TOEFL Reading Section Practice Questions

DIRECTIONS: Each passage or pair of passages below is followed by several questions. After reading each passage or pair, choose the best answer to each question based on what is stated or implied in the passage or passages (1-10)

Passage 1: The Development of Writing Systems

The evolution of writing is as old as history itself. The earliest forms of written communication originated in Sumer, located in southern Mesopotamia, around 3500 BCE. Initially, this writing began as a system of pictographs. Over time, the pictorial representations became simplified and more abstract. Writing systems evolved to include symbols that represented sounds as well as ideas and objects. Such systems are known as phonograms.

Among the early writing systems, Egyptian hieroglyphs and the Mesopotamian cuneiform are the most renowned. Hieroglyphs were used primarily for monumental inscriptions. They consisted of several hundred characters that could represent both the sounds of the Egyptian language as well as broader concepts or ideas. Cuneiform, on the other hand, began as pictographs and gradually evolved into a complex system of wedge-shaped signs drawn on clay tablets with a blunt reed for a stylus.

These early scripts were vital in maintaining the economic and religious life of the time, allowing for the recording of transactions, historical events, and spiritual texts. Moreover, as the writing systems spread, they adapted to different languages and cultures, underlining their versatility and impact on communication across ancient civilizations.

Questions and Answers

1. What was one of the primary uses of early writing systems?

A) To create complex fictional stories

B) To record economic transactions and historical events

C) To serve as artistic decoration

Correct Answer: B) To record economic transactions and historical events

Explanation: The passage notes that early scripts were crucial for “maintaining the economic and religious life of the time,” specifically highlighting the recording of transactions and historical events.

2. How did cuneiform script differ from Egyptian hieroglyphs?

A) Cuneiform symbols were based on abstract ideas, while hieroglyphs were purely phonetic.

B) Hieroglyphs were used mainly for religious texts, while cuneiform was used primarily for public inscriptions.

C) Cuneiform involved wedge-shaped signs and was initially pictographic before becoming more abstract.

Correct Answer: C) Cuneiform involved wedge-shaped signs and was initially pictographic before becoming more abstract.

Explanation: The passage describes cuneiform as starting from pictographs and evolving into wedge-shaped signs, contrasting with hieroglyphs which were used mainly for monumental inscriptions and represented sounds and ideas.

3. What does the passage imply about the adaptability of early writing systems?

A) They were rigid and could not be adapted to different languages.
B) They were primarily used within the civilizations they were created and not outside.

C) They adapted to different languages and cultures, showing their versatility.

Correct Answer: C) They adapted to different languages and cultures, showing their versatility.

Explanation: The passage states that as writing systems spread, they “adapted to different languages and cultures,” indicating their flexibility and widespread impact.

Passage 2: The Role of Fire in Human Evolution

Fire has played a pivotal role in human evolution, influencing various aspects of human development and culture. The controlled use of fire by humans dates back nearly 400,000 years, according to archaeological evidence. This mastery of fire provided warmth in cold climates, protection from predators, and a new method for cooking food, which had profound effects on human nutrition and social dynamics.

Cooking with fire led to more easily digestible and nutritious food, which contributed to the development of larger human brains. The social aspect of gathering around a fire likely facilitated language development and cultural practices, establishing the rudiments of society. Additionally, the ability to sustain fire through the night extended the day, providing more time for social interactions and the development of tools and skills.

Fire also enabled humans to move into new, colder territories, as it provided a reliable source of warmth and a means to create more habitable environments. This capability not only allowed human populations to survive in diverse climates but also facilitated a spread across different geographical landscapes, increasing the species’ overall adaptability.

Questions and Answers

1. What was one of the significant impacts of the controlled use of fire on human diet?

A) It led to a decrease in the variety of available foods.

B) It made food more nutritious and easier to digest.

C) It increased the time required to prepare food.

Correct Answer: B) It made food more nutritious and easier to digest.

Explanation: The passage explains that cooking with fire “led to more easily digestible and nutritious food,” which directly influenced the development of larger brains and advanced human evolution.

2. How did fire contribute to human societal development according to the passage?

A) By causing frequent migrations to avoid wildfires.

B) By facilitating gatherings that likely supported language and cultural practices.

C) By increasing reliance on natural sunlight.

Correct Answer: B) By facilitating gatherings that likely supported language and cultural practices.

