The TOEFL iBT reading exam is a challenging test that requires ESL students to put in their time and effort to get a good score. We’ve already provided some good tips for the TOEFL iBT reading test. However, we really want to emphasize the importance of practising. The best way to practice is by reading sample passages and solving comprehension questions. We understand that it can be difficult to find good online free resources for TOEFL iBT. That’s why we prepared you with a quality TOEFL iBT Reading exam exercise. Let’s get started!
TOEFL iBT Reading Exam Practice
This is how our practice exercise is designed. You’ll first read through a passage. Then, we will define some of the key TOEFL vocabulary words from the passage. Next, review the words by taking the vocabulary quiz. Lastly, you will solve reading comprehension questions that will test your knowledge and understanding of the passage. At the very end, we’ve also included some bonus open-ended questions. Answers will be provided for both the vocabulary and reading comprehension questions.
The Nile River, often hailed as the lifeblood of northeastern Africa, weaves through the tapestry of the continent, leaving an indelible mark on the landscapes it traverses. Spanning approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles), the Nile stands as the longest river in the world, an ancient watercourse that has profoundly shaped the histories, cultures, and ecosystems of the diverse nations it touches. This majestic river holds a mystique that transcends geographical boundaries, embodying both the cradle of ancient civilizations and a contemporary source of vitality for the millions who depend on its waters.
TOEFL iBT Reading Passage: The Nile River
Read the below passage, then answer the following questions.
Originating in the Heart of Africa
The Nile’s journey begins deep in the heart of Africa, where its two main tributaries, the White Nile and the Blue Nile, converge in Khartoum, Sudan. The White Nile, originating from Lake Victoria, and the Blue Nile, rising from Lake Tana in Ethiopia, join forces to create the mighty Nile River, a confluence that marks the commencement of its extraordinary odyssey. From this point onward, the river winds its way northward, sculpting landscapes and nurturing a myriad of life forms along its course.
Historical Significance
The Nile is not merely a geographical feature; it is a historical tapestry woven into the narratives of ancient civilizations. Egypt, often regarded as the gift of the Nile, owes its prosperity to the annual flooding of the riverbanks, a natural phenomenon that replenished the soil with nutrient-rich sediments, fostering fertile lands along the Nile Delta. The ancient Egyptians recognized the cyclical nature of the river’s flooding and developed sophisticated agricultural practices that allowed their civilization to thrive for millennia.
Beyond Egypt, the Nile also played a pivotal role in the development of Nubian and Sudanese civilizations. The river served as a lifeline for trade, communication, and sustenance, connecting communities along its banks and facilitating cultural exchanges that enriched the diverse tapestry of the region.
Ecosystem Diversity
The Nile River basin encompasses a remarkable diversity of ecosystems, ranging from dense tropical rainforests in its upper reaches to arid deserts in the north. This ecological richness has made the Nile a haven for a wide array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. The river supports a wealth of biodiversity, from the iconic Nile crocodile and the elusive manatee to a plethora of bird species that thrive along its shores.
Contemporary Importance
In the 21st century, the Nile remains an indispensable resource for the countries through which it flows. The river serves as a source of water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use, sustaining the livelihoods of millions. However, the allocation and management of the Nile’s waters have also been a source of contention among the riparian states, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics intertwined with this vital waterway.
As the Nile continues to flow through the annals of time, its significance persists, evolving to meet the needs of a changing world. The river’s storied past, ecological diversity, and contemporary importance underscore its status as not just a geographic feature but a cultural, historical, and economic force that binds the destinies of the nations it touches. In the following exploration, we will delve deeper into the various facets of the Nile, unraveling its mysteries and appreciating its profound impact on the past, present, and future of northeastern Africa.
Vocabulary
Here’s the list of the key vocabulary words from the passage:
- confluence: The point at which two rivers or streams meet and flow together.
- sediments: Particles of solid material, such as sand or soil, that settle at the bottom of a liquid, often carried by water.
- cyclical: Occurring in cycles or repeated patterns.
- riparian: Relating to or situated on the banks of a river or other body of water.
- endemic: Native to a specific region and found nowhere else.
- biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- geopolitical: Relating to the political and territorial relations between countries.
- riparian states: Countries or regions that are located along the banks of a river or other body of water.
- fertile: Capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops; rich in nutrients.
- annals: Historical records or accounts, often in chronological order, detailing events and developments.
Vocabulary Quiz
Review the key vocabulary words that appeared in the reading passage.
Questions
1. Lifeblood, in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to:
- a) blood of humans or animals
- b) something large
- c) something unnecessary
- d) something indispensable
2. Cradle, in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to:
- a) move side to side
- b) where a baby sleeps
- c) a place where something begins
- d) where a ship rests out of the water
3. Odyssey, in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to:
- a) a long journey
- b) a famous book
- c) the beginning of something
- d) the end of something
4. Replenished, in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to:
- a) started over
- b) depleted
- c) filled something up again
- d) took something away
5. Pivotal, in the fourth paragraph is closest in meaning to:
- a) what athletes do
- b) changing direction
- c) somewhat important
- d) of crucial importance
Answers
- d
- c
- a
- c
- d
Reading Comprehension
The following set of questions will test your understanding of the reading passage.
