Month: March 2024

Reading Passage 1:The White Horse of Uffington

1.Most geoglyphs in England are located in a particular area of the country.

TRUE – First paragraph, second line. “There are 56 hill figures scattered around England, with the vast majority on the chalk downlands of the country’s southern counties.” Here, the writer said that there are 56 hill figures in England, and the vast (great quantity) number of these are located at a particular place (southern counties). The question statement matches the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is TRUE. Geoglyphs = Hill figures.

2. There are more geoglyphs in the shape of a horse than any other creature.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. There is some information about the shapes of the geoglyphs in the first paragraph’s third line (The figures include giants, horses…), but no such information is given whether more geoglyphs are in the shape of a horse or not. Hence, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

3. A recent dating of the Uffington White Horse indicates that people were mistaken about its age.

TRUE – Second paragraph, second line. “The White Horse has recently been re-dated and shown to be even older than its previously assigned ancient pre-Roman Iron Age date.” Here, re-dated means that it was dated again, and shown is a synonym to indicate. The writer said that re-dating the White horse shows it is older than its previously assigned age. It means people were mistaken about its age. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

4. Historians have come to an agreement about the origins of the Long Man of Wilmington.

FALSE – Second paragraph, third line. “More controversial is the date of the enigmatic Long Man of Wilmington is Sussex. While many historians are convinced the figure is prehistoric, others believe that it was the work of an artistic monk from a nearby priory and was created between the 11^th and 15^th centuries.”

Agreement means they agree to the same thing. In the passage, it is given that historians have different viewpoints related to the origin of Long Man of Wilmington. Hence, they have different views, and the answer is FALSE.

5. Geoglyphs were created by people placing white chalk on the hillside.

FALSE – Third paragraph, first line. “The method of cutting these huge figures was simply to remove the overlying grass to reveal the gleaming white chalk below.” As per paragraph’s information, geoglyphs were created by removing grass to uncover already present chalk blow. But the question says that people were using chalk to make them. Thus, the answer is FALSE.

Gleaming = of a smooth surface reflecting light.

6. Many geoglyphs in England are no longer visible.

TRUE – Third paragraph, fourth line to 6^th line. “One reason that the vast majority of hill figures have disappeared is that……….” Here, the writer discussed the reason for disappearance of hill figures. Hence, the answer is TRUE. Disappearance = not visible.

7. The shape of some geoglyphs has been altered over time.

TRUE – 3rd paragraph, 6th line. “Furthermore, Over hundreds of years the outline the outlines would sometimes change….” The writer said that “people not always cutting in exactly the same place, thus creating a different shape from the original geoglyph”. Hence, the answer is TRUE

Altered = Changed

8. The fame of the Uffington White Horse is due to its size.

NOT GIVEN – Although the writer talked about Uffington White Horse in 4^th paragraph, nothing is said about its fame. Hence, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

Complete the notes below.

The Uffington White Horse

9. near an ancient road known as the ……….

Ridgeway – Fourth paragraph, third line. “The horse is situated 2.5 km from Uffington village on a steep slope close to the Late Bronze Age (c. 7^th century BCE) hillfort of Uffington Castle and below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic track.” The track is similar to the road. Here, the Neolithic track is an ancient road. Hence, ridgeway is the answer.

10. first reference to White Horse Hill appears in ………. from the 1070s

documents – Sixth paragraph, first line. “The earliest evidence of a horse at Uffington is from the 1070s CE when ‘White Horse Hill’ is mentioned in documents from the nearby….”

Earliest = First.  Mention = Reference.

11. according to analysis of the surrounding ………., the Horse is Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age

soil – Seventh paragraph, first line. “However,… testing was carried out…..on soil from two of the lower layers of the horse’s body, and from another cut near the base. The result was a date for the horse’s construction…….. a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age origin.”

In this paragraph, the writer explained that the testing done on soil near the horse provided the date of the horse’s construction.

12. was a representation of goddess Epona – associated with protection of horses and ……….

fertility – Eighth paragraph, fourth line.“Some researchers see the horse as representing the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who was worshipped as a protector of horses, and her associations with fertility.” Hence, goddess Epona was associated with fertility and the protection of horses.

13. was a representation of a Welsh goddess called ……….

Rhiannon –Eighth paragraph, ninth line. “It is possible that the carving represents a goddess in native mythology, such as Rhiannon, described in later Welsh mythology as a beautiful woman dressed in gold and riding a white horse.”

Here, the writer said that the carving represents a goddess (Welsh goddess) like Rhiannon. Hence, the answer is Rhiannon.

Reading Passage 2:I contain multitudes

14. What point does the writer make about microbes in the first paragraph?

D – They will continue to exist for longer than the human race. First paragraph’s first line. “Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us.” Here, the writer says that the microbes will outlive us. Outlive = live longer than.

15. In the second paragraph, the writer is impressed by the fact that

C – the average individual has more microbial cells than human ones. Second paragraph, third line. “What is amazing is that while the number of human cells in the average person is about 30 trillion, the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion.” From this line, it is clear that humans have more microbial cells (39 trillion) than human cells (30 trillion).

16. What is the writer doing in the fifth paragraph?

A – explaining how a discovery was made Fifth paragraph, third line. “Using microscopes of his own design that could magnify up to 270 times, he examined a drop of water from a nearby lake and found it teeming with tiny creatures he called ‘animalcules’.” Here, the writer briefly tells about a discovery (how animalcules were discovered).

Complete the summary using the list of words, A-H.

We should be more tolerant of microbes.

17. Many have a beneficial effect, and only a relatively small number lead to ………. .

G – Sixth paragraph, first line. “Yong’s book is in many ways a plea for microbial tolerance, pointing out that while fewer than one hundred species of bacteria bring disease, many thousands more play a vital role in maintaining our health.” Here, it is said that many thousands of microbial play an important (vital) role in maintaining our health, and less than one hundred cause disease. Disease = illness. Hence, the answer is G.

18. In fact, we should accept that our relationship with microbes is one based on ………. .

B – Sixth paragraph, sixth line. “Instead we should realize we have a symbiotic relationship, that can be mutually beneficial or mutually destructive.” The writer said that we have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Symbiotic (symbiosis) means interaction between two different organisms to the advantage of both. It is similar to partnership (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is B.

19. Our poor ………., our overuse of antibiotics,

H – Seventh paragraph, fifth line. “Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance…..” The writer said that we have unhealthy and low-fiber diets (poor diets). Diet = nutrition (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is H.

20. and our excessive focus on ………. are upsetting the bacterial balance

E – Seventh paragraph, fifth line. “Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance…..” Obsession = Excessive focus. Hygiene = cleanliness (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is E.

YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

21. It is possible that using antibacterial products in the home fails to have the desired effect.

YES – Eighth paragraph, first line. “There are studies indicating that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay.” Here, it is given that the excess use of antibacterial products fails because they kill those bacteria that keep more dangerous bacteria away from us. It means antibacterial products kill beneficial bacteria instead of dangerous ones, which we actually want to kill. Hence, the answer is YES.

22. It is a good idea to ensure that children come into contact with as few bacteria as possible.

NO – Eighth paragraph, third line. “Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later.” Here, the writer said that it is good to expose children to different bacteria as it protects them from allergies. Hence, the information in the passage contradicts the statement, and the answer is NO.

23. Yong’s book contains more case studies than are necessary.

Not Given – There is no such information given in the passage. There is a reference about Yong’s book and its case studies in the last paragraph, but there is no information about how many case studies Yong’s book has.

24. The case study about bacteria that prevent squid from being attacked may have limited appeal.

YES – Last paragraph, first line to 4th line. “Among the less appealing case studies……..Another is about squid that carry luminescent bacteria ….” “Among the less appealing case studies …” Less appeal = limited appeal. Hence, the answer is YES.

25. Efforts to control dengue fever have been surprisingly successful.

NOT GIVEN – The writer talk about dengue fever in last paragraph’s 6^th & 7^th line, but there is no such information about success of dengue control efforts. Hence, NOT GIVEN.

26. Microbes that reduce the risk of infection have already been put inside the walls of some hospital wards.

NO – Last paragraph, eighth line. “In the future, our ability to manipulate microbes means we could construct buildings with useful microbes built into their wall to fight off infections.” The writer said that we could construct walls with microbes built into them in the future. Thus, microbes are not already put inside the walls. Hence, the answer is NO.

Reading Passage 3:How to make wise decisions

27. What point does the writer make in the first paragraph?

B – A basic assumption about wisdom may be wrong. First paragraph’s first line from end. “Although the truly wise may seem few ……, given the right context” Here, the writer discussed that wisdom is not something they assumed of; in fact, it is something else. The meaning of the lines is that wisdom seems to be possessed by a few people (assumption), but in reality, most of us have ability to make wise decision. Hence, the assumption related to wisdom may be wrong.

28. What does Igor Grossmann suggest about the ability to make wise decisions?

C – The importance of certain influences on it was underestimated. Second paragraph’s first line. “It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined,’ says Associate Professor Igor Grossmann…” Igor Grossmann said that certain factors are more powerful than previously imagined. Hence, their importance was underestimated.

29. According to the third paragraph, Grossmann claims that the level of wisdom an individual shows

B – will be different in different circumstances. Third paragraph’s fifth line. “Some situations are more likely to promote wisdom than others.” Thus, it is clearly given that wisdom changes according to situation. Situation = circumstance. It is claimed by Grossmann.

30. What is described in the fifth paragraph?

D – a recommended strategy that can help people to reason wisely. Fifth paragraph’s 3rd line to the end of this paragraph. “Research suggests that when……….related to wise decisions.” In these lines, the writer described about a research that suggests that if we see the situation like an observer, then we make judgments more broadly. So the strategy is to act as a third person (observer), not first person to make wise decision.

Complete the summary using the list of words, A-J, below.

The characteristics of wise reasoning

31. It is important to have a certain degree of ………. regarding the extent of our knowledge,

D (modesty) – Fourth paragraph, second line. “One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our knowledge…” Limit = Extent. Humility = Modesty. Hence, a certain degree of humility is required.  

32. and to take into account ………. which may not be the same as our own.

A (opinion) – Fourth paragraph’s last line. “along with compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs” belief = Opinion. Integration of different attitudes and belief means we should include different opinions of others. 

33. We should also be able to take a broad ………. of any situation.

C (view)– Fifth paragraph’s 3rd line. “and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand.” Perspective = view (word given in the box). Wider = Broad. The meaning of these lines is that we should take wider view of situation.

34. Grossmann also believes that it is better to regard scenarios with ………. .

F (objectivity)– Fifth paragraph’s first line to 3^rd line, “Grossmann and his colleagues have also found……giving advice to a friend.” To know this question’s answer, you must know the meaning of “Objectivity”. Objective = of a person or judgment not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. So it is better to regard scenarios with objectivity; it can be done by looking at scenario from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend. Therefore, F is the answer.

35. By avoiding the first-person perspective, we focus more on ………. and on other moral ideals, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making.

G (fairness) – Fifth paragraph’s 4^th line. “when we adopt a third person, ’Observer’ viewpoint we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality.” Impartiality = Fairness. By reading these lines and available options, we find G (Fairness) is the best option that fits in this blank.        

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

36. Students participating in the job prospects experiment could choose one of two perspectives to take.

FALSE – Seventh paragraph’s 4th line. “Participants in the group assigned………. in the control group.” Participants were assigned with perspective, not they could choose the role. They could only imagine their career. Hence, FALSE.  

37. Participants in the couples experiment were aware that they were taking part in a study about wise reasoning.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. There is a discussion about a study on couples in the eighth paragraph, but there is no information on whether the couples were aware or not about the experiment.

38. In the couples experiments, the length of the couples’ relationships had an impact on the results.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage.

39. In both experiments, the participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint tended to make wiser decisions.

TRUE – Seventh and eighth paragraph’s fourth line. Here, both experiments mean an experiment on students and an experiment on couples. The fourth line of the seventh paragraph “Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role displayed more wisdom-related reasoning ….”

Fourth line of the eighth paragraph “Couples in the ‘other’s eyes’ condition were significantly more likely to rely on wise reasoning …” Detached viewpoint = other’s viewpoint = distant observer. Hence, participants who viewed the situation from other’s viewpoints make wiser decisions in both experiments.

40. Grossmann believes that a person’s wisdom is determined by their intelligence to only a very limited extent.

TRUE – Last paragraph, first line. “We might associate wisdom with intelligence or particular personality traits, but research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallized intelligence ….” Small positive relationship = limited extent. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

Reading Passage 1:Why we need to protect polar bears

1. Polar bears suffer from various health problems due to the build -up of fat under their skin.

FALSE – First paragraph, third line. Start reading from “One reason for this is that they have up to 11 centimetres of fat underneath their skin. Humans with comparative levels of adipose tissue would be considered obese and would likely to suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Yet the polar bear experiences no such consequences.” Here, the writer said that polar bears have 11 centimetres of fat under their skin. Humans with the same amount of fat are considered obese and suffer from health issues, but polar bears have no issues. The statement in the question contradicts the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is false.

2. The study done by Liu and his colleagues compared different groups of polar bears.

FALSE – In the second paragraph, the writer discussed the study done by Liu and colleagues. In the first line, it is given that they compared the genes (genetic structure) of polar bears with brown bears (closest relative). However, the question says that they compared different groups of polar bears. Further explanation: They compared polar bears with bears from a warmer climate. Thus, there is a contradiction, and the answer is false.

3. Liu and colleagues were the first researchers to compare polar bears and brown bears genetically.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage whether Liu and his colleagues were the first researchers to compare polar bears and brown bears or not. Hence, the answer is not given. Some information about Liu and his colleague’s research and their comparison between polar bears and brown bears is given in the second paragraph, but it is not given whether they were the first to compare these categories of bears or not.

4. Polar bears are able to control their levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol by genetic means.

TRUE – Second paragraph, fourth line. It is found by Liu and his colleagues that polar bears had a certain kind of gene (APoB) that reduced levels of bad cholesterol. Hence, the answer is true.

5. Female polar bears are able to survive for about six months without food.

TRUE – Third paragraph, sixth line. The writer said that female polar bears remain in their dens for about six months for the birth of their cubs. Lines from passage – “Once autumn comes around, these females will dig maternity dens in the snow and will remain there throughout the winter, both before and after the birth of their cubs. This process results in about six months of fasting (without food), where the female bears have to keep themselves and their cubs alive, depleting (reducing) their own calcium and calorie reserves.”

6. It was found that the bones of female polar bears were very weak when they came out of their dens in spring.

FALSE – You will find the answer to this question in two sentences. Read the last line of the third paragraph. It is given that despite the loss of calcium and calorie, the bones of female polar bears remain strong and dense. Continue reading, and in the third line of the fourth paragraph. It is given that when they came out, there was no significant bone density loss.

7. The polar bear’s mechanism for increasing bone density could also be used by people one day.

TRUE – Fourth paragraph, last line. It is said that many bedridden (bedridden:- unable to walk or move/ confined to bed) humans can get benefit from polar bears’ bone remodeling mechanism. “Could potentially benefit”- there are chances that it can be used for human in the future. So the answer is true.

Complete the table

Reasons why polar bears should be protected

8. People think of bears as unintelligent and ……….

violent – Fifth paragraph, fourth line. “Bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent.” Unintelligent and stupid are synonyms. So, the answer is violent.

9. In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a ……….

tool – Fifth paragraph, sixth line. “A male bear called GoGo in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, has even been observed making use of a tool to manipulate his environment. The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach.” The bear used a tree branch as a tool to change his environment. So, the answer is tool.

10. This allowed him to knock down some ……….

meat – Fifth paragraph, seventh line. “The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge (dislodge:- knock down) a piece of meat hung out of his reach.” The bear knocks down some meat.

11. A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a ………. was located.

photographer – Fifth paragraph, last line. “A calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high.” There was a photographer on a platform.

12. Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a ……….

game – Sixth paragraph, second line. “For example, Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game.” Read the first line of this paragraph also, the writer said about deliberate and focused manipulation, which is similar to conscious manipulation. In the second line, the writer said that bears do something which looks like a game. So, game is the answer.

13. They may make movements suggesting ………. if disappointed when hunting.

frustration – Seventh paragraph, first line. “As for emotions, while the evidence is once again anecdotal, many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow – seemingly out of frustration – when they have just missed out on a kill.” The writer said that when bears miss a kill, they hit ice because of frustration. They feel disappointed when they cannot hunt.

Reading Passage 2:The Step Pyramid of Djoser

14. Paragraph A

iv – “A single certainty among other less definite facts”. ‘A’ paragraph, fourth line. “The evolution of the pyramid form has been written and argued about for centuries. However, there is no question that, as far as Egypt is concerned, it began with one monument to one king designed by one brilliant architect: the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.”

15. Paragraph B

vii – An idea for changing the design of burial structures. ‘B’ paragraph, read from first line. “Djoser was the first king of the Third Dynasty of Egypt and the first to build in stone. Prior to Djoser’s reign, tombs were rectangular monuments made of dried clay brick.” (In these lines, the writer talks about previous designs.)

Now read from 4^th line onwards. “For reasons which remain unclear, Djoser’s main official, whose name was Imhotep, conceived of building a taller, more impressive tomb for his king by stacking stone slabs on top of one another, progressively making them smaller, to form the shape now known as the Step Pyramid.”

16. Paragraph C

ii – A difficult task for those involved. ‘C’ paragraph, sixth line. “The weight of the enormous mass was a challenge for the builders, who placed the stones at an inward incline in order to prevent the monument breaking up.”

