Natural Barriers - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, it is important to gain proficiency in academic texts in English, mainly in the TOEFL Reading Section. By practising in English-speaking academic environments, you would be able to examine your abilities as well as assess the difficulties faced in this section. The TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Natural Barriers' focuses on understanding text structure, identifying key ideas, extracting information, and drawing conclusions.

To make sure that you are confident on the test day, we have designed our sample practice test to help you get familiarised with the exam pattern. After attempting and practising consistently, you would be able to note down your areas of improvement. Therefore, take the TOEFL Practice test on 'Natural Berries' and get one step closer to ace the TOEFL exam.

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. 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. 

Natural barriers, defined as physical features that block movement or communication, have important effects on the course of human history and the growth of societies. These barriers come in various forms, including mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests. Throughout history, they have shaped trade routes, migration patterns, and even the outcomes of conflicts. For instance, the great Himalayas have long served as a barrier between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau, affecting cultural exchanges and the movement of people. Similarly, the vast Sahara Desert has historically limited connections between North and Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to distinct cultural and economic developments in these regions. The effects of these barriers extend beyond mere geography; they have fostered unique identities and changes among the populations they affect.

One of the most important examples of natural barriers is the Andes mountain range, which stretches along the western edge of South America. This large mountain system not only presents a physical obstacle to movement but also creates diverse environmental zones that have influenced agricultural practices. The high-altitude regions are home to unique crops such as quinoa and potatoes, which have adapted to the harsh conditions. Furthermore, the Andes have historically separated native groups, leading to the appearance of distinct languages and cultures. The isolation caused by these mountains has allowed for the protection of unique traditions, but it has also hindered the exchange of ideas and goods. The connection between isolation and cultural protection raises questions about the balance between maintaining tradition and embracing change.

Rivers serve as important natural barriers, but in a different way. While they can help trade and transport, their unpredictable nature can also restrict movement. The Amazon River, for example, is both a vital route for commerce and a great barrier due to its vastness and the dense rainforest that surrounds it. The river's tributaries create a complex network that can be challenging to navigate, often leading to isolation for communities living along its banks. This isolation has resulted in the appearance of distinct cultural identities among the native populations, who have changed to meet the unique challenges posed by their environment. However, the river also provides resources and opportunities for trade, illustrating the twofold nature of natural barriers. The contrasting effects of the Amazon highlight the complexity of human-environment connections, where barriers can both hinder and help development.

Deserts represent another type of natural barrier that has greatly influenced human activity. The Arabian Desert, for instance, has historically limited the movement of people and goods across the region. The harsh climate and dry conditions have required the development of specific changes for survival, such as nomadic lifestyles and trade routes that go around the most unwelcoming areas. The Silk Road, which connected the East and West, included routes that traveled around the desert, showing how natural barriers can shape trade networks. Despite the challenges posed by deserts, they have also served as pathways for cultural exchange, as traders and nomads crossed these regions, facilitating the spread of ideas and goods. This twofold nature raises interesting questions about how societies adapt to and use their environments, often turning barriers into opportunities.

Forests, while often seen as obstacles to movement, can also act as natural barriers that influence human settlement patterns. The dense woodlands of the Amazon rainforest create a challenging environment for farming and infrastructure development. This has led to the concentration of populations in areas where land is more suitable for farming, resulting in urban centers that are often isolated from one another. The forest serves as both a barrier and a resource, providing variety of life and materials while also limiting expansion. The interplay between human activity and forest environments highlights the complexity of natural barriers, as they can both hinder and support human efforts. The question remains: how can societies balance the need for growth with the protection of these vital ecosystems?

In conclusion, natural barriers have significantly shaped the course of human history by influencing migration, trade, and cultural development. While they can impede movement and communication, they also create unique environmental and cultural landscapes that contribute to the diversity of human experience. The interplay between natural barriers and human activity continues to evolve, especially in the context of modern challenges such as climate change and urban growth. As societies adapt to these barriers, they must also consider the effects on sustainability and cultural protection. The study of natural barriers remains an important area of inquiry, offering insights into the intricate relationship between the environment and human societies. Future research may explore how new technologies can lessen the effects of these barriers, fostering greater connectivity while respecting the natural world.