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is the primary source of the Nile River?
- a) Lake Tanganyika
- b) Lake Victoria
- c) Lake Malawi
- d) Lake Chad
- Which two tributaries converge to form the Nile River in Khartoum, Sudan?
- a) White Nile and Niger River
- b) Blue Nile and Congo River
- c) White Nile and Blue Nile
- d) Blue Nile and Zambezi River
- What ancient civilization is often referred to as the “gift of the Nile”?
- a) Mesopotamia
- b) Indus Valley Civilization
- c) Ancient Greece
- d) Ancient Egypt
- What natural phenomenon contributed to the fertility of the soil along the Nile Delta in ancient Egypt?
- a) Volcanic eruptions
- b) Annual flooding
- c) Earthquakes
- d) Desertification
- Which term describes the point at which two rivers meet and flow together?
- a) Confluence
- b) Tributary
- c) Estuary
- d) Delta
- What term is used to describe species that are native to a specific region and found nowhere else?
- a) Invasive
- b) Indigenous
- c) Endemic
- d) Exotic
- What do you call the countries or regions located along the banks of a river or other body of water?
- a) Aquatic States
- b) Coastal Nations
- c) Riparian States
- d) Hydro States
- What is the ecological term for the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem?
- a) Ecosystem Diversity
- b) Habitat Variation
- c) Biological Disparity
- d) Faunal Spectrum
- What is the approximate total length of the Nile River?
- a) 3,000 kilometers
- b) 4,500 miles
- c) 5,800 kilometers
- d) 6,650 kilometers
- How has the geopolitical significance of the Nile River led to contemporary challenges among riparian states?
- a) Shared management strategies
- b) Disputes over water rights
- c) Joint ecological conservation efforts
- d) Cultural exchange programs
Answers
- b
- c
- d
- b
- a
- c
- c
- a
- d
- b
More Questions
These are short answer questions for further practice that will help you improve your English reading and writing skills as well as critical thinking skills.
Questions
- Considering the annual flooding of the Nile in ancient Egypt, what can be inferred about the agricultural practices of the ancient Egyptians?
- Based on the mention of Lake Victoria as a source of the Nile, what inference can be drawn about the geographical origins of the river?
- If a particular species of bird is found exclusively along the banks of the Nile River, what inference can be made about the ecological dependence of that bird?
- Considering the mention of the Blue Nile originating from Lake Tana in Ethiopia, what can be inferred about the topography of the Nile River basin?
- If two riparian states along the Nile River are engaged in negotiations over water usage, what inference can be made about the geopolitical importance of the river?
Example Answers
- It can be inferred that the ancient Egyptians developed sophisticated agricultural practices that were synchronized with the cyclical flooding of the Nile, allowing them to harness its fertile sediments for crop cultivation.
- It can be inferred that the Nile River originates in the highlands of East Africa, with Lake Victoria serving as one of its major tributaries.
- It can be inferred that the bird species is likely dependent on the unique ecosystem provided by the Nile River and may have adaptations specific to this riparian environment.
- It can be inferred that the Nile River basin includes highland regions, as the Blue Nile originates from the elevated Lake Tana in Ethiopia.
- It can be inferred that the Nile River holds significant geopolitical importance, as riparian states are actively addressing issues related to water allocation, indicating the strategic value of the river for their respective nations.
FAQs About the TOEFL iBT Reading Exam Practice
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the TOEFL iBT reading exam.
What is the best way to practice the TOEFL iBT reading exam?
To practice for the TOEFL iBT reading exam, it is advisable to read a variety of academic texts, including articles, essays, and passages with diverse topics, to enhance comprehension skills and time management.
How is the TOEFL iBT Reading score calculated?
The TOEFL iBT Reading score is calculated based on the number of correct answers, with each question contributing equally to the overall score, resulting in a scaled score ranging from 0 to 30.
What is the TOEFL iBT reading task?
The TOEFL iBT reading task involves reading passages and answering questions to assess the test-taker’s ability to comprehend and analyze information from academic texts.
What is the new TOEFL iBT reading format in 2023?
Starting July 26, 2023, the TOEFL iBT reading exam will have only two reading passages with 10 questions each.
How can I improve my TOEFL iBT reading score?
To improve your TOEFL iBT reading score, consider practising regularly with sample reading passages, identifying key details and main ideas, expanding your academic vocabulary, and working on time management strategies to answer questions effectively within the allotted time.
TOEFL iBT Reading Exam Practice: Join the Conversation
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