Endangered Species - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Proficiency in reading academic texts is essential for success in the TOEFL Reading section, which reflects the demands of English-speaking academic settings. This section assesses your ability to locate main ideas, extract details, make inferences, and grasp text structure. Regular practice is key to improvement.

Our practice tests simulate the TOEFL’s format, preparing you thoroughly for the test. Try the "Endangered Species" TOEFL Practice Test to become accustomed to the exam format and identify where you can improve.

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.

The issue of endangered species has gained significant focus in recent decades, mainly due to the concerning speed at which various species are disappearing from our planet. An endangered species is defined as one that is at risk of extinction due to many factors, including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 28,000 species are currently classified as endangered, highlighting the urgent need for thorough conservation actions. The loss of a variety of life not only threatens the survival of individual species but also disrupts ecosystems, which can have far-reaching effects on human health and well-being. This connection raises critical questions about humanity's ethical responsibilities in preserving the natural world.

One of the main causes of species endangerment is habitat destruction, often resulting from human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. For example, the Amazon rainforest, which is home to about 10% of all known species, is being destroyed at an alarming rate. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that approximately 17% of the Amazon has been lost in the last fifty years, leading to the endangerment of many species, including the jaguar and the Amazon river dolphin. As habitats are broken apart or destroyed, the remaining populations of these species become isolated, making it harder for them to reproduce and thrive. Critics argue that while habitat preservation is crucial, it must be paired with eco-friendly development methods to ensure long-term sustainability.

Climate change also plays an important role in the threat to species. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can alter habitats and food availability, forcing species to adapt or face extinction. For example, polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting seals, are experiencing notable population drops as the Arctic ice melts due to global warming. The National Snow and Ice Data Center has reported that the Arctic sea ice extent has decreased by about 40% since the late 1970s. This loss of habitat not only threatens the polar bear population but also disrupts the entire Arctic ecosystem, affecting other species that depend on the same surroundings. Some scientists suggest that adjustment methods, such as moving to cooler areas, may offer a solution, but these methods are often hindered by human intrusion and habitat fragmentation.

In addition to habitat loss and climate change, poaching remains a major threat to many endangered species. The unlawful animal trade, driven by demand for animal parts such as ivory, fur, and traditional medicine, has led to the severe decline of species like elephants and rhinoceroses. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the unlawful trade in wildlife is worth an estimated $23 billion each year, making it one of the most profitable illegal activities in the world. Efforts to combat poaching have included stricter enforcement of laws, increased penalties for offenders, and international cooperation to break down trafficking networks. However, these measures often face challenges due to dishonesty and not enough resources in affected regions. Some conservationists argue that local initiatives, that involve local populations in conservation efforts, may yield more sustainable results.

Conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species have taken various forms, including the establishment of protected areas, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, serve as safe havens for endangered species, allowing them to thrive in their natural surroundings. For example, the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in the United States has helped the recovery of the grey wolf population, which was once on the brink of extinction. Additionally, captive breeding programs have been successful in increasing the populations of species like the California condor and the Arabian oryx, which were once critically endangered. Public awareness campaigns play an important role in educating communities about the importance of variety of life and the need for conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility towards protecting endangered species. However, the effectiveness of these campaigns often depends on cultural attitudes and economic conditions in different regions.

The importance of preserving endangered species goes beyond the immediate environmental advantages. A variety of life contributes to ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. Furthermore, many cultures around the world hold inherent values associated with wildlife, viewing them as symbols of heritage and identity. Therefore, the loss of species can lead to cultural and spiritual consequences. While the challenges of conserving endangered species are tough, the combined efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities can lead to positive outcomes. The ongoing discussion surrounding endangered species serves as a reminder of our connection with the natural world and the responsibility we have to ensure its preservation for future generations. Nevertheless, questions remain about the most effective strategies for conservation, particularly in the face of rapid environmental change and economic and social challenges.

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

Paragraph 1

The issue of endangered species has gained significant focus in recent decades, mainly due to the concerning speed at which various species are disappearing from our planet. An endangered species is defined as one that is at risk of extinction due to many factors, including habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 28,000 species are currently classified as endangered, highlighting the urgent need for thorough conservation actions. The loss of a variety of life not only threatens the survival of individual species but also disrupts ecosystems, which can have far-reaching effects on human health and well-being. This connection raises critical questions about humanity's ethical responsibilities in preserving the natural world.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what is the definition of an endangered species?
   1. A species that is thriving in its natural habitat.
   2. A species that is at risk of extinction due to various factors.
   3. A species that has been successfully conserved.
   4. A species that is only found in zoos.

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as factors contributing to species endangerment EXCEPT:
   1. Habitat loss
   2. Climate change
   3. Overpopulation of species
   4. Pollution

Paragraph 2

One of the main causes of species endangerment is habitat destruction, often resulting from human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion. For example, the Amazon rainforest, which is home to about 10% of all known species, is being destroyed at an alarming rate. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that approximately 17% of the Amazon has been lost in the last fifty years, leading to the endangerment of many species, including the jaguar and the Amazon river dolphin. As habitats are broken apart or destroyed, the remaining populations of these species become isolated, making it harder for them to reproduce and thrive. Critics argue that while habitat preservation is crucial, it must be paired with eco-friendly development methods to ensure long-term sustainability.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of habitat destruction on species?
   1. It has no significant effect on species populations.
   2. It can lead to isolation and decreased reproduction rates.
   3. It primarily affects only large mammals.
   4. It is easily reversible with conservation efforts.

