Feeling apprehensive about the TOEFL iBT^® Reading section? We understand!  Taking practice tests is a powerful strategy to boost your confidence and excel in this section.

These practice tests are designed to closely resemble the actual TOEFL Reading section, including the question format and writing style.  This familiarity will help you feel comfortable and prepared on test day. By consistently practicing with these resources, you'll develop your ability to comprehensively analyze complex academic texts and efficiently identify crucial information within the passages.

Therefore, let’s take up this TOEFL Practice Test on the topic - Facial Expressions and Emotions - for a better understanding of the areas we need to improve!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 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. 

Happiness and sorrow are emotions universally felt across diverse cultures. However, discerning these emotions in others can be challenging. Interestingly, many expressions are believed to be universal. Smiling, for instance, universally signifies warmth and acceptance, while baring the teeth in a hostile way is often associated with anger, a notion observed by Charles Darwin. Darwin postulated that these universally recognized facial expressions conferred survival advantages. For example, facial expressions can help by signaling threats or alliances, particularly in the absence of verbal communication.

Most researchers are in consensus that certain facial expressions convey consistent emotions universally. Furthermore, individuals from various cultural backgrounds can discern the emotions conveyed by these facial expressions. In a seminal study, Paul Ekman captured photographs depicting emotions like anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness, and individuals worldwide accurately identified these emotions. This included diverse groups such as European college students and members of the Fore tribe from New Guinea, indicating a universal understanding of facial expressions across cultures. Additionally, the Fore tribe exhibited similar facial expressions when prompted to imagine emotional scenarios, further supporting the universality of facial expressions. Ekman and his colleagues replicated these findings in a recent study involving participants from ten different cultures, demonstrating consensus on the interpretation of multiple emotions conveyed by facial expressions.

Psychological researchers widely acknowledge that facial expressions serve as indicators of emotional states. Notably, specific emotional states elicit distinct patterns of electrical activity in both facial muscles and the brain. However, the facial-feedback hypothesis posits that the relationship between emotions and facial expressions can also be reciprocal. According to this hypothesis, signals from facial muscles feedback to the brain's emotion centers, potentially influencing an individual's emotional state. Charles Darwin's insight supports this notion, suggesting that outward expression of emotions can intensify or soften them. For instance, can smiling induce feelings of goodwill, while frowning prompts anger?

Psychological research has yielded intriguing insights into the facial feedback hypothesis. For instance, inducing participants to smile in experiments results in them reporting more positive emotions and rating cartoons as funnier. Conversely, when prompted to frown, participants tend to rate cartoons as more aggressive.

What potential connections exist between facial expressions and emotions? One connection involves arousal, the level of readiness for activity in an organism. Intense facial muscle contractions, such as those seen in expressions of fear, increase arousal levels. This heightened arousal, in turn, enhances emotional activity. Additionally, changes in brain temperature and the release of neurotransmitters may play a role. Facial muscle contractions not only reflect but also influence internal emotional states. Ekman's research highlights the Duchenne smile, characterized by "crow’s-feet" wrinkles around the eyes and a subtle eye cover fold drop, as capable of eliciting pleasant feelings.

Ekman's findings could shed light on the British adage "keep a stiff upper lip"¹ suggesting it as advice for managing stress. Maintaining a "stiff" upper lip may serve to suppress emotional reactions, particularly if the lip remains steady without trembling from fear or tension. However, when emotions leading to a stiff upper lip are more intense and involve significant muscle tension, facial feedback could amplify emotional responses.

1. “keep a stiff upper lip”: Refrain from displaying emotions during challenging circumstances.

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

Paragraph 1

Happiness and sorrow are emotions universally felt across diverse cultures. However, discerning these emotions in others can be challenging. Interestingly, many expressions are believed to be universal. Smiling, for instance, universally signifies warmth and acceptance, while baring the teeth in a hostile way is often associated with anger, a notion observed by Charles Darwin. Darwin postulated that these universally recognized facial expressions conferred survival advantages. For example, facial expressions can help by signaling threats or alliances, particularly in the absence of verbal communication.

1. The author refers to "Baring the teeth in a hostile way" to:
   1. Distinguish a potential interpretation of a specific facial expression from alternative interpretations.
   2. Substantiate Darwin's evolutionary theory.
   3. Illustrate a facial expression with universally recognized significance.
   4. Compare a facial expression with clear meaning to other less comprehensible expressions.

Paragraph 2

Most researchers are in consensus that certain facial expressions convey consistent emotions universally. Furthermore, individuals from various cultural backgrounds can discern the emotions conveyed by these facial expressions. In a seminal study, Paul Ekman captured photographs depicting emotions like anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness, and individuals worldwide accurately identified these emotions. This included diverse groups such as European college students and members of the Fore tribe from New Guinea, indicating a universal understanding of facial expressions across cultures. Additionally, the Fore tribe exhibited similar facial expressions when prompted to imagine emotional scenarios, further supporting the universality of facial expressions. Ekman and his colleagues replicated these findings in a recent study involving participants from ten different cultures, demonstrating consensus on the interpretation of multiple emotions conveyed by facial expressions.

1. Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to "consensus"?
   1. Harmony
   2. Disagreement
   3. Assent
   4. Discord

1. According to paragraph 2, which of the following statements accurately describes the Fore people of New Guinea?
   1. They did not wish to be photographed.
   2. They were renowned for their ability to tell stories.
   3. They had limited exposure to Western culture.
   4. They did not promote the display of emotions.

Paragraph 3

Psychological researchers widely acknowledge that facial expressions serve as indicators of emotional states. Notably, specific emotional states elicit distinct patterns of electrical activity in both facial muscles and the brain. However, the facial-feedback hypothesis posits that the relationship between emotions and facial expressions can also be reciprocal. According to this hypothesis, signals from facial muscles feedback to the brain's emotion centers, potentially influencing an individual's emotional state. Charles Darwin's insight supports this notion, suggesting that outward expression of emotions can intensify or soften them. For instance, can smiling induce feelings of goodwill, while frowning prompts anger?

1. As per the passage, what was Darwin's belief regarding human emotions left unexpressed?
   1. They would diminish in intensity.
   2. They would prolong their duration.
   3. They would lead to subsequent issues.
   4. They would take on a more adverse nature.

Paragraph 4

Psychological research has yielded intriguing insights into the facial-feedback hypothesis. For instance, inducing participants to smile in experiments results in them reporting more positive emotions and rating cartoons as funnier. Conversely, when prompted to frown, participants tend to rate cartoons as more aggressive.

1. Which research, as mentioned in the passage, provided support for the "facial-feedback hypothesis"?
   1. How people reacted to cartoons in experiments
   2. The inclination of people to cooperate in experiments
   3. The neurotransmitter release during experiments by individuals
   4. The enduring consequences of repressing emotions

1. The term "frown" in the passage is most similar in meaning to which of the following?
   1. Smile
   2. Grin
   3. Glare
   4. Wince

Paragraph 6

Ekman's findings could shed light on the British adage "keep a stiff upper lip," suggesting it as advice for managing stress. Maintaining a "stiff" upper lip may serve to suppress emotional reactions, particularly if the lip remains steady without trembling from fear or tension. However, when emotions leading to a stiff upper lip are more intense and involve significant muscle tension, facial feedback could amplify emotional responses.

1. The term "adage" in the passage is most similar in meaning to which of the following?
   1. Saying
   2. Dilemma
   3. Symbol
   4. Approach

1. According to the passage, what effects can ‘stiffening the upper lip’ have?
   1. Initially alleviating stress, then exacerbating it.
   2. Potentially inducing fear and tension in observers.
   3. Possibly leading to muscle strain in the lips.
   4. Either enhancing or diminishing emotional reaction.

Paragraphs 1 and 2

For example, facial expressions can help by signaling threats or alliances, particularly in the absence of verbal communication.

(A) Most researchers are in consensus that certain facial expressions convey consistent emotions universally. (B) Furthermore, individuals from various cultural backgrounds can discern the emotions conveyed by these facial expressions. (C) In a seminal study, Paul Ekman captured photographs depicting emotions like anger, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness, and individuals worldwide accurately identified these emotions. (D) This included diverse groups such as European college students and members of the Fore tribe from New Guinea, indicating a universal understanding of facial expressions across cultures. Additionally, the Fore tribe exhibited similar facial expressions when prompted to imagine emotional scenarios, further supporting the universality of facial expressions. Ekman and his colleagues replicated these findings in a recent study involving participants from ten different cultures, demonstrating consensus on the interpretation of multiple emotions conveyed by facial expressions.

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.
   
   The demonstration of this universal recognition of emotions was achieved through the utilization of relatively straightforward techniques.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: You will find an introductory sentence for a summary of the passage provided below. Your task is to complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that best represent the key ideas in the passage. Be mindful that some sentences may not align with the main ideas or may have minor points. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   Psychological research confirms that people universally associate specific facial expressions with particular emotions, suggesting cross-cultural recognition.
   
   
   •  
   •  
   •  

   Answer Choices

   1. Creating a Duchenne smile artificially can induce feelings of happiness.
   2. Facial expressions and emotions engage in reciprocal interactions through diverse feedback mechanisms.
   3. Many individuals hold the belief that they can mask their genuine emotions by controlling their facial expressions.
   4. Emotional states often manifest through facial expressions.
   5. Ekman asserted that accurately interpreting facial expressions' emotional cues is advantageous for humans.
   6. Facial expressions originating from one's emotional state can provide feedback that affects their emotions.