17. Paragraph D

v – An overview of the external buildings and areas. ‘D’ paragraph, second line. “The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests. It covered a region of 16 hectares and was surrounded by a wall 10.5 meters high.”

18. Paragraph E

i – The areas and artefacts within the pyramid itself. ‘E’ paragraph, first line. “The burial chamber of the tomb, where the king’s body was laid to rest, was dug beneath the base of the pyramid, surrounded by a vast maze of long tunnels that had rooms off them to discourage robbers. One of the most mysterious discoveries found inside the pyramid was a large number of stone vessels. Over 40,000 of these vessels, of various form and shapes, were discovered in storerooms off the pyramid’s underground passage.”

19. Paragraph F

viii – An incredible experience despite the few remains. ‘F’ paragraph, second line. “Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves. There was enough left throughout the pyramid and its complex, however, to astonish and amaze the archaeologists who excavated it.”

20. Paragraph G

vi – A pyramid design that others copied. ‘G’ paragraph, fifth line. “The Step Pyramid was a revolutionary advance in architecture and became the archetype (archetype:- an original which has been imitated) which all other great pyramid builders of Egypt would follow.”

Complete the notes below

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

21. The complex that includes the Step Pyramid and its surroundings is considered to be as big as an Egyptian ………. of the past.

city – ‘D’ paragraph, second line. “The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt ….” It means that the complex consisting of the Step Pyramid and its surroundings was as big as an Egyptian city.

22. The area outside the pyramid included accommodation that was occupied by ………. along with many other buildings and features.

priests – ‘D’ paragraph, second line. Continue reading where you found the answer to the 21st question. “….and living quarters for the priests.” Living quarters means there was accommodation for priests.

23. A wall ran around the outside of the complex and a number of false entrances were built into this. In addition, a long ………. encircled the wall.

trench – ‘D’ paragraph, 6^th line. “the entire wall was then ringed(encircled) by trench ….” Hence, a trench encircled the wall.

24. As a result, any visitors who had not been invited were cleverly prevented from entering the pyramid grounds unless they knew the ………. of the real entrance.

location – ‘D’ paragraph, eighth line. “If someone wished to enter, he or she would have needed to know in advance how to find the location of the true opening in the wall.” Here, the true opening is similar to the real entrance. Hence, they need to know the location of the real entrance.

Questions 25-26: Choose TWO letters, A-E

Which TWO points does the writer make about King Djoser?

B – There is disagreement concerning the length of his reign. ‘B’ paragraph, last three line. “Djoser is thought to have reigned for 19 years, but some historians and scholars attribute a much longer time for his rule, owing to the number and size of the monuments he built.”

D – A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it. ‘F’ paragraph, third line from end. “all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by thieves .”

Reading Passage 3:The future of work

27. The first paragraph tells us about

B – First paragraph, first line. “3-14% of the global workforce will need to switch to a different occupation within the next 10-15 years, and all workers will need to adapt as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines.” Proportion = 3-14%

28. According to the second paragraph, what is Stella Pachidi’s view of the ‘knowledge economy’?

D – Second paragraph, first line. “Dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production – the so-called knowledge economy.”

29. What did Pachidi observe at the telecommunications company?

C – Seventh paragraph. Read full paragraph. It is said that workers feed algorithms with incorrect data to achieve their targets. Hence, they are making sure that algorithms (AI) produce the results that they want.

30. In his recently published research, Ewan McGaughey

D – Twelfth paragraph. Read the complete 12^th paragraph and continue to read the 13^th paragraph until its 3^rd line “….work and leisure.” Here, the writer discussed McGaughey’s recent research in which he gives methods to handle changes in the job market.

Complete the Summary using the list of words, A-G

The ‘algorithmication’ of jobs

31. Stella Pachidi of Cambridge Judge Business School has been focusing on the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs which rely not on production but on ……….

G – Second paragraph, first line. “Dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production – the so-called knowledge economy.” Information is similar to word data given in the passage.

32. While monitoring a telecommunications company, Pachidi observed a growing ………. on the recommendations made by AI, as workers begin to learn through the ‘algorithm’s eyes’.

E – Sixth paragraph, second line. In the fifth paragraph, the writer discussed Pachidi’s monitoring of telecommunications company in the second line. After this, the writer told about Pachidi’s observations in a telecommunication company. Then start reading from the sixth paragraph’s second line. “In cases like this, Pachidi believes, a short-sighted view begins to creep into working practices whereby workers learn through the ‘ algorithm eyes’ and become dependent on its instructions.” Here, dependent means reliance, and recommendations mean instructions.

33. Meanwhile, staff are deterred from experimenting and using their own ………., and are therefore prevented from achieving innovation.

C – Sixth paragraph, fourth line. “Alternative explorations – where experimentation and human instinct lead to progress and new ideas – are effectively discouraged.” Instinct means intuition. Staff is discouraged from experimenting and using their instinct. Hence, the answer is intuition.

34. To avoid the kind of situations which Pachidi observed, researchers are trying to make AI’s decision-making process easier to comprehend, and to increase users’ ………. with regard to the technology.

F – Eighth paragraph, first line. “It’s scenarios like these that many researchers are working to avoid. Their objective is to make AI technologies more trustworthy and transparent, so that organisations and individuals understand how AI decisions are made.” Comprehend means understand. Making technologies more trustworthy and transparent will increase the confidence of users in AI. Hence, confidence is the answer.

Match each statement with the correct person, A, B, or C.

35. Greater levels of automation will not result in lower employment.

B – Tenth paragraph. Read full paragraph. The meaning of this paragraph is that taking 50 out of 100 jobs by robots does not mean we are left with 50 jobs. The number of jobs will increase.

36. There are several reasons why AI is appealing to businesses.

A – Third paragraph, first line. “In many cases, they can outperform humans, says Pachidi. Organisations are attracted to using algorithms because they want to make choices based on why they consider is “perfect information”, as well as to reduce costs and enhance productivity.” So, there are multiple reasons.

37. AI’s potential to transform people’s lives has parallels with major cultural shifts which occurred in previous eras.

C – Twelfth paragraph. Read full paragraph. From the perspective of the question, the meaning of this paragraph is that in the past, change could cause redundancy (unemployment because of no work). So AI, automation and robotics can cause unemployment corresponding (parallel) to the past (history).

38. It is important to be aware of the range of problems that AI causes.

A – Eighth paragraph, third line. “We need to make sure we fully understand the dilemmas that this new world raises regarding expertise, occupational boundaries and control.”

39. People are going to follow a less conventional career path than in the past.

B – Ninth paragraph, second line. “’The traditional trajectory of full-time education followed by full-time work followed by a pensioned retirement is a thing of the past,’ says Low. Instead, he envisages a multistage employment life; one where retraining happens across the life course, and where multiple jobs and no job happen by choice at different stages.”

40. Authorities should take measures to ensure that there will be adequately paid work for everyone.

C – Second last paragraph, third line. “McGaughey’s findings are a call to arms to leaders of organisations , governments and banks to pre-empt the coming changes with bold new policies that guarantee full employment, fair incomes (adequately paid work) and a thriving economic democracy.”

Reading Passage 1:The return of the huarango

Questions 1-5: Completing notes:

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the note: The importance of the huarango tree

Question no. 1: can access ________ deep below the surface  

Keywords for the question: can access, deep, below, surface,  

The first paragraph introduces us to the huarango tree. Here, take a close look at line no. 5, “ . .. . They stretch down 50-80 metres and, as well as sucking up water for the tree, they bring it into  . .. .”

Here, they = huarango trees, sucking up = access, down 50-80 metres = deep below the surface, 

So, the answer is: water

Question no. 2: was a crucial part of local inhabitants’ _______ a long time ago

Keywords for the question: crucial part, local inhabitants’, long time ago,     

In paragraph no. 2, the writer of the passage explains the findings made by Dr. David Beresford-Jones, and in lines 2-3, the writer says, “ . .. He believes the huarango was the key to the ancient people’s diet and . .. ..”

Here, the key = crucial part, ancient = long time ago, people’s = local inhabitants’,

So, the answer is: diet

Question no. 3: helped people to survive periods of ________

Keywords for the question: helped, people, survive, periods of,

In lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 2, the writer says, “ . .. . because it could reach deep water sources, it allowed local people to withstand years of drought when their other crops failed. . .”

Here, allowed local people to withstand = helped people to survive, years of = periods of,

So, the answer is: drought

Question no. 4: prevents _____ of the soil

Keywords for the question: prevents, of the soil,

In lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 2, the writer says, “ . .. . But over the centuries huarango trees were gradually replaced with crops. Cutting down native woodland leads to erosion, as there is nothing to keep the soil in place. . .” 

Here, the lines contain a reverse meaning and suggest that erosion started to occur as huarango trees were cut down and replaced with crops. This means huarango trees can prevent erosion of the soil. 

So, the answer is: erosion  

Question no. 5: prevents land from becoming a _______

Keywords for the question: prevents, land, from becoming,  

The last lines of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . .. .. So, when the huarangos go, the land turns into a desert. … .”

Here, again, the lines contain a reverse meaning suggesting that huarango trees can prevent the land from becoming a desert.

So, the answer is: desert

Question 6-8: Completing table: NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS

[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps in a table with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS. Previewing, skimming, and scanning, these reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

Title of the table: Traditional uses of the huarango tree

 Question no. 6:

Part of tree	Traditional use
_____________	fuel

Keywords for the question: part of tree, traditional use, fuel,  

In paragraph no. 3, the author says in line no. 3, “ .. . . while its branches were used for charcoal for cooking and heating,  . .. .”

Here, charcoal for cooking and heating = fuel,

So, the answer is: its branches / huarango branches / the branches  

Question no. 7:

Part of tree	Traditional use
________ and _______	medicine

Keywords for the question: part of tree, traditional use, medicine,

In paragraph no. 3, lines 2-3 say, “. . .. Its leaves and bark were used for herbal remedies, . .. .”

Here, herbal remedies = medicine,

So, the answer is: (in either order)

leaves (and) bark

Question no. 8:

Part of tree	Traditional use
____________	construction

Keywords for the question: part of tree, traditional use, construction,

In line no. 4 of paragraph no. 3, the author of the passage writes, “ . .. and its trunk was used to build houses. .. ..”

Here, build houses = construction,  

So, the answer is: its trunk/ huarango trunk/ the trunk  

Question 9-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 9: Local families have told Whaley about some traditional uses of huarango products. 

Keywords for the question: local families, told Whaley, traditional uses, huarango products, 

Paragraph no. 4, 5, and 6 discuss how Whaley has inspired local people to restart planting using the huarango tree. However, nowhere we find information on whether local people have shared some traditional uses of huarango with Whaley.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 10: Farmer Alberto Benevides is now making a good profit from growing huarangos.

Keywords for the question: Farmer Alberto Benevides, now, making a good profit,

Let’s take a look at paragraph no. 6 where we find the name of Farmer Alberto Benevides. Here, in this paragraph, take a look at lines 4-5, “ . .. . His farm is relatively small and doesn’t yet provide him enough with enough to live on, but he hopes this will change. .. . .”  

Here, doesn’t yet provide him enough with enough to live on = NOT making a good profit from growing,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 11: Whaley needs the co-operation of farmers to help preserve the area’s wildlife.

 Keywords for the question: Whaley, needs, co-operation of farmers, help preserve, wildlife,

In paragraph no. 7, lines 1-3 explain how wildlife like mammals and birds are being threatened by larger farms. Then, the writer says in lines 4-5, “ . .. In the hope of counteracting this, he’s persuading farmers to let him plant forest corridors on their land. …”

Here, In the hope of counteracting this, he’s persuading farmers means Whaley needs the co-operation of the local farmers to preserve the area’s wildlife.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 12: For Whaley’s project to succeed, it needs to be extended over a very large area.

Keywords for the question: Whaley’s project to succeed, needs to be extended, over a very large area,  

In paragraph no. 8, have a close look at lines 2-4, “. .. . It’s not like a rainforest that needs to have this huge expanse. Life has always been confined to corridors and islands here. . . .”

Here, It’s not like a rainforest that needs to have this huge expanse means that Whaley’s project needs only a small amount of land (the corridors). It’s not like a rain forest.

So, the answer is: FALSE  

Question no. 13: Whaley has plans to go to Africa to set up a similar project.

Keywords for the question: Whaley, plans, go to Africa, to set up, similar project,                      

In the final paragraph (paragraph no. 8), lines 6-8 say, “. . . ‘If we can do it here, in the most fragile system on Earth, then that’s a real message of hope for lots of places, including Africa, where there is drought and they just can’t afford to wait for rain.”  

Here, the lines suggest that Whaley project can bring hope to different parts of the world like Africa where drought is a big problem. However, here we find no information about whether Whaley plans to go to Africa to set up another project like this one.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

Reading Passage 2: The headline of the passage: Silbo Gomero – the whistle ‘language’ of the Canary Islands

Questions 14-19: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 14: La Gomera is the most mountainous of all the Canary Islands.

Keywords for the question: La Gomera, most mountainous, all the Canary Islands,

In the first paragraph, the author of the text says in the beginning, “La Gomera is one of the Canary Islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa. This small volcanic island is mountainous, with steep rocky slopes and deep, wooded ravines, rising to 1,487 metres at its highest peak. .. .”

Here, we find the word mountainous; however, there is no comparison with other islands.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 15: Silbo is only appropriate for short and simple messages.

Keywords for the question: Silbo, only appropriate, short, simple messages,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. Here, take a look at lines 4-5, “ .. .. ‘In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands, but any Spanish sentence could be whistled.’.. .. .”  

Here, the lines suggest that Silbo is not only appropriate for short messages but also for long Spanish sentences.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 16: In the brain-activity study, silbadores and non-whistlers produced different results.

 Keywords for the question: brain-activity study, silbadores and non-whistlers, produced, different results,

The answer can be found in lines 2-7 of paragraph no. 6, where the results of the experiments on brain-activity in silbadores and non-whistlers have been shown.

Here, the author says, “ . . . Results showed the left temporal lobe of the brain, which is usually associated with spoken language, was engaged during the processing of Silbo. . . .. . . . . When the experiments were repeated with non-whistlers, however, activation was observed in all areas of the brain.”  

Here, the lines suggest that results were different for silbadores and non-whistlers.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions no. 17: The Spanish introduced Silbo to the islands in the 15th Century.

Keywords for the question: The Spanish, introduced Silbo, 15th Century,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 8. In the first few lines, the writer says, “Carreiras says the origins of Silbo Gomero remain obscure, but that indigenous Canary Islanders, who were of North African origin, already had a whistled language when Spain conquered the volcanic islands on the 15^th Century. .. . .”

Here, these lines suggest that when the Spanish arrived in the Canary Islands to conquer, a whistled language had already been used by the islanders.

This means the Spanish did not introduce Silbo to the islands.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 18: There is precise data available regarding all of the whistle languages in existence today.

Keywords for the question: precise data, available, all of the whistle languages, in existence, today,  

In paragraph no. 8, lines 5-6 say, “ . .. There are thought to be as many as 70 whistled languages still in use, though only 12 have been described and studied scientifically. .. ..”

Here, only 12 have been described and studied scientifically = precise data available regarding 12 whistled languages, not all whistled languages,  

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 19: The children of Gomera now learn Silbo.

Keywords for the question: children of Gomera, now learn, Silbo,

In paragraph no. 9 (the final paragraph) the writer says in line no. 4, “ . .. .  Since 1999, Silbo Gomero has been taught in all of the island’s elementary schools. . . .”

Here, been taught in all of the island’s elementary schools = children of Gomera now learn this language,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 20-26: Completing notes

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

The title of the summary: Silbo Gomero

Question no. 20:

high- and low-frequency tones represent different sounds in Spanish __________

Keywords for the question: produced, high- and low-frequency tones, different sounds, Spanish,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4 in lines 1-2, “Silbo is a substitute for Spanish, with individual words recoded into whistles which have high- and low-frequency tones. … ..”  

Here, recoded into whistles = represented into different sounds,   

So, the answer is: words

Question no. 21:

pitch of whistle is controlled using silbador’s ___________

Keywords for the question: produced, pitch of whistle, controlled, using, silbador’s,    

In paragraph no. 4, lines 2-3 say, “ . .. A whistler – or silbador – puts a finger in his or her mouth to increase the whistle’s pitch, .. .. .”  

Here, to increase the whistle’s pitch = pitch of whistle is controlled, puts = using,

So, the answer is: finger

Question no. 22:

________ is changed with a cupped hand

Keywords for the question: produced, changed with, cupped hand,    

Again, in paragraph no. 4, line no. 3 say, “.. . . while the other hand can be cupped to adjust the direction of the sound. . … .”

Here, the other hand can be cupped = a cupped hand, the process is speeded up = can expand suddenly,

So, the answer is: direction

Question no. 23:

in everyday use for the transmission of brief ___________

Keywords for the question: everyday use, transmission, brief,   

In paragraph no. 5, line no. 4 says, “ . .. ‘In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands, . .. .”

Here, In daily life they use = in everyday use, to communicate = for the transmission, short = brief,

So, the answer is: commands

Question no. 24:

can relay essential information quickly, e.g. to inform people about ________

Keywords for the question: can relay, essential information, quickly, inform people about,  

Again, in paragraph no. 5, lines 5-6 say, “ . .. Siblo has proved particularly useful when fires have occurred on the island and rapid communication across large areas has been vital.”

