Toefl exam Essentials

Take note of structure. As you read, pay attention to how
information is presented and in what order. Understand-
ing the organization of a passage will help you locate the
facts you need. See pages 100–103 for more about structure.
Practice
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that
follow it. Find the answers on page 111.
(1) Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest network of coral
reefs, stretching 2,010 km (1,250 miles) off Australia’s

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TOEFL EXAM ESSENTIALS
northeastern coast. (2) Although coral looks like a plant, it is
the limestone skeleton of a tiny animal called a coral polyp. (3)
The reef’s 300 species of coral create an underwater garden of
brilliant colors and intricate shapes.
(4) From microorganisms to whales, diverse life forms
make their home on the reef. (5) Over 1,500 fish species, 4,000
mollusk species, 200 bird species, 16 sea snake species, and six
sea turtle species thrive in the reef’s tropical waters. (6) The
reef is also a habitat for the endangered dugong (sea cows), moray
eels, and sharks.
(7) Although protected by the Australian government,
Great Barrier Reef faces environmental threats. (8) Crown-
of-thorns starfish feed on coral and can destroy large portions
of reef. (9) Pollution and rising water temperatures also threaten
the delicate coral.
1. How many species of coral are there in the Great Barrier
Reef?