Timed Reading — TOEFL Academic

1. How long does it take nature to form one centimeter of fertile topsoil?
   Less than 100 years
   Approximately 100 years
   More than 500 years
   
   
2. Why does removing vegetation increase soil erosion?
   Tree roots push topsoil deeper underground where it is unprotected.
   Plant roots hold soil in place and slow the movement of rainwater.
   Vegetation absorbs chemicals that harden the soil surface.
   
   
3. What causes the loss of plants that leads to soil erosion?
   Urban expansion moving into natural environments
   Disease and insect damage to root systems
   Farming, logging, and overgrazing
   
   
4. How does eroded soil affect rivers and aquatic life?
   It raises sediment levels, blocking sunlight and reducing oxygen in the water.
   It introduces chemicals that cause algae to grow uncontrollably.
   It increases the water's acidity, directly killing plant life.
   
   
5. How can soil erosion affect coastal areas?
   Ocean currents can carry topsoil back onto beaches.
   Rising sea levels can flood nearby farmland.
   Sediment runoff can damage coral reefs.
   
   
6. What is contour plowing?
   Farming across slopes rather than up and down to slow water runoff.
   Plowing fields immediately after heavy rainfall to reduce runoff.
   Alternating crop types row by row to reduce nutrient loss.
   
   

Score:

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Directions: Choose the word or phrase closest in meaning to each bold word or expression in the passage.

Score:

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Directions: This is designed as a reading activity. However, you can also listen to the text.

Voice #1