Here, rapid communication across large areas has been vital = can relay essential information quickly,  

So, the answer is: fires

Question no. 25:

future under threat because of new ________

Keywords for the question: future, under threat, because, new,    

In the final paragraph of the passage, in lines 1-3, the author says, “But with modern communication technology now widely available, researchers say whistled languages like Silbo are threatened with extinction. .. . “  

Here, threatened with extinction = future of languages like Silbo under threat, modern = new,

So, the answer is: technology

Question no. 26:

Canaries’ authorities hoping to receive a UNESCO ________ to help preserve it

Keywords for the question: Canaries’ authorities, hoping to receive, UNESCO, help preserve,

In lines 5-7 of the final paragraph, the author of the passage says, “ … . In addition, locals are seeking assistance from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). ‘The local authorities are trying to get an award from the organization to declare [Silbo Gomero] as something that should be preserved for humanity,’ Carreiras adds.”  

Here, The local authorities = Canaries’ authorities, trying to get = hoping to receive, the organization = UNESCO,

So, the answer is: award

Reading Passage 3: The title of the passage: Environmental practices of big businesses

Questions 27-31: Completing a summary with a list of words:

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete a summary with a list of words taken from the passage. Candidates must write the correct letters (not the words) which are given in the box under the questions as the answers. Keywords and synonyms are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the summary: Big businesses

Question no. 27: Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no _________.

Keywords for the question: many big businesses, prepared to harm, people, the environment, in order to, make money, appear to have, no,  

Take a look at lines 1-3 in paragraph no. 1, “The environmental practices of big businesses are shaped by a fundamental fact that for many of us offend our sense of justice. Depending on the circumstances, a business may maximize the amount of money it makes, at least in the short term, by damaging the environment and hurting people. .. ..”

Here, damaging the environment and hurting people = harm people and the environment, maximize the amount of money = make money, offend our sense of justice & may maximize the amount of money . .. . by damaging the environment . ..  = have no moral standards,

So, the answer is: D (moral standards)

Questions no. 28, 29, 30, 31:

Lack of 28. _______ by governments and lack of public 29. ______ can lead to environmental problems such as 30. ________ or the destruction of 31. ________.

Keywords for the question: lack of, by governments, lack of public, can lead to, environmental problems, destruction,  

Answers to these questions can be found by studying lines 4-9 of paragraph no. 1.

Here, the writer says, “ . . .. That is still the case today for fishermen in an unmanaged fishery without quotas (overfishing), and for international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land (destruction of trees) in places with corrupt officials and unsophisticated landowners. When government regulation if effective, and when the public is environmentally aware, environmentally clean big businesses may out-complete dirty ones, but the reverse is likely to be true if government regulation is ineffective (lack of control by governments) and if the public doesn’t care (lack of public involvement).”

Here, candidates need to be careful to find the answers because all the answers given in the box with the questions are synonyms.

Moreover, in the text, the answers are set in a tricky way.

First, consider the lines, “ . .. . That is still the case today for fishermen in an unmanaged fishery without quotas (overfishing), and for international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land (destruction of trees) in places with corrupt officials and unsophisticated landowners. . . ..”

Here, we find the answers for questions no. 30 and 31. It’s because the writer has explained the results of big businesses without control or supervision.  

Then, in the following lines of the paragraph, the writer mentions, “ . . . When government regulation if effective, and when the public is environmentally aware, environmentally clean big businesses may out-complete dirty ones, but the reverse is likely to be true if government regulation is ineffective (lack of control by governments) and if the public doesn’t care (lack of public involvement).”

These lines explain what happens when the government is aware and when it is not aware. In the last lines, the word ‘reverse’ is used to explain ‘the results when the government is not aware’.

Here, we find the answers for questions no. 28 and 29. It’s because the writer has explained the reasons why big businesses are causing environmental problems.

So, the answers are:

• E (control)
• F (involvement)
• H (overfishing)
• B (trees)

Questions 32-34: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 32: The main idea of the third paragraph is that environmental damages

Keywords for the question: main idea, third paragraph, environmental damages,

In the third paragraph, the writer explains how the general public can prevent environmental damages. Take a look at these lines, “ . .. . In the long run, it is the public, either directly or through its publications, that has the power to make such destructive policies unprofitable and illegal, and to make sustainable environmental policies profitable.”

Here, make such destructive policies unprofitable and illegal, and to make sustainable environmental policies profitable = environmental damages could be prevented,

The public = ordinary people,  

So, the answer is: C (could be prevented by the action of ordinary people.)

Question no. 33: In the fourth paragraph, the writer describes ways in which the public can

Keywords for the question: fourth paragraph, ways, in which, public can,  

The first lines of paragraph no. 4 present the main idea with an example, “The public can do that by suing businesses for harming them, as happened after the Exxon Valdez disaster, in which over 40,000m³ of oil were spilled off the coast of Alaska. . ..”

Here, do that by suing businesses for harming them = influence the environmental policies,

Then, in the next lines of the paragraph, the writer shows more ways how the public can influence the environmental policies of big and small businesses and governments.

So, the answer is: D (influence the environmental policies of businesses and governments.)

Question no. 34: What pressure was exerted by big businesses in the case of the disease BSE?

Keywords for the question: pressure, exerted by, big businesses, disease BSE,      

We can see the reference for the disease BSE in paragraph no. 5. Here, take a look at lines 2-8, “ . .. For instance, after the US public became concerned about the spread of a disease known as BSE, which was transmitted to humans through infected meat, the US government’s Food and Drug Administration introduced rules demanding that the meat industry abandon practices associated with the risk of the disease spreading. But for five years, the meat packers refused to follow these, claiming that they would be too expensive to obey. However, when a major fast-food company then made the same demands after customer purchases of its hamburgers plummeted, the meat industry complied within weeks. . …”   

Here, when a major fast-food company then made the same demands after customer purchases of its hamburgers plummeted, the meat industry complied within weeks = A fast-food company forced their meat suppliers to follow the law,  

So, the answer is: B (A fast-food company forced their meat suppliers to follow the law.)

Questions 35-39: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the claim of the writer in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the writer in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 35: The public should be prepared to fund good environmental practices.  

Keywords for the question: the public, should be prepared, fund, good environmental practices,     

In paragraph no. 6, take a close look at lines 2-3, “ .. . . I also believe that the public must accept the necessity for higher prices for products to cover the added costs, if any, of sound environmental practices. . .. .”

Here, the public must accept = the public should be prepared, higher prices for products = fund, sound environmental practices = good environmental practices,  

So, the answer is: YES  

Question no. 36: There is a contrast between the moral principles of different businesses.  

Keywords for the question: contrast between, moral principles, different businesses,

In paragraph no. 6, the writer says in lines 4-9, “. . . My views may seem to ignore the belief that businesses should act in accordance with moral principles even if this leads to a reduction in their profits. But I think we must recognize that, throughout human history, in all politically complex human societies, government regulation has arisen precisely because it was found that not only did moral principles need to be made explicit, they also needed to be enforced.”

Here, these lines talk about why moral principles are important in business practices. However, we do not find any comparison between the moral principles of different businesses.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

Question no. 37: It is important to make a clear distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.  

Keywords for the question: important, to make, clear distinction, between, acceptable, unacceptable, behaviour,

In the first lines (lines 1-3) of the final paragraph, the author of the passage says, “To me, the conclusion that the public had the ultimate responsibility for the behaviour of even the biggest businesses is empowering and hopeful, rather than disappointing. My conclusion is not a moralistic one about who is right or wrong, admirable, or selfish, a good guy or a bad guy. . ..”   

Here, not a moralistic one about who is right or wrong, admirable, or selfish, a good guy or a bad guy = NO clear distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 38: The public have successfully influenced businesses in the past.

Keywords for the question: the public, successfully influenced, businesses, in the past,       

In the final paragraph, lines 3-6 say, “ .. . In the past, businesses have changed when the public came to expect and require different behaviour, to reward businesses for behaviour that the public wanted, and to make things difficult for businesses practicing behaviours that the public didn’t want.  .. ..”    

Here, businesses have changed when the public came to expect and require different behaviour = the public have successfully influenced businesses,  

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 39: In the future, businesses will show more concern for the environment.  

Keywords for the question: future, businesses, will show, more concern, for, environment,    

Lines 6-7 in the final paragraph say, “ . .. . I predict that in the future, just as in the past, changes in public attitudes will be essential for changes in businesses’ environmental practices.”

Here, the writer talks about what the effects of public attitudes will be for different changes in the environmental practices of big businesses. We don’t find any information regarding concern shown by businesses for the environment.  

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

Question no. 40: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

What would be the best subheading for this passage?

Keywords for the question: best subheading,   

The overall idea of the passage is the fact that both big businesses and the general public are to blame for the damage caused in the environment. We can’t just blindly blame big businesses for the damage alone.  

So, the answer is: D (Are big businesses to blame for the damage they cause the environment?)

Reading Passage 1:Henry Moore (1898-1986)

Questions 1-7: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 1: On leaving school, Moore did what his father wanted him to do.

Keywords for the question: leaving school, Moore did, his father wanted,   

In paragraph no. 1, take a look at lines 4-5, “ .. . . After leaving school, Moore hoped to become a sculptor, but instead, he complied with his father’s wish that he train as a schoolteacher. . . .”

Here, After leaving school = On leaving school, he complied with his father’s wish = Moore did what his father wanted him to do,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 2: Moore began studying sculpture in his first term at the Leeds School of Art.

Keywords for the question: began studying sculpture, first term, the Leeds School of Art,

The answer is found in the first two lines of paragraph no. 2. The author says here, “After the war, Moore enrolled at the Leeds School of Art, where he studied for two years. In his first year, he spent most of his time drawing. . .”

This means Moore didn’t study sculpture in his first year at the Leeds School of Art; he studied drawing.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 3: When Moore started at the Royal College of Art, its reputation for teaching sculpture was excellent.  

Keywords for the question: Royal College of Art, its reputation, teaching sculpture, excellent,    

Paragraph no. 2 and 3 talk about the time Moore studied at the Royal College of Art. However, there is no mention of the College’s reputation for teaching sculpture.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 4: Moore became aware of ancient sculpture as a result of visiting London museums.

Keywords for the question: became aware, ancient sculpture, visiting London museums,    

The answer is found in paragraph no. 3. The writer says in lines 1-3, “Alongside the instruction he received at the Royal College, Moore visited many of London museums, particularly the British Museum, which had a wide-ranging collection of ancient sculpture. During these visits, he discovered the power and beauty of ancient Egyptian and African sculpture. . . .”

Here, he discovered the power and beauty of ancient Egyptian and African sculpture = Moore became aware of ancient sculpture, 

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 5: The Trocadero Museum’s Mayan sculpture attracted a lot of public interest. 

Keywords for the question: Trocadero Museum’s, Mayan sculpture, attracted, a lot of, public interest,  

Again, paragraph no. 4 talks about the Trocadero Museum’s Mayan sculpture, but it doesn’t mention anything about public interest.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 6: Moore thought the Mayan sculpture was similar in certain respects to other stone sculpture.

Keywords for the question: Moore thought, Mayan sculpture, similar, certain respects, other stone sculpture,   

In paragraph no. 4, lines 4-5 say, “ .. . . Moore became fascinated with this stone sculpture, which he thought had a power and originality that no other stone sculpture possessed. . .. .”

Here, no other stone sculpture possessed = the Mayan sculpture was NOT similar in certain respects to other stone sculpture,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 7: The artists who belonged to Unit One wanted to make modern art and architecture more popular.

Keywords for the question: the artists, belonged to Unit One, wanted, make modern art, architecture, more popular,   

The answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 5. Here, the writer says in lines 2-4, “ . .. he became a member of a group of young artists called Unit One. The aim of the group was to convince the English public of the merits of the emerging international movement in modern art and architecture.”

The lines suggest the aim of Unit One was to make modern art and architecture more popular.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 8-13: Completing notes

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the notes: Moore’s career as an artist 

Question no. 8: Moore is urged to offer his _________ and leave the Royal College

Keywords for the question: 1930s, Moore, urged to offer, leave, the Royal College,     

In paragraph no. 6, the author of the text says in lines 2-6, “.. .. . In 1931, he held an exhibition at the Leicester Galleries in London. His work was enthusiastically welcomed by fellow sculptors, but the reviews in the press were extremely negative and turned Moore into a notorious figure. There were calls for his resignation from the Royal College, and the following year, when his contract expired, he left to start a sculpture department at the Chelsea School of Art in London.”

Here, 1931 & the following year = 1930s, There were calls for = Moore is urged to offer, he left = leave the Royal College,

So, the answer is: resignation

Question no. 9: Moore turns to drawing because _________ for sculpting are not readily available

Keywords for the question: 1940s, Moore, turn to drawing, because, sculpting, not readily available,     

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 8, in lines 1-3. The writer says here, “In 1940, during the Second World War, Moore stopped teaching at the Chelsea School and moved to a farmhouse about 20 miles north of London. A shortage of materials forced him to focus on drawing. . . . .”

Here, 1940 = 1940s, shortage = not readily available, focus on drawing = turns to drawing,

So, the answer is: materials

Question no. 10: While visiting his hometown, Moore does some drawings of _________

Keywords for the question: 1940s, while visiting, hometown, Moore does, some drawings,     

The last lines of paragraph no. 8 say, “. . . . In 1942, he returned to Castleford to make a series of sketches of the miners who worked there.”

Here, 1942 = 1940s, returned to Castleford = visiting his hometown, a series of sketches = some drawings,

So, the answer is: miners

Question no. 11: Moore is employed to produce a sculpture of a _________

Keywords for the question: 1940s, employed, to produce, sculpture of,  

In the first lines of paragraph no. 9 the writer states, “In 1944, Harlow, a town near London, offered Moore a commission for a sculpture depicting a family. . .. .”

Here, 1944 = 1940s, offered Moore a commission = Moore is employed, for a sculpture depicting = to produce a sculpture of,

So, the answer is: family

Question no. 12: _______ start to buy Moore’s work    

Keywords for the question: 1940s, start to buy, Moor’s work,  

In line no. 5 of paragraph no. 9, the author of the text writes, “ . .. In this way, Moore’s work became available to collectors all over the world. .. .”

Here, became available to collectors = collectors start to buy,

So, the answer is: collectors

Question no. 13: Moore’s increased ________ makes it possible for him to do more ambitious sculptures

Keywords for the question: 1940s, Moore’s increased, make it possible for him, do more ambitious sculptures,

The last lines of paragraph no. 9 says, “ . . .. The boost to his income enabled him to take on ambitious projects and start working on the scale he felt his sculpture demanded.”

Here, boost = increased, enabled him = makes it possible for him, take on ambitious projects = do more ambitious sculptures, 

So, the answer is: income

Reading Passage 2: The title of the passage: The Desolenator: producing clean water

Questions 14-20: List of headings

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C, and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Don’t read the list of headings first. Go straight to the question. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question no. 14: Section A

We have to skim this section to find the answer to this question.

At the beginning of Section A, the writer says, “Travelling around Thailand in the 1990s, William Janssen was impressed with the basic rooftop solar heating systems that were on many homes, . . . .”

This part of the text suggests that Janssen got his initial inspiration from Thailand in the 1990s.

Then, in the last few lines of the section, the writer says, “ . . .. Two decades later Janssen developed that basic idea he saw in Southeast Asia into a portable device that uses the power from the sun to purify water.”  

This part of the text suggests that Janssen was able to make a device (new product) to purify water from his inspiration earned in Thailand after twenty years.  

So, the answer is: iii (From initial inspiration to new product)

Question no. 15: Section B

The answer lies in the very first lines of section B. The writer says here, “The Desolenator operates as a mobile desalination unit that can take water from different places, such as the sea, rivers, boreholes and rain, and purify it for human consumption. . . .”

Here, different places, such as the sea, rivers, boreholes and rain = a range of sources, purify = cleaning water,

So, the answer is: vi (Cleaning water from a range of sources)

Question no. 16: Section C

In section C, take a close look at lines 2-3, as the author of the text writes here, “ . .. Its main selling point is that unlike standard desalination techniques, it doesn’t require a generated power supply: just sunlight. . ..”

Here, unlike standard desalination techniques = What makes the device different from alternatives,

So, the answer is: v (What makes the device different from alternatives)

Question no. 17: Section D

The first lines of the section give us the answer. The writer says, “A recent analysis found that at least two-thirds of the world’s population lives with severe water scarcity for at least a month every year. . . .”

Here, at least two-thirds of the world’s population = the number of people, severe water scarcity = water shortages,   

So, the answer is: x (The number of people affected by water shortages)

Question no. 18: Section E

Again, the first lines provide the answer to this question. In Section E, the writer says in the beginning, “The device is aimed at a wide variety of users – from homeowners in the developing world who do not have a constant supply of water to people living off grid in rural parts of the US. .. .. ..”  

Here, a wide variety of users = The range of potential customers,

So, the answer is: iv (The range of potential customers for the device)

Question no. 19: Section F

In this section, the answer is found in the comment made by Janssen, as he describes the mission (primary goal) of the project. In lines 3-6, the author writes, as Janssen says, “ . .. . said Janssen, ‘We are a venture with a social mission. We are aware that the product we have envisioned is mainly finding application in the developing world and humanitarian sector and that this is way we will proceed. . . ..”  

Here, a social mission = non-profit/voluntary/ charitable goal,

So, the answer is: viii (Profit not the primary goal)

Question no. 20: Section G

The second line of the text give the answer, as the writer says here, “ . .. .. It has raised £340,000 in funding so far. .. . ..”

Here, funding = finance,

So, the answer is: i (Getting the finance for production)

Questions 21-26: Summary completion

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two, or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.]

