Gender Roles - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

To ace the TOEFL iBT^® exam, mastering academic texts in English is crucial for success in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Gender Roles' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

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. 

Gender roles, which are the social and behavioral rules telling how people should act based on their gender, have changed a lot over time. Traditionally, these roles were often strictly defined, with men usually in positions of power and women taking on domestic responsibilities. This clear-cut classification of gender roles can be traced back to various cultural, religious, and economic factors shaping societies worldwide. For example, in many farming communities, physical strength was essential for survival. This led to men controlling labor-intensive jobs. Meanwhile, women often handled child-rearing and household management, roles that were undervalued compared to those of men. Historical records show that these patterns were common in civilizations like ancient Rome and Greece, where women had limited rights and were mostly excluded from public life.

The Industrial Revolution, starting in the late 18th century, marked a major shift in gender roles as economic changes began to reshape traditional family structures. With the rise of factories and urban living, men increasingly sought jobs outside the home. At the same time, more women entered the workforce, often in low-paying, unskilled positions. This change challenged established norms, as women began to claim their rights to work and participate in public life. However, despite these advancements, societal expectations continued to limit women's roles, often portraying them as secondary earners or caretakers. The suffragette movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries further highlighted the fight for gender equality, as women campaigned for the right to vote and engage in political processes. Data from this time show that women's participation in the workforce rose from about 20% in 1900 to over 50% by the 1970s, reflecting a gradual change in societal attitudes.

In the mid-20th century, the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s sparked a deeper transformation in gender roles. Feminists pushed for equal rights in various areas, including education, employment, and reproductive rights. This period introduced the idea of gender as a social construct, challenging the belief that gender roles were biologically determined. Scholars like Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler examined how societal expectations shaped individual identities and behaviors, leading to a more subtle understanding of gender. Butler's theory of gender performativity suggests that gender is not an inherent trait but a series of actions and behaviors individuals perform based on societal rules. This perspective has encouraged further exploration into how people manage and resist traditional gender roles.

Despite the progress made, todays society still grapples with deep-rooted gender roles and stereotypes. In many cultures, traditional expectations persist, affecting career choices, family dynamics, and personal relationships. For instance, women are still often expected to prioritize family over their careers, while men may feel pressured to conform to ideals of masculinity that discourage emotional expression. These stereotypes can harm both genders, limiting opportunities and reinforcing unfairness. Also, the rise of social media has amplified discussions around gender roles, providing a platform for individuals to challenge traditional narratives and advocate for more inclusive representations of gender. Campaigns like #MeToo and #TimesUp have brought attention to the widespread nature of gender-based violence and discrimination, prompting a reevaluation of societal rules.

The overlap of gender with other social categories, such as race, class, and sexuality, further complicates the discussion around gender roles. People who belong to multiple disadvantaged groups often face unique challenges that mainstream feminist movements do not fully address. For example, women of color may experience both racial and gender discrimination, leading to an increased effect on their social and economic opportunities. Research shows that Black women, for instance, earn significantly less than their white counterparts, even when accounting for education and experience. This overlap approach underscores the importance of considering diverse experiences when discussing gender roles, highlighting the need for a more inclusive framework that acknowledges the complexities of identity.

In conclusion, the evolution of gender roles reflects broader societal changes and ongoing struggles for equality. While significant progress has been made in breaking down traditional gender norms, challenges remain in achieving true equity. The current conversation around gender roles increasingly recognizes the fluidity of gender and the importance of overlap. As society continues to evolve, its essential to create an environment that encourages individuals to define their identities beyond strict gender binaries. This shift not only promotes personal freedom but also contributes to a fairer society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender. Future research should look into how these changing roles impact mental health, economic stability, and social cohesion, as questions remain about the best ways to support individuals in navigating these difficult dynamics.

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

Paragraph 1 

Gender roles, which are the social and behavioral rules telling how people should act based on their gender, have changed a lot over time. Traditionally, these roles were often strictly defined, with men usually in positions of power and women taking on domestic responsibilities. This clear-cut classification of gender roles can be traced back to various cultural, religious, and economic factors shaping societies worldwide. For example, in many farming communities, physical strength was essential for survival. This led to men controlling labor-intensive jobs. Meanwhile, women often handled child-rearing and household management, roles that were undervalued compared to those of men. Historical records show that these patterns were common in civilizations like ancient Rome and Greece, where women had limited rights and were mostly excluded from public life.

1. According to paragraph 1, what roles did women typically take on in traditional societies?    
   1. Positions of power
   2. Domestic responsibilities
   3. Labor-intensive jobs
   4. Public life participation

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a factor influencing traditional gender roles EXCEPT: 
   1. Cultural influences
   2. Economic factors
   3. Technological advancements
   4. Religious beliefs

Paragraph 2

The Industrial Revolution, starting in the late 18th century, marked a major shift in gender roles as economic changes began to reshape traditional family structures. With the rise of factories and urban living, men increasingly sought jobs outside the home. At the same time, more women entered the workforce, often in low-paying, unskilled positions. This change challenged established norms, as women began to claim their rights to work and participate in public life. However, despite these advancements, societal expectations continued to limit women's roles, often portraying them as secondary earners or caretakers. The suffragette movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries further highlighted the fight for gender equality, as women campaigned for the right to vote and engage in political processes. Data from this time show that women's participation in the workforce rose from about 20% in 1900 to over 50% by the 1970s, reflecting a gradual change in societal attitudes.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of the Industrial Revolution on women's roles? 
   1. Women were completely liberated from domestic responsibilities.
   2.  Women's participation in the workforce increased significantly.
   3. Men returned to domestic roles during this period.
   4. The suffragette movement was unrelated to economic changes.

