You will not be scored on whether you read the entire passage. You will be scored on whether you answer the question correctly. It is not only probable that you can answer all questions correctly without reading the entire passage; it is imperative that you read only what is necessary to answer the questions.
So that you do not underestimate the importance of this advice, it will be repeated: DO NOT READ THE ENTIRE PASSAGE BEFORE
YOU START ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS!
Most questions will indicate which part of the reading passage is being asked about. Work through each passage answering the questions, using the process we describe in the following pages.
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Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Top 10 Strategies to Raise Your Score
1. As with other sections of the TOEFL, be familiar with the directions and examples so you can begin work immediately.
2. For each passage, begin by briefly looking over the questions (but not the answer choices). Try to keep these questions in mind during your reading.
3. Scan passages to find and highlight the important facts and information.
4. Read each passage at a comfortable speed.
5. Answer the questions, referring to the passage when necessary.
6. Eliminate answers that are clearly wrong or do not answer the question. If more than one option remains, guess.
7. Mark difficult or time-consuming answers so that you can come back to them later if you have time.
8. Timing is an important factor. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on any one passage and the questions about it.
9. Concentration is another important factor. The reading section is one of the longer sections of the test. Your practice and hard work will help you.
10. Relax the night before the exam.
2. For each passage, begin by briefly looking over the questions (but not the answer choices). Try to keep these questions in mind during your reading.
3. Scan passages to find and highlight the important facts and information.
4. Read each passage at a comfortable speed.
5. Answer the questions, referring to the passage when necessary.
6. Eliminate answers that are clearly wrong or do not answer the question. If more than one option remains, guess.
7. Mark difficult or time-consuming answers so that you can come back to them later if you have time.
8. Timing is an important factor. Don’t spend more than 10 minutes on any one passage and the questions about it.
9. Concentration is another important factor. The reading section is one of the longer sections of the test. Your practice and hard work will help you.
10. Relax the night before the exam.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Both Melbourne and Brisbane have a good annual rainfall.
Both Melbourne and Brisbane have a good annual rainfall. Brisbane, however, receives almost twice as much rain as Melbourne, while it has fewer wet days. The wettest months in both cities are January and October, (Brisbane), and October, (Melbourne), although neither city has a totally dry season, according to the data.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
There are three basic stages to the process.
The diagram illustrates how an electronic tracking device can be fitted to someone’s clothing or hidden in a bag, in order to allow that person to be tracked and located. There are three basic stages to the process.
The first stage in the tracking process is to hide the device, (the tracker), in an appropriate place such as a bag or on the person’s clothing. The location of the device is monitored by satellite.
A message is sent from the device to a transmission tower. It is received and then re-transmitted as a text message to a mobile phone indicating exactly where the person is. His or her location can also be picked up on a computer. The device is able to provide details such as the name of the street or pinpoint a specific place on a map.
A device of this nature could be very effective as a means of tracking and locating someone such as a school child.
The first stage in the tracking process is to hide the device, (the tracker), in an appropriate place such as a bag or on the person’s clothing. The location of the device is monitored by satellite.
A message is sent from the device to a transmission tower. It is received and then re-transmitted as a text message to a mobile phone indicating exactly where the person is. His or her location can also be picked up on a computer. The device is able to provide details such as the name of the street or pinpoint a specific place on a map.
A device of this nature could be very effective as a means of tracking and locating someone such as a school child.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work.
Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work. Traditionally, holidays have been seen as a time for relaxation and as an opportunity to visit another country in order to find out about its geography and customs. Nowadays, however, it seems that other types of holiday are becoming popular.
Some people want their holiday to be a kind of adventure, and find this more exciting than going to the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic accommodation rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas. Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in rural environments.
The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays; for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.
There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach – though that is still a question of personal preference.
(265 words)
Para 1 – introduces the idea of holidays and repeats the idea in the question, in the writer’s own words.
Para 2 – introduces the main idea of ‘adventure holiday’ with explanation and further support.
Para 3 – further explores the topic of adventure holidays.
Para 4 – sums up reasons for the changing nature of holidays.
Some people want their holiday to be a kind of adventure, and find this more exciting than going to the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic accommodation rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas. Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in rural environments.
The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays; for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.
There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach – though that is still a question of personal preference.
(265 words)
Para 1 – introduces the idea of holidays and repeats the idea in the question, in the writer’s own words.
Para 2 – introduces the main idea of ‘adventure holiday’ with explanation and further support.
Para 3 – further explores the topic of adventure holidays.
Para 4 – sums up reasons for the changing nature of holidays.
Monday, April 2, 2012
As far as I can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the development of moon holidays for the tourist.
