Master TOEFL: Kumpulan Contoh Soal Bahasa Inggris Terbaik Beserta Jawaban & Pembahasan

1. The more energy an object has, _____ it can do.

• more work
• the more work
• work more
• it can do more work

Answer: the more work

Explanation: This is an example of a double comparative structure: ‘The more/less + clause, the more/less + clause’. It expresses a direct proportional relationship.

2. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which began in a barn, _____ much of the city.

• destroying
• destroyed
• was destroyed
• had destroyed

Answer: destroyed

Explanation: The past tense ‘destroyed’ is required to match the past event (‘began in 1871’). ‘Destroying’ would require a helping verb (was destroying) or be part of a different grammatical construction (a destroying fire).

3. Before the 1900s, there _____ few scientific instruments capable of detecting earthquakes.

• was
• were
• are
• have been

Answer: were

Explanation: The subject ‘few scientific instruments’ is plural, so the plural verb ‘were’ is appropriate for a past tense statement. ‘There was’ is used for singular subjects.

4. Many of the problems associated with pollution _____ as a result of human activities.

• arises
• arise
• has arisen
• is arising

Answer: arise

Explanation: The subject of the sentence is ‘problems’ (plural), so the plural verb ‘arise’ is correct. ‘Arises’ is for singular subjects.

5. An early form of basketball was played by the Mayan civilization in a game similar to handball, _____ players hit a rubber ball with their hips and knees.

• which
• where
• in which
• that

Answer: in which

Explanation: ‘In which’ is used to introduce a descriptive clause about a ‘game’ or ‘situation’. ‘Where’ could also work, but ‘in which’ is a more formal and precise choice for describing the conditions of the game.

6. The professor instructed the students _____ their research papers by Friday.

• submit
• submitting
• to submit
• should submit

Answer: to submit

Explanation: The verb ‘instruct’ is followed by an object and an infinitive (to + verb) when giving a command or direction to someone.

7. Although gorillas are generally shy, _____ can be provoked to violence.

• it
• he
• she
• they

Answer: they

Explanation: The pronoun ‘they’ correctly refers back to the plural subject ‘gorillas’.

8. The Amazon River flows _____ the northern part of South America.

• in
• at
• on
• through

Answer: through

Explanation: ‘Through’ correctly describes movement from one side or end to the other within an area.

9. The discovery of penicillin was an accidental one; Dr. Alexander Fleming noticed a mold growing in one of his cultures _____ bacteria.

• that killed
• which killing
• that was killing
• killing

Answer: that was killing

Explanation: The clause ‘that was killing bacteria’ describes the mold. ‘That’ is a relative pronoun referring to ‘mold’. The past continuous ‘was killing’ describes an ongoing action at that time.

10. Due to its unique properties, glass is often used as _____ material in construction.

• transparent
• a transparent
• the transparent
• transparency

Answer: a transparent

Explanation: ‘Transparent’ is an adjective, and ‘material’ is a singular countable noun, so it requires an indefinite article ‘a’.

11. Not only _____ beautiful, but they also have a sweet fragrance.

• roses are
• are roses
• do roses be
• roses be

Answer: are roses

Explanation: When a negative expression like ‘Not only’ begins a sentence, subject-verb inversion occurs. The correct inverted structure for ‘roses are beautiful’ is ‘are roses beautiful’.

12. The more sophisticated computers become, _____ they are to use.

• easier
• the easier
• more easy
• the most easy

Answer: the easier

Explanation: This is another example of a double comparative structure, requiring ‘the + comparative adjective’ in both clauses.

13. Before the invention of the printing press, books were copied _____ hand.

• with
• on
• by
• from

Answer: by

Explanation: The idiom ‘by hand’ is used to describe something done manually, without machinery.

14. The new manager has a reputation for being strict, but also very _____.

• strictness
• fairly
• fair
• unfair

Answer: fair

Explanation: The sentence uses ‘but also very _____’ to suggest a contrasting yet positive trait. ‘Fair’ provides a good contrast to ‘strict’ while remaining positive.

15. The children enjoyed _____ in the park for hours.

• to play
• play
• playing
• played

Answer: playing

Explanation: The verb ‘enjoy’ is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).