The headline of the summary: How the Desolenator works

The headline indicates that all the answers can be found in section C.

Question no. 21: The energy required to operate the Desolenator comes from sunlight. The device can be used in different locations, as it has ________ .

Keywords for the question: energy, operate, the Desolenator, sunlight, device, can be used, different locations, as,

In section C, where the writer describes how this device works, let’s take a look at line no. 4, “ .. . It measures 120 cm by 90 cm, and is easy to transport, thanks to its two wheels. . . .”

Here, easy to transport = the device can be used in different locations,

So, the answer is: wheels

Question no. 22: Water is fed into a pipe, and a ________ of water flows over a solar panel.  

Keywords for the question: water, fed into, pipe, flows over, solar panel,

In lines 5-6 of section C, the writer explains, “. .  . Water enters through a pipe, and flows as a thin film, between a sheet of double glazing and the surface of a solar panel, where it is heated by the sun. .. ..”

Here, Water enters through a pipe = Water is fed into a pipe, the surface of a solar panel = over a solar panel,

So, the answer is: film   

Question no. 23: The water then enters a boiler, where it turns into steam. Any particles in the water are caught in a ________.

Keywords for the question: boiler, turns into, steam, any particles, in, water, caught in,  

In lines 6-9 of section C, the writer continues to explain, “. . . . The warm water flows into a small boiler (heated by a solar-powered battery) where it is converted to steam. When the steam cools, it becomes distilled water. The device has a very simple filter to trap particles, . .. .”

Here, The warm water flows into a small boiler = The water then enters a boiler, where it is converted to steam = where it turns into steam, trap = caught in,

So, the answer is: filter

Question no. 24: The purified water comes out through one tube, and all types of _______ come out through another.

Keywords for the question: purified water, comes out, through, one tube, all types of, come out, through, another,

The answer to this question can be found lines 9-11, “ . .. There are two tubes for liquid coming out: one for the waste – salt from seawater, fluoride, etc. – another for the distilled water. . ..”  

Here, the distilled water = the purified water, and, salt from seawater, fluoride, etc = all types of waste,

So, the answer is: waste

Questions no. 25: A screen displays the ________ of the device, . . . .. .

Keywords for the question: screen, displays, of the device,   

In lines 11-12, the author describes, “ . . .The performance of the unit is shown on an LCD screen . . …”

Here, an LCD screen = a screen, is shown = displays,

So, the answer is: performance

Questions no. 26: . .. . and transmits the information to the company so that they know when the Desolenator requires __________.

Keywords for the question: transmits, information, to the company, so that, know, when, the Desolenator, requires,   

The last line of section C says, “ . . . and transmitted to the company which provides servicing when necessary.”

Here, transmitted to the company = transmits the information to the company, when necessary = when the Desolenator requires,

So, the answer is: servicing

Reading Passage 3: The headline of the passage: Why fairy tales are really scary tales

Questions 27-31: Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings

[For this type of question, candidates need to match the beginning and end of sentences. Candidates need to look for keywords in the sentence-beginnings and find the relative paragraphs and then sentences in the passage. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

Question no. 27: In fairy tales, details of the plot

Keywords for the question: fairy tales, details, plot,      

The answer lies in the first paragraph. You can read the whole paragraph for getting a clear view; however, the first lines provide the main idea. Here, the writer of the passage says, “People of every culture tell each other fairy tales but the same story often takes a variety of forms in different parts of the world. .. .. .”

Here, a variety of forms in different parts of the world = considerable global variation,  

So, the answer is: C (show considerable global variation.)

Question no. 28: Tehrani rejects the idea that the useful lessons for life in fairy tales

Keywords for the question: Tehrani, rejects, useful lessons, life, fairy tales,

The answer to this question can be traced in lines 3-6 of paragraph no. 2. The author explains what Tehrani thinks about the survival of the fairy tales, “ ‘It might be what we find interesting about this story is that it’s got this survival-relevant information in it,’ says anthropologist Jamie Tehrani at Durham University in the UK. But his research suggests otherwise. . . .. .”

Here, it’s got this survival-relevant information in it = useful lessons for life in fairy tales are the reason for their survival, But his research suggests otherwise = Tehrani rejects the idea,

So, the answer is: B (are the reason for their survival.)

Question no. 29: Various theories about the social significance of fairy tales

Keywords for the question: various theories, social significance, fairy tales,   

In paragraph no. 2, the last few lines say, “ . . . . ‘We have this huge gap in our knowledge about the history and prehistory of storytelling, despite the fact that we know the genre is an incredibly ancient one,’ he says. That hasn’t stopped anthropologists, folklorists* and other academics devising theories to explain the importance of fairy tales in human society. . .”

Here, We have this huge gap in our knowledge  .. .. .. despite the fact that we know the genre is an incredibly ancient one = without factual basis,

That hasn’t stopped anthropologists, folklorists* and other academics devising theories = Various theories about the social significance of fairy tales have been developed,

So, the answer is: F (have been developed without factual basis.)

Question no. 30: Insights into the development of fairy tales

Keywords for the question: insights into, development, fairy tales,

Paragraph no. 3 says, “To work out the evolutionary history, development and relationships among groups of organisms, biologists compare the characteristics of living species in a process called ‘phylogenetic analysis’. Tehrani has used the same approach to compare related versions of fairy tales to discover how they have evolved and which elements have survived the longest.”

Here, the main idea of the paragraph is that we can understand how fairy tales evolve or develop if we use methods used in biological research like ‘phylogenetic analysis’ as Tehrani has done in his research.

Here, how they have evolved = the development of fairy tales,

So, the answer is: A (may be provided through methods used in biological research.)

Question no. 31: All the fairy tales analysed by Tehrani

Keywords for the question: all the fairy tales, analyse, Tehrani,   

Take a close look at these lines from paragraph no. 4, “Tehrani’s analysis focused on Little Red Riding Hood in its many forms, which include another Western fairy tale known as The Wolf and the Kids. Checking for variants of these two tales and similar stories from Africa, East Asia, and other regions, he ended up with 58 stories recorded from oral traditions. . . .”

Here, he ended up with 58 stories = all the fairy tales analysed by Tehrani, recorded from oral traditions = were originally spoken rather than written,

So, the answer is: E (were originally spoken rather than written.)

Questions 32-37: Completing summary with list of words

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete a summary with list of words taken from the passage. Candidates must write the correct letter (not the words) as the answers. Keywords and synonyms are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

The headline of the summary: Phylogenetic analysis of Little Red Riding Hood  

Question no. 32: Tehrani used techniques from evolutionary biology to find out if _______ existed among 58 stories from around the world.

Keywords for the question: Tehrani, used techniques, evolutionary biology, to find out, existed, 58 stories, around the world,

In paragraph no. 4, we find the research methods used by Tehrani in 58 stories from around the world. In the last lines of paragraph no. 4, the writer says, “ .. . Once his Phylogenetic analysis had established that they were indeed related, he used the same methods to explore how they have developed and altered over time.”

However, Phylogenetic analysis = techniques from evolutionary biology, related = linked,

So, the answer is: D (links)

Question no. 33: He also wanted to know which aspects of the stories had fewest _______, as he believed these aspects would be the most important ones.

Keywords for the question: wanted to know, aspects of the stories, had, fewest, believed, would be, most important ones,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 5, the author of the text writes, “First he tested some assumptions about which aspects of the story alter least as it evolves, indicating their importance. . . .”  

Here, alter = variations, least = fewest, their importance = most important ones,

So, the answer is: F (variations)

Question no. 34: Contrary to other beliefs, he found that some ______ that were included in a story tended to change over time, and that the middle of a story seemed no more important than the other parts.

Keywords for the question: contrary, other beliefs, included in a story, tended to change, over time, middle, seemed, no more important, than, other parts,      

To find the answer to this question, we have to read both paragraphs no. 5 and 6.

First, in paragraph no. 5, the writer says, “ . .. Folklorists believe that what happens in a story is more central to the story than characters in it – . .. ..”

Here, Folklorists believe = common or general beliefs, what happens in a story is more central to the story = events of a story is more important than the characters,

Then, at the beginning of paragraph no. 6 the writer says, “However, Tehrani found no significant difference in the rate of evolution of incidents compared with that of characters. . ..”

Here, Tehrani found no significant difference = no more important than, incidents = events,

So, the answer is: B (events)

Question no. 35: He was also surprised that parts of a story which seemed to provide some sort of ________ were unimportant.

Keywords for the question: surprised, parts of a story, seemed to provide, some sort of, unimportant,   

In paragraph no. 7, the findings of the ‘cautionary elements’ in fairy tales has been explained. The author writes here, “But the really big surprise came when he looked at the cautionary elements of the story. ‘Studies on hunter-gatherer folk tales suggest that these narratives include really important information about the environment and the possible dangers that may be faced there – stuff that’s relevant to survival,’ he says. Yet in his analysis such elements were just as flexible as seemingly trivial details. … ..”  

Here, the really big surprise came = He was also surprised, the possible dangers that may be faced there = parts of the story which seemed to provide some sort of warnings, seemingly trivial = unimportant,

So, the answer is: C (warnings)

Question no. 36: The aspect that he found most important in a story’s survival was _______.  

Keywords for the question: aspect, he found, most important, story’s survival, was,      

In the end of paragraph no. 7, the writer asks a question, “ . .. What, then, is important enough to be reproduced from generation to generation?”

This suggests that the next paragraph may have an answer to this question. Let’s have a look.

In the first lines of paragraph no. 8, the author of this passage describes, “The answer, it would appear, is fear – blood-thirsty and gruesome aspects of the story, such as the eating of the grandmother by the wolf, turned out to be the best preserved of all. . . .”

Here, fear = horror,the best preserved of all = the most important aspect in a story’s survival,

So, the answer is: G (horror)

Questions 37-40: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 37: What method did Jamie Tehrani use to test his ideas about fairy tales?  

Keywords for the question: method, Jamie Tehrani, use, test, ideas, fairy tales,    

To find the answer to this question, let’s go to paragraph no. 4, where the method used by Jamie Tehrani has been detailed, “Tehrani’s analysis focused on Little Red Riding Hood in its many forms, which include another Western fairy tale known as The Wolf and the Kids. ..”

Here, Tehrani’s analysis = the method that Tehrani used to test his ideas, its many forms = many different forms of the same basic story,

So, the answer is: B (He looked at many different forms of the same basic story.)

Question no. 38: When discussing Tehrani’s views, Jack Zipes suggests that   

Keywords for the question: discussing Tehrani’s views, Jack Zipes, suggests,       

We find the comments made by Jack Zipes in paragraph no. 9. Here, the writer says, “Jack Zipes at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, is unconvinced by Tehrani’s views on fairy tales. ‘Even if they’re gruesome, they won’t stick unless they matter,’ he says. He believes the perennial theme of women as victims in stories like Little Red Riding Hood explains why they continue to feel relevant. … .”

Here, perennial theme = permanent theme / deeper significance, continue to feel relevant = survive,

So, the answer is: D (features of stories only survive if they have a deeper significance.)

Question no. 39: Why does Tehrani refer to Chinese and Japanese fairy tales?  

Keywords for the question: Why, Tehrani, refer to, Chinese and Japanese fairy tales,        

In paragraph no. 9, take a look at the last half of the paragraph, where Tehrani challenges the theory given by Jack Zipes, “ . .. . But Tehrani points out that although this is often the case in Western versions, it is not always true elsewhere. In Chinese and Japanese versions, often known as The Tiger Grandmother, the villain is a woman, and in both Iran and Nigeria, the victim is a boy.”

Here, it is not always true elsewhere = Jack Zipes’ theory is incorrect,

So, the answer is: A (to indicate that Jack Zipes’ theory is incorrect.)

Question no. 40: What does Mathias Clasen believe about fairy tales?

Keywords for the question: Mathias Clasen, believe, about fairy tales,       

The answer can be found in lines 3-4 of the final paragraph; so let’s have a quick look, “Mathias Clasen at Aarhus University in Denmark isn’t surprised by Tehrani’s findings. “ . .. . . Clasen believes that scary stories teach us what it feels like to be afraid without having to experience real danger, … .”

Here, what it feels like to be afraid without having to experience real danger = a safe way of learning to deal with fear,

So, the answer is: A (They are a safe way of learning to deal with fear.)

Reading Passage 1: Could urban engineers learn from dance?

Questions 1-6: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 1: reference to an appealing way of using dance that the writer is not proposing

Keywords for the question: appealing way, using dance, writer not proposing,

The answer can be found in the first line of paragraph B, “Dance might hold some of the answers. That is not to suggest everyone should dance their way to work, however healthy and happy it might make us, … . .”

Here, That is not to suggest = the writer is not proposing, healthy and happy it might make us = an appealing way,  

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 2: an example of a contrast between past and present approaches to building

Keywords for the question: example, contrast, past and present approaches, building,

Lines 1-4 of paragraph C say, “Whereas medieval builders improvised and adapted construction through their intimate knowledge of materials and personal experience of the conditions on a site, building designs are now convinced and stored in media technologies that detach the designer from the physical and social realities they are creating. … . ..”

Here, medieval = past builders, building designs are now = building designs of present time,

The word ‘Whereas’ at the beginning of the sentence indicates that the writer is showing a comparison here.

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 3: mention of an objective of both dance and engineering

Keywords for the question: an objective, both, dance, engineering,  

In lines 2-6 of paragraph F, the writer mentions, “ .. . . In order to bring about fundamental changes to the ways we use our cities, engineering will need to develop a richer understanding of why people move in certain ways, and how this movement affects them. Choreography may not seem an obvious choice for tackling this problem. Yet it shares with engineering the aim of designing patterns of movement within limitations of space. .. ..” 

Here, it shares with engineering = an objective of both dance and engineering,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 4: reference to an unforeseen problem arising from ignoring the climate

Keywords for the question: an unforeseen problem, arising from, ignoring the climate,

Read the middle part of paragraph D. In lines 5-7, the writer states, “ . .. . They failed to take into account that purpose-build street cafés could not operate in the hot sun without the protective awnings common in older buildings,  .. . .”  

Here, They failed to take into account = ignoring, purpose-build street cafés could not operate = unforeseen problem, the hot sun = the climate,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 5: why some measures intended to help people are being reversed

Keywords for the question: why, measures, intended to help people, reversed,

In paragraph E, lines 1-4 say, “The same is true in transport engineering, which uses models to predict and shape the way people move through the city. Again, these models are necessary, but they are built on specific world views in which certain forms of efficiency and safety are considered and other experiences of the city ignored. Designs that seem logical in models appear counter-intuitive in the actual experience of their users. … ..”

Here, appear counter-intuitive = appear to reverse,  

These lines clearly suggest that some measures which may seem logical in models may become illogical when appear in the actual experience.

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 6: reference to how transport has an impact on human lives

Keywords for the question: how, transport has, impact,  human lives,

Lines 5-7 in paragraph A talks about the impact of transport in human lives. The writer says here, “. .. . The ways we travel affect our physical and mental health, our social lives, our access to work and culture, and the air we breathe. .. ..” 

Here, The ways we travel = transports, affect = has an impact,

So, the answer is: A

Questions 7-13: Summary completion

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: Guard rails

The summary of the title indicates that we have to look for the answers in paragraph E.

Question no. 7 & 8: Guard rails were introduced on British roads to improve the 7. _______ of pedestrians, while ensuring that the movement of 8. ______ is not disrupted.

Keywords for the question: guard rails, introduced, British roads, improve, pedestrians, ensuring, movement of, not disrupted, 

In lines 5-7 of paragraph E, the author of the passage says, “ . . . The guard rails that will be familiar to anyone who has attempted to cross a British road, for example, we an engineering solution to pedestrian safety based on models that prioritise the smooth flow of traffic. . .. .”

Here, solution = improve, smooth flow = movement . .. . not disrupted,

So, the answers are:

• safety
• traffic

Question no. 9: Pedestrians are led to access points, and encouraged to cross one ______ at a time.

Keywords for the question: pedestrians, led to access points, encouraged, cross, one, at a time,  

In paragraph E, the author states in lines 8-10, “ . . . On wide major roads, they often guide pedestrians to specific crossing points and slow down their progress across the road by using staggered access points to divide the crossing into two – one for each carriageway.  . . .”

Here, they often guide pedestrians . ..  . using staggered access points = pedestrians are led to access points, one for each carriageway = one carriageway at a time, 

So, the answer is: carriageway  

Question no. 10: An unintended effect is to create psychological difficulties in crossing the road, particularly for less _______ people.

Keywords for the question: unintended effect, create, psychological difficulties, crossing the road, particularly, less, people,  

If we look at paragraph E, we can see that the writer says in lines 10-11, “. .. .. . In doing so they make crossings feel longer, introducing psychological barriers greatly impacting those that are the least mobile, . … . .”

Here, they make crossings feel longer = An unintended effect, introducing = create, psychological barriers = psychological difficulties, the least = less,

So, the answer is: mobile  

Question no. 11: Another result is that some people cross the road, in a ______ way.

Keywords for the question: another result, some people, cross the road, way,

Lines 11-12 of paragraph E say, “ . . . and encouraging others to make dangerous crossings to get around the guard rails. . .. .”

Here, and = Another result, others = some people, crossings = cross the road,

So, the answer is: dangerous

Question no. 12: The guard rails separate _______, . .. . .   

Keywords for the question: guard rails, separate,  

In paragraph E, the writer says in lines 12-13, “ . .. These barriers don’t just make it harder to cross the road: they divide communities .. .. .”

