The city of Teotihuacán - TOEFL Reading Practice Test with Answer Key

Mastering the intricacies of the TOEFL iBT® Reading section demands targeted preparation and exposure to test-like format and questions. Strong comprehension skills are crucial for excelling in the TOEFL iBT® exam. 

To meet this demand, we've designed a personalized TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test with Answer key and detailed explanations on the topic- ‘The city of Teotihuacán’. These practice materials are carefully curated to simulate the actual test questions, providing you with invaluable insights for improvement. With these practice tests, you can begin sharpening your comprehension and reading skills. So, let's start your journey to TOEFL iBT® Success!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 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. 

Teotihuacán, situated approximately 50 kilometers northeast of present-day Mexico City, commenced its development by 200–100 B.C. During its peak, spanning from around A.D. 150 to 700, it likely boasted a population exceeding 125,000 individuals and encompassed at least 20 square kilometers. The city boasted more than 2,000 residential complexes, a bustling market, numerous industrial workshops, an administrative hub, several imposing religious structures, and a well-organized grid layout of streets and buildings. Evidently, extensive planning and centralized authority were integral to the growth and organization of this grand urban center. Furthermore, the city maintained economic and potentially religious connections with various regions across Mesoamerica, encompassing modern Central America and Mexico.

What led to this significant progress, and why did it occur in the Teotihuacán Valley? Key contributing factors include the valley's strategic geographic position along a vital trade route to the south and east of the Valley of Mexico, the presence of obsidian resources within the Teotihuacán Valley, and the potential for extensive irrigation in the area. However, determining the specific influence of other elements is much more challenging. These include Teotihuacán's religious importance as a sacred site, the historical circumstances in and around the Valley of Mexico at the end of the first millennium B.C., the ingenuity and foresightedness of Teotihuacán's ruling class, and the effects of natural calamities such as volcanic eruptions during the late first millennium B.C.

The final aspect is indirectly linked to the ascent of Teotihuacán. Before 200 B.C., several small settlements existed within and around the Valley of Mexico. During this period, Cuicuilco, the largest among these settlements, suffered significant consequences from a volcanic eruption, leading to the covering of much of its farmland with lava. With Cuicuilco no longer posing as a potential competitor, any of several moderately-sized towns could have emerged as a dominant economic and political force in Central Mexico. However, archaeological findings unmistakably show that Teotihuacán indeed emerged as the predominant power in the region by the first century A.D.

It appears probable that Teotihuacán's abundant natural resources, combined with the discernment of its ruling class regarding their potential, provided the city with a competitive edge over its neighbors. The valley, like numerous other regions in the Mexican and Guatemalan highlands, possessed a wealth of obsidian. This durable volcanic material had been in high demand for a considerable period, particularly since the era of the Olmecs (a thriving civilization between 1200 and 400 B.C.), and it evidently had a stable market. Additionally, recent studies on obsidian tools unearthed at Olmec sites have revealed that some of the obsidian sourced by the Olmecs originate near Teotihuacán. The value of Teotihuacán's obsidian must have been acknowledged as a valuable commodity for many centuries before the emergence of the great city.

The elite inhabitants of Teotihuacán likely gained access to diverse and exotic goods through long-distance obsidian trade, leading to a comparatively affluent lifestyle. This prosperity might have enticed immigrants to settle in Teotihuacán. Moreover, the city's ruling class may have actively sought to attract new residents. By around 200 B.C., Teotihuacán possibly acquired religious importance, with its shrine(s) potentially drawing more people to the area. Additionally, the expanding population was likely sustained by the expansion of irrigated fields, increasing both their number and size.

The depiction of Teotihuacán reflects a cycle of positive reinforcement involving obsidian mining and craftsmanship, trade, population expansion, irrigation, and religious pilgrimages. For instance, the thriving obsidian operation required an increase in miners, craftsmen producing obsidian tools, and traders transporting goods to new markets. This cycle generated greater prosperity, attracting more immigrants to Teotihuacán. The rising influence of the ruling class, who oversaw the economy, enabled them to compel individuals to relocate to Teotihuacán and contribute to the workforce. Furthermore, the need for additional irrigation systems to support the growing populace resulted in enhanced power and wealth for the elite.

