The Rise of Cahokia - TOEFL Reading Practice Test With Answer

The TOEFL iBT^® exam requires you to master proficiency in reading academic materials. This reading section evaluates skills such as identifying the main ideas, extracting details, and drawing conclusions. Additionally, it incorporates the challenges associated with reading in academic settings that use the English language. The secret to excel in this part is by practising consistently. 

We make sure that you feel confident and also prepare yourself for the test by practising with our sample exams that closely resemble the structure and writing style of the real exam. So come take the TOEFL Practice Test with us, based on the passage "The Rise Of Cahokia," to get a feel for the format and identify your areas of weakness!

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

The Rise Of Cahokia

The ancient city of Cahokia was located at a site very close to modern St. Louis in the United States. At its apex from A.D. 1100 to 1200, Cahokia covered about 16 square kilometers and probably had a population that peaked at around 15,000. Excavations of the city have revealed that it contained a large number of public plazas that were separated by at least 120 man made earthen mounds, the largest of which was topped by a major temple. Remains have also been found of an elaborate copper workshop that produced sophisticated metal goods likely traded with both nearby and distant settlements. Moreover, the city is noted for its significant economic and spiritual contacts with other communities in the Mississippi area. Although the inhabitants left no written records beyond symbols on pottery, shells, wood and stone, the remains of this elaborately planned community suggest that it was home to a complex society that had great influence over a large geographic area.

What accounts for the tremendous population growth of the city and its influence on the surrounding region? Among the main factors currently cited are the city’s location on a natural trade route near the confluence of three major rivers (the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois), its attractiveness as a religious pilgrimage site for inhabitants of other settlements, and the economic value of chert* that could be collected in nearby streams. The influence of other possible factors is much less clear – for example the ingenuity and foresightedness of the city’s leadership, the construction of advanced defensive structures, and the emergence of new and more productive agricultural techniques first practiced in Mesoamerica.

The importance of the last factor is a matter of some debate. Cahokia’s peak in 1100 coincided with the emergence in the region of new methods of agricultural production. These included the “three sisters” method of farming first discovered centuries earlier in Mesoamerica. However, even though the city was ringed by farming communities, due to rapid population growth they were unable to feed the whole population. A related problem was the challenge of waste disposal in such a dense community, and people in Cahokia likely became sick from polluted waterways. Because it was such an unhealthy place to live, modern historians believe that the town had to rely on social and political attractions to bring in a steady supply of new immigrants. Without their arrival, this problem would have caused the city to be abandoned much earlier than it eventually was.

It is likely that one of Cahokia’s massive construction projects, encouraged by the spiritual elite, bolstered the population of the city. This was the largest of the city’s mounds – now known as Monks Mound – which covered 14 acres, rose 30 meters and was topped by a massive wooden temple another 15 meters high that was presided over by the city’s paramount chief. To complete this unique structure, thousands of workers moved vast amounts of earth in handheld woven baskets over the course of several decades. This impressive structure would have been seen throughout the city and made it an appealing pilgrimage destination for people all over the Mississippi area, attracting many visitors, some of whom settled permanently in the city.

The city’s growth as an important population center was also a result of its ability to establish and maintain economic links with communities as far away as the Great Lakes to the north and the Gulf Coast to the south. This was achieved through the trade of such exotic items as copper, chert, and seashells. Chert, most notably, was used in the production of hoes, a high demand tool for farmers around Cahokia and other Mississippian centers. Recent research on chert tools discovered at the Silvernail settlement site near modern day Minnesota found that the raw materials used to construct some of them originated near Cahokia.

The population of Cahokia began to decline during the 13th century. Scholars have not determined why this happened, but have proposed theories involving environmental factors such as overhunting, deforestation, and flooding, as explanations for the abandonment of the site. Another possible cause is invasion by outside peoples, though the position of the only defensive structures in the city (a wooden stockade and watchtowers) in the main ceremonial precinct, away from the heavily populated areas of the city, suggests that the civilian population of the city faced no threat of invasion from outside forces. There is no other evidence for warfare, so the stockade may have been more for ritual or formal separation than for military purposes. In any case, by 1300 this once thriving city was almost entirely abandoned.

