TOEFL Primary Step 2 Test #59 - Reading

This is an animal of the horse family, with short legs and long ears. People ride it or use it to carry heavy loads. What is it?

This is a tool in the kitchen. It is a special type of knife for removing the skin of fruit and vegetables. What is it?

This is a type of cloth known for its soft, smooth, and shiny texture. It is made from thread produced by a kind of worm. What is it?

This can be a room, a building, or an outdoor area with rows of seats, each row usually higher than the one in front. You come here to watch a play or a show. What is it?

You are having a wonderful meal at a restaurant. The food has a strong and very pleasant flavor. The food here is _____.

You always try so hard to be better than other people. Especially, you want very much to win in a contest or a sports activity. You are _____.

Some items or species exist only in small numbers now. Therefore, they are sometimes valuable. These species are _____.

You want to do something in the future. You make detailed arrangements for it. You _____ it.

You travel to another city. You decide to pay to use a car for a short period of time to explore the area. You _____ the car.

Read the letter. Then answer the questions.

Dear Becky,

Thank you for your email. I'm delighted to see your enthusiasm for the writing contest. To provide further clarity regarding the contest, your essay should be between 300 and 500 words and focus on the topic, "The Significance of Friendship in Our Lives." The submission deadline is exactly one month from today.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need guidance while working on your essay. It's important to proofread and edit your work before the final submission.

I look forward to reading your essay and wish you the best of luck in the contest!

Warm regards,

Mr. Thompson

When is the deadline for the writing contest?

What does Mr. Thompson advise Becky to do in his email?

Read the email. Then answer the questions.

Hey Carla,

I hope you're doing well. I've got an exciting idea I wanted to share with you. How about we start a music band together?

David and I will cover the vocal and bass positions. However, we still need someone who can play guitar and drums. Since you play the guitar well, you'd be a perfect fit. Do you know anyone who can play drums to complete our lineup?

Let's chat soon and discuss this musical adventure. I think we could create some fantastic music together!

Take care!

Cheers,
Chris

What is the main purpose of Chris's email to Carla?

What instrument can Carla play well?

Read the instructions. Then answer the questions.

Avocado-Egg Toast

Try it once and we think you'll agree: Adding an egg to your avocado toast makes it a great breakfast. 

Ingredients

• ¼ avocado
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 slice whole-wheat bread
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (Optional)
• 1 tablespoon scallion, sliced (Optional)

Directions

• In a small bowl, combine the ripe avocado, ground pepper, and garlic powder. Gently mash the mixture.
• Toast a slice of whole-wheat bread in a toaster until it's slightly browned.
• Prepare the egg in your preferred style - whether it's frying, scrambling, or poaching.
• Spread the creamy mashed avocado evenly over the toast
• Place the cooked egg on top of the avocado
• Add Sriracha and scallion, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious avocado toast with egg!

What do you need to mix with avocado?

Which is an optional ingredient that you can add for extra flavor?

What cooking method of the egg is not mentioned in the recipe?

Read the poster. Then answer the questions.

What time does the fair end?

How can people get a better price for the ride ticket?

What might people NOT have a chance to experience at the fair?

Read the instructions. Then answer the questions.

MAKE YOUR OWN SUN PRINTS

Use the Sun to make a unique piece of art!

What you'll need:

• Black construction paper
• Objects to make prints with: leaves, sticks, flowers, etc.
• Pane of glass (from a picture frame) or some small rocks

How to do it:

1. Collect some objects to make prints with. You can start by gathering leaves or small sticks.
2. Find a spot that is in the sun for at least 4-6 hours. You may want to observe the day before you start to find a perfect area.
3. Set up the paper in the sunny spot and place the objects you want to print on the paper.
4. Place the pane of glass or small rocks on top of the objects to keep them from moving.
5. Wait 4-6 hours then check on your print!

This technique works because the Sun's UV ray discolor the paper. It's interesting that though the Sun is 93 million miles away, it only takes 8 minutes for the sunlight to reach the Earth!

What is the primary purpose of this activity?

Why do you need a pane of glass or small rocks in the activity?

How long does it take for sunlight to reach Earth from the Sun?

Read the story. Then answer the questions.

Last Saturday, Sarah's art class had a special outdoor session in the park. They brought along their sketchbooks, colored pencils, and easels, ready to capture the natural beauty surrounding them.

