Reading Passage:

Human communication has undergone a significant transformation over millennia, evolving from basic gestures and sounds to complex languages and digital communication systems. This evolution is deeply rooted in the biological and cultural development of Homo sapiens, as well as the technological advancements that have emerged throughout human history.

Initially, early humans relied heavily on non-verbal communication. Gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations were primary methods of conveying information. This form of communication was crucial for survival, particularly in coordinating group activities such as hunting and protecting against predators. Over time, the development of a more sophisticated vocal apparatus and larger brain capacity allowed for the emergence of spoken language. The exact timeline of this development remains a subject of debate among anthropologists, but it is generally believed that spoken language began to take shape around 100,000 years ago.

The advent of agriculture around 10,000 BCE marked a pivotal shift in human society, leading to the establishment of permanent settlements. This societal transformation necessitated new forms of communication to manage increasingly complex social structures. Writing systems began to appear around 3,200 BCE in Mesopotamia, with the Sumerians creating cuneiform script. This innovation allowed for the recording of information, fundamentally changing the way humans preserved and transmitted knowledge.

In the centuries that followed, various writing systems emerged across different cultures, including Egyptian hieroglyphs and the Chinese logographic system. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of information, making written texts more accessible to a wider audience and contributing to significant cultural and scientific advancements during the Renaissance.

In the modern era, the development of digital technologies has once again transformed human communication. The invention of the internet and mobile devices has enabled instant communication across vast distances, facilitating global connectivity. Social media platforms and messaging apps have created new paradigms of interaction, allowing for the exchange of ideas at unprecedented speeds.

The complexity of human communication today is a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of our species. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that new forms of communication will emerge, further reshaping the way humans interact with one another.

Questions:

1. What was the primary function of non-verbal communication among early humans?
   1. To record historical events
   2. To coordinate group activities
   3. To create artistic expressions
   4. To develop written language
2. When did the development of spoken language likely begin according to anthropologists?
   1. 10,000 years ago
   2. 100,000 years ago
   3. 3,200 BCE
   4. 15th century
3. What significant event occurred around 10,000 BCE that influenced human communication?
   1. The invention of the printing press
   2. The emergence of spoken language
   3. The beginning of agriculture
   4. The development of digital communication
4. According to the passage, what was one impact of the invention of the printing press?
   1. It made written texts less accessible
   2. It limited the spread of information
   3. It contributed to cultural and scientific advancements
   4. It replaced spoken language
5. What can be inferred about the future of human communication?
   1. It will remain unchanged
   2. New forms will emerge with technological advancements
   3. Digital communication will decline
   4. It will become less complex
6. Why does the author mention social media platforms?
   1. To highlight their negative impact on society
   2. To illustrate their role in modern communication
   3. To criticize their influence on language
   4. To suggest they will become obsolete
7. Where would the following sentence best fit in the passage? "This marked the beginning of recorded history."
   1. After the second sentence
   2. After the fourth sentence
   3. After the fifth sentence
   4. After the sixth sentence
8. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a form of communication before the modern era?
   1. Cuneiform script
   2. Hieroglyphs
   3. Logographic system
   4. Social media platforms
9. Complete the summary of the passage by selecting THREE correct answer choices.
   1. The evolution of human communication began with non-verbal methods and progressed to spoken language.
   2. The establishment of agriculture led to the creation of writing systems.
   3. The invention of the printing press limited access to written information.
   4. Digital technologies have drastically altered modern communication.
   5. Hieroglyphs were the first form of written communication.

Answer Key:

1. (B)
2. (B)
3. (C)
4. (C)
5. (B)
6. (B)
7. (C)
8. (D)
9. (A), (B), (D)