Arab - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Mastering academic reading is fundamental to succeeding in the TOEFL Reading section, designed to emulate the reading demands of English-speaking academic settings. This part of the test examines skills like identifying central ideas, locating details, making inferences, and understanding text structure. Regular practice is the way to excel.

Our practice tests are structured to closely match the real TOEFL, ensuring you feel prepared and confident. Take on our "Arab" passage TOEFL Practice Test to get familiar with the exam format and pinpoint areas for enhancement!

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 Arab world, made up of 22 countries across North Africa and the Middle East, is known for its rich history, culture, and language. The term "Arab" mainly refers to people who speak Arabic as their first language, covering a wide range of ethnicities, traditions, and beliefs. Over time, Arab culture has changed through various phases, including the rise of powerful empires, the spread of Islam, and the effects of colonialism. The Arab League, formed in 1945, acts as a regional group aimed at encouraging teamwork among its member states, highlighting the shared cultural and historical connections that bring them together. This identity is further enriched by the region's contributions to art, science, and philosophy.

The roots of the Arab people can be traced back to the Arabian Peninsula, where nomadic tribes roamed the deserts. The pre-Islamic period, often called the Age of Ignorance, was marked by tribal warfare, poetry, and a rich oral tradition. The arrival of Islam in the 7th century CE, started by the Prophet Muhammad, changed the social and political landscape of the region. The rapid spread of Islam led to the formation of the Caliphates, which helped spread the Arabic language and culture across vast areas, from Spain to India. This time is often seen as a golden age for Arab civilization, marked by important progress in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, with scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Farabi making important contributions.

The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, which followed the initial Islamic state, played key roles in shaping Arab culture. The Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) greatly expanded the empire, making Arabic the administrative language and promoting trade and cultural exchange. This expansion not only strengthened the Arab identity but also allowed for the sharing of ideas and goods between different cultures. At the same time, the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE) is often celebrated for its academic successes, especially in Baghdad, which became a center of learning and culture. But the breaking apart of the Caliphate into smaller states eventually led to a decline in political unity. This opened the door to external influences and invasions, such as the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, which destroyed many cultural centers.

The arrival of European colonial powers in the 19th and 20th centuries marked an important turning point in Arab history. The imposition of foreign rule disrupted traditional structures and led to a waste of resources. The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916, which split the Ottoman Empire's Arab lands between Britain and France, showed a neglect for Arab hopes and independence. Colonialism made many Arabs feel national pride, leading to various independence movements throughout the mid-20th century. However, the creation of modern nation-states did not erase the complications of identity, as many Arabs struggled with the legacies of colonialism, including economic dependency and political instability.

Today, the Arab world faces many challenges, including political instability, economic differences, and social unrest. The Arab Spring, which started in late 2010, was a series of protests and uprisings across the region, driven by calls for democratic reforms and social justice. While some countries saw significant changes in governance, others fell into conflict and chaos, as seen in Syria and Libya. The rise of extremist groups has made the social and political landscape even more complicated, raising questions about the future of democracy and stability in the region. Despite these challenges, there remains a strong sense of cultural identity among Arabs, shown through literature, music, and art, which continue to thrive and evolve, reflecting both traditional values and modern influences.

The importance of the Arab world goes beyond its geographical boundaries, influencing global culture, politics, and economics. The Arabic language, with its rich literary heritage, has produced famous poets and writers, such as Naguib Mahfouz and Mahmoud Darwish, whose works resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and identity. Also, the Arab world is home to vast natural resources, especially oil, which play a crucial role in the global economy. As the region navigates the challenges of modernity and tradition, the mix of historical legacies and contemporary realities will undoubtedly shape the future of Arab culture and its role in the world. Questions remain about how the Arab world will bring together its rich heritage with the demands of modern life, and what this means for its future in an increasingly connected global landscape.

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

Paragraph 1

The Arab world, made up of 22 countries across North Africa and the Middle East, is known for its rich history, culture, and language. The term "Arab" mainly refers to people who speak Arabic as their first language, covering a wide range of ethnicities, traditions, and beliefs. Over time, Arab culture has changed through various phases, including the rise of powerful empires, the spread of Islam, and the effects of colonialism. The Arab League, formed in 1945, acts as a regional group aimed at encouraging teamwork among its member states, highlighting the shared cultural and historical connections that bring them together. This identity is further enriched by the region's contributions to art, science, and philosophy.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what does the term "Arab" primarily refer to?
   1. People who live in North Africa
   2. People who speak Arabic as their first language
   3. People who follow Islam
   4. People from the Arabian Peninsula

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as phases through which Arab culture has changed EXCEPT:
   1. The rise of powerful empires
   2. The spread of Islam
   3. The establishment of the United Nations
   4. The effects of colonialism

Paragraph 2

The roots of the Arab people can be traced back to the Arabian Peninsula, where nomadic tribes roamed the deserts. The pre-Islamic period, often called the Age of Ignorance, was marked by tribal warfare, poetry, and a rich oral tradition. The arrival of Islam in the 7th century CE, started by the Prophet Muhammad, changed the social and political landscape of the region. The rapid spread of Islam led to the formation of the Caliphates, which helped spread the Arabic language and culture across vast areas, from Spain to India. This time is often seen as a golden age for Arab civilization, marked by important progress in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, with scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Farabi making important contributions.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the significance of the Caliphates in the spread of Arab culture?
   1. They were primarily military organisations.
   2. They played a crucial role in the dissemination of language and culture.
   3. They were short-lived and had little impact.
   4. They focused solely on religious matters.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Farabi in paragraph 2?
   1. To highlight the military achievements of the Caliphates
   2. To illustrate the intellectual advancements during the golden age of Arab civilization
   3. To discuss the decline of Arab culture
   4. To compare Arab scholars with their European counterparts

Paragraph 3

The Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates, which followed the initial Islamic state, played key roles in shaping Arab culture. The Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) greatly expanded the empire, making Arabic the administrative language and promoting trade and cultural exchange. This expansion not only strengthened the Arab identity but also allowed for the sharing of ideas and goods between different cultures. At the same time, the Abbasid Caliphate (750-1258 CE) is often celebrated for its academic successes, especially in Baghdad, which became a center of learning and culture. But the breaking apart of the Caliphate into smaller states eventually led to a decline in political unity. This opened the door to external influences and invasions, such as the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, which destroyed many cultural centers.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "centers" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Locations
   2. Buildings
   3. Groups
   4. Institutions

Sentence Simplification Question

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

"The breaking apart of the Caliphate into smaller states eventually led to a decline in political unity."

