TOEFL Reading 1

 

[1] In the southeastern Pacific Ocean, on the piece of land known as Easter Island (now a territory of Chile), stand several hundred massive stone monoliths. These carvings, called “moai,” are recognizable by their oversized heads, with their heavy brows, long noses, elongated ears, and protruding lips. While they average four meters in height and 12.5 tonnes, the largest is almost 10 meters tall and the heaviest weighs a full 86 tons. The upright sculptures are scattered around Easter Island, many installed on platforms called “ahu” along the coast, while others are more inland and several stand near the main volcanic quarry of Rano Raraku. The Rapa Nui people of the island built a total of 887 of these impressive statues between the 12th and 16th centuries. They were, it is said, symbols of religious and political authority, embodiments of powerful chiefs or ancestors which faced inland toward the island’s villages, perhaps watching over their creators, keeping them safe.

[2] While the very creation of such monoliths – most out of volcanic ash with stone hand chisels – is an impressive feat, what is more remarkable (not to mention mysterious) is how they were transported to their resting places. In the past, most researchers associated the building and transportation of the moai with widespread deforestation on the island and eventual collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization. This hypothesis is based, in part, on the fact that the pollen record suddenly disappears at the same time as the Rapa Nui people stopped constructing the moai and transporting them with the help of wooden logs. How exactly would logs facilitate the movement of the statues? Most proponents of this method believe that the people created “rollers” by arranging parallel logs on which the prone statues were pulled, or pushed. They would not have required an entire roadway of logs, since logs from the back could be placed at the front, creating a moving platform of sorts. To make it easier to roll, and keep in position, the statue would be placed on two logs arranged in a V shape.

[3] One proponent of this idea of rolling the statues in a prone position is Jo Anne Van Tilburg, of UCLA. Van Tilburg created sophisticated computer models that took into account available materials, routes, rock, and manpower, even factoring in how much the workers would have to have eaten. Her models supported the idea that rolling prone statues was the most efficient method. As further evidence, Van Tilburg oversaw the movement of a moai replica by the method she had proposed. They were successful, but evidence that it was possible is not necessarily evidence that it actually happened.

[4] Van Tilburg was not the only one to have experimented with rolling the statues. In the 1980s, archaeologist Charles Love experimented with rolling the moai in an upright position, rather than prone, on two wooden runners. Indeed, a team of just 25 men was able to move the statue a distance of 150 feet in a mere two minutes. However, the route from the stone quarries where the statues were built to the coast where they were installed was often uneven, and Love’s experiments were hampered by the tendency of the statues to tip over. While Love’s ideas were dismissed by many, the idea of the statutes tipping over along the route was consistent with the many moai found on their sides or faces beside the island’s ancient roads. And local legend held that the statues “walked” to their destinations, which would seem to support an upright mode of transportation. In fact, rolling was not the only possible way of transporting the moai in an upright position.

[5] In the 1980s, Pavel Pavel and Thor Heyerdahl had experimented with swiveling the statues forward. With one rope tied around the head and another around the base, they were able to move a five-ton moai with only eight people, and a nine-ton statue with 16. However, they abandoned their efforts when their technique proved too damaging; as they shuffled the statues forward, the bases were chipped away. This confounding factor led most to believe that an upright, rope-assisted walking method was incorrect.

[6] But many now believe that they were, in fact, transported upright. In 2012, Carl Lipo of California State University Long Beach and Terry Hunt of the University of Hawaii teamed up with archaeologist Sergio Rapu to refine the upright walking idea. They found that the statues that appeared to be abandoned in transit had bases with a curved front edge. This meant they would naturally topple forward and would need to be modified once they reached their destinations. But that curved edge also meant that they could easily be rocked forward using a small team of people and three ropes attached to the head. Indeed, their experiments demonstrated the feasibility of this method, and their theory has gained traction.

1 Which of the following best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence? Incorrect answer choices change the meaning in important ways or leave out essential information.

While the very creation of such monoliths – most out of volcanic ash with stone hand chisels – is an impressive feat, what is more remarkable (not to mention mysterious) is how they were transported to their resting places.

