The TOEFL iBT® Reading section demands a high level of analytical proficiency when applied to academic English texts. This section evaluates your ability to comprehend central ideas, identify crucial details, draw logical inferences, and navigate the structure of the text. The cornerstone of success in this section lies in consistent practice.

We provide realistic practice tests that meticulously replicate the actual exam format and writing style, fostering your comfort and confidence on test day. 

Are you prepared to achieve your optimal score in the TOEFL iBT® Reading section? Let's take this practice test exploring "The Easter Island" to gain valuable insights into the format and understand the areas for improvement.

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. 

In the southeastern Pacific Ocean, situated on Easter Island, now part of Chilean territory, lie numerous colossal stone sculptures known as "moai." These statues are characterized by their large heads featuring heavy brows, long noses, elongated ears, and protruding lips. While most moai stand at an average height of four meters and weigh around 12.5 tonnes, the largest among them towers at nearly 10 meters tall and weighs a staggering 86 tons. Scattered across Easter Island, many of these statues are positioned on platforms called "ahu" along the coastline, while others are located inland, with several standing near the primary volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku. Crafted by the Rapa Nui people between the 12th and 16th centuries, a total of 887 of these remarkable sculptures were built. Considered symbols of religious and political authority, they are believed to represent powerful chiefs or ancestors, facing inland towards the island's villages, perhaps serving as protective guardians over their creators.

The construction of monoliths, primarily carved out of volcanic ash using stone hand chisels, stands as an impressive achievement. Yet, even more fascinating, not to mention enigmatic, is the method by which these colossal statues were transported to their designated sites. Historically, many scholars linked the construction and conveyance of the moai to widespread deforestation on the island, culminating in the collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization. This theory draws, in part, from the sudden disappearance of pollen records coinciding with the cessation of moai construction and transportation using wooden logs. But how were logs utilized to move these statues? Proponents of this approach suggest the creation of "rollers" by aligning parallel logs upon which the prone statues were pulled or pushed. Unlike a full roadway of logs, this method allowed for the repositioning of logs from the rear to the front, forming a mobile platform of sorts. To facilitate rolling and stability, statues were positioned atop two logs arranged in a V shape.

Advocating for the notion of rolling statues in a prone position is Jo Anne Van Tilburg from UCLA. Employing advanced computer models, Van Tilburg meticulously considered various factors such as available resources, potential routes, terrain, and labor, even accounting for the dietary requirements of the workers. Her simulations lent support to the proposition that rolling prone statues was the most efficient technique. To bolster her argument, Van Tilburg supervised the movement of a replica moai using the method she advocated. While the endeavor proved successful, it's essential to recognize that the feasibility of an action does not inherently validate its historical occurrence.

Van Tilburg was not alone in exploring methods of moving the statues. In the 1980s, archaeologist Charles Love conducted experiments involving rolling the moai in an upright position, utilizing two wooden runners. Remarkably, a mere 25-person team managed to transport the statue 150 feet in just two minutes. However, the challenging terrain from the quarries to the coast often caused the statues to tip over, hindering Love's efforts. Despite initial skepticism, Love's observations aligned with the discovery of many moai lying on their sides or faces along ancient roads. Additionally, local folklore suggested that the statues "walked" to their destinations, implying an upright mode of transportation. Hence, rolling was not the sole method proposed for transporting the moai in an upright posture.

During the 1980s, Pavel Pavel and Thor Heyerdahl attempted an alternative approach by swiveling the statues forward. Using one rope around the head and another around the base, they successfully moved a five-ton moai with only eight individuals, and a nine-ton statue with 16. However, they ceased their endeavors due to the damaging effects of their technique; as they shifted the statues forward, the bases suffered chipping. This setback led many to discredit the notion of an upright, rope-assisted walking method.

However, many contemporary scholars now advocate for the notion that the statues were transported upright. In 2012, Carl Lipo of California State University Long Beach and Terry Hunt of the University of Hawaii collaborated with archaeologist Sergio Rapu to refine the concept of upright transportation. Their analysis revealed that statues seemingly abandoned during transit exhibited bases with a curved front edge, indicating a natural tendency to lean forward and requiring modification upon arrival at their destinations. Yet, this curvature also suggested that they could be easily rocked forward by a small team of individuals using three ropes attached to the head. Their experiments effectively showcased the viability of this approach, leading to increased acceptance of their theory.

