PTE Core Reading Test 4

The domestication of plants marks one of the most significant turning points in human history. Around twelve thousand years ago, communities in several parts of the world independently began to cultivate wild grasses and other edible plants, gradually selecting those with the most desirable traits. Over many generations, this process produced the staple crops that continue to feed humanity today, including wheat, rice and maize. The shift from foraging to farming had profound consequences. Reliable food supplies allowed populations to grow and settle permanently in one place, giving rise to the first villages and, eventually, cities. With settled life came the need to store surplus grain, which in turn encouraged the development of pottery, accounting and even early forms of writing. Yet domestication was not without its drawbacks. Early farming communities often suffered from poorer nutrition than their foraging ancestors, as their diets became less varied and more dependent on a handful of crops. The close proximity of humans and domesticated animals also facilitated the spread of disease. Despite these challenges, agriculture proved irreversible, fundamentally reshaping human societies and the landscapes they inhabited. The transformation it set in motion continues to influence the way we live, eat and organise ourselves to this very day.

What does the passage suggest about the consequences of plant domestication?

1. A.It brought both significant advantages and notable drawbacks to human societies.
2. B.It improved the nutrition of early farming communities compared with foragers.
3. C.It had little lasting impact on how humans organise their societies.
4. D.It prevented populations from settling permanently in one location.

The correct answer is shown in your review when you finish the test.