• The transportation of the moai is both remarkable and mysterious, but not as impressive as the actual creation of the statutes.
• The moai were carved with stone hand chisels, which is an impressive accomplishment, but it is still unknown whether the people actually transported them.
• The creation of the moai is amazing, but not as amazing as how they were transported.
• The transportation of the moai is remarkable, mysterious, and as impressive as their creation with simple hand tools.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

The highlighted sentence shows a contrast, or difference between two ideas, introduced with the contrast word “while.” The sentence also indicates a comparison, as shown by “what is more remarkable.” To choose the correct sentence, which may lack all the detail of the original, we must get the relationship correct between the two ideas: the first is that the creation of the moai is impressive; the second is that the transportation of the moai is more impressive.

(A) is incorrect because it has the comparison backwards, saying that the transportation is “not as impressive as” the creation.

(B) is incorrect. Although the answer includes the word “but,” which shows a contrast between ideas, it only states that it is “unknown” whether the statues were transported rather than saying it is more impressive than their creation.

(C) is correct. This answer correctly conveys the two basic ideas with the correct comparison and the contrast word “but.”

(D) is incorrect because it says the transportation was “as impressive as” the creation, which means they were equally impressive.

2 In paragraph 2, what does the author say about past theories of how the moai were transported from quarries to their resting places?

• The theories claimed that that use of natural resources for transporting moai had devastating effects on the land and society.
• The theories relied on evidence of log roadways that remained long after the Rapa Nui people had disappeared.
• The theories were supported by oral accounts of the use of wood by the Rapa Nui peoples at the time the moai were constructed and transported.
• The theories were based on inaccurate estimates of the amount of wood required to transport moai over long distances.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: a
Your Selection: Not Answered

To understand the “past theories” about moai transportation, we must read the entire paragraph. We can see “in the past, most researchers,” which indicates the sentence is about past theories. And we also see “this hypothesis” and “proponents of this method,” both of which are about the “past theories.”

(A) is correct, since the passage tells us that researchers “associated the building and transportation of the moai with widespread deforestation on the island and eventual collapse of the Rapa Nui civilization.” That means that the natural resources – wood – were completed used up (deforestation), and the collapse of the civilization is clearly a “devastating effect.”

(B) is incorrect. The idea of log roadways is described, but this is pure speculation. Although the log arrangement is described in some detail, we are not told that actual log roadways still exist.

(C) is incorrect because no “oral accounts,” which means spoken history, are mentioned in the paragraph.

(D) is incorrect. Although the amount of wood or logs is briefly discussed, the estimates are not shown to be inaccurate.

3 The word 'they' in paragraph 2 refers to:

• proponents.
• the people.
• rollers.
• statues.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: b
Your Selection: Not Answered

To answer this question, we must think about who or what “required an entire roadway of logs.” Note that “would not have required” is in the past.

(A) is incorrect. It is not the “proponents” or supporters of the theory that required logs. We are looking for something from the past.

(B) is correct. The sentence before says that “people created rollers,” and this sentence is saying “they would not have required” something. The focus is on what people did and needed.

(C) is incorrect. The rollers are the roadway of logs, so the rollers can’t require an entire roadway.

(D) is also incorrect because the focus is on what people did, so it is logical to say that the people did not require an entire roadway.

4 Why does the author mention “sophisticated computer models” developed by Jo Anne Van Tilburg in paragraph 3?

• to emphasize the difficulty of theorizing about the activities of people in the remote past
• to demonstrate that Van Tilburg’s hypothesis appeared to be supported by evidence
• to cast doubt on theories that relied more on experimentation than on effective digital modelling
• to show how archaeology can apply modern tools to ancient mysteries

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: b
Your Selection: Not Answered

“Sophisticated computer models” are mentioned near the start of this paragraph. We read about what the models included before coming to the third sentence, which provides a clue to this question:

Her models supported the idea that rolling the statues was the most efficient, and probable, method.

Remember when answering a purpose question to keep in mind the purpose of the entire paragraph, and the entire passage. In this case, the passage is all about different theories of the transportation of moai, and the evidence behind those theories.

(A) is incorrect. It is true that theorizing is difficult, but that is not why the author mentions sophisticated computer models.

