The TOEFL iBT® Reading section serves as a crucial component of the TOEFL iBT® exam, assessing the test-taker's ability to comprehend and analyze academic texts written in English. But it comes with its own level of difficulty. Are you feeling nervous about the TOEFL iBT® Reading section? Don't worry!

Our practice tests are meticulously crafted to closely mirror the actual TOEFL iBT® Reading section, encompassing the same question formats and writing styles. This familiarity will enhance your comfort level and readiness for the test day. Through consistent practice with these resources, you'll sharpen your skills in analyzing intricate academic texts and efficiently pinpointing essential information within the passages.

So, let's dive into this TOEFL iBT® Practice Test focusing on the topic of "Grammar" to pinpoint areas for improvement and enhance our understanding!

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. 

The intricacy of grammar is evident to anyone learning a foreign language. Through rearranging word order and employing auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we can convey nuanced meanings. These linguistic tools allow us to transform statements into questions, indicate the timing of actions, and employ various other techniques to express subtle shades of meaning. This complexity is not unique to English but is present in all languages, including those spoken by so-called 'primitive' tribes. For instance, the Cherokee language boasts a sophisticated pronoun system capable of distinguishing between different groupings of individuals, a feat not easily accomplished in English, where such distinctions are often lumped together under a single pronoun. Grammar's universality is undeniable, as it plays a fundamental role in every language, regardless of its geographical spread or cultural context. This raises an intriguing question that has puzzled linguists for generations: who indeed invented grammar?

Initially, this question seems insurmountable. To unravel the mysteries of grammar's genesis, one would need to witness the birth of a language, meticulously documenting its evolution. While many historical linguists can trace the development of modern complex languages back to their roots, understanding how intricate languages come into existence requires observing the process from its inception. Remarkably, such an undertaking is indeed feasible.

During the Atlantic slave trade, slaves from diverse backgrounds were coerced to collaborate under colonial rule, lacking the opportunity to learn each other's languages. Consequently, they developed a makeshift language known as a pidgin, primarily composed of borrowed words from the language of the landowners. Pidgins typically lack grammatical structure, making it challenging for listeners to discern the timing and participants in events. Speakers often resort to circumlocution to convey their intended meaning. However, an intriguing phenomenon occurs when a group of children is exposed to a pidgin during their language acquisition phase. Rather than simply mimicking the speech of their elders, slave children adapted and enriched the pidgin, transforming it into a new, expressive language. These evolved languages, known as creoles, boast complex grammar systems and are pioneered by children.

Further confirmation of this phenomenon is evident in the study of sign languages used by the deaf community. Contrary to common perception, sign languages are not merely a sequence of gestures; they employ the same grammatical principles found in spoken languages. Additionally, sign languages vary across different regions worldwide. One compelling example of the creation of a sign language occurred in Nicaragua, where, prior to 1979, deaf individuals were largely isolated from one another. With the establishment of schools for the deaf by the new government, children were exposed to formal education and taught speech and lip reading in classrooms. However, on the playgrounds, they began innovating their own sign system, drawing from the gestures used in their homes. Initially, this system resembled a pidgin, with each child employing signs inconsistently and lacking a unified grammar. Yet, as more children enrolled in the school and were exposed to this evolving sign language, a distinct transformation occurred. The subsequent generation of students developed a markedly different sign language, building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. Unlike the earlier pidgin-like system, the language of the newer generation was characterized by fluidity, conciseness, and a sophisticated range of grammatical structures to convey meaning effectively. Notably, all children adopted these signs in a consistent manner, leading to the emergence of a new creole sign language.

Certain linguists posit that numerous globally recognized languages originally emerged as creoles. For instance, the English past tense suffix "-ed" might have originated from the verb "do." In this context, "It ended" could have previously been articulated as "It end-did." Consequently, it seems that children played a significant role in the development of even the most widely spoken languages. Children demonstrate an inherent capacity for grammatical construction within their cognitive processes, which becomes apparent during their initial efforts to comprehend the world around them. Their cognitive faculties possess the ability to generate coherent and intricate structures, even in the absence of a pre-existing grammatical framework for them to emulate.

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

Paragraph 1

The intricacy of grammar is evident to anyone learning a foreign language. Through rearranging word order and employing auxiliary verbs and suffixes, we can convey nuanced meanings. These linguistic tools allow us to transform statements into questions, indicate the timing of actions, and employ various other techniques to express subtle shades of meaning. This complexity is not unique to English but is present in all languages, including those spoken by so-called 'primitive' tribes. For instance, the Cherokee language boasts a sophisticated pronoun system capable of distinguishing between different groupings of individuals, a feat not easily accomplished in English, where such distinctions are often lumped together under a single pronoun. Grammar's universality is undeniable, as it plays a fundamental role in every language, regardless of its geographical spread or cultural context. This raises an intriguing question that has puzzled linguists for generations: who indeed invented grammar?

