Pesticides - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Gaining proficiency in academic reading is essential for success in the TOEFL Reading section, which simulates the demands of English-language academic settings. This section assesses critical skills like identifying main ideas, gathering specific details, inferring meanings, and understanding text organization. Regular practice is crucial for high performance.

Our practice tests are designed to closely replicate the TOEFL's structure and language, helping you approach the exam with confidence. Take the TOEFL Practice Test on the "Pesticides" passage to get familiar with the test format and identify key areas to improve!

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.

Chemicals have been a key part of modern farming since the mid-20th century. They have greatly helped to increase farming success and protect plants from various pests and diseases. These substances are designed to deter, disable, or eliminate pests that threaten farming success. The introduction of man-made chemicals, especially after World War II, changed farming practices, allowing for the growing of larger areas with less labor. So, the widespread use of these chemicals has also raised serious concerns about their pollution and health impacts, leading to ongoing debates about their safety, effectiveness, and long-term effects.

The main types of chemicals include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, each targeting specific pests. Insecticides are used to control insect populations that can destroy crops, while herbicides eliminate unwanted weeds that compete for essential nutrients and water. Fungicides protect plants from fungal infections, which can cause major crop losses, and rodenticides manage rodent populations that threaten stored grains and other food supplies. Despite their benefits, the careless use of these chemicals can lead to unexpected problems, such as the rise of pesticide-resistant pest populations and the disruption of local environments. For instance, the widespread use of glyphosate, a common herbicide, has led to the development of resistant weed species, requiring the use of even stronger chemicals.

One of the most important issues linked to chemical use is the risk of environmental pollution. Chemicals can seep into soil and waterways, negatively affecting non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. For example, neonicotinoids, a type of insecticide, have been linked to the worrying decline of bee populations, which are crucial for pollination. Research shows that exposure to these chemicals can harm bees' searching behavior and reproductive success, leading to serious ecological consequences. Additionally, the long-lasting presence of certain chemicals in the environment raises concerns about build-up, where toxic substances accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, potentially entering the food chain and affecting human health. Studies have found that some chemicals can linger in the environment for years, posing long-term risks to a variety of lives.

Besides environmental concerns, the health effects of chemical exposure have gained significant attention. Agricultural workers, who often come into direct contact with these substances, may experience immediate health issues, such as skin irritations, breathing problems, and neurological symptoms. Long-term exposure has been linked to chronic health problems, including various types of cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues. Government groups, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, have set guidelines and safety measures to reduce these risks. But the effectiveness of these regulations is often questioned, especially in developing countries where enforcement may be weak. For instance, in some areas, farmers may lack access to protective gear, increasing their risk of chemical exposure.

The debate about chemical use has led to the search for alternative pest management plans. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods to manage pest populations in a sustainable way. By focusing on natural predators, crop rotation, and resistant plant varieties, IPM aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while keeping farming success high. Organic farming practices advocate for minimizing man-made chemical use, relying instead on natural substances and methods to control pests. These alternatives not only aim to protect human health and the environment but also promote variety of life and soil health. For example, introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, can naturally control aphid populations, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

In conclusion, while chemicals have certainly helped boost farming success, their use comes with challenges that require careful thought. The balance between effective pest control and safety for the environment and health is a critical issue for policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food will rise, highlighting the need for effective pest management solutions. Future research and innovation in long-lasting agricultural practices will be essential in addressing the complex relationship between pest control, environmental care, and public health. The ongoing discussion about chemicals emphasizes the importance of finding a path that ensures food security while protecting the planet and its inhabitants, leaving room for further inquiry into the long-term effects of chemical use on the environment and human health.

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

Paragraph 1

Chemicals have been a key part of modern farming since the mid-20th century. They have greatly helped to increase farming success and protect plants from various pests and diseases. These substances are designed to deter, disable, or eliminate pests that threaten farming success. The introduction of man-made chemicals, especially after World War II, changed farming practices, allowing for the growing of larger areas with less labor. So, the widespread use of these chemicals has also raised serious concerns about their pollution and health impacts, leading to ongoing debates about their safety, effectiveness, and long-term effects.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what significant change occurred in farming practices after World War II? 
   1. The introduction of organic farming methods
   2. The use of man-made chemicals
   3. The reduction of crop areas
   4. The increase in manual labour

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following concerns about pesticides in paragraph 1 EXCEPT:
   1. Their effectiveness in pest control
   2. Their potential health impacts
   3. Their role in increasing farming success
   4. Their contribution to environmental pollution

Paragraph 2

The main types of chemicals include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, each targeting specific pests. Insecticides are used to control insect populations that can destroy crops, while herbicides eliminate unwanted weeds that compete for essential nutrients and water. Fungicides protect plants from fungal infections, which can cause major crop losses, and rodenticides manage rodent populations that threaten stored grains and other food supplies. Despite their benefits, the careless use of these chemicals can lead to unexpected problems, such as the rise of pesticide-resistant pest populations and the disruption of local environments. For instance, the widespread use of glyphosate, a common herbicide, has led to the development of resistant weed species, requiring the use of even stronger chemicals.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the use of glyphosate based on paragraph 2?
   1. It is the most effective herbicide available.
   2. It has led to the emergence of stronger pest populations.
   3. It is no longer used in modern farming.
   4. It has no impact on the environment.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "herbicides" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Chemicals that kill insects
   2. Chemicals that kill weeds
   3. Chemicals that kill rodents
   4. Chemicals that protect crops