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

Paragraph 1 

Natural barriers, defined as physical features that block movement or communication, have important effects on the course of human history and the growth of societies. These barriers come in various forms, including mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests. Throughout history, they have shaped trade routes, migration patterns, and even the outcomes of conflicts. For instance, the great Himalayas have long served as a barrier between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau, affecting cultural exchanges and the movement of people. Similarly, the vast Sahara Desert has historically limited connections between North and Sub-Saharan Africa, leading to distinct cultural and economic developments in these regions. The effects of these barriers extend beyond mere geography; they have fostered unique identities and changes among the populations they affect.

1. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a type of natural barrier?      
   1. Mountains
   2. Rivers
   3. Urban areas
   4. Deserts

1. In paragraph 1, the author mentions all of the following effects of natural barriers EXCEPT: 
   1. They shape trade routes. 
   2. They promote cultural exchanges. 
   3. They influence migration patterns. 
   4. They affect the outcomes of conflicts. 

Paragraph 2

One of the most important examples of natural barriers is the Andes mountain range, which stretches along the western edge of South America. This large mountain system not only presents a physical obstacle to movement but also creates diverse environmental zones that have influenced agricultural practices. The high-altitude regions are home to unique crops such as quinoa and potatoes, which have adapted to the harsh conditions. Furthermore, the Andes have historically separated native groups, leading to the appearance of distinct languages and cultures. The isolation caused by these mountains has allowed for the protection of unique traditions, but it has also hindered the exchange of ideas and goods. The connection between isolation and cultural protection raises questions about the balance between maintaining tradition and embracing change.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of the Andes mountains on local cultures? 
   
   1. They have led to the extinction of local languages. 
   2. They have facilitated the exchange of agricultural practices. 
   3. They have contributed to the development of distinct cultural identities. 
   4. They have made it easier for people to migrate between regions. 

1. Why does the author mention unique crops such as quinoa and potatoes in paragraph 2?
   
   1. To illustrate the agricultural challenges posed by the Andes
   2. To highlight the adaptability of crops to harsh conditions
   3. To emphasise the economic importance of these crops 
   4. To show the cultural significance of these crops in local traditions  
      

Paragraph 3

Rivers serve as important natural barriers, but in a different way. While they can help trade and transport, their unpredictable nature can also restrict movement. The Amazon River, for example, is both a vital route for commerce and a great barrier due to its vastness and the dense rainforest that surrounds it. The river's tributaries create a complex network that can be challenging to navigate, often leading to isolation for communities living along its banks. This isolation has resulted in the appearance of distinct cultural identities among the native populations, who have changed to meet the unique challenges posed by their environment. However, the river also provides resources and opportunities for trade, illustrating the twofold nature of natural barriers. The contrasting effects of the Amazon highlight the complexity of human-environment connections, where barriers can both hinder and help development.

1. In paragraph 3, the word "unpredictable" is closest in meaning to:  
   1. Unreliable
   2. Unusual
   3. Uncontrollable
   4. Uncertain

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

 "The river's tributaries create a complex network that can be challenging to navigate, often leading to isolation for communities living along its banks."   

1. 1. The Amazon River's tributaries make navigation difficult for local communities. 
   2. Communities along the Amazon River are isolated due to its complex tributary system. 
   3. The Amazon River is difficult to navigate because of its many tributaries. 
   4. Local communities find it easy to navigate the Amazon River's tributaries. 