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Directions: Now answer the questions. 

Paragraph 1

Teotihuacán, situated approximately 50 kilometers northeast of present-day Mexico City, commenced its development by 200–100 B.C. During its peak, spanning from around A.D. 150 to 700, it likely boasted a population exceeding 125,000 individuals and encompassed at least 20 square kilometers. The city boasted more than 2,000 residential complexes, a bustling market, numerous industrial workshops, an administrative hub, several imposing religious structures, and a well-organized grid layout of streets and buildings. Evidently, extensive planning and centralized authority were integral to the growth and organization of this grand urban center. Furthermore, the city maintained economic and potentially religious connections with various regions across Mesoamerica, encompassing modern Central America and Mexico.

1. In paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a characteristic of the city of Teotihuacán between A.D. 150 and 700?
   1. Well-organized streets
   2. Multiple administrative centers distributed throughout the city
   3. Numerous workshops for manufacturing
   4. Residential complexes

Paragraph 2

What led to this significant progress, and why did it occur in the Teotihuacán Valley? Key contributing factors include the valley's strategic geographic position along a vital trade route to the south and east of the Valley of Mexico, the presence of obsidian resources within the Teotihuacán Valley, and the potential for extensive irrigation in the area. However, determining the specific influence of other elements is much more challenging. These include Teotihuacán's religious importance as a sacred site, the historical circumstances in and around the Valley of Mexico at the end of the first millennium B.C., the ingenuity and foresightedness of Teotihuacán's ruling class, and the effects of natural calamities such as volcanic eruptions during the late first millennium B.C.

1. What is the closest meaning of the word "ingenuity" as used in paragraph 2?
   1. ambition
   2. sincerity
   3. faith
   4. cleverness

1. What is omitted in paragraph 2 as a primary element in the rise of Teotihuacán?
   1. The existence of obsidian within the Teotihuacán Valley
   2. The possibility of broad irrigation of lands in the Teotihuacán Valley
   3. An extended span of volcanic quiescence in the Teotihuacán Valley
   4. Teotihuacán’s position along a natural commercial path

Paragraph 3

The final aspect is indirectly linked to the ascent of Teotihuacán. Before 200 B.C., several small settlements existed within and around the Valley of Mexico. During this period, Cuicuilco, the largest among these settlements, suffered significant consequences from a volcanic eruption, leading to the covering of much of its farmland with lava. With Cuicuilco no longer posing as a potential competitor, any of several moderately-sized towns could have emerged as a dominant economic and political force in Central Mexico. However, archaeological findings unmistakably show that Teotihuacán indeed emerged as the predominant power in the region by the first century A.D.

1. What conclusion can be drawn from paragraph 3 regarding Cuicuilco before 200 B.C.?
   1. It remained relatively petite until that time.
   2. It was positioned beyond the Valley of Mexico.
   3. It swiftly developed as a hub for economy and politics.
   4. Its economic foundation was predominantly agricultural.

Paragraph 4

It appears probable that Teotihuacán's abundant natural resources, combined with the discernment of its ruling class regarding their potential, provided the city with a competitive edge over its neighbors. The valley, like numerous other regions in the Mexican and Guatemalan highlands, possessed a wealth of obsidian. This durable volcanic material had been in high demand for a considerable period, particularly since the era of the Olmecs (a thriving civilization between 1200 and 400 B.C.), and it evidently had a stable market. Additionally, recent studies on obsidian tools unearthed at Olmec sites have revealed that some of the obsidian sourced by the Olmecs originate near Teotihuacán. The value of Teotihuacán's obsidian must have been acknowledged as a valuable commodity for many centuries before the emergence of the great city.

