CliffsTestPrep TOEFL CBT PRACTICE TEST 3 READING SECTION (3)

CliffsTestPrep TOEFL CBT

PRACTICE TEST 3

READING SECTION (3)

Directions: This section measures your ability to read and understand written English similar to that which one may expect in a college or university setting. Read each passage and answer the questions based on what is stated or implied in the passage. Circle or mark the correct answer in the book or write it on a separate piece of paper.

Passage 3

It was previously believed that dinosaurs were cold-blooded creatures, like reptiles. However, a recent discovery has led researchers to believe they may have been warm-blooded. The fossilized remains of a 66 million-year-old dinosaur’s heart were discovered and examined by x-ray. The basis for the analysis that they were warm-blooded is the number of chambers in the heart as well as the existence of a single aorta. Most reptiles have three chambers in their hearts, although some do have four. But those that have four chambers, such as the crocodile, have two arteries to mix the oxygen-heavy blood with oxygen-lean blood. Reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning that they are dependent on the environment for body heat. Yet the fossilized heart had four chambers in the heart as well as a single aorta. The single aorta means that the oxygen-rich blood was completely separated from the oxygen-poor blood and sent through the aorta to all parts of the body. Mammals, on the other hand, are warm-blooded, meaning that they generate their own body heat and are thus more tolerant of temperature extremes. Birds and mammals, because they are warm blooded, move more swiftly and have greater physical endurance than reptiles. Scientists believe that the evidence now points to the idea that all dinosaurs were actually warm-blooded. Ironically, the particular dinosaur in which the discovery was made was a Tescelosaurus, which translates to “marvelous lizard.” A lizard, of course, is a reptile.

24	The word they in the second sentence refers to A.        researchers. B.        discoveries. C.        reptiles. D.        dinosaurs.	30	What does the author imply by the sentence: Ironically, the particular dinosaur in which the discovery was made was a Tescelosaurus, which translates to “marvelous lizard.” A.       It is paradoxical that the dinosaur’s name includes the word lizard, because now scientists believe it is not a lizard. B.       It is unusual that the creature would have a name with the suffix of a dinosaur. C.       It is surprising that the fossilized heart was discovered. D.       It should have been realized long ago that dinosaurs were warm-blooded.
25	According to the author, what theory was previously held and now is being questioned? A.       That dinosaurs were warm-blooded B.       That dinosaurs had four-chambered hearts C.       That dinosaurs were swifter and stronger than reptiles D.       That dinosaurs were cold-blooded
26	What is the basis of the researchers’ new theory? A.       They performed mathematical calculations and determined that dinosaurs must have had four-chambered hearts. B.       They found a fossil of an entire dinosaur and reviewed the arteries and veins flowing from and to the heart. C.       They found a fossil of a dinosaur’s heart and discovered it had four chambers and one aorta. D.       They viewed a fossil of a dinosaur’s heart and discovered that it had two aortas.
27	The author implies that reptiles A.        have four-chambered hearts. B.        have one aorta. C.        are cold-blooded. D.        are faster and have more endurance than mammals.
28	The word generate in paragraph three is closest in meaning to A.       produce. B.       lose. C.       use. D.       tolerate.
29	The author implies that birds A.       move faster and have greater endurance than reptiles. B.       move slower and have less endurance than reptiles. C.       move faster and have greater endurance than dinosaurs. D.       move slower and have less endurance than dinosaurs.

ANSWER KEY

24	D	dinosaurs. The noun to which it refers is in the first sentence.
25	D	That dinosaurs were cold-blooded. The passage begins by stating that a previous belief is no longer believed to be true.
26	C	They found a fossil of a dinosaur’s heart and discovered it had four chambers and one aorta.
27	C	are cold-blooded. The other answer choices are specifically stated as not being true of reptiles.
28	A	produce.
29	A	move faster and have greater endurance than reptiles. This is stated in paragraph three.
30	A	It is paradoxical that the dinosaur’s name includes the word lizard, because now scientists believe it is not a lizard.