Aztec Civilisation - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

The Aztec Civilisation, one of the most powerful and influential societies in Mesoamerican history, flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the early 16th century. Originating as a nomadic tribe, the Aztecs established their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco, which today is part of modern-day Mexico City. Known for their advanced agricultural techniques, complex social structure, and impressive architectural accomplishments, the Aztecs developed a highly organized society with an emperor, priestly class, and warrior elite. Their religious beliefs played a central role in daily life and included a pantheon of gods, frequent rituals, and the construction of grand temples.

Through military conquest and strategic alliances, the Aztecs expanded their empire, creating a network of tribute-paying cities and influencing the region’s culture and economy. Despite their advancements, the Aztec civilisation fell to Spanish conquerors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, marking a significant turning point in the history of the Americas.

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 Aztec civilisation, which flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, is famous for its rich cultural culture, complicated social structure, and significant
accomplishments in various fields, including agriculture, architecture, and astronomy. The Aztecs, originally a wandering tribe known as the Mexica, settled in the Valley of Mexico around the early 1300s. They set up their capital, Tenochtitlan, on an island in Lake Texcoco, which would eventually become one of the largest cities in the world at its peak. The strategic location of Tenochtitln allowed the Aztecs to control trade routes and access essential resources, helping their rise to power in the region. Historical records show that by the early 1500s, Tenochtitln had a population exceeding 200,000, showcasing the city importance as a political and economic hub.

The political structure of the Aztec Empire was defined by a focused system led by an emperor, who held significant authority over both political and religious matters. The emperor was supported by a council of nobles and priests, who played important roles in management and the organization of justice. This strict society was divided, with nobles enjoying privileges like land ownership and access to education, while commoners were involved in various trades and farming activities. Slavery existed within Aztec society, mainly due to warfare, and captive individuals could earn their freedom through different means. However, the strict class structure often limited social mobility, leading to conflicts that would later be exploited during the Spanish conquest.

Agriculture was the backbone of the Aztec economy, with the cultivation of maize (corn) being extremely important. The Aztecs developed advanced farming techniques, including the use of chinampas, or floating gardens, which allowed them to maximize crop yields in the swampy conditions of the Valley of Mexico. This innovative farming method involved creating small, rectangular plots of farmable land on the lakes surface, which were very productive and supported the growing population. As a result, the extra food generated by these agricultural practices enabled the Aztecs to sustain a large urban population and engage in trade with neighboring cultures, further increasing their economic power. Historical evidence suggests that the Aztecs also grew beans, squash, and various fruits,contributing to a varied diet

The Aztecs were also known for their notable architectural achievements, especially the construction of large temples and pyramids. The Templo Mayor, dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, was the central religious structure in Tenochtitln and served as a focal point for Aztec worship and ceremonies. The temple complex featured twin pyramids,each decorated with detailed carvings and sculptures that depicted various deities and mythological scenes. The architectural style of the Aztecs was marked by the use of stone and adobe, with detailed murals and frescoes that illustrated their rich mythology and history. These structures not only served religious purposes but also symbolized the power and prestige of the Aztec Empire, reflecting the society's values and beliefs.

Religion played a central role in Aztec society, influencing various aspects of daily life, management, and culture. The Aztecs worshipped many gods, which were associated with natural elements, agriculture, and warfare. Rituals and ceremonies were key to their religious practices, often involving offerings, music, and dance. Human sacrifice, although debatable aspect of Aztec religion, was believed to be essential for satisfying the gods and ensuring the continuation of the world. The Aztecs thought that the sun needed food in the form of human blood to rise each day, leading to the practice of capturing prisoners during warfare for sacrificial purposes. This aspect of their culture has been a topic of much debate among historians and anthropologists. Some argue that it was a way to create social unity, while others view it as a sign of a violent society.

The decline of the Aztec Empire began in the early 16th century, ending with the Spanish conquest led by Hernn Corts in 1521. The arrival of the Spanish, combined with the spread of diseases like smallpox, which destroyed the indigenous population, significantly weakened the Aztecs. The conquest marked the end of an advanced civilisation that had made important contributions to the cultural and historical landscape of Mesoamerica. Despite their downfall, the legacy of the Aztec civilisation lasts, influencing contemporary Mexican culture, language, and identity. The remains of their architectural marvels, agricultural innovations, and rich mythology continue to attract scholars and visitors alike, underscoring the lasting significance of this remarkable civilisation. Questions remain about the full extent of the Aztec's accomplishments and the complexities of their society, inviting further investigation into this fascinating chapter of history.

