Condensed TOEFL Simulation Seeking English

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Seeking English

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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 2,861

| Attempts: 749 | Questions: 17

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1. The word "hazards" in the passage is closest meaning to

Objects

Dangers

Species

Debris

The word "hazards" in the passage refers to potential dangers or risks. It implies that there are certain elements or situations that can cause harm or pose a threat. Therefore, the closest meaning to "hazards" is "dangers".

Explanation

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About This Quiz

Condensed TOEFL Simulation Seeking English - Quiz

This TOEFL simulation quiz assesses understanding of English comprehension and reasoning, focusing on cetacean intelligence. It evaluates skills in interpreting complex texts and understanding nuanced differences in language... see moreand animal cognition. see less

2. This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish. Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks. We certainly don't think of these animals as our mental rivals. Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers. According to the passage, which of the following animals is most likely to learn by watching another animal perform an activity?

Rats

Birds

Invertebrates

Dolphins

Dolphins are most likely to learn by watching another animal perform an activity, according to the passage. The passage mentions that dolphins can quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. It gives an example of a tame dolphin watching a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window and imitating the diver's actions, complete with sound effects. The passage also mentions that dolphins have been seen imitating seals, turtles, and even water-skiers. Therefore, based on the information provided, dolphins are the most likely animals to learn by watching another animal perform an activity.

Explanation

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3. Directions: Now answer the questions. We often hear that whales, dolphins, and porpoises are as intelligent as humans, maybe even more so. Are they really that smart? There is no question that cetaceans are among the most intelligent of animals. Dolphins, killer whales, and pilot whales in captivity quickly learn tricks. The military has trained bottlenose dolphins to find bombs and missile heads and to work as underwater spies.The author asks the question "Are they really that smart?" for which of the following reasons?

To question the notion that humans are the most intelligent of animals

To introduce the discussion of intelligence that follows

To explain why dolphins, killer whales, and pilot whales can learn tricks

To emphasize the ways that dolphins can help the military

The author asks the question "Are they really that smart?" to introduce the discussion of intelligence that follows.

Explanation

The author asks the question "Are they really that smart?" to introduce the discussion of intelligence that follows.

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4. Given the seeming intelligence of cetaceans, people are always tempted to compare them with humans and other animals. Studies on discrimination and problem-solving skills in the bottlenose dolphins, for instance, have concluded that its intelligence lies "somewhere between that of a dog and a chimpanzee." Such comparisons are unfair. It is important to realize that intelligence is a very human concept and that we evaluate it on human terms. After all, not many people would consider themselves stupid because they couldn't locate and identify a fish by its echo. Why should we judge cetaceans by their ability to solve our problems? The word "tempted" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

Conditioned

Reluctant

Inclined

Invited

The word "tempted" in the passage is closest in meaning to "inclined". This means that people have a natural tendency or inclination to compare cetaceans with humans and other animals due to their seeming intelligence.

Explanation

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5. The word "insights" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

Examples

Understanding

Directions

Discussion

The word "insights" refers to gaining a deep and intuitive understanding or perception of something. It implies gaining a deeper level of comprehension or knowledge about a particular subject or situation. Therefore, the word "understanding" is the closest in meaning to "insights" in the passage.

Explanation

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6. As in chimpanzees, captive bottlenose dolphins have been taught American Sign Language. These dolphins have learned to communicate with trainers who use sign language to ask simple questions. Dolphins answered back by pushing a "yes" or "no" paddle. They have been known to give spontaneous responses not taught by trainers. Evidence also indicates that these dolphin can distinguish between commands that differ from each other only by their word order, a truly remarkable achievement. Nevertheless, dolphins do not seem to have a real language like ours. Unlike humans, dolphins probably cannot convey very complex messages. The word "spontaneous" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

Sophisticated

Sensible

Appropriate

Unprompted

The word "spontaneous" in the passage is closest in meaning to "unprompted." This means that the dolphins are giving responses that are not prompted or taught by the trainers. They are answering in a natural and unplanned way, showing their ability to communicate spontaneously.

Explanation

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7. Given the seeming intelligence of cetaceans, people are always tempted to compare them with humans and other animals. Studies on discrimination and problem-solving skills in the bottlenose dolphins, for instance, have concluded that its intelligence lies "somewhere between that of a dog and a chimpanzee." Such comparisons are unfair. It is important to realize that intelligence is a very human concept and that we evaluate it on human terms. After all, not many people would consider themselves stupid because they couldn't locate and identify a fish by its echo. Why should we judge cetaceans by their ability to solve our problems?According to the passage, why are the studies that conclude that dolphin intelligence is "somewhere between that of a dog and a chimpanzee" not correct?

The human method of drawing comparisons is not relevant to animal intelligence.

Dolphins have actually shown to be much more intelligent than chimpanzees.

The studies were not conducted according to standard research methods.

Dolphins do not typically demonstrate conditioned responses for humans to observe.

The passage states that comparing the intelligence of cetaceans to humans and other animals is unfair because intelligence is a human concept evaluated on human terms. Therefore, the studies that conclude that dolphin intelligence is "somewhere between that of a dog and a chimpanzee" are not correct because they are based on the human method of drawing comparisons, which is not relevant to animal intelligence.

Explanation

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8. Directions: Answer the following question.What are the speakers mainly discussing?

Getting financial aid for college

Planning a student’s course schedule for the next four years

Taking courses during the summer session

Differences in admissions requirements between Hooper University and two other schools

The speakers are discussing the option of taking courses during the summer session.

Explanation

The speakers are discussing the option of taking courses during the summer session.