Here, These barriers = The guard rails, divide = separate,  

So, the answer is: communities 

Question no. 13:  . . . .and make it more difficult to introduce forms of transport that are _______.

Keywords for the question: make, more difficult, introduce, forms of transport,  

Lines 13-14 in paragraph E say, “. … and decrease opportunities for healthy transport, . .. .. .”

Here, make it more difficult = decrease, opportunities = introduce,

So, the answer is: healthy

Reading Passage 2:Should we try to bring extinct species back to life?

Questions 14-17: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 14: a reference to how further disappearance of multiple species could be avoided  

Keywords for the question: how, further disappearance, multiple species, could be avoided,    

Look at the question again. It sounds like a solution to the problem of disappearing of multiple species. We should look at the last paragraph for the solution. Let’s read there.

In paragraph F, in lines 5-8, the author explains the thoughts of Beth Shapiro, “ .. . . explains Shapiro. She prefers to focus the debate on how this emerging technology could be used to fully understand why various species went extinct in the first place, and therefore how we could use it to make genetic modifications which could prevent mass extinctions in the future. … .”

Here, make genetic modifications which could prevent mass extinctions in the future = how further disappearance of multiple species could be avoided,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 15: explanation of a way of reproducing an extinct animal using the DNA of only that species  

Keywords for the question: way of reproducing, an extinct animal, using, DNA, only that species,    

In paragraph A, the author talks about the passenger pigeon which have become extinct recently.

Then, the author states in lines 5-10, “ . .. . Geneticist Ben Novak is lead researcher on an ambitious project which now aims to bring the bird back to life through a process known as ‘de-extinction’. The basic premise involves using cloning technology to turn the DNA of extinct animals into a fertilised embryo, which is carried by the nearest relative still in existence – in this case, the abundant band-tailed pigeon – before being born as a living, breathing animal. .. .. .”

Here, we find a clear explanation of how Ben Novak is leading research to bring back the passenger pigeon to life again using cloning technology on a relative species, the band-tailed pigeon.

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 16: reference to a habitat which has suffered following the extinction of a species

Keywords for the question: habitat, suffered, following, extinction of a species,    

The answer to this question can be found in lines 6-11 in paragraph D, “ . .. Since the disappearance of this key species, ecosystem in the eastern US have suffered, as the lack of disturbance caused by thousands of passenger pigeons wrecking trees and branches means there has been minimal need for regrowth. This has left forests stagnant and therefore unwelcoming to the plants and animals which evolved to help regenerate the forest after a disturbance. . .. .”

Here, this key species = passenger pigeons, stagnant = inactive,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 17: mention of the exact point at which a particular species became extinct

Keywords for the question: the exact point, a particular species, became extinct,  

Lines 3-5 of paragraph A say, “ . .. . Sadly, the passenger pigeon’s existence came to an end on 1 September 1914, when the last living specimen died at Cincinnati Zoo. . ..”

Here, 1 September 1914= the exact point, the last living specimen died = a particular species became extinct,

So, the answer is: A

Questions 18-22: Summary completion

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The woolly mammoth revival project

The title of the summary tells us that the answers to this question type can be found in Paragraph E.

Question no. 18: Professor George Church and his team are trying to identify the __________ which enabled mammoths to live in the tundra. The findings could help preserve the mammoth’s close relative, the endangered Asian elephant.

Keywords for the question: Professor George Church and his team, trying to identify, enabled mammoths, live in the tundra,

In paragraph E, take a look at lines 2-7, where the writer says, “ . . . George Church, professor at Harvard Medical School and leader of the Woolly Mammoth Revival Project, has been focusing on cold resistance, the main way in which the extinct woolly mammoth and its nearest living relative, the Asian elephant, differ. By pinpointing which genetic traits made it possible for mammoths to survive the icy climate of the tundra, the project’s goal is to return mammoths, or a mammoth-like species to the area. .. . .” 

Here, pinpointing = identifying,

So, these lines indicate that by identifying the genetic traits of the mammoths which lived in the tundra, it might be possible to bring them or, a mammoth-like species back to the area. 

So, the answer is: genetic traits

Question no. 19: According to Church, introducing Asian elephants to the tundra would involve certain physical adaptations to minimise _________ .

Keywords for the question: According to Church, introducing Asian elephants, the tundra, would involve, certain physical adaptations, minimise,

Questions no. 20 & 21: To survive in the tundra, the species would need to have the mammoth-like features of thicker hair, 20.  ________ of a reduced size and more 21. ________.

Keywords for the question: to survive, tundra, the species, would need, mammoth-like features, thicker hair, of reduced size, more,   

In paragraph E, lines 9-11 provide us the answers to these three questions. Let’s read the lines, “ . . . Necessary adaptations would include smaller ears, thicker hair, and extra insulating fat, all for the purpose of reducing heat loss in the tundra, and all the traits found in the now-extinct woolly mammoth. . ..”.

Here, Necessary adaptations = To survive in the tundra, the species would need to have the mammoth-like features,

reducing = minimise,

So, the answer to question 19 is: heat loss

Again, smaller = of a reduced size,

So, the answer to question 20 is: ears  

And, extra = more,

So, the answer to question 21 is: (insulating) fat

Question no. 22: Repopulating the tundra with mammoths or Asian elephant/mammoth hybrids would also have an impact on the environment, which could help to reduce temperatures and decrease _________.    

Keywords for the question: Repopulating the tundra, mammoths or Asian elephant/mammoth hybrids, impact, environment, could help, reduce temperatures, decrease,

The last few lines of paragraph E give us the answer to this question. The writer says here, “ . . .  . This repopulation of the tundra and boreal forests of Eurasia and North America with large mammals could also be a useful factor in reducing carbon emissions – elephants punch holes through snow and knock down trees, which encourages grass growth. This grass growth would reduce temperatures, and mitigate emissions from melting permafrost.”

Here, This repopulation of the tundra = Repopulating the tundra, reducing/mitigate = decrease,

So, the answer is: (carbon) emissions    

Questions 23-26: Matching statements with list of people:

[In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements that are given by or link to people in the passage. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.]

Question no. 23: Reintroducing an extinct species to its original habitat could improve the health of a particular species living there.

Keywords for the question: Reintroducing an extinct species, its original habitat, could improve, health, particular species, living there,

The answer can be found in lines 4-11 of paragraph B. Here, we find comments made by Michael Archer, “ .. . . . explains Michael Archer, of the University of New South Wales. He points out that in the decades since the thylacine went extinct, there has been a spread in a ‘dangerously debilitating’ facial tumour syndrome which threatens the existence of the Tasmanian devils, the island’s other notorious resident. Thylacines would have prevented this spread because they would have killed significant numbers of Tasmanian devils. . . .. . The return of thylacines to Tasmania could help to ensure that devils are never again subjected to risks of this kind.”

Here, thylacine = Tasmanian Tiger (explained in the first line of paragraph B), The return of thylacines = reintroducing an extinct species, Tasmania = its original habitat, Thylacines would have prevented this spread = improve the health of Tasmanian devils (a particular species),

So, the answer is: B (Michael Archer)   

Question no. 24: It is important to concentrate on the causes of an animal’s extinction.  

Keywords for the question: important to concentrate, causes, an animal’s extinction,  

The answer can be found in paragraph F. In this paragraph, the writer says in lines 5-8, “. . .. explains Shapiro. She prefers to focus the debate on how this emerging technology could be used to fully understand why various species went extinct in the first place.  .. .. .”

Here, focus the debate on = concentrate on, why various species went extinct = the causes of an animal’s extinction,

So, the answer is: C (Beth Shapiro)

Question no. 25: A species brought back from extinction could have an important beneficial impact on the vegetation of its habitat.

Keywords for the question: a species, brought back from extinction, important beneficial impact, vegetation, its habitat,

Take a look at the last half of paragraph D. The author of the passage says here, “ . . .. Since the disappearance of this key species, ecosystems in the eastern US have suffered, as the lack of disturbance caused by thousands of passenger pigeons wrecking trees and branches means there has been minimal need for regrowth. This had left forests stagnant and therefore unwelcoming to the plants and animals which evolved to help regenerate the forest after a disturbance.  According to Novak, a hybridized band-tailed pigeon, with the added nesting habits of a passenger pigeon, could, in theory, re-establish that forest disturbance, . . .. . .”  

Here, hybridized band-tailed pigeon = A species brought back from extinction, plants = vegetation,

Here, in these lines, Ben Novak suggests that due to the disturbance created in the forests by the extinct species, plants usually used to grow better. Now, as many species have gone extinct, there is no need for regrowth of trees and branches, and so, the forests have become stagnant or inactive. If there is a chance of bringing back the passenger pigeon (through its hybrid version of band-tailed pigeon), that lost forest disturbance could return, which means that it will have an impact on the plants (vegetations) and animals.  

So, the answer is: A (Ben Novak)

Question no. 26: Our current efforts at preserving biodiversity are insufficient.

Keywords for the question: current efforts, preserving biodiversity, insufficient,

First, take a look at the phrase ‘bringing extinct animals back’ in the first line of paragraph F, which is synonymous to ‘preserving biodiversity’.

The very last lines of the final paragraph (paragraph F) give us the answer to this question. The author gives reference to the comments made by Beth Shapiro, “ . . . . ‘We know that what we are doing today is not enough, and we have to be willing to take some calculated and measured risks.’ ”  

Here, we are doing today = our current efforts, not enough = insufficient,

So, the answer is: C (Beth Shapiro)

Reading Passage 3: Having a laugh    

Questions 27-31: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

Question no. 27: When referring to laughter in the first paragraph, the writer emphasises –

Keywords for the question: laughter, first paragraph, emphasises, 

In the first paragraph, take a close look at lines 3-5, “ . .. .. Like other human emotions and expressions, laughter and humour provide psychological scientists with rich resources for studying human psychology, ranging from the development of language to the neuroscience of social perception.”

Here, laughter and humour provide psychological scientists with rich resources = the value of laughter in scientific research,

So, the answer is: C (its value to scientific research.)

Question no. 28: What does the writer suggest about Charley Douglass?  

Keywords for the question: suggest about, Charley Douglass,

Paragraph no. 2 highlights what sound engineer Charley Douglass found while recording laughter. Take a look at lines 2-5, “ . .. . Back in 1950, US sound engineer Charley Douglass hated dealing with the unpredictable laughter of live audiences, so started recording his own ‘laugh tracks’. These were intended to help people at home feel like they were in a social situation, such as a crowded theatre. . .. .”

Here, These were intended to help = the sound engineer understood the importance, people at home feel like they were in a social situation = enjoying humour in a group setting,

So, the answer is: A (He understood the importance of enjoying humour in a group setting.)

Question no. 29: What makes the Santa Cruz study particularly significant?  

Keywords for the question: the Santa Cruz study, particularly significant,    

The answer can be found in the very last lines of paragraph no. 3 where the author presents the results or findings of the Santa Cruz Study. The author says in lines 3-7, “. .. . then played these recordings to listeners from 24 diverse societies,  . .. . .. . On average, the results were remarkably consistent: worldwide, people’s guesses were correct approximately 60% of the time.” 

Here, 24 diverse societies = wide range of cultures, results were remarkably consistent = similar results,

So, the answer is: B (the similar results produced by a wide range of cultures.)

Question no. 30: Which of the following happened in the San Diego study?   

Keywords for the question: happened, San Diego study,     

The answer is in paragraph no. 4. Read lines 8-9 where the writer explains what the participants did, “ . .. . Laughter was recorded as each student took a turn at being by the others, involving the use of mildly insulting nicknames. . . .”  

Here, each student took a turn at being by the others = participants exchanged roles,

So, the answer is: B (Participants exchanged roles.)

Question no. 31: In the fifth paragraph, what did the results of the San Diego study suggest?  

Keywords for the question: fifth paragraph, results, the San Diego study, suggest,

The writer explains the results of the San Diego study in paragraph no. 5, in lines 5-9, “ .. . . Thus, by strategically displaying more dominant laughter when the context allows, low-status individuals may achieve higher status in the eyes of others.’ However, high-status individuals were rated as high-status whether they produced their natural dominant laugh or tried to do a submissive one.”  

Here, high-status individuals were rated as high-status whether they produced their natural dominant laugh or tried to do a submissive one = High-status individuals can always be identified by their way of laughing,  

So, the answer is: D (High-status individuals can always be identified by their way of laughing.)

Questions 32-36: Completing summary with list of words

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete a summary with a list of words taken from the passage. Candidates must write the correct letter (not the words) as the answers. Keywords and synonyms are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the summary: The benefits of humour

Question no. 32: In one study at Australian National University, randomly chosen group of participants were shown one of three videos, each designed to generate a different kind of __________.

Keywords for the question: study at Australian National University, randomly chosen, group of participants, shown, one of three videos, each designed, generate, different kind of,

Let’s read the sixth paragraph to find this answer as this particular paragraph talks to the study at Australian National University. Here, in this paragraph, lines 6-8 say, “ . .. The students then were randomly assigned to watch a video clip eliciting either humour, contentment, or neutral feelings. Some watched a clip of the BBC comedy Mr. Bean, others a relaxing scene with dolphins swimming in the ocean, and others a factual video about the management profession.”  

Here, Some watched a clip of the BBC comedy Mr. Bean, others a relaxing scene with dolphins swimming in the ocean, and others a factual video about the management profession = participants were shown one of three videos, either humour, contentment, or neutral feelings = emotion,

So, the answer is: F (emotion)

Question no. 33: When aasll participants were then given a deliberately frustrating task to do, it was found that those who had watched the _________ video persisted with the task for longer and tried harder to accomplish the task than either of the other two groups.

Keywords for the question: all participants, deliberately frustrating task, found, those, watched, persisted with the task, longer, tried harder, accomplish, either of, the other two groups,

The answer can be traced in paragraph no. 7, “The students then completed a task requiring persistence in which they were asked to guess the potential performance of employees based on provided profiles, and were told that making 10 correct assessments in a row would lead to a win. However, the software was programmed such that it was nearly impossible to achieve 10 consecutive correct answers. Participants were allowed to quit the task at any point. Students who had watched the Mr. Bean video ended up spending significantly more time working on the task, making twice as many predictions as the other two groups.”

Here, a task requiring persistence = a deliberately frustrating task (as the task requires perseverance), Mr. Bean video = amusing video, ended up spending significantly more time working = persisted with the task for longer, making twice as many predictions as the other two groups = tried harder to accomplish the task than either of the other two groups,

So, the answer is: H (amusing)

Question no. 34: A second study in which participants were asked to perform a particularly ________ task produced similar results.

Keywords for the question: second study, participants, asked to perform, particularly, task, produced, similar results,  

In paragraph no. 8, the author mentions the second study. The author says here, “Cheng and Wang then replicated these results in a second study, during which they had participants complete long multiplication questions by hand. Again, participants who watched the humorous video spent significantly more time working on this tedious task and completed more questions correctly than did the students in either of the other groups.” 

Here, participants complete long multiplication questions by hand = participants were asked to perform a particularly boring task, tedious task boring task, participants who watched the humorous video . .. . .. completed more questions correctly = produced similar results,

So, the answer is: C (boring)

Questions no. 35 & 36: According to researchers David Cheng and Lu Wang, these findings suggest that humour not only reduces 35. ________ and helps build social connections but it may also have a 36. ________ effect on the body and mind. 

Keywords for the question: David Cheng, Lu Wang, humour, reduces, helps build, social connections, may also have, effect, body and mind,  

The answers to the questions can be found in the final paragraph where we can find the comments made by Cheng and Wang. Take a close look here at lines 1-2, “ ‘Although humour has been found to help relieve stress and facilitate social relationships,  .. . . ..”

Here, relieve = reduces, stress = anxiety, facilitate social relationships = helps build social connections,

Then, read the last lines, “ . . . We suggest that humour is not only enjoyable but more importantly, energizing.”

Here, energizing = may also have a stimulating effect on the body and mind,

So, the answers are:

• D (anxiety)
• E (stimulating)

Questions 37-40: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the claim of the writer in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the writer in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN]

[TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 37: Participants in the Santa Cruz study were more accurate at identifying the laughs of friends than those of strangers.

Keywords for the question: Participants in the Santa Cruz study, more accurate, identifying, laughs of friends, than, strangers,

We have found the discussion on the Santa Cruz study in paragraph no. 3. In this paragraph, take a look at lines 5-7, “. … Participants were asked whether they thought the people laughing were friends or strangers. On average, the results were remarkably consistent: worldwide, people’s guesses were correct approximately 60% of the time.”

Here, the lines don’t clarify where the participants were accurate (whether they identified more laughs of friends or of strangers). The results of the study just show that the participants were accurate by 60%.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 38: The researchers in the San Diego study were correct in their predictions regarding the behaviour of the high-status individuals.

Keywords for the question: researchers, San Diego study, correct, predictions, behaviour, high-status individuals,

In lines 9-11 of paragraph no. 4, the writer talks about the predicted results of San Diego study, “ .. . Analysis revealed that, as expected, high-status individuals produced more dominant laughs and fewer submissive laughs relative to the low-status individuals. . .. .”

Here, as expected = as predicted,

This means the researchers were correct in their predictions about high-status individuals.

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 39: The participants in the Australian National University study were given a fixed amount of time to complete the task focusing on employee profiles.

Keywords for the question: participants, Australian National University study, given, fixed amount of time, complete the task, focusing on, employee profiles, 

We find about the task focusing on employee profiles in the Australian National University study in paragraph no. 7. Take a look at lines 4-5 here, “ . .. Participants were allowed to quit the task at any point. . .. .”

