Reading Comprehension TOEFL Exams 49

TOEFL Exams: Reading Comprehension - Lesson 49 (Đọc hiểu - TOEFL - Bài 49) 

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Thomas Jefferson disliked the deference in the early American buildings to the architecture of Georgian England, which served as a constant reminder of monarchial tyranny and the bloody years of the War of Independence. He aspired to a more timeless architecture, based at 5 first on his favored Renaissance styles, which in turn were based on the architecture of ancient Rome.

What made Jefferson's buildings especially American was the way they were integrated into the landscape. His beloved home, Monticello, 10 was pushed into a hilltop so that its spreading service wings would not obstruct the sweeping panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains visible from the house. The building became a part of the hill and made possible views of tilled lowlands to the east and a rugged wilderness that stretched to the west.

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All of Jefferson's buildings were created with a clear view to utility and with a special relationship to the landscape. He favored grassy terraces with views if possible to the mountains. But his buildings also showed his idealism, to serve as examples of good architecture, 20 which usually meant the architecture of classical antiquity, which was for him the architecture of a republic.

1. What is the purpose of the passage?
(A) To show how American architecture has been based on English architecture.
(B) To introduce various types of American architecture.
(C) To explain how republican architecture came into existence.
(D) To describe Thomas Jefferson's taste in architecture.
2. In what way were Jefferson's buildings very American?
(A) They were built on mountains.
(B) They were a reminder of the War of Independence.
(C) They blended with the natural environment.
(D) They were loved by Americans as homes.
3. What was NOT true about Jefferson's buildings?
(A) They were very practical.
(B) They were copies of English architecture.
(C) They were a part of the landscape.
(D) They often had lawn terraces.
4. What does the author feel Jefferson considered a good architect?
(A) Someone who followed his own ideals.
(B) Someone who designed mainly public buildings.
(C) Someone who only copied classical architecture.
(D) Someone who cared more for beauty than practicality.
5. What is the tone of the passage?
(A) Against Jefferson's style.
(B) Critical of his love of classical architecture.
(C) Regretful he did not follow the style of the English.
(D) Neutral.