1. What factor gave Teotihuacán an advantage over neighboring regions?
   1. Efficient utilization of an abundant and easily accessible resource
   2. The existence of a secure and influential upper class
   3. Direct insights from the Olmecs regarding toolcraft
   4. Limited natural assets in nearby territories like those found in today's Guatemalan and Mexican highlands

1. Based on paragraph 4, what has recent investigation of obsidian implements discovered at Olmec sites?
   1. The significance of obsidian was recognized after Teotihuacán gained prominence.
   2. Teotihuacán's inhabitants were skilled craftsmen of tools.
   3. Teotihuacán's inhabitants engaged in obsidian trade with the Olmecs as early as 400 
   4. A Portion of the obsidian utilized by the Olmecs originated from the vicinity of Teotihuacán.

Paragraph 5

The elite inhabitants of Teotihuacán likely gained access to diverse and exotic goods through long-distance obsidian trade, leading to a comparatively affluent lifestyle. This prosperity might have enticed immigrants to settle in Teotihuacán. Moreover, the city's ruling class may have actively sought to attract new residents. By around 200 B.C., Teotihuacán possibly acquired religious importance, with its shrine(s) potentially drawing more people to the area. Additionally, the expanding population was likely sustained by the expansion of irrigated fields, increasing both their number and size.

1. Choose the TWO options that are identified in paragraph 5 as characteristics of Teotihuacán that might have enticed immigrants to settle in the city. You must select TWO options to be correct.
   1. The wealth of the upper class
   2. Abundance of housing options
   3. Prospects for lucrative farming jobs
   4. The existence of one or more sacred sites

Paragraph 6

The depiction of Teotihuacán reflects a cycle of positive reinforcement involving obsidian mining and craftsmanship, trade, population expansion, irrigation, and religious pilgrimages. For instance, the thriving obsidian operation required an increase in miners, craftsmen producing obsidian tools, and traders transporting goods to new markets. This cycle generated greater prosperity, attracting more immigrants to Teotihuacán. The rising influence of the ruling class, who oversaw the economy, enabled them to compel individuals to relocate to Teotihuacán and contribute to the workforce. Furthermore, the need for additional irrigation systems to support the growing populace resulted in enhanced power and wealth for the elite.

1. In paragraph 6, why does the author mention "The thriving obsidian operation"?
   1. To justify why manufacturing was the primary sector in Teotihuacán
   2. To provide an instance of an industry that rapidly emerged in Teotihuacán
   3. To demonstrate the interconnectedness of various factors that contributed to Teotihuacán's prosperity and affluence
   4. To elucidate how a prosperous industry can be both a generator of wealth and a cause of disputes

Paragraph 1

Teotihuacán, situated approximately 50 kilometers northeast of present-day Mexico City, commenced its development by 200–100 B.C. During its peak, spanning from around A.D. 150 to 700, it likely boasted a population exceeding 125,000 individuals and encompassed at least 20 square kilometers. (A)The city boasted more than 2,000 residential complexes, a bustling market, numerous industrial workshops, an administrative hub, several imposing religious structures, and a well-organized grid layout of streets and buildings. (B)Evidently, extensive planning and centralized authority were integral to the growth and organization of this grand urban center. (C)Furthermore, the city maintained economic and potentially religious connections with various regions across Mesoamerica, encompassing modern Central America and Mexico. (D)

1. Directions: Look at the part of the passage that is displayed above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) indicate where the following sentence could be added.
   
   In fact, artifacts and pottery from Teotihuacán have been discovered in sites as far away as the Mayan lowlands, the Guatemalan highlands, northern Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of Mexico.
   
   Where would the sentence best fit?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Instructions: Below is an introductory sentence for summarizing the passage. You need to choose three answer choices that represent the most significant ideas in the passage to complete the summary. Some answer choices are irrelevant or minor ideas not discussed in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   Teotihuacán was a highly developed city in Mesoamerica that reached its peak between about A.D. 150 and 700.
   
