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TOEFL Reading 2

 

[1]  Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution is known as one of the most important and controversial scientific theories ever published. Darwin was an English scientist in the 19th century best known for his book “On the Origin of Species.” In his book, Darwin postulated different species shared characteristics of common ancestors, that they branched off from common ancestors as they evolved, and that new traits and characteristics were a result of natural selection. The theory is based on the assumptions that life developed from non-life and progressed and evolved in an indirect manner. Therefore, the Theory of Evolution, while controversial, has shaped and influenced the modern scientific world's thinking on the development of life itself. Darwin was born February 12, 1809 in England. Although initially entering into medicine, Darwin chose to pursue his interest in natural science and embarked on a five-year journey aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, a British sloop belonging to the Royal Navy. Because of his experience aboard the Beagle, he laid the foundation for his Theory of Evolution while also establishing himself within the scientific community. Specifically, Darwin's keen observation of the fossils and wildlife he saw during his time on the Beagle served as the basis for the cornerstone of his theory: natural selection.
 

[2]  Natural selection contributes to the basis of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. One of the core tenets of Darwin's theory is that more offspring are always produced for a species than can possibly survive. Yet, no two offspring are perfectly alike. As a result, through random mutation and genetic drift, over time offspring develop new traits and characteristics. Over time beneficial traits and characteristics that promote survival will be kept in the gene pool while those that harm survival will be selected against. Therefore, this natural selection ensures that a species gradually improves itself over an extended duration of time. On the other hand, as a species continues to 'improve' itself, it branches out to create entirely new species that are no longer capable of reproducing together.
 

[3]  Through natural selection, organisms could branch off of each other and evolve to the point where they no longer belong to the same species. Consequently, simple organisms evolve into more complex and different organisms as species break away from one another. Natural selection parallels selective breeding employed by humans on domesticated animals for centuries. Namely, horse breeders will ensure that horses with particular characteristics, such as speed and endurance, are allowed to produce offspring while horses that do not share those above-average traits will not. Therefore, over several generations, the new offspring will already be pre-disposed towards being excellent racing horses.
 

[4]  Darwin's theory is that 'selective breeding' occurs in nature as 'natural selection' is the engine behind evolution. Thus, the theory provides an excellent basis for understanding how organisms change over time. Nevertheless, it is just a theory and elusively difficult to prove. One of the major holes in Darwin's theory revolves around “irreducibly complex systems.” An irreducibly complex system is known as a system where many different parts must all operate together. As a result, in the absence of one, the system as a whole collapses. Consequently, as modern technology improves, science can identify these “irreducibly complex systems” even at microscopic levels. These complex systems, if so inter-reliant, would be resistant to Darwin's supposition of how evolution occurs. As Darwin himself admitted, “To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivance for adjusting the focus for different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I free confess, absurd in the highest degree".

[5]  In conclusion, “On the Origin of Species” is known as one of the most consequential books ever published. Darwin's Theory of Evolution remains, to this day, a lightning rod for controversy. The theory can be observed repeatedly, but never proven, and there are a plethora of instances that cast doubt on the processes of natural selection and evolution. Darwin's conclusions were a result of keen observation and training as a naturalist. Despite the controversy that swirls around his theory, Darwin remains one of the most influential scientists and naturalists ever born due to his Theory of Evolution.

1 Which sentence is most similar to the following sentence from paragraph 1?

The theory is based on the assumptions that life developed from non-life and progressed and evolved in an indirect manner.

  • The Theory of Evolution is founded on evidence that non-organic compounds are the basis of life, developed in an unguided way.
  • Based on certain assumptions, we can prove that evolution occurs in all living and non-living entities.
  • According to Darwin, if we assume that life at its origin was created from non-organic compounds and developed in an unguided manner, his theory holds true.
  • Due to the controversy, it is hard to make assumptions about the Theory of Evolution.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

(C) is correct because it most appropriately paraphrases the sentence,

The theory is based on the assumptions that life developed from non-life and progressed and evolved in an indirect manner.
Non-life is replaced by its synonym, non-organic compounds and progressed and evolved in an indirect manner is replaced by developed in an unguided manner.