Explanation: The passage states that gathering around a fire “likely facilitated language development and cultural practices,” underlining the role of fire in enhancing social interactions and the establishment of early societal structures.

3. What role did fire play in human geographical expansion?

A) It discouraged movement into new territories due to the risks of forest fires.

B) It enabled humans to inhabit colder regions by providing warmth and creating habitable environments.

C) It limited human populations to specific climates that were naturally warm.

Correct Answer: B) It enabled humans to inhabit colder regions by providing warmth and creating habitable environments.

Explanation: According to the passage, fire allowed humans to “move into new, colder territories” and “provided a reliable source of warmth,” facilitating adaptation to diverse climates and geographical expansion.

Passage 3: The Megalithic Temples of Malta

[1] On the small Mediterranean island of Malta, visitors and archaeologists alike marvel at the ancient megalithic temples that dot the landscape. These structures are considered among the oldest free-standing buildings in the world, with some dating back to over 5000 years ago, predating even the pyramids of Egypt. Built from large limestone blocks, each temple showcases a unique architectural layout, typically featuring semi-circular chambers connected by a central corridor. The most renowned among these are Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.

[2] The temples were likely places of worship and ritual, possibly dedicated to a form of fertility goddess or the worship of ancestors. This theory is supported by the numerous figurines and statuettes discovered in the vicinity, depicting ample-bodied figures that suggest a reverence for fertility and motherhood. Archaeological findings, including animal bones and pottery, suggest that offerings and feasts might have been a regular practice within these compounds.

[3] The construction techniques of these temples are a marvel of prehistoric engineering. The builders of these temples used tools made of antler and stone to carve the limestone blocks from local quarries. Transporting these massive stones was no small feat; historians believe that logs and rounded stones might have been used as rollers, a method supported by the wear patterns found on some of the remaining limestone pathways leading to the sites.

[4] Various attempts have been made to replicate the building and transportation techniques believed to have been used. In one experiment, a group of archaeologists managed to transport a small limestone block using traditional methods over a short distance, though the effort required was substantial. This has led some researchers to hypothesize that the building of these temples required not only advanced planning and community effort but also a well-organized societal structure capable of supporting such ambitious projects.

[5] Despite the robust construction, many of the temples are in a state of disrepair today, mainly due to natural erosion and past human activity. Efforts to preserve these sites have increased in recent years, with both local and international teams working to restore and protect these ancient monuments, recognizing their significance not just to Malta but to the world’s cultural heritage.

Questions and Answers:

Question 1: What is the primary material used in the construction of the megalithic temples on Malta?

A) Gold

B) Limestone

C) Wood

D) Granite

Answer: B) Limestone

Explanation: The passage mentions that the temples were built from large limestone blocks, indicating that limestone is the primary material used.

Question 2: According to the passage, what was the likely purpose of the megalithic temples?

A) Military fortifications

B) Residential complexes

C) Places of worship and ritual

D) Commercial centers

Answer: C) Places of worship and ritual

Explanation: The passage suggests that the temples were used for worship and rituals, particularly focusing on fertility and the worship of ancestors.

Question 3: What technique is hypothesized to have been used to transport the massive stones to the temple sites?

A) Floating them on water

B) Carrying them by hand

C) Using rollers and logs

D) Levitation through ancient technology

Answer: C) Using rollers and logs

Explanation: Historians believe logs and rounded stones were likely used as rollers to transport the massive stones, as supported by wear patterns on limestone pathways.

Question 4: What challenge is currently faced by the megalithic temples in Malta?

A) Overcrowding by tourists

B) Natural erosion and past human activity

C) Complete reconstruction

D) Legal ownership disputes

Answer: B) Natural erosion and past human activity

Explanation: The passage indicates that the temples are mainly threatened by natural erosion and the effects of past human activity, necessitating preservation efforts.

Finding high-quality resources online might be challenging, particularly if you’re looking for a free sample exam. But don’t be concerned! Our goal is to assist you. A free online TOEFL practice test was made specifically for you by GeekforGeeks TOEFL experts. To help you with your test-day preparation, we have also compiled a list of numerous other free TOEFL practice materials.

You are welcome to start taking the Free TOEFL practice test right away below. Alternatively, you can go directly to the optional test instructions if you want to get a bit ahead of time.