   
   Answer Choices
   1. The presence of centralized planning and control is evidenced by the extensive and advanced architectural, administrative, commercial, and religious elements in Teotihuacán.
   2. Teotihuacán's considerable prosperity might have facilitated the development of a distinct local religion unique to the city.
   3. Teotihuacán's exceptional growth can be attributed to various factors such as its strategic location, abundant natural resources, irrigation capabilities, intellectual elite, and the setbacks faced by rival communities.
   4. By the first century A.D., Teotihuacán had become the predominant religious hub in Mesoamerica due to its multitude of religious sites.
   5. Teotihuacán exemplified a positive feedback loop in its achievements and affluence across different sectors, including the obsidian industry and religious tourism.
   6. Despite attracting numerous immigrants between A.D. 150 and 700, the increasing use of forced labor deterred further settlement and constrained Teotihuacán's population growth.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL iBT® Reading Passage - The City of Teotihuacán

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The passage mentions several characteristics of Teotihuacán between A.D. 150 and 700, including well-organized streets, numerous workshops for manufacturing, and residential complexes. However, it does not specifically mention multiple administrative centers distributed throughout the city during this period. Therefore, option B is not mentioned as a characteristic of Teotihuacán between A.D. 150 and 700.

2. Answer: D

Explanation:  This is a Vocabulary question. The answer is D, cleverness. In the context of the passage, "ingenuity" refers to the cleverness or inventiveness of Teotihuacán's ruling class in recognizing the potential of the city's resources and utilizing them effectively. This aligns with the idea that their cleverness contributed to the city's success and development.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The answer is C. In paragraph 2, the passage discusses several primary elements contributing to the rise of Teotihuacán, including the presence of obsidian within the Teotihuacán Valley, the potential for broad irrigation of lands in the valley, and Teotihuacán's position along a natural commercial path. However, it does not mention an extended span of volcanic quiescence in the Teotihuacán Valley as a primary element. Therefore, option C is omitted in paragraph 2 as a primary element in the rise of Teotihuacán.

4. Answer: D

Explanation: The conclusion that can be drawn from paragraph 3 regarding Cuicuilco before 200 B.C. is that its economic foundation was predominantly agricultural. This conclusion is supported by the statement in the paragraph that Cuicuilco suffered consequences from a volcanic eruption that covered much of its farmland with lava. This indicates that agriculture was a significant aspect of Cuicuilco's economy before the volcanic eruption impacted its farmland. Therefore, option D, "Its economic foundation was predominantly agricultural," is the correct conclusion based on the information provided in paragraph 3.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The factor that gave Teotihuacán an advantage over neighboring regions, as mentioned in the passage, was the efficient utilization of an abundant and easily accessible resource. This resource refers to obsidian, a durable volcanic material that was in high demand during that period. Teotihuacán's strategic location with access to obsidian resources in the Teotihuacán Valley allowed it to capitalize on the demand for this material, contributing to its economic prosperity and competitive edge over neighboring regions. Therefore, option A, "Efficient utilization of an abundant and easily accessible resource," is the correct answer based on the information provided in the passage.

6. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is D. The recent investigation of obsidian implements at Olmec sites has discovered that a portion of the obsidian used by the Olmecs originated from the vicinity of Teotihuacán. This conclusion is supported by the paragraph stating that recent studies on obsidian tools unearthed at Olmec sites revealed some obsidian sourced by the Olmecs came from near Teotihuacán. Therefore, the answer choice D accurately reflects the information provided in paragraph 4.

7. Answer: A, D

Explanation: The correct options are A and D:

Choice A, “The wealth of the upper class”- Paragraph 5 mentions that the elite inhabitants of Teotihuacán likely had access to diverse and exotic goods through long-distance obsidian trade, leading to a comparatively affluent lifestyle. This prosperity might have enticed immigrants to settle in Teotihuacán, as they would have seen opportunities for economic advancement and a higher standard of living.

Choice D, “The existence of one or more sacred sites”- By around 200 B.C., Teotihuacán possibly acquired religious importance, with its shrine(s) potentially drawing more people to the area. Sacred sites often attract pilgrimages and settlements, as people are drawn to places of religious significance for various reasons, including spiritual fulfillment and community ties.

