Human Communities: An Evolutionary Perspective - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading test, you will often encounter passages that explore complex themes in human history and social development. The passage, 'Human Communities: An Evolutionary Perspective,' focuses on the progression and adaptation of human societies over time. Engaging with topics like this prepares you to analyze diverse subjects and extract key ideas.

Practicing with such passages enhances your skills in understanding how ideas connect, evolve, and impact society. You'll gain confidence in identifying primary arguments and interpreting detailed information—skills essential for achieving a strong TOEFL Reading score.

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

Human communities have changed a lot throughout history. They have been affected by many factors, like environmental conditions, new technology, and social dynamics. The earliest human groups were mostly nomadic, relying on hunting and gathering for food. However, when farming started around 10,000 years ago, it marked a big change. This allowed humans to create lasting communities. This shift not only provided a steady food supply but also led to population growth and the development of complex societies. So, the groundwork for trade networks, cultural practices, and city growth was laid, fundamentally changing the course of human development.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what significant change occurred around 10,000 years ago? 
   
   1. The development of trade networks 
   2. The start of farming 
   3. The rise of nomadic groups 
   4. The decline of complex societies 

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a factor affecting human communities EXCEPT 
   
   1. Environmental conditions 
   2. New technology 
   3. Social dynamics 
   4. Political structures 

Paragraph 2

The geographical context of communities has always played a key role in their evolution. Early farming societies often thrived in fertile river valleys, like the Nile in Egypt, the Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, and the Indus River in what is now Pakistan. These areas offered rich soil and plenty of water, which were essential for growing crops. Being close to water bodies also helped with trade and transportation, allowing communities to exchange goods and ideas. Because of this, these river valley civilizations became centres of cultural and technological innovation, setting benchmarks for future urban development. But the benefits of these locations also came with challenges, as they were likely to experience flooding and resource reduction.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred about the role of river valleys in the development of early farming societies? 
   
   1. They were solely responsible for the rise of complex societies. 
   2. They provided both advantages and disadvantages for communities. 
   3. They were the only locations where farming could occur. 
   4. They hindered trade and transportation. 

Vocabulary Questions

1. The word "centres" in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to 
   
   1. edges 
   2. outskirts 
   3. hubs 
   4. boundaries 

Paragraph 3

The growth of human communities has often faced environmental challenges. Issues like droughts, floods, and soil decline have historically threatened farming productivity. For example, the decline of the Maya civilisation in Mesoamerica has been partly linked to long droughts that hurt their farming. Also, as urban centres grew, competition for resources increased, leading to social conflict. Archaeological evidence shows that many ancient towns, including those in the Indus Valley, went through periods of decline due to resource reduction and internal struggles. These challenges highlight the fragile balance between human communities and their environments, stressing the need for eco-friendly practices.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the decline of the Maya civilisation in paragraph 3? 
   
   1. To illustrate the impact of urbanisation on farming 
   2. To provide an example of how environmental challenges can affect communities 
   3. To argue that farming is not sustainable 
   4. To suggest that all ancient civilisations faced similar issues 

Paragraph 4

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought another major change in the evolution of human communities. The shift from farming economies to industrial ones led to rapid city growth, as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs. This trend resulted in the rise of megacities, marked by high population densities and varied economic activities. But industrialisation also brought serious social and environmental issues, including pollution, poor housing, and the growth of slums. Urban planners and policymakers have since worked to tackle these problems, aiming to create eco-friendly urban environments that can support growing populations while reducing ecological impacts. The need for innovative solutions is more urgent than ever.

Sentence Simplification Questions

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

   "The shift from farming economies to industrial ones led to rapid city growth, as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs." 

   1. People moved to cities for jobs, causing rapid growth. 
   2. Industrial economies caused cities to grow slowly. 
   3. Rural areas became less populated due to industrialisation. 
   4. The Industrial Revolution had no impact on city growth. 

Paragraph 5

In todays world, the idea of human communities includes urban, rural, and peri-urban areas. The United Nations has recognised the importance of eco-friendly development in tackling the many challenges faced by human communities. Projects like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to promote inclusive, safe, strong, and eco-friendly cities and communities. This broad approach acknowledges how social, economic, and environmental factors are linked in shaping human communities. For example, improving public transportation can enhance accessibility, reduce traffic jams, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more eco-friendly urban environment. These projects show a growing understanding of the need for integrated planning.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 5? 
   
