TOEFL Reading, задание 3 – Read an Academic Passage

Пример текста (оригинал, сокращённый)

Title: 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.

Question 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

Правильный ответ: B) To describe an experiment that measures self-recognition.

Question 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

Правильный ответ: C) To see whether the animal connects the reflection with its own body.

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

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

Возможный правильный ответ: B) learning.

Объяснение: Весь текст описывает, как животные думают о себе. Основная мысль — экспериментальный метод проверки самоузнавания, и каждая деталь (например, цветная метка) подкрепляет эту цель. Вопрос на лексику можно решить, если вспомнить общую тему текста — умственные способности.