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

Paragraph 1 

The Aztec civilisation, which flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, is famous for its rich cultural culture, complicated social structure, and significant accomplishments in various fields, including agriculture, architecture, and astronomy. The Aztecs, originally a wandering tribe known as the Mexica, settled in the Valley of Mexico around the early 1300s. They set up their capital, Tenochtitln, on an island in Lake Texcoco, which would eventually become one of the largest cities in the world at its peak. The strategic location of Tenochtitln allowed the Aztecs to control trade routes and access essential resources, helping their rise to power in the region. Historical records show that by the early 1500s, Tenochtitlan had a population exceeding 200,000,
showcasing the city's importance as a political and economic hub.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what was the capital of the Aztec civilisation?

   1. Tenochtitln
   2. Cuicuilco
   3. Mexico City
   4. Texcoco

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned about Tenochtitln EXCEPT:
   
   1. It was located on an island.
   2. It was one of the largest cities in the world.
   3. It had a population of over 200,000.
   4. It was primarily a farming community.

Paragraph 2 

The political structure of the Aztec Empire was defined by a focused system led by an emperor, who held significant authority over both political and religious matters. The emperor was supported by a council of nobles and priests, who played important roles in management and the organization of justice. This strict society was divided, with nobles enjoying privileges like land ownership and access to education, while commoners were involved in various trades and farming activities. Slavery existed within Aztec society, mainly due to warfare, and captive individuals could earn their freedom through different means. However, the strict class structure often limited social mobility, leading to conflicts that would later be exploited during the Spanish conquest.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the role of the emperor in the Aztec Empire from paragraph 2?
   
   1. The emperor had limited power and was often challenged by the nobles.
   2. The emperor was the sole authority in both political and religious matters.
   3. The emperor relied heavily on the commoners for support.
   4. The emperors role was primarily ceremonial with little real authority.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention the council of nobles and priests in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To highlight the importance of religious practices in Aztec society.
   2. To illustrate the complexity of the Aztec political structure.
   3. To suggest that the emperor was not the only powerful figure in the empire.
   4. To indicate that commoners had a say in political matters.

Paragraph 3 

Agriculture was the backbone of the Aztec economy, with the cultivation of maize (corn) being extremely important. The Aztecs developed advanced farming techniques, including the use of chinampas, or floating gardens, which allowed them to maximize crop yields in the swampy conditions of the Valley of Mexico. This innovative farming method involved creating small, rectangular plots of farmable land on the lake's surface, which were very productive and supported the growing population. As a result, the extra food generated by these agricultural practices enabled the Aztecs to sustain  a large urban population and engage in trade with neighbouring cultures, further increasing their economic power. Historical evidence suggests that the Aztecs also grew beans, squash, and various fruits, contributing to a varied diet.

Vocabulary Question

1. The term chinampas in paragraph 3 refers to:

   1. A type of maize grown by the Aztecs.
   2. Floating gardens used for agriculture.
   3. A method of irrigation.
   4. A type of religious ceremony.

Sentence Simplification Question

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

   1. The Aztecs used chinampas to improve farming in the Valley of Mexico

   2. The Aztecs relied solely on traditional farming methods.
   3. The Aztecs faced challenges in farming due to swampy conditions.
   4. The Aztecs faced challenges in farming due to swampy conditions.

Paragraph 4 

The Aztecs were also known for their notable architectural achievements, especially the construction of large temples and pyramids. The Templo Mayor, dedicated to the gods Huitzilopochtli and Tlaloc, was the central religious structure in Tenochtitln and served as a focal point for Aztec worship and ceremonies. The temple complex featured twin pyramids, each decorated with detailed carvings and sculptures that depicted various deities and mythological scenes. The architectural style of the Aztecs was marked by the use of stone and adobe, with detailed murals and frescoes that illustrated their rich mythology and history. These structures not only served religious purposes but also symbolised the power and prestige of the Aztec Empire, reflecting the society's values and beliefs.

Prose Summary Question 

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of paragraph 4 is provided  below. Complete the summary by selecting the TWO answer choices that express the most important ideas in the paragraph.

1. The Aztecs were renowned for their architectural achievements, particularly in the construction of:
   
   1. Large temples and pyramids that served religious purposes.
   2. Residential buildings for the common people.
   3. Structures that symbolised the power of the Aztec Empire.
   4. Simple structures made from local materials.

