader implications of El Nio beyond just weather patterns, making option A the correct choice.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "dramatic" refers to notable or significant changes in the effects of El Nio. Therefore, option B is the best synonym, as it conveys the idea of importance and impact.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: This option accurately summarises the main idea of the sentence regarding the potential influence of climate change on the frequency and intensity of El Nio events. The other options either misrepresent the information or contradict it.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The concluding paragraph emphasises the significance of understanding El Nio, especially as climate change progresses. It stresses the need for continued research and the implications for climate policy, making option B the most fitting choice.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The missing sentence about the importance of understanding interactions fits best after the statement about the complex interaction between ocean temperatures and atmospheric conditions. This placement reinforces the idea that understanding these interactions is crucial for effective climate policy.

9. Answer: Options A, C, and D. 

Explanation: Options A, C, and D all capture key ideas from the passage. Option A discusses El Nio's classification within ENSO, option C highlights its global impact on extreme weather, and option D underscores the importance of understanding El Nio for forecasting and policy. Option B is incorrect as it inaccurately limits the impacts of El Nio.

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