TOEFL iBT Archives - EnglishAcademy101

The following article provides detailed explanations for each answer to the multiple-choice questions from the passage on electric cars.

Question 1: Why did electric cars gain popularity in the late 1800s?
Answer: B. They were simple, quiet, and did not emit harmful gases.

Electric cars in the late 1800s became popular because they addressed many of the inconveniences associated with early gasoline-powered cars. Gasoline vehicles were noisy, required hand-cranking to start, and produced harmful exhaust gases. In contrast, electric cars were easy to operate, much quieter, and pollution-free, making them highly appealing, particularly for urban areas.

Question 2: Why was the EV1 discontinued, despite its success?
Answer: B. The oil industry allegedly pressured its discontinuation.

Although General Motors’ EV1 received a positive reception, its discontinuation was reportedly influenced by external factors such as the oil industry’s resistance and challenges in scaling battery production. Critics argue that the oil industry had an interest in maintaining the dominance of gasoline vehicles, which contributed to the decision to halt production.

Question 3: What feature of lithium-ion batteries made them revolutionary for electric cars?
Answer: B. They allow cars to travel hundreds of miles on a single charge.

Lithium-ion batteries revolutionized electric vehicles by providing high energy density and rechargeability. This innovation allowed EVs to cover hundreds of miles on a single charge, making them practical for daily use and long trips. Compared to older lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries represented a significant leap in performance.

Question 4: Under what condition do electric vehicles have a significantly lower carbon footprint?
Answer: B. When they are powered by renewable energy sources.

While electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, their true environmental benefit depends on the energy source used to charge them. If EVs are powered by renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, their carbon footprint is greatly reduced compared to those charged using electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Question 5: What two factors have contributed to Norway’s leadership in electric vehicle adoption?
Answer: B. Its generous incentives and robust charging network.

Norway has led the world in EV adoption thanks to a combination of policies. Generous incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, reduce the cost of purchasing EVs, while a well-developed charging infrastructure ensures convenience for drivers. These factors have made electric cars a practical and affordable choice for Norwegians.

Question 6: What is a primary reason for “range anxiety”?
Answer: B. Fear of running out of battery power before finding a charging station.

Range anxiety refers to the fear that an electric vehicle’s battery will run out before the driver can locate a charging station. While EV ranges have improved significantly, the availability of charging stations, especially in rural areas, remains a concern for many potential buyers.

Question 7: Why is ultra-fast charging technology considered important for EVs?
Answer: C. It significantly decreases charging time, making EVs more convenient.

Ultra-fast charging technology can charge a car in minutes rather than hours, addressing one of the major barriers to EV adoption—long charging times. This technology improves the convenience of owning an electric vehicle, making it comparable to the quick refueling experience of gasoline-powered cars.

Question 8: What is one innovation that could make EVs more appealing in the future?
Answer: B. Wireless charging technology.

Wireless charging technology is an exciting innovation that could enhance the convenience of electric vehicles. By eliminating the need for plugging in, this technology could make EV charging as simple as parking the car over a charging pad, further encouraging adoption.

Question 9: What is one strategy being used to change consumer habits regarding EVs?
Answer: B. Running public education campaigns about EV benefits.

To address hesitation from consumers, public education campaigns aim to raise awareness about the benefits of EVs, including their environmental advantages and lower operating costs. These campaigns, combined with initiatives like trial programs, help build confidence and familiarity among potential buyers.

Question 10: What are three benefits of electric vehicles mentioned in the conclusion?
Answer: A. Reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and cutting-edge technology.

The conclusion highlights three key benefits of electric vehicles: their ability to reduce emissions (especially tailpipe emissions), their lower cost of operation compared to gasoline-powered cars, and their integration of advanced technologies such as autonomous driving and wireless charging. These advantages position EVs as a sustainable and innovative choice for the future.

Final Thoughts

This explanation provides context for each multiple-choice answer, connecting it back to the content of the passage. Understanding these answers not only reinforces comprehension but also illustrates the critical thinking skills necessary for tackling TOEFL iBT reading questions.

