European Colonialism in Africa - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

Mastering academic texts in English is crucial for success in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section.

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'European Colonialism in Africa' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for 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.

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

Paragraph 1

European colonialism in Africa, which increased during the late 19th century, basically transformed the continent's political, social, and economic areas. The called "Scramble for Africa" involved European powers, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy, competing aggressively for land and resources. This period was marked by the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885, where European nations established their claims to African territories without any involvement from African leaders. The reasons for this colonial expansion were varied, including economic interests, national pride, and a belief in the mission to improve of European powers. So, the impact of colonialism on Africa was deep and lasting, shaping the continent's path well into the 20th century and beyond, with effects that continue to be felt today.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, which European powers were involved in the "Scramble for Africa"?
   
   1. Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Italy

   2. Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy

   3. Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal

   4. Belgium, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. The author mentions all of the following as reasons for colonial expansion EXCEPT:
   
   1. Economic interests

   2. National pride

   3. The desire for African leaders' involvement

   4. A belief in the mission to improve European powers

Paragraph 2

Economically, colonialism introduced new systems of production and trade that were often unfair. European powers aimed to take out valuable resources such as gold, diamonds, rubber, and agricultural products, which were then shipped to Europe. This extraction was helped by establishing cash crop economies that focused on growing crops for export instead of local consumption. For example, in British-controlled Kenya, coffee and tea plantations were developed, often at the cost of local food production. The forcing of taxes and labor systems further established economic dependency, as local populations were compelled to work on European-owned plantations or in mines to pay taxes. As a result, traditional economies were disrupted, leading to food insecurity and financial instability in many regions, with long-term consequences still evident in todays African economies.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of cash crop economies on local food production?
   
   1. They improved local food security.
   2. They had no effect on local food production.
   3. They often reduced local food production.
   4. They increased the variety of local crops.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the example of British-controlled Kenya in paragraph 2?
   

   1. To illustrate the success of colonial economies 

   2. To highlight the negative impact of colonialism on local food production

   3. To show the diversity of crops grown in Africa

   4. To discuss the benefits of cash crop economies

Paragraph 3

Politically, colonialism dismantled existing management structures and imposed foreign rule, often causing significant social upheaval. Indigenous political systems were frequently sidelined or weakened, as colonial administrations set up their own bureaucracies. In many cases, this led to the sidelining of local leaders and the weakening of traditional authority. For example, in the Congo Free State, King Leopold II of Belgium ruled harshly, exploiting the local population and resources without regard for established management. The random borders drawn by colonial powers also created future conflicts, as they often grouped together different ethnic groups or split united communities. This legacy of political division has had lasting effects on post-colonial management and stability in many African nations, contributing to ongoing conflicts and challenges in building nations.

Vocabulary Questions

1. The word "upheaval" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to
   
   1. Stability
   2. Change

   3. Confusion

   4. Improvement

Sentence Simplification Questions

1. Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the following text in paragraph 3? "Indigenous political systems were frequently sidelined or weakened, as colonial administrations set up their own bureaucracies."
   
   1. Colonial administrations strengthened indigenous political systems.

   2. Indigenous political systems were often ignored by colonial administrations.

   3. Colonial administrations created new bureaucracies that replaced indigenous systems.
   4. Indigenous political systems were maintained alongside colonial administrations.

Paragraph 4

The social effects of colonialism were equally important, as European powers imposed their cultural values and education systems on African societies. Missionary activities often accompanied colonial expansion, aiming to convert local populations to Christianity and promote Western ideals. This cultural domination frequently led to the belittling of indigenous beliefs and practices, resulting in a loss of cultural identity for many communities. Education systems were set up that prioritized European languages and courses, often at the expense of local languages and knowledge. Consequently, a generation of Africans was educated in a way that distanced them from their own cultural heritage, creating a complex relationship with their identities that persists today. The conflict between traditional values and imposed Western ideals continues to influence contemporary African societies.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   

   1. To discuss the economic benefits of colonialism 

   2. To highlight the cultural impact of colonialism on African societies
   3. To describe the political changes brought about by colonial rule

   4. To explain the role of missionaries in Africa

Paragraph 4

Resistance to colonial rule was common, as various African groups sought to reclaim their independence and challenge European dominance. Movements like the Maji Maji Rebellion in German East Africa and the Herero and Namaqua Genocide in present-day Namibia illustrate the strong opposition to colonial exploitation. These uprisings were often met with brutal suppression, highlighting the violent nature of colonial rule. But they also helped to strengthen nationalist feelings and foster a sense of unity among diverse groups. The legacy of these resistance movements contributed to the eventual rise of independence movements across the continent in the mid-20th century, as Africans sought to assert their rights and reclaim their independence. The struggle for independence included a variety of approaches, from peaceful protests to armed conflict, reflecting the different responses to colonial oppression.

