Urban Spread - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading section, you'll often encounter passages on topics like 'Urban Spread,' which require a strong grasp of academic English. This section of the test is designed to assess your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze detailed information within a limited time.

Practicing with passages on topics like 'Urban Spread' will enhance your ability to manage reading complexity and improve your accuracy in answering related questions. Regular practice can help you feel more prepared for the variety of subjects you might see on test day.

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

Urban spread is all about cities expanding into the countryside without much control. You often see low-density homes, more cars on the road, and a lack of solid planning. This issue has popped up in many areas, especially in the United States, where cities seem to grow outward in a messy way. It really took off after World War II, around the late 1940s and early 1950s. Economic growth, affordable housing, and the rise of cars made families want to move from crowded city centres to the suburbs. This shift changed not just the landscape but also how communities interacted, leading to more separation by income and race.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what major factors contributed to urban spread after World War II?
   
   1. Economic growth
   2. Affordable housing
   3. The rise of cars
   4. All of the above

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a characteristic of urban spread EXCEPT:
   1. Low-density homes
   2. Increased public transport options
   3. More cars on the road
   4. Lack of solid planning

Paragraph 2

 A big reason for urban spread is the need for housing. As more people move in and cities get crowded, many look for bigger homes with yards. These homes are often found in the suburbs. This has led to sprawling neighbourhoods that take up a lot of land. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that from 1982 to 2007, urban land grew by 47%, while the population only went up by 16%. This means urban spread is outpacing population growth, pushing cities into areas that were once untouched, which has major effects on the environment and local communities.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the relationship between urban spread and population growth?
   
   1. Urban spread is directly proportional to population growth.
   2. Urban spread is occurring at a faster rate than population growth.
   3. Population growth is the sole cause of urban spread.
   4. Urban spread has no impact on local communities.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "sprawling" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Compact
   2. Dispersed
   3. Organised
   4. Restricted

Paragraph 3

 The environmental impact of urban spread is huge and complex. As cities grow, they destroy natural habitats, which leads to less variety of life. For example, turning forests and wetlands into neighbourhoods disturbs ecosystems and threatens various species. Also, with more cars on the road, we see increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that people in sprawling areas drive more than those in compact cities, which makes traffic worse and contributes to climate change. The facilities needed for these sprawling areaslike roads, schools, and utilitiesalso put a strain on local governments, leading to higher costs and taxes for residents.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention the destruction of natural habitats in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To highlight the benefits of urban spread
   2. To illustrate the negative environmental impacts of urban spread
   3. To suggest that urban spread is necessary for economic growth
   4. To argue that urban spread has no significant consequences

Paragraph 4

Still, not everyone is against urban spread. Supporters say that living in the suburbs offers a better quality of life, with bigger homes, parks, and a sense of community. They believe that having the choice of where to live is a key part of personal freedom. Some argue that suburban life can be more peaceful and less stressful than city living. This has led to new suburban developments that mix residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, trying to tackle some of the downsides of spread.

Inference Question

1. What does the author imply about the supporters of urban spread in paragraph 4?
   
   1. They are unaware of the negative impacts of urban spread.
   2. They believe that suburban living enhances personal freedom and quality of life.
   3. They prefer city living over suburban life.
   4. They are indifferent to the changes in community dynamics.

Paragraph 5

But critics argue that the long-term effects of urban spread outweigh any short-term benefits. They point out that breaking up communities can lead to social isolation and less community involvement. Also, relying on cars creates challenges for those without them, limiting their job and education opportunities. Urban planners and policymakers are starting to see the need for long-lasting development that focuses on compact, walkable communities. Ideas like smart growth and transit-oriented development aim to reduce the negative impacts of spread by encouraging higher-density housing, better public transport, and preserving green spaces to create a more connected community.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5?

    "Critics argue that the long-term effects of urban spread outweigh any short-term benefits."