Writing is an essential part of human civilization, enabling the recording of history, the sharing of knowledge, and the shaping of culture. The passage on the evolution of writing systems covers a range of topics, from the earliest writing systems in Mesopotamia and Egypt to the influence of digital technology on modern writing. Below, we will break down the answers to the questions about the passage and provide detailed explanations for each.

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the passage?

Answer: (B) The origins and evolution of writing systems

The primary focus of the passage is to explore the origins and evolution of writing systems throughout history. It covers how writing systems started in ancient civilizations and traces their development to the present, culminating in digital technologies that have reshaped how we write and communicate today.

Question 2: What was the primary purpose of the early writing systems in Mesopotamia and Egypt?

Answer: (C) To serve administrative and religious functions

In ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, writing systems like cuneiform and hieroglyphs were used primarily for administrative and religious purposes. These early scripts were not designed for storytelling or scientific documentation, but rather to record taxes, trade, and religious rituals. The systems served practical functions for ruling elites to manage resources and ceremonies.

Question 3: The word “unintelligible” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:

Answer: (A) Undeciphered

In this context, the word “unintelligible” refers to the Indus Valley script that remains undeciphered. Despite extensive attempts, scholars have not been able to translate or understand the script, making it unintelligible or impossible to interpret.

Question 4: What innovation did the Phoenicians introduce?

Answer: (B) A simplified writing system based on sounds

The Phoenicians are credited with introducing one of the first alphabets around 1200 BCE. Unlike previous writing systems, which used hundreds or even thousands of symbols, the Phoenician alphabet was based on individual sounds. This made it much simpler and more efficient than earlier pictorial or logographic systems.

Question 5: How did the Greek alphabet influence modern writing systems?

Answer: (B) It became the basis for the Latin and Cyrillic scripts

The Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician system, introduced significant changes such as the use of vowels, which was a major advancement. The Latin alphabet, which is used in most of the world today, and the Cyrillic alphabet used in Russia and other countries, both trace their origins to the Greek alphabet.

Question 6: Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a material used for writing?

Answer: (D) Metal plates

In the passage, writing materials such as clay tablets, papyrus scrolls, and paper are mentioned. However, metal plates are not listed as a material used for writing in the article. Early writing was typically done on materials like clay or papyrus, and later, paper became the predominant medium.

Question 7: The author suggests that digital technology has led to:

Answer: (C) New methods of writing and communication

The passage highlights how digital technology, including computers and the internet, has introduced new methods of communication, such as emails, blogs, and social media posts. These innovations have transformed how we write and share information, making writing more instantaneous and accessible.

Question 8: What can be inferred about digital writing?

Answer: (B) It poses challenges for preserving information

While digital writing offers great advantages in terms of speed and accessibility, it also brings challenges for preserving information in the long term. The passage mentions concerns about the preservation of digital information, indicating that digital data may be harder to store and protect over time compared to traditional writing materials like paper.

Question 9: What is emphasized as the cultural significance of writing in the passage?

Answer: (B) The role of writing in historical and social change

The passage emphasizes the profound cultural significance of writing, particularly its role in shaping history, transmitting knowledge, and influencing social and political movements. For example, writing played a key role in the Magna Carta and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, marking critical moments in history that led to societal change.

Question 10: Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?

Answer: (B) Descriptive

The tone of the passage is descriptive, as it explains the evolution of writing systems without attempting to persuade the reader or analyze the topic in a critical manner. The author is simply outlining key historical developments and innovations in writing.

Conclusion

The history of writing systems is a fascinating journey that reflects the technological advancements and cultural shifts of each era. From the ancient cuneiform and hieroglyphs to the innovations of the Phoenician alphabet, and finally to the digital writing tools of today, writing has played an integral role in human society. By understanding the evolution of writing systems, we gain insight into how humanity has communicated, preserved knowledge, and influenced the course of history.

This breakdown of the answers highlights the importance of each historical step in the development of writing and shows how writing systems have continually adapted to meet the needs of their time. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways we communicate and preserve our stories for future generations.

TOEFL iBT Reading Practice Test #6 Answers Explained