16. Despite the severe weather conditions, the rescue team _____ the stranded hikers.

• managed reaching
• managed to reach
• management reaching
• had managed reach

Answer: managed to reach

Explanation: ‘Managed to’ is the correct idiom to express success in doing something difficult. ‘Managed reaching’ is grammatically incorrect.

17. A balanced diet _____ adequate nutrients for good health.

• provide
• provides
• are providing
• have provided

Answer: provides

Explanation: The subject ‘A balanced diet’ is singular, so the singular verb ‘provides’ is correct.

18. The committee members _____ on the new policy after a lengthy discussion.

• agree
• agrees
• agreed
• had agreed

Answer: agreed

Explanation: The past tense verb ‘agreed’ is appropriate for an action completed in the past.

19. It is imperative that the government _____ measures to combat climate change.

• takes
• take
• will take
• is taking

Answer: take

Explanation: The subjunctive mood is used after expressions of necessity or importance (e.g., ‘it is imperative that’). In the subjunctive, the base form of the verb is used regardless of the subject’s number.

20. Although she has lived in New York for ten years, she still misses _____ in her hometown.

• to live
• live
• living
• lives

Answer: living

Explanation: The verb ‘miss’ is typically followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).

1. Explain the primary difference between ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ as verbs.

Answer: As verbs, ‘affect’ means to influence or have an impact on something, while ‘effect’ means to bring about or cause something to happen.

Explanation: ‘Affect’ is almost always a verb (e.g., The weather affects my mood). ‘Effect’ is primarily a noun, meaning a result, but as a verb, it means to achieve or accomplish (e.g., The new law will effect change). This distinction is a common point of confusion for English learners.

2. What is the function of an adverbial clause in a sentence?

Answer: An adverbial clause functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It provides information about when, where, why, how, to what extent, or under what condition an action occurred.

Explanation: Adverbial clauses typically begin with subordinating conjunctions such as ‘when,’ ‘because,’ ‘although,’ ‘if,’ ‘while,’ etc. They add detail and context to the main clause of a sentence.

3. Define the term ‘collocation’ in English grammar.

Answer: Collocation refers to the habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency greater than chance. In simpler terms, it’s about which words naturally go together in a language.

Explanation: Examples of collocations include ‘make a decision’ (not ‘do a decision’), ‘heavy rain’ (not ‘strong rain’), or ‘take a photograph’ (not ‘make a photograph’). Understanding collocations is crucial for sounding natural in English.

4. What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

Answer: The main purpose of a topic sentence is to clearly state the central idea or main point of the paragraph, guiding the reader and setting the stage for the supporting details that follow.

Explanation: A well-crafted topic sentence acts like a mini-thesis statement for the paragraph, ensuring coherence and unity. It helps readers understand what the paragraph will be about and how it relates to the overall argument or topic of the larger text.

5. Briefly explain what an ‘antecedent’ is in relation to a pronoun.

Answer: An antecedent is the noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers back to or replaces in a sentence. It provides clarity about who or what the pronoun is referring to.

Explanation: For example, in the sentence ‘Sarah went to the store, and she bought apples,’ ‘Sarah’ is the antecedent of the pronoun ‘she’. Pronouns must agree with their antecedents in number and gender.

1. Some people believe that technology has made people more isolated, while others argue it has connected them more than ever. Discuss both perspectives and state your own opinion, providing specific examples.

Answer: Technology’s impact on human connection is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, it’s undeniable that technology, particularly social media and instant messaging, has fostered unprecedented levels of connectivity. Individuals can maintain relationships across vast distances, rekindle old friendships, and join communities based on shared interests, transcending geographical barriers. For instance, platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow families to stay updated on each other’s lives, while professional networks like LinkedIn facilitate global collaborations. Furthermore, in times of crisis, technology has proven invaluable for organizing aid and disseminating information, connecting people with a common cause. However, a strong counter-argument suggests that this connectivity is often superficial, leading to greater isolation. The reliance on digital interactions can sometimes replace face-to-face communication, which is crucial for deep emotional bonding and non-verbal understanding. People might spend more time scrolling through curated online lives rather than engaging with those physically present around them. The phenomenon of ‘phubbing’ (snubbing someone in favor of a phone) is a clear example of how technology can create a barrier in immediate social settings. Moreover, the constant comparison with idealized online personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and loneliness, even while being ‘connected’ to hundreds or thousands of online acquaintances. In my opinion, while technology offers incredible tools for connection, its net effect on isolation largely depends on how individuals choose to use it. If used mindfully to supplement rather than replace real-world interactions, it can enrich lives and broaden horizons. However, an over-reliance on digital platforms, especially for emotional fulfillment, can indeed lead to a sense of detachment and loneliness. The key lies in finding a balance where technology serves as an enhancement to human relationships, not a substitute for genuine personal interaction.