(B) is correct. The entire idea of computer modelling lends credence, support, or believability to Van Tilburg’s theory.

(C) is incorrect. There is no direct comparison here between theories based on experimentation and those based on digital modelling. In fact, Van Tilburg used both in her research.

(D) is incorrect because it doesn’t fit with the overall purpose of the paragraph and passage; the author’s point is not generally about tools we use to understand the past, but about specific theories about one particular activity in the past.

5 Examine the four █ in the selection below and indicate at which block the following sentence could be inserted into the passage:

Her data appeared to demonstrate that an average-sized moai could be moved approximately 10 kilometers in 4.7 days with a team of 70 people.

 

One proponent of this idea of rolling the statues in a prone position is Jo Anne Van Tilburg, of UCLA. █ [A] Van Tilburg created sophisticated computer models that took into account available materials, routes, rock, and manpower, even factoring in how much the workers would have to have eaten. Her models supported the idea that rolling the statues was the most efficient method. █ [B] As further evidence, Van Tilburg oversaw the movement of a moai replica by the method she had proposed. █ [C] They were successful, but evidence that it was possible is not necessarily evidence that it actually happened. █ [D] .

• [A]
• [B]
• [C]
• [D]

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: b
Your Selection: Not Answered

The sentence we need to insert includes the phrase “her data.” It says that the data demonstrates something very specific. So we can expect that before this sentence we read more generally about her research. More particularly, we should read about some research that produces data.

(A) is incorrect because before this spot there is no mention of any research, so the inserted sentence appears to lack enough context.

(B) is correct. This comes after the general idea about her model supporting the rolling statues idea. This inserted sentence then gives us more specific information about that supporting evidence.

(C) and (D) are incorrect. These points come after the author introduces Van Tilburg’s experiments with moving moai replica, which doesn’t generate “data” like her computer models did.

6 In paragraph 3, what does the author NOT suggest about Jo Anne Van Tilburg’s hypothesis concerning the method of transporting the moai?

• The use of computer modelling provides evidence that rolling statues on logs would have been a very efficient method of transportation.
• It was supported by successful attempts at replicating how the Rapa Nui people may have rolled the statues on logs.
• It provides conclusive evidence that the Rapa Nui people used log-rolling techniques to move the moai.
• With all the variables taken into account, there still wasn't enough to provide reasonable justification for the log-rolling method.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

To answer a NOT question, we must eliminate the answer choices that are correctly represented in the passage and find the statement that is not supported by the passage. In this case, we must read all of paragraph 3 to find the various ideas related to Van Tilburg’s hypothesis. It is a mistake to read only a portion of the paragraph.

(A) is incorrect because the passage clearly states that “her models supported the idea that rolling the statues was the most efficient method.” In this case, “her models” refers to computer models stated in the sentence before.

(B) is incorrect. The last two sentences of the paragraph describe how Van Tilburg successfully replicated the method, presenting this as “further evidence.”

(C) is correct. The paragraph does not say that there is “conclusive evidence” (which means clear proof) that Van Tillburg was correct. The final sentence suggests that her research shows only that it is “possible,” but it doesn’t show that it is certain.

(D) is incorrect. The author mentions several variables, but still there isn't enough evidence to be conclusive.

7 What can be inferred from paragraph 6 about the statues found at their eventual resting places?

• They showed signs of having been tipped over on their sides at some point in transit.
• The people intended for them to be located elsewhere but were constrained by their transportation methods.
• Many were, in fact, created where they were installed rather than at the quarries that were originally assumed to be the place of creation.
• They did not have curved front edges.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

This is an inference question, which means the correct answer is not stated directly in the paragraph. Instead, we must interpret the given information and draw a correct conclusion. Be careful not to assume too much, and you must be able to point to evidence for your answer somewhere in the passage.

(A) is incorrect. While previous research resulted in the tipping of statues, nothing is said or suggested in this paragraph that the statues tipped at some point while being transported.

(B) is incorrect. You might be fooled or distracted by the word “abandoned,” and think that people wanted the statues to be elsewhere, but this isn’t the case.

(C) is incorrect. There is no evidence to suggest that the sculptures were not transported.

