Ottoman Empire - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Achieving strong academic reading skills is key to excelling in the TOEFL Reading section, which mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking university environments. This portion evaluates essential skills, such as pinpointing main ideas, extracting specific details, drawing inferences, and recognizing text structure. Consistent practice is the pathway to mastery.

Our practice tests replicate the TOEFL's format and tone, allowing you to approach test day confidently. Join us with the Ottoman Empire-themed TOEFL Practice Test to get comfortable with the format and highlight areas for further 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.

The Ottoman Empire, which lasted from around 1299 to 1922, is one of the most important and enduring empires in world history. Founded by Osman I in the late 13th century, the empire grew quickly, reaching its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries under Suleiman the Magnificent. At its height, the empire covered vast areas across three continentsEurope, Asia, and Africa. It brought together many cultures, languages, and religions. This diversity created a complex social fabric that was both a strength and a challenge for the empire. The Ottomans were known for their efficient management, military strength, and cultural achievements, which have left a lasting mark on the regions they ruled.

The administrative setup of the Ottoman Empire was based on a well-organized system that allowed effective control over its large territories. The empire was divided into provinces, each managed by a leader or a governor, who was responsible for keeping order, enforcing laws, and collecting taxes. The Sultan, as the main authority, had absolute power but relied on a council of advisors known as the Divan to help with decision-making. This administrative structure allowed for the integration of different ethnic and religious groups, giving them some autonomy while ensuring loyalty to the empire. The community system, which allowed religious communities to govern themselves in personal matters, showed the Ottomans' practical approach to governance, fostering a sense of belonging among various populations.

The military strength of the Ottoman Empire was a key factor in its growth and survival. The Janissaries, an elite infantry group, played a crucial role in the empire's military successes. Originally made up of Christian boys taken from their families through conscription, these soldiers were trained to be fiercely loyal to the Sultan. The Ottomans used advanced military tactics and technology, including gunpowder and artillery, which helped them conquer fortified cities and expand their territory. However, as the empire grew, it became harder to maintain a large and effective military. The reliance on conscription and the decline in the quality of training and equipment led to a drop in military effectiveness. This contributed to the empire's weaknesses.

The cultural achievements of the Ottoman Empire were important and diverse, covering architecture, literature, and the arts. The empire is especially known for its architectural masterpieces, such as the Hagia Sophia, which was turned into a mosque, and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. These buildings showcased the grandeur of Ottoman architecture, featuring large domes, complex tile work, and spacious courtyards. In writing, the Ottomans produced a wealth of poetry and prose, with notable figures like the poet Baki and the historian Evliya elebi contributing to the rich culture of the empire. The empire also supported a lively artistic scene, with advancements in calligraphy, miniature painting, and ceramics, reflecting the diverse influences present in Ottoman society.

Despite its successes, the Ottoman Empire faced many challenges that eventually led to its decline. The 19th century was marked by internal conflict, economic troubles, and the rise of nationalist movements among various ethnic groups within the empire. The failure to modernize military and administrative systems in response to European advancements made its weaknesses worse. Also, the empire's involvement in World War I on the side of the Central Powers resulted in significant territorial losses and ultimately led to the empire's dissolution in 1922. The aftermath of the war saw the rise of new nation-states in the former Ottoman territories, fundamentally changing the political landscape of the region. This transformation raised questions about national identity and governance that continue to be relevant today.

The legacy of the Ottoman Empire still influences modern society in various ways. The empire's cultural contributions, especially in architecture and the arts, are still visible in Turkey and other areas that were once part of the empire. Also, the community system has had a lasting effect on the relationship between religion and state in many countries, showing the complexities of governance in multi-ethnic societies. The complex mix of ethnic and religious identities that defined the Ottoman Empire still resonates today, as many of the challenges faced by the empiresuch as nationalism, sectarianism, and regional conflictscontinue in the modern world. So, the Ottoman Empire serves as an important reference point for understanding both historical and modern issues, prompting further exploration into how its legacy shapes current political dynamics.

