Abolition of Slavery - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Achieving strong academic reading skills is key to excelling in the TOEFL Reading section, which mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking university environments. This portion evaluates essential skills, such as pinpointing main ideas, extracting specific details, drawing inferences, and recognizing text structure. Consistent practice is the pathway to mastery.

Our practice tests replicate the TOEFL's format and tone, allowing you to approach test day confidently. Join us with the Abolition of Slavery-themed TOEFL Practice Test to get comfortable with the format and highlight areas for further improvement!

Reading Instructions:

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question.
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.

The end of slavery was a huge turning point in human history, driven by a mix of moral, economic, and political factors. Slavery had existed in various forms across different cultures for thousands of years. However, it started to face more examination in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ideas from the understanding emphasized individual rights and freedoms, challenging the moral basis of slavery. Along with this shift in thinking, people became more aware of the terrible conditions that enslaved individuals faced, especially in the Americas, where the transatlantic slave trade was at its peak. This led to a growing abolitionist movement that pushed for the freedom of enslaved people and the end of systems that supported slavery.

Economic arguments against slavery gained momentum as industrialization changed economies in Europe and North America. The rise of wage labor in factories offered a strong alternative to the slave-based agricultural economy, especially in the Northern United States. Business owners began to argue that free labor was more productive and efficient than forced labor, which often resulted in lower output because enslaved workers had no incentive to work hard. Also, the moral and ethical issues surrounding slavery began to resonate with more people, leading to greater public support for abolitionist causes. Key figures like William Wilberforce in Britain and Frederick Douglass in the United States became strong supporters, using their voices to raise awareness and rally public opinion against slavery. But they faced significant pushback from those who benefited from the existing system, especially in the Southern states.

In the United States, Southern states depended heavily on slave labor for their agricultural economy, particularly for cotton production, which was a very profitable crop. The interests of slaveholders often translated into political power, allowing them to strongly resist abolitionist efforts. The fear of social disruption and economic collapse after emancipation made discussions about abolition even more complicated. Although the abolitionist movement gained traction through grassroots organizations, pamphlets, and public talks, the opposition remained strong. For example, pro-slavery supporters claimed that ending slavery would lead to chaos and economic disaster, stalling legislative progress.

Legislative changes began to reflect shifting attitudes toward slavery, resulting in significant events for the abolitionist movement. The British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, marking a crucial moment in the fight against slavery. This law not only freed enslaved individuals in the British Empire but also set up compensation for slave owners for their lost "property." In the United States, the road to abolition was more complicated, leading to the Civil War (1861-1865). President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held areas were free, although it didnt immediately end slavery nationwide. The Thirteenth Amendment, passed in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States, marking a major victory for the abolitionist movement, but the fight for true equality was far from over.

After abolition, new challenges arose as formerly enslaved individuals tried to adjust to their newfound freedom. In both the United States and former British colonies, moving from slavery to freedom was filled with difficulties, including systemic racism, economic hardship, and social exclusion. In the U.S., the Reconstruction era aimed to tackle some of these issues through laws designed to help integrate formerly enslaved people into society. However, the rise of Jim Crow laws and other forms of established racism severely undermined these efforts, creating cycles of poverty and inequality. Similarly, in the British Empire, while emancipation was a big step forward, many former slaves found themselves in unfair working conditions that echoed their past experiences. This situation highlights the complexities of liberation and the lasting impacts of slavery.

