TOEFL Reading

Question 0

tract, devoid of, susceptible

Since the raising of most crops necessitates the prior removal of the natural vegetation, crop failures leave extensive tracts of land devoid of a plant cover and susceptible to wind and water erosion.

Answer 0

v. an area of land, especially a large one
adj. completely lacking in sth
adj. very likely to be influenced, harmed or affected by sb/sth

Question 1

disguise.

Cetaceans’ streamlined bodies, the absence of hind legs, and the presence of a fluke and blowholes cannot disguise their affinities with land-dwelling mammals.

Answer 1

v. hide sth or change it, so that it cannot be recognized. (conceal)
隠す

Question 2

trample, pulverize

The consequences of an excessive number of livestock grazing in an area are the reduction of the vegetation cover and trampling and pulverization of the soil.

Answer 2

v. step heavily on sb/sth so that you crush or harm them/it with your feet
v. crush sth into a fine powder, defeat or destroy sb/sth completely

Question 3

legitimate

These early projection devices were used in vaudeville theaters, legitimate theaters, local town halls, makeshift storefront theaters, fairgrounds, and amusement parks to show films to a mass audience.

Answer 3

adj. allowed and acceptable according to the law (legal) illegitimate
正統の、本物の、合法の