Feudalism, the dominant social and political system in Medieval Europe, shaped the lives of people from the 9th to the 15th centuries. In a society marked by frequent warfare and shifting power dynamics, feudalism provided a structured system of mutual obligations and protection. Lords granted land, or fiefs, to vassals in exchange for military service, while peasants, or serfs, worked the land in return for protection and basic sustenance.

This interdependent hierarchy created a complex network of relationships that influenced not only daily life but also the political and economic foundations of Europe. This passage will explore how feudalism functioned, its impacts on medieval society, and its lasting legacy.

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.

Feudalism appeared as a main social and economic system in medieval Europe, particularly from the 9th to the 15th centuries. This ranked structure was based on the relationship between lords and subordinates, where land ownership and military service formed the basis of power and duty. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Europe faced significant political fragmentation and instability. In this situation, local lords began to strengthen power, offering protection to peasants in exchange for their labor and a portion of their farmable produce. This mutual reliance laid the groundwork for a system that would shape European society for centuries, creating a complex web of loyalties and obligations that defined social interactions.

The essence of feudalism revolved around land ownership, which was the primary source of wealth and power. Lords, who were often noblemen, held large lands granted to them by higher-ranking nobles or kings. In return for these lands, known as lands, lords were expected to provide military support and loyalty to their superiors. Vassals, who were lesser nobles, would pledge loyalty to a lord, receiving land in exchange for their service. This relationship was established through a ritual known as homage," which showed the obligations of both parties. The complex web of loyalties created a changing social structure, with varying degrees of power and influence among the nobility. For example, the relationship between a king and his subordinates could dictate the political landscape of an entire region, as seen during the reign of William the Conqueror after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The role of laborers within this system was equally important, as they made up the backbone of the farming economy. Laborers were peasants bound to the land, unable to leave without the lords permission. They worked the fields, tended livestock, and performed various tasks necessary for the estates functioning. In return for their labor, laborers received protection and the right to farm certain plots of land for their sustenance. However, their status was one of submission, and they were often subject to the lords demands, which could include a share of their harvest or extra labor during busy seasons. This arrangement showed the economic basis of feudalism, where agricultural production was central to sustaining both the local economy and the broader feudal system. The reliance on laborers also meant that any disruption, such as famine or war, could have serious consequences for the entire feudal system.

While feudalism provided stability in a chaotic political landscape, it was not without its challenges. The system was inherently rigid, with little opportunity for social mobility. As a result, discontent among the lower classes occasionally erupted into rebellion, such as the Peasants Revolt in England in 1381, which highlighted the growing frustration with oppressive feudal duties. Additionally, the spread-out nature of power often led to conflicts between rival lords, undermining the stability that feudalism sought to establish. The rise of powerful kings in the late medieval period began to challenge the feudal order. Kings sought to centralize authority, diminishing the power of local lords and changing the dynamics of governance in Europe. This shift was shown by the establishment of standing armies and the development of more administrative forms of management, which further weakened the traditional feudal bonds.

The impact of feudalism extended beyond the political and economic areas; it also influenced social life. The feudal system fostered a sense of loyalty and duty, captured in the knightly code that governed the behavior of knights. This code emphasized virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women, shaping the ideals of knighthood and courtly behavior. Also, the Church played a key role in justifying the feudal order, promoting the idea that the social hierarchy was divinely ordained. This connection between religion and feudalism reinforced the status quo, as the Church resolved disputes among nobles and provided a moral framework that upheld feudal obligations.

In conclusion, feudalism was a complex system that deeply influenced medieval European society. While it provided a framework for management and social organization during a tumultuous period, it also perpetuated unfairness and limited social mobility. The eventual decline of feudalism, driven by the rise of centralized monarchies, the growth of trade, and the emergence of a money-based economy, marked a significant change in European history. As scholars continue to study the complexities of feudalism, it remains clear that this system was not merely a relic of the past but a foundational element that shaped the path of European development. The legacy of feudalism can still be seen in todays social structures and power dynamics, highlighting its lasting significance and inviting further investigation into its long-term effects on modern society.

