Global Food Security - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

The TOEFL Reading section challenges your ability to interpret academic texts. In this practice, you will explore the topic of 'Global Food Security.' The passage will test your comprehension of key details, main points, and the author’s perspective.

By engaging with this topic, you’ll boost your ability to tackle complex reading passages in the TOEFL Reading section.

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

Global food security has become a critical issue in today's world. It involves access, use, and stability of food supplies. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines food security as a condition where everyone, at all times, has physical, social, and economic access to enough safe and healthy food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. This comprehensive concept is influenced by many factors, including farming output, financial security, climate change, and social and political dynamics. As the global population continues to rise, expected to reach about 9.7 billion by 2050, the challenge of ensuring food security becomes more complex and urgent. Historical data shows that between 2000 and 2019, the number of undernourished people increased from 777 million to 811 million, highlighting the urgent nature of this issue.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what does the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) define as food security?
   1. A condition where everyone has access to enough food.
   2. A situation where food supplies are stable.
   3. A state where individuals can afford healthy food.
   4.  A condition where everyone has access to safe and healthy food to meet their dietary needs.

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a factor influencing food security EXCEPT:
   1. Farming output
   2.  Climate change
   3. Technological advancements
   4. Social and political dynamics

Paragraph 2

One of the main causes of food insecurity is the impact of climate change on agricultural systems. Rising temperatures, changed rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events can severely disrupt food production. For instance, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that crop yields for staples like wheat and maize could drop by up to 25% in some regions by 2050 due to climate-related stresses. As a result, food prices may rise, worsening the situation for at-risk populations who already struggle to afford enough nutrition. Also, the effects of climate change are not evenly spread; developing countries, especially those reliant on rain-fed agriculture, are unequally affected, leading to greater food insecurity. Critics argue that while climate change is a significant factor, social and economic conditions and governance also play important roles in determining food security outcomes.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the relationship between climate change and food prices?
   1. Climate change has no impact on food prices.
   2. Rising food prices are solely due to climate change.
   3. Climate change may lead to increased food prices, affecting vulnerable populations.
   4. Food prices will decrease as a result of climate change.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in paragraph 2?
   1. To provide evidence of the impact of climate change on food production.
   2. To highlight the importance of international cooperation.
   3. To suggest that climate change is the only cause of food insecurity.
   4. To argue against the significance of climate change.

Paragraph 3 

In addition to environmental factors, economic conditions are key in shaping food security. Economic growth can improve food access by raising household incomes and reducing poverty. However, economic differences often result in unequal access to food resources. For instance, urbanisation can create food deserts, areas where residents have limited access to affordable and healthy food. Also, fluctuations in global commodity prices can affect local food systems, making it hard for low-income households to secure enough food. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted these weaknesses, as disruptions in supply chains and labour shortages have led to food shortages and higher prices in many areas. Some economists argue that the pandemic has exposed the fragility of global food systems, requiring a review of food distribution networks and policies.

Vocabulary Questions

1. The term "food deserts" in paragraph 3 is best understood to mean:
   1. Areas with an abundance of food resources.
   2. Regions where food is scarce or hard to access.
   3. Urban areas with high food production.
   4. Locations known for their agricultural output.

Sentence Simplification Questions

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

"Economic growth can improve food access by raising household incomes and reducing poverty."

1. Economic growth raises household incomes and reduces poverty.
2. Economic growth has no effect on food access.
3. Household incomes are raised by food access.
4. Poverty is reduced by food access.

Paragraph 4

Technological advancements in agriculture offer both opportunities and challenges for global food security. Innovations like genetically modified organisms (GMOs), precision agriculture, and sustainable farming practices can increase crop yields and lessen environmental impacts. For example, drought-resistant crop varieties can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions, improving food production. However, adopting these technologies often faces resistance due to concerns about health, environmental sustainability, and social effects. Additionally, access to these technologies is usually limited to wealthier farmers, which can worsen existing gaps within agricultural systems. Supporters of agricultural technology argue that fair access to these innovations is essential for improving food security, yet critics warn against ignoring the social and political contexts in which these technologies are used.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   1. To discuss the benefits of technological advancements in agriculture.
   2. To highlight the challenges posed by agricultural technologies.
   3. To argue for the adoption of genetically modified organisms.
   4. To explain the importance of social contexts in agricultural technology.

