Environment - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key

The TOEFL Reading section is a key part of the TOEFL exam, measuring your ability to understand and analyze academic texts in English. It can seem challenging, but there’s no need to stress! Our practice tests are designed to closely replicate the actual TOEFL Reading section, including the same question format and writing styles. This approach helps you become familiar with the test and boosts your confidence. By regularly practicing with these tests, you'll improve your ability to analyze complex academic texts and quickly identify important information in the passages.

Let's get started with this TOEFL Reading Practice Test on the topic of "Environment" to identify areas for improvement and strengthen our skills!

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. 

Environment

Paragraph 1

In recent years, there has been a surge of information concerning the influence of buildings on the natural environment. This information elucidates and advocates for green and sustainable construction design, aiming to persuade others of its effectiveness while cautioning against the perils of disregarding the issue. However, these documents rarely provide guidance to practitioners, such as those involved in designing mechanical and electrical systems for buildings, on how to apply this knowledge in a practical manner.

1. According to paragraph 1, what is one thing that these documents rarely provide?
   1. Information about the influence of buildings on the environment
   2. Guidance on practical application for practitioners
   3. Advocacy for green and sustainable construction design
   4. Warnings about the perils of ignoring environmental issues

1. What can be inferred about the current state of guidance available for mechanical and electrical system designers in the context of green construction?
   1. They have ample guidance available.
   2. They are often left without practical application advice.
   3. They are well-informed about the benefits of green construction.
   4. They are disinterested in sustainable design practices.

Paragraph 2

While "green" and "sustainable" are often used interchangeably due to their association with nature, the term "green" does not encompass the entirety of sustainability. Sustainability involves minimizing the adverse effects of human activities on the natural environment, particularly those with long-lasting and irreversible consequences. Some aspects of green design may align with sustainability goals, such as reducing energy consumption and pollution. However, other green design elements, like ensuring indoor air quality, may not directly impact ecological balance.

1. What is the most appropriate synonym for "encompass" as highlighted in the paragraph?
   1. Neglect
   2. Include
   3. Oppose
   4. Simplify

1. According to paragraph 2, what is one way that green design can contribute to sustainability?
   1. Ensuring indoor air quality
   2. Increasing human activity
   3. Reducing energy consumption
   4. Maximizing pollution levels

Paragraph 4

The commissioning process is crucial for ensuring that the owner's requirements regarding design, costs, and risk are met. During the predesign phase, the owner's objectives, criteria, and desired design are discussed and documented. This serves as a solid foundation for the design team to develop their ideas and provides a clear benchmark for evaluating various elements such as costs, design, and environmental impact.

1. What is the primary purpose of the paragraph?
   1. To highlight the environmental benefits of green design
   2. To explain the commissioning process and its importance in meeting the owner's requirements
   3. To compare different design approaches in construction
   4. To discuss the financial implications of building design decisions

Paragraph 5

Owners who overlook the commissioning process or neglect to consider "green" issues often encounter problems once their building is operational. While materials and equipment may initially seem to meet their needs, issues such as higher operational and maintenance costs and occupant dissatisfaction may arise over time. These factors can lead to increased ownership costs and a greater environmental impact in the long run.

1. What can be inferred about the long-term impact of neglecting the commissioning process and green issues?
   1. It may result in immediate operational success.
   2. It likely leads to higher long-term costs and environmental impact.
   3. It guarantees lower maintenance expenses.
   4. It ensures occupant satisfaction over time.

1. According to the paragraph, what are some problems owners might face if they neglect the commissioning process and green issues?
   1. Immediate equipment failure and construction delays
   2. Higher operational and maintenance costs and occupant dissatisfaction
   3. Lower environmental impact and reduced ownership costs
   4. Decreased need for future renovations and repairs

Paragraph 7

Generally, when contemplating a green approach, owners inquire about additional costs, return on investment, and the extent to which green design should influence decision-making in the design process. Many of these costs stem from enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, including the owner, design professionals, contractors, and end-users. However, in green design, such collaboration is essential from the outset, necessitating increased coordination and, consequently, additional expenditure. Although clients may initially hesitate due to these added costs, it is incumbent upon the project team to assess the client's level of interest in green design and provide corresponding services.