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

Paragraph 2

The construction of monoliths, primarily carved out of volcanic ash using stone hand chisels, stands as an impressive achievement. Yet, even more fascinating, not to mention enigmatic, is the method by which these colossal statues were transported to their designated sites. Historically, many scholars linked the construction and conveyance of the moai to widespread deforestation on the island, culminating in the collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization. This theory draws, in part, from the sudden disappearance of pollen records coinciding with the cessation of moai construction and transportation using wooden logs. But how were logs utilized to move these statues? Proponents of this approach suggest the creation of "rollers" by aligning parallel logs upon which the prone statues were pulled or pushed. Unlike a full roadway of logs, this method allowed for the repositioning of logs from the rear to the front, forming a mobile platform of sorts. To facilitate rolling and stability, statues were positioned atop two logs arranged in a V shape.

1. In paragraph 2, what is the author's statement regarding past theories concerning the transportation of the moai from quarries to their designated locations?
   1. The theories suggested that the utilization of natural resources for moai transportation had detrimental impacts on both the environment and society.
   2. The theories rested on evidence of log pathways that persisted even after the disappearance of the Rapa Nui civilization.
   3. The theories found support in verbal traditions detailing the use of wood by the Rapa Nui people during the construction and transportation of the moai.
   4. The theories were founded on flawed estimations of the quantity of wood necessary for the long-distance transportation of the moai.

1. The term 'they' in paragraph 2 pertains to:
   1. Proponents
   2. The people
   3. Rollers
   4. Statues

1. Which option best captures the main idea of the highlighted sentences in Paragraph 2?
   1. The transportation of the moai is remarkable and mysterious, although not as impressive as their creation.
   2. While the moai were carved with stone hand chisels, it remains uncertain whether they were transported.
   3. The creation of the moai is impressive but not as remarkable as their transportation.
   4. The transportation of the moai is as remarkable and mysterious as their creation with simple hand tools.

Paragraph 3

Advocating for the notion of rolling statues in a prone position is Jo Anne Van Tilburg from UCLA. Employing advanced computer models, Van Tilburg meticulously considered various factors such as available resources, potential routes, terrain, and labor, even accounting for the dietary requirements of the workers. Her simulations lent support to the proposition that rolling prone statues was the most efficient technique. To bolster her argument, Van Tilburg supervised the movement of a replica moai using the method she advocated. While the endeavor proved successful, it's essential to recognize that the feasibility of an action does not inherently validate its historical occurrence.

1. Why does the author refer to Jo Anne Van Tilburg's "advanced computer models" in paragraph 3?
   1. To highlight the challenge of theorizing about ancient activities.
   2. To illustrate that Van Tilburg's hypothesis seemed to be backed by evidence.
   3. To question theories primarily based on experimentation rather than digital modeling.
   4. To demonstrate the application of modern tools in archaeology to unravel ancient enigmas.

1. In paragraph 3, what does the author NOT imply about Jo Anne Van Tilburg’s hypothesis regarding the transportation method of the moai?
   1. The use of computer modeling indicates that rolling statues on logs could have been highly efficient.
   2. Successful attempts to replicate how the Rapa Nui people might have used log-rolling support the hypothesis.
   3. There is conclusive evidence proving the use of log-rolling techniques by the Rapa Nui people to move the moai.
   4. Despite considering all variables, there wasn't sufficient justification for the log-rolling method.

Paragraph 6

However, many contemporary scholars now advocate for the notion that the statues were transported upright. In 2012, Carl Lipo of California State University Long Beach and Terry Hunt of the University of Hawaii collaborated with archaeologist Sergio Rapu to refine the concept of upright transportation. Their analysis revealed that statues seemingly abandoned during transit exhibited bases with a curved front edge, indicating a natural tendency to lean forward and requiring modification upon arrival at their destinations. Yet, this curvature also suggested that they could be easily rocked forward by a small team of individuals using three ropes attached to the head. Their experiments effectively showcased the viability of this approach, leading to increased acceptance of their theory.

1. What can be deduced from paragraph 6 regarding the statues discovered at the final destinations?
   1. They exhibited indications of being toppled onto their sides during transportation.
   2. There was a desire to position them in different locations, hindered by the limitations of transportation.
   3. A significant number of statues were actually crafted at the installation sites, contrary to previous assumptions of their origin at quarries.
   4. They lacked curved front edges.

1. The term 'abandoned' in paragraph 6 is most similar in meaning to:
   1. Broken
   2. Tipped over
   3. Left
   4. Changed

1. Which method of transportation does the author suggest is backed by the most convincing evidence?
   1. Rolling moai upright on logs.
   2. Shuffling moai with ropes attached to the head and base.
   3. Rolling moai prone.
   4. Rocking moai with ropes tied to the head.

Paragraph 3

Advocating for the notion of rolling statues in a prone position is Jo Anne Van Tilburg from UCLA. (A) Employing advanced computer models, Van Tilburg meticulously considered various factors such as available resources, potential routes, terrain, and labor, even accounting for the dietary requirements of the workers. Her simulations lent support to the proposition that rolling prone statues was the most efficient technique. (B) To bolster her argument, Van Tilburg supervised the movement of a replica moai using the method she advocated. (C) While the endeavor proved successful, it's essential to recognize that the feasibility of an action does not inherently validate its historical occurrence. (D)

1. Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.
   
   Based on her findings, it seemed that an average-sized moai could be transported around 10 kilometers in just under 5 days with the assistance of 70 individuals.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

1. Directions: You will find an introductory sentence for a summary of the passage provided below. Your task is to complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that best represent the key ideas in the passage. Be mindful that some sentences may not align with the main ideas or may have minor ideas in the passage. This question carries a weight of 2 points.
   
   Several conflicting theories aim to elucidate the methods behind the transportation of the massive moai statues across different sites on Easter Island.
   
   Answer Choices
   1. Jo Anne Van Tilburg experimented with relocating moai replicas using a V-shaped log structure.
   2. Experiments involving the use of ropes to move the moai indicate the likelihood of their transportation in an upright position.
   3. The statues scattered around the island were crafted in the stone quarries situated in the island's interior.
   4. Numerous theories propose the utilization of logs to roll the statues, potentially linked to the eventual collapse of the civilization.
   5. Factors such as the condition of the road, material availability, and statue construction play crucial roles in determining their transportation methods.
   6. Certain statues were not transported significant distances from the quarries where they were originally built.

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Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL iBT® Reading Passage - The Easter Island

1.  Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Rhetorical Purpose Question regarding Paragraph 2. The correct answer is The theories suggested that the utilization of natural resources for moai transportation had detrimental impacts on both the environment and society.

In paragraph 2, the author discusses past theories about how the moai were transported. These theories are described as linking the transportation methods to widespread deforestation on the island and the eventual collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization. This suggests that the utilization of natural resources, such as wood, for moai transportation had negative consequences for both the environment and society, supporting option A. Options B, C, and D are not supported by the paragraph as they do not accurately reflect the content discussed regarding the past theories.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: This is an Inference Question pertaining to the word 'they'. The correct answer is The people.

In paragraph 2, the term "they" refers to the Rapa Nui people who were responsible for the transportation of the moai statues. The paragraph discusses theories about how the moai were transported by the people of Easter Island, indicating that "they" refers to the individuals involved in this process. Therefore, option B, "The people," is the most appropriate choice. Options A, C, and D do not accurately represent the referent of the term "they" as discussed in the paragraph.

3. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is C as it accurately captures the main idea of the highlighted sentences in Paragraph 2. It emphasizes that while the creation of the moai is impressive, their transportation remains uncertain or less remarkable. This aligns with the notion presented in the passage that while the creation of the moai using stone hand chisels is an impressive feat, the methods of transportation are shrouded in mystery, making them equally or even more remarkable. Therefore, option C appropriately reflects the contrast between the impressive creation and the uncertain or mysterious transportation of the moai. the contrast between the two activities.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: This is a Rhetorical Purpose Question pertaining to Paragraph 3. The correct answer is B. The author mentions Jo Anne Van Tilburg's "advanced computer models" in paragraph 3 to illustrate that her hypothesis regarding the transportation of the moai appeared to be supported by evidence. These computer models took into account various factors such as available materials, routes, terrain, and manpower, providing a comprehensive analysis that lent credibility to her theory. Therefore, option B accurately reflects the purpose of referencing Van Tilburg's computer models in the context of the paragraph.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: This is an Inference Question. The correct answer is C. In paragraph 3, the author does not imply that there is conclusive evidence proving the use of log-rolling techniques by the Rapa Nui people to move the moai. Instead, the author discusses how Jo Anne Van Tilburg's hypothesis is supported by computer modeling and successful attempts to replicate the process. However, there is no mention of conclusive evidence proving the specific use of log-rolling techniques. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it accurately identifies the implication that is not made in the paragraph.

