Smart Technology and Jobs - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading section, you’ll face passages like 'Smart Technology and Jobs' that test your ability to read and interpret complex texts. You will need to identify key ideas, make inferences, and answer questions that evaluate your comprehension. Engaging with these types of topics helps you get comfortable with the structure of reading tasks and improves your ability to understand how technology impacts employment.

By practicing such tasks, you'll strengthen your reading efficiency and boost your overall TOEFL performance.

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 

The rise of smart technology has sparked a big change in the job market, leading to a lot of discussions about what it means for jobs. As these tools improve, they can do tasks that used to be done only by humans. This change raises important questions about the future of work, especially about which jobs might be taken over by machines and how workers can adjust to these shifts. Looking back, we see that new tools have often caused some jobs to disappear while also creating new ones. However, the rapid pace of smart technology development brings special problems that need thoughtful planning.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what is one of the main concerns regarding the rise of smart technology?
   
   1. The potential for job creation
   2. The need for new tools
   3. The possibility of job loss to machines
   4. The improvement of human tasks

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a consequence of new tools EXCEPT:
   
   1. Some jobs disappearing
   2. New jobs being created
   3. Workers adjusting to shifts
   4. Increased job security for all workers

Paragraph 2

A major worry about smart technology and jobs is the risk of large-scale job loss in different sectors. A report from the McKinsey Global Institute predicts that by 2030, up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be lost to automation. This number includes a wide range of jobs, from simple manual labour to more complex roles in areas like finance, healthcare, and customer service. For example, AI can now examine huge amounts of data more efficiently than human workers, raising concerns that jobs focused on data analysis might vanish. As smart technology continues to advance, it could also take over roles that need problem-solving and creativity, which we usually think of as human skills. This makes us wonder if the workforce is ready for such a big change.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the future of jobs in data analysis?
   
   1. They will become more secure.
   2. They may be replaced by AI.
   3. They will require more human oversight.
   4. They will become less important.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the McKinsey Global Institute report in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To highlight the benefits of automation
   2. To provide evidence of potential job loss
   3. To suggest that job loss is exaggerated
   4. To argue against the use of smart technology

Paragraph 3

However, supporters of smart technology argue that while some jobs might be at risk, the technology can also create new positions and improve existing ones. For example, the growth of smart technology has led to a higher demand for people skilled in machine learning, data analysis, and AI ethics. These new fields need workers who understand and manage smart technology. Also, smart technology can improve human abilities, allowing workers to focus on more complex tasks that require emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and people skills. This change might redefine job roles instead of just eliminating them, as workers learn to use new tools that boost productivity and creativity.

Vocabulary Questions

1. The word "redefine" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Change the meaning of
   2. Eliminate completely
   3. Maintain the same
   4. Simplify significantly

Sentence Simplification Questions

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

   "Smart technology can improve human abilities, allowing workers to focus on more complex tasks that require emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and people skills."

   1. Smart technology helps workers concentrate on tasks that need advanced skills.
   2. Workers will no longer need emotional intelligence due to smart technology.
   3. Smart technology replaces the need for human skills in the workplace.
   4. Workers will be less productive with the introduction of smart technology.

Paragraph 4

The effect of smart technology on jobs isnt the same across all sectors, which shows the need for specific strategies. Industries like manufacturing and transportation are likely to face major changes due to the automation of routine tasks. For example, self-driving vehicles could transform logistics and delivery services, potentially replacing millions of drivers. In contrast, sectors like healthcare may see smart technology as a helpful tool that improves patient care rather than replacing human workers. Smart technology can assist healthcare professionals in making better decisions in diagnostics and treatment planning, enhancing the quality of care. This shows the need for tailored strategies to tackle the challenges and opportunities that smart technology brings.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   
   1. To argue that all sectors will be equally affected by smart technology
   2. To illustrate the varying impacts of smart technology across different industries
   3. To suggest that healthcare will be the most affected sector
   4. To highlight the benefits of self-driving vehicles

Paragraph 5

Education and training will be key in getting the workforce ready for an AI-driven future. As the need for new skills grows, schools must change their programmes to teach students the right skills. This includes not just technical skills related to smart technology and data analysis but also soft skills like problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Ongoing learning will be crucial for current workers to learn new skills and stay relevant in a fast-changing job market. Governments, businesses, and schools need to work together to create training programmes that meet the changing needs of the workforce, promoting a culture of continuous learning and flexibility.

