Environmental Sociology - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

The TOEFL Reading section evaluates your ability to understand and analyze academic texts. In this task, you'll engage with a passage discussing 'The Role of Environmental Sociology.' You’ll need to comprehend the main ideas, recognize relationships between concepts, and identify key information.

By practicing reading passages like this one, you’ll improve your analytical skills and build the foundation needed to perform well on the TOEFL Reading 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.

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

Paragraph 1

Environmental sociology is a branch of sociology that examines the relationships between societies and their environments. This field appeared in the latter half of the 20th century, mainly as a response to growing concerns about environmental damage, climate change, and sustainability. Scholars in this area study how social structures, cultural norms, and economic systems shape environmental policies and practices. By analyzing these interactions, this study aims to clarify the social aspects of environmental issues, helping to inform policy-making and promote sustainable practices that can reduce environmental harm. This is especially relevant in a time with unprecedented environmental challenges.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what is the main focus of environmental sociology?
   
   
   1. The impact of climate change on economic systems
      
      
   2. The relationships between societies and their environments
      
      
   3. The historical development of sociology
      
      
   4. The role of technology in environmental issues

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as concerns that led to the emergence of environmental sociology EXCEPT:
   
   
   1. Climate change
      
      
   2. Environmental damage
      
      
   3. Economic growth
      
      
   4. Sustainability

Paragraph 2

A key concept in environmental sociology is social awareness, which encourages people to connect their personal experiences with broader social and environmental issues. For example, this view helps individuals understand how their consumption habits contribute to global environmental crises, like deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Social awareness emphasizes the importance of collective action and social responsibility in tackling these challenges. It also highlights the role of social movements in supporting environmental justice, as communities often come together to fight against the uneven impacts of environmental damage on at-risk populations. This link between individual actions and collective outcomes is crucial for building a more sustainable society.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about social awareness in environmental sociology?
   
   
   1. It discourages individual responsibility.
      
      
   2. It promotes a sense of isolation among individuals.
      
      
   3. It fosters a connection between personal actions and global issues.
      
      
   4. It is primarily concerned with economic factors.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author include the example of consumption habits in paragraph 2?
   
   
   1. To illustrate the negative effects of social movements
      
      
   2. To demonstrate the link between individual actions and global environmental crises
      
      
   3. To argue against the importance of social awareness
      
      
   4. To highlight the role of government in environmental issues

Paragraph 3 

The connection between social inequality and environmental issues is a vital area of study in environmental sociology. Research shows that low-income communities and communities of colour are unevenly affected by environmental hazards, such as toxic waste sites and industrial pollution. This situation, known as environmental injustice, raises important questions about how environmental risks and benefits are distributed. Scholars argue that widespread unfairness in power and resources worsens these differences, suggesting that addressing social inequality is key to achieving environmental fairness. For example, studies have indicated that neighbourhoods with higher amounts of minority populations often face greater exposure to hazardous waste facilities. As a result, environmental sociologists advocate for policies that not only protect the environment but also promote social justice, ensuring that all communities have fair access to a healthy environment.

Vocabulary Question

1. The term "environmental injustice" in paragraph 3 is best understood to mean:
   
   
   1. The fair distribution of environmental resources
      
      
   2. The unequal impact of environmental hazards on different communities
      
      
   3. The legal framework governing environmental policies
      
      
   4. The scientific study of environmental issues

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3?

   "Research shows that low-income communities and communities of colour are unevenly affected by environmental hazards, such as toxic waste sites and industrial pollution."

   1. Environmental hazards affect all communities equally.
      
      
   2. Low-income and minority communities face greater environmental risks.
      
      
   3. Environmental hazards are primarily a concern for wealthy communities.
      
      
   4. Communities of colour are not affected by environmental issues.

Paragraph 4 

In addition to examining social inequalities, environmental sociology looks at how cultural values and beliefs shape environmental attitudes and behaviours. Different societies have various views of nature, which can greatly influence their interactions with the environment. For instance, some cultures may see nature mainly as a resource to exploit, while others may view it as a sacred entity that deserves respect and protection. These cultural views can profoundly impact environmental policies and practices. Understanding these aspects is crucial for developing effective strategies for environmental conservation and sustainability, as they inform how communities deal with ecological issues. For example, indigenous communities often possess traditional ecological knowledge that encourages sustainable land use practices, which can serve as valuable models for modern environmental management.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   
   
   1. To discuss the economic implications of environmental policies
      
      
   2. To highlight the role of cultural values in shaping environmental attitudes
      
      
   3. To argue against the importance of indigenous knowledge
      
      
   4. To provide a historical overview of environmental sociology

Paragraph 5

The effect of globalization on environmental issues is another key focus of environmental sociology. As the world becomes more linked, the environmental results of economic activities often cross national borders. For instance, extracting natural resources in one country can lead to environmental damage in another, highlighting the need for a global perspective on environmental issues. Environmental sociologists study how global economic systems, especially capitalism, contribute to environmental harm and how transnational movements can encourage sustainable practices. This analysis often includes looking at the role of multinational corporations and their impact on local environments and communities. For example, the activities of corporations in developing countries can cause significant ecological damage, prompting local and international support for stricter environmental regulations.

