TOEFL Reading Skill 1:

Passage 1:

In the philosophy of john Dewey, a sharp distinction is made between intelligence and reasoning. According to Dewey, intelligence is the only absolute way to achieve a balance between realism and idealism, between practicality and wisdom of life. Intelligence involves “interacting with other things and knowing them,” while reasoning is merely the act of an observer, “. . .a mind that beholds or grasps objects outside the world of things. . . . ” With reasoning, a level of mental certainty can be achieved, but it is through intelligence that control is taken of events that shape one's life.

What is the topic of this passage?

• (A) The intelligence of John Dewey

• (B) Distinctions made by John Dewey

• (C) Dewey’s ideas on the ability to reason

• (D) How intelligence differs from reasoning in Dewey’s works

Passage 2:

Nitrogen fixation is a process by which nitrogen is continuously fed into biological circulation. In this process. certain algae and bacteria convert nitrogen into ammonia (NH3). This newly created ammonia is then for the most part absorbed by plants. The opposite process of denitrification returns nitrogen to the air. During the process of denitrification, bacteria cause some of the nitrates from the soil to convert into gaseous nitrogen or nitrous oxide (N2O). In this gaseous form the nitrogen returns to the atmosphere.

Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?

• (A) The Process of Nitrogen Fixation

• (B) Two Nitrogen Processes

• (C) The Return of Nitrogen to the Air

• (D) The Effect of Nitrogen on Plant Life