Immigration Policies - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading section, you will be required to engage with academic texts on topics like 'Immigration Policies.' This section assesses your ability to comprehend and analyze information from written passages, which is crucial for your performance on the exam.

By practicing reading tasks like this one, you will develop skills to interpret main ideas, identify supporting details, and draw inferences—key abilities for excelling 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 

Immigration policies are important rules that control how individuals can enter, stay, and have rights in a country that isnt their own. These policies are shaped by many factors, including economic needs, national security concerns, and compassionate responsibilities. For instance, during times of economic growth, countries may adopt more relaxed immigration policies to attract skilled workers. In contrast, during economic downturns, stricter measures might be put in place to protect local job markets. Historical records show that the Immigration Act of 1924 in the United States set national origin limits, which greatly restricted immigration from certain countries, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe. This act reflected the common native feelings of the time, viewing immigrants as potential threats to American identity and values.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what was one reason for the stricter immigration measures during economic downturns?
   1. To attract skilled workers
   2. To protect local job markets
   3. To promote family reunification
   4. To enhance national identity

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following factors that shape immigration policies EXCEPT:
   1. Economic needs
   2. National security concerns
   3. Compassionate responsibilities
   4. Cultural assimilation

Paragraph 2

The development of U.S. immigration policy has seen major changes over the years. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 marked a significant shift by eliminating national origin limits and promoting family reunification and skilled immigration. This change not only diversified the immigrant population but also highlighted the importance of immigration in enhancing the nation's cultural fabric. However, the consequences of the 9/11 attacks in 2001 led to increased security measures and policies aimed at limiting immigration from specific countries seen as security threats. This indicates how national security concerns can dramatically reshape immigration policies, often at the expense of compassionate considerations.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the impact of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 on the U.S. immigrant population?
   1. It led to a decrease in the number of immigrants.
   2. It resulted in a more diverse immigrant population.
   3. It restricted immigration from certain countries.
   4. It had no significant effect on immigration patterns.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention the consequences of the 9/11 attacks in paragraph 2?
   1. To illustrate the historical context of immigration policies
   2. To highlight the importance of family reunification
   3. To show how security concerns can influence immigration policies
   4. To discuss the cultural impact of immigration

Paragraph 3

In Europe, immigration policies have faced similar challenges, especially after the refugee crisis that began in 2015. The arrival of migrants from war-torn areas like Syria and Afghanistan prompted many European countries to reconsider their immigration policies. Countries like Germany adopted more welcoming policies, allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees to enter, while others, such as Hungary and Poland, set strict border controls and resisted EU-wide quotas. This difference in approaches has sparked debates about the responsibilities of nations in addressing humanitarian crises and the balance between national independence and international responsibilities. Critics argue that the reluctance of some countries to accept refugees undermines the principles of solidarity and shared responsibility within the European Union.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "reluctance" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Willingness
   2. Hesitation
   3. Enthusiasm
   4. Indifference

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 3, 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.

   "This situation has led to significant political tensions within the EU.''

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   The arrival of migrants from war-torn areas like Syria and Afghanistan prompted many European countries to reconsider their immigration policies. (A) Countries like Germany adopted more welcoming policies, allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees to enter, (B) while others, such as Hungary and Poland, set strict border controls and resisted EU-wide quotas. (C) This difference in approaches has sparked debates about the responsibilities of nations in addressing humanitarian crises and the balance between national independence and international responsibilities. (D)

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

Paragraph 4

The economic effects of immigration policies are also significant and complicated. Research shows that immigrants positively contribute to the economies of their host countries by filling labour shortages, paying taxes, and boosting demand for goods and services. For instance, a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2017 found that immigrants had a net positive impact on the U.S. economy, contributing around 2 trillion to the GDP. However, critics argue that an influx of immigrants can lead to more competition for jobs and pressure on public services. This contention often drives political discussions about immigration, with supporters advocating for policies that help integration and support, while opponents call for stricter measures to protect local workers.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 4?

   "Research shows that immigrants positively contribute to the economies of their host countries by filling labour shortages, paying taxes, and boosting demand for goods and services."

   1. Immigrants help the economy by filling jobs and paying taxes.
   2. Immigrants are essential for the economy of host countries.
   3. Immigrants only contribute to the economy through taxes.
   4. Immigrants have a negative impact on local economies.

