TOEFL Reading Tarea 3 – Read an Academic Passage

Texto de ejemplo (original, abreviado)

Título: The Mirror Test

Researchers sometimes use a simple mirror to study animal cognition. In a typical experiment, an animal is allowed to become familiar with a mirror placed in its enclosure. Later, when the animal is asleep or distracted, the researchers place a colored mark on a part of its body that it cannot normally see, such as its forehead. If the animal later uses the mirror to touch or investigate the mark on its own body, scientists say it has passed the "mirror test." This reaction suggests that the animal can connect the reflection in the glass with itself, rather than with another individual.

Pregunta 1. What is the main purpose of the passage?

• A) To list different tools used in animal research
• B) To describe an experiment that measures self-recognition
• C) To argue that animals are as intelligent as humans
• D) To criticize the use of mirrors in animal cages

Respuesta correcta: B) To describe an experiment that measures self-recognition.

Pregunta 2. According to the passage, why do researchers place a mark on the animal?

• A) To identify which animal belongs to the group
• B) To reward the animal for good behavior
• C) To see whether the animal connects the reflection with its own body
• D) To test the animal's reaction to bright colors

Respuesta correcta: C) To see whether the animal connects the reflection with its own body.

Pregunta 3. The word cognition in line 1 is closest in meaning to:

• A) movement
• B) learning
• C) breathing
• D) reproduction

Respuesta correcta posible: B) learning.

Explicación: Todo el texto describe cómo los animales piensan sobre sí mismos. La idea principal es el método experimental para comprobar el autorreconocimiento, y cada detalle (como la marca de color) apoya ese propósito. La pregunta de vocabulario se resuelve pensando en el tema general: las capacidades mentales.