Ancient Persian Civilisation - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

The Ancient Persian Civilisation was one of the most influential empires in history, renowned for its advanced administration, cultural achievements, and architectural marvels. Its contributions to art, science, and governance shaped the foundations of many modern societies.

Practising TOEFL Reading passages on 'Ancient Persian civilisation' will improve your ability to analyse historical narratives and understand complex details, essential for excelling in the TOEFL Reading section.

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 ancient Persian civilisation flourished from around 550 to 330 BCE. It is known for its notable accomplishments in government, architecture, and culture. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, marked the start of a vast empire that stretched from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west. This large territory included diverse cultures and languages, requiring an advanced management system to keep order and enable communication. The Persians used a province system, dividing the empire into provinces run by satraps, or regional governors, who were in charge of collecting taxes and implementing laws. This setup allowed for effective governance and helped create a sense of unity among the various peoples in the empire.

One of the most important contributions of the Persian civilisation was its focus on facilities, especially the building of roads and communication networks. The Royal Road, which stretched over 2,500 kilometers, connected the major cities of the empire, making trade and troop movement easier. This road system was supported by postal stations that allowed for quick communication over long distances. As a result, the efficiency of these networks was crucial for the empire's ability to handle internal and outside challenges, enhancing its stability. The Persian focus on facilities included significant architecture, highlighted by the construction of Persepolis, the formal capital of the Persian Empire. This grand city featured impressive palaces, monumental staircases, and intricate reliefs, showcasing the artistic and architectural skills of the Persians.

The Persian Empire was also known for its policy of tolerance towards the diverse cultures and religions within its borders. Unlike many contemporary empires that forced their beliefs on conquered peoples, the Persians took a more inclusive approach. For example, Cyrus the Great is often praised for his order allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple after the Babylonian exile. This policy of tolerance fostered loyalty among the empire's subjects and contributed to its durability. Additionally, the Zoroastrian religion, which began in ancient Persia, played a significant role in shaping the moral and ethical structure of the empire. Zoroastrianism emphasized the struggle between good and evil, promoting the idea of individual responsibility in this conflict. This religious framework not only influenced Persian society but also had lasting effects on later cultures.

But the Persian Empire faced its share of challenges. The vast size of the empire made it hard to maintain control over distant provinces, leading to occasional revolts and uprisings. The most notable was the Ionian Revolt, which started in 499 BCE when several Greek city-states in Asia Minor rebelled against Persian rule. This revolt finally escalated into the Greco-Persian Wars, a series of conflicts between the Persian Empire and a coalition of Greek city-states. Despite early successes, including the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, the Persians faced significant setbacks, culminating in their defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. These conflicts revealed the weaknesses of the Persian Empire and hinted at its eventual decline, as the inability to suppress disagreement and maintain unity became increasingly clear.

The decline of the Persian Empire can be linked to a mix of internal issues and outside pressures. After the death of Darius I in 486 BCE, the empire went through a series of weak rulers who struggled to keep the management efficiency established by their predecessors. Additionally, the rise of Macedonia under Philip II and his son Alexander the Great posed a serious threat. In 334 BCE, Alexander launched a campaign against Persia, finally leading to the fall of the Persian Empire. The crucial Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE marked the end of Persian dominance, as Alexander's forces defeated the Persian army led by Darius III. This conquest not only resulted in the collapse of the Persian Empire but also helped spread Hellenistic culture throughout the region, raising questions about the cultural legacy of the Persian Empire in the face of foreign rule.

Despite its eventual decline, the legacy of the ancient Persian civilisation continues to be significant in various aspects of modern society. The management practices established by the Persians influenced later empires, including the Roman and Byzantine Empires, which adopted similar governance structures. Also, the Persian focus on tolerance and cultural exchange has left a lasting impact on the regions that were once part of the empire. The architectural achievements of the Persians, especially their significant structures, continue to inspire contemporary architects and historians alike. In conclusion, while the ancient Persian civilisation represents an important chapter in human history, questions remain about its influence on modern governance and cultural practices. The complexities of its legacy invite further exploration into how ancient principles still resonate in today's world.