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.

   Smart technology is transforming the job market, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

   Answer Choices

   1. The rise of smart technology could lead to significant job losses in various sectors.
   2. Education and training are essential for preparing the workforce for future demands.
   3. Smart technology will completely eliminate the need for human workers in all sectors.
   4. New job roles are emerging as a result of advancements in smart technology.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, the connection between smart technology and jobs is complex, filled with both challenges and opportunities. While theres a real risk of job loss, smart technology also opens doors for new jobs and improvements in existing roles. The way to handle this change is through proactive steps focused on education, training, and specific strategies for different sectors. As society faces the effects of smart technology, its important to build a workforce that can adapt and succeed in a more automated world. Ultimately, the future of work will depend on how well individuals, organisations, and policymakers respond to the challenges and opportunities that smart technology presents, making sure the benefits of this technology serve the greater good.

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.

   "Addressing these issues requires collaboration among various stakeholders."

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   1. In the first sentence
   2. After the second sentence
   3. After the third sentence
   4. At the end of the paragraph

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.

   The rise of smart technology presents both challenges and opportunities for the job market.

   Answer Choices

   1. The potential for job loss is significant, with millions of jobs at risk.
   2. Education and training must evolve to prepare workers for new roles.
   3. Smart technology will replace all human jobs in the near future.
   4. New job roles are emerging that require skills in technology and emotional intelligence.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Smart Technology and Jobs 

1. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage highlights concerns about the impact of smart technology on jobs, specifically mentioning the risk of job loss due to automation. This concern is central to the discussions about the future of work, making option C the correct choice.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage discusses the disappearance of some jobs and the creation of new ones due to new tools. However, it does not mention increased job security for all workers, making option D the correct answer as it is not mentioned in the passage.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that AI can perform data analysis more efficiently than humans, raising concerns about the future of jobs in that field. This suggests that jobs in data analysis may be at risk of being replaced by AI, making option B the most logical inference.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of the McKinsey Global Institute report serves to substantiate the claim about the potential for significant job loss due to automation. This evidence strengthens the argument regarding the risks associated with smart technology, making option B the correct choice.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: In this context, "redefine" refers to altering the understanding or interpretation of job roles. It implies a transformation rather than elimination or simplification, making option A the closest in meaning.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option accurately captures the essence of the original sentence, which states that smart technology allows workers to focus on more complex tasks. The other options misrepresent the relationship between smart technology and human skills.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph discusses how different sectors will experience the effects of smart technology differently, highlighting the need for tailored strategies. This makes option B the main purpose of the paragraph.

8. Answer Choices: A, B, D

Explanation: A is correct as it addresses the significant job losses predicted due to smart technology.

B is correct because it emphasizes the importance of education and training for future workforce needs.

D is correct as it highlights the emergence of new job roles due to advancements in technology.

C is incorrect because the passage does not claim that smart technology will completely eliminate the need for human workers in all sectors.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence about collaboration among stakeholders fits well after the second sentence, which discusses the need for proactive steps. This placement would logically connect the need for collaboration with the proactive measures mentioned.

10. Answer Choices: A, B, D

Explanation: A is correct as it highlights the significant potential for job loss.

B is correct because it stresses the need for evolving education and training.

D is correct as it points out the emergence of new job roles requiring specific skills.

C is incorrect because the passage does not state that smart technology will replace all human jobs.

Working through tasks like 'Smart Technology and Jobs' sharpens your reading and analytical abilities. With regular practice, you’ll develop the skills needed to confidently tackle a wide range of reading passages in the TOEFL exam.

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