Explanation: This essay requires candidates to analyze both sides of a contemporary issue (technology and social connection), provide supporting examples for each perspective, and then articulate a clear, well-reasoned personal opinion. A good answer demonstrates critical thinking, clear organization, and effective use of vocabulary and grammar.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online education compared to traditional classroom learning? Support your answer with specific details.

Answer: Online education has rapidly gained prominence, offering both distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to traditional classroom learning. One of the primary advantages of online learning is its flexibility. Students can access course materials and lectures at any time and from any location, making it ideal for those with work commitments, family responsibilities, or geographical limitations. This asynchronous nature allows learners to set their own pace, re-watch lectures, and study when they are most productive. Furthermore, online platforms often provide a diverse range of resources and interactive tools, potentially catering to various learning styles, and in many cases, online education can be more cost-effective, reducing expenses related to commuting and campus facilities. However, traditional classroom learning retains significant benefits. The immediate, in-person interaction with instructors and peers fosters a dynamic learning environment, allowing for spontaneous discussions, direct questions, and collaborative group work that is harder to replicate online. The structured routine of a physical classroom can also provide better motivation and accountability for some students, reducing procrastination. Moreover, a traditional campus offers a holistic educational experience, including extracurricular activities, networking opportunities, and a sense of community that contributes to personal development beyond academics. From a disadvantage perspective, online learning can suffer from a lack of immediate feedback, potential technical issues, and the need for high self-discipline. It can also lead to feelings of isolation for students who thrive on social interaction. Conversely, traditional learning can be rigid in terms of schedule and location, less accessible to certain demographics, and potentially more expensive. In conclusion, both modes of education have their merits. Online education excels in flexibility and accessibility, while traditional classroom learning provides a more immersive, interactive, and structured social environment. The choice between them often depends on an individual’s learning style, personal circumstances, and career goals.

Explanation: This essay requires a comparative analysis, outlining the pros and cons of two educational models. A strong response will use specific examples to illustrate each point and maintain a balanced perspective before offering a nuanced conclusion. It tests the ability to organize information, compare/contrast, and articulate complex ideas clearly.

3. Discuss the impact of climate change on a specific region or ecosystem, detailing at least two major consequences and potential mitigation strategies.

Answer: Climate change poses an existential threat to numerous regions and ecosystems globally, with particularly profound impacts on polar regions like the Arctic. The Arctic acts as a ‘canary in the coal mine,’ experiencing warming at nearly twice the global average, leading to significant and observable consequences. One major consequence is the rapid melting of sea ice and glaciers. This melting contributes directly to global sea-level rise, threatening coastal communities worldwide. More immediately, it drastically reduces the habitat for Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals, and walruses, which rely on sea ice for hunting, breeding, and resting. The diminished ice cover also absorbs more solar radiation (due to reduced albedo effect), creating a feedback loop that accelerates further warming. Scientists predict that the Arctic could be ice-free in summer within decades, which would be catastrophic for these species and the indigenous communities dependent on them. A second critical consequence is the thawing of permafrost. Permafrost is vast frozen ground containing billions of tons of ancient organic material. As it thaws, this material decomposes, releasing potent greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This release further exacerbates global warming, creating another dangerous feedback loop. Thawing permafrost also destabilizes infrastructure, damaging roads, buildings, and pipelines built on previously stable ground, leading to significant economic and social costs for northern populations. Mitigation strategies for these impacts are multifaceted. Globally, the most crucial strategy is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing carbon capture technologies. Locally, efforts include developing sustainable fishing practices, protecting critical habitats through conservation areas, and supporting indigenous communities in adapting to their changing environment. Research into ‘geoengineering’ solutions, though controversial, is also being explored. Ultimately, addressing the climate crisis in the Arctic requires a concerted global effort to curb emissions and implement adaptive measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems and communities.

