2005年11月份托福阅读真题及答案

11. What is the main idea of the passage?
(A) Nesting material varies according to the
parrots' environment.
(B) Humidity is an important factor in
incubating parrots' eggs.
(C) Aviculturists have constructed the ideal
nest box for parrots.
(D) Wild parrots' nests provide information
useful for artificial incubation.
 
12. The word "They" in line 2 refers to
(A) aviculturists
(B)birds
(C)eggs
(D) rates
 
13. According to paragraph 2, when the
temperature of the sides and bottom of the egg
are cooler than the top, then
(A) there may be a good chance for
successful incubation
(B) the embryo will not develop normally
(C) the incubating parent moves the egg to
a new position.
(D) the incubation process is slowed down
 
14. According to paragraph 2, sticks, rocks, or dirt are used to
(A) soften the bottom of the nest for the newly
hatched chick
(B) hold the nest together
(C) help lower the temperature at the bottom of
the nest
(D) make the nest bigger
 
15. According to paragraph 2, the construction of the nest allows water to
(A) provide a beneficial source of humidity
in the nest
(B) loosen the materials at the bottom of the
nest
(C) keep the nest in a clean condition
(D) touch the bottom of the eggs
 
16. All of the following are part of a parrot's
incubation method EXCEPT
(A) heating the water vapor as it rises from the
bottom of the nest
(B) arranging nesting material at the bottom of
the nest
(C) transferring heat from the parent to the top
of the eggshell
(D) maintaining a constant temperature on the
eggshell
 
17. The word "suspend" in line 19 is closest in
meaning to
(A) build
(B) paint
(C)hang
(D) move
 
18. The word "fatal" in line 25 is closest in
meaning to
(A) close
(B) deadly
(C) natural
(D) hot
 
19. The word "secure" in line 27 is closest in
meaning to
(A) fiesh
(B)diy
(C)safe
(D)warm
 
20. According to paragraph 3, a deep foundation of nesting material provides
(A) a constant source of humidity
(B) a strong nest box
(C) more room for newly hatched chicks
(D) protection against cold weather
 
21. Which of the following is a problem with
commercial incubators?
(A) They lack the natural temperature changes
of the outdoors.
(B) They are unable to heat the eggs evenly
(C) They do not transfer heat to the egg in the
same way the parent bird does.
(D) They are expensive to operate.
 
22. Which of the following terms is defined in thepassage?
(A) Aviculturists (line I)
(B) Gradient (line 8)
(C) Incubation (line 15)
(D) Embryo (line 24)

Questions 23-33
The mineral particles found in soil range in size from microscopic clay particles
to large boulders. The most abundant particles—sand, silt, and clay—are the focus
of examination in studies of soil texture. Texture is the term used to describe the
line composite sizes of particles in a soil sample, typically several representative handfuls.
(5)  To measure soil texture, the sand, silt, and clay particles are sorted out by size and
weight. The weights of each size are then expressed as a percentage of the sample
weight.
In the field, soil texture can be estimated by extracting a handful of sod and
squeezing the damp soil into three basic shapes; (1) cast, a lump formed by squeezing
(10) a sample in a clenched fist; (2) thread, a pencil shape formed by rolling soil between
the palms; and (3) ribbon, a flatfish shape formed by squeezing a small sample between
the thumb and index finger. The behavioral characteristics of the soil when molded into
each of these shapes, if they can be formed at all, provides the basis for a general
textural classification. The behavior of the soil in the hand test is determined by the
(15) amount of clay in the sample. Clay particles are highly cohesive, and when dampened,
behave as a plastic. Therefore the higher the clay content in a sample, the more refined
and durable the shapes into which it can be molded.
Another method of determining soil texture involves the use of devices called
sediment sieves, screens built with a specified mesh size. When the soil is filtered
(20) through a group of sieves, each with a different mesh size, the particles become
grouped in corresponding size categories. Each category can be weighed to make a
textural determination. Although sieves work well for silt, sand, and larger particles,
they are not appropriate for clay particles. Clay is far too small to sieve accurately;
therefore, in soils with a high proportion of clay, the fine particles are measured on the
(25) basis of their settling velocity when suspended in water .Since clays settle so slowly,
they are easily segregated from sand and silt. The water can be drawn off and
evaporated, leaving a residue of clay, which can be weighed.