Paragraph 4

Deserts represent another type of natural barrier that has greatly influenced human activity. The Arabian Desert, for instance, has historically limited the movement of people and goods across the region. The harsh climate and dry conditions have required the development of specific changes for survival, such as nomadic lifestyles and trade routes that go around the most unwelcoming areas. The Silk Road, which connected the East and West, included routes that travelled around the desert, showing how natural barriers can shape trade networks. Despite the challenges posed by deserts, they have also served as pathways for cultural exchange, as traders and nomads crossed these regions, facilitating the spread of ideas and goods. This twofold nature raises interesting questions about how societies adapt to and use their environments, often turning barriers into opportunities.

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4? 
   1. To describe the challenges posed by deserts 
   2. To illustrate how deserts can both hinder and facilitate human activity 
   3. To explain the historical significance of the Silk Road
   4. To discuss the nomadic lifestyles developed in desert regions 

Paragraph 5

Forests, while often seen as obstacles to movement, can also act as natural barriers that influence human settlement patterns. The dense woodlands of the Amazon rainforest create a challenging environment for farming and infrastructure development. (A) This has led to the concentration of populations in areas where land is more suitable for farming, resulting in urban centres that are often isolated from one another. (B) The forest serves as both a barrier and a resource, providing variety of life and materials while also limiting expansion. (C) The interplay between human activity and forest environments highlights the complexity of natural barriers, as they can both hinder and support human efforts. (D) The question remains: how can societies balance the need for growth with the protection of these vital ecosystems?

1. In paragraph 5, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph shows four letters  (A),  (B),  (C),  (D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

   "Consequently, urban centres often develop in isolation from each other." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

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

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, natural barriers have significantly shaped the course of human history by influencing migration, trade, and cultural development. While they can impede movement and communication, they also create unique environmental and cultural landscapes that contribute to the diversity of human experience. The interplay between natural barriers and human activity continues to evolve, especially in the context of modern challenges such as climate change and urban growth. As societies adapt to these barriers, they must also consider the effects on sustainability and cultural protection. The study of natural barriers remains an important area of inquiry, offering insights into the intricate relationship between the environment and human societies. Future research may explore how new technologies can lessen the effects of these barriers, fostering greater connectivity while respecting the natural world.

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. Natural barriers have played a crucial role in shaping human history and societies.   
   
   
   1. They can both hinder and facilitate trade and cultural exchange.
   2. Natural barriers have only negative effects on human development. 
   3. Different types of natural barriers include mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests. 
   4. The study of natural barriers is essential for understanding human-environment interactions. 
   5. Natural barriers have no impact on cultural identities.

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Natural Barriers

1.  Answer: C

Explanation: The passage specifically lists mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests as types of natural barriers. Urban areas are not mentioned in this context, making option C the correct answer.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: While the passage discusses how natural barriers can shape trade routes, influence migration patterns, and affect the outcomes of conflicts, it does not state that they promote cultural exchanges. In fact, it suggests that barriers often limit such exchanges.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage indicates that the isolation caused by the Andes has led to the emergence of distinct languages and cultures. This suggests that the mountains have played a significant role in shaping unique cultural identities among the local populations.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of quinoa and potatoes serves to illustrate how certain crops have adapted to the challenging high-altitude conditions of the Andes. This highlights the resilience of agriculture in response to environmental challenges.

5. Answer: D

Explanation: The term "unpredictable" refers to something that cannot be reliably anticipated or foreseen, which aligns closely with the meaning of "uncertain." Both terms convey a lack of reliability in outcomes.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, emphasizing the isolation of communities as a result of the challenging navigation created by the river's tributaries.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph discusses the dual nature of deserts as barriers that limit movement while also serving as pathways for cultural exchange. This highlights the complexity of their impact on human activity.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The missing sentence logically follows the phrase about the concentration of populations in suitable farming areas, reinforcing the idea that this concentration leads to urban centres that are isolated from one another.

9. Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: Options A, C, and D are the three choices which encapsulate the main ideas of the passage, highlighting the dual effects of natural barriers, their various forms, and the importance of studying them in relation to human societies.

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