TOEFL Reading Practice Test #1

The Wendigo is a malevolent and terrifying creature from Algonquian folklore, deeply rooted in the traditions of Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region of North America. Described as a monstrous, cannibalistic spirit, the Wendigo is often associated with winter, cold, and famine. According to legend, it was once a human being who, after resorting to cannibalism to survive in the harsh wilderness, was transformed into a creature driven by an insatiable hunger for human flesh.

The physical appearance of the Wendigo varies slightly among different tribes, but common descriptions include a gaunt, emaciated body, with skin stretched tightly over its bones. Its eyes are sunken, and its mouth is filled with sharp, jagged teeth. Some stories depict it with the head of a deer or with antlers, further emphasizing its connection to the wilderness. Despite its frail appearance, the Wendigo is said to possess immense strength and speed, making it an almost unstoppable force.

The Wendigo is not just a physical entity but also a symbol of the destructive power of greed and excess. In many stories, the transformation into a Wendigo begins when a person succumbs to extreme selfishness, gluttony, or the taboo of consuming human flesh. The creature represents the dangers of losing one’s humanity, becoming consumed by base desires, and the breakdown of social and moral order in times of desperation.

The legend of the Wendigo also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of isolation and the harshness of winter. In the bleak, unforgiving environment of the northern forests, survival often depended on cooperation and shared resources. The Wendigo embodies the consequences of breaking these social bonds, whether through cannibalism or other acts of desperation.

Over time, the Wendigo has transcended its origins in Indigenous folklore to become a figure in popular culture, appearing in books, movies, and television shows. However, in these adaptations, the creature often loses some of its original cultural significance, becoming a generic monster rather than a powerful symbol of cultural and moral lessons.

Note: TOEFL Reading practice tests #1 to #5 on our site are slightly easier than the actual TOEFL reading passages. Visit this page for the full list of authentic practice tests that match the difficulty of the real test.