According to Darwin, if we assume that life at its origin was created from non-organic compounds and developed in an unguided manner, his theory holds true.

(A) is not correct because the word evidence is not an appropriate synonym for assumption.

(B) is incorrect as there is no reference to development from non-life.

(D) is not correct as it holds to similarity in meaning to the initial sentence.

2 According to paragraph 2, what are the causes for species developing new traits and characteristics?

  • medicine and longevity
  • survival and selection
  • mutation and genetic drift
  • tenets and theory

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

(C) is the correct answer.
When answering this question, identify the causes for species developing new traits and characteristics. Those causes are found in lines 5 to 8. Highlight the key words (in block) to help identify the correct answers, (C).

As a result, through random mutation and genetic drift, offspring develop new traits and characteristics over time.

(A) is not correct as medicine and longevity are not mentioned in the paragraph.

(B) is wrong because survival and selection are the results and effects of new traits, not the causes of them

(D) is incorrect because tenets and theory do not impact species evolution.

3 The word 'those' in paragraph 2 refers to:

  • gene pool
  • survival
  • natural selection
  • traits and characteristics

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

(D) is the correct answer, as those is a demonstrative adjective replacing the noun traits being selected to promote survival.
Beneficial traits and characteristics that promote survival will gradually be kept in the gene pool while those that harm survival will be selected against.

(A), (B) and (C) offer words that are contained in the paragraph but do not refer to items being selected to promote survival.

4 According to paragraph 3, what is natural selection most comparable to as a process?

  • branching trees
  • selective breeding
  • irreducibly complex systems
  • the human eye

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: b
Your Selection: Not Answered

(B) is the correct answer, as the text mentions:

Natural selection parallels "selective breeding" that has been employed by humans on domesticated animals for centuries.
Through natural selection, organisms could branch off of each other and evolve to the point where they no longer belong to the same species. Consequently, simple organisms evolve into more complex and different organisms as species break away from one another. Natural selection parallels selective breeding that has been employed by humans on domesticated animals for centuries. Namely, horse breeders will ensure that horses with particular characteristics, such as speed and endurance, are allowed to produce offspring while horses that do not share those above-average traits will not. Therefore, over several generations, the new offspring will already be pre-disposed towards being excellent racing horses.

(A) is misleading as there is a reference in line 1 to branch off but as a description of natural selection, not a comparable process.

(C) is not correct as it is not even mentioned in the text.

(D) is incorrect as the human eye is not a process, but an organ.

5 What is the purpose of paragraph 3 in the passage?

  • To show the simple-to-complex nature of natural selection in context
  • To create doubt as to the validity of the theory
  • To contrast with the ideas presented in paragraph 2
  • To segue into the main point presented in paragraph 4

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer. The purpose of the paragraph is to show the simple-to-complex nature of natural selection. You can understand this by identifying the general meaning of the sentence, and noticing linking words such as consequently, namely and therefore to understand that the paragraph offers argument with examples and not contrast or doubt.

Through natural selection...Consequently, simple organisms evolve into more complex and different organisms as species break away from one ...Namely, horse breeders ... Therefore, over several generations, the new offspring will already be pre-disposed towards being excellent racing horses.

(B) is not correct as the paragraph does not mention any doubts of validity created by the nature of natural selection.

(C) is incorrect because the purpose of the paragraph does not make any contrast but rather, builds on the ideas already presented.

(D) is not correct because the paragraph is not structured as a segue. It provides information that is necessary for the understanding of paragraph 4.

6 All of the following are mentioned in paragraph 4 as a viewpoint to state that natural selection is difficult to prove EXCEPT

  • The belief that the complexity of the human eye could have been formed by natural selection seems highly unlikely
  • The presence of irreducibly complex system contradicts how evolution occurs
  • Modern technology has been used to prove that irreducibly complex systems exists
  • Selective breeding is the major hole in the theory of natural selection

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

(D) is the correct answer. Selective breeding is not the major hole, but the presence of irreducibly complex systems is.