Paragraph 5

Religion played a central role in Aztec society, influencing various aspects of daily life, management, and culture. The Aztecs worshipped many gods, which were associated with natural elements, agriculture, and warfare. Rituals and ceremonies were key to their religious practices, often involving offerings, music, and dance. Human sacrifice, although a debatable aspect of Aztec religion, was believed to be essential for satisfying the gods and ensuring the continuation of the world. The Aztecs thought that the sun needed food in the form of human blood to rise each day, leading to the practice of capturing prisoners during warfare for sacrificial purposes. This aspect of their culture has been a topic of much debate among historians and anthropologists. Some argue that it was away to create social unity, while others view it as a sign of a violent society.

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 beliefs led to elaborate rituals that were integral to Aztec culture.  Where would the sentence best fit?

   1. Religion played a central role in Aztec society, influencing various aspects of daily life,
      management, and culture.
   2. The Aztecs worshipped many gods, which were associated with natural elements, agriculture, and warfare.
   3. Rituals and ceremonies were key to their religious practices, often involving offerings,
      music, and dance.
   4.  Human sacrifice, although a debatable aspect of Aztec religion, was believed to be
      essential for satisfying the gods and ensuring the continuation of the world.

Paragraph 5

The decline of the Aztec Empire began in the early 16th century,ending with the Spanish conquest led by Hernn Corts in 1521. The arrival of the Spanish, combined with the spread of diseases like smallpox, which destroyed the indigenous population, significantly weakened the Aztecs. The conquest marked the end of an advanced civilisation that had made important contributions to the cultural and historical landscapeof Mesoamerica. Despite their downfall, the legacy of the Aztec civilisation lasts, influencing contemporary Mexican culture, language, and identity. The remains of their architectural marvels, agricultural innovations, and rich mythology continue to attract scholars and visitors alike, underscoring the lasting significance of this remarkable civilisation. Questions remain about the full extent of the accomplishments and the complexities of their society, inviting further investigation into this fascinating chapter of history.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?

   1. To discuss the reasons for the decline of the Aztec Empire.
   2. To highlight the achievements of the Aztec civilisation.
   3. To explain the impact of the Spanish conquest on the Aztecs.
   4. To emphasise the lasting legacy of the Aztec civilisation.

Prose Summary Question

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.

1. The Aztec civilisation was a complex society that made significant contributions to Mesoamerica, including:

   1. A highly structured political system led by an emperor.

   2. The development of advanced agricultural techniques like chinampas. 

   3. The establishment of a peaceful society with no conflicts.

   4. Notable architectural achievements, including large temples and pyramids.
   5. A rich religious culture that included human sacrifice. 
   6. The decline of the civilisation due to internal strife and lack of resources.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Aztec civilisation 

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

1. Answer: A
Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the Aztecs set up their capital, Tenochtitln, on an island in Lake Texcoco. This information is clearly presented in the first paragraph, making it the correct answer.

2. Answer: D
Explanation: The paragraph highlights Tenochtitlns strategic location, its population, and its role as a political and economic hub, but it does not describe it as primarily a farming community. Instead, it emphasizes trade and resource control, making option D the exception.

3. Answer: B
Explanation: The passage indicates that the emperor held significant authority over both political and religious matters, suggesting that he was the primary figure of power in
the empire. While there were nobles and priests, the emperors role was central, supporting option B.

4. Answer: C
Explanation: The mention of the council of nobles and priests indicates that while the emperor had significant authority, there were other influential figures in the political
structure. This suggests a more complex power dynamic, supporting option C.

5. Answer: B
Explanation: The passage defines chinampas as floating gardens that the Aztecs developed to maximize crop yields. This definition directly aligns with option B, making it the correct choice.

6. Answer: A
Explanation: This sentence succinctly captures the main idea of the original text, which discusses the use of chinampas as an advanced farming technique to enhance agricultural
productivity in the Valley of Mexico.

7. Answer: A and C
Explanation: Both options A and C reflect the key ideas in paragraph 4. The paragraph discusses the construction of large temples and pyramids, as well as their symbolic significance to the power and prestige of the Aztec Empire.

8. Answer: C
Explanation: The missing sentence about elaborate rituals fits best after the mention of rituals and ceremonies, as it elaborates on the importance of these practices in Aztec culture.

9. Answer: D
Explanation: The paragraph discusses the decline of the Aztec Empire but focuses on the lasting impact and legacy of the civilisation, including its contributions to contemporary
culture, which aligns with option D.

10. Answer: A
Explanation: Options A, B, and D highlight the key contributions of the Aztec civilisation as discussed throughout the passage, including their political structure, agricultural
innovations, and architectural achievements. Option C is incorrect as it contradicts the passage, and option F is too narrow in focus.

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