They set up their art supplies on a grassy knoll near a beautiful lake and started drawing. Sarah was particularly inspired by the colors of the trees.

During the class's break, Sarah noticed a curious squirrel nearby. She decided to share a small piece of her sandwich with that little friend. The squirrel seemed to enjoy the treat and then rushed away into the tree branches.

After a few hours of sketching, Sarah and her classmates decided to take a short walk by the lake to get some inspiration. Sarah got some ideas when she saw ducks gliding across the water and families playing with their dogs.

When Sarah returned to her art spot, she was surprised that the squirrel was there! It brought a shiny acorn and left it right next to her sketchbook.

The entire art class was amazed and smiled at the squirrel. Sarah carefully picked up the acorn and decided to keep it as a special souvenir.

Sarah couldn't help but say to her classmates, "Look what our little friend brought me!"

Where did Sarah get the inspiration during the art class?

What was Sarah doing when she saw the squirrel?

Where did the squirrel leave the acorn?

What might be the best title of the story?

Read the story. Then answer the questions.

Tommy was an 8-year-old boy who loved playing soccer with his friends. Every day after school, they would gather at the park for a friendly match. One sunny afternoon, as they kicked the ball around, disaster struck. Tommy accidentally kicked the soccer ball too hard, and it sailed over the fence into Mr. Johnson's backyard.

Tommy and his friends were worried. Mr. Johnson was known for being grumpy, and they were afraid to ask for their ball back. But Tommy knew he had to do something.

With a nervous heart, Tommy knocked on Mr. Johnson's door. When the door opened, he saw a stern-looking man. Tommy said, "Um, excuse me, Mr. Johnson, but we accidentally kicked our soccer ball into your backyard. We're really sorry."

To his surprise, Mr. Johnson smiled and said, "Oh, don't worry about it, young man. Let me get your ball for you." He fetched the soccer ball and handed it to Tommy. "You kids enjoy your game."

Tommy was relieved and excited when he thanked Mr. Johnson. He came back to his friends and said, "See, guys, it's not so bad. Mr. Johnson is actually really nice."

Tommy and his friends resumed their soccer game, feeling thankful for Mr. Johnson's kindness. As they played, Mr. Johnson watched from his porch, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Where did the ball land in Mr. Johnson's house?

Why did Tommy get surprised when he talked to Mr. Johnson?

How did Tommy and his friends feel after Mr. Johnson's action?

What was Mr. Johnson doing while Tommy and his friends played soccer?

Read the passage. Then answer the questions.

Continental movement is a fascinating process. It was discovered by a scientist named Alfred Wegener in 1912. It happens because Earth's landmasses are not fixed but rather slowly shift over millions of years.

The Earth's outer shell, called the lithosphere, is divided into large plates. These plates can move apart, collide, or slide past each other. This constant movement leads to continents changing their positions. For example, Africa and South America were once part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. Over time, they drifted apart to their current locations.

This movement results in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. Surprisingly, continents are still moving today, which continues to shape the world we live in.

What is TRUE about the continental movement?

What is NOT one of the outcomes of continental movement?

Read the text. Then answer the questions.

Fireworks have a rich history dating back over 1,000 years, originating in ancient China. These beautiful displays of light and color are crafted using a variety of chemical compounds. For example, strontium salts produce red fireworks, while copper salts create blue ones.

One of the largest firework displays ever recorded took place in the Philippines during the Countdown to 2016 New Year Celebrations with 810,904 fireworks. Despite the rain, the display started at midnight and lasted for about one hour, creating a memorable spectacle for all to enjoy.

Which chemical compound produces red fireworks?

How was the firework display in the Philipines mentioned in the text?

Read the text. Then answer the questions.

Vaccines are essential medical tools to protect us from harmful diseases. The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner in 1796 to prevent smallpox. It marked a milestone in medical history. Today, vaccines continue to save numerous lives by providing protection against diseases like polio, measles, influenza, and most recently COVID-19.

Vaccines work by introducing a weakened or harmless part of the virus or bacteria into our bodies. This helps our immune system recognize and remember the potential threat. Therefore, if we meet the real virus, our bodies are well-prepared to fight it off. 

What was the first vaccine used to prevent?

How do vaccines work in our bodies?