TOEFL questions| A sneak peek at 2021 sample questions 

The significance of reviewing TOEFL questions

The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, is intended for non-native English speakers who want to study in English-speaking universities. Taking TOEFL practice tests will help you achieve your objective. Sample papers provide a realistic simulation of the TOEFL questions and allow test takers to practice in a safe and familiar environment. 

If you intend to take the TOEFL, you must allot time for practice and remain focused to pass the exam with flying colors. It will assist you in learning about the types of questions that appear on the exam and track your daily progress during the preparation period.

Sample Passage for reading section of TOEFL

The era of artificial intelligence 

In the modern era, technology has made a tremendous contribution to the ways individuals work. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of them. It refers to the technology that allows computers and machines to function intelligently and efficiently. It also encompasses sub-fields of machine learning and deep learning, which relate to artificial intelligence. AI is designed by humans and demonstrated by machines. With its invention, the life of humans has become easier as these machines finish tasks in a fraction of a second. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to mention that AI has replaced human labor and shouldered its responsibilities.

The contribution of technology has transformed the lifestyle of humans and it has become a cornerstone of innovation. The need for better technology arises when humans want to perform tasks faster, more effectively, and in a convenient manner. This is how innovations take birth. A lot of research takes place before coming up with something that matches the need of tasks to be performed and therefore, the invention to create new things becomes the incentive of human progress which rewards them later.

There are various functions that AI performs to ease the life of humans. Firstly, it makes a system or process function automatically. Secondly, AI is efficient in performing tasks that were done manually earlier such as connecting with clients or customers, solving problems, identifying ways of doing tasks quickly, etc. Thirdly, it helps organizations and enterprises in improving their performance and productivity by automating processes that earlier required human power. Lastly, its ability to replicate the way humans think and behave creates a huge impact on the effectiveness of tasks.

In addition, organizations that add machine learning and cognitive interactions to traditional ways of working or processing can greatly improve user experience and increase their productivity levels. What is the role of Machine learning? It focuses on building systems that improve performance based on the data they consume. One thing that cannot be ignored is to note that all machine learning is AI but not all AI is machine learning.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be categorized into two types, namely, weak AI and strong AI. Weak AI, also known as narrow AI is designed to perform a narrow or specific task. Various existing

systems that use AI are basically operating weak AI which focuses on specific tasks. It enables some applications such as Apple’s Siri, Alexa, IBM Watson, and self-driving cars. Though weak AI has generated fruitful results, a few people argue that weak AI is dangerous because it may damage nuclear power plants when Malfunctions.

On the other hand, Strong AI, or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is considered the intelligence of machines to have the capacity to understand the intelligent tasks that human beings perform. In other words, strong AI has equality with humans i.e., it is a self-aware consciousness that can identify patterns, solve problems, learn, and plan. In short, weak, or narrow AI may perform the specific functions of solving problems but strong AI can perform all those tasks that require critical thinking and reasoning.

The multitudinous benefits provided by AI to humans are unbelievable. Apart from helping industries and enterprises in performing their tasks smartly and effectively, AI plays a crucial role in developing autonomous vehicles, which are known as self-driving cars. Not only this, but it has also contributed to medical diagnosis, search engines, image recognition, etc. With the availability of all these in the modern world, AI has made things simpler for humans. In short, AI is a machine or system that interprets data intelligently, learns from it, and uses it to facilitate working processes and accomplish specific goals.

• Questions on the above passage

1. According to the author, what is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

• It is a machine that only organizations use to finish their work
• It is a technology that behaves and works like humans
• It is a technology that acts like humans and performs tasks  intelligently
• It is associated with machines used by students for study purposes

2. The word “cornerstone” in the given paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to-

• Something that becomes important suddenly
• Something that cannot be avoided
• something of great importance
• Something large in amount

3. All the following functions of Artificial Intelligence EXCEPT

• It helps in solving problems
• It improves the productivity of enterprises
• It reads the minds of humans
• It facilitates automation in the processes

4. Why does the author mention Machine learning?

• To indicate its role in improving the functioning of tasks
• To show the use of machines in organizations
• To explain how machines should be used by humans
• To show that they must be used if humans want to finish their tasks faster 

5. According to the author, which of the following is correct about weak AI?

• Weak AI produces futile results
• Weak I must not be used as it does not generate positive  results
• Weak AI performs specific tasks with perfection
• Weak AI uses reasoning and cognitive thinking while performing specific tasks

6. What can improve user experience?

• The traditional ways of functioning with details
• The use of machine learning in place of old ways of functioning
• The more use of machine learning and less of computers
• The use of machine learning and manual labor simultaneously

7. What can be inferred about strong AI from the passage?

• It has got the ability to perform tasks in a way that no other AI connected machine can
• It is an artificial intelligence construct that has mental capabilities and functions that mimic the human brain.
• It is an artificial machine that does not use any data to perform the functions
• It is an artificial intelligence that can work better on specific tasks

8. The word “it” in line 43 refers to

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Weak AI
• Apple’s Siri
• Strong AI

9. The word “multitudinous” in paragraph 7 is closest in meaning to

• a few
• strong
• large 
• numerous

10. An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. Drag your answer choices to the spaces where they belong. To remove an answer choice, drag it back.

AI is associated with machines and computers to help humankind solve problems and facilitate working processes in an efficient way

• AI has got the ability to duplicate human beings and perform tasks just like them
• The speed at which AI performs the tasks is incredible
• AI uses critical thinking and reasoning which boosts the productivity level
• The two types of AI help in the better functioning of tasks and processes
• The results produced by AI are most of the time futile
• Machine learning is a process which is used for all the AI

Key takeaways

• Answering sample questions might help students better understand the test’s structure and presentation.
• When you take a few sample question papers, however, you are well aware of the errors you make, and you can correct those errors before taking your exam.
• You can be confident in your ability to excel on the test if you comprehend the exam structure and are familiar with the questions presented.

See our TOEFL exam listings if you need assistance with your TOEFL preparation. In case you require assistance, you may indeed contact us.

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FAQs

Question 1. What types of questions are covered on the TOEFL?

Answer: The multiple-choice approach asks seven questions: vocabulary, detail, purpose, negative real data, important facts, reference, and inference.

Question 2. What is the best TOEFL study material?

Answer: There are numerous TOEFL study materials accessible. However, the official study prep material must be used because it has all the most up-to-date information and question formats.

Question 3. Are the ETS Practice Tests reliable?

Answer: Yes, because they are developed by the specialists who administer the TOEFL exam, ETS Practice Tests are always correct.