Summary Questions

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.

1. European colonialism in Africa had profound effects on the continent, influencing its political, economic, and social structures.
   
   1. The imposition of foreign rule dismantled indigenous political systems and created lasting conflicts.
   2. The introduction of cash crop economies disrupted traditional economies and led to food insecurity.
   3. Resistance movements played a crucial role in the eventual rise of independence across Africa.
   4. European powers successfully integrated their cultural values into African societies without resistance.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, European colonialism in Africa was a complex and multifaceted event that left a lasting mark on the continent. The economic exploitation, political upheaval, and social transformation that came with colonial rule have had enduring effects on African societies. While the colonial period officially ended in the mid-20th century, the repercussions of this era continue to shape contemporary Africa, influencing issues like management, economic development, and cultural identity. As scholars and policymakers deal with the legacies of colonialism, it is important to recognize the strength of African peoples and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their stories and create a fairer future. Also, questions remain about the best ways to address the historical injustices of colonialism and promote sustainable development in post-colonial contexts.

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. "These legacies continue to pose challenges for African nations today. Where would the sentence best fit?
   
   1. The economic exploitation, political upheaval, and social transformation that came with colonial rule have had enduring effects on African societies.
   2. While the colonial period officially ended in the mid-20th century, the repercussions of this era continue to shape contemporary Africa, influencing issues like management, economic development, and cultural identity.
   3. As scholars and policymakers deal with the legacies of colonialism, it is important to recognize the strength of African peoples and their ongoing efforts to reclaim their stories and create a fairer future.
   4. Also, questions remain about the best ways to address the historical injustices of colonialism and promote sustainable development in post-colonial contexts.

Prose Summary Questions

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.

1. European colonialism in Africa had profound effects on the continent, influencing its political, economic, and social structures.
   
   1. The imposition of foreign rule dismantled indigenous political systems and created lasting conflicts.
   2. The introduction of cash crop economies disrupted traditional economies and led to food insecurity.
   3. Resistance movements played a crucial role in the eventual rise of independence across Africa.
   4. European powers successfully integrated their cultural values into African societies without resistance.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - European Colonialism in Africa

1. Answer: A

Explanation: The passage explicitly lists these European powers as participants in the "Scramble for Africa." This indicates their active involvement in colonial expansion during the late 19th century, making option A the correct choice.

2. Answer: A
Explanation: The passage mentions various reasons for colonial expansion, including economic interests, national pride, and a belief in the mission to improve European powers. However, it specifically states that African leaders were not involved in the establishment of claims to territories, making option C the only incorrect choice.

3. Answer: C 
Explanation: The passage discusses how cash crop economies focused on export rather than local consumption, which often came at the cost of local food production. This implies that such economies likely reduced the availability of food for local populations, supporting option C.

4. Answer: B
Explanation: The example of British-controlled Kenya is used to illustrate how colonial practices, particularly the establishment of cash crop economies, negatively affected local food production. This aligns with option B, as it emphasizes the detrimental effects of colonialism.

5. Answer: C
Explanation: The term "upheaval" refers to a state of disorder or significant change, which can often lead to confusion. In the context of the passage, it describes the social upheaval caused by the imposition of foreign rule, making option C the closest meaning.

6. Answer: B
Explanation: This option effectively captures the essence of the original sentence, which states that indigenous political systems were sidelined or weakened. It conveys the idea that colonial administrations did not prioritize or respect these systems.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 4 focuses on the social effects of colonialism, particularly how European powers imposed their cultural values and education systems. This aligns with option B, as it emphasizes the cultural impact rather than economic or political aspects.

8. Answer: A, B, C

Explanation: A discusses the dismantling of indigenous political systems, which is a significant theme in the passage.'B' addresses the disruption of traditional economies due to cash crop economies, another key point.'C' highlights the role of resistance movements in the rise of independence, which is also a major idea in the passage. 'D' is incorrect because it suggests that European powers integrated their values without resistance, which contradicts the passage's emphasis on opposition.

9. Answer: B
Explanation: The missing sentence fits best after this statement as it reinforces the idea that the legacies of colonialism continue to pose challenges for African nations today, directly linking to the ongoing effects mentioned.

10. Answer: A, B, C 

Explanation:

A- captures the dismantling of indigenous political systems, a central theme.

B- addresses the economic disruption caused by cash crop economies, which is crucial to understanding the impact of colonialism.

C highlights the importance of resistance movements in the struggle for independence, another significant aspect of the passage.

D is incorrect as it misrepresents the nature of the cultural integration, which was met with resistance rather than acceptance. 

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