The legacy of abolishing slavery still resonates today, as discussions about race, equality, and human rights remain relevant. The abolitionist movement not only ended slavery but also set the stage for later civil rights movements around the world. The moral principles that drove abolitionists continue to inspire modern activists fighting for social justice and equality. Also, the historical context of abolition serves as a reminder of ongoing battles against modern forms of slavery, like human trafficking and forced labor. As societies reflect on their past, the end of slavery stands as proof of the enduring human spirit and the relentless quest for freedom and justice, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

The end of slavery was a huge turning point in human history, driven by a mix of moral, economic, and political factors. Slavery had existed in various forms across different cultures for thousands of years. However, it started to face more examination in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ideas from the understanding emphasised individual rights and freedoms, challenging the moral basis of slavery. Along with this shift in thinking, people became more aware of the terrible conditions that enslaved individuals faced, especially in the Americas, where the transatlantic slave trade was at its peak. This led to a growing abolitionist movement that pushed for the freedom of enslaved people and the end of systems that supported slavery.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what were some of the factors that contributed to the end of slavery?
   1. Moral, economic, and political factors
   2. Technological advancements
   3. Religious beliefs
   4. Military interventions

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a reason for the growing abolitionist movement EXCEPT:
   1. Increased awareness of the conditions faced by enslaved individuals
   2. The rise of individual rights and freedoms
   3. The economic benefits of slavery
   4. The moral challenges to the basis of slavery

Paragraph 2

Economic arguments against slavery gained momentum as industrialisation changed economies in Europe and North America. The rise of wage labour in factories offered a strong alternative to the slave-based agricultural economy, especially in the Northern United States. Business owners began to argue that free labour was more productive and efficient than forced labour, which often resulted in lower output because enslaved workers had no incentive to work hard. Also, the moral and ethical issues surrounding slavery began to resonate with more people, leading to greater public support for abolitionist causes. Key figures like William Wilberforce in Britain and Frederick Douglass in the United States became strong supporters, using their voices to raise awareness and rally public opinion against slavery. But they faced significant pushback from those who benefited from the existing system, especially in the Southern states.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of industrialisation on attitudes towards slavery?
   1. Industrialisation made slavery more profitable.
   2. Industrialisation led to a decline in the importance of slave labour.
   3. Industrialisation had no effect on attitudes towards slavery.
   4. Industrialisation increased the number of enslaved individuals.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention key figures like William Wilberforce and Frederick Douglass in paragraph 2?
   1. To illustrate the diversity of the abolitionist movement
   2. To highlight the importance of individual voices in the fight against slavery
   3. To show that abolitionists were primarily from the Southern states
   4. To suggest that only political leaders were involved in the movement

Paragraph 3

In the United States, Southern states depended heavily on slave labour for their agricultural economy, particularly for cotton production, which was a very profitable crop. The interests of slaveholders often translated into political power, allowing them to strongly resist abolitionist efforts. The fear of social disruption and economic collapse after emancipation made discussions about abolition even more complicated. Although the abolitionist movement gained traction through grassroots organisations, pamphlets, and public talks, the opposition remained strong. For example, pro-slavery supporters claimed that ending slavery would lead to chaos and economic disaster, stalling legislative progress.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "emancipation" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Freedom
   2. Punishment
   3. Enslavement
   4. Regulation

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3? 
   

"The interests of slaveholders often translated into political power, allowing them to strongly resist abolitionist efforts."

1. 1. Slaveholders had significant political influence that hindered abolition.
   2. Abolitionist efforts were supported by slaveholders.
   3. Political power was irrelevant to the abolitionist movement.
   4. Slaveholders were indifferent to political matters.

Paragraph 4

Legislative changes began to reflect shifting attitudes toward slavery, resulting in significant events for the abolitionist movement. The British Parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, marking a crucial moment in the fight against slavery. This law not only freed enslaved individuals in the British Empire but also set up compensation for slave owners for their lost "property." In the United States, the road to abolition was more complicated, leading to the Civil War (1861-1865). President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 declared that all enslaved people in Confederate-held areas were free, although it didnt immediately end slavery nationwide. The Thirteenth Amendment, passed in 1865, officially abolished slavery in the United States, marking a major victory for the abolitionist movement, but the fight for true equality was far from over.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   1. To discuss the economic implications of the abolition of slavery
   2. To outline key legislative changes related to the abolitionist movement
   3. To highlight the role of individual activists in the abolitionist movement
   4. To compare the abolition of slavery in Britain and the United States

