NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?
w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
MY ACCOUNT | LOGOUT
Home IELTS Help ESL Class TOEFL Class Our TOEFL Products Success Stories Order now Daily Motivation
Contact Us
Complete TOEFL Success
Introduction
Vocabulary Test
Reading
Step 1 Reading
Vocabulary back to top
Step 2 Reading
Vocabulary Test
The first kind is vocabulary. It’s very easy to identity. Whenever the question asks “what does
Detail Test this this word mean,” it’s a vocabulary question. Here is an example to familiarize yourself with
Negative Detail Test this question type:
Inference Test
Pronoun Test The word “depressions” in the passage is closest in meaning to
Plug-in Test
Paraphrase Test
If you know the word:
Purpose Test
1) Choose the answer or answers that match the meaning best.
Summary Test
2) Read the sentence with the highlighted vocabulary to double check the meaning.
Improve Again
Step 3 Reading If you don’t know the word:
Bonus Reading
Listening 1) Read the sentence with the word and guess what its meaning could be
Speaking
2) Choose an answer that fits this meaning. (If more than one works, guess fast.)
Writing
You shouldn’t spend a lot of time on this question no matter what. If you don’t know the word,
Vocabulary
more than one answer choice might work and you’ll just waste time thinking. Just guess and
move on to spend your time on a different question.
Reading Practice back to top
Cave Paintings in Lascaux
The Lascaux Grotto, in Southwest France, is a series of narrow cave chambers that was
discovered by children playing in the 1940s. ❒ These caves contained an amazing find for
historians – prehistoric paintings of animals on the walls. ❒ These massive animals are
sometimes portrayed as following one after another in a long line, but on other occasions, they
are sideways on the wall and some even upside down. Paintings are mostly done in reds,
yellow, and brown, and feature such beasts as wild horses, bulls, reindeer, bison, and
mammoths. ❒ Scientists analyzed the substance of the “paint” and discovered that the colors
came from ocher and other iron oxides that had been ground into a fine powder. ❒ This
powder then appears to have been brushed or smeared onto the cave walls in some cases, while
in other cases the artists of these paintings seem to have blown or sprayed the material onto the
rock surface. In these cases, scientists surmise that tubes made from hollow bone may have
1 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
been used as tools for the spraying because hollow bones marked with pigment were
discovered close by.
The location of these particular paintings has become a source of mystery to the scientific
community. ❒ Unlike rock paintings found in other parts of the world, these were not located
near the entrance to the cave or completely out in the open. ❒ Instead, they are deep within
the caverns, quite a distance from the opening to the grotto and any natural light. ❒ In
addition, it seems likely that the drawers of these paintings did not necessarily want them to be
seen by others, as inhabitants of caves usually lived relatively close to the entrances. ❒ The odd
location of these particular paintings has led to various theories as to why so many generations
of artists chose to keep their work so well hidden.
❒ Three opinions have been given by the scientific community as to the perplexing origins and
meaning of these paintings. ❒ The most straightforward of these explanations is that the
paintings are simply a record of the migrations of herds of local animals. ❒ And since some
paintings are drawn directly over others, scientists theorize that the utility of each painting was
over when the migration it depicted had ended. ❒ However, this theory fails to address the
puzzling location of these paintings within the caves, unless it was simply that the cave dwellers
chose to commemorate the migrations with ceremonies held in secret.
A second theory holds that these paintings were tied to hunting and they played a vital role in a
special preparation ceremony for the hunters. ❒ The theory states that the paintings were part
of a ritual used to prepare the hunters psychologically for the challenges they were about to
face. ❒ The fact that in several of the paintings the animals are portrayed as wounded by
arrows or spears gives particular credence to this theory. ❒ And the overpainting is explained
by the fact that the hunters had no use for the paintings after the hunt itself, and thus felt free
to cover them up in preparation for their next foray into the field. ❒
A third opinion on the paintings offers the possibility that the animals portrayed on the walls
may have assumed some sort of mythical meaning to the cave dwellers, either as ancient
ancestors or as protectors of the members of the tribe. Supporters of this theory point to two
different pieces of evidence. First, there are the strange and cryptic geometric shapes painted
near the animals. Second, there is the remarkable absence of men in any of the paintings. In the
few cases that humans are depicted, they are very crudely drawn with long and rigid bodies.
❒Some of the men are shown lying face down while others have the heads of birds and other
animals. ❒This suggests to advocates of the theory that the people in the picture might be
portrayed in a trance state. ❒However, there is no definitive proof for this theory and it could
just as easily be that these bird-headed men are simply wearing masks for hunting.❒
While these theories continue to compete for primacy in the scientific community, and there is
still heavy debate. It is possible that there will never be a satisfactory answer to this intriguing
question. However, it is clear that the Lascaux paintings represent a great artistic achievement
for the time that will continue to engage researchers, whatever their significance may be.
