TOEFL. Reading

Octopuses are famous for their remarkable ability to change color and texture in an instant. This skill, kn_ _ _ as camouflage, allows them to bl_ _ _ into their surroundings and av_ _ _ predators. Unlike most other ani_ _ _ _, octopuses do not rely on pigment alone; they u_ _ specialized skin cells ca_ _ _ _ chromatophores that expand and contract to alter appearance. Some species can even mimic the tex_ _ _ _ of coral or sand within sec_ _ _ _. Researchers believe this ra_ _ _ transformation is contro_ _ _ _ directly by the octopus's nervous system, which makes it one of the fastest camouflage systems in the animal kingdom.

Greenfield Public Library:
Your library card is set to expire on August 15. Renew online through our member portal, or visit the front desk with a valid photo ID. Renewing online takes less than five minutes and lets you keep uninterrupted access to e-books and digital audiobooks.

1. What is the purpose of the notice?
(A) To advertise new library books
(B) To remind a member to renew a card
(C) To announce a change in library hours
(D) To request a change of address

2. How can a member renew online?
(A) By calling the front desk
(B) By visiting the library in person
(C) Through the member portal
(D) By mailing a form


Riverside Community Kitchen Great news, everyone! Our monthly community dinner is back this Friday at 6 PM in the main hall. This month's theme is Mediterranean cuisine, and volunteers have been preparing recipes from Greece, Lebanon, and Morocco. Tickets are free, but seating is limited, so please reserve your spot through the sign-up sheet at the front desk or by replying to this post. Kids under 12 eat free, and a vegetarian option will be available. We can't wait to see familiar faces and welcome new neighbors!

3. What is the purpose of the post?
(A) To invite people to a community dinner event
(B) To advertise a new restaurant opening
(C) To recruit volunteer cooks
(D) To announce new dinner prices

4. Why should readers reserve a spot in advance?
(A) Because tickets must be purchased early
(B) Because seating is limited
(C) Because the menu changes daily
(D) Because only members can attend

5. What is indicated about children at the event?
(A) They are not allowed to attend.
(B) They must bring their own food.
(C) They eat at no cost.
(D) They need special reservations.

Circadian Rhythms and Human Behavior

Nearly every organism on Earth, from bacteria to humans, follows an internal biological clock known as a circadian rhythm. In humans, this roughly 24-hour cycle regulates sleep, body temperature, hormone release, and even mood. The primary driver of the circadian rhythm is a small cluster of neurons in the brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which responds primarily to light entering through the eyes.

Exposure to natural light in the morning helps synchronize this internal clock with the external day-night cycle. When this synchronization is disrupted — by jet lag, shift work, or excessive screen use at night — people often experience fatigue, poor concentration, and mood disturbances. Long-term disruption has also been linked to more serious health problems, including obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers are increasingly interested in how circadian rhythms affect not just sleep but also cognitive performance. Some studies suggest that memory consolidation, the process by which the brain stores new information, is strongest during specific phases of the sleep cycle. This has prompted some schools and workplaces to reconsider rigid early start times in favor of schedules that better match natural biological rhythms.

6. What is the main idea of the passage?
(A) Artificial light is the primary cause of poor sleep.
(B) Memory consolidation only occurs during daylight hours.
(C) Shift workers are more productive than day workers.
(D) The circadian rhythm influences many aspects of human functioning.

7. According to the passage, what is the primary function of the suprachiasmatic nucleus?
(A) It generates hormones directly, independent of outside signals.
(B) It responds to light and helps regulate the body's internal clock.
(C) It stores memories that are formed during sleep.
(D) It controls body temperature independently of the sleep cycle.

8. The word “synchronize” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to
(A) separate
(B) measure
(C) align
(D) restore

9. According to the passage, disruption of circadian rhythms can lead to all of the following EXCEPT
(A) fatigue
(B) improved memory consolidation
(C) mood disturbances
(D) cardiovascular disease

10. Why does the author mention schools and workplaces reconsidering start times?
(A) To provide an example of how circadian research is being applied
(B) To criticize traditional school schedules
(C) To argue that schools should eliminate morning classes
(D) To explain why shift work is harmful