As far as I can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the development of moon holidays for the tourist. On the one hand, a moon holiday might seem attractive in that it would offer not only a unique holiday opportunity but also an unforgettable life experience. As films have repeatedly shown, our view of life on earth is likely to be permanently affected by a trip to the moon.
On the other hand, there are various drawbacks to consider. For those who are concerned about access to important facilities such as hospitals or who rely on our telecommunications systems, the moon is unlikely to be an attractive tourist destination. Ultimately, is not the moon just too far away? Some people are still reluctant to travel across the world; so they are extremely unlikely to want to hop onto a space shuttle and venture into zero-gravity.
I would question whether so-called ‘moon holidays’ are ever likely to be possible. Although the media frequently reports on things like the building of moon hotels and provides images of a typical moon holiday resort, I doubt whether these are anything more than speculative. Even if it is possible to construct and encapsulate an atmosphere on the moon that can sustain human life, how practical is it going to be to maintain this? Are those involved in the development of moon holidays ever likely to find people willing to work on the moon? That apart, there is also the problem of attracting sufficient numbers of tourists in order to make such a business financially viable. All in all, I think the obstacles to this type of project are simply too great for moon holidays ever to be a realistic option.
On the other hand, there are various drawbacks to consider. For those who are concerned about access to important facilities such as hospitals or who rely on our telecommunications systems, the moon is unlikely to be an attractive tourist destination. Ultimately, is not the moon just too far away? Some people are still reluctant to travel across the world; so they are extremely unlikely to want to hop onto a space shuttle and venture into zero-gravity.
I would question whether so-called ‘moon holidays’ are ever likely to be possible. Although the media frequently reports on things like the building of moon hotels and provides images of a typical moon holiday resort, I doubt whether these are anything more than speculative. Even if it is possible to construct and encapsulate an atmosphere on the moon that can sustain human life, how practical is it going to be to maintain this? Are those involved in the development of moon holidays ever likely to find people willing to work on the moon? That apart, there is also the problem of attracting sufficient numbers of tourists in order to make such a business financially viable. All in all, I think the obstacles to this type of project are simply too great for moon holidays ever to be a realistic option.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Water is essential to life.
Those countries where fresh water has always been in scarce supply have long known the importance of conserving it. However, people in different parts of the world where water is in plentiful supply are also starting to realise the importance of water conservation.
Water is essential to life. Our bodies consist of 70% water and there are not many living creatures that can go for more than a couple of days without requiring fresh water. We also use it to wash ourselves, to grow crops, for disposal of waste and for recreational purposes like swimming and sport.
Despite this, there is a tendency to forget that water must be collected, cleaned and piped to our homes. This is an expensive and time-consuming business. In addition, in hot climates where water evaporates easily, it is doubtful whether storing it in open dams is at all efficient.
As individuals, there are various things that we can do to help us save water; for example, by not running the tap unnecessarily when we brush our teeth or wash the dishes. Recycling is another answer. For instance, some people collect rain water from the roof and use it to water the garden. In this way, you not only reduce your consumption of water but also use it more efficiently.
Above all, we should not forget the importance of water or waste it unnecessarily. Any kind of drought is always a reminder that we should never take our water for granted and that every drop counts.
(251 words)
Para 1 – introduces the idea of water conservation by comparing views in different parts of the world.
Para 2 – The main idea is stated boldly and is supported by examples.
Para 3 – The main idea of storage is developed and a question is indirectly posed.
Para 4 – focuses on the main idea: individual responsibility, with examples to support.
Para 5 – The conclusion reinforces the main argument and ends with an appropriate expression.
Water is essential to life. Our bodies consist of 70% water and there are not many living creatures that can go for more than a couple of days without requiring fresh water. We also use it to wash ourselves, to grow crops, for disposal of waste and for recreational purposes like swimming and sport.
Despite this, there is a tendency to forget that water must be collected, cleaned and piped to our homes. This is an expensive and time-consuming business. In addition, in hot climates where water evaporates easily, it is doubtful whether storing it in open dams is at all efficient.
As individuals, there are various things that we can do to help us save water; for example, by not running the tap unnecessarily when we brush our teeth or wash the dishes. Recycling is another answer. For instance, some people collect rain water from the roof and use it to water the garden. In this way, you not only reduce your consumption of water but also use it more efficiently.
Above all, we should not forget the importance of water or waste it unnecessarily. Any kind of drought is always a reminder that we should never take our water for granted and that every drop counts.
(251 words)
Para 1 – introduces the idea of water conservation by comparing views in different parts of the world.
Para 2 – The main idea is stated boldly and is supported by examples.
Para 3 – The main idea of storage is developed and a question is indirectly posed.
Para 4 – focuses on the main idea: individual responsibility, with examples to support.
Para 5 – The conclusion reinforces the main argument and ends with an appropriate expression.
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