Understanding and analyzing academic texts in English is a vital aspect of the TOEFL iBT® exam's Reading section. This portion is specifically designed to replicate the challenges of reading in an English-speaking academic setting and evaluates a range of skills such as grasping main ideas, identifying details, making inferences, and discerning text organization.

The most effective strategy to succeed in this section involves consistent practice. Our practice tests closely resemble the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel confident and well-prepared on test day. Take advantage of our practice tests to enhance your skills and excel in the TOEFL iBT® Reading section.

Join us in taking a TOEFL iBT® Practice Test focused on the topic of the Roman Empire to gain a better understanding of the test format and identify 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. 

The Roman world possessed a unique cohesion unparalleled by other civilizations, ancient or modern, including Greece. Comparable to the tightly fitted stones of a Roman wall held together by both design and potent cement, the Roman realm formed a colossal and unified entity through physical, organizational, and psychological means. Physically, this unity was maintained by a network of military garrisons spanning every province and a meticulously constructed system of roads connecting them to Rome. Organizationally, it was grounded in shared principles of law and administration, overseen by a ubiquitous corps of officials upholding uniform standards. Psychologically, control was exerted through fear and the certainty of punishment, ensuring the swift obliteration of any threat to Roman authority.

The origins of Rome's fixation on unity and coherence likely stem from its early developmental trajectory. Unlike Greece, which emerged from numerous disparate city-states, Rome sprouted from a singular entity. While Greek expansion unfolded along Mediterranean trade routes, Rome's domain expanded through territorial conquest. Admittedly, the dichotomy isn't absolute: Alexander the Great stands as history's preeminent land conqueror, and Romans, once venturing beyond Italy, assimilated maritime strategies. Nevertheless, a fundamental disparity persists. Greek prowess hinged on formidable naval forces, while Romans might rely on its formidable legions. Greeks were mariners by nature; Romans were rooted in terrestrial pursuits. The Greek ethos was seafaring; the Romans were grounded in land-based endeavors.

A central factor in understanding the Roman phenomenon is their emphasis on territorial expansion and control. Roman priorities revolved around the organization, exploitation, and defense of their territory. It is likely that the fertile plains of Latium, the origin of the Latin founders of Rome, fostered a culture centered on land ownership, agriculture, and a stable, land-based society with its own system of administration. This focus on land arguably laid the foundation for Roman excellence in military organization and orderly government. Furthermore, a deep attachment to the land and the stability associated with rural life likely cultivated core Roman virtues: gravitas (a sense of responsibility), pietas (devotion to family and country), and iustitia (a sense of the natural order).

Modern perspectives on Roman civilization encompass a spectrum of admiration and disdain. As with many historical evaluations, some scholars exhibit a predilection for power, finding Roman strength more captivating than Greek finesse. Conversely, a substantial body of opinion holds Rome in lower regard. For these critics, Rome, at best, represents a large-scale imitation and continuation of Greek achievements. Greek civilization, they argue, possessed inherent quality, while Rome offered mere quantity. Originality is attributed to Greece, whereas Rome is seen as derivative. Style is considered a Greek characteristic, while Rome is associated with wealth. The Greeks, in this view, were the inventors, and Rome, the department of research and development. This sentiment was even echoed by some Roman intellectuals themselves. Horace, in his Epistles, ponders: "Had the Greeks held novelty in such disdain as we, what work of ancient date would now exist?"

The influence of Greece on Rome was extensive. Roman religion and moral philosophy were largely adopted from Greek traditions. Latin literature demonstrably drew inspiration from Greek models, and fluency in Greek was considered a hallmark of an educated Roman. Speculative philosophy and the sciences witnessed minimal Roman advancement beyond foundational Greek achievements.

However, it would be an oversimplification to depict Rome as a subordinate partner in Greco-Roman civilization. Roman ingenuity manifested in novel areas, particularly law, military organization, administration, and engineering. Furthermore, the internal conflicts within the Roman state fostered literary and artistic expression of exceptional quality. Indeed, the confluence of military and political leadership with literary talent amongst many prominent Romans was not a coincidence.

