Sample TOEFL Integrated Essay - Chaco Canyon Houses

Sample TOEFL Integrated Essay - Chaco Canyon Houses The QuestionThis integrated (Type 1) question is from theOfficial TOEFLTests Collectionfrom ETS. It also appeared on one of the TPOs (number 5, I think).Special Offer: TOEFL Essay Evaluation and ScoringYou can now sign up to have your practice essays evaluated and scored by the author of this page. This service is a great way to learn how you will do before test day and how you can best prepare for the big day. Sign up today.The Sample Integrated Essay The reading and the listening are about the mysterious “great houses” found by archaeologists in the Chaco Canyon area of New Mexico. The author presents three theories about the possible purpose of these structures, while the lecturer argues that each of the author’s theories is unfounded and that the true use of the houses is unknown. First of all, the author says that the structures were used for residential purposes. It is noted that they are very similar to the “apartment buildings” located in nearby Taos, New Mexi co, where people have been living for centuries. The professor casts doubt on this theory. She says that while the buildings may resemble such apartment buildings from the outside, their interiors do not. She points out that the great houses do not contain very many fireplaces, which would have been necessary if they were inhabited by families. Secondly, the author mentions that the structures could have been used to store food. The article asserts that the Chaco people consumed great quantities of maize, which could have been stored in the houses for long periods of time without spoiling. On the other hand, the professor says that excavations of the sites have not turned up any signs of maize. She says that if the buildings had been used to store this crop, we would have found signs of either spilled maize or containers for maize. Finally, the author states that the structures could have served as ceremonial centers. The author observes that archaeologists found a mound of brok en pots near one of the houses, and that pots were used by people of the region during special occasions. The professor notes, in contrast, that the mound contained other materials as well, including many which would not have been used in ceremonies. She feels that the mound was merely a trash heap left behind when the house was being constructed.NoteThis is a sample TOEFL integrated essay written by a native speaker. It follows our master guide for TOEFL integrated essays. If you find it useful, please remember that we have many more sample essaysfor you to read!