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

Paragraph 1 

The ancient city of Cahokia was located at a site very close to modern St. Louis in the United States. At its apex from A.D. 1100 to 1200, Cahokia covered about 16 square kilometers and probably had a population that peaked at around 15,000. Excavations of the city have revealed that it contained a large number of public plazas that were separated by at least 120 man made earthen mounds, the largest of which was topped by a major temple. Remains have also been found of an elaborate copper workshop that produced sophisticated metal goods likely traded with both nearby and distant settlements. Moreover, the city is noted for its significant economic and spiritual contacts with other communities in the Mississippi area. Although the inhabitants left no written records beyond symbols on pottery, shells, wood and stone, the remains of this elaborately planned community suggest that it was home to a complex society that had great influence over a large geographic area.

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a feature of the city of Cahokia between A.D 1100 to 1200 EXCEPT
   1. Man-made mounds
   2. Several large temples
   3. A manufacturing workshop
   4. Many public plazas

Paragraph 2

What accounts for the tremendous population growth of the city and its influence on the surrounding region? Among the main factors currently cited are the city’s location on a natural trade route near the confluence of three major rivers (the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois), its attractiveness as a religious pilgrimage site for inhabitants of other settlements, and the economic value of chert* that could be collected in nearby streams. The influence of other possible factors is much less clear – for example the ingenuity and foresightedness of the city’s leadership, the construction of advanced defensive structures, and the emergence of new and more productive agricultural techniques first practiced in Mesoamerica.

1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as a factor in the development of Cahokia? 
   1. The presence of chert close to the city
   2. Its religious significance to non-residents
   3. An exchange of agricultural tools with Mesoamerica
   4. The city’s position along a natural trade route

1. The word “ingenuity” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to:
   1. ambition
   2. sincerity
   3. faith
   4. cleverness

Paragraph 3

The importance of the last factor is a matter of some debate. Cahokia’s peak in 1100 coincided with the emergence in the region of new methods of agricultural production. These included the “three sisters” method of farming first discovered centuries earlier in Mesoamerica. However, even though the city was ringed by farming communities, due to rapid population growth they were unable to feed the whole population. A related problem was the challenge of waste disposal in such a dense community, and people in Cahokia likely became sick from polluted waterways. Because it was such an unhealthy place to live, modern historians believe that the town had to rely on social and political attractions to bring in a steady supply of new immigrants. Without their arrival, this problem would have caused the city to be abandoned much earlier than it eventually was.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about agricultural methods used in Cahokia in 1100?
   1. They were not as advanced as those used in Mesoamerica.
   2. They were sometimes unable to supply enough food for the city.
   3. They were carried out by newly arrived immigrants.
   4. They were seriously affected by environmental pollution.

1. The phrase “this problem” in paragraph 3 refers to:
   1. An unhealthy environment
   2. An insufficient amount of immigrants
   3. Unattractive social and political attractions
   4. The population of the city

Paragraph 4

It is likely that one of Cahokia’s massive construction projects, encouraged by the spiritual elite, bolstered the population of the city. This was the largest of the city’s mounds – now known as Monks Mound – which covered 14 acres, rose 30 meters and was topped by a massive wooden temple another 15 meters high that was presided over by the city’s paramount chief. To complete this unique structure, thousands of workers moved vast amounts of earth in handheld woven baskets over the course of several decades. This impressive structure would have been seen throughout the city and made it an appealing pilgrimage destination for people all over the Mississippi area, attracting many visitors, some of whom settled permanently in the city.