This means that there was no fixed time to complete the task.  

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 40: Cheng and Wang’s conclusions were in line with established notions regarding task performance.

Keywords for the question: Cheng and Wang’s conclusions, in line with established notions, task performance,     

In the final paragraph, the author mentions in lines 1-3, “ ‘Although, humour has been found to help relieve stress and facilitate social relationships, the traditional view of task performance implies that individuals should avoid things such as humour that may distract them from the accomplishment of the task goals.’ .. .”

Here, the traditional view = established notions,

This means Cheng and Wang’s conclusions (humour help relieve stress and build social relationships) were not in line with established notions regarding task performance (individuals should avoid things such as humour).

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1:Nutmeg – a valuable spice

Questions 1-4: Completing notes:

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different notes with ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Title of the note: The nutmeg tree and fruit

Question no. 1: the leaves of the tree are ________ in shape

Keywords for the question: leaves, shape,

For this question, we have to look at the first paragraph, as this paragraph describes the nutmeg tree and its fruit in detail. Let’s have a look. Lines 3-4 say, “ .. . . The tree is thickly branched with dense foliage of tough, dark green oval leaves, . .. .. .”

This means the shape of the nutmeg tree leaves is oval.

So, the answer is: oval

Question no. 2: the ________ surrounds the fruit and breaks open when the fruit is ripe

Keywords for the question: surrounds the fruit, breaks open, ripe,  

Lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 1 say, “ . .. . The fruit is encased in a fleshy husk. When the fruit is ripe, this husk splits into two halves along a ridge running the length of the fruit. . .. .”

Here, encased in = surrounded by / covered in, splits into two halves = breaks open,

So, the answer is: husk

Question no. 3 & 4:

• the ________ is used to produce the spice nutmeg

Keywords for the question: used to produce, spice nutmeg,   

• the covering known as the aril is used to produce ________

Keywords for the question: covering, known as the aril, used to produce,  

The answers to these two questions can be found in the last few lines of paragraph no. 1. The writer of the passage says in lines 6-9, “ . .. . Inside is a purple-brown shiny seed, 2–3 cm long by about 2 cm across, surrounded by a lacy red or crimson covering called an ‘aril’. These are the sources of the two spices nutmeg and mace, the former being produced from the dried seed and the latter from the aril.”

Here, the former indicates to seed, the latter indicates to mace.

These lines suggest that the spice nutmeg is produced from the seed of the nutmeg tree. Also, the covering of the seed, which is known as ‘the aril’ is used to produce mace, which is another spice.

So, the answers are:

• seed
• mace

Questions 5-7: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question no. 5: In the Middle Ages, most Europeans knew where nutmeg was grown.

Keywords for the question: Middle Ages, most Europeans, knew, where, nutmeg, grown,   

To find the answer to this question, we have to find the keyword ‘Middle Ages’. In the second paragraph, the first line contains the keyword ‘Middle Ages’. Let’s read there. “Nutmeg was a highly prized and costly ingredient in European cuisine in the Middle Ages, and was used as a flavouring, medicinal, and preservative agent. Throughout this period, the Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe. They sold nutmeg for high prices to merchants based in Venice, but they never revealed the exact location of the source of this extremely valuable commodity. .. ..”

The lines suggest that the Arabs were the exclusive exporters of nutmeg to Europe. But they never revealed, or, told anyone about the location of this spice tree. So, most Europeans knew nothing about the location of the nutmeg tree.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 6: The VOC was the world’s first major trading company.

Keywords for the question: VOC, world’s first, major trading company,    

We find out about the VOC in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says, “In 1602, Dutch merchants founded the VOC, a trading corporation better known as the Dutch East India Company. By 1617, the VOC was the richest commercial operation in the world. The company had 50,000 employees worldwide, with a private army of 30,000 men and a fleet of 200 ships. . .. .”

Here, the writer admits that by 1617, the VOC became the world’s richest commercially operating company. However, the paragraph contains no information on whether the VOC was the world’s first major trading company or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Question no. 7: Following the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch had control of all the islands where nutmeg grew.  

Keywords for the question: Following, Treaty of Breda, the Dutch, control, all the islands, nutmeg grew,

We can find about the Treaty of Breda in paragraph no. 5. Have a close look at lines 11-17, “ . .. . After decades of fighting for control of this tiny island, the Dutch and British arrived at a compromise settlement, the Treaty of Breda, in 1667. Intent on securing their hold over every nutmeg-producing island, the Dutch offered a trade: if the British would give them the island of Run, they would in turn give Britain a distant and much less valuable island in North America. The British agreed. That other island was Manhattan, which is how New Amsterdam became New York. The Dutch now had a monopoly over the nutmeg trade which would last for another century.”

Here, we can find out that the British Empire signed the Treaty of Breda in 1667 with the Dutch and gave away the island of Run to the Dutch. After the signing of the treaty, the Dutch gained complete control, or, monopoly business of nutmeg of all the islands where nutmeg grew.  

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 8-13: Completing table: ONE WORD ONLY

[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps in a table with ONE WORD ONLY. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

Question no. 8: Middle Ages: Nutmeg was brought to Europe by the _______

Keywords for the question: Middle Ages, Nutmeg, brought to Europe, by,

We’ve already looked at the information for question no. 5. Lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 2 says, “Nutmeg was a highly prized and costly ingredient in European cuisine in the Middle Ages, and was used as a flavouring, medicinal, and preservative agent. Throughout this period, the Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe. .. .”

Here, exclusive importers of the spice to Europe = the spice brought to Europe by,

So, the answer is: Arabs  

Question no. 9: 17th Century: Demand for nutmeg grew, as it was believed to be effective against the disease known as the _________

Keywords for the question: 17th Century, Demand, grew, believed, effective against, disease, known as,

Paragraph no. 4 begins with the year 1602, which indicates to the 17th Century.

In paragraph no. 4, take a look at lines 4-6, “ . .. . At the same time, thousands of people across Europe were dying of the plague, a highly contagious and deadly disease. Doctors were desperate for a way to stop the spread of this disease, and they decided nutmeg held the cure. Everybody wanted nutmeg, and many were willing to spare no expense to have it. .. ..”

Here, nutmeg held the cure = nutmeg was believed to be effective against plague.

So, the name of the disease was the plague.

So, the answer is: plague  

Question no. 10: 17th Century: The Dutch – put ________ on nutmeg to avoid it being cultivated outside the islands. 

Keywords for the question: 17th Century, the Dutch, put, on nutmeg, to avoid, being cultivated, outside the islands,  

In paragraph no. 5, let’s take a look at lines 7-9, “ . .. In addition, all exported nutmeg was covered with lime to make sure there was no chance a fertile seed which could be grown elsewhere would leave the islands. . .. .”

Here, nutmeg was cover with lime = lime was put on nutmeg, make sure there was no chance a fertile seed which could be grown elsewhere = avoid it being cultivated outside the islands,

This means the Dutch used to put lime on nutmeg to make the seed of nutmeg infertile so that the cultivation of nutmeg could be avoided elsewhere.

So, the answer is: lime  

Question no. 11: 17th Century: The Dutch – finally obtained the island of _______ from the British.

Keywords for the question: 17th Century, the Dutch, finally obtained, the island, from the British,  

At the end of paragraph no. 5, the writer says in lines 9-15, “… .. . There was only one obstacle to Dutch domination. One of the Banda Islands, a sliver of land called Run, only 3 km long by less than 1 km wide, was under the control of the British. After decades of fighting for control of this tiny island, the Dutch and British arrived at a compromise settlement, the Treaty of Breda, in 1667. Intent on securing their hold over every nutmeg-producing island, the Dutch offered a trade: if the British would give them the island of Run, they would in turn give Britain a distant and much less valuable island in North America. The British agreed.”

Here, this account of history suggests that following the Treaty of Breda in 1667, the Dutch finally obtained the island of Run from the British.

So, the answer is: Run  

Question no. 12: Late 18th Century: 1770 – nutmeg plants were secretly taken to _______

Keywords for the question: Late 18th Century, 1770, nutmeg plants, secretly taken to,

The first lines on paragraph no. 6 give us the answer to this question. The writer of the passage says here, “Then, in 1770, a Frenchman named Pierre Poivre successfully smuggled nutmeg plants to safety in Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa. .. ..”

Here, smuggled = secretly taken,

So, the answer is: Mauritius  

Question no. 13: Late 18th Century: 1778 – half the Banda Islands’ nutmeg plantations were destroyed by a ________.

Keywords for the question: Late 18th Century, 1778, half, Banda Islands’ nutmeg plantations, destroyed by a,

In paragraph no. 6, lines 3-4 say, “ . .. . Next, in 1778, a volcanic eruption in the Banda region caused a tsunami that wiped out half the nutmeg groves. .. ..”

Here, wiped out = were destroyed, nutmeg groves = nutmeg plantations,

Reading Passage 2: The headline of the passage: Driverless cars

Questions 14-19: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them first. It’s because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions of the passage first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 14: reference to the amount of time when a car is not in use

Keywords for the question: amount of time, car, not in use,   

The answer to this question can be found in line no. 3 of paragraph C. The author says here, “ .. . .. At present, the average car spends more than 90 percent of its life parked. . ..”

Here, 90 percent of its life = amount of time, parked = car not in use,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 15: mention of several advantages of driverless vehicles for individual road-users

Keywords for the question: several advantages, driverless vehicles, individual road-users,

Section B describes some advantages of driverless vehicles for the road-users.

In the first paragraph of section B, the author says in lines 3-5, “ . . .. . more than 90 percent of road collisions involve human error as a contributory factor, and it is the primary cause in the vast majority. Automation may help to reduce the incidence of this.”

Here, Automation = driverless vehicles,  

This means driverless vehicles can reduce road collisions, or, road accidents.

Again, in the second paragraph of the same section, the author says in lines 1-4, “Another aim is to free the time people spend driving for other purposes. If the vehicle can do some or all of the driving, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax while automation systems have responsibility for safe control of the vehicle. . .. .”

This means driverless vehicles can save time that people spend driving for other productive works, or, relaxation.

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 16: reference to the opportunity of choosing the most appropriate vehicle for each trip

Keywords for the question: opportunity of choosing, most appropriate vehicle, each trip,  

The first paragraph of section E says, “Automation may prompt other changes in vehicle manufacture. If we move to a model where consumers are tending not to own a single vehicle but to purchase access to a range of vehicles through a mobility provider, drivers will have the freedom to select one that best suits their needs for a particular journey, rather than making a compromise across all their requirements.” 

The paragraph suggests that automation, or, driverless vehicles provide the opportunity to select appropriate vehicles for different trips.

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 17: an estimate of how long it will take to overcome a number of problems

Keywords for the question: estimate, how long, take to overcome, a number of problems,  

The first two lines of section G give us the answer to this question. The author writes here, “It’s clear that there are many challenges that need to be addressed but, through robust and targeted research, these can most probably be conquered within the next 10 years.  . . …”

Here, many challenges = a number of problems, within the next 10 years =  how long it will take to overcome,

So, the answer is: G

Question no. 18: a suggestion that the use of driverless cars may have no effect on the number of vehicles manufactured

Keywords for the question: use of driverless cars, may have, no effect, number of vehicles, manufactured,  

The second paragraph of section D says, “Modelling work by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggests automated vehicles might reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent, but that vehicle’s average annual mileage would double as a result. As a consequence, each vehicle would be used more intensively, and might need replacing sooner. This faster rate of turnover may mean that vehicle production will not necessarily decrease.”

The paragraph, especially, the last lines, suggests that the use of automated vehicles, or, driverless cars may not affect the number of vehicles manufactured.

So, the answer is: D

Questions 19-22: Summary completion:

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The impact of driverless cars

Question no. 19: Figures from the Transport Research Laboratory indicate that most motor accidents are partly due to __________, so the introduction of driverless vehicles will result in greater safety.

Keywords for the question: Figures, the Transport Research Laboratory, most motor accidents, partly due to, so, introduction of driverless vehicles, result in, greater safety,  

The answer can be found in Section B, in the first paragraph. Look at these lines carefully, “ . .. . One frequently cited motive is safety; indeed, research at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory has demonstrated that more than 90 percent of road collisions involve human error as a contributory factor, . . .. . .”

Here, more than 90 percent of road collisions = most motor accidents,

So, the answer is: human error

Question no. 20: In addition to the direct benefits of automation, it may bring other advantages. For example, schemes for __________ will be more workable, especially in towns and cities, resulting in fewer cars on the road.  

Keywords for the question: in addition to, direct benefits, automation, other advantages, schemes, will be, more workable, especially, towns and cities, resulting in, fewer cars on the road,  

The answer to this question can be found in section C. Here, in lines 3-7, the writer states, “ . .. . At present, the average car spends more than 90 percent of its life parked. Automation means that initiatives for car-sharing become much more viable, particularly in urban areas with significant travel demand. If a significant proportion of the population choose to use shared automated vehicles, mobility demand can be met by far fewer vehicles.”

Here, initiatives = schemes, much more viable = more workable, particularly in urban areas = especially in towns and cities, far fewer vehicles = fewer cars on the road,

So, the answer is: car sharing / car-sharing

Question no. 21: According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, there could be a 43 percent drop in _________ of cars.

Keywords for the question: University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, could be, 43 percent drop,

In section D, take a close look at paragraph no. 2. Here, the author of this passage writes in lines 1-2, “. .. Modelling work by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggests automated vehicles might reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent, . .. . .”

Here, reduce = drop, vehicle = car,

So, the answer is: ownership

Question no. 22: However, this would mean that the yearly _______ of each car would, on average, be twice as high as it currently is. This would lead to a higher turnover of vehicles, and therefore no reduction in automotive manufacturing.

Keywords for the question: would mean, yearly, each car, on average, twice as high, would lead to, higher turnover, no reduction, automotive manufacturing,

Line no. 3 of paragraph no. 2 in section D says, “ . . .. but that vehicles’ average annual mileage would double as a result. .. .”

Here, but = however, annual = yearly, double = twice,

So, the answer is: mileage

Questions 23-26: Choosing TWO options from the given list

[In this kind of question, candidates have to choose two or three answers for each question from five or six options. The answers will not follow any sequential order as they are randomly spread in the text, so this question will be time-consuming. Skimming will come handy and previous reading of the text can come in use. Therefore, other questions should be done first before answering this question.]

Question no. 23 & 24: Which TWO benefits of automated vehicles does the writer mention?  

Keywords for the question: TWO benefits, automated vehicles,    

Section B of the passage talks in detail about the benefits of automation, or, driverless cars. Let’s have a look there again. In section B, let’s read the second paragraph. “Another aim is to free the time people spend driving for other purposes. If the vehicle can do some or all of the driving, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax while automation systems have responsibility for safe control of the vehicle. If the vehicle can do the driving, those who are challenged by existing mobility models – such as older or disabled travellers – may be able to enjoy significantly greater travel autonomy.”

Here, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax while automation systems have responsibility for safe control of the vehicle = Travellers could spend journeys doing something other than driving,

And,

those who are challenged by existing mobility models – such as older or disabled travellers – may be able to enjoy significantly greater travel autonomy = People who find driving physically difficult could travel independently,

So, the answers are:

• C (Travellers could spend journeys doing something other than driving.)
• D (People who find driving physically difficult could travel independently.)

Question no. 25 & 26: Which TWO challenges to automated vehicle development does the writer mention?

Keywords for the question: TWO challenges, automated vehicle development,

Section F discusses the challenges of automated vehicle development. Let’s read the section.

“There are a number of hurdles to overcome in delivering automated vehicles to our roads. These include the technical difficulties in ensuring that the vehicle works reliably in the infinite range of traffic, weather and road situations it might encounter,  . .. . . . . . and the societal changes that may be required for communities to trust and accept automated vehicles as being a valuable part of the mobility landscape.”

Here, hurdles = challenges,

ensuring that the vehicle works reliably in the infinite range of traffic, weather and road situations it might encounter = getting automated vehicles to adapt to various different driving conditions,

And, the societal changes that may be required for communities to trust and accept automated vehicles = making sure the general public has confidence in automated vehicles,

So, the answers are:

• A (making sure the general public has confidence in automated vehicles)
• E (getting automated vehicles to adapt to various different driving conditions)

Reading Passage 3:  What is exploration?

Questions 27-32: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers to previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

Question no. 27: The writer refers to visitors to New York to illustrate the point that –

Keywords for the question: visitors to New York

Look at the first lines of paragraph no. 1. The writer says, “.  .. Our desire to discover, and then share that new-found knowledge, is part of what makes us human – . .. ..” And, that’s the main idea of the first paragraph.

Here, desire to discover = desire for exploration, part of what makes us human = intrinsic element of being human,

Then, the writer provides reference to visitors of New York to illustrate the point in the last line of the paragraph, “ . .. and a visitor negotiate the subways of New York.”

So, the answer is: A (exploration is an intrinsic element of being human.)

Question no. 28: According to the second paragraph, what is the writer’s view of explorers?

Keywords for the question: second paragraph, writer’s view of explorers,

In the second paragraph, the writer says in the beginning, “Over the years, we’ve come to think of explorers as a peculiar breed – different from the rest of us, different from those of us who are merely ‘well-travelled’, . . .. . a type of caveman more inclined to risk venturing out. .. .”

These lines suggest that we, the general public, have had considered explorers are a different type of human beings, who want to take the risk to go on dangerous adventures.

Then, in the next lines, the writer explains that this outlook about explorers is wrong and we all have the same urge. The writer says, “ . . . That, however, doesn’t take away from the fact that we all have this enquiring instinct, even today. . … ..”