   1. Critics believe that urban spread has more disadvantages than advantages.
   2. Critics think urban spread is beneficial in the short term.
   3. Critics argue that urban spread is necessary for economic growth.
   4. Critics are indifferent to the effects of urban spread.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, urban spread is a tricky issue that needs careful thought about its social, economic, and environmental effects. While it can offer benefits like more housing choices and a perceived better quality of life, we can't ignore the bigger problems it brings. As city populations keep growing, the push for long-lasting development becomes more urgent. Future urban planning has to find a balance between wanting space and privacy and the need to protect natural areas and build strong communities. Ultimately, the ongoing conversation about urban spread highlights the need for smart planning to shape our urban future, leaving many questions about how to best handle this widespread issue.

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. 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.

   Urban spread presents both challenges and opportunities for communities.

   Answer Choices

   1. Urban spread can lead to environmental degradation and social isolation.
   2. Supporters of urban spread argue that it enhances personal freedom and quality of life.
   3. Urban spread is solely caused by population growth and housing demand.
   4. Urban planners are increasingly focusing on sustainable development to mitigate the negative impacts of urban spread.

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.

   "These challenges necessitate a reevaluation of urban planning strategies."
   

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   The environmental impact of urban spread is huge and complex. As cities grow, they destroy natural habitats, which leads to less variety of life. (A) For example, turning forests and wetlands into neighbourhoods disturbs ecosystems and threatens various species. (B) Also, with more cars on the road, we see increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. (C) Studies show that people in sprawling areas drive more than those in compact cities, which makes traffic worse and contributes to climate change. (D) The facilities needed for these sprawling areaslike roads, schools, and utilitiesalso put a strain on local governments, leading to higher costs and taxes for residents.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
   
   1. To argue that urban spread is entirely negative
   2. To discuss the complexities of urban spread and its implications for future planning
   3. To promote suburban living as the best option for families
   4. To suggest that urban spread is a natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Urban Spread 

1. Answer: D

Explanation: Paragraph 1 lists economic growth, affordable housing, and the rise of cars as significant factors that contributed to urban spread after World War II. Each of these elements played a crucial role in encouraging families to move from crowded city centres to the suburbs, making option D the correct choice.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph discusses low-density homes, more cars on the road, and a lack of solid planning as characteristics of urban spread. However, it does not mention increased public transport options, making option B the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph states that urban land grew by 47% while the population only increased by 16% from 1982 to 2007. This indicates that urban spread is outpacing population growth, supporting option B.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "sprawling" refers to the spread of urban areas over a large land area, often in a disorganized manner. "Dispersed" captures this meaning, while the other options suggest a more compact or organized arrangement.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The author discusses how urban spread leads to the destruction of natural habitats, which negatively affects biodiversity. This serves to highlight the environmental consequences of urban expansion, making option B the correct choice.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph describes supporters of urban spread as valuing the choice of where to live and believing that suburban life offers a better quality of life. This implies that they see suburban living as enhancing personal freedom, making option B the best answer.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: The original sentence indicates that critics argue the long-term effects of urban spread outweigh any short-term benefits. Option A succinctly captures this sentiment, while the other options do not accurately reflect the critics' views.

8. Answer Choices: A, B and D.

Explanation: Options A, B, and D encapsulate the main ideas of the passage, addressing both the challenges and opportunities presented by urban spread. Option C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the causes of urban spread.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The missing sentence, "These challenges necessitate a reevaluation of urban planning strategies," fits best at point A. It logically follows the statement about the destruction of natural habitats and sets the stage for discussing the subsequent environmental impacts.

10. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage explores various aspects of urban spread, including its causes, effects, and the differing opinions on it. It emphasizes the need for thoughtful urban planning, making option B the most accurate representation of the passage's purpose.

Working through passages like 'Urban Spread' equips you with valuable skills for the TOEFL Reading test. By honing your reading comprehension and analysis techniques, you’ll be more prepared to approach challenging academic texts confidently on the actual exam.

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