Magy's English Edu. Club
Cambridge 16 Academic Reading Test One Passage Two
The Step Pyramid of Djoser
Reading Passage 2 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings.
14. Paragraph A
The answer is IV. > A single certainty among other less definite facts.
In paragraph A, the evolution of the pyramid form has been written and argued about for centuries. However, there is no question that, as far as Egypt is concerned, it began with one monument to one king designed by one brilliant architect: the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.
15. Paragraph B
The answer is VII. > An idea for changing the design of burial structures
In paragraph B, prior to Djoser’s reign, tombs were rectangular monuments made of dried clay brick, which covered underground passages where the deceased person was buried. Imhotep conceived of building taller, more impressive tombs.
16. Paragraph C
The answer is II. > A difficult task for those involved
In paragraph C, the weight of the enormous mass was a challenge for the builders, who placed the stones at an inward incline in order to prevent the monument from breaking up.
17. Paragraph D
The answer is V. > An overview of the external buildings and areas
In paragraph D, the complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests.
18. Paragraph E
The answer is I. > The areas and artifacts within the pyramid itself
In paragraph E, one of the most mysterious discoveries found inside the pyramid was a large number of stone vessels.
19. Paragraph F
The answer is VIII. > An incredible experience despite the few remains
In paragraph F, Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves.
20. Paragraph G
The answer is VI. > A pyramid design that others copied
In paragraph G, the Step Pyramid was a revolutionary advance in architecture and became the archetype that all the other great pyramid builders of Egypt would follow.
Complete the notes.
21. The complex that includes the Step Pyramid and its surroundings is considered to be as big as an Egyptian ……. of the past.
The answer is CITY.
In paragraph D, the complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt.
22. The area outside the pyramid included accommodation that was occupied by ……., along with many other buildings and features.
The answer is PRIESTS.
In paragraph D, the complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests.
23. A wall ran around the outside of the complex and a number of false entrances were built into this. In addition, a long ………. encircled the wall.
The answer is TRENCH.
In paragraph D, the entire wall was then ringed by a trench 750 meters long and 40 meters wide.
24. As a result, any visitors who had not been invited were cleverly prevented from entering the pyramid grounds unless they knew the ……… of the real entrance.
The answer is LOCATION.
In paragraph D, if someone wished to enter, he or she would have needed to know in advance how to find the location of the true opening in the wall.
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
25 and 26: B and D
B > There is disagreement concerning the length of the reign.
Djoser is thought to have reigned for 19 years, but some historians and scholars attribute a much longer time for his rule, owing to the number and size of the monuments he built.
D > A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it.
Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves.