The Spread of Buddhism - TOEFL iBT® Reading Practice Test

In the TOEFL Reading section, engaging with historical topics can refine your understanding of complex events and their impacts. This passage on 'The Spread of Buddhism' explores the cultural and geographical expansion of one of the world's major religions. You’ll gain insights into how Buddhism spread through Asia and influenced various societies along its path.

By practicing with such content, you strengthen your skills in reading historical texts and grasping broad themes—valuable for a successful TOEFL Reading performance.

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.

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

Paragraph 1

Buddhism began in the 5th century BCE with the teachings of the Buddha. It came out of a mix of religious and philosophical ideas in ancient India. At the heart of Buddhist teachings are the Four Noble Truths, which explain suffering, and the Eightfold Path, which lays out how to achieve enlightenment and break free from rebirth. At first, Buddhism was mainly a religious community tradition, with teachings passed down orally by the Buddha's followers. But the religion's ability to adapt and connect with different cultures helped it spread beyond the Indian subcontinent, making it a significant world religion.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what are the Four Noble Truths primarily concerned with? 
   
   1. The nature of enlightenment 
   2. The explanation of suffering 
   3. The practices of meditation 
   4. The history of the Buddha 

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a characteristic of Buddhism EXCEPT 
   
   1. The teachings were initially passed down orally 
   2. It originated from a mix of religious ideas in ancient India 
   3. The Eightfold Path is a method to achieve enlightenment 
   4. Buddhism was established as a dominant religion in Europe 

Paragraph 3 

A key figure in spreading Buddhism was the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. After converting to Buddhism, influenced by the moral impact of his military campaigns, Ashoka worked to promote kindness throughout his empire. He sent missionaries to places like Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean to share the Buddha's teachings. Ashoka's commands, carved on pillars and rocks across his realm, communicated Buddhist values and ethics to both his people and foreign lands. This state support greatly boosted Buddhism's founding as a major religious force in Asia, marking an important period in its history.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred about Ashoka's motivations for spreading Buddhism? 
   
   1. He sought to expand his empire through military conquest. 
   2. He was genuinely moved by the moral teachings of Buddhism. 
   3. He aimed to eliminate other religions in his empire. 
   4. He wanted to gain popularity among his subjects. 

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author mention Ashoka's commands carved on pillars and rocks? 
   
   1. To illustrate the artistic achievements of the period 
   2. To demonstrate the widespread acceptance of Buddhism 
   3. To highlight the importance of state support in spreading Buddhism 
   4. To show the military power of Ashoka's empire 

Paragraph 3 

As Buddhism spread, it met various cultural and religious traditions, leading to different interpretations and practices. In China, for example, the blending of Buddhist teachings with local philosophies like Daoism and Confucianism created unique forms of Buddhism, such as Chan (Zen) Buddhism. This mix allowed Buddhism to connect deeply with local people, helping it to grow. Also, translating Buddhist texts into local languages, like Chinese and Tibetan, made the teachings more accessible to a wider audience. Monastic communities also emerged, providing a safe space for preserving and sharing Buddhist knowledge, creating a lively environment for learning.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word "accessible" in paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to 
   
   1. Available 
   2. Complicated 
   3. Restricted 
   4. Unfamiliar 

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3? 

   "Translating Buddhist texts into local languages, like Chinese and Tibetan, made the teachings more accessible to a wider audience." 

   1. Translating Buddhist texts helped more people understand the teachings. 
   2. Local languages made it difficult for people to learn Buddhism. 
   3. Only a few people could access Buddhist teachings in their original language. 
   4. The teachings of Buddhism were only available in ancient Indian languages. 

Paragraph 4

The Silk Road, an important network of trade routes linking the East and West, played a key role in spreading Buddhism. Merchants, pilgrims, and missionaries traveled these routes, bringing not just goods but also ideas and religious practices. The sharing of cultural and spiritual knowledge along the Silk Road led to the formation of Buddhist centers in areas like Central Asia, Persia, and eventually into China and Japan. The art and architecture related to Buddhism, such as monuments and cave temples, thrived along these trade routes, serving as places of worship and symbols of the religion's growing impact. This artistic expression reflected Buddhist teachings and helped it blend into local cultures.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of paragraph 4? 
   
   1. To describe the geographical features of the Silk Road 
   2. To explain how trade routes facilitated the spread of Buddhism 
   3. To discuss the decline of Buddhism in certain regions 
   4. To highlight the artistic achievements of Buddhist cultures 

Paragraph 5 

Despite its growth, Buddhism faced major challenges and periods of decline in some areas. In India, the revival of Hinduism and the rise of Hindu traditions during the early medieval period led to a slow decline in Buddhist support and influence. However, Buddhism found new life in other parts of Asia, especially in Tibet, where local cultures embraced and adapted it. The establishment of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, with its unique practices and teachings, shows how Buddhism can change and thrive in different cultural settings. Also, Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia, mainly through Indian traders and missionaries, leading to the rise of Theravada Buddhism, which is still common in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

Prose Summary Question

1. 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. 