Paragraph 5

Policy interventions are important in addressing the complex nature of food security. Governments and international organisations must work together to develop complete strategies that include agricultural development, social protection, and climate adaptation. For instance, investing in rural infrastructure, like roads and storage facilities, can greatly improve food distribution and reduce post-harvest losses. Also, social safety nets, such as food assistance programmes, can provide immediate relief to those facing food insecurity. But the effectiveness of these policies depends on how they are designed and put into action, requiring a participatory approach that considers the needs and perspectives of affected communities. Some scholars argue that policies should also focus on empowering local farmers and promoting sustainable practices to ensure long-term food security.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 5, 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.

"Effective policy interventions can significantly alleviate food insecurity."

Where would the sentence best fit?

Policy interventions are important in addressing the complex nature of food security. (A) Governments and international organisations must work together to develop complete strategies that include agricultural development, social protection, and climate adaptation. (B) For instance, investing in rural infrastructure, like roads and storage facilities, can greatly improve food distribution and reduce post-harvest losses. (C) Also, social safety nets, such as food assistance programmes, can provide immediate relief to those facing food insecurity. (D) But the effectiveness of these policies depends on how they are designed and put into action, requiring a participatory approach that considers the needs and perspectives of affected communities.

Prose Summary Questions

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. This question is worth 2 points.

Global food security is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including climate change, economic conditions, and technological advancements.

Answer Choices

1. Climate change significantly impacts agricultural systems and food production.
2. Economic growth can improve food access but may also create inequalities.
3. Technological advancements are universally beneficial for all farmers.
4. Policy interventions are crucial for addressing food security challenges.

Prose Summary Questions

10. What is the main conclusion drawn in the passage regarding global food security?

1. It is solely about increasing food production.
2. It requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors.
3. It is not influenced by climate change.
4. It can be solved without policy interventions.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Global Food Security 

1. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the FAO defines food security as a condition where everyone has physical, social, and economic access to enough safe and healthy food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. This definition encompasses the comprehensive nature of food security, making option D the correct choice.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage lists farming output, financial security, climate change, and social and political dynamics as factors influencing food security. Technological advancements are discussed later in the passage but are not mentioned in paragraph 1, making option C the correct answer.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage indicates that climate change can disrupt food production, leading to a rise in food prices. This situation particularly affects at-risk populations who already struggle to afford adequate nutrition, suggesting that climate change has a direct impact on food prices and food security.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: The mention of the IPCC serves to substantiate the claim that climate change negatively affects agricultural systems, specifically by providing data on potential crop yield reductions. This use of authoritative evidence strengthens the argument regarding the seriousness of climate change's impact on food security.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage describes food deserts as areas where residents have limited access to affordable and healthy food. This definition aligns with option B, indicating that food deserts are characterized by scarcity or difficulty in accessing food resources.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: Option A succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which states that economic growth can improve food access by raising household incomes and reducing poverty. It maintains the core idea without unnecessary elaboration.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: While the paragraph also addresses challenges, its primary focus is on the potential benefits of technological advancements, such as increasing crop yields and reducing environmental impacts. Therefore, option A best reflects the main purpose of the paragraph.

8. Answer: A

Explanation: The missing sentence, "Effective policy interventions can significantly alleviate food insecurity," fits best at the beginning of the paragraph. It sets the stage for discussing the importance of policy interventions in addressing food security, making option A the most logical placement.

9. Answer Choices:

A. Climate change significantly impacts agricultural systems and food production.

B. Economic growth can improve food access but may also create inequalities.

D. Policy interventions are crucial for addressing food security challenges.

Explanation: Options A, B, and D encapsulate the key themes of the passage: the impact of climate change, the dual nature of economic growth, and the importance of policy interventions. Option C is incorrect as it inaccurately suggests that technological advancements benefit all farmers universally, which is not supported by the passage.

10. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage emphasizes that addressing global food security is complex and necessitates collaboration across various sectors, including environmental, economic, technological, and policy factors. This conclusion aligns with option B, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to food security.

Engaging with reading tasks like 'Global Food Security' will enhance your reading comprehension and critical thinking. Mastering these skills is key to succeeding in the TOEFL Reading section.

Also Read:

• Icebergs - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• New Language - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Test Paper with Responses
• Serengeti Herbivores - TOEFL Reading Practice Test Paper with Answers
• The Easter Island - TOEFL Reading Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Theory of Evolution - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answer Key