1) The word “smeared” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to
a) dabbed
2 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
b) splattered
c) thrust
d) spread
2) The word “surmise” in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to
a) propose
b) recommend
c) insinuate
d) infer
3) The word “grotto” in the paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
a) cave
b) space
c) home
d) chamber
4) The word “inhabitants” in the paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
a) interlopers
b) intruders
c) guests
d) residents
5) The word “perplexing” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
a) outstanding
b) inconceivable
c) puzzling
d) endearing
6) The word “migrations” in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
a) homecomings
b) movements
c) transferences
d) mitigations
7) The word “credence” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
a) believability
b) importance
c) substance
d) guile
8) The word “foray” in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
a) parade
b) tour
c) venture
d) march
3 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
9) The word “rigid” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to
a) limp
b) turgid
c) stiff
d) flowing
10) The word “portrayed” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to
a) depicted
b) crowded
c) included
d) established
Power Review back to top
Now, let’s review by reinforcing strategy and the facts about getting a higher score on the
TOEFL.
Question 1
This is a vocabulary question. These questions are both easy and difficult. Very easy
because if you know the answer, you find the answer easily. They are difficult because
when you don't know what the word means, it can be impossible to learn what it means
from reading.
If you don’t know the word:
1) Read the sentence with the word.
2) Look for clues to help find the meaning and guess what its meaning could be.
3) Choose an answer that fits this meaning. (If more than one works, guess fast.)
1) First, we see the word smeared in the sentence that it appears in: This
powder then appears to have been brushed or smeared onto the cave
walls in some cases, while in other cases the artist of these paintings
seem to have blown or sprayed the material onto the rock surface.
2) We see next to our vocabulary word, the word or. Or shows similarity. We can
assume that smeared and brushed, therefore, have a similar meeting. Of course,
it doesn’t have to be, but we’re guessing. We also have an extra clue; we have the
word while. While shows contrast, so if we read that sentence, we know that
smeared should have the opposite meaning of the information we see in the while
clause: while in other cases the artist of these painting seem to have
blown or sprayed the material. Smeared should be the opposite of blown or
sprayed.
3) We then use that information to guess at the answer. Dabbed means to tap
4 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
lightly. Splatter means to throw on randomly. Thrust means to push or force on.
Spread means to place across. Smear means to place across. We know our answer
is then, D.
Question 2
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) In the sentence with surmise, we read: scientists surmise that tubes
made from hollow bone may have been used as tools . . .
2) This is a tough vocabulary question because of the answer choices. What do
scientists do to form an idea? We guess our answer: think, guess, form, create,
hypothesis, etc.
3) Unfortunately, in this case, each answer choice has a similar meaning to what
we expect and so we must guess quickly and move on if we don’t know the meaning.
The actual answer is D. Memorize this if you don't know the word.
*Remember that if there are several vocabulary words in this reading that you don’t
know. You must start to build your vocabulary daily any way that you can and we
encourage you to participate in our vocabulary program, which is designed to help with
the TOEFL reading.
Question 3
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) We read the sentence: Instead, they are deep within the caverns, quite a
distance from the opening to the grotto and any natural light.
2) From this sentence, we understand that we are taking about caves and referring
to the fact that the paintings are deep within the cave and far from the opening of
the what? Well, the only thing that makes sense is the opening to the cave. What
else could we be talking about?
3) Each answer is possible, but if you read and understand that the reading is
describing the paintings in the cave, we should guess A. However, every answer
makes sense within the sentence, but we must guess at the most logical when we
don’t know the meaning.
Question 4
5 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
Inhabitant is a word that we must be familiar with. It is a basic word for the TOEFL. If
we do not know this word, then I believe vocabulary may be an issue and we should
spend serious time studying it. Our answer is D.
Question 5
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) We identify the sentence with perplexing: Three opinions have been given
by the scientific community as to the perplexing origins and meaning of
these paintings.
2) If we don't know the word, all we do know is that our word serves as an
adjective describing the origins and meaning of the paintings. The content of the
reading can always serve as a clue. The first sentence of the first paragraph sets the
tone and states that these paintings are a source of mystery. We can assume then
that the origins and meaning of the paintings are a mystery and so mystery is a
synonym of perplexing.
3) We can eliminate A, which means amazing, and B, which means lovable, and D,
which means impossible. Puzzling makes the most sense, so our answer is C.