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.

   "Globalization significantly influences environmental issues by linking economic activities across borders."

   Answer Choices:

   1. The extraction of natural resources can lead to environmental damage in other countries.
      
      
   2. Globalization has no impact on environmental policies.
      
      
   3. Multinational corporations often harm local environments.
      
      
   4. Environmental sociologists focus solely on local issues.

Paragraph 6

To sum up, environmental sociology offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between society and the environment. By exploring the social aspects of environmental issues, this field helps us better understand the factors that lead to ecological damage and the potential paths for achieving sustainability. As contemporary society faces urgent environmental challenges, like climate change and biodiversity loss, the insights from environmental sociology are increasingly important. The discipline not only emphasizes the need for social justice in environmental policy but also highlights the importance of collective action and cultural change to create a more sustainable future. Furthermore, as questions about the effectiveness of current environmental policies remain unresolved, the field encourages ongoing exploration of how societies can better align their practices with ecological sustainability.

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.

   "Environmental sociology also advocates for interdisciplinary approaches to tackle these issues."

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   1. To sum up, environmental sociology offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between society and the environment.
      
      
   2. By exploring the social aspects of environmental issues, this field helps us better understand the factors that lead to ecological damage and the potential paths for achieving sustainability.
      
      
   3. As contemporary society faces urgent environmental challenges, like climate change and biodiversity loss, the insights from environmental sociology are increasingly important.
      
      
   4. Furthermore, as questions about the effectiveness of current environmental policies remain unresolved, the field encourages ongoing exploration of how societies can better align their practices with ecological sustainability.

Purpose of the Passage 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.

   "Environmental sociology examines the relationships between societies and their environments, focusing on social awareness and inequality."

   Answer Choices:

   1. The field highlights the importance of cultural values in shaping environmental attitudes.
      
      
   2. Environmental sociology is solely concerned with economic factors.
      
      
   3. It advocates for policies that promote both environmental protection and social justice.
      
      
   4. Globalization has no significant impact on environmental issues. 
      
      
   5. The discipline encourages collective action to address urgent environmental challenges.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Environmental Sociology

1. Answer: B. 

Explanation:The passage clearly states that environmental sociology focuses on examining the relationships between societies and their environments. This is the central theme of the first paragraph, which outlines the field's purpose and relevance in addressing environmental issues.

2. Answer: C. 

Explanation:The passage lists climate change, environmental damage, and sustainability as concerns that led to the emergence of environmental sociology. Economic growth is not mentioned as a concern in this context, making it the correct answer for the exception.

3. Answer: C

Explanation:The passage describes social awareness as a concept that encourages individuals to link their personal experiences with broader environmental issues. This connection is essential for understanding how individual consumption habits contribute to global crises, indicating that social awareness promotes a sense of responsibility.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The example of consumption habits is used to illustrate how personal choices can have significant impacts on global environmental issues. This reinforces the idea that individual actions are interconnected with larger environmental challenges, which is a key point in the discussion of social awareness.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "environmental injustice" refers to the disproportionate effects of environmental hazards on marginalized communities, as explained in the passage. This definition aligns with the idea of unequal distribution of environmental risks and benefits.

6. Answer: B

Explanation:This sentence succinctly captures the essence of the original text, which highlights that low-income and minority communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. It conveys the main idea without unnecessary details.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The main purpose of paragraph 4 is to discuss how different cultural values and beliefs influence societies' interactions with the environment. This focus on cultural perspectives is crucial for understanding environmental attitudes and practices.

8. Answer: A. 

Answer: C.

Explanation: Both A and C express key ideas from paragraph 5. A highlights the cross-border environmental impacts of resource extraction, while C addresses the role of multinational corporations in causing ecological damage, both of which are central themes in the discussion of globalization's effects on the environment.

9. Answer: C.

Explanation:The sentence about advocating for interdisciplinary approaches fits best after the mention of urgent environmental challenges. It complements the idea that addressing these complex issues requires collaboration across various fields, enhancing the overall message of the paragraph.

10. Answer: A. 

Answer: C

Answer: E.

Explanation: These three choices encapsulate the main ideas of the passage. A emphasizes the role of cultural values, C highlights the advocacy for social justice alongside environmental protection, and E underscores the importance of collective action in tackling pressing environmental issues.

Working through reading passages like 'The Role of Environmental Sociology' will help you develop the critical reading skills necessary for academic success. Being able to grasp and interpret complex texts is essential for excelling in the TOEFL Reading section.

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