TOEFL Questions

Q:

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

 


To avoid the various foolish opinions to which mankind are prone, no superhuman brain is required. A few simple rules will keep you free, not from all errors, but from silly errors. If the matter is one that can be settled by observation, make the observation yourself. Aristotle could have avoided the mistake of thinking that women have fewer teeth than men, by the simple device of asking Mrs. Aristotle to keep her mouth open while he counted. Thinking that you know when in fact you do not is a bad mistake, to which we are all prone. I believe myself that hedgehogs eat black beetles, because I have been told that they do; but if I were writing a book on the habits of hedgehogs, I should not commit myself until I had seen one enjoying this diet. Aristotle, however, was less cautious. Ancient and medieval writers knew all about unicorns and salamanders; not one of them thought it necessary to avoid dogmatic statements about them because he had never seen one of them.

 

The author implies that

 

A) he has never seen hedgehogs eating beetles B) hedgehogs eat only black beetles
C) they do not eat black beetles D) he is writing a book on hedgehogs
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: A) he has never seen hedgehogs eating beetles

Explanation:
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Q:

In the following question, some part of the sentence may have errors. Find out which part of the sentence has an error and select the appropriate option. If a sentence is free from error, select 'No Error'.

It was by real sorrow (1)/ that I heard this morning (2)/ of your great loss. (3)/ No error (4)

 

A) 1 B) 2
C) 3 D) 4
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: A) 1

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Q:

 In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which is opposite in meaning of the given word.

 

Inundate

 

A) Engulf B)  Immerse
C) Overrun   D) Underwhelm
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: D) Underwhelm

Explanation:
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Q:

In the following question, a sentence has been given in Active/Passive voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Passive/Active voice.

 

Grandmother is knitting a sweater for you.

A) A sweater is being knit by grandmother for you. B) A sweater will be knit by grandmother for you.
C) Grandmother is knitting for you a sweater. D) Knitting of a sweater has been done by grandmother for you.
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: A) A sweater is being knit by grandmother for you.

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Q:

Read the sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. If the given sentence is correct as it is, the answer is ‘No error’. Ignore the errors of punctuation, if any.

It must be noted that/ decentralization should be applied/ along with caution as it can/ lead to organizational disintegration.

A) It must be noted that B) Decentralization should be applied
C) Along with caution as it can D) Lead to organizational disintegration
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: C) Along with caution as it can

Explanation:

The error lies in the third part of the sentence. The word 'along' is unnecessary and must be omitted. Along denotes accompaniment. The context of the sentence doesn't talk about accompaniment.

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Q:

In the question below, there is a word given in bold which is followed by five options. In each of the options, a pair of words is given which is either the pair of synonyms or antonyms or synonym & antonym of the word given in bold. Choose that pair as your answer.

Histrionic

A) Melodramatic, Theatrical B) Conscientious, Diligent
C) Tenacious, Retentive D) Thrive, Tussle
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: A) Melodramatic, Theatrical

Explanation:

The meanings of the given words are as follows:
Histrionic: excessively theatrical or dramatic in character or style
Melodramatic: characteristic of melodrama, especially in being exaggerated or overemotional
Theatrical: exaggerated and excessively dramatic
Conscientious: wishing to do one's work or duty well and thoroughly
Diligent: having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties
Tenacious: tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely
Retentive: (of a person's memory) effective in retaining facts and impressions
Thrive: (of a child, animal, or plant) grow or develop well or vigorously
Tussle: a vigorous struggle or scuffle, typically in order to obtain or achieve something
Pertinent: relevant or applicable to a
particular matter; apposite Appropriate: suitable or proper in the circumstances
Therefore, it can be observed that option  i.e. ‘melodramatic, theatrical’ forms a synonym- synonym pair of ‘histrionic’.

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Q:

In the question below, there is a word given in bold which is followed by five options. In each of the options, a pair of words is given which is either the pair of synonyms or antonyms or synonym & antonym of the word given in bold. Choose that pair as your answer.

Tremulous

A) Stringent, Garrulous B) Quivery, Steady
C) Conjunctive, Desist D) Abstain, Defer
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: B) Quivery, Steady

Explanation:

The meanings of the given words are as follows:
Tremulous: shaking or quivering slightly 

 

Stringent: (of regulations, requirements, or conditions) strict, precise, and exacting

 

Garrulous: excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters
Quivery: shaking or trembling slightly
Steady: firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving
Conjunctive: relating to or forming a connection or combination of things
Desist: stop doing something; cease or abstain

 

Abstain: restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something
Defer: put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone
Terse: sparing in the use of words; abrupt
Abrupt: sudden and unexpected
Therefore, it can be observed that option B i.e. ‘quivery, steady’ forms a synonym-antonym pair of ‘tremulous’.

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Q:

In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blank out of the four alternatives.


Fraternity, then, was meant to complement civil rights, _______________ to destroy them. The _____________________ framers did not use this symbolic term for a court to come along 66 years _________________, and ______________________ it for the purposes of subordinating individual rights to some mythic notion of community harmony, entirely submerging the individual _______________ the society.


The _____________________ framers did not use this symbolic term

A) Constitutions' B) Constitution's
C) Constitutions D) Constitution
 
Answer & Explanation Answer: B) Constitution's

Explanation:
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