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

Paragraph 1

The Roman world possessed a unique cohesion unparalleled by other civilizations, ancient or modern, including Greece. Comparable to the tightly fitted stones of a Roman wall held together by both design and potent cement, the Roman realm formed a colossal and unified entity through physical, organizational, and psychological means. Physically, this unity was maintained by a network of military garrisons spanning every province and a meticulously constructed system of roads connecting them to Rome. Organizationally, it was grounded in shared principles of law and administration, overseen by a ubiquitous corps of officials upholding uniform standards. Psychologically, control was exerted through fear and the certainty of punishment, ensuring the swift obliteration of any threat to Roman authority.

1. Based on the information provided in the first paragraph, which of the following was NOT identified as a control mechanism that unified the Roman world?
   1. Administrative and legal systems
   2. Military presence
   3. Common language
   4. Transportation networks

Paragraph 2

The origins of Rome's fixation on unity and coherence likely stem from its early developmental trajectory. Unlike Greece, which emerged from numerous disparate city-states, Rome sprouted from a singular entity. While Greek expansion unfolded along Mediterranean trade routes, Rome's domain expanded through territorial conquest. Admittedly, the dichotomy isn't absolute: Alexander the Great stands as history's preeminent land conqueror, and Romans, once venturing beyond Italy, assimilated maritime strategies. Nevertheless, a fundamental disparity persists. Greek prowess hinged on formidable naval forces, while Romans might rely on its formidable legions. Greeks were mariners by nature; Romans were rooted in terrestrial pursuits. The Greek ethos was seafaring; the Romans were grounded in land-based endeavors.

1. As per the details outlined in paragraph 2, which of the following was NOT a feature of Rome's early development?
   1. Expansion through maritime invasion
   2. Territorial expansion
   3. Expansion originating from a single settlement
   4. Expansion by invading armies

1. For what purpose does the author refer to "Alexander the Great" in the passage?
   1. To recognize that Greek civilization also grew through land conquest
   2. To draw parallels between Greek and Roman leadership
   3. To exemplify a Greek leader whom Romans took lessons from
   4. To suggest the exceptional organization of the Greek military

Paragraph 3

A central factor in understanding the Roman phenomenon is their emphasis on territorial expansion and control. Roman priorities revolved around the organization, exploitation, and defense of their territory. It is likely that the fertile plains of Latium, the origin of the Latin founders of Rome, fostered a culture centered on land ownership, agriculture, and a stable, land-based society with its own system of administration. This focus on land arguably laid the foundation for Roman excellence in military organization and orderly government. Furthermore, a deep attachment to the land and the stability associated with rural life likely cultivated core Roman virtues: gravitas (a sense of responsibility), pietas (devotion to family and country), and iustitia (a sense of the natural order).

1. The term "fertile" in the passage is most similar in meaning to which of the following?
   1. Productive
   2. Fecund
   3. Prolific
   4. Rich

1. What inference does Paragraph 3 imply about the inhabitants of Latium?
   1. Their economic foundation relied on trade with neighboring communities.
   2. Their cultural values diverged from those of Rome.
   3. Agriculture held considerable importance within their society.
   4. They exhibited remarkable understanding of animal instincts.

Paragraph 4

Modern perspectives on Roman civilization encompass a spectrum of admiration and disdain. As with many historical evaluations, some scholars exhibit a predilection for power, finding Roman strength more captivating than Greek finesse. Conversely, a substantial body of opinion holds Rome in lower regard. For these critics, Rome, at best, represents a large-scale imitation and continuation of Greek achievements. Greek civilization, they argue, possessed inherent quality, while Rome offered mere quantity. Originality is attributed to Greece, whereas Rome is seen as derivative. Style is considered a Greek characteristic, while Rome is associated with wealth. The Greeks, in this view, were the inventors, and Rome, the department of research and development. This sentiment was even echoed by some Roman intellectuals themselves. Horace, in his Epistles, ponders: "Had the Greeks held novelty in such disdain as we, what work of ancient date would now exist?"

1. Paragraph 4 suggests that some historians hold Roman civilization in high regard due to which of the following reasons?
   1. The diversity of cultures within Roman society
   2. Its resilience and potency
   3. Its capacity for innovation
   4. The extensive literary corpus it produced

1. In paragraph 4, what viewpoint regarding their civilization did intellectual Romans like Horace uphold?
   1. They considered ancient Greek works to be of little significance in the Roman context.
   2. They believed that Romans had exceeded the achievements of Greek civilization.
   3. They expressed skepticism about the originality or lasting impact of Roman contributions.
   4. They esteemed specific innovations valued by Romans but overlooked by ancient Greeks.

