High-Q | סימולציה 13

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סימולציה מס' 13

פרק שלישי

– אנגלית

Reading Comprehension This part consists of two passages, each followed by several related questions. For each question, choose the most appropriate answer based on the text .

Text I (Questions 13-17)

In 1532, the rich Inca empire stretched from the Pacific coast across the Andes to the Atlantic and from Ecuador 3000 miles southward to central Chile. The Incas had conquered this vast territory in a single century. They ruled its people through a highly organized government whose seat was in their capital city, Cuzco. 5 highlands of the Andes. Above Cuzco tower stupendous ramparts made of huge individual stones - some 20 feet high and weighing many tons. No mortar was used, yet after centuries these stones lie so perfectly fitted together that it is impossible to insert a knife blade between them. Terraced fields, some of more than 50 “steps”, still climb the mountainsides. Long stone causeways show that irrigation was extensive. 10 Incas had no form of writing, but they kept records by means of an intricate system of knotted cords (called quipus). These cords are supposed to have recorded crop production and to have been used as a basis of taxation. If crops failed in one locality, the government's records would show where produce was more abundant, and the shortage could be made good by drawing on public warehouses in those districts. The 15 farmers of the Inca empire were the first to grow potatoes, and also had a hand in improving other wild plants. Among their most important crops were maize, sweet potatoes, and cassava. Many remnants of Inca civilization may still be seen scattered over the central

Questions

13. The main purpose of the text is to discuss -

(1) some features of the culture of the Incas (2) some innovations in agriculture created by the Incas (3) aspects of Inca culture which are puzzling (4) the methods by which the Incas governed their vast empire

14. In line 9, “them” refers to -

(1) ramparts (2) Incas living in Cuzco (3) centuries (4) large stones

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