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

Paragraph 1

The Ottoman Empire, which lasted from around 1299 to 1922, is one of the most important and enduring empires in world history. Founded by Osman I in the late 13th century, the empire grew quickly, reaching its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries under Suleiman the Magnificent. At its height, the empire covered vast areas across three continentsEurope, Asia, and Africa. It brought together many cultures, languages, and religions. This diversity created a complex social fabric that was both a strength and a challenge for the empire. The Ottomans were known for their efficient management, military strength, and cultural achievements, which have left a lasting mark on the regions they ruled.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what were the three continents covered by the Ottoman Empire at its height?
   1. Europe, Asia, and Africa
   2. Europe, Asia, and Australia
   3. Africa, Asia, and North America
   4. Europe, Africa, and South America

Negative Factual Information Question

1. The author mentions all of the following as characteristics of the Ottoman Empire EXCEPT:
   1. Its efficient management
   2. Its military strength
   3. Its isolation from other cultures
   4. Its cultural achievements

Paragraph 2

The administrative setup of the Ottoman Empire was based on a well-organised system that allowed effective control over its large territories. The empire was divided into provinces, each managed by a leader or a governor, who was responsible for keeping order, enforcing laws, and collecting taxes. The Sultan, as the main authority, had absolute power but relied on a council of advisors known as the Divan to help with decision-making. This administrative structure allowed for the integration of different ethnic and religious groups, giving them some autonomy while ensuring loyalty to the empire. The community system, which allowed religious communities to govern themselves in personal matters, showed the Ottomans' practical approach to governance, fostering a sense of belonging among various populations.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about the role of the Divan in the Ottoman Empire from paragraph 2?
   1. The Divan had more power than the Sultan.
   2. The Divan was responsible for military decisions.
   3. The Divan assisted the Sultan in governance.
   4. The Divan was composed solely of military leaders.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention the community system in paragraph 2?
   1. To highlight the Ottomans' military strategies
   2. To illustrate the empire's approach to governance
   3. To discuss the economic policies of the empire
   4. To emphasise the cultural achievements of the Ottomans

Paragraph 3

The military strength of the Ottoman Empire was a key factor in its growth and survival. The Janissaries, an elite infantry group, played a crucial role in the empire's military successes. Originally made up of Christian boys taken from their families through conscription, these soldiers were trained to be fiercely loyal to the Sultan. The Ottomans used advanced military tactics and technology, including gunpowder and artillery, which helped them conquer fortified cities and expand their territory. However, as the empire grew, it became harder to maintain a large and effective military. The reliance on conscription and the decline in the quality of training and equipment led to a drop in military effectiveness. This contributed to the empire's weaknesses.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "conscription" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to:
   1. Recruitment
   2. Dismissal
   3. Training
   4. Promotion

Sentence Simplification Question

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

"The reliance on conscription and the decline in the quality of training and equipment led to a drop in military effectiveness."

1. 1. The military became less effective due to poor training and conscription.
   2. Conscription was the only reason for the military's decline.
   3. The military was always effective despite conscription.
   4. Training and equipment improved the military's effectiveness.

Paragraph 4

The cultural achievements of the Ottoman Empire were important and diverse, covering architecture, literature, and the arts. The empire is especially known for its architectural masterpieces, such as the Hagia Sophia, which was turned into a mosque, and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. These buildings showcased the grandeur of Ottoman architecture, featuring large domes, complex tile work, and spacious courtyards. In writing, the Ottomans produced a wealth of poetry and prose, with notable figures like the poet Baki and the historian Evliya elebi contributing to the rich culture of the empire. The empire also supported a lively artistic scene, with advancements in calligraphy, miniature painting, and ceramics, reflecting the diverse influences present in Ottoman society.

Purpose of the Passage Question 

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4?
   1. To discuss the military strategies of the Ottomans
   2. To highlight the cultural achievements of the Ottoman Empire
   3. To explain the administrative structure of the empire
   4. To analyse the decline of the Ottoman Empire

Paragraph 5

Despite its successes, the Ottoman Empire faced many challenges that eventually led to its decline. The 19th century was marked by internal conflict, economic troubles, and the rise of nationalist movements among various ethnic groups within the empire. The failure to modernise military and administrative systems in response to European advancements made its weaknesses worse. Also, the empire's involvement in World War I on the side of the Central Powers resulted in significant territorial losses and ultimately led to the empire's dissolution in 1922. The aftermath of the war saw the rise of new nation-states in the former Ottoman territories, fundamentally changing the political landscape of the region. This transformation raised questions about national identity and governance that continue to be relevant today.