(D) is correct. The paragraph explains that the curved front edge facilitated the transportation of the statues, and also mentions that the statues “would need to be modified once they reached their destinations.” Because a curved front edge would make them tip forward, we can assume that to stand upright freely in their final destinations, they would have to be modified so they didn’t have a curved front edge.

8 The word 'abandoned' in paragraph 6 is closest in meaning to:

• damaged
• tipped
• left
• altered

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: c
Your Selection: Not Answered

In this sentence, we read about statues “abandoned” in transit, which means when they were being transported. This idea refers back to paragraph 4, when we learned that many moai were found on their sides or faces beside the island’s ancient roads. We also learn that “this meant they would naturally topple forward.” So, what happens when the statues topple forward, or fall, while being transported?

(A) is incorrect. The research being discussed improves on the previous research because the previous research damaged the moai. But in this research damage is not discussed.

(B) is incorrect. They were abandoned because they tipped.

(C) is correct. “Abandoned” means something is left behind. This is what the people did to the statues that had curved front edges that toppled over on the way to their destinations.

(D) is incorrect. The statues were not altered in transit, but only once they had reached their destinations.

9 Which of the following methods of transportation does the author say is supported by the most compelling evidence?

• The rolling of moai in an upright position on logs.
• The shuffling of moai with ropes tied to the head and base.
• The rolling of moai in a prone position.
• The rocking of moai with ropes tied to the head.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 1 point.

Correct Answer: d
Your Selection: Not Answered

To answer this question, we must examine each method and evaluate how much evidence the author provides. In fact, if you read carefully you will see that only two methods are described as having compelling evidence: the method proposed by Van Tillburg, and the final method proposed by Lipo and Hunt.

(A) is incorrect. This is the method used by Charles Love, which is said to have been “dismissed by many.”

(B) is incorrect. This is the method used by Pavel Pavel and Thor Heyerdahl, which is not supported by evidence because of the damage done.

(C) is incorrect. This is the method used by Van Tillburg, which does have evidence, but it doesn’t have the most compelling evidence.

(D) is correct. This method, described in paragraph 6, is introduced with “But many now believe that they were…” And at the end, we read that “their theory has gained traction.” The ideas indicated that it is best supported by evidence.

10Directions: 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.

Drag your answer choices to the spaces where they belong. To remove an answer choice, drag it back. To review the passage, click VIEW TEXT.

 

There are several competing theories that attempt to explain how the large moai statues of Easter Island were transported to various locations on the island.

• B.Experiments with moving the moai using ropes have demonstrated the likelihood that they were transported in an upright position.
• D.Many theories suggest the use of logs to roll the statues, which may be connected to the eventual collapse of the civilization.
• E.The condition of the road, the availability of materials, and the construction of the statues are all important variables in determining how they were transported.

 

• A.Jo Anne Van Tilburg experimented with moving moai replicas using a V-shaped log structure.
• B.Experiments with moving the moai using ropes have demonstrated the likelihood that they were transported in an upright position.
• C.The statues that were located around the island were created in the stone quarries in the interior of the island.
• D.Many theories suggest the use of logs to roll the statues, which may be connected to the eventual collapse of the civilization.
• E.The condition of the road, the availability of materials, and the construction of the statues are all important variables in determining how they were transported.
• F.Some statues were not, in fact, transported very far from the quarries where they were constructed.

ANSWER EXPLANATION

Question is worth: 2 points.

Correct Answer: b,d,e
Your Selection: Not Answered

Remember to focus on main ideas, not simply correct statements from the passage. Correct answers may put together several main ideas in the passage.

(A) is incorrect because it is only a minor detail in the passage, albeit true.

(B) is correct since paragraphs 5 and 6 are both focused on such experiments, and the ultimate conclusion is that it is likely that they were transported upright.

(C) is incorrect because it presents a minor detail in the passage; the focus is on how they were transported, not where they were constructed.

(D) is correct, since paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 focus on log-rolling theories and the collapse of the civilization is mentioned in paragraph 2 related to these theories.

(E) is correct because throughout the passage these variables are discussed as they relate to the varying theories.

(F) is incorrect because it is only a minor detail in the passage.