1. 1. The Caliphate remained politically unified for centuries.
   2. The fragmentation of the Caliphate resulted in weakened political unity.
   3. Political unity was never a feature of the Caliphate.
   4. Smaller states were formed without affecting political unity.

Paragraph 4

The arrival of European colonial powers in the 19th and 20th centuries marked an important turning point in Arab history. The imposition of foreign rule disrupted traditional structures and led to a waste of resources. The Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916, which split the Ottoman Empire's Arab lands between Britain and France, showed a neglect for Arab hopes and independence. Colonialism made many Arabs feel national pride, leading to various independence movements throughout the mid-20th century. However, the creation of modern nation-states did not erase the complications of identity, as many Arabs struggled with the legacies of colonialism, including economic dependency and political instability.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   1. To discuss the impact of colonialism on Arab identity
   2. To highlight the achievements of the Ottoman Empire
   3. To describe the cultural contributions of the Arab world
   4. To explain the significance of the Sykes-Picot Agreement

Paragraph 5

Today, the Arab world faces many challenges, including political instability, economic differences, and social unrest. The Arab Spring, which started in late 2010, was a series of protests and uprisings across the region, driven by calls for democratic reforms and social justice. While some countries saw significant changes in governance, others fell into conflict and chaos, as seen in Syria and Libya. The rise of extremist groups has made the social and political landscape even more complicated, raising questions about the future of democracy and stability in the region. Despite these challenges, there remains a strong sense of cultural identity among Arabs, shown through literature, music, and art, which continue to thrive and evolve, reflecting both traditional values and modern influences.

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.

"These events have sparked debates about governance and civil rights." 

Where would the sentence best fit?

Today, the Arab world faces many challenges, including political instability, economic differences, and social unrest. (A) The Arab Spring, which started in late 2010, was a series of protests and uprisings across the region, driven by calls for democratic reforms and social justice. (B) While some countries saw significant changes in governance, others fell into conflict and chaos, as seen in Syria and Libya. (C) The rise of extremist groups has made the social and political landscape even more complicated, raising questions about the future of democracy and stability in the region. (D) Despite these challenges, there remains a strong sense of cultural identity among Arabs, shown through literature, music, and art, which continue to thrive and evolve, reflecting both traditional values and modern influences.

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

Paragraph 6

The importance of the Arab world goes beyond its geographical boundaries, influencing global culture, politics, and economics. The Arabic language, with its rich literary heritage, has produced famous poets and writers, such as Naguib Mahfouz and Mahmoud Darwish, whose works resonate with universal themes of love, loss, and identity. Also, the Arab world is home to vast natural resources, especially oil, which play a crucial role in the global economy. As the region navigates the challenges of modernity and tradition, the mix of historical legacies and contemporary realities will undoubtedly shape the future of Arab culture and its role in the world. Questions remain about how the Arab world will bring together its rich heritage with the demands of modern life, and what this means for its future in an increasingly connected global landscape.

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 Arab world has a rich history and cultural heritage that has evolved over time."

1. 1. The Arab League was formed to promote cooperation among member states.
   2. The spread of Islam significantly influenced the development of Arab culture.
   3. European colonialism disrupted traditional structures and led to independence movements.
   4. The Arab world faces modern challenges while maintaining a strong cultural identity.

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 - Arab

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the term "Arab" primarily refers to individuals who speak Arabic as their first language. This definition encompasses a variety of ethnicities, traditions, and beliefs, making option B the most accurate choice.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: The passage lists the rise of powerful empires, the spread of Islam, and the effects of colonialism as phases through which Arab culture has changed. The establishment of the United Nations is not mentioned in this context, making option C the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses how the Caliphates helped spread the Arabic language and culture across vast areas, indicating their significant role in cultural dissemination. This makes option B the most logical inference.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of scholars like Al-Khwarizmi and Al-Farabi serves to highlight the intellectual achievements of the Arab civilization during its golden age. This aligns with option B, as it emphasizes the advancements in various fields.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: In the context of the passage, the word "centers" refers to places where significant cultural and academic activities occurred. Therefore, "locations" is the closest synonym, making option A the correct choice.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: This option accurately captures the essence of the original sentence, indicating that the division of the Caliphate led to a decline in political unity. It simplifies the information without losing its meaning.

7. Answer: A

Explanation: Paragraph 4 focuses on the effects of European colonialism on Arab identity, including the disruption of traditional structures and the emergence of independence movements. This makes option A the main purpose of the paragraph.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The sentence "These events have sparked debates about governance and civil rights" fits best after the mention of the Arab Spring, as it directly relates to the protests and uprisings that were driven by calls for democratic reforms.

9. Answer: Options A, B and D 

Explanation: Option A highlights the formation of the Arab League to promote cooperation, which is a significant point in the passage. Option B discusses the influence of Islam on Arab culture, a central theme in the passage and Option D addresses the modern challenges faced by the Arab world while maintaining cultural identity, which is also a key idea presented.

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