TOEFL Practice Reading Test

The word "mated" refers to the act of joining or bringing together. In the context of the first sentence, it suggests that two individuals or entities are being united or combined. Therefore, the closest meaning to "mated" is "combined."

The prior treatment for migraines included medicine that tightened blood vessels. This suggests that the medication used in the past aimed to constrict the blood vessels in order to reduce the severity of migraines. Tightening blood vessels can help alleviate migraines as it reduces the blood flow to the brain, which is believed to be a contributing factor to migraines.

In this context, the word "strand" refers to a long, thin piece of something, typically used for weaving or sewing. "Thread" is the closest in meaning to "strand" as it also refers to a long, thin piece of material used for sewing or weaving. The other options (type, chip, color) do not accurately capture the meaning of "strand" in this sentence.

The word "it" in the first sentence refers to "migraine" because the sentence is discussing a specific condition or ailment. The word "it" is used as a pronoun to refer back to the subject mentioned earlier in the sentence, which is "migraine". Therefore, "B. migraine" is the correct answer.

The author states that scientists previously were aware that electronic impulses could affect cells. This implies that scientists had knowledge of the fact that electronic impulses had the ability to have an impact on cells.

The word "dubbed" in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to "named." This means that someone or something has been given a particular name or title. In the context of the paragraph, it suggests that the subject has been given a specific name or label. The word "dubbed" implies that the naming process was deliberate and intentional, rather than simply being referred to or mentioned.

Scientists have caused neurons to react by applying a magnetic field. This is possible through a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), where a magnetic coil is placed on the scalp and a brief magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field can induce electrical currents in the neurons, leading to their activation or inhibition. TMS is used in neuroscience research to study brain function, as well as in clinical settings to treat certain neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The passage states that the brain stem is the location of pain centers. This means that if an attack reaches the brain stem, it can cause pain. Therefore, the significance of an attack reaching the brain stem is that it can result in the experience of pain.

The word "misshapen" refers to something that is not in its normal or expected shape. It suggests that the object has been altered or deformed in some way. The word "distorted" also means altered or twisted out of shape, which closely aligns with the meaning of "misshapen." Therefore, the correct answer is D. distorted.

In the given question, the word "enhanced" is used in the fourth paragraph. The word "enhanced" means to improve or increase the quality, value, or extent of something. The word "augmented" also means to increase or enhance something. Since both words have a similar meaning, "augmented" is the closest synonym to "enhanced" in this context. Therefore, option B, "augmented," is the correct answer.

The word "triggers" in the second paragraph refers to something that initiates or sets off a particular action or event. In this context, it implies that something is causing or initiating the action. Therefore, the closest meaning to "triggers" is "causes".

The word "particular" in the third paragraph refers to something specific or distinct. It implies that there is a specific aspect or detail being discussed. This is supported by the context of the sentence, which talks about the "particular challenges" faced by the company. "Specific" is the most suitable synonym for "particular" in this context, as it captures the idea of something being clearly defined or identified.

In the third paragraph, the word "others" is used to refer to "tissues." This can be inferred from the context of the paragraph, which discusses how the researchers tested the effectiveness of the chips on different types of tissues. Therefore, the correct answer is D. tissues.

The word "brunt" in the first sentence refers to the main force or impact of something. In this context, it implies that the subject is bearing the main force or impact of something. Therefore, the word "subject" is the closest in meaning to "brunt".

The author states that Edward Hubble developed a mathematical formula to measure speed and distances between galaxies. This suggests that Hubble made significant contributions to the field of astronomy by developing a tool or method that allowed for the measurement of these astronomical quantities. The answer options A, B, and D are not supported by the information provided in the question.

The author implies that a migraine has a specific scientific cause, unlike a headache. This means that there are identifiable physiological factors that contribute to the occurrence of migraines, whereas headaches may not have a clear scientific explanation. The author suggests that migraines are not simply strong headaches, can't be treated with regular aspirin, and are caused by different factors than those that cause a headache.

The word "bombarding" in the second paragraph suggests a continuous and intense attack or onslaught. This is similar to the meaning of "barraging," which also implies a relentless and forceful assault. The other options, influencing, receiving, and testing, do not accurately capture the aggressive and persistent nature of the word "bombarding."

The word "it" in the second sentence of the second paragraph refers to "light". This can be inferred from the context of the paragraph, where it is mentioned that light travels through space. Therefore, "it" refers to the subject being discussed, which is light.

The word "billowing" typically refers to something expanding or flowing out in a large and dramatic way, often with a sense of movement. "Pouring" is the closest in meaning to this, as it also suggests a flowing or gushing motion. Sitting, exploding, and stopping do not convey the same sense of movement and expansion as billowing.

Scientists are excited about the new technology because it is more precise than previous techniques. This implies that the new technology allows scientists to have better control and accuracy in their experiments or interventions. It suggests that the previous techniques might have been less precise and possibly had limitations in terms of targeting specific cells or areas. The new technology's precision opens up new possibilities and advancements in scientific research and applications.

The author suggests that the precursor to a migraine is something that some sufferers see before an attack. This implies that not all migraine sufferers experience this precursor, but it is a common occurrence for some individuals. The statement does not indicate that the precursor is fictional or that it happens to all migraine sufferers. It also does not specify whether the precursor occurs during or after the attack, only that it is seen before the attack.

The author implies that at the time the Hubble was initially deployed from Earth, there was considerable excitement about the potential uses. This can be inferred from the information provided in the passage, which states that the Hubble was expected to revolutionize astronomy and provide unprecedented views of the universe. The passage also mentions that scientists and astronomers were eagerly awaiting the first images from the Hubble, further indicating the excitement surrounding its potential uses.

The correct answer is B. The explanation for this answer is that the new research suggests that the neurons in the brain of migraine sufferers tend to fire in an unusual pattern when a migraine begins. This indicates that there is a specific neural activity that is associated with the onset of migraines in these individuals. This finding could potentially help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of migraines and developing more effective treatments.

The author compares the astronauts of the Endeavor to mechanics because they are described as "fixing things, replacing parts, and making sure everything works smoothly." This comparison suggests that the astronauts are skilled in practical, hands-on tasks rather than being astronomers, scientists, or politicians who typically engage in different types of work.

The word "wrath" in the first sentence refers to a strong feeling of anger or rage. This is evident from the context of the sentence, which implies that the word describes a negative emotion. "Fury" is the closest synonym to "wrath" as it also conveys a strong and intense anger. Therefore, option C, "fury," is the correct answer.

The word "eventually" in the third paragraph indicates a time frame that is not immediate but will happen at some point. It suggests that something will occur in the future, rather than immediately or in the present. Therefore, the closest meaning to "eventually" is "in the future."

The passage provides information about new evidence regarding the formation of migraines. It discusses the use of imaging as a means of studying migraines and presents findings that suggest a link between migraines and changes in brain structure. The passage does not focus on the differences between migraines and headaches or new treatments for migraines. Therefore, the best title for this passage would be "New Evidence of How Migraines Are Formed."

The author states that the Hubble was not always popular because it was defective for its first three years in space. This suggests that the initial technical issues with the Hubble affected its reputation and popularity among the public.

The author implies that in the past scientists had thought migraines were caused by expanded blood vessels.

In the first sentence of the third paragraph, the word "they" is used to refer back to something mentioned previously. The only option that makes sense is "tissues" because in the previous sentences, it is mentioned that the researchers were able to create a flexible chip that can be implanted into living tissues. Therefore, "they" refers to the tissues in this context.