1. What does the word "incumbent" most closely mean in the context of the paragraph?
   1. Optional
   2. Unnecessary
   3. Obligatory
   4. Irrelevant

Paragraph 2

While "green" and "sustainable" are often used interchangeably due to their association with nature, the term "green" does not encompass the entirety of sustainability. (A) Sustainability involves minimizing the adverse effects of human activities on the natural environment, particularly those with long-lasting and irreversible consequences. (B) Some aspects of green design may align with sustainability goals, such as reducing energy consumption and pollution. (C) However, other green design elements, like ensuring indoor air quality, may not directly impact ecological balance. (D)

1. Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   Sustainability is a broader concept that includes all measures to reduce human impact on the environment, not just those with immediate benefits.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Heads up! Before you check your answers, take a quick look at the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Environment

1.  Answer: B
Explanation: This is a fact-based question. The correct answer is B) Guidance on practical application for practitioners. Paragraph 1 highlights that while the documents provide a lot of information about the influence of buildings on the environment and advocate for sustainable construction, they seldom offer practical guidance to professionals like those designing mechanical and electrical systems for buildings.

2. Answer: B
Explanation: This is an inference question. The correct answer is B) They are often left without practical application advice. The passage suggests that while there is an abundance of information and advocacy for green construction, there is a notable lack of practical guidance for practitioners, indicating that mechanical and electrical system designers might struggle to find useful, practical advice for applying sustainable design principles in their work.

3. Answer: B
Explanation: This is a vocabulary question. The correct answer is B) Include. The term "encompass" means to include or contain something as a part of a whole. In the context of the paragraph, it is stated that the term "green" does not encompass the entirety of sustainability, meaning it does not include all aspects of sustainability.

4. Answer: C
Explanation: This is a fact-based question. The correct answer is C) Reducing energy consumption. The paragraph mentions that some aspects of green design align with sustainability goals, specifically citing the reduction of energy consumption and pollution as examples of how green design can contribute to sustainability.

5. Answer: B
Explanation: This is a rhetorical purpose question. The correct answer is B) To explain the commissioning process and its importance in meeting the owner's requirements. The paragraph describes how the commissioning process ensures that the owner's objectives regarding design, costs, and risks are met, indicating its crucial role in the overall project.

6. Answer: B
Explanation: This is an inference question. The correct answer is B) It likely leads to higher long-term costs and environmental impact. The paragraph suggests that neglecting the commissioning process or green issues can lead to problems such as higher operational and maintenance costs and occupant dissatisfaction, which, over time, result in increased ownership costs and a greater environmental impact.

7. Answer: B
Explanation: This is a fact-based question. The correct answer is B) Higher operational and maintenance costs and occupant dissatisfaction. The paragraph explicitly states that neglecting the commissioning process or green issues can result in higher operational and maintenance costs and occupant dissatisfaction, leading to increased ownership costs and a greater environmental impact in the long run.

8. Answer: C
Explanation: This is a vocabulary question. The correct answer is C) Obligatory. In the context of the paragraph, "incumbent" refers to something that is necessary or required. It suggests that it is the responsibility of the project team to assess the client's interest in green design and provide the necessary services, making it obligatory for the project team to take these steps.

9. Answer: A
Explanation: This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. Among the four possible answer choices provided in paragraph 2, the sentence "Sustainability is a broader concept that includes all measures to reduce human impact on the environment, not just those with immediate benefits," is most fittingly inserted in choice (A).

Choice A fits best after explaining that "green" does not encompass the entirety of sustainability. It elaborates on the idea that sustainability is a broader concept that includes a wide range of measures to reduce human impact on the environment, providing a clearer distinction between "green" and "sustainable."

Choice B is incorrect because the sentence would disrupt the flow of explaining what sustainability involves. The paragraph is already transitioning smoothly to define sustainability's objectives.

Choice C is incorrect because it would break the continuity between the general explanation of sustainability and specific examples of how green design aligns with sustainability goals.

Choice D is incorrect because it would separate the discussion of green design elements that do and do not impact ecological balance, making the paragraph less coherent.

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