(A) is incorrect because it is stated in this paragraph “As Darwin himself admitted, “To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus for different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection”.

(B) is incorrect because it is stated in “One of the major holes in Darwin's theory revolves around “irreducibly complex systems.” An irreducibly complex system is known as a system where many different parts must all operate together. As a result, in the absence of one, the system as a whole collapses.” and “These complex systems, if so inter-reliant, would be resistant to Darwin's supposition of how evolution occur”

(C) is incorrect as the irreducibly complex system is the major hole in the theory of natural selection and modern technology proves the existence of irreducibly complex system.

7 Examine the four █ in the selection below and indicate at which block the following sentence could be inserted into the passage:


The five-year voyage proved to be a major turning point in his life.

 

█ [A] Darwin was born February 12, 1809 in England. █ [B] Although initially entering into medicine, Darwin chose to pursue his interest in natural science and embarked on a five-year journey aboard the H.M.S. Beagle, a British sloop belonging to the Royal Navy █ [C] Because of his experience aboard the Beagle, he laid the foundation for his Theory of Evolution while also establishing himself within the scientific community. █ [D] .

  • [A]
  • [B]
  • [C]
  • [D]

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

(C) is the logical place to insert this sentence because it explains the significance of the voyage that has already been mentioned. It also provides a transition from his early life into his years as a scientist.

(A) is not right as the reader will not understand what The five-year voyage was.

(B) is wrong for the same reasons – the voyage has not been introduced yet.

(D) is incorrect as it is not an ending sentence and would be illogical at this part of the paragraph.

8 In paragraph 4, what was the author's purpose of including a quote that the belief that the complexity of the human eye could have been formed by natural selection seems highly unlikely

  • To provide evidence that irreducibly complex systems exists
  • To prove that the natural selection contradicts the basis of Darwin's Theory of Evolution
  • To support that the natural selection contributes to the basis of Darwin's Theory of Evolution
  • To support the claim that natural selection is just a theory and difficult to prove

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

(D) is the correct answer as the quote shows that even Darwin himself, who created the theory, acknowledged that some of the occurrences are difficult to prove and are even absurd.

(A) is incorrect because the quote is not providing information that would prove the existence of irreducibly complex systems.

(B) and (C) are incorrect because the quote does not say whether the idea of natural selection contributes to or contradicts the theory.

9 The word 'plethora' in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to:

  • large
  • sufficient
  • essential
  • prominent

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A) is the correct answer because large is the only option with a similar definition to plethora. Plethora means to have an excess or abundant amount of something. Large can mean broad, wide, huge and therefore, has a similar meaning.

(B) is wrong as Sufficient means to have enough but not too much.

(C) is incorrect as Essential means to be necessary.

(D) is not right as Prominent means to be important or noticeable.

10Directions: 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.

Drag your answer choices to the spaces where they belong. To remove an answer choice, drag it back. To review the passage, click VIEW TEXT.

 

Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution was a revolutionary idea that described how natural selection influences the evolution of species.

  • A.Natural selection explains how species change gradually over time.
  • B.The Theory of Evolution describes how species 'branch out' from a common ancestor
  • F.Both Darwin and “On the Origin of Species” are among the most influential things to happen to naturalist science.

 

  • A.Natural selection explains how species change gradually over time.
  • B.The Theory of Evolution describes how species 'branch out' from a common ancestor
  • C.Creationists strongly object to the premise of the Theory of Evolution
  • D.Charles Darwin originally enrolled to study medicine.
  • E.The Theory of Evolution was proven by Darwin's book “On the Origin of Species.'
  • F.Both Darwin and “On the Origin of Species” are among the most influential things to happen to naturalist science.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 2 points.

Correct Answer: a,b,f
Your Selection: Not Answered

(A), (B), and (F) are the correct answers.

While (C) may be true, it is not discussed in the passage.

(D) is stated in the passage, but it is not as important as the ideas about the Theory of Evolution.

(E) is not correct because the Theory of Evolution is a theory and is not proven.

 

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