   Buddhism has a rich history of adaptation and spread across various cultures and regions. 

   Answer Choices 

   1. The teachings of Buddhism were initially passed down orally before being written. 
   2. The role of Emperor Ashoka was crucial in promoting Buddhism beyond India. 
   3. Buddhism faced challenges in India but thrived in Tibet and Southeast Asia. 
   4. The Silk Road was a significant factor in the spread of Buddhism and its cultural exchange. 
   5.  Buddhism has remained unchanged since its inception, maintaining its original teachings. 

Paragraph 6

Today, Buddhism continues to adapt and grow in a modern world. The movement of Buddhist communities and the increasing interest in mindfulness and meditation have helped the religion regain popularity in the West. Also, the conversation between Buddhism and modern science, especially in psychology and neuroscience, has opened new paths for understanding how Buddhist teachings can address contemporary issues like mental health and well-being. As Buddhism evolves, it keeps its core principles while engaging with new ideas and challenges, ensuring its ongoing relevance in a changing world. The ongoing questioning of Buddhism's teachings in light of modern existential questions encourages further inquiry into how ancient wisdom can inform our lives today.

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 6, 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. 

   "These adaptations have allowed Buddhism to remain relevant in contemporary society." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   1. Today, Buddhism continues to adapt and grow in a modern world. 
   2. The movement of Buddhist communities and the increasing interest in mindfulness and meditation have helped the religion regain popularity in the West. 
   3. Also, the conversation between Buddhism and modern science, especially in psychology and neuroscience, has opened new paths for understanding how Buddhist teachings can address contemporary issues like mental health and well-being. 
   4. As Buddhism evolves, it keeps its core principles while engaging with new ideas and challenges, ensuring its ongoing relevance in a changing world. 

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: Based on the passage, what is the overall significance of Buddhism in the modern world? 
   
   1. It has become a dominant religion in Western countries. 
   2. It continues to adapt and engage with contemporary issues, maintaining its relevance. 
   3. It has lost its influence due to the rise of other religions. 
   4. It is primarily focused on preserving ancient traditions without change.

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - The Spread of Buddhism

1. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that the Four Noble Truths are at the heart of Buddhist teachings and are primarily concerned with explaining suffering. This is a fundamental aspect of Buddhism, making option B the correct choice.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The passage does not mention Buddhism being established as a dominant religion in Europe. Instead, it focuses on its origins in India and its spread throughout Asia. The other options are all characteristics mentioned in the passage.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that Ashoka was influenced by the moral impact of his military campaigns, which led him to convert to Buddhism and promote kindness. This suggests that his motivations were rooted in a genuine appreciation for the moral teachings of Buddhism.

4. Answer: C

Explanation: The mention of Ashoka's commands carved on pillars and rocks serves to illustrate how state support was crucial in promoting Buddhism. This action communicated Buddhist values and ethics, thereby facilitating its spread, which aligns with option C.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: The term "accessible" in this context means that the teachings were made available to a wider audience through translation. This aligns closely with option A, while the other options do not convey the same meaning.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This option succinctly captures the essence of the original sentence, which emphasizes that translating texts into local languages made the teachings more understandable and available to a broader audience.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The main focus of paragraph 4 is on how the Silk Road served as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and religious practices, thereby facilitating the spread of Buddhism. This aligns directly with option B.

8. Answer Choices: B, C, D

Explanation: B highlights Ashoka's crucial role in promoting Buddhism, which is a significant point in the passage.

C addresses the challenges Buddhism faced in India while noting its success in Tibet and Southeast Asia, reflecting the adaptability of the religion.

D discusses the importance of the Silk Road in spreading Buddhism, which is another key theme in the passage.

Options A and E do not accurately represent the passage's content.

9. Answer: D

Explanation: The sentence "These adaptations have allowed Buddhism to remain relevant in contemporary society" fits best at point D, as it reinforces the idea that Buddhism evolves while maintaining its core principles, ensuring its relevance in a changing world.

10. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses how Buddhism is evolving and addressing modern issues, such as mental health and well-being, which indicates its ongoing relevance. This aligns perfectly with option B, while the other options do not accurately reflect the passage's content.

Exploring passages like 'The Spread of Buddhism' prepares you for academic topics in the TOEFL Reading section. Such practice builds confidence in understanding historical and cultural discussions, essential for the exam.

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