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

Paragraph 1

The ancient Persian civilisation flourished from around 550 to 330 BCE. It is known for its notable accomplishments in government, architecture, and culture. The Persian Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, marked the start of a vast empire that stretched from the Indus Valley in the east to the Aegean Sea in the west. This large territory included diverse cultures and languages, requiring an advanced management system to keep order and enable communication. The Persians used a province system, dividing the empire into provinces run by satraps, or regional governors, who were in charge of collecting taxes and implementing laws. This setup allowed for effective governance and helped create a sense of unity among the various peoples in the empire.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what was one of the notable accomplishments of the ancient Persian civilisation?
   
   1. The establishment of a vast empire
   2. The invention of the wheel
   3. The discovery of fire
   4. The creation of a written language

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a feature of the Persian Empire EXCEPT:
   
   1. The use of a province system
   2. The implementation of a universal language
   3. The role of satraps
   4. The collection of taxes

Paragraph 2

One of the most important contributions of the Persian civilisation was its focus on facilities, especially the building of roads and communication networks. The Royal Road, which stretched over 2,500 kilometres, connected the major cities of the empire, making trade and troop movement easier. This road system was supported by postal stations that allowed for quick communication over long distances. As a result, the efficiency of these networks was crucial for the empire's ability to handle internal and outside challenges, enhancing its stability. The Persian focus on facilities included significant architecture, highlighted by the construction of Persepolis, the formal capital of the Persian Empire. This grand city featured impressive palaces, monumental staircases, and intricate reliefs, showcasing the artistic and architectural skills of the Persians.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the significance of the Royal Road to the Persian Empire?
   
   1. It was primarily used for military purposes.
   2. It facilitated cultural exchange among provinces.
   3. It was a symbol of Persian wealth and power.
   4. It was the only means of communication in the empire.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "facilities" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Buildings
   2. Services
   3. Resources
   4. Amenities

Paragraph 3

The Persian Empire was also known for its policy of tolerance towards the diverse cultures and religions within its borders. Unlike many contemporary empires that forced their beliefs on conquered peoples, the Persians took a more inclusive approach. For example, Cyrus the Great is often praised for his order allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple after the Babylonian exile. This policy of tolerance fostered loyalty among the empire's subjects and contributed to its durability. Additionally, the Zoroastrian religion, which began in ancient Persia, played a significant role in shaping the moral and ethical structure of the empire. Zoroastrianism emphasized the struggle between good and evil, promoting the idea of individual responsibility in this conflict. This religious framework not only influenced Persian society but also had lasting effects on later cultures.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention Cyrus the Great's order allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To illustrate the military strength of the Persian Empire
   2. To highlight the Persian policy of tolerance
   3. To discuss the religious practices of the Persians
   4. To emphasise the economic benefits of such policies

Paragraph 4

But the Persian Empire faced its share of challenges. The vast size of the empire made it hard to maintain control over distant provinces, leading to occasional revolts and uprisings. The most notable was the Ionian Revolt, which started in 499 BCE when several Greek city-states in Asia Minor rebelled against Persian rule. This revolt finally escalated into the Greco-Persian Wars, a series of conflicts between the Persian Empire and a coalition of Greek city-states. Despite early successes, including the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 BCE, the Persians faced significant setbacks, culminating in their defeat at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. These conflicts revealed the weaknesses of the Persian Empire and hinted at its eventual decline, as the inability to suppress disagreement and maintain unity became increasingly clear.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text in paragraph 4?

   "The vast size of the empire made it hard to maintain control over distant provinces, leading to occasional revolts and uprisings."

   1. The size of the Persian Empire made it difficult to govern effectively.
   2. Distant provinces were often neglected by the Persian rulers.
   3. The Persian Empire was too large to manage successfully.
   4. Revolts were common in the Persian Empire due to its size.

Paragraph 5

The decline of the Persian Empire can be linked to a mix of internal issues and outside pressures. After the death of Darius I in 486 BCE, the empire went through a series of weak rulers who struggled to keep the management efficiency established by their predecessors. Additionally, the rise of Macedonia under Philip II and his son Alexander the Great posed a serious threat. In 334 BCE, Alexander launched a campaign against Persia, finally leading to the fall of the Persian Empire. The crucial Battle of Gaugamela in 331 BCE marked the end of Persian dominance, as Alexander's forces defeated the Persian army led by Darius III. This conquest not only resulted in the collapse of the Persian Empire but also helped spread Hellenistic culture throughout the region, raising questions about the cultural legacy of the Persian Empire in the face of foreign rule.

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of paragraph 5 is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the TWO answer choices that express the most important ideas in the paragraph.