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

Paragraph 1

Feudalism appeared as a main social and economic system in medieval Europe, particularly from the 9th to the 15th centuries. This ranked structure was based on the relationship between lords and subordinates, where land ownership and military service formed the basis of power and duty. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, Europe faced significant political fragmentation and instability. In this situation, local lords began to strengthen power, offering protection to peasants in exchange for their labour and a portion of their farmable produce. This mutual reliance laid the groundwork for a system that would shape European society for centuries, creating a complex web of loyalties and obligations that defined social interactions.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what was the primary basis of power and duty in the feudal
   system?
   
   1. Military service
   2. Land ownership
   3. Political alliances
   4. Economic trade

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. The author mentions all of the following as characteristics of feudalism EXCEPT:
   
   1. A ranked structure based on lords and subordinates
   2. The reliance on military service
   3. The absence of political fragmentation
   4. The exchange of protection for labour

Paragraph 2 

The essence of feudalism revolved around land ownership, which was the primary source of wealth and power. Lords, who were often noblemen, held large lands granted to them by higher-ranking nobles or kings. In return for these lands, known as lands, lords were expected to provide military support and loyalty to their superiors. Vassals, who were lesser nobles, would pledge loyalty to a lord, receiving land in exchange for their service. This relationship was established through a ritual known as homage, which showed the obligations of both parties. The complex web of loyalties created a changing social structure, with varying degrees of power and influence among the nobility. For example, the relationship between a king and his subordinates could dictate the political landscape of an entire region, as seen during the reign of William the Conqueror
after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred about the relationship between lords and vassals in feudalism? 
   
   1. It was based solely on economic transactions.
   2. It involved mutual obligations and loyalty.
   3. It was primarily a military alliance.

   4. It was informal and lacked structure.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the ritual of homage in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To illustrate the importance of land ownership
   2. To highlight the formalisation of obligations in feudal relationships
   3. To explain the role of kings in the feudal system
   4. To discuss the decline of feudalism

Paragraph 3 

The role of labourers within this system was equally important, as they made up the backbone of the farming economy. Labourers were peasants bound to the land, unable to leave without the lords permission. They worked the fields, tended livestock, and performed various tasks necessary for the estate's functioning. In return for their labour, labourers received protection and the right to farm certain plots of land for their sustenance. However, their status was one of submission, and they were often subject to the lords demands, which could include a share of their harvest or extra labour during busy seasons. This arrangement showed the economic basis of feudalism, where agricultural production was central to sustaining both the local economy and the broader feudal system. The reliance on labourers also meant that any disruption, such as famine or war, could have serious consequences for the entire feudal system.

Vocabulary Questions

1. In paragraph 3, the word submission is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Freedom
   2. Resistance
   3. Compliance
   4. Rebellion

Sentence Simplification Questions

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

   Labourers were peasants bound to the land, unable to leave without the lords permission.

   1. Peasants were free to leave the land whenever they wished

   2. Labourers were tied to the land and needed permission to leave.

   3. Labourers could leave the land if they paid a fee.

   4. Peasants were often allowed to leave the land.

Paragraph 4

 While feudalism provided stability in a chaotic political landscape, it was not without its challenges. The system was inherently rigid, with little opportunity for social mobility. As a result, discontent among the lower classes occasionally erupted into rebellion, such as the Peasants. Revolt in England in 1381, which highlighted the growing frustration with oppressive feudal duties. Additionally, the spread-out nature of power often led to conflicts between rival lords, undermining the stability that feudalism sought to establish. The rise of powerful kings in the late medieval period began to challenge the feudal order. Kings sought to centralise authority, diminishing the power of local lords and changing the dynamics of governance in Europe. This shift was shown by the establishment of standing armies and the development of more administrative forms of management, which further weakened the traditional feudal bonds.