1. According to paragraph 4, which of the following “bolstered the population of the city”?
   1. A highly-visible and attractive religious structure
   2. The leadership of influential spiritual elites
   3. Knowledge of complex construction techniques
   4. The selection of a new paramount chief from elsewhere in the Mississippi area

Paragraphs 5

The city’s growth as an important population center was also a result of its ability to establish and maintain economic links with communities as far away as the Great Lakes to the north and the Gulf Coast to the south. This was achieved through the trade of such exotic items as copper, chert, and seashells. Chert, most notably, was used in the production of hoes, a high demand tool for farmers around Cahokia and other Mississippian centers. Recent research on chert tools discovered at the Silvernail settlement site near modern day Minnesota found that the raw materials used to construct some of them originated near Cahokia.

1. According to paragraph 5, what has recent research on chert tools found at the Silvernail settlement site revealed?
   1. Chert tools were started to be used after Cahokia became an important city.
   2. The residents of Cahokia were the only producers of farming tools in the area
   3. Some of the tools used by people at the Silvernail settlement were made of materials from the area near Cahokia.
   4. Agricultural tools were exchanged with people at the Silvernail settlement for copper and seashells.

1. The word “exotic” in the passage is closest in meaning to: 
   1. Common
   2. Unusual.
   3. Local
   4. Expensive

Paragraph 6

The population of Cahokia began to decline during the 13th century.  (A) Scholars have not determined why this happened, but have proposed theories involving environmental factors such as overhunting, deforestation, and flooding, as explanations for the abandonment of the site. (B)Another possible cause is invasion by outside peoples, though the position of the only defensive structures in the city (a wooden stockade and watchtowers) in the main ceremonial precinct, away from the heavily populated areas of the city, suggests that the civilian population of the city faced no threat of invasion from outside forces. (C) There is no other evidence for warfare, so the stockade may have been more for ritual or formal separation than for military purposes.  (D) In any case, by 1300 this once thriving city was almost entirely abandoned.

Directions: Review the excerpt from the passage provided above. The letters (A), (B), (C), and (D) denote where the subsequent sentence could be incorporated.

1. The precise reason for Cahokia's decline remains uncertain.
   
   Where would the sentence most appropriately belong?
   1. Choice A
   2. Choice B
   3. Choice C
   4. Choice D

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - The Rise of Cahokia

1.  Answer: B

Explanation:  The correct answer is option B. In Paragraph 1, the passage mentioned major temples in the largest mound along with workshops producing metal goods, and it has also mentioned about public plazas, signifying their existence. However, there is no information about several large temples, making option B as the suitable option.

2. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. There is a clear indication of the emergence of new agricultural techniques from Mesoamerica, such as economic value, religious significance, and also the city’s location being the main factor. But, there is no mention about the exchange of tools, making the option C as the correct answer.

3. Answer: D

Explanation: The correct answer is option D. The word focuses on creativeness, cleverness of finding inventive ways in managing or solving problems. The option D is the correct answer as the word doesn’t specify anything about achievement, honesty, or trust.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. As per the paragraph, it is clear that the agricultural methods were insufficient to meet the required need for food for all the population which is growing at a rate. There is no mention about them not being advanced, or about who carried out farming, and also there is no information about any pollution in regards to health issues.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. The term "this problem" is referring to the unhealthy environment which led to polluted waterways, making Cahokia an unhealthy place to live in. Therefore, the only suitable option would be option A.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. There is a discussion about Monk Mounds, a religious structure which has attracted visitors who have settled there permanently, increasing the population. Even though there is a mention about spiritual elites, construction techniques, and selection of new chief, the question focuses on blistering the population for which option A is suitable.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: The correct answer is option C. The passage mentions recent research on chert tools and the raw materials from Cahokia are used to construct, making option C as the correct answer. There is no mention about when Chert tools were used, nor there is anything about the residents being the only producers and agricultural tools being exchanged.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. In the context of the paragraph, the word “exotic” refers to something unusual or different which can be described as the items being traded such as copper, chert, and shells which were unusual to the foreigners.

9. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. The sentence in the question can be used as a general introduction about possible reasons for the city's decline. Placing the same in position A would be relevant as the rest of the paragraph is discussing the reasons as to why Cahokia declined.

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