Questions of the TOEFL iBT Reading Comprehension Practice Test 016

Question 1. According to the paragraph, what is one of the most distinctive features of War and Peace?
A) Its exploration of the human condition
B) Its depiction of historical events
C) Its philosophical depth
D) Its portrayal of women

Question 2. According to the paragraph, what is central to the novel War and Peace?
A) The exploration of the human condition
B) The depiction of historical events
C) The role of individual choice and free will
D) The meaning of life

Question 3. According to the paragraph, which of the following is NOT true of War and Peace?
A) It is a rich and rewarding work for both academic study and general readers.
B) It is a sprawling novel that covers a wide range of historical events and personal experiences.
C) It is widely regarded as one of the greatest works of literature of all time.
D) It focuses exclusively on the experiences of soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.

Question 4. The author mentions all of the following EXCEPT:
A) War and Peace is a study of human nature and the ways in which people respond to war, peace, and the challenges of life.
B) Tolstoy argues that historical events are shaped by great individuals and geopolitical forces.
C) The novel explores the inner lives of its characters, revealing the ways in which their thoughts, emotions, and actions shape the events of the novel.
D) The novel is notable for its complex characters, intricate plot, and exploration of the human condition.

Question 5. Which of the following can be inferred from the paragraph about War and Peace?
A) The novel is only for academic study.
B) The novel has a simple plot and flat characters.
C) The novel explores human nature and the impact of war and peace.
D) The novel has not been translated into other languages.

Question 6. Why does the author mention the role of individual choice and free will in shaping the course of history in War and Peace?
A) To argue that individuals have no control over historical events.
B) To emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in shaping the world.
C) To criticize the choices made by the novel's characters.
D) To highlight the power of geopolitical forces in shaping history.

Question 7. The word "nuanced" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
A) simplistic
B) complex
C) unimportant
D) unclear

Question 8. The phrase "the course of the novel" in the passage is closest in meaning to:
A) the path of the story
B) the path of a war
C) the path of history
D) the path of love

Question 9. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following sentence: "Tolstoy masterfully explores the inner lives of these characters, revealing the ways in which their thoughts, emotions, and actions shape the events of the novel"?
A) Tolstoy reveals how the events of the novel are shaped by the inner lives of the characters.
B) Tolstoy's exploration of the characters' inner lives adds depth to the novel.
C) Tolstoy's masterful portrayal of the characters' emotions and thoughts shapes the events of the novel.
D) The events of the novel are shaped by the characters' thoughts, emotions, and actions as revealed by Tolstoy.

Question 10. Look at the four letters – (A), (B), (C), and (D), – that indicate where the following sentence can be added to the passage. "One of the most distinctive features of War and Peace is its character development." Where would the sentence best fit?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)