Paragraphs 5 and 6

The influence of Greece on Rome was extensive. Roman religion and moral philosophy were largely adopted from Greek traditions. Latin literature demonstrably drew inspiration from Greek models, and fluency in Greek was considered a hallmark of an educated Roman. Speculative philosophy and the sciences witnessed minimal Roman advancement beyond foundational Greek achievements.

However, it would be an oversimplification to depict Rome as a subordinate partner in Greco-Roman civilization. Roman ingenuity manifested in novel areas, particularly law, military organization, administration, and engineering. Furthermore, the internal conflicts within the Roman state fostered literary and artistic expression of exceptional quality. Indeed, the confluence of military and political leadership with literary talent amongst many prominent Romans was not a coincidence.

1. Which of the following assertions regarding prominent Roman military figures and statesmen is substantiated by paragraphs 5 and 6?
   1. They were proficient in reading and writing Greek.
   2. They were often engaged in composing poetry and dramas.
   3. Their literary works predominantly revolved around military topics.
   4. Their writing adhered to the philosophical principles of the Greeks.

Paragraph 4

Modern perspectives on Roman civilization encompass a spectrum of admiration and disdain. (A) As with many historical evaluations, some scholars exhibit a predilection for power, finding Roman strength more captivating than Greek finesse. (B) Conversely, a substantial body of opinion holds Rome in lower regard. (C) For these critics, Rome, at best, represents a large-scale imitation and continuation of Greek achievements. (D) Greek civilization, they argue, possessed inherent quality, while Rome offered mere quantity. Originality is attributed to Greece, whereas Rome is seen as derivative. Style is considered a Greek characteristic, while Rome is associated with wealth. The Greeks, in this view, were the inventors, and Rome, the department of research and development. This sentiment was even echoed by some Roman intellectuals themselves. Horace, in his Epistles, ponders: "Had the Greeks held novelty in such disdain as we, what work of ancient date would now exist?"

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.
   
   They hold symbols of Roman authority, like the colossal Colosseum, in high regard.
   
   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.
   
   The strength of the Roman world emanated from several significant sources.
   

   Answer Choices

   1. (A) Roman rulers enforced multiple controls to maintain cohesion within their territories.
   2. (B) The Roman military exhibited distinctive organizational structures compared to traditional military formations.
   3. (C) Like the Latins, the original inhabitants of Rome, Romans esteemed sea power.
   4. (D) A profound connection to the land and the stability of rural life formed the basis of Roman values.
   5. (E) Rome amalgamated elements from ancient Greek civilization with its own innovations in novel domains.
   6. (F) Well-educated Romans fashioned their literature and philosophy after the ancient Greeks.

Hold on! Before checking your answers and matching them, explore what is a good TOEFL score!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL iBT® Reading Passage - The Roman Empire

1. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Negative Factual question concerning an inference supported by paragraph 1. The correct answer is (C) Common language. In the first paragraph, the passage discusses various control mechanisms that held together the Roman world. It mentions administrative and legal systems, military presence, and transportation networks as factors contributing to this unity. However, it does not explicitly mention a common language as one of these control mechanisms. Therefore, (C) Common language is the correct answer because it was not identified as a control mechanism in the paragraph.

2. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Negative Factual Information question that pertains to specific details found in paragraph 2. The correct answer is (A) Expansion through maritime invasion. In paragraph 2, the passage discusses the early development of Rome and highlights the difference between the expansion of Rome and Greece. It states that Greece expanded through maritime (sea-based) routes, whereas Rome expanded through territorial conquest. This implies that Rome did not primarily expand through maritime invasion, making option (A) Expansion through maritime invasion the correct answer.

3. Answer: A

Explanation: This is an Inference question that focuses on a highlighted part in the passage. The correct answer is (A) To recognize that Greek civilization also grew through land conquest.

In the passage, the author mentions Alexander the Great to highlight the difference between the early development of Rome and Greece. It acknowledges that Alexander the Great, a Greek leader, was one of history's greatest land conquerors. By mentioning Alexander, the author suggests that Greek civilization also experienced territorial expansion similar to Rome's. Therefore, option (A) To recognize that Greek civilization also grew through land conquest is the correct answer.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: This Vocabulary question centers on the word "fertile," highlighted in the passage. The term "fertile" in the passage implies richness or capability for growth and productivity, particularly when referring to the plains of Latium. It suggests a land that is capable of producing abundant crops or sustaining life. Therefore, the word "fertile" is most similar in meaning to (A) Productive, as it aligns with the idea of a land being capable of yielding a significant amount of crops or resources. Options (B) Infertile, (C) Barren, and (D) Unfruitful all suggest varying degrees of the opposite meaning, which do not accurately reflect the context of the passage.