8. Answer: C

Explanation: The author mentions "The thriving obsidian operation" in paragraph 6 to demonstrate the interconnectedness of various factors that contributed to Teotihuacán's prosperity and affluence. This operation is highlighted as an example of an industry that flourished in Teotihuacán, leading to economic growth, trade expansion, population increase, and enhanced power for the ruling class. By showcasing the success of the obsidian industry, the author illustrates how different elements such as resources, trade networks, population dynamics, and economic activities were interrelated and mutually reinforcing in driving Teotihuacán's development. Therefore, option C, "To demonstrate the interconnectedness of various factors that contributed to Teotihuacán's prosperity and affluence," is the most suitable explanation for why the author mentions "The thriving obsidian operation" in paragraph 6.

9. Answer: D

Explanation: The sentence "In fact, artifacts and pottery from Teotihuacán have been discovered in sites as far away as the Mayan lowlands, the Guatemalan highlands, northern Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of Mexico" would best fit at point (D) in the passage. This is because the sentence provides additional information about the extent of Teotihuacán's influence and trade connections, which is relevant to the discussion about the city's economic and potentially religious connections with various regions across Mesoamerica. Placing the sentence at point (D) after discussing the obsidian trade and the city's connections with other regions would seamlessly expand on the topic of Teotihuacán's reach and impact beyond its immediate vicinity.

10. Answer: A, C, E

Explanation: This is a Prose Summary question. It is completed correctly below. 

Teotihuacán was a highly developed city in Mesoamerica that reached its peak between about A.D. 150 and 700.

Answer Choices

A. The presence of centralized planning and control is evidenced by the extensive and advanced architectural, administrative, commercial, and religious elements in Teotihuacán.

B. Teotihuacán's considerable prosperity might have facilitated the development of a distinct local religion unique to the city.

C. Teotihuacán's exceptional growth can be attributed to various factors such as its strategic location, abundant natural resources, irrigation capabilities, intellectual elite, and the setbacks faced by rival communities.

D. By the first century A.D., Teotihuacán had become the predominant religious hub in Mesoamerica due to its multitude of religious sites.

E. Teotihuacán exemplified a positive feedback loop in its achievements and affluence across different sectors, including the obsidian industry and religious tourism.

Correct Choices

Choice A. The presence of centralized planning and control is evidenced by the extensive and advanced architectural, administrative, commercial, and religious elements in Teotihuacán.

This choice highlights the organized and systematic development of Teotihuacán, showcasing its advanced infrastructure and centralized governance as key factors in its success.

Choice C. Teotihuacán's exceptional growth can be attributed to various factors such as its strategic location, abundant natural resources, irrigation capabilities, intellectual elite, and the setbacks faced by rival communities.

This choice encapsulates the diverse range of factors that contributed to Teotihuacán's growth, including its geographical advantages, resource richness, intellectual leadership, and external circumstances.

Choice E. Teotihuacán exemplified a positive feedback loop in its achievements and affluence across different sectors, including the obsidian industry and religious tourism.

This choice emphasizes how Teotihuacán's success in one sector, like the obsidian industry, led to prosperity and growth in other areas, such as religious tourism, creating a cycle of positive reinforcement and development.

Incorrect Choices

Option B is incorrect because the passage does not specifically discuss the development of a distinct local religion unique to Teotihuacán due to its considerable prosperity. While the passage mentions Teotihuacán's religious importance and the presence of numerous religious structures, it does not explicitly link the city's prosperity to the development of a distinct religion.

Option D is incorrect because the passage does mention Teotihuacán's religious significance and the presence of religious sites, but it does not state that the city became the predominant religious hub in Mesoamerica by the first century A.D. The passage focuses more on the city's growth, architectural features, economic factors, and the positive feedback loop contributing to its success.

Now that you have mastered the Reading Section and sharpened your Comprehension skills, it's time you practice for other TOEFL tasks and continue your preparation in full swing. 

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