1. In paragraph 1, why does the author incorporate details about the Cherokee language?
   1. To illustrate the intricate grammar systems present in seemingly uncomplicated, traditional cultures.
   2. To highlight distinctions between English and Cherokee grammar.
   3. To substantiate the assertion that sophisticated grammar systems were developed by the Cherokee people.
   4. To underscore the challenges associated with acquiring proficiency in the Cherokee language.

1. Which sentence best conveys the meaning of the highlighted sentence in paragraph 1?
   1. Grammar is a fundamental component of all languages, irrespective of the size of their speaker populations.
   2. The extent of grammar in languages varies; some have abundant grammar while others have minimal.
   3. It is more prevalent for languages to possess extensive grammar than limited grammar.
   4. Regardless of their origins, all languages share identical grammar structures.

Paragraph 2

Initially, this question seems insurmountable. To unravel the mysteries of grammar's genesis, one would need to witness the birth of a language, meticulously documenting its evolution. While many historical linguists can trace the development of modern complex languages back to their roots, understanding how intricate languages come into existence requires observing the process from its inception. Remarkably, such an undertaking is indeed feasible.

1. What is the closest meaning to the phrase "from its inception" in paragraph 2?
   1. from the very beginning
   2. within basic cultures
   3. by imitating something else
   4. through the utilization of written information

Paragraph 3

During the Atlantic slave trade, slaves from diverse backgrounds were coerced to collaborate under colonial rule, lacking the opportunity to learn each other's languages. Consequently, they developed a makeshift language known as a pidgin, primarily composed of borrowed words from the language of the landowners. Pidgins typically lack grammatical structure, making it challenging for listeners to discern the timing and participants in events. Speakers often resort to circumlocution to convey their intended meaning. However, an intriguing phenomenon occurs when a group of children is exposed to a pidgin during their language acquisition phase. Rather than simply mimicking the speech of their elders, slave children adapted and enriched the pidgin, transforming it into a new, expressive language. These evolved languages, known as creoles, boast complex grammar systems and are pioneered by children.

1. What deduction can be made regarding the pidgin language used by the slaves?
   1. It possessed intricate grammar.
   2. It amalgamated elements from various languages.
   3. It was challenging to comprehend, even within the slave community.
   4. It was devised by the landowners.

1. Which word is most similar in meaning to the word "make-shift" highlighted in paragraph 3?
   1. complicated and expressive
   2. simple and temporary
   3. extensive and diverse
   4. private and personal

Paragraph 4

Further confirmation of this phenomenon is evident in the study of sign languages used by the deaf community. Contrary to common perception, sign languages are not merely a sequence of gestures; they employ the same grammatical principles found in spoken languages. Additionally, sign languages vary across different regions worldwide. One compelling example of the creation of sign language occurred in Nicaragua, where, prior to 1979, deaf individuals were largely isolated from one another. With the establishment of schools for the deaf by the new government, children were exposed to formal education and taught speech and lip reading in classrooms. However, on the playgrounds, they began innovating their own sign system, drawing from the gestures used in their homes. Initially, this system resembled a pidgin, with each child employing signs inconsistently and lacking consistent grammar. Yet, as more children enrolled in the school and were exposed to this evolving sign language, a distinct transformation occurred. The subsequent generation of students developed a markedly different sign language, building upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. Unlike the earlier pidgin-like system, the language of the newer generation was characterized by fluidity, conciseness, and a sophisticated range of grammatical structures to convey meaning effectively. Notably, all children adopted these signs in a consistent manner, leading to the emergence of a new Creole sign language.

1. Which of the following statements about Nicaraguan sign language is false?
   1. The language has been developed since 1979.
   2. The language relies on speech and lip reading.
   3. The language includes signs used by children at home.
   4. The language was refined by younger children.

1. Consider the term "consistent" in paragraph 4. Which of the following words could most effectively replace it?
   1. innate
   2. expected
   3. conceivable
   4. standardized

Paragraph 5

Certain linguists posit that numerous globally recognized languages originally emerged as creoles. For instance, the English past tense suffix "-ed" might have originated from the verb "do." In this context, "It ended" could have previously been articulated as "It end-did." Consequently, it seems that children played a significant role in the development of even the most widely spoken languages. Children demonstrate an inherent capacity for grammatical construction within their cognitive processes, which becomes apparent during their initial efforts to comprehend the world around them. Their cognitive faculties possess the ability to generate coherent and intricate structures, even in the absence of a pre-existing grammatical framework for them to emulate.

1. Which concept is conveyed in the concluding paragraph?
   1. English likely originated as a creole.
   2. The English past tense system may have undergone modifications.
   3. Linguists suggest that English was potentially shaped by children.
   4. Children and adults pronounce English past tenses differently.