5. Answer: C

Explanation: This Factual Information question pertains to details found in paragraph 3. The correct answer is choice C. Paragraph 3 discusses the significance of the fertile plains of Latium, the region where the Latins, the original inhabitants of Rome, originated. The passage suggests that these plains played a crucial role in shaping the habits and skills of the inhabitants, including practices related to settled agriculture, land ownership, agrarian economy, and administration. Therefore, the inference drawn from Paragraph 3 is that agriculture held considerable importance within the society of Latium. 

Options (A) Their economic foundation relied on trade with neighboring communities, (B) Their cultural values diverged from those of Rome, and (D) They exhibited remarkable understanding of animal instincts that are not directly supported by the information provided in the paragraph.

6. Answer: B

Explanation: This Factual Information question pertains to details found in paragraph 4. The correct answer is choice B. Paragraph 4 indeed suggests that some historians hold Roman civilization in high regard due to its resilience and potency. The passage mentions that Roman civilization is admired for its ability to survive and thrive through various challenges and changes over time. This resilience and potency contributed to the esteem in which some historians hold Roman civilization. Therefore, option (B) Its resilience and potency accurately reflect the reason mentioned in Paragraph 4 for why some historians admire Roman civilization.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: This is a Rhetorical Purpose question. The correct answer is choice C. Upon revisiting Paragraph 4, it becomes evident that intellectual Romans like Horace expressed skepticism about the originality or lasting impact of Roman contributions. The passage indicates that Horace questioned whether Roman literature and philosophy merely imitated Greek models without significant originality or long-lasting impact. Therefore, option (C) They expressed skepticism about the originality or lasting impact of Roman contributions accurately representing the viewpoint of intellectual Romans like Horace as presented in the passage.

8. Answer: A

Explanation: This is a Factual Information question asking for specific details mentioned in paragraphs 5 and 6. The correct answer is choice A. Paragraphs 5 and 6 provide information about the educational background and intellectual pursuits of prominent Roman military figures and statesmen. These paragraphs indicate that many of these figures were indeed proficient in reading and writing Greek. The passage mentions their familiarity with Greek literature and philosophy, suggesting that they were well-versed in the Greek language. Therefore, option (A) They were proficient in reading and writing Greek is substantiated by the information provided in paragraphs 5 and 6.

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 4, the sentence "They hold symbols of Roman authority, like the colossal Colosseum, in high regard" is most fittingly inserted in choice B. This additional sentence would provide further context or explanation regarding why symbols of Roman authority are held in high regard. Therefore, Choice B is the correct placement for the subsequent sentence.

Choices (A), (B), and (C) are incorrect because the surrounding sentences before and after each of these options primarily discuss Greek civilization and achievements.

10. Answer: A, D, E

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

Choice A: Choice A aligns with the discussion in the passage about the various control mechanisms that unified the Roman world, including administrative and legal systems, military presence, and transportation networks. These controls were essential for maintaining cohesion within the vast Roman territories.

Choice D: Choice D in the passage discusses the significance of the fertile plains of Latium and how they shaped the habits and skills of the inhabitants, including practices related to settled agriculture and land-based society. This reflects a profound connection to the land and rural stability, which formed the basis of Roman values.

Choice E: Choice E in the passage mentions how educated Romans like Horace valued Greek literature and philosophy, suggesting an influence from ancient Greek civilization. It also discusses the admiration for Roman civilization due to its capacity for innovation. This reflects the idea that Rome combined aspects of ancient Greek civilization with its own contributions in new areas, showcasing innovation and adaptation.

Choice B: Choice B, "The Roman military exhibited distinctive organizational structures compared to traditional military formations," is incorrect because the passage does not delve into the organizational structures of the Roman military compared to traditional formations.

Choice C: Choice C, "Like the Latins, the original inhabitants of Rome, Romans esteemed sea power," is incorrect because the passage does not delve into the esteem for sea power among Romans.

Choice F: Choice F, "Well-educated Romans fashioned their literature and philosophy after the ancient Greeks," is incorrect because it does not delve into the direct influence of Greek civilization on well-educated Romans' literature and philosophy.

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