Paragraph 5

After abolition, new challenges arose as formerly enslaved individuals tried to adjust to their newfound freedom. In both the United States and former British colonies, moving from slavery to freedom was filled with difficulties, including systemic racism, economic hardship, and social exclusion. In the U.S., the Reconstruction era aimed to tackle some of these issues through laws designed to help integrate formerly enslaved people into society. However, the rise of Jim Crow laws and other forms of established racism severely undermined these efforts, creating cycles of poverty and inequality. Similarly, in the British Empire, while emancipation was a big step forward, many former slaves found themselves in unfair working conditions that echoed their past experiences. This situation highlights the complexities of liberation and the lasting impacts of slavery.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 5, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added.

"Despite the legal end of slavery, many challenges persisted." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

(A) After abolition, new challenges arose as formerly enslaved individuals tried to adjust to their newfound freedom. (B) In both the United States and former British colonies, moving from slavery to freedom was filled with difficulties, including systemic racism, economic hardship, and social exclusion. (C) However, the rise of Jim Crow laws and other forms of established racism severely undermined these efforts, creating cycles of poverty and inequality. (D) This situation highlights the complexities of liberation and the lasting impacts of slavery.  

1. 1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D

Paragraph 6

The legacy of abolishing slavery still resonates today, as discussions about race, equality, and human rights remain relevant. The abolitionist movement not only ended slavery but also set the stage for later civil rights movements around the world. The moral principles that drove abolitionists continue to inspire modern activists fighting for social justice and equality. Also, the historical context of abolition serves as a reminder of ongoing battles against modern forms of slavery, like human trafficking and forced labour. As societies reflect on their past, the end of slavery stands as proof of the enduring human spirit and the relentless quest for freedom and justice, while also highlighting the work that still needs to be done.

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

"The abolition of slavery was a significant event in history that transformed societies and laid the groundwork for future movements."

1. 1. The abolitionist movement was driven by moral, economic, and political factors.
   2. The end of slavery resulted in immediate equality for formerly enslaved individuals.
   3. Legislative changes in Britain and the United States marked key moments in the abolitionist movement.
   4. The legacy of abolition continues to influence modern discussions about race and equality.
   5. The abolition of slavery was met with unanimous support from all sectors of society.

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Abolition of Slavery

1. Answer: A

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the end of slavery was driven by a mix of moral, economic, and political factors. This indicates that these three elements played a significant role in challenging the institution of slavery and promoting the abolitionist movement.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: The passage discusses increased awareness of the conditions faced by enslaved individuals, the rise of individual rights, and moral challenges to slavery as reasons for the abolitionist movement. However, it does not mention the economic benefits of slavery as a reason for the movement, making option C the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that the rise of wage labour in factories provided a strong alternative to slave-based agriculture, suggesting that industrialisation made slave labour less relevant and less economically viable. This implies a shift in attitudes towards slavery as economies evolved.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of these key figures serves to illustrate how individual activists played a crucial role in raising awareness and rallying public opinion against slavery. Their involvement emphasizes the impact that personal advocacy can have on social movements.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The term "Emancipation" refers to the act of freeing someone from restraint or control, particularly in the context of slavery. Therefore, it is synonymous with "freedom," making option A the correct choice.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This sentence succinctly captures the essence of the original text, which discusses how the political power of slaveholders allowed them to resist abolitionist efforts effectively. It conveys the main idea without unnecessary detail.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 4 focuses on significant legislative changes, such as the Slavery Abolition Act and the Thirteenth Amendment, that reflect the shifting attitudes towards slavery. This indicates that the paragraph's primary purpose is to discuss these key legislative milestones.

8. Answer: A

Explanation: The missing sentence logically follows the introduction of the challenges faced by formerly enslaved individuals, reinforcing the idea that despite the legal end of slavery, many difficulties persisted in their transition to freedom.

9. Answer: Option A, C, and D

Explanation: These three choices encapsulate the main ideas of the passage, highlighting the driving factors behind the abolitionist movement, key legislative changes, and the ongoing legacy of abolition in contemporary discussions about equality.

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