6. Answer: D

Explanation: This is also an Inference question and the correct answer is D. In paragraph 6, the author discusses the statues found at their eventual resting places. The paragraph mentions that these statues had bases with a curved front edge. This detail suggests that the statues were designed in a way that they would naturally topple forward and require modification upon reaching their destinations. However, the curved edge also facilitated rocking the statues forward using ropes attached to the head. This information implies that the statues did have curved front edges, contradicting option D. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it accurately identifies what cannot be deduced from the paragraph.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Vocabulary question about the word "abandoned". The correct answer is Left.

In the context of the paragraph, the term "abandoned" refers to the statues being left or positioned in a certain way at their eventual resting places. It implies that the statues were not moved further and were left in their current positions. Therefore, "abandoned" is most similar in meaning to "left." Option C accurately captures this meaning, making it the correct choice. Options A and B are not appropriate because they suggest physical alterations or displacement of the statues, which is not implied by the term "abandoned" in this context. Option D, "changed," does not accurately convey the sense of being left in a specific position or location.

8. Answer: D

Explanation: This is a Factual Question on Paragraph 6. The correct answer is Rocking moai with ropes tied to the head.

In the passage, the author presents various methods of transporting the moai statues, including rolling them upright on logs, shuffling them with ropes, rolling them prone, and rocking them with ropes tied to the head. The author indicates that the method of rocking moai with ropes tied to the head is supported by the most compelling evidence. This is demonstrated in paragraph 6, where it is mentioned that Carl Lipo and his colleagues refined the upright walking idea and conducted experiments that demonstrated the feasibility of this method. They found that the statues appeared to have curved front edges, allowing them to naturally topple forward and be rocked forward using ropes attached to the head. These experiments provided convincing evidence for the rocking method of transportation, making option D the correct choice.

9. Answer: B

Explanation: This is an Insert Text question where you are required to select the appropriate place to insert the provided sentence within the passage. Among the four possible answer choices provided in paragraph 3, the sentence "Based on her findings, it seemed that an average-sized moai could be transported around 10 kilometers in just under 5 days with the assistance of 70 individuals" is most fittingly inserted in choice B. The sentence following choice (elaborates on the how Van Tilburg supervised the movement of a replica moai.

Choices (A), (C), and (are incorrect because the surrounding sentences before and after each of these options primarily discuss about Tilburg’s planning.

10. Answer: A, C, D

Explanation: This is a Prose Summary question, and the correct responses are A, C, and D. Therefore, options B, E and F are incorrect.

Correct Choices

Choice A: Choice (is correct as Jo Anne Van Tilburg's experimentation with relocating moai replicas using a V-shaped log structure is mentioned in the passage as one of the methods proposed for moving the statues. This experiment demonstrates one of the theories regarding the transportation of the moai.

Choice C: Choice (is correct as the passage discusses the origin of the statues, mentioning that they were crafted in the stone quarries located in the island's interior. This detail is crucial to understanding the context of the transportation methods discussed in the passage.

Choice D: Choice (is correct as the passage highlights numerous theories proposing the utilization of logs to roll the statues, suggesting a potential link to the eventual collapse of the civilization on Easter Island. This theory is significant as it provides insight into the potential consequences of the transportation methods employed.

Incorrect Choices

Choice B: Choice B, "Experiments involving the use of ropes to move the moai indicate the likelihood of their transportation in an upright position” is incorrect because this option focuses on experiments with ropes, which does not capture a key idea regarding the transportation methods proposed for the moai statues. While experiments with ropes are discussed, they are not presented as the most compelling evidence for any specific method of transportation.

Choice E: Choice B, "Factors such as the condition of the road, material availability, and statue construction play crucial roles in determining their transportation methods” is incorrect because although the passage briefly mentions these factors as important variables in determining transportation methods, they do not represent key ideas in the context of the passage's focus on conflicting theories regarding the transportation of the moai statues.

Choice F: Choice F, "Certain statues were not transported significant distances from the quarries where they were originally built” is incorrect because this statement does not capture a key idea related to the conflicting theories regarding the transportation methods of the moai statues. This option provides information about the proximity of some statues to their quarries but does not contribute to summarizing the main ideas of the passage regarding the transportation methods proposed for the moai statues.

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