The History of Calligraphy - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

Calligraphy, the art of beautiful writing, has a long and diverse history spanning numerous cultures and centuries. Originating in ancient civilizations such as Egypt and China, calligraphy evolved into an esteemed art form in places like the Islamic world, Japan, and Europe.

Each culture developed its own unique styles and techniques, using calligraphy not only for practical communication but also for religious, artistic, and ceremonial purposes. From the elegant brushstrokes of East Asian scripts to the intricate curves of Arabic calligraphy, this art has left a profound influence on written language and visual expression. This passage will explore the development, cultural significance, and legacy of calligraphy throughout history.

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 solutions.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.

Calligraphy, which came from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and "grapho" (to write),  shows a unique blend of art and communication that has greatly changed across various societies and times. The origins of calligraphy can be traced back to ancient societies, where it served not only to record information but also as a form of creative expression. For example, the Egyptians used hieroglyphics, while the Chinese developed complex writing systems that expressed both meaning and beauty. As societies evolved, the styles and techniques of calligraphy adapted to reflect cultural values, technological changes, and artistic trends, creating a rich historical story.

In ancient China, calligraphy was highly valued as one of the top forms of art, deeply connected to philosophical and spiritual beliefs. The practice can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 16001046 BCE), where writings on prediction bones show early forms of Chinese characters. By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE220 CE), calligraphy had become a respected field, with notable figures like Wang Xizhi, often called the Sage of Calligraphy. His works showed the smoothness and grace typical of Chinese calligraphy, influencing generations of artists. The development of different scripts, including the Seal Script and the Regular Script, allowed for personal expression within a structured framework, demonstrating how calligraphy served both practical and artistic purposes.

Meanwhile, in the Islamic world, calligraphy became an important art form during the 7th century, especially as a way to transcribe the Quran. The ban on depicting human figures in Islamic art led to the rise of calligraphy as a main artistic expression. The Arabic script, with its flowing lines and complex designs, became a symbol of cultural identity and religious commitment. Notable calligraphers, such as Ibn Muqlah and Ibn al-Bawwab, developed different styles, including the Thuluth and Naskh scripts, which are still admired today. Calligraphy was not limited to religious texts; it also adorned architecture, ceramics, and textiles, showcasing the beauty of the written word. This artistic tradition preserved religious texts and fostered a sense of community and shared identity among diverse Islamic cultures.

The Renaissance period in Europe marked a key turning point in the history of calligraphy. The return of classical learning and the invention of the printing press in the 15th century led to a decline in the traditional art of hand-lettering. But this time also saw the rise of new styles, such as Italic and Gothic scripts, influenced by the humanist movement. Calligraphy became a means of personal expression among the educated elite, with manuals and guides published to teach the art. Important figures like Francesco Griffo and Edward Johnston contributed to the evolution of calligraphy, blending traditional techniques with modern style. This time shows that technological advancements can both challenge and inspire artistic practices, leading to a dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, calligraphy saw a return as artists sought to reconnect with traditional crafts in response to the industrialization and machines of society. The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by figures like William Morris, stressed the value of handmade objects, including beautifully crafted letters. This time also saw the rise of modern calligraphy, which embraced a more experimental approach, mixing elements from various styles and cultures. Todays calligraphers often combine traditional techniques with modern design principles, resulting in a wide range of artistic expressions that challenge usual boundaries. This evolution raises questions about the future of calligraphy in an increasingly digital world, where the hands-on nature of hand-lettering contrasts sharply with the efficiency of digital fonts.

Today, calligraphy continues to thrive as both an art form and a means of communication. With the rise of digital technology, many calligraphers have adapted their skills to create digital fonts and designs while still honoring the traditional techniques that have defined the art for centuries. Workshops and courses are becoming more popular, attracting individuals eager to learn the craft and appreciate its historical significance. The lasting appeal of calligraphy lies in its ability to connect people across time and space, reminding us of the power of the written word. But questions remain about how to balance preserving traditional practices with embracing modern innovations. As calligraphy evolves, it invites further exploration into how this ancient art form can adapt to contemporary contexts while retaining its cultural and artistic integrity. 

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

Paragraph 1 

Calligraphy, which came from the Greek words "kallos" (beauty) and grapho (to write), shows a unique blend of art and communication that has greatly changed across various societies and times. The origins of calligraphy can be traced back to ancient societies, where it served not only to record information but also as a form of creative expression. For example, the Egyptians used hieroglyphics, while the Chinese developed complex writing systems that expressed both meaning and beauty. As societies evolved, the styles and techniques of calligraphy adapted to reflect cultural values, technological changes, and artistic trends, creating a rich historical story.