Question 6
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
Migrations is a basic word that we must know to do fair on the TOEFL. If we do not
know this word, then we must focus seriously on improving our vocabulary. Migrations
means movements, so the answer is B.
Question 7
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) First, we read the sentence with our word: The fact that in several of the
6 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
paintings the animals are portrayed as wounded by arrows or spears
gives particular credence to this theory.
2) This sentence states essentially that a fact gives credence to the theory.
What could that mean. Let’s search around the sentence to see what we’re doing to
this theory. The sentence after states And the overpainting is explained by the
fact that. . . And implies that we are continuing the idea from the sentence before.
We know what explain means, so we can assume that credence means something
similar to explains, supports, details, etc.
3) The answer choices aren’t exactly what we expect and so we guess towards the
answer closest in meaning, which leads us to believability or substance. We have
a 50% chance of getting the question right without knowing the word, not bad.
Our answer is A. Why? Because that’s what the word means.
Question 8
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) We read the sentence for clues: And the overpainting is explained by the
fact that the hunters had no use for the paintings after the hunt itself,
and thus felt free to cover them up in preparation for their next foray
into the field.
2) If we understand the meaning, we know that we’re talking about one hunt
finishing and then the next foray. What could foray mean then? Another hunt.
3) If we know the meaning of our answer choices, we know that venture matches
best. The word adventure has venture as its root, so you can understand that
venture has a similar meaning. Hunt couldn’t be considered a synonym of any of
the other answer choices, but it can be a synonym of an adventure. Our answer is C.
Question 9
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
1) We read our sentence: we have long and rigid bodies. In the few cases that
humans are depicted, they are very crudely drawn with long and rigid bodies.
2) However we look, it’s tough to find any clue that points to what rigid besides it
being an adjective that can describe a body and it might be similar in meaning to the
7 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
word long.
3) Every answer choice seems possible, so we must know the word in this case and
it is a somewhat basic word. Our answer is C.
*Remember that 4 out of 14 questions will be vocabulary. That’s 28% of your score that
can come easily or with difficulty and guessing. If you’re vocabulary needs word, start
memorizing 7 to 14 words a day.
Question 10
This is a vocabulary question and we know this because the question asks us to identify an
answer that is closest in meaning to a word. Follow strategy when you don’t know it and
choose the right answer.
Portray is a basic word that we need to know to expect to do well on the TOEFL. If we
don't know it, we need to study more vocabulary as well. The answer is A.
At this point, you must have memorized the strategy. If you have not, take some time to
do so now.
Final Advice back to top
If you find that you scored 6 out of 10 (or less) vocabulary quesitons, it’s imortant to start
studying vocabulary separately. It will stand in your way of improving. For fast fee help, there
are many vocabulary lists on the internet and you can always build your own list from these
example readings and others. We have also developed a powerful vocabualry system whose
words we’ve taken directly from the most frequently occuring words from over 60 actual
TOEFL readings. It’s a powerful system that can help you as well. Click here to get an overview
it and some further direction on how to improve. If you have any questions or conerns about it,
you can always send us an email ([email protected]). Whatever you decide to do
though, start working on vocabulary!
If you scored 8 out of 10 (or more), studying vocabulary is not a major recommendation. At this
level, it can be a waste of time bceause your vocabulary will build naturally and it’s more
important to practice actual readings than simply memorize words. Of course, this is unless you
know that your vocabulary is an issue, but I don’t recommend studying it separately unless you
have a few hours to study whenever you study and you’re looking to improve your score as
quickly as possible.
8 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
NOTEFULL https://www.notefull.com/myaccount.php?w=10&productid=106&pgID=3164
COMMENTS
Rate:
Please type the characters into the box below.
Just to let us know that you're not a robot.
3 entries
Reply
Mehran Abolghasemi wrote on Monday June 4, 2012 3:51am
Hi Joseph At question 1, you said that "Smeared should be the opposite of blown or sprayed," but smear means
spray, how ? Please answer my question.
Reply
nagasree vupputuri wrote on Friday April 13, 2012 12:08pm
hi joseph, i think the meanings given in 5th question were somewhat confusing in the explanation it's shown as
inconceivable means lovable and endearing means impossible which the opposite is true.
Reply
wrote on Saturday March 31, 2012 7:38pm
how about if I got 7 out of 10
Home | IELTS Help | ESL Class | TOEFL Class | Our TOEFL Products | Success Stories | Order now | Daily Motivation | Contact Us
© Copyright 2012 Notefull. All Rights Reserved. Website design by CIS Media, CMS powered by Interactive Web Solutions
9 of 9 6/19/2012 6:09 AM