Prose Summary Question

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 Ottoman Empire was a significant and influential empire that lasted for several centuries."

1. 1. It was known for its military strength and cultural achievements.
   2. The empire faced numerous challenges that led to its decline.
   3. The Ottomans implemented a community system that allowed for self-governance.
   4. The empire's dissolution resulted in the rise of new nation-states.

Paragraph 6

The legacy of the Ottoman Empire still influences modern society in various ways. The empire's cultural contributions, especially in architecture and the arts, are still visible in Turkey and other areas that were once part of the empire. Also, the community system has had a lasting effect on the relationship between religion and state in many countries, showing the complexities of governance in multi-ethnic societies. The complex mix of ethnic and religious identities that defined the Ottoman Empire still resonates today, as many of the challenges faced by the empiresuch as nationalism, sectarianism, and regional conflictscontinue in the modern world. So, the Ottoman Empire serves as an important reference point for understanding both historical and modern issues, prompting further exploration into how its legacy shapes current political dynamics.

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. 

"The Ottoman Empire's influence can be seen in various aspects of contemporary governance."

Where would the sentence best fit?

(A) The legacy of the Ottoman Empire still influences modern society in various ways. (B) The empire's cultural contributions, especially in architecture and the arts, are still visible in Turkey and other areas that were once part of the empire. (C) Also, the community system has had a lasting effect on the relationship between religion and state in many countries, showing the complexities of governance in multi-ethnic societies. (D) The complex mix of ethnic and religious identities that defined the Ottoman Empire still resonates today, as many of the challenges faced by the empiresuch as nationalism, sectarianism, and regional conflictscontinue in the modern world.

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

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Ottoman Empire

1. Answer: A

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that at its height, the Ottoman Empire covered vast areas across three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa. This information is clearly presented in the first paragraph, making option A the correct choice.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: The passage highlights the Ottoman Empire's diversity and its integration of various cultures, languages, and religions. It does not mention isolation; rather, it emphasizes the empire's strengths and challenges arising from its multicultural nature. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it contradicts the information provided.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage indicates that the Sultan relied on a council of advisors known as the Divan to help with decision-making. This suggests that the Divan played a supportive role in governance rather than having more power than the Sultan or being solely responsible for military decisions, making option C the most accurate inference.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of the community system in paragraph 2 serves to demonstrate how the Ottomans managed a diverse population by allowing religious communities to govern themselves in personal matters. This illustrates the practical and inclusive approach the empire took towards governance, making option B the correct choice.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The term "conscription" refers to the compulsory enlistment of individuals into military service, which is synonymous with recruitment. The context in which it is used in the passage supports this meaning, making option A the closest match.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option accurately captures the essence of the original sentence by summarizing the reasons for the decline in military effectiveness. It highlights both the reliance on conscription and the decline in training quality, making it the best simplification.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The main focus of paragraph 4 is on the cultural achievements of the Ottoman Empire, particularly in architecture, literature, and the arts. The detailed descriptions of significant architectural works and literary contributions support this purpose, making option B the correct answer.

8. Answer: A, B and D

Explanation:

- A is correct as it mentions the military strength and cultural achievements, both significant aspects of the empire.
- B is also correct as it addresses the challenges that led to the empire's decline.
- D is correct because it discusses the dissolution of the empire and the rise of new nation-states, which is a key outcome of its decline.
- C is less central to the overall summary of the empire's significance, making it the outlier.

9. Answer: A 

Explanation: The sentence "The Ottoman Empire's influence can be seen in various aspects of contemporary governance" fits best at the beginning of paragraph 6. It sets the stage for discussing the empire's lasting impact on modern society, making option A the most appropriate placement.

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