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 - Facial Expressions and Emotions

1.  Answer: C

Explanation: This question addresses the rhetorical purpose behind mentioning "Baring the teeth in a hostile way" in the passage. The correct answer, choice C, suggests that it serves as an illustration of a facial expression with widely understood meaning. The passage discusses universal facial expressions, including baring teeth as a sign of anger. While other options are mentioned in the passage, they are not associated with baring teeth, rendering them incorrect.

2. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question assessing the meaning of the word "consensus," which is highlighted in the passage. The correct answer is choice A. The word "consensus" refers to general agreement or harmony among a group of people. Therefore, the word most similar in meaning to "consensus" is Option A, Harmony.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: This question is a Factual Information question seeking details from paragraph 2. The accurate response, choice C, indicates that the Fore people of New Guinea had limited exposure to Western culture. The paragraph explicitly mentions the limited contact the Fore had with Western culture. None of the other options are linked to the Fore, rendering them incorrect.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Factual Information question seeking specific details from the passage. The correct response is choice A: emotions that are not expressed become less intense. This aligns with Darwin's direct quotation in paragraph 3, where he suggests that freely expressed emotions intensify while those repressed are softened, implying a decrease in intensity. Choices B, C, and D lack support from the passage, as there is no indication that Darwin endorsed these beliefs regarding emotional expression.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Factual Information question aimed at pinpointing specific details from the passage. The highlighted term "facial-feedback hypothesis" appears in paragraph 3. The correct choice is A: research supporting this hypothesis stemmed from studying people's reactions to cartoons. This concept is discussed in paragraph 4, illustrating how facial feedback operates. Choice C mentions neurotransmitter release, which is addressed in paragraph 5 but not linked to the facial-feedback hypothesis, rendering it incorrect. Choices B and D are not referenced in the passage.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question assessing the meaning of the word "frown," which is highlighted in the passage. The correct answer is choice C. The term "frown" typically refers to a facial expression characterized by a furrowing or wrinkling of the brow, often indicating displeasure, concentration, or concern.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question assessing the meaning of the word "adage," which is highlighted in the passage. The correct answer is choice A. It means a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth. 

8. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a Factual Information question targeting specific details from the passage. The correct response is choice D: stiffening the upper lip "may either heighten or reduce emotional response." This statement is explicitly mentioned in paragraph 6, highlighting the potential paradox in the relationship between facial expressions and emotions. 

Choice A is inaccurate because it contradicts paragraph 6.

Choice B is incorrect because the passage only discusses the fear and tension experienced by individuals attempting to maintain a stiff upper lip, not the fear or tension it may induce in others.

Choice C is inaccurate because there is no indication in the passage that stiffening the upper lip could lead to damage to lip muscles. 

9. Answer: C

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 "The demonstration of this universal recognition of emotions was achieved through the utilization of relatively straightforward techniques," is most fittingly inserted in choice (C). 

Choice (C) is the correct option because the inserted sentence directly follows a statement in the preceding sentence regarding the universal recognition of emotions across diverse cultures. 

On the other hand, choices (A) and (D) are incorrect as there is no preceding context that logically connects with the phrase "This universality." Additionally, choice (B) is inaccurate because the statement in sentence 1 implies that not all investigators agree, thus lacking the universality required for the inserted sentence. 

10. Answer: B, D, F

Explanation: This is a Prose Summary question, and the correct responses are B, D, and F. Therefore, options A, C, and E are incorrect.

Choice B: Choice B, "Facial expressions and emotions engage in reciprocal interactions through diverse feedback mechanisms," is accurate as it encapsulates a fundamental concept explored throughout the passage. The passage delves into questions about the nature of this interaction and provides details of research on this issue, making it a central theme.

Choice D: Choice D, "Emotional states often manifest through facial expressions," is valid as it reflects a significant idea extensively discussed in the passage. Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6 delve into attempts to comprehend whether and how facial expressions may reflect a person’s emotional state, highlighting its importance.

Choice F: Choice F, "Facial expressions originating from one's emotional state can provide feedback that affects their emotions," is correct as it encapsulates the core premise of the "facial-feedback hypothesis," extensively explored in paragraphs 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Choice A: Choice A, "Creating a Duchenne smile artificially can induce feelings of happiness," is deemed inaccurate as it constitutes a minor detail in paragraph 5, serving as an example rather than a central idea. It supports the broader concept outlined in choice F. 

Choice C: Choice C, "Many individuals hold the belief that they can mask their genuine emotions by controlling their facial expressions," is deemed incorrect as it lacks substantiation within the passage. While this belief may exist, the passage does not explicitly state or endorse it. 

Choice E: Choice E, "Ekman asserted that accurately interpreting facial expressions' emotional cues is advantageous for humans," is considered incorrect because the passage attributes this argument to Charles Darwin, not Ekman. Ekman's research primarily focuses on determining the universality of certain facial expressions rather than the perceived value of humans' ability to recognize them.

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