TOEFL Reading Practice Test #22

1. According to paragraph 1, what is a notable feature of 17th-century instrumental music?

2. The word "renowned" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

3. Why does the author mention the Stradivari and Guarneri families?

4. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is true about advancements in keyboard instruments?

5. The word "amplified" in the passage is closest in meaning to:

6. According to paragraph 3, all of the following were characteristics of baroque instrumental music EXCEPT:

7. What does the author imply about Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons?

8. What does the author emphasize about the role of Italian craftsmen in 17th-century music?

9. Look at the four squares [■] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Sentence: "Many of these dance forms, such as the sarabande and the gigue, originated from folk traditions."

Excerpt:
"Three key forms of instrumental music emerged during this period: the sonata, the suite, and the concerto. Sonatas were composed for one or two instruments, often featuring contrasting movements of varying tempos. Suites were collections of dance-inspired pieces, drawing from styles across European courts. [■] [1] These compositions reflected both the elegance of noble courts and the vibrancy of rural life. [■] [2] Concertos, characterized by a dialogue between a soloist and a larger ensemble, embodied the baroque fascination with contrast and drama. [■] [3] They often incorporated shifts in dynamics and textures to maintain listener engagement. [■] [4]"

10. 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.
This question is worth 2 points.

Introductory sentence:
Instrumental music in the 17th century developed as a distinct art form, accompanied by innovations in instruments and composition styles.