Paragraph 3

During the Atlantic slave trade, slaves from diverse backgrounds were coerced to collaborate under colonial rule, lacking the opportunity to learn each other's languages. Consequently, they developed a makeshift language known as a pidgin, primarily composed of borrowed words from the language of the landowners. Pidgins typically lack grammatical structure, making it challenging for listeners to discern the timing and participants in events. (A) Speakers often resort to circumlocution to convey their intended meaning. (B) However, an intriguing phenomenon occurs when a group of children is exposed to a pidgin during their language acquisition phase. (C) Rather than simply mimicking the speech of their elders, slave children adapted and enriched the pidgin, transforming it into a new, expressive language. (D) These evolved languages, known as creoles, boast complex grammar systems and are pioneered by children.

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.
   
   It comprised standardized word sequences and grammatical indicators absent in both the pidgin language and the language of the colonizers.
   
   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 iBT® Reading Passage - Grammar

1.  Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Rhetorical Purpose question related to Paragraph 1. The correct answer is To illustrate the intricate grammar systems present in seemingly uncomplicated, traditional cultures.

The author includes details about the Cherokee language to demonstrate that even languages spoken by so-called "primitive" tribes possess sophisticated grammatical components. This supports the broader point that grammar complexity is not exclusive to languages like English but is a universal aspect of human language. Therefore, choice A accurately captures the purpose of mentioning the Cherokee language in the paragraph.

2. Answer: A

Explanation: This is an Inference question pertaining to Paragraph 1. The correct answer is Grammar is a fundamental component of all languages, irrespective of the size of their speaker populations.

The highlighted sentence in the passage states, "Grammar is universal and plays a part in every language, no matter how widespread it is." This sentence emphasizes the universality of grammar across all languages, regardless of their size or popularity. Choice A effectively conveys this idea by emphasizing the fundamental nature of grammar in all languages, regardless of their speaker populations. It accurately captures the essence of the highlighted sentence in the passage.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question pertaining to the phrase "from its inception". The correct answer is from the very beginning.

The phrase "from its inception" indicates the starting point or the beginning of something. It suggests the origin or the initial stage of a process or entity. In the context of the passage, it refers to the beginning of language development. Choice A, "from the very beginning," accurately captures this meaning by expressing the idea of starting from the earliest stage or point. Therefore, it is the closest meaning to the phrase "from its inception" in paragraph 2.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: This is an Inference question regarding the pidgin language and the correct answer is C.

The paragraph discusses how slaves from different ethnic backgrounds, unable to communicate in each other's languages, developed a makeshift language known as a pidgin. This pidgin lacked complex grammar and was primarily composed of words borrowed from the language of the landowners. Moreover, the passage mentions that pidgins typically lack detailed grammar, making it difficult for listeners to discern the timing of events or the actions performed. Therefore, option C, "It was challenging to comprehend, even within the slave community," accurately reflects the limitations and challenges associated with the pidgin language used by the slaves, making it the correct deduction.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question pertaining to the higlighted word "make-shift". The correct answer is simple and temporary.

The word "make-shift" implies something that is improvised or temporary, often used as a solution in the absence of better options. In the context of the paragraph, it describes the pidgin language developed by slaves as a makeshift solution for communication. Option B, "simple and temporary," closely aligns with this definition, making it the most suitable synonym for "make-shift" in this context. The other options do not capture the temporary and improvised nature implied by "make-shift." Therefore, option B is the correct choice.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is The language relies on speech and lip reading.

The passage discusses the emergence of Nicaraguan sign language following the introduction of schools for the deaf in 1979. It explains how the language evolved as a pidgin initially, with each child using signs differently, leading to inconsistencies in grammar. However, subsequent generations of children, exposed to this pidgin from birth, developed a more structured and consistent sign language, termed a creole. This language was refined and perfected by younger children.

Option B states that the language relies on speech and lip reading, which is false according to the passage. The language primarily relies on sign gestures and does not involve speech or lip reading. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

7. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question. The correct answer is standardized.

In the context of the passage, the term "consistent" refers to the quality of having uniformity or regularity. It describes how the grammar of the Nicaraguan sign language developed by younger children was more structured and uniform compared to the earlier pidgin language. 

Among the given options, "standardized" best captures this meaning. "Standardized" implies that something is consistent, uniform, or regulated according to a standard or norm. 

8. Answer: A

Explanation: This is an Inference question regarding Paragraph 5. The correct answer is English likely originated as a creole.

In the concluding paragraph, the passage discusses the evolution of languages and suggests that many of the world's established languages might have been creoles initially. It specifically mentions the English past tense system and proposes that it might have evolved from the verb "do," indicating a potential creole origin for English. Therefore, the concept conveyed in the concluding paragraph is that English was likely a creole at its inception.

9. Answer: D

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 3, the sentence "It comprised standardized word sequences and grammatical indicators absent in both the pidgin language and the language of the colonizers," is most fittingly inserted in choice (D).

Choice (is the correct option because the inserted sentence directly follows statements in the preceding sentences regarding the pidgin language and how the children adopted it.

On the other hand, choices (A), (and (are incorrect as they are only providing the premise for the given statement.

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