Paragraph 3

One of the most important issues linked to chemical use is the risk of environmental pollution. Chemicals can seep into soil and waterways, negatively affecting non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. For example, neonicotinoids, a type of insecticide, have been linked to the worrying decline of bee populations, which are crucial for pollination. Research shows that exposure to these chemicals can harm bees' searching behavior and reproductive success, leading to serious ecological consequences. Additionally, the long-lasting presence of certain chemicals in the environment raises concerns about build-up, where toxic substances accumulate in the tissues of living organisms, potentially entering the food chain and affecting human health. Studies have found that some chemicals can linger in the environment for years, posing long-term risks to a variety of lives.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention neonicotinoids in paragraph 3?
   1. To illustrate the benefits of chemical use
   2. To highlight a specific example of environmental impact
   3. To discuss the history of insecticides
   4. To suggest alternatives to chemical use

Paragraph 4

Besides environmental concerns, the health effects of chemical exposure have gained significant attention. Agricultural workers, who often come into direct contact with these substances, may experience immediate health issues, such as skin irritations, breathing problems, and neurological symptoms. Long-term exposure has been linked to chronic health problems, including various types of cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive issues. Government groups, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States, have set guidelines and safety measures to reduce these risks. But the effectiveness of these regulations is often questioned, especially in developing countries where enforcement may be weak. For instance, in some areas, farmers may lack access to protective gear, increasing their risk of chemical exposure.

Sentence Simplification Question

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

"Agricultural workers, who often come into direct contact with these substances, may experience immediate health issues, such as skin irritations, breathing problems, and neurological symptoms."

1. 1. Agricultural workers are at risk of immediate health issues from chemical exposure.
   2. Agricultural workers are immune to health issues from chemical exposure.
   3. Agricultural workers rarely experience health issues from chemical exposure.
   4. Agricultural workers only face long-term health issues from chemical exposure.

Paragraph 5

The debate about chemical use has led to the search for alternative pest management plans. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods to manage pest populations in a sustainable way. By focusing on natural predators, crop rotation, and resistant plant varieties, IPM aims to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides while keeping farming success high. Organic farming practices advocate for minimizing man-made chemical use, relying instead on natural substances and methods to control pests. These alternatives not only aim to protect human health and the environment but also promote variety of life and soil health. For example, introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, can naturally control aphid populations, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 5?
   1. To explain the history of pesticide use
   2. To discuss the benefits of chemical pesticides
   3. To introduce alternative pest management strategies
   4. To highlight the dangers of chemical exposure

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, while chemicals have certainly helped boost farming success, their use comes with challenges that require careful thought. The balance between effective pest control and safety for the environment and health is a critical issue for policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food will rise, highlighting the need for effective pest management solutions. Future research and innovation in long-lasting agricultural practices will be essential in addressing the complex relationship between pest control, environmental care, and public health. The ongoing discussion about chemicals emphasizes the importance of finding a path that ensures food security while protecting the planet and its inhabitants, leaving room for further inquiry into the long-term effects of chemical use on the environment and human health.

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of paragraph 6 is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the paragraph. 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.

"Pesticides have played a significant role in modern agriculture, but their use raises important concerns."

1. 1. The use of pesticides has led to increased farming success.
   2. Chemical exposure poses risks to both human health and the environment.
   3. Alternative pest management strategies can reduce reliance on chemicals.
   4. The debate over pesticides is primarily about their economic benefits.
   5. Future research is needed to address the challenges posed by chemical use.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 6, 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.

"However, the consequences of chemical misuse can lead to severe soil degradation, water contamination, and health issues." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

In conclusion, while chemicals have certainly helped boost farming success, their use comes with challenges that require careful thought. The balance between effective pest control and safety for the environment and health is a critical issue for policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike. (A) As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food will rise, highlighting the need for effective pest management solutions. (B) Future research and innovation in long-lasting agricultural practices will be essential in addressing the complex relationship between pest control, environmental care, and public health. (C) The ongoing discussion about chemicals emphasizes the importance of finding a path that ensures food security while protecting the planet and its inhabitants, leaving room for further inquiry into the long-term effects of chemical use on the environment and human health. (D)   

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

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 - Pesticides

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage clearly states that the introduction of man-made chemicals after World War II changed farming practices significantly. This allowed for the cultivation of larger areas with less labour, indicating a shift towards more chemical-dependent farming methods.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: While the passage discusses the benefits of pesticides in increasing farming success, it does not list this as a concern. Instead, it focuses on the pollution and health impacts, which are the primary concerns raised by the author.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage mentions that the widespread use of glyphosate has resulted in the development of resistant weed species, implying that its use has inadvertently led to stronger pest populations that are harder to control.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage defines herbicides specifically as chemicals that eliminate unwanted weeds, making option B the correct choice. The other options refer to different types of pesticides.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The author uses neonicotinoids as a specific example to illustrate the negative environmental impacts of chemical use, particularly their effect on bee populations, which are crucial for pollination.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which discusses the immediate health risks faced by agricultural workers due to direct contact with chemicals.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: Paragraph 5 discusses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and organic farming practices as alternatives to chemical pesticides, indicating that the main purpose is to introduce these alternative strategies.

8. Answer: Options B, C and E

Explanation: Options B, C, and E reflect the key themes of the passage, including the benefits and risks of pesticides, the need for alternative strategies, and the call for future research. Options A and D are not relevant as the debate is not primarily about economic benefits.

9. Answer: A 

Explanation: The sentence logically follows the discussion about balancing pest control with environmental and health safety, as it introduces specific consequences of chemical misuse in the context of these considerations.

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