Explanation: This essay tests the candidate’s knowledge of a significant global issue (climate change) and their ability to apply that knowledge to a specific context (the Arctic). It requires identifying specific consequences and proposing actionable mitigation strategies, demonstrating analytical skills and topical understanding. Factual accuracy and clarity of explanation are key.

4. In today’s globalized world, learning a foreign language is more important than ever. Do you agree or disagree? Provide reasons and examples to support your view.

Answer: I strongly agree that learning a foreign language is more important than ever in today’s globalized world. The interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and communication networks necessitates an ability to bridge linguistic divides, offering significant advantages personally, professionally, and culturally. Firstly, from a professional standpoint, proficiency in a second language significantly enhances career opportunities. Multinational corporations operate across borders, and employees who can communicate with international clients, partners, and colleagues are highly valued. For example, a business professional fluent in Mandarin or Spanish gains a competitive edge in vast markets. Furthermore, roles in diplomacy, international relations, tourism, and translation are inherently dependent on language skills. Companies increasingly seek individuals who can navigate diverse linguistic landscapes, understanding that this directly translates to better business outcomes and cultural understanding. Secondly, learning a foreign language fosters cultural understanding and empathy. Language is intrinsically linked to culture; by learning a new tongue, individuals gain deeper insights into the customs, traditions, and thought processes of another society. This broader perspective can reduce ethnocentrism and promote mutual respect, which is vital in a world striving for peace and cooperation. Traveling becomes a much richer experience when one can interact directly with locals, understanding nuances that might be lost through translation or reliance on a common lingua franca like English. Finally, cognitive benefits associated with bilingualism, such as improved problem-solving skills, enhanced multitasking abilities, and even delayed onset of dementia, further underscore its importance. While English is widely spoken, relying solely on it risks missing out on richer engagement and deeper connections. Therefore, in a world where boundaries are increasingly permeable, embracing linguistic diversity through learning a foreign language is not just an asset, but a necessity for personal growth and global harmony.

Explanation: This essay requires taking a clear stance on a proposition and supporting it with compelling reasons and examples. A strong essay will outline multiple facets of the argument (e.g., professional, cultural, cognitive benefits) and provide concrete illustrations. It assesses the ability to construct a persuasive argument, use varied vocabulary, and maintain logical coherence.

5. Describe a historical event that you believe significantly altered the course of human history. Explain its immediate and long-term consequences.

Answer: One historical event that profoundly altered the course of human history is the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg around 1440. Before this innovation, books were painstakingly copied by hand, making them expensive, rare, and accessible only to the clergy, nobility, and scholars. The immediate consequence of the printing press was a revolution in information dissemination. Books became cheaper and more plentiful, leading to a rapid increase in literacy rates across Europe. This accessibility of texts fueled the Renaissance, as classical knowledge could be widely shared and debated. The printing press also played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation; Martin Luther’s ninety-five theses, once printed, spread like wildfire across the continent, challenging the established religious authority and igniting widespread religious change and conflict. Scientific discoveries, political pamphlets, and news also found a wider audience, breaking the monopoly on information held by powerful institutions. The long-term consequences are even more far-reaching. The widespread availability of printed materials fostered the Scientific Revolution by allowing scientists to share and build upon each other’s research more effectively. It contributed to the Enlightenment by enabling the rapid spread of philosophical and political ideas, which in turn influenced democratic movements and revolutions, such as the American and French Revolutions. The standardization of languages also occurred, as printed texts helped codify grammar and spelling. Ultimately, the printing press laid the groundwork for mass communication, the modern education system, and the very concept of an informed public. It democratized knowledge, challenged authority, and fundamentally reshaped social, political, and intellectual landscapes, making it arguably the most impactful invention in history until the advent of the internet.

Explanation: This essay asks for the description and analysis of a pivotal historical event. A strong answer will identify an event, describe its context, and then thoroughly explain both its immediate and long-term ramifications, demonstrating historical knowledge and analytical prowess. The quality of supporting details and the clarity of the cause-and-effect relationship are important.

1. Match the literary term on the left with its definition on the right.

Answer: The correct pairings are provided in the ‘pairs’ field.

Explanation: Each literary term is matched with its corresponding definition, testing vocabulary and understanding of literary concepts.

2. Match the English phrasal verb on the left with its meaning on the right.

Answer: The correct pairings are provided in the ‘pairs’ field.

Explanation: Each phrasal verb is matched with its common definition, assessing understanding of idiomatic expressions in English.