   The decline of the Persian Empire was influenced by:

   1. The internal weaknesses following Darius I's death
   2. The rise of the Roman Empire as a major power
   3. Alexander the Great's military campaigns against Persia
   4. The cultural achievements of the Persian Empire

Paragraph 6

Despite its eventual decline, the legacy of the ancient Persian civilisation continues to be significant in various aspects of modern society. The management practices established by the Persians influenced later empires, including the Roman and Byzantine Empires, which adopted similar governance structures. Also, the Persian focus on tolerance and cultural exchange has left a lasting impact on the regions that were once part of the empire. The architectural achievements of the Persians, especially their significant structures, continue to inspire contemporary architects and historians alike. In conclusion, while the ancient Persian civilisation represents an important chapter in human history, questions remain about its influence on modern governance and cultural practices. The complexities of its legacy invite further exploration into how ancient principles still resonate in today's world.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 6, 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.

   "The Persian Empire's emphasis on governance and cultural exchange has had a lasting influence on many societies."

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   1. The management practices established by the Persians influenced later empires, including the Roman and Byzantine Empires, which adopted similar governance structures.
   2. Also, the Persian focus on tolerance and cultural exchange has left a lasting impact on the regions that were once part of the empire.
   3. The architectural achievements of the Persians, especially their significant structures, continue to inspire contemporary architects and historians alike.
   4. In conclusion, while the ancient Persian civilisation represents an important chapter in human history, questions remain about its influence on modern governance and cultural practices.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
   1. To describe the military conquests of the Persian Empire
   2. To highlight the achievements and legacy of ancient Persian civilisation
   3. To compare the Persian Empire with other ancient civilisations
   4. To analyse the decline of the Persian Empire in detail

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 ancient Persian civilisation was notable for its:

   1. Establishment of a vast empire with a sophisticated governance system.
   2. Policy of tolerance that fostered loyalty among diverse cultures.
   3. Military conquests that expanded its territory significantly.
   4.  Architectural achievements that continue to inspire modern society.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Ancient Persian Civilisation

Here are the answers and explanations for the questions based on the provided passage about Ancient Persian civilisation:

1. Answer: A 

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the ancient Persian civilisation is known for its notable accomplishments, including the establishment of a vast empire founded by Cyrus the Great. This accomplishment is highlighted as a significant aspect of the civilisation's historical importance, making option A the correct choice.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph discusses the province system, the role of satraps, and the collection of taxes as features of the Persian Empire. However, it does not mention the implementation of a universal language, making option B the correct answer as it is the only feature not referenced in the text.

3. Answer: B 

Explanation: While the Royal Road is noted for its role in trade and troop movement, it also served as a vital communication network that connected diverse cultures within the empire. This suggests that it facilitated cultural exchange, making option B the most accurate inference regarding its significance.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "facilities" refers to the infrastructure and systems that support trade and communication, which can be broadly categorized as resources. Thus, option C is the best choice as it captures the essence of what "facilities" entails in this context.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of Cyrus the Great's order is used to exemplify the Persian Empire's policy of tolerance towards different cultures and religions. This example illustrates how the Persians fostered loyalty among their subjects, making option B the correct answer.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This sentence succinctly captures the main idea of the original text, which discusses how the vast size of the empire hindered effective governance and led to revolts. Option A is the most comprehensive and accurate summary of the essential information.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: The paragraph outlines both internal issues, such as weak leadership after Darius I, and external pressures from Alexander the Great's campaigns as significant factors in the decline of the Persian Empire. Therefore, options A and C are the most important ideas expressed in the paragraph.

8. Answer: A 

Explanation: The missing sentence about the Persian Empire's emphasis on governance and cultural exchange fits best after the mention of management practices, as it directly relates to the influence of those practices on later empires. Thus, option A is the most appropriate placement.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage provides a comprehensive overview of the achievements, governance, cultural policies, and lasting legacy of the ancient Persian civilisation. This focus on accomplishments and their impact on modern society aligns with option B as the main purpose of the passage.

10.Answer: A

Explanation: These options reflect the key themes discussed throughout the passage: the establishment of a vast empire, the policy of tolerance, and the architectural achievements. Option C, which focuses on military conquests, is less emphasized in the passage compared to the other three options, making A, B, and D the most important ideas to summarize the civilisation's significance.

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