TOEFL Starter Reading Practice Test 1

Reading Passage 1

Part 1 — Complete the Words — Text 1: Learning and Memory

People learn new things in many different ways. They may read a book, watch a video, or prac____ a skill. Learners often remem____ information better when they connect it to something they alre____ know. Short study sess____ can be more useful than one very long sess____. A quiet place may help some students concen____, while others prefer a little background noise. Sleep is also impor____ because the brain contin____ to work with new information during rest. For this reason, a regular study rout____ can help learners prepare for an exam____.

Reading Passage 2

Part 1 — Complete the Words — Text 2: Bees and Flowers

Bees play an important role in nature. When a bee visits a flower, pollen may stick to its body. The bee can carry this pollen to ano____ flower, helping the plant make seeds. Many flow____ plants depend on insects for this proc____. Bees visit flowers to collect nec____, a sweet liquid that gives them energy. Gardens with a varie____ of flowers can provide food through much of the year. Bees move pol____ between flowers, which helps many plants produce seeds and fruit____. People can help by plant____ local flowers and avoid____ harmful chemicals. Safe places for bees to build nest____ are also important.

Reading Passage 3

Part 1 — Complete the Words — Text 3: Saving Water at Home

Fresh water is neces____ for people, plants, and animals. In many places, clean water takes energy and money to collect and deliv____. A small leak can waste a surpr____ amount of water and incre____ a household's bill. People can save water by turn____ off the tap while brushing their teeth and taking short____ showers. They can also use a bucket instead of a hose to clean a car. In the garden, water____ plants early in the morning may reduce water loss because less water evapor____ in the cooler air. These simple hab____ can reduc____ waste when many people follow them.

Reading Passage 4

Part 2 — Read in Daily Life — Text A: Library Notice

ARIVERSIDE LIBRARY — STUDY ROOM UPDATE

BThe second-floor study room will be closed on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. while staff repair the lights. Students may use the quiet study area on the first floor during this time. No booking is needed for the quiet area, but seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The study room will reopen at 1:00 p.m.

Reading Passage 5

Part 2 — Read in Daily Life — Text B: Message from a Classmate

AHi Sam,

BOur biology group is meeting in Room 204 at 3:30 tomorrow, not in the cafeteria. Please bring your notes about plant growth. I have printed the pictures, and Lina is bringing the results table. If you cannot come, send your notes to the group chat before 2:00 so we can prepare. The presentation is on Friday, so we need to finish the slides tomorrow.

CThanks, Maya

Reading Passage 6

Part 2 — Read in Daily Life — Text C: Campus Café Information

AWEEKDAY STUDENT OFFER

BShow your student card to get a hot drink and a sandwich for 45 dirhams between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The offer is not available on Fridays or during public holidays. Vegetarian sandwiches are available. Please tell the cashier about any food allergies before ordering. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts.

Reading Passage 7

Part 3 — Read an Academic Passage — Passage 1: Why Leaves Need Light

Plants need light to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. During this process, leaves use light energy to help turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars. These sugars provide energy for growth. A plant kept in a dark place may remain alive for a short time, but it cannot make enough food to grow well. Plants also respond to the direction of light. A young stem often bends toward a window because cells on the shaded side grow more quickly than cells on the brighter side. This movement helps the leaves reach more light. However, more light is not always better: some plants grow best in shade, and strong direct sunlight can damage their leaves.

Reading Passage 8

Part 3 — Read an Academic Passage — Passage 2: The Value of Urban Trees

Trees can make cities more comfortable. Their leaves provide shade, which can make streets and sidewalks cooler on hot days. Trees also release water vapour into the air, and this can help cool the surrounding area. Their roots absorb water from the ground, so trees may reduce the amount of rainwater that flows quickly into drains. In addition, trees offer places for birds and insects to live. However, planting trees in cities requires planning. Some species need more space for their roots than a narrow sidewalk can provide. City planners must also consider local weather, water availability, and the needs of nearby buildings. Choosing suitable trees and caring for them as they grow can help a city gain long-term benefits.