Paragraph 3

Climate change also plays an important role in the threat to species. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can alter habitats and food availability, forcing species to adapt or face extinction. For example, polar bears, which rely on sea ice for hunting seals, are experiencing notable population drops as the Arctic ice melts due to global warming. The National Snow and Ice Data Center has reported that the Arctic sea ice extent has decreased by about 40% since the late 1970s. This loss of habitat not only threatens the polar bear population but also disrupts the entire Arctic ecosystem, affecting other species that depend on the same surroundings. Some scientists suggest that adjustment methods, such as moving to cooler areas, may offer a solution, but these methods are often hindered by human intrusion and habitat fragmentation.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author include the example of polar bears in paragraph 3?
   1. To illustrate the effects of climate change on a specific species.
   2. To argue against the existence of climate change.
   3. To highlight the importance of hunting seals.
   4. To suggest that all species can adapt to climate change.

Paragraph 4

In addition to habitat loss and climate change, poaching remains a major threat to many endangered species. The unlawful animal trade, driven by demand for animal parts such as ivory, fur, and traditional medicine, has led to the severe decline of species like elephants and rhinoceroses. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the unlawful trade in wildlife is worth an estimated $23 billion each year, making it one of the most profitable illegal activities in the world. Efforts to combat poaching have included stricter enforcement of laws, increased penalties for offenders, and international cooperation to break down trafficking networks. However, these measures often face challenges due to dishonesty and not enough resources in affected regions. Some conservationists argue that local initiatives, that involve local populations in conservation efforts, may yield more sustainable results.

Vocabulary Question

1. In paragraph 4, the word "unlawful" is closest in meaning to:
   1. Legal
   2. Illegal
   3. Uncommon
   4. Unethical

Paragraph 5

Conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered species have taken various forms, including the establishment of protected areas, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. Protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife reserves, serve as safe havens for endangered species, allowing them to thrive in their natural surroundings. For example, the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in the United States has helped the recovery of the grey wolf population, which was once on the brink of extinction. Additionally, captive breeding programs have been successful in increasing the populations of species like the California condor and the Arabian oryx, which were once critically endangered. Public awareness campaigns play an important role in educating communities about the importance of variety of life and the need for conservation, fostering a sense of responsibility towards protecting endangered species. However, the effectiveness of these campaigns often depends on cultural attitudes and economic conditions in different regions.

Sentence Simplification Question

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

"Conservation efforts have included protected areas, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns to help endangered species recover."

1. 1. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of endangered species.
   2. Various strategies are employed to protect endangered species.
   3. Protected areas are the only effective method for conservation.
   4. Breeding programs are the most important conservation effort.

Paragraph 6

The importance of preserving endangered species goes beyond the immediate environmental advantages. A variety of life contributes to ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. Furthermore, many cultures around the world hold inherent values associated with wildlife, viewing them as symbols of heritage and identity. Therefore, the loss of species can lead to cultural and spiritual consequences. While the challenges of conserving endangered species are tough, the combined efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities can lead to positive outcomes. The ongoing discussion surrounding endangered species serves as a reminder of our connection with the natural world and the responsibility we have to ensure its preservation for future generations. Nevertheless, questions remain about the most effective strategies for conservation, particularly in the face of rapid environmental change and economic and social challenges.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   1. To discuss the economic benefits of preserving endangered species.
   2. To highlight the cultural significance of wildlife and the need for conservation.
   3. To argue against the importance of biodiversity.
   4. To suggest that conservation efforts are futile.

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.

"Conservation efforts must also consider the social and economic contexts of local communities." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

The importance of preserving endangered species goes beyond the immediate environmental advantages. (A) A variety of life contributes to ecosystem services that are essential for human survival, including clean air and water, pollination of crops, and climate regulation. (B) Furthermore, many cultures around the world hold inherent values associated with wildlife, viewing them as symbols of heritage and identity. (C) Therefore, the loss of species can lead to cultural and spiritual consequences. (D) While the challenges of conserving endangered species are tough, the combined efforts of governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities can lead to positive outcomes.  

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 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.

"The passage discusses the various factors contributing to the endangerment of species and the importance of conservation efforts."

1. 1. Habitat destruction and climate change are significant threats to many species.
   2. The illegal wildlife trade is a minor issue compared to habitat loss.
   3. Conservation efforts can take many forms, including protected areas and public awareness campaigns.
   4. The loss of biodiversity can have serious consequences for human health and cultural identity.

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 - Endangered Species

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage clearly defines an endangered species as one that is at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution. This definition is explicitly stated in the first paragraph, making option B the correct choice.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage lists habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and pollution as factors contributing to species endangerment. Overpopulation of species is not mentioned as a contributing factor, making option C the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses how habitat destruction leads to the isolation of species populations, making it harder for them to reproduce and thrive. This inference aligns with the information provided in paragraph 2, confirming option B as the correct choice.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: The example of polar bears is used to demonstrate the direct impact of climate change on a specific species, particularly how melting Arctic ice affects their hunting and population. This clearly supports option A.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "unlawful" directly refers to actions that are against the law, which aligns with the meaning of "illegal." Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence summarizes the various conservation efforts mentioned in paragraph 5, including protected areas, breeding programs, and public awareness campaigns. Option B captures the essence of the paragraph effectively.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 6 emphasizes the cultural and spiritual consequences of losing species, as well as the importance of biodiversity for human survival. This focus on cultural significance aligns with option B.

8. Answer: D

Explanation: The missing sentence about considering social and economic contexts fits best after discussing the challenges of conservation, as it logically follows the mention of combined efforts leading to positive outcomes. Thus, option D is the correct placement.

9. Answer: Options A, C, and D

Explanation: Options A, C, and D capture the main ideas of the passage regarding threats to species and the importance of conservation, making them the correct choices for the summary.

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