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9. This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. ▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behaviour, it gets a reward, usually a fish. ▀ Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks. ▀ We certainly don't think of these animals as our mental rivals.▀ Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers. Look at the four symbols ▀ that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behavior in the future. Where would the sentence best fit?

This type of learning, however, is called conditioning.* This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads... This type of learning, however, is called conditioning.* This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behaviour in the future. The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish.▀ Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks.▀ We certainly don’t think of these animals as our mental rivals.▀ Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers.

This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. ▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior,... This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. ▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish.* This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behavior in the future. Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks.▀ We certainly don’t think of these animals as our mental rivals.▀ Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers.

This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. ▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior,... This type of learning, however, is called conditioning. ▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish.▀ Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks.* This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behavior in the future.We certainly don’t think of these animals as our mental rivals.▀ Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers.

This type of learning, however, is called conditioning.▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it... This type of learning, however, is called conditioning.▀ The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish.▀ Many animals, including rats, birds, and even invertebrates, can be conditioned to perform tricks.▀ We certainly don’t think of these animals as our mental rivals.* This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behavior in the future. Unlike most other animals, however, dolphins quickly learn by observations and may spontaneously imitate human activities. One tame dolphin watched a diver cleaning an underwater viewing window, seized a feather in its beak, and began imitating the diver---complete with sound effects! Dolphins have also been seen imitating seals, turtles,and even water-skiers.

The sentence "This reward is merely one possible type of positive reinforcement that leads to more frequent repetition of the behavior in the future" would best fit after the sentence "The animal simply learns that when it performs a particular behavior, it gets a reward, usually a fish." This sentence further explains that the reward serves as positive reinforcement, which encourages the animal to repeat the behavior in the future.

Explanation

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10. Scientific observations show that cetaceans are able to do all the following EXCEPT

Use natural objects as tools for self-protection

Produce complex sounds through their blowholes

Answer spoken questions

Distinguish between very similar spoken sentences

Cetaceans, which include dolphins and whales, have been observed to exhibit various complex behaviors. They are known to use natural objects as tools for self-protection, produce complex sounds through their blowholes, and distinguish between very similar spoken sentences. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that cetaceans can answer spoken questions. Therefore, the correct answer is "answer spoken questions."

Explanation

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11. Instead of "intelligence," some people prefer to speak of "awareness." In any case, cetaceans probably have a very different awareness and perception of their environment than do humans. Maybe one day we will come to understand cetaceans on their terms instead of ours, and perhaps we will discover a mental sophistication rivaling our own. What does the author conclude about the intelligence of cetaceans?

It is not appropriate to judge cetacean intelligence in human terms.

Cetaceans probably probably possess a mental sophistication that is as complex as that of humans.

Although cetaceans may appear to be intelligent, they have fewer problems-solving skills than most animals.

Their ability to learn American Sign Language indicates that cetaceans have a high level of intelligence.

The author concludes that it is not appropriate to judge cetacean intelligence in human terms. The passage suggests that cetaceans have a very different awareness and perception of their environment compared to humans. The author also speculates that one day we may understand cetaceans on their own terms and discover a mental sophistication that rivals our own. This implies that cetaceans may possess a different kind of intelligence that cannot be accurately measured or compared to human intelligence.

Explanation

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12. Why does the student want to take classes at City College?

Because Hooper University does not offer the classes he wants

Because City College classes cost less money than ones at Hooper University

So that he can take classes on the weekend

So that he can graduate from Hooper University early

The student wants to take classes at City College in order to graduate from Hooper University early. This suggests that City College offers classes that can be transferred as credits towards the student's degree at Hooper University, allowing them to complete their degree requirements ahead of schedule.

Explanation

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13. What does the woman mean with her statement?

The man waited too long to apply to City College

The man should not attend Hooper University

The man will be able to do what he wants to do

The man is very unlucky

The woman's statement implies that the man will be able to achieve his goals or pursue his desired path. It suggests that he will have the opportunity to do what he wants to do.

Explanation

The woman's statement implies that the man will be able to achieve his goals or pursue his desired path. It suggests that he will have the opportunity to do what he wants to do.

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14. Why will the man probably take only two courses?

Students are limited to two summer courses

He can attend classes only on Saturday and Sunday

His financial aid will pay for only two courses

His summer job will keep him taking more that two courses

The man will probably take only two courses because students are limited to two summer courses.

Explanation

The man will probably take only two courses because students are limited to two summer courses.

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15. Checkmark your answer choices in the spaces below: BOTH Humans and Cetaceans share the following characteristics

The ability to converse unaided with other species

A brain with a cortex

A set of vocal cords

The ability to use tools

The ability to locate objects by using echo

An enlarged portion of the brain for processing sound

The ability to learn by observation

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Explanation

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16. What will Ms. Brinker probably do for the man? Choose 2 answers

Give the man a student ID number

Give the man a financial aid form

Help the man figure out which classes to take

Help the man apply to Hooper University

Put the man’s information into the City College admission system

Ms. Brinker will most likely give the man a student ID number and put his information into the City College admission system. This suggests that she is assisting him with the enrollment process and ensuring that his information is properly recorded in the system.

Explanation

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17. Both humans and cetaceans have large brains with an expanded and distinctly folded surface, the cortex. The cortex is the dominant association center of the brain, where abilities such as memory and sensory perception are centered. Cetaceans have larger brains than ours, but the ratio of brain to body weight is higher in humans. Again, direct comparisons are misleading. In cetaceans it is mainly the portions of the brain associated with hearing and processing of sound information that are expanded. The enlarged portions of our brain deal largely with vision and hand-eye coordination. Cetaceans and humans almost certainly perceive the world in very different ways. Their world is one of sounds, ours one of sights.The word "dominant" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

Local

Natural

Chief

Specific

not-available-via-ai

Explanation

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