Reading comprehension -TOEFL- Lesson 8
Since the world has become industrialized, there has been an increase in the number of animal species that have either become extinct or have neared extinction. Bengal tigers, for instance, which once roamed the jungles in vast numbers, now number only about 2,300, and by the year 2025 their population is estimated to be down to zero. What is alarming about the case of the Bengal tiger is that this extinction will have been caused almost entirely by poachers who, according to some sources, are not interested in material gain but in personal gratification. This is an example of the callousness that is part of what is causing the problem of extinction. Animals like the Bengal tiger, as well as other endangered species, are a valuable part of the world`s ecosystem. International laws protecting these animals must be enacted to ensure their survival, and the survival of our planet.
Countries around the world have begun to deal with the problem in various ways. Some countries, in order to circumvent the problem, have allocated large amounts of land to animal reserves. They then charge admission to help defray the costs of maintaining the parks, and they often must also depend on world organizations for support. With the money they get, they can invest in equipment and patrols to protect the animals. Another solution that is an attempt to stem the tide of animal extinction is an international boycott of products made from endangered species. This seems fairly effective, but it will not, by itself, prevent animals from being hunted and killed.

1. What is the main topic of the passage?
(A) the Bengal tiger
(B) international boycotts
(C) endangered species
(D) problems with industrialization
2. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word "alarming" in line 5?
(A) dangerous
(B) serious
(C) gripping
(D) distressing
3. Which of the following could best replace the word "case" as used in line 5?
(A) act
(B) situation
(C) contrast
(D) trade
4. The word "poachers" as used in line 6 could be best replaced by which of the following?
(A) illegal hunters
(B) enterprising researchers
(C) concerned scientists
(D) trained hunters
5. The word "callousness" in line 7 could best be replaced by which of the following?
(A) indirectness
(B) independence
(C) incompetence
(D) insensitivity
6. The above passage is divided into two paragraphs in order to contrast
(A) a problem and a solution
(B) a statement and an illustration
(C) a comparison and a contrast
(D) specific and general information
7. What does the word "this" refer to in line 9?
(A) endangered species that are increasing
(B) Bengal tigers that are decreasing
(C) poachers who seek personal gratification
(D) sources that may not be accurate
8. Where in the passage does the author discuss a cause of extinction?
(A) Since the world . . . down to zero.
(B) What is alarming . . . personal gratification.
(C) Country around . . . for support.
(D) With the money . . . dangered species.
9. Which of the following could best replace the word "allocated" in line 14?
(A) set aside
(B) combined
(C) organized
(D) taken off
10. The word "defray" in line 15 is closest in meaning to which of the following?
(A) lower
(B) raise
(C) make a payment on
(D) make an investment toward
11. The author uses the phrase "stem the tide" in line 18 to mean
(A) touch
(B) stop
(C) tax
(D) save
12. Which of the following best describes the author`s attitude?
(A) forgiving
(B) concerned
(C) vindictive
(D) surprised