The Development of Early Agriculture and Domestication of Animals - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to assess your ability to understand spoken academic English, particularly in lectures. This part of the exam features a variety of topics, requiring you to listen carefully and answer multiple-choice questions based on the content. Each lecture is crafted to simulate real classroom experiences, making it essential for test-takers to develop strong listening skills.

To help you prepare effectively, we’ve created a listening practice set focused on "The Development of Early Agriculture and Domestication of Animals." This set not only provides an engaging exploration of these transformative advancements in human history but also includes detailed explanations to enhance your understanding. By practicing with this material, you will become more familiar with the types of questions you may encounter on the TOEFL exam, boosting your confidence and improving your overall performance.

As you engage with this topic, you'll discover how the shift from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities marked a significant turning point in our history. Ready to enhance your skills and knowledge? Let’s get started!

Listening Instructions

• You can listen to each conversation and lecture only once.
• You have approximately 8 minutes to listen to the conversation/lecture and respond to the questions.
• Each question generally carries one point unless otherwise specified in the instructions, which will explicitly state the assigned points for specific questions.
• After listening to the Conversation, respond to questions related to the topic based on explicit or implicit statements made by the speakers.
• Feel free to make notes as you listen. You can refer to your notes to aid in answering the questions. 
• We recommend practicing note-taking with a pen and paper, similar to what you'll do during the TOEFL Exam.

Conversation on The Development of Early Agriculture and Domestication of Animals

Now listen to the audio.

Questions

Directions: Mark your answer by selecting your choice.

1. What is the main topic of the lecture?  
   
   1. The role of trade in early societies
   2. The development of early agriculture and the domestication of animals
   3. The impact of climate on farming
   4.  The evolution of human societies

1. According to the professor, when did the emergence of agriculture occur?  
   
   1. Approximately 5,000 years ago
   2. During the Industrial Revolution
   3. Approximately 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution
   4. In the Middle Ages  

1. What does the professor mean when he says, "This pivotal shift occurred approximately 10,000 years ago"?
   
   1. The shift was unimportant to human history. 
   2. The shift marked a significant change in human lifestyles.
   3. The shift was a gradual process without major consequences.
   4. The shift only affected a small number of people.

1. What is the professor's attitude towards the impact of early agriculture on human societies?
   1. Skeptical
   2. Indifferent  
   3. Positive  
   4. Critical 

1.  What can be inferred about the relationship between surplus food production and social structures in early farming communities?
   
   1. Surplus food production led to a decline in population. 
   2. Surplus food production resulted in the emergence of specialised roles and trade networks.
   3. Surplus food production had no impact on social structures.    
   4. Surplus food production caused conflicts among communities. 

Transcript of the Audio Conversation on The Development of Early Agriculture and Domestication of Animals

Answers and Explanations of Conversation on The Development of Early Agriculture and Domestication of Animals

1. Answer: B. The development of early agriculture and the domestication of animals.

Explanation: The lecture focuses on two significant advancements: early agriculture and the domestication of animals. These topics are presented as transformative developments that fundamentally altered human societies, making option B the most accurate representation of the main topic.

2. Answer: C. Approximately 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution.

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the emergence of agriculture occurred around 10,000 years ago during the Neolithic Revolution. This detail is crucial as it marks a significant turning point in human history, distinguishing it from other time periods mentioned in the other options.

3. Answer: B. The shift marked a significant change in human lifestyles.

Explanation: By describing the shift as "pivotal," the professor indicates that this transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities was crucial in shaping human history. It signifies a major change in how humans interacted with their environment and organised their societies, rather than being an unimportant or gradual process.

4. Answer: C. Positive.

Explanation: The professor presents early agriculture and animal domestication as instrumental advancements that laid the groundwork for complex civilisations. This positive framing suggests an appreciation for the transformative effects these developments had on human societies, rather than a critical or indifferent stance.

5. Answer: B. To explain how animals contributed to agricultural productivity.

Explanation: The passage highlights the importance of domesticated animals, such as oxen, in enhancing agricultural productivity. By mentioning this, the professor illustrates how the domestication of animals was not only a significant development in its own right but also a crucial factor in improving farming efficiency and supporting larger populations.

6. Answer: B. Surplus food production resulted in the emergence of specialised roles and trade networks.

Explanation: The passage indicates that surplus food production allowed for the diversification of labour, leading to the emergence of specialised roles such as artisans and traders. This suggests a direct relationship between increased food availability and the development of more complex social structures and trade networks, highlighting the transformative impact of agricultural advancements on society.

Want to continue with the TOEFL Listening preparation? We've created different practice tests that mimic the actual exam format to boost your confidence and self-assurance, especially on the test day.

So, let's take a step forward and check out a few more practice tests to level up your listening skills!

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