TOEFL Mock Test 91: Reading Passages
Read the passage below and choose the best answers for the following questions.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
THE STRUCTURAL-FUNCTIONAL PARADIGM (1) The structural-functional paradigm is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. By the name itself, this paradigm points to social structure, means any relatively stable pattern of social behavior. Social structure gives our lives shape, whether it be families, the workplace, or the classroom. Second, this paradigm looks for a structure’s social functions, or consequences for the operation of society as a whole. (2) The structural-function paradigm owes much to Auguste Comte, who pointed out the need for social integration during a time of rapid change. Spencer compared society to the human body. Just as the structural parts of the human body, the skeleton, muscles, and various internal organs, function interdependently to help the entire organism survive, social structures work together to preserve society. The structural-functional paradigm, then, organizes sociological observations by identifying various structures of society and investigating their functions. (3) As sociology developed in The United States, many of the ideas of Comte, Spencer and Durkheim were carried forward by Talcott Parson (1902-1979), the major U.S. proponent of the structural-functional paradigm. Parson treated society as a system and sought to identify the basic tasks that any and all societies must perform to survive and the ways they accomplish these tasks. (4) Contemporary U.S. sociologist Robert K. Merton critically expanded our understanding of the concept of social function. Merton (1968) explains, first, that people rarely perceive all the functions of social structure. He describes as manifest functions the recognized and intended consequences of any social pattern. By the contrast, latent functions are consequences that are largely unrecognized and unintended. To illustrate, the obvious functions of our nations’ system of higher education include providing young people with the information and skills they need to perform jobs. Source: Sociology John J. Macionis, Eight Edition Question: The word “consequences” in the passage is closest in meaning to
- A.
Penalties
- B.
Concerns
- C.
Result
- D.
Significance
Correct Answer
D. Significance -
- 2.
Look at the four (4) paragraphs that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage. “All social structure, from a simple handshake to complex religious rituals functions to keep society going at least in its present form.” Where could the sentence best fit? Choose the number of the paragraph where the sentence should be added.
- A.
1st
- B.
2nd
- C.
3rd
- D.
4th
Correct Answer
A. 1st -
- 3.
Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted passage?
- A.
The social functions of the of society is greatly appreciated by the paradigm.
- B.
There are social patterns that we need to follow in order to survive.
- C.
In structural-functional paradigm, the findings are dependent on the effect of numerous societal organizations.
- D.
In structural-functional paradigm, it is important to focus on humanitarian development.
Correct Answer
C. In structural-functional paradigm, the findings are dependent on the effect of numerous societal organizations. -
- 4.
The word “accomplish” in the passage is closest in meaning to
- A.
Undertake
- B.
Complete
- C.
To start
- D.
Understand
Correct Answer
B. Complete -
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Jan 31, 2017Quiz Edited by
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Apr 02, 2013Quiz Created by
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