Here, we all have this enquiring instinct = an urge that is common to everyone,

So, the answer is: C (They act on an urge that is common to everyone.)

Question no. 29: The writer refers to a description of Egdon Heath to suggest that –

Keywords for the question: Egdon Heath,

We find the reference of Egdon Heath in paragraph no. 3. In the first few lines, the writer says, “Thomas Hardy set some of his novels in Egdon Heath, a fictional area of uncultivated land, and used the landscape to suggest the desires and fears of his characters. . . .”

Here, desires and fears of his characters = people’s emotional states,

This means it was Hardy’s aim to study the emotional states of the characters of his novels, setting a fictional area.  

So, the answer is: C (Hardy’s aim was to investigate people’s emotional states.)

Question no. 30: In the fourth paragraph, the writer refers to ‘a golden age’ to suggest that –

Keywords for the question: fourth paragraph, a golden age,

Lines 2-5 of paragraph no. 4 say, “ . .. . . But that still left me with another problem: the word ‘explorer’ has become associated with a past era. We think back to a golden age, as if exploration peaked somehow in the 19th Century – as if the process of discovery is now on the decline, . . .. ..”

Here, the phrase ‘as if’ has been used to signify that our thought about exploration (the process of discovery) being in decline is a wrong idea.   

So, the answer is: D (we are wrong to think that exploration is no longer necessary.)

Question no. 31: In the sixth paragraph, when discussing the definition of exploration, the writer argues that –

Keywords for the question: sixth paragraph, definition of exploration, writer argues,

In the first few lines of paragraph no. 6, the writer says, “Each definition is slightly different – and tends to reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer. It was the same whoever I asked: the prominent historian would say exploration was thing of the past, the cutting-edge scientist would say it was of present. And so on. They each set their own particular criteria;  . . ..”

Here, reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer & set their own criteria = relate exploration to their own professional interests,

So, the answer is: A (people tend to relate exploration to their own professional interests.)

Question no. 32: In the last paragraph, the writer explains that he is interested in –

Keywords for the question: last paragraph, interested in,  

The writer expresses his interest in the last lines, “. . .. However, this is to disregard the role the human mind has in conveying remote places; and this is what interests me: how a fresh interpretation, even of a well-travelled route, can give its readers new insights.”   

Here, well-travelled route = places that may be familiar,

So, the answer is: B (the human ability to cast new light on places that may be familiar.)

Questions 33-37: Matching statements with list of people:

[In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements that are given by or link to people in the passage. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.]

All the answers in this question set can be found in paragraph no. 2 and 5, as the names of explorers, have been included in this paragraph only.

Question no. 33: He referred to the relevance of the form of transportation used.

Keywords for the question: relevance, form of transportation used,   

The answer can be found in paragraph 5, in lines 7-9, “. . .. Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed Arabia’s empty quarters in 1946, and belongs to an era of unmechanised travel now lost to the rest of us, told me, “If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.’. . .. .”

Here, the explorer provides a reference to camel which was the form of transportation used.  

So, the answer is: E (Wilfred Thesiger)

Question no. 34: He described feelings on coming back home after a long journey.  

Keywords for the question: feelings, coming back home, after, long journey,     

In paragraph no. 2, the writer says in lines 4-8, “ . .. . Explorer and travel writer Peter Fleming talks of the moment when the explorer returns to the existence he has left behind with his loved ones. The traveller ‘who has for weeks or months seen himself only as a puny and irrelevant alien crawling laboriously over a country in which he has no roots and no background, suddenly encounters his other self, a relatively solid figure, with a place in the minds of certain people.”

Here, returns to the existence he has left behind with his loved ones = coming back home, for weeks or months = long journey,

This means Peter Fleming refers to the feelings of an explorer coming back home after a long time.  

So, the answer is: A (Peter Fleming)

Question no. 35: He worked for the benefit of specific groups of people.

Keywords for the question: worked, benefit of specific group,

In paragraph no. 5, read the lines 5-6, “ . … Then Robin Handbury-Tenison, a campaigner on behalf of remote so-called ‘tribal’ peoples, said, . . .. .”

Here, on behalf of ….. ‘tribal people’ = done for another person’s benefit or support of ‘tribal’ people, 

So, the answer is: D (Robin Handbury-Tenison)

Question no. 36: He did not consider learning about oneself an essential part of exploration.  

Keywords for the question: did not consider, learning about oneself, essential part of exploration,    

Lines 7-10 of paragraph no. 5 state, “ . . . Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed Arabia’s empty quarters in 1946, and belongs to an era of unmechanised travel now lost to the rest of us, told me, “If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.’ To him, exploration meant bringing back information from a remote place regardless of any great self-discovery.”

Here, regardless of any great self-discovery = did not consider learning about oneself,

So, the answer is: E (Wilfred Thesiger)

Question no. 37: He defined exploration as being both unique and of value to others.

Keywords for the question: defined exploration, both, unique, of value to others,     

The answer lies in the first lines of paragraph no. 5. The writer states here, “ . .. . Ran Fiennes, dubbed the ‘greatest living explorer’, said, ‘An explorer is someone who has done something that no human has done before – and also done something scientifically useful. . . .”

Here, something that no human has done before = unique, something scientifically useful = of value to others,  

So, the answer is: B (Ran Fiennes)

Questions 38-40: Summary completion:

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The writer’s own bias

Question no. 38: The writer has experience of a large number of ______, .. . . . .

Keywords for the question: the writer, experience, large number of,     

The final paragraph of this passage starts with this statement, “I’d best declare my own bias. . ..” So, the answers for questions 38-40 should be here.

The writer says in lines 1-2, “ . .. . I’ve done a great many expeditions and each one was unique. .. ..”

Here, a great many = a large number of,

So, the answer is:  (unique) expeditions

Question no. 39: . .. . . and was the first stranger that certain previously ______ people had encountered.

Keywords for the question: was, first stranger, certain, previously, people had encountered,    

In the final paragraph, look at lines 2-3, “ . .. I’ve lived for months alone with isolated groups of people all around the world, even two ‘uncontacted tribes’. . …”

Here, the word ‘uncontacted’ gives us the hint that the writer was the first person ever contact with people of two tribes who remain isolated from the world.

So, the answer is: uncontacted / isolated

Question no. 40: He believes there is no need for further exploration of Earth’s ______, except to answer specific questions such as how buffalo eat.

Keywords for the question: believes, no need, further exploration, Earth’s,    

Lines 7-8 of the final paragraph says, “ . .. .We know how the land surface of our planet lies; exploration of it is now down to the details – the habits of microbes, say, or the grazing behaviour of buffalo. . .”

Here, We know how = there is no need for further exploration,

So, the answer is: (land) surface

Reading Passage 1:The secret of staying young

Questions 1-8: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete a note on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.]

Title: Ysabel Giraldo’s research

Question 1: Focused on a total of _________ different age groups of ants, analysing

Keywords for the question: focused, total, age groups, ants    

The answer is in paragraph no. 3 in the very beginning in lines 1-2, “In the lab, P. dentata worker ants typically live for around 140 days. Giraldo focused on ants at four age ranges: 20 to 22 days, 45 to 47 days, 95 to 97 days and 120 to 122 days.”

So, the answer is: four / 4

Behaviour:

Question 2:

• how well ants looked after their ___________

Keywords for the question: how well, ants, looked, after    

The answer is in the first line of paragraph no. 4, “Giraldo watched how well the ants took care of the young of the colony,  .. . ..”

Here, took care = looked after

So, the answer is: young

Question 3:

• their ability to locate ___________ using a scent trail

Keywords for the question: ability, locate, using, scent trail,

The answer is found in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 4, “.. ..She compared how well 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants followed the telltale scent that the insects usually leave to mark a trail to food.”

Here, mark = locate, how well = their ability,

So, the answer is: food          

Question 4:

• the effect that _______ had on them

Keywords for the question: effect, had on them,  

The answer can be found in lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 4, “She tested how ants responded to light . .. .”

Here, how ants responded = the effect ..…. had on them

So, the answer is: light           

Question 5:

• how _________ they attacked prey

Keywords for the question: how, attacked, prey,

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph no. 4, “.. ..And when it came to reacting to prey, the older ants attacked the poor fruit fly just as aggressively as the young ones did, .. ….”

Here, attacked the poor fruit fly = attacked prey,

So, the answer is: aggressively          

Brains:

Question 6:

• comparison between age and the ___________ of dying cells in the brains of ants

Keywords for the question: comparison, age and, dying cells, brains of ants,   

Paragraph no. 5 talks about the research on ants’ brains. Here, in lines 1-3, the author says, “Then Giraldo compared the brains of 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants, identifying any cells that were close to death. She saw no major differences with age, nor was there any difference in the location of the dying cells,  .. ..”

So, the comparison was between ants’ age and location.

So, the answer is: location     

Question 7:

• condition of synaptic complexes (areas in which _______ meet) in the brain’s ‘mushroom bodies’

Keywords for the question: synaptic complexes, mushroom bodies,  

The answer is found in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “Ants and other insects have structures in their brains called mushroom bodies, which are important for processing information, learning and memory. She also wanted to see if ageing affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures – regions where neurons come together.”

Here, synaptic complexes mean the region of ant’s brain where neurons come together or meet.

So, the answer is: neurons    

Question 8:

• level of two ________ in the brain associated with ageing

Keywords for the question: level of two, associated with ageing,  

The answer is in lines 7-9 where the author talks about two chemicals. “.. .What was more, the old ants didn’t experience any drop in the levels of either serotonin or dopamine – brain chemicals whose decline often coincides with ageing.”

Here, serotonin and dopamine are the two chemicals, coincides with ageing = associated with ageing,

So, the answer is: chemicals  

Questions 9-13: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this  – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 9: Pheidole dentata ants are the only known animals which remain active for almost their whole lives.

Keywords for the question: Pheidole dentata, only known animals, remain active, almost, whole lives,

The answer lies in the first lines of paragraph no. 2, where the author mentions ‘naked mole rats’. “Naked mole rats can live for almost 30 years and stay fit for nearly their entire lives.”

So, Pheidole dentata ants are not the only known animals which remain active for almost their whole lives.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10: Ysabel Giraldo was the first person to study Pheidole dentata ants using precise data about the insects’ ages.

Keywords for the question: first person, study, Pheidole dentata, using, precise data, ages,    

The answer is in paragraph no. 3 in lines 2-4, “. … . ..Unlike all previous studies, which only estimated how old the ants were, her work tracked the ants from the time the pupae became adults, so she knew their exact ages.”

Unlike all previous studies means the research works done by previous scientists did not use data about insects’ age, and naturally Ysabel Giraldo was the first to do so.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 11: The ants in Giraldo’s experiments behaved as she had predicted that they would.

Keywords for the question: ants in Giraldo’s experiments, behaved, predicted, they would,   

In paragraph no. 5, the answer lies in lines 6-7, “She also wanted to see if ageing affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures – regions where neurons come together. Again, the answer was no.” Previously, in the same paragraph, lines 1-3 suggest that Giraldo wanted to identify any cells that were close to death but she saw no major differences with age.

This means the experiments did not show results as she expected.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 12: The recent studies of bees used different methods of measuring age-related decline.

Keywords for the question: recent studies, bees, different methods, measuring age-related decline,    

In paragraph no. 6 we can see the reference of ‘bees’. But we do not find clear information on whether the recent studies of bees used several methods of measuring age-related decline.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13: Pheidole dentata ants kept in laboratory conditions tend to live longer lives.

Keywords for the question: Pheidole dentata ants, kept in laboratory, live longer,

The answer is in paragraph no. 7. In the first lines the writer states, “Out in the wild, the ants probably don’t live for a full 140 days thanks to predator, disease and just being in an environment that’s much harsher than the comforts of the lab.”

These lines suggest that ants kept in laboratory conditions live longer than ants living in the wild.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:Why zoos are good

Questions 14-17 (Identifying information):

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: a reference to how quickly animal species can die out

Keywords for this question: quickly, animal species, die out   

The first few lines of paragraph B give us the answer, “Colossal numbers of species are becoming extinct across the world, and many more are increasingly threatened and therefore risk extinction. Moreover, some of these collapses have been sudden, dramatic and unexpected.”

So, the answer is: B

Question 15: reasons why it is preferable to study animals in captivity rather than in the wild

Keywords for this question: preferable, study animals, captivity, rather than, wild,     

Again, lines 3-4 of paragraph E give us the answer to this question. The author says, “Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations.”

Here, there is less risk and fewer variables = reasons why it is preferable

So, the answer is: E

Question 16: mention of two ways of learning about animals other than visiting them in zoos

Keywords for this question: two ways of learning, animals, other than visiting zoo,     

The answer can be found in paragraph C. In lines 2-3, we find the first way, “… .. television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive,. .” whereas lines 3-4 give us the second way, “ . . .and many natural history specimens are on display in museums, . ..  . .”

So, the two ways are television documentaries and natural history specimens.

So, the answer is: C

Question 17: reasons why animals in zoos may be healthier than those in the wild

Keywords for this question: animals in zoos, may be, healthier,    

In paragraph A, lines 3-4 indicate us the answer to this question. “ . .. Animals in good zoos get a varied and high-quality diet with all the supplements required, and any illnesses they might have will be treated.”

So, the reasons are getting healthy diet and good treatment.

So, the answer is: A

Questions 18-22: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSEIf there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 18: An animal is likely to live longer in a zoo than in the wild.

Keywords for this question: likely to, live longer, zoo, than in the wild,    

The first lines of paragraph A says, “…. it is perfectly possible for many species of animals living in zoos or wildlife parks to have a quality of life as high as, or higher than, in the wild.”

Here, a quality of life .. . . . higher than, in the wild = likely to live longer

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 19: There are some species in zoos which can no longer be found in the wild.

Keywords for this question: some species, zoos, no longer be found, wild,  

In paragraph B, look at line 6, “A good number of species only exist in captivity, . . .. .”

Here, only exist in captivity means that the animals cannot be found in the wild any more.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 20: Improvements in the quality of TV wildlife documentaries have resulted in increased numbers of zoo visitors.

Keywords for this question: improvements, quality of TV wildlife documentaries, resulted, increased, zoo visitors,     

We find the mention of ‘TV wildlife documentaries’ in paragraph C in lines 2-3, “While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, . .. ..” But we do not find any statement about the results of TV documentaries.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 21: Zoos have always excelled at transmitting information about animals to the public.

Keywords for this question: zoos, always excelled, transmitting information, about animals, 

In paragraph D, in lines 1-3, the author mentions, “. . ..there is also the education that can take place in zoos through signs, talks and presentations which directly communicate information to visitors about the animals they are seeing and their place in the world. This was an area where zoos used to be lacking. .. ”

The lines suggest that zoos have played a major part in transmitting information through signs, talks and presentations. But zoos had a lacking in it before. So, zoos did not always excel at transmitting information.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 22: Studying animals in zoos is less stressful for the animals than studying them in the wild.

Keywords for this question: studying animals, in zoos, less stressful, than studying, the wild,

Paragraph E talks about the role of zoos in research. But we do not find any information regarding stress in studying animals in the zoos or in the wild.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 23-26: (Choosing the TWO best answers)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked TWO best possible answers for one question. Candidates need to write the correct LETTERS for the answers.  Here, the techniques for Multiple Choice Questions are applicable.]

Question 23 & 24: Which TWO of the following are stated about zoo staff in the text? 

Keywords for these questions: TWO, zoo staff,

In paragraph D, take a look at lines 5-7 carefully. “… .. Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves, .. .. .”

Here, to educate conservation workers = teach people,  send their animal keepers abroad = travel to overseas locations,

So, the answers are:

B             (Some travel to overseas locations to join teams in zoos.)

D             (Some teach people who are involved with conservation projects.)

Question 25 & 26: Which TWO of these beliefs about zoos does the writer mention in the text? 

Keywords for these questions: TWO, beliefs,  

The answer lies in lines 3-6 of paragraph F. Here, the writer says, “. . .They are vital not just in terms of protecting animals, but as a means of learning about them to aid those still in the wild, as well as educating and informing the general population about these animals and their world so that they can assist or at least accept  the need to be more environmentally conscious.”

Here, protecting animals =raise animals which can later be released into the wild, more environmentally conscious = public awareness,

Other options talk about children overcoming their fear (A), employment opportunities (C) and income generation (D), which cannot be found.

So, the answers are:

B             (They can increase public awareness of environmental issues.)

E              (They can raise animals which can later be released into the wild.)

Reading Passage 3:The passage is without a title; about Marine debris or Ocean trash

Questions 27-33 (TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 27: Rochman and her colleagues were the first people to research the problem of marine debris.

Keywords for this question: first people, research, problem, marine debris, 

The answer can be found tracing lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 2. The writer says here, “… . Plenty of studies have sounded alarm bells about the state of marine debris; . .. ..”

This means scientists before Chelsea Rochman and her team have already alarmed the world about the problems of marine debris.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 28: The creatures most in danger from ocean trash are certain seabirds.

Keywords for this question: most in danger, ocean trash, certain seabirds,

We find the mention of ‘seabirds’ in paragraph no. 3 in line no. 2 as an example of what a study on marine debris could show. But we cannot find any such information which shows us of the most affected creatures.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 29: The studies Rochman has reviewed have already proved that populations of some birds will soon become extinct.