Prose Summary Questions

1. Which of the following best summarises the main idea of paragraph 4?
   
   1. Feudalism was a perfect system without any flaws.
   2. The rise of kings and central authority challenged the rigid structure of feudalism.
   3. The Peasants Revolt was the only significant event in the late medieval period.
   4. Social mobility was common in feudal society.

Paragraph  5

The impact of feudalism extended beyond the political and economic areas it also influenced social life. The feudal system fostered a sense of loyalty and duty, captured in the knightly code that governed the behaviour of knights. This code emphasized virtues such as bravery, honour, and respect for women, shaping the ideals of knighthood and courtly behaviour. Also, the Church played a key role in justifying the feudal order, promoting the idea that the social hierarchy was divinely ordained. This connection between religion and feudalism reinforced the status quo, as the Church resolved disputes among nobles and provided a moral framework that upheld feudal obligations.

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.

   Where would the sentence best fit?

   The impact of feudalism extended beyond the political and economic areas; it also
   influenced social life.

   1. The feudal system fostered a sense of loyalty and duty, captured in
      the knightly code that governed the behaviour of knights. (
   2. This code emphasized virtues such as bravery, honour, and respect for women, shaping the ideals of knighthood and courtly behaviour.
   3. Also, the Church played a key role in justifying the feudal order,  promoting the idea that the social hierarchy was divinely ordaine. 

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, feudalism was a complex system that deeply influenced medieval European society. While it provided a framework for management and social organization during a tumultuous period, it also perpetuated unfairness and limited social mobility. The eventual decline of feudalism, driven by the rise of centralised monarchies, the growth of trade, and the emergence of a money-based economy, marked a significant change in European history. As scholars continue to study the complexities of feudalism, it remains clear that this system was not merely a relic of the past but a foundational element that shaped the path of European development. The legacy of feudalism can still be seen in todays social structures and power dynamics, highlighting its lasting significance and inviting further investigation into its long-term effects on modern society.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?

   1. To describe the daily life of peasants in medieval Europe
   2. To analyse the complexities and impacts of feudalism in medieval Europe
   3. To argue against the feudal system
   4. To provide a timeline of European history

Prose Summary Questions

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.

1. Feudalism was a significant social and economic system in medieval Europe that shaped
   society in various ways.
   1. The relationship between lords and vassals was based on mutual obligations and loyalty.
   2. The Church played a minimal role in the feudal system.
   3. The rigid structure of feudalism limited social mobility and led to discontent among the lower classes.
   4. The decline of feudalism was influenced by the rise of centralised monarchies and a money-based economy.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Feudalism in Medieval Europe 

Here are the answers and explanations for the questions based on the provided passage about feudalism in Medieval Europe:

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage clearly states that the essence of feudalism revolved around land ownership, which was described as the primary source of wealth and power. This indicates that land ownership was fundamental to the structure of power and duty within the feudal system.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage discusses significant political fragmentation and instability following the fall of the Roman Empire, which contradicts option C. The other options accurately reflect characteristics of feudalism as described in the text. 

3. Answer: B
Explanation: The relationship between lords and vassals is characterized by mutual obligations, as lords provide land and protection in exchange for loyalty and military service. This indicates a reciprocal relationship rather than one based solely on economic transactions or military alliances.

4. Answer: B
Explanation: The mention of the ritual of homage serves to illustrate how obligations between lords and vassals were formalized. This ritual was a significant aspect of the feudal system, emphasizing the structured nature of these relationships.

5. Answer: B
Explanation: In the context of the passage, submission refers to the peasants compliance with the demands of their lords. It indicates a lack of freedom and an acceptance of their subordinate status, contrasting with the other options that suggest resistance or freedom.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: This sentence accurately captures the essence of the original text, which states that labourers were bound to the land and could not leave without the lord's permission. The other options misrepresent the situation of the labourers.