   1. To discuss the historical evolution of human communities 
   2. To highlight the importance of eco-friendly development 
   3. To describe the challenges faced by urban areas 
   4. To explain the role of the United Nations in community development 

Paragraph 6

Looking ahead, the future of human communities will likely be shaped by ongoing global challenges like climate change, population growth, and technological advancements. As urban areas keep expanding, finding innovative solutions to address housing shortages, resource management, and environmental sustainability will become increasingly important. The rise of smart cities, which use technology to improve urban living conditions, offers both opportunities and challenges. While these developments can enhance residents' quality of life, they also raise concerns about data privacy, equity, and access to technology. Finally, the evolution of human communities will require teamwork among governments, communities, and individuals to create environments that are not only livable but also sustainable for future generations. The ongoing conversation about these issues will be crucial in shaping the future of human habitation.

Prose Summary Questions

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. 

   Human communities have evolved significantly over time, influenced by various factors including environmental conditions and technological advancements.

   Answer Choices 

   1. The shift from nomadic lifestyles to farming marked a significant change in human communities. 
   2. Urbanisation has led to serious social and environmental issues that need to be addressed. 
   3. The rise of smart cities presents both opportunities and challenges for future communities. 
   4. The United Nations has initiated projects to promote eco-friendly development in urban areas. 
   5. The decline of ancient civilisations was solely due to environmental challenges. 

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. 

   "Collaboration among various stakeholders will be essential for achieving these goals." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   Looking ahead, the future of human communities will likely be shaped by ongoing global challenges like climate change, population growth, and technological advancements. (A) As urban areas keep expanding, finding innovative solutions to address housing shortages, resource management, and environmental sustainability will become increasingly important. (B) The rise of smart cities, which use technology to improve urban living conditions, offers both opportunities and challenges. (C) While these developments can enhance residents' quality of life, they also raise concerns about data privacy, equity, and access to technology. (D) Finally, the evolution of human communities will require teamwork among governments, communities, and individuals to create environments that are not only livable but also sustainable for future generations.

Prose Summary Questions

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 evolution of human communities has been influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, technological advancements, and social dynamics.

   Answer Choices 

   1. The transition from nomadic lifestyles to farming allowed for the establishment of lasting communities. 
   2. Urbanisation has resulted in significant social and environmental challenges that need to be addressed. 
   3. The future of human communities will depend on innovative solutions to ongoing global challenges. 
   4. The United Nations has initiated projects to promote eco-friendly development in urban areas. 
   5. The decline of ancient civilisations was solely due to environmental challenges.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Human Communities: An Evolutionary Perspective

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that around 10,000 years ago, the significant change was the start of farming. This shift allowed humans to create lasting communities and provided a steady food supply, which fundamentally changed human development.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage mentions environmental conditions, new technology, and social dynamics as factors affecting human communities. However, it does not mention political structures, making option D the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses how river valleys offered rich soil and water for farming, which were advantages, but also faced challenges like flooding and resource reduction. This indicates that river valleys had both positive and negative impacts on early farming societies.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: In this context, "centres" refers to places that are focal points for cultural and technological innovation, which aligns closely with the meaning of "hubs." The other options do not convey the same centrality or importance.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The author mentions the decline of the Maya civilization to illustrate the impact of environmental challenges, specifically long droughts, on farming productivity and community stability. This serves as a concrete example of the broader theme of environmental challenges in the passage.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essential information from the original sentence, summarising the cause (people moving for jobs) and the effect (rapid city growth) without losing the core message.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: Paragraph 5 focuses on the significance of eco-friendly development and the role of the United Nations in promoting sustainable practices. This aligns with the main purpose of the paragraph.

8. Answer Choices: A, B, C

Explanation: A highlights the transition from nomadic lifestyles to farming, which is a key point in the passage.

B addresses the social and environmental issues arising from urbanisation, which is discussed in the passage. 

C mentions the rise of smart cities and their implications, which is also a significant theme in the passage. 

D is relevant but less central than A, B, and C, while **E** misrepresents the passage by suggesting that environmental challenges were the sole reason for the decline of ancient civilisations.

9. Answer: D

Explanation: The sentence about collaboration fits best after the discussion of smart cities and before the conclusion about teamwork among various stakeholders. It logically connects the need for innovative solutions with the necessity of collaboration to achieve those goals.

10. Answer Choices: A, B, C

Explanation: A captures the transition from nomadic lifestyles to farming, which is a crucial point in the passage. 

B addresses the challenges posed by urbanisation, which is a significant theme.

C discusses the future of human communities and the need for innovative solutions, aligning with the passage's forward-looking perspective.

D is relevant but less central than A, B, and C, while E incorrectly suggests a singular cause for the decline of ancient civilisations.

Regular practice with passages like 'Human Communities: An Evolutionary Perspective' will strengthen your analytical and comprehension abilities for the TOEFL Reading test. Developing these skills helps you grasp complex content swiftly and accurately, a key advantage on test day.

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