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TOEFL Directory > TOEFL writing > TOEFL Reading Class Unit 1_Passage 9_Question 89-99
TOEFL Reading Class Unit 1_Passage 9_Question 89-99
You have about 15 minutes to finish this passage.
First,use about 3-4 minutes to read the passage, try to understand the main idea of this passage.
Don't read it so slowly or try to remember all details.You need to do "fast reading",and "scan" the passage.
Second, read questions 1-11, and with questions you go back the passage again and look for correct answers.
Questions 89-99
Passage 9
A social group can be defined as a set of two or more people who interact regularly and in a manner that is defined by some common purpose, a set of norms (shared standards of behavior), and a structure of statuses and roles within the group. By this definition, the members of a college class, of a family, and of a workplace all qualify as social groups. In contrast, people standing on a corner waiting at a traffic light do not qualify, even if they do interact. There is no regularity to these people's interaction, nor any division of roles and statuses. They share a common purpose only to the extent that they all want to cross the street, but once across, they will all go their separate ways. Sociologists refer to such a cluster of people as an aggregate.
A particular kind of social group that is of great importance in modern society is the formal organization, which is defined as a relatively large-scale group having a name, some official purpose or goals, a structure of statuses and roles, and a set of rules designed to promote these goals. What distinguishes formal organizations from other kinds of groups is the official---and usually written --- nature of the goals, rules, and status structure. The structure of a formal organization is sufficiently clear so that it can be put on paper in the form of an organizational chart.
Formal organizations can be grouped into three broad types. Some organizations are voluntary organizations ---people choose to join them because they are interested in the group's purpose or activities. Examples of voluntary organizations are political groups and professional organizations. Another type, overlapping somewhat with voluntary organizations, is the utilitarian organization --- an organization designed to accomplish some task. Businesses and neighborhood improvement associations are examples of this type, as are large-scale organizations such as governments and corporations. Finally, there are coercive organizations---organizations that people are compelled to participate in, such as the military in some countries. Children frequently participate in, a wider range of coercive organizations, most notably schools.
89. What does the passage mainly discuss?
a) How people interact in clusters
b) The structure of coercive organizations
c) Types and purposes of social groups and organizations
d) Some types of leadership groups that are found in a society
90. The word common in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) new
b) shared
c) real
d) related
91. What does the author mean by stating people standing on a corner waiting at a traffic light do not qualify in paragraph 1 ?
a) They do not fit the definition of a social group.
b) Sometimes they do not talk to one another.
c) They often get impatient and do not wait.
d) Their roles and statuses are not the same.
92. In paragraph 1, the author explains the difference between a social group and
a) a college class
b) a family
c) an aggregate
d) an organization
93. According to the passage, a formal organization is distinct from other groups mainly because
a) the official structure is written down
b) only a few people belong to it
c) its members interact regularly
d) its leadership roles change frequently
94. The word broad in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) unusual
b) useful
c) general
d) typical
95. According to the passage, why do people join a voluntary organization?
a) They prefer an informal structure to a formal one.
b) They do so as part of their job training.
c) They are not interested in becoming leaders.
d) They want to associate with people who have similar interests.
96. The word overlapping in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) cooperating with other groups
b) sharing characteristics
c) confused
d) viewed
97. Which of the following best identifies a group of neighbors who work together to create a park for their children?
a) A coercive organization
b) A government organization
c) A utilitarian organization
d) A professional organization
98. The word compelled in the passage is closest in meaning to
a) trained
b) persuaded
c) anxious
d) forced
99. Which of the following statements is best supported by the passage?
a) There are more people in voluntary organizations than in political groups.
b) Children participate in a greater number of coercive organizations than do adults.
c) Adults are trying to get children more involved in utilitarian organizations.
d) More people are interested in political organizations than in professional groups.
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