Paragraph 3

In the mid-20th century, the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s sparked a deeper transformation in gender roles. Feminists pushed for equal rights in various areas, including education, employment, and reproductive rights. This period introduced the idea of gender as a social construct, challenging the belief that gender roles were biologically determined. Scholars like Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler examined how societal expectations shaped individual identities and behaviors, leading to a more subtle understanding of gender. Butler's theory of gender performativity suggests that gender is not an inherent trait but a series of actions and behaviors individuals perform based on societal rules. This perspective has encouraged further exploration into how people manage and resist traditional gender roles.

1. Why does the author mention scholars like Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To illustrate the historical context of gender roles
   2. To highlight the importance of education in feminist movements
   3. To demonstrate how societal expectations influence gender identity
   4. To argue against the idea of gender as a social construct

Paragraph 4

Despite the progress made, todays society still grapples with deep-rooted gender roles and stereotypes. (A) In many cultures, traditional expectations persist, affecting career choices, family dynamics, and personal relationships. (B) For instance, women are still often expected to prioritise family over their careers, while men may feel pressured to conform to ideals of masculinity that discourage emotional expression. (C) These stereotypes can harm both genders, limiting opportunities and reinforcing unfairness. (D) Also, the rise of social media has amplified discussions around gender roles, providing a platform for individuals to challenge traditional narratives and advocate for more inclusive representations of gender. Campaigns like #MeToo and #TimesUp have brought attention to the widespread nature of gender-based violence and discrimination, prompting a reevaluation of societal rules.

1. In paragraph 4, the word "grapples" is closest in meaning to:  
   1. Struggles
   2. Embraces
   3. Ignores
   4. Accepts

1. In paragraph 4, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph shows four letters  (A),  (B),  (C),  (D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

   "These movements have sparked important conversations about gender equality." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

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

Paragraphs 5

The overlap of gender with other social categories, such as race, class, and sexuality, further complicates the discussion around gender roles. People who belong to multiple disadvantaged groups often face unique challenges that mainstream feminist movements do not fully address. For example, women of colour may experience both racial and gender discrimination, leading to an increased effect on their social and economic opportunities. Research shows that Black women, for instance, earn significantly less than their white counterparts, even when accounting for education and experience. This overlap approach underscores the importance of considering diverse experiences when discussing gender roles, highlighting the need for a more inclusive framework that acknowledges the complexities of identity.

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

 "People who belong to multiple disadvantaged groups often face unique challenges that mainstream feminist movements do not fully address."   

1. 1. Mainstream feminist movements address all challenges faced by women.
   2. Women of colour face unique challenges that are often overlooked.
   3. All disadvantaged groups experience the same challenges.
   4. Feminist movements have resolved issues of gender discrimination.

Paragraphs 6

In conclusion, the evolution of gender roles reflects broader societal changes and ongoing struggles for equality. While significant progress has been made in breaking down traditional gender norms, challenges remain in achieving true equity. The current conversation around gender roles increasingly recognises the fluidity of gender and the importance of overlap. As society continues to evolve, its essential to create an environment that encourages individuals to define their identities beyond strict gender binaries. This shift not only promotes personal freedom but also contributes to a fairer society where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender. Future research should look into how these changing roles impact mental health, economic stability, and social cohesion, as questions remain about the best ways to support individuals in navigating these difficult dynamics.

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. This question is worth 2 points.

1. The evolution of gender roles has been influenced by various historical and contemporary factors. 
   
   
   1. Traditional gender roles have been strictly defined and often undervalued.
   2. The Industrial Revolution led to significant changes in women's participation in the workforce.
   3. Feminist movements have successfully eliminated all gender stereotypes.
   4. The intersection of gender with other social categories complicates the discussion around gender roles.

1. What is the main purpose of the Paragraph 6?
   
   
   1. To summarise the historical context of gender roles
   2. To highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality
   3. To discuss the impact of social media on gender roles
   4. To argue for the importance of traditional gender roles

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Gender Roles

1.  Answer: B

Explanation: The passage clearly states that traditionally, women took on domestic responsibilities while men were in positions of power. This distinction highlights the gender roles that were prevalent in historical societies, where women's contributions were often undervalued compared to men's roles.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage mentions cultural influences, economic factors, and religious beliefs as factors influencing traditional gender roles. However, it does not mention technological advancements as a factor, making it the correct answer for this question.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that with the Industrial Revolution, more women entered the workforce, and their participation rose from about 20% in 1900 to over 50% by the 1970s. This suggests a significant increase in women's roles outside the home, which is the most accurate inference from the information provided.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The author mentions scholars like Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler to illustrate how societal expectations shape individual identities and behaviors. This highlights the argument that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The word "grapples" in this context means to struggle with or deal with something difficult. The passage discusses how society continues to struggle with deep-rooted gender roles and stereotypes, making "struggles" the closest meaning.

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. The sentence "These movements have sparked important conversations about gender equality" fits best after the mention of social media's role in amplifying discussions around gender roles. It logically connects the rise of social media to the broader conversations about gender equality.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. This sentence captures the essence of the original text, which discusses how individuals from multiple disadvantaged groups, such as women of colour, face unique challenges that are not fully addressed by mainstream feminist movements.

8. Answer: A, B, D

Explanation: For the Option A, it highlights the undervaluation of traditional gender roles. In terms of Option B, addresses the significant changes in women's workforce participation due to the Industrial Revolution. Finally, Option D points out the complexity added by the intersection of gender with other social categories. However, Option C is incorrect because the passage does not claim that feminist movements have eliminated all gender stereotypes.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The main purpose of paragraph 6 is to summarise the evolution of gender roles while emphasising the ongoing challenges that remain in achieving true gender equality. It discusses the need for a more inclusive understanding of gender and the importance of addressing these challenges.

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