TOEFL LISTENING PRACTICE TEST 1 | NEW (2025), with answers

Summary

This transcript includes two segments: an academic lecture on the temples of Abu Simbel and a conversation about library book returns. The lecture highlights the architectural brilliance and cultural significance of the temples, built in the 13th century BCE, and their relocation due to the Aswan High Dam project. It also discusses their divine symbolism and strategic positioning. The conversation focuses on a library patron’s inquiry about overdue books, renewal policies, and associated fines, emphasizing the importance of following library guidelines and timely returns.

Takeaways

• 😀 The temples of Abu Simbel were built in the 13th century BCE by Ramses II and are located on the western shore of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of Aswan.
• 😀 The temples were dedicated to Ramses II, the gods Amon Ra and Ptah, and Ramses II's wife Nefertari, as well as the goddess Hathor.
• 😀 The temples were rediscovered in the 19th century by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, but received global recognition in the 1960s due to the Aswan High Dam project.
• 😀 To preserve the temples from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, UNESCO organized a large-scale effort to disassemble and relocate them at a higher elevation.
• 😀 The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is known for its colossal statues of Ramses II, each over 20 meters tall, flanked by smaller statues of his family and gods.
• 😀 The interior of the Great Temple features elaborate sculptures and bas-reliefs depicting Ramses II's military victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites.
• 😀 The smaller Nefertari and Hathor Temple features six large statues of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari, with reliefs depicting their divine union and royal sacrifices.
• 😀 The temples of Abu Simbel were strategically placed along the Nile River to demonstrate Egypt's might and to remind those passing through Nubia of Egypt’s power.
• 😀 The orientation of the Great Temple was designed so that on February 22nd and October 22nd each year, the sun’s rays would illuminate the inner sanctuary and the statues of the gods, reinforcing the divine status of Ramses II.
• 😀 The temples of Abu Simbel stand as a testament to the architectural brilliance, cultural influence, and military power of ancient Egypt, with a legacy that continues to echo through history.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of the temples of Abu Simbel?

The temples were built to represent Egypt's power and domination in the area, as well as to honor Pharaoh Ramses II's military successes and divine status.

Who was responsible for the construction of the temples of Abu Simbel?

The temples were built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE.

Why were the temples of Abu Simbel moved in the 1960s?

The temples were relocated due to the Aswan High Dam project, which threatened their survival by raising the waters of Lake Nasser.

What is the significance of the orientation of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel?

The Great Temple was oriented such that, on February 22nd and October 22nd each year, the sun's rays would enter the inner sanctuary and illuminate the statues of the gods and Ramses II, emphasizing his divine character.

What was the role of the smaller temple at Abu Simbel?

The smaller temple was dedicated to Ramses II's wife, Nefertari, and the goddess Hathor, and it contained sculptures depicting the royal couple presenting sacrifices to the gods.

How were the statues at the entrance of the Great Temple significant?

The four enormous statues of Ramses II, each over 20 meters tall, depict the pharaoh's divine status and are flanked by smaller statues of his family and other gods.

What event from Ramses II’s reign is prominently depicted in the reliefs inside the Great Temple?

The reliefs show Ramses II's military victory in the Battle of Kadesh, where he defeated the Hittites.

What did the temples of Abu Simbel symbolize for ancient Egyptians?

The temples symbolized Egypt's military power, religious practices, and the divine status of Pharaoh Ramses II, serving as a constant reminder of Egypt's strength and influence.

How did the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt contribute to the discovery of Abu Simbel?

Burckhardt discovered the temples in the early 19th century, when they were largely unknown to the rest of the world.

What was the function of the temples in relation to Egypt's religious practices?

The temples were essential to religious practices, with their design serving to honor the gods and the pharaoh’s divine status, with specific rituals tied to the temple’s alignment with the sun.