Paragraph 5

Additionally, the rise of populist sentiment in various parts of the world has greatly influenced immigration policies in recent years. Populist leaders often take advantage of public fears about immigration, depicting it as a threat to national security and cultural identity. This has led to more restrictive immigration measures in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For instance, the Brexit referendum in 2016 was heavily influenced by concerns over immigration, resulting in a commitment to reduce the number of immigrants entering the UK. The conversation around immigration has shifted from one of opportunity and diversity to one of rejection and control, raising concerns about potential violations of human rights and the treatment of migrants.

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.

   Populist sentiment has significantly impacted immigration policies in various countries.

   Answer Choices

   1. Populist leaders exploit public fears about immigration.
   2. The Brexit referendum was solely about immigration.
   3. Immigration policies have become more restrictive in several countries.
   4. Concerns about human rights violations have increased due to stricter immigration measures.

Paragraph 6

To sum up, immigration policies reflect a nations values, priorities, and challenges. As global migration continues to rise due to factors like climate change, economic inequality, and conflict, the need for complete and humane immigration policies becomes more urgent. Policymakers must navigate the complicated mix of economic, social, and compassionate considerations while addressing the concerns of their citizens. The future of immigration policy will likely depend on how well nations can balance these competing interests, creating an environment that welcomes newcomers while ensuring the well-being of existing residents. Questions remain about the long-term effects of current policies, especially concerning social unity and economic stability. Ongoing discussion and research are crucial to inform policy decisions that can adapt to the changing landscape of global migration, ensuring that the principles of inclusivity and compassion are upheld.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?
   1. To highlight the challenges of creating immigration policies
   2. To summarise the historical context of immigration policies
   3. To argue against current immigration policies
   4. To discuss the economic benefits of immigration

Prose Summary 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.

   Immigration policies are shaped by various factors and have evolved over time.

   Answer Choices

   1. Economic needs and national security concerns often influence immigration policies.
   2. The rise of populist sentiment has led to more welcoming immigration policies.
   3. The refugee crisis in Europe has prompted a reconsideration of immigration policies.
   4. Immigration policies reflect a balance between compassion and national interests.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Immigration Policies

1. Answer: B 

Explanation: The passage states that during economic downturns, countries may implement stricter immigration measures to safeguard local job markets. This indicates that the primary concern during such times is to ensure that local workers are not adversely affected by an influx of immigrants, highlighting the economic rationale behind these policies.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage lists economic needs, national security concerns, and compassionate responsibilities as factors influencing immigration policies. However, cultural assimilation is not mentioned as a shaping factor, making it the correct answer for this question.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage notes that the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 eliminated national origin limits and promoted family reunification and skilled immigration. This change diversified the immigrant population, suggesting that the Act had a significant positive impact on the variety of immigrants entering the U.S.

4. Answer: C 

Explanation: The author discusses the increased security measures and policies limiting immigration from specific countries following the 9/11 attacks. This illustrates how national security concerns can dramatically reshape immigration policies, often overshadowing compassionate considerations.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: "Reluctance" refers to a feeling of unwillingness or hesitation to do something. In the context of the passage, it describes the hesitation of some countries to accept refugees, which aligns closely with the meaning of "hesitation."

6. Answer: C

Explanation: The missing sentence, "This situation has led to significant political tensions within the EU," fits best after the discussion of differing immigration policies among countries. It logically follows the mention of debates about responsibilities and highlights the political ramifications of these differing approaches.

7. Answer: A 

Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which emphasizes the positive contributions of immigrants to the economy through job filling and tax payments, without unnecessary detail.

8. Answer Choices:

A. Populist leaders exploit public fears about immigration. 

C. Immigration policies have become more restrictive in several countries.

Explanation: These two choices reflect the main ideas presented in paragraph 5. The author discusses how populist leaders exploit fears about immigration, leading to more restrictive policies, which are key points in understanding the impact of populism on immigration.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The paragraph discusses the complexities and competing interests involved in formulating immigration policies, emphasizing the challenges policymakers face in balancing economic, social, and compassionate considerations. This aligns with the main purpose of the paragraph.

10. Answer Choices: A Economic needs and national security concerns often influence immigration policies. & C The refugee crisis in Europe has prompted a reconsideration of immigration policies. & D Immigration policies reflect a balance between compassion and national interests.

Explanation: These choices encapsulate the key themes of the passage. They highlight the influence of economic and security factors, the impact of the refugee crisis, and the need to balance compassion with national interests, all of which are central to the discussion of immigration policies throughout the text.

Practicing reading tasks on topics like 'Immigration Policies' will help you refine your comprehension and analytical skills. Mastering these abilities is essential to achieving success in the TOEFL Reading section.

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