Reading Activity

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a feature of the city of Teotihuacán between A.D. 150 and 700 EXCEPT

• A) regularly arranged streets

• B) several administrative centers spread across the city

• C) many manufacturing workshops

• D) apartment complexes

2. The word “ingenuity” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to

• A) ambition

• B) sincerity

• C) faith

• D) cleverness

3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in paragraph 2 as a main factor in the development of Teotihuacán?

• A) The presence of obsidian in the Teotihuacán Valley

• B) The potential for extensive irrigation of Teotihuacán Valley lands

• C) A long period of volcanic inactivity in the Teotihuacán Valley

• D) Teotihuacán’s location on a natural trade route

4. What can be inferred from paragraph 3 about Cuicuilco prior to 200 B.C.?

• A) It was a fairly small city until that date.

• B) It was located outside the Valley of Mexico

• C) It emerged rapidly as an economical and political center.

• D) Its economy relied heavily on agriculture.

5. Which of the following allowed Teotihuacán to have “a competitive edge over its neighbors”?

• A) A well-exploited and readily available commodity

• B) The presence of a highly stable elite class

• C) Knowledge derived directly from the Olmecs about the art of toolmaking

• D) Scarce natural resources in nearby areas such as those located in what are now the Guatemalan and Mexican highlands

6. According to paragraph 4, what has recent research on obsidian tools found at Olmec sites shown?

• A) Obsidian’s value was understood only when Teotihuacán became an important city.

• B) The residents of Teotihuacán were sophisticated toolmakers.

• C) The residents of Teotihuacán traded obsidian with the Olmecs as early as 400 B.C.

• D) Some of the obsidian used by the Olmecs came from the area around Teotihuacán.

7. Select the TWO answer choices that are mentioned in paragraph 5 as being features of Teotihuacán that may have attracted immigrants to the city. To receive credit, you must select TWO answers.

• A) The prosperity of the elite

• B) Plenty of available housing

• C) Opportunities for well-paid agricultural employment

• D) The presence of one or more religious shrines

8. In paragraph 6, the author discusses “The thriving obsidian operation” in order to

• A) explain why manufacturing was the main industry of Teotihuacán

• B) give an example of an industry that took very little time to develop in Teotihuacán

• C) illustrate how several factors influenced each other to make Teotihuacán a powerful and wealthy city

• D) explain how a successful industry can be a source of wealth and a source of conflict at the same time