Factual Information Questions

1. According to paragraph 1, what does the term calligraphy derive from?
   
   1. Latin words meaning "to write beautifully 
   2. Greek words meaning beauty and to write 
   3. Egyptian hieroglyphics
   4. Chinese characters

Negative Factual Information Questions

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a purpose of calligraphy EXCEPT
   

   1. To record information

   2. To serve as a form of creative expression

   3. To create religious texts

   4. To reflect cultural values

Paragraph 2 

In ancient China, calligraphy was highly valued as one of the top forms of art, deeply connected to philosophical and spiritual beliefs. The practice can be traced back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 16001046 BCE), where writings on prediction bones show early forms of Chinese characters. By the Han Dynasty (206 BCE220 CE), calligraphy had become a respected field, with notable figures like Wang Xizhi, often called the Sage of Calligraphy. His works showed the smoothness and grace typical of Chinese calligraphy, influencing generations of artists. The development of different scripts, including the Seal Script and the Regular Script, allowed for personal expression within a structured framework, demonstrating how calligraphy served both practical and artistic purposes.

Inference Questions

1. What can be inferred about the significance of Wang Xizhi in the history of calligraphy?
   
   1. He was the first to create Chinese characters.
   2. His style influenced future generations of calligraphers.

   3. He primarily focused on religious texts.

   4. He primarily focused on religious texts.

Paragraph 3

Meanwhile, in the Islamic world, calligraphy became an important art form during the 7th century, especially as a way to transcribe the Quran. The ban on depicting human figures in Islamic art led to the rise of calligraphy as a main artistic expression. The Arabic script, with its flowing lines and complex designs, became a symbol of cultural identity and religious commitment. Notable calligraphers, such as Ibn Muqlah and Ibn al-Bawwab, developed different styles, including the Thuluth and Naskh scripts, which are still admired today. Calligraphy was not limited to religious texts; it also adorned architecture, ceramics, and textiles, showcasing the beauty of the written word. This artistic tradition preserved religious texts and fostered a sense of community and shared identity among diverse Islamic cultures.

Rhetorical Purpose Questions

1. Why does the author mention the ban on depicting human figures in Islamic art in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To highlight the limitations of Islamic art
   2. To explain the rise of calligraphy as a primary form of artistic expression
   3. To compare Islamic art with Western art
   4. To discuss the role of religion in art

Paragraph 4

The Renaissance period in Europe marked a key turning point in the history of calligraphy. The return of classical learning and the invention of the printing press in the 15th century led to a decline in the traditional art of hand-lettering. But this time also saw the rise of new styles, such as Italic and Gothic scripts, influenced by the humanist movement. Calligraphy became a means of personal expression among the educated elite, with manuals and guides published to teach the art. Important figures like Francesco Griffo and Edward Johnston contributed to the evolution of calligraphy, blending traditional techniques with modern style. This time shows that technological advancements can both challenge and inspire artistic practices, leading to a dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation.

Vocabulary Questions

1. The word elite in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to
   

   1. Ordinary people

   2. The upper class
   3. Artists
   4. Scholars

Paragraph  5

In the 19th and 20th centuries, calligraphy saw a return as artists sought to reconnect with traditional crafts in response to the industrialization and machines of society. The Arts and Crafts Movement, led by figures like William Morris, stressed the value of handmade objects, including beautifully crafted letters. This time also saw the rise of modern calligraphy, which embraced a more experimental approach, mixing elements from various styles and cultures. Today calligraphers often combine traditional techniques with modern design principles, resulting in a wide range of artistic expressions that challenge usual boundaries. This evolution raises questions about the future of calligraphy in an increasingly digital world, where the hands-on nature of hand-lettering contrasts sharply with the efficiency of digital fonts.

Sentence Simplification Questions

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5?

   1. Calligraphy became popular again in the 19th and 20th centuries due to industrialisation.
   2. Artists in the 19th and 20th centuries returned to traditional crafts because of industrialisation.
   3. The Arts and Crafts Movement in the 19th and 20th centuries focused on calligraphy.
   4. Calligraphy was abandoned during the industrialisation of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Paragraph 6

Today, calligraphy continues to thrive as both an art form and a means of communication. With the rise of digital technology, many calligraphers have adapted their skills to create digital fonts and designs while still honouring the traditional techniques that have defined the art for centuries. Workshops and courses are becoming more popular, attracting individuals eager to learn the craft and appreciate its historical significance. The lasting appeal of calligraphy lies in its ability to connect people across time and space, reminding us of the power of the written word. But questions remain about how to balance preserving traditional practices with embracing modern innovations. As calligraphy evolves, it invites further exploration into how this ancient art form can adapt to
contemporary contexts while retaining its cultural and artistic integrity.

