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The TOEFL iBT Paper Edition is offered once or twice every month.

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As the Speaking section is conducted from home, please ensure that you have the required setup for both the equipment and environment before registering. You will get the details from the official website.

Home Practice Tests TOEFL Listening Practice Tests

The History of the Great Wall of China - TOEFL Listening Practice Test

The History of the Great Wall of China - TOEFL Listening Test

Smruti Das

6 min read

Updated On December 06, 2024

"Enhance TOEFL listening skills with a lecture on the history of the Great Wall of China, exploring its cultural significance and construction. Improve comprehension and note-taking with this engaging test."

Key Highlights

The History of the Great Wall of China
Questions
Transcript of the Audio Lecture on The History of the Great Wall of China
Answers and Explanations of the Lecture on The History of the Great Wall of China

The TOEFL Listening section is designed to test your understanding of spoken English in an academic setting, especially in lectures. This part of the test includes various topics, requiring attentive listening and answering multiple-choice questions based on the content you hear. Each lecture aims to replicate real classroom discussions, allowing you to engage with intricate ideas and themes.

To help you prepare, we’ve created a listening practice set on "The History of the Great Wall of China". This set will not only refine your listening skills but also deepen your insight into how art shaped public opinion in ancient Rome. By familiarizing yourself with the test format and question types, you’ll increase your confidence and enhance your test strategies.

While listening, focus on main ideas and critical details, as these will be key to answering questions correctly. Ready to improve your TOEFL Listening abilities? Let’s dive in!

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 a lecture, 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.

The History of the Great Wall of China

Now listen to the audio below.

Questions

Gist-Content or Gist-Purpose Question

What is the main topic of the lecture?
1. The architectural techniques used in building the Great Wall
2. The history and significance of the Great Wall of China
3. The role of the Great Wall in modern tourism
4. The various dynasties of ancient China

Detail Question

According to the professor, when did the construction of the Great Wall begin?
1. During the Ming Dynasty
2. In the 7th century BC
3. In the Qin Dynasty
4. During the Warring States period

Function Question

What does the professor mean when he says, "This monumental effort aimed to safeguard the newly established empire"?
1. The construction was solely for aesthetic purposes.
2. The wall was built to protect the empire from invasions.
3. The wall served as a trade route for merchants.
4. The construction was a waste of resources.

Attitude Question

What is the professor's attitude towards the significance of the Great Wall?
1. Dismissive
2. Appreciative
3. Critical
4. Indifferent

Organization Question

Why does the professor mention the Ming Dynasty in the lecture?
1. To highlight the initial construction of the wall
2. To discuss the wall's role in trade
3. To explain the extensive expansions and fortifications made during this period
4. To illustrate the decline of the wall's importance

Connecting Content or Inference Question

What can be inferred about the Great Wall's role in Chinese society?
1. It was primarily a military structure with no cultural significance.
2. It served as a symbol of unity and resilience for the Chinese people.
3. It was built only for defensive purposes and had no other functions.
4. It was a temporary structure that lost its importance over time.

Transcript of the Audio Lecture on The History of the Great Wall of China

Today, we will explore the remarkable history of the Great Wall of China, a monumental structure that embodies the ingenuity and determination of the Chinese people. Spanning over 13,000 miles, the Great Wall was not constructed in a single era; rather, it evolved through various dynasties, primarily serving as a defensive barrier against invasions.

The origins of the Great Wall can be traced back to the 7th century BC during the Warring States period. At that time, individual states built their own walls to protect their territories from rival factions. However, it was during the Qin Dynasty, around 221 BC, that the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, unified these disparate walls into a single, formidable structure. This monumental effort aimed to safeguard the newly established empire from northern nomadic tribes, marking a significant turning point in Chinese history.

As we progress through time, the wall underwent extensive expansions during the Ming Dynasty, which lasted from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The Ming emperors fortified the wall using bricks and stone, significantly enhancing its defensive capabilities. This period saw the construction of watchtowers and garrison stations, which facilitated better surveillance and communication along the wall, thereby improving its effectiveness as a defensive measure.

Interestingly, the Great Wall also played a crucial role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Merchants and travellers often used the wall as a navigational guide, and it became a symbol of the strength and unity of the Chinese people, reflecting their resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Great Wall of China is not merely a physical barrier; it is a rich tapestry of history that illustrates the evolution of Chinese society and its enduring spirit. Its construction and significance have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of China, making it one of the most iconic structures in the world. The Great Wall stands as a testament to the collective efforts of generations, reminding us of the importance of unity and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Before delving into the answers, go through the top tips to prepare for your TOEFL exam and make your way to your desired institution!

Answers and Explanations of the Lecture on The History of the Great Wall of China

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The lecture primarily focuses on the historical development and cultural importance of the Great Wall of China. It discusses its construction across various dynasties, its role as a defensive structure, and its significance in trade and cultural exchange, making option B the most comprehensive choice.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor states that the origins of the Great Wall can be traced back to the 7th century BC during the Warring States period, when individual states began constructing their own walls. This detail highlights the early beginnings of the wall before it was unified under the Qin Dynasty, making option B the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The phrase "This monumental effort aimed to safeguard the newly established empire" indicates that the primary purpose of constructing the Great Wall was defensive. It was designed to protect against invasions from northern nomadic tribes, which aligns with option B, as it underscores the wall's military significance.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The professor's tone throughout the lecture conveys a sense of appreciation for the Great Wall's historical and cultural significance. By highlighting its role in unifying the Chinese people and its enduring legacy, the professor demonstrates a positive attitude towards the wall, making option B the most fitting choice.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: The mention of the Ming Dynasty is significant because it was during this time that the Great Wall underwent extensive expansions and fortifications, enhancing its defensive capabilities. The professor discusses the use of bricks and stone, as well as the construction of watchtowers, making option C the correct answer as it directly relates to the wall's development.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that the Great Wall not only functioned as a defensive structure but also became a symbol of strength and unity for the Chinese people. Its role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange further underscores its significance beyond mere military use, supporting option B as the most accurate inference regarding its impact on Chinese society.

Now that you have solved this test and verified your answers, be prepared to take up more of these TOEFL listening practice tests and boost your confidence!

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