Purpose of the Passage Questions

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 6?

   1. To discuss the decline of calligraphy in the digital age
   2. To highlight the ongoing relevance and adaptation of calligraphy today
   3. To compare traditional and modern calligraphy
   4. To explain the historical significance of calligraphy

Prose Summary Questions

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. Calligraphy has evolved significantly throughout history, reflecting cultural values and technological advancements.

   1. Calligraphy originated from ancient societies and has served both practical and artistic purposes

   2. The invention of the printing press led to the decline of traditional calligraphy in Europe.

   3. Calligraphy in the Islamic world became a primary form of artistic expression due to religious restrictions.
   4. Modern calligraphy combines traditional techniques with contemporary design principles.
   5. The Arts and Crafts Movement focused solely on the revival of calligraphy.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 4, 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.Despite this decline, calligraphy remained an important skill among the educated
   1. The return of classical learning and the invention of the printing press in the 15th century led to a decline in the traditional art of hand-lettering.
   2. But this time also saw the rise of new styles, such as Italic and Gothic scripts, influenced by the humanist movement.
   3. Calligraphy became a means of personal expression among the educated elite, with manuals and guides published to teach the art.
   4. A Option A, B Option B, C Option C, D Option D

Prose Summary Questions

Directions: Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.

1. Calligraphy has a rich history that reflects cultural and technological changes.
   

   1. Calligraphy has been a significant form of art in various cultures, including ancient Chinaand the Islamic world.

   2. The rise of digital technology has posed challenges for traditional calligraphy.
   3. The decline of calligraphy in Europe was solely due to the invention of the printing press.
   4. The decline of calligraphy in Europe was solely due to the invention of the printing press.
   5. Workshops and courses are increasingly popular, indicating a resurgence of interest in calligraphy.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - The History of Calligraphy

1. Answer: B 

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the term "calligraphy" comes from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and "grapho" (to write). This indicates that the correct answer is option B, as it accurately reflects the origin of the term.

2. Answer: C 

Explanation: The passage mentions that calligraphy serves to record information, express creativity, and reflect cultural values. However, it does not specifically state that creating religious texts is a purpose of calligraphy, making option C the correct answer.

3.  Answer: B  

Explanation: The passage describes Wang Xizhi as a notable figure whose works influenced generations of artists. This suggests that his style had a lasting impact on the
the practice of calligraphy, making option B the most accurate inference.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The mention of the ban on human figures serves to highlight why calligraphy became a dominant form of artistic expression in the Islamic world. It
emphasizes the cultural context that led to the flourishing of calligraphy, making option B the correct choice.

5. Answer: B 

Explanation: In this context, "elite" refers to a select group of educated individuals who had access to the art of calligraphy. This aligns with the definition of "upper class," making option B the best choice.

6.  Answer: B

Explanation:  This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, indicating that the return to traditional crafts was a response to industrialisation. It accurately reflects the main idea without unnecessary details.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The paragraph discusses how calligraphy continues to thrive and adapt in the digital age, emphasizing its relevance and the balance between traditional practices and modern innovations. This makes option B the most fitting choice.

8.  Answer: A, B, and D 

Explanation: Calligraphy originated from ancient societies and has served both practical and artistic purposes, B. The invention of the printing press led to the decline of traditional calligraphy in Europe, C. Calligraphy in the Islamic world became a primary form of artistic expression due to religious restrictions, D. Modern calligraphy combines traditional techniques with contemporary design principles.  All four options (A, B, C, D) express significant ideas presented in the passage, making them suitable for inclusion in the summary.

9. Answer: D. 

Explanation: The sentence; Despite this decline, calligraphy remained an important skill among the educated fits best after discussing the rise of new styles and before mentioning how calligraphy became a means of personal expression. This placement maintains the flow of ideas regarding the status of calligraphy during the Renaissance.

10. Answer: A, B, and C

Explanation: Options A, B, and C capture the essential themes of the passage, highlighting the significance of calligraphy across cultures, the challenges posed by digital technology, and its adaptability, making them the best choices for the summary. 

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