Keywords for this question: studies, Rochman, already proved, populations, birds, will, soon, extinct,

In lines 2-4 of paragraph no. 3, the author states, “…. . . For example, a study could show that certain seabirds eat plastic bags, and go on to warn that whole bird populations are at risk of dying out. ‘But the truth was that nobody had yet tested those perceived threats,’ Rochman says. ‘There wasn’t a lot of information’.”

Here, the lines suggest that there wasn’t enough information to prove that populations of some birds would become extinct.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 30: Rochman analysed papers on the different kinds of danger caused by ocean trash.

Keywords for this question: analysed, papers, danger, ocean trash,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4, “Rochman and her colleagues examined more than a hundred papers on the impacts of marine debris that were published through 2013. Within each paper, they asked what threats scientists had studied – 366 perceived threats in all. .. . . .”

These lines suggest that Rochman analysed 100+ papers on different angles of problems caused by ocean trash (marine debris).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 31: Most of the research analysed by Rochman and her colleagues was badly designed.

Keywords for this question: most of, research, badly, designed,

In paragraph no. 4, we have found that Rochman analysed 100+ papers. Then in paragraph no. 5 the writer states, “In 83 percent of cases, the perceived dangers of ocean trash were proven true. In the remaining cases, the working group found the studies had weaknesses in design and content which affected the validity of their conclusions – they lacked a control group, for example, or used faulty statistics.”

These lines indicate that 83 cases out of 100+ cases proved to be correct. IN the remaining cases there were faults.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 32: One study examined by Rochman was expecting to find that mussels were harmed by eating plastic.

Keywords for this question: expecting, find, mussels, harmed by eating plastic,  

The answer for this question can be found in paragraph no. 6 in the beginning. “Strikingly, Rochman says, only one well-designed study failed to find the effect it was looking for, an investigation of mussels ingesting microscopic plastic bits. The plastic moved from the mussels’ stomachs to their bloodstreams, scientists found, and stayed there for weeks – but did not seem to stress out the shellfish.”

Here, the lines suggest that Rochman was hoping to find that mussels were getting affected by taking plastic but the study showed that its plastic did not stress (harm) the shellfish (mussels).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 33: Some mussels choose to eat plastic in preference to their natural diet.

Keywords for this question: mussels, choose to eat, plastic, preference, natural diet,   

There is no such information that shows that some mussels take plastic as a choice of their regular food.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Questions 34-39: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete a note on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.]

Title: Findings related to marine debris

Studies of marine debris found the biggest threats were:

• plastic (not metal or wood)

Question 34: bits of debris that were __________ (harmful to animals)

Keywords for this question: bits of debris, harmful to animals,  

We find the mention of ‘metal or wood’ and ‘animals’ in paragraph no. 8. Here, lines 2-3 says, “.. . Most of the dangers also involved large pieces of debris – animals getting entangled in trash, for example, or eating it and severely injuring themselves.”

Here, bits of debris = pieces of debris,

So, the answer is: large

Question 35: There was little research into ___________ e.g. from synthetic fibres.

Keywords for this question: little research, synthetic fibres,   

The answer is in paragraph no. 9 in the opening. “But a lot of ocean debris is ‘microplastic’, or pieces smaller than five millimetres. These may be ingredients used in cosmetics and toiletries, fibres shed by synthetic clothing in the wash, or eroded. .. . . . .. . .. . . . Rochman’s group found little research on the effects of these tiny bits. . . .”

So, little research was done on microplastic.

So, the answer is: microplastic

Drawbacks of the studies examined:

Question 36: most of them focused on individual animals, not entire ____________

Keywords for this question: most of, focused, individual animals, not entire,    

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 10. “.. . . . Many studies have looked at how plastic affects an individual animal, or that animal’s tissues or cells, rather than whole populations.”

So, the answer is: populations

Question 37: the __________ of plastic used in the lab did not always reflect those in the ocean

Keywords for this question: plastic, used in the lab, did not, always, reflect, ocean,   

In lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 10, the writer mentions, “……. . And in the lab, scientists often use higher concentrations of plastic than what is really in the ocean.”

Here, did not always reflect those in the ocean = than what’s really in the ocean

So, the answer is: concentrations

• there was insufficient information on
• numbers of animals which could be affected

Question 38: the impact of a reduction in numbers on the __________ of that species

Keywords for this question: reduction in numbers, species,

In the last lines of paragraph no. 10, the author says, “. . .. – or how deaths in one species could affect that animal’s predators, or the rest of the ecosystem.”

Here, deaths in one species = reduction in numbers

So, the answer is: predators

• the impact on the ecosystem

Question 39: Rochman says more information is needed on the possible impact of future __________ (e.g., involving oil)

Keywords for this question: possible impact, future, involving oil,  

The first lines of paragraph no. 11 give us the answer. “ ‘We need to be asking more ecologically relevant questions,’ Rochman say, Usually, scientists don’t know exactly how disasters such as a tanker accidentally spilling its whole cargo of oil and polluting huge areas of the ocean will affect the environment until after they’ve happened. ”

Here, affect = impact

So, the answer is: disasters

Question 40: Choosing the title

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable title for the whole passage from three or four options. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

What would be the best title for this passage?

A. Assessing the threat of marine debris

B. Marine debris: who is to blame?

C. A new solution to the problem of marine debris

D. Marine debris: the need for international action

Here, we must make decision on which title goes best with the passage. Our reading of the passage for the questions 27-39 clearly indicates that the passage is about the research and its results and further suggestions on evaluating or assessing the threats of ocean trash or marine debris.

So, the answer is: A

Reading Passage 1:The concept of intelligence

Questions 1-3: IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 1: information about how non-scientists’ assumptions about intelligence influence their behaviour towards others

Keywords for the question: non-scientist’s assumptions, intelligence, influence, behaviour towards others,   

The answer is in paragraph B where the writer gives reference to the assumptions (theories) of non-scientists such as parents, people in job interviews and other general people. Let’s take a look at lines 4-7, “For example, parent’s implicit theories of their children’s language development will determine at what ages they will be willing to make various corrections in their children’s speech. More generally, parents’ implicit theories of intelligence will determine at what ages they believe their children are ready to perform various cognitive tasks.”

Here, behaviour with others is a kind of cognitive task.

So, the answer is: B

Question 2: a reference to lack of clarity over the definition of intelligence

Keywords for the question: lack of clarity, definition of intelligence,   

The first of paragraph A has the answer for this question. Take a close look. “. .. . no one knows what it actually is. This chapter addresses how people conceptualize intelligence, whatever it may actually be.”

Here, the lines suggest that our idea about the definition of intelligence will be clear reading this chapter.

So, the answer is: A

Question 3: the point that a researcher’s implicit and explicit theories may be very different

Keywords for the question: researcher’s, implicit, explicit, theories, may be, different,

The first lines of paragraph D indicate the answer. Here, the author states, “…implicit theories can be useful when an investigator suspects that existing explicit theories are wrong or misleading.” This means implicit theories may be right when explicit theories are wrong.  

So, the answer is: D   

Questions 4-6: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches the claims of the writer – YES
The statement in the question contradicts the claims of the writer – NO
It is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 4: Slow language development in children is likely to prove disappointing to their parents.

Keywords for the question: slow language development, likely to prove, disappointing,  

We find the reference of ‘language development in children’ in paragraph B; but there is no mention of any slow or fast language learning.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 5: People’s expectations of what children should gain from education are universal.

Keywords for the question: expectations, what children should gain, education, universal  

The answer lies in paragraph E. Take a look at lines 2-6, “. … . .people have expectations for intellectual performances that differ for children of different ages. How these expectations differ is part a function of culture. For example, expectations for children who participate in Western-style schooling are almost certain to be different from those for children who do not participate in such schooling.” Here, these lines indicate that expectations of what children should achieve, learn or gain for education are not universal; it differs for their age and the culture in which they are brought up.”

So, the answer is: NO

Question 6: Scholars may discuss theories without fully understanding each other.

Keywords for the question: scholars, may discuss, without, understanding,  

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph J. In lines 4-6 the author says, “. .. … .Until scholars are able to discuss their implicit theories and thus their assumptions, they are likely to miss the point of what others are saying when discussing their explicit theories and their data.” So, it is noted here that scholars may consult with each other about the theories sometimes without fully understanding each other’s point.

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 7-13: (Matching statements with correct theory):

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around different names of people or person (theory) carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order. )

Question 7: It is desirable for the same possibilities to be open to everyone.

Keywords for the question: desirable, same possibilities, open to everyone,    

The answer in found in Section H, in the very opening line, “The Jeffersonian view is that people should have equal opportunities, …. ….”

Here, people should have = desirable, equal opportunities = same opportunities,

So, the answer is: B (Jeffersonian)

Question 8: No section of society should have preferential treatment at the expense of another.  

Keywords for the question: no section, preferential treatment, expense of another,   

The last line of Section I has the answer. The author writes, “. .. In this view, we do not need or want any institutions that might lead to favouring one group over another.”

Here, favouring one group over another = preferential treatment at the expense of another

So, the answer is: C (Jacksonian)

Question 9: People should only gain benefits on the basis of what they actually achieve.

Keywords for the question: should, gain benefits, what they actually achieve,    

The answer is found at the end of section H. Take a look at this line, “. .. . . .to allow children the opportunities to make full use of the skills they have.”

Here, allow children the opportunities = people should only gain benefits, skills they have = what they actually achieve,

So, the answer is: B (Jeffersonian)

Question 10: Variation in intelligence begins at birth.   

Keywords for the question: variation, intelligence, begins, birth,   

The answer can be traced in section G, in the very beginning. The writer says, “ . . .people are born with different levels of intelligence . .. . .”

Here, different levels = variation

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Question 11: The more intelligent people should be in positions of power.   

Keywords for the question: more intelligent people, positions of power,

The answer for this question is found in lines 4-7 of Section G, “.. . seem to have shared this belief when they wrote about the emergence of a cognitive (high-IQ) elite, which eventually would have to take responsibility for the largely irresponsible masses of non-elite (low IQ) people who cannot take care of themselves.”

Here, cognitive (high-IQ) elite = more intelligent people, eventually would have to take responsibility = should be in positions of power

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Question 12: Everyone can develop the same abilities.

Keywords for the question: everybody, develop, same abilities,    

The answer can be traced in the middle of Section I. “… . . people are essentially intersubstitutable except for specialized skills, all of which can be learned.”

So, the answer is: C (Jacksonian)

Question 13: People of low intelligence are likely to lead uncontrolled lives.   

Keywords for the question: low intelligence, likely to, lead, uncontrolled lives,   

The last few lines of Section G give us the answer. First the writer says in lines 6-7, “ . . .for the largely irresponsible masses of non-elite (low-IQ) people who cannot take care of themselves.”

Then in the last lines the author mentions, “.. .Left to themselves, the unintelligent would create, as they always have created, a kind of chaos.”

Here, chaos means disorder which is the result of irresponsible people’s lifestyle.

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Reading Passage 2:Saving bugs to find new drugs

Questions 14-20 (Identifying information):

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: mention of factors driving a renewed interest in natural medicinal compounds

Keywords for this question: factors, renewed interest, natural medicinal compounds   

The answer is found in the last lines of paragraph C. The writer mentions, “This realization, together with several looming health crises, such as antibiotic resistance, has put bioprospecting – the research for useful compounds in nature – firmly back on the map.

Here, firmly back on the map = renewed interest

Also, look at the phrase used in lines 2-3, “the development of new approaches focusing once again on natural products”.

So, the answer is: C

Question 15: how recent technological advances have made insect research easier

Keywords for this question: recent technological advances, insect research, easier,    

The answer for this question is in paragraph H, lines 2-4. The author writes, “ . .. . Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.”

The lines indicate that the research has become easier fortunately due to technological advancements in DNA research.

Here, “Fortunately, it is now possible” = recent technological advances

So, the answer is: H

Question 16: examples of animals which use medicinal substances from nature

Keywords for this question: animals, use, medicinal substances, nature,  

The answer can be found at the very beginning of the passage in paragraph A. Take a close look and you will find the mention of primates like “capuchin monkeys who use toxin-oozing millipedes to deter mosquitoes” and “chimpanzees who use noxious forest plants to rid themselves of intestinal parasites”.

So, the answer is: A

Question 17: reasons why it is challenging to use insects in drug research

Keywords for this question: reasons, challenging, use insects, drug research,  

Paragraph F talks about three prime reasons of the challenges associated with using insects in drug research (Look at the connectors used here like Firstly, Secondly and Thirdly). Also, the paragraph opens with a question about the little interest in bioprospecting, “Why is it that insects have received relatively little attention in bioprospecting?”

So, the answer is: F

Question 18: reference to how interest in drug research may benefit wildlife

Keywords for this question: reasons, interest in drug research, benefit, wildlife,   

Paragraph I is mainly a message from Zoologist Ross Piper who is optimistic about drug research which can be advantageous for wildlife and its conservation. Take a look at lines 4-7, “. .. I sincerely believe that all species, however small and seemingly insignificant, have a right to exist for their own sake. If we can shine a light on the darker recesses of nature’s medicine cabinet, exploring the useful chemistry of the most diverse animals on the planet, I believe we can make people think differently about the value of nature.”

These lines clearly shows the fact that higher research on drug research can benefit all species (wildlife).

So, the answer is: I

Question 19: a reason why nature-based medicines fell out of favour for a period

Keywords for this question: reason, nature-based medicines, fell out of favour,

In lines 3-6 of paragraph B give us the answer. The writer states here, “ . .. Then, for a while, modern pharmaceutical science moved its focus away from nature and into the laboratory, deigning chemical compounds from scratch. The main cause of this shift is that although there are plenty of promising chemical compounds in nature, finding them is far from easy.”

So, the answer is: B

Question 20: an example of an insect-derived medicine in use at the moment

Keywords for this question: insect-derived medicine, in use, at the moment,    

The answer can be found in lines 2-4 of paragraph E. “. .. For example, alloferon, an antimicrobial compound produced by blow fly larvae, is used as an antiviral and antitumor agent in South Korea and Russia.”

So, the answer is: E

Questions 21 and 22: (Choosing the TWO best answers)

 [In this type of question, candidates are asked TWO best possible answers for one question. Candidates need to write the correct LETTERS for the answers.  Here, the techniques for Multiple Choice Questions are applicable.]

Question 21 & 22: Which TWO of the following make insects interesting for drug research?

Keywords for these questions: TWO, make insects interesting, drug research,

The answers are found in paragraph G and H.

In paragraph G, the author writes in lines 3-4, “… . .. . The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.”

So, the lines match with option B.

In paragraph H, the author writes in lines 2-4, “. . .. Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.”

So, the lines match with option C.

So, the answers are:

21. B            (the variety of substances insects have developed to protect themselves)

22. C           (the potential to extract and make use of insect’s genetic codes)

Question 23-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Title of the summary: Research at Aberystwyth University

As the title of the summary is Aberystwyth University, we will find the answers in paragraph G.

Question 23: Ross Piper and fellow zoologists at Aberystwyth University are using their expertise in ___________ when undertaking bioprospecting with insects.

Keywords for this answer: Ross Piper and fellow zoologists, using their expertise, bioprospecting, insects,  

In paragraph G, look at the first lines, “My colleagues and I at Aberystwyth University in the UK have developed an approach in which we use our knowledge of ecology as a guide to target our efforts.”.

Here, My colleagues and I = Ross Piper and fellow zoologists, our knowledge of = their expertise in,

So, the answer is: ecology  

Question 24: They are especially interested in the compounds that insects produce to overpower and preserve their ___________.

Keywords for this answer: compounds, insects produce, to overpower and preserve,   

The answer is in lines 3-4 of paragraph G, “The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.”

Here, secrete powerful poison = compounds that insects produce, subduing = overpower, keeping it fresh = preserve,

So, the answer is: prey  

Question 25: They are also interested in compounds which insects use to protect themselves from pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in their ___________.

Keywords for this answer: compounds, insects use, to protect themselves, pathogenic bacteria and fungi,   

In lines 3-8 of paragraph G, the writer says, “ . ..  There are even more insects that are masters of exploiting filthy habitats, such as faeces and carcasses, where they are regularly challenged by thousands of micro-organisms. These insects have many antimicrobial compounds for dealing withpathogenic bacteria and fungi,  . ..”

Here, for dealing with = to protect themselves from,

The pathogenic bacteria and fungi are found in filthy habitats.

So, the answer is: habitats

Question 26: Piper hopes that these substances will be useful in the development of drugs such as _________.

Keywords for this answer: these substances, useful, development of drugs such as,

The last lines of paragraph G say, “. .. .suggesting that there is certainly potential to find many compounds that can serve as or inspire new antibiotics.”

Here, substances = compounds, in the development of = can serve or inspire,

So, the answer is: antibiotics  

Reading Passage 3:The power of play

N.B.: There are 11 paragraphs in this passage (After paragraph no. 6, there is a short description on a Scale of playfulness, which is attached to paragraph no. 6.).

Questions 27-31 (Matching researchers with statements)

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order. )

Question 27: Play can be divided into a number of separate categories

Keywords for this question: divided into, a number of, separate categories,

The answer is in paragraph no. 4 in lines 2-3 where the author writes, “. .. . .Definitions range from discrete descriptions of various types of play such as physical, construction, language, or symbolic play (Miller & Almon 2009). . ..”.

So, the lines suggest that play can be divided into some categories like physical, construction, language, symbolic etc.

So, the answer is: B (Miller & Almon)

Question 28: Adults’ intended goals affect how they play with children

Keywords for this question: adult’s goals, affect, how, play with children,

In paragraph no. 8, we can see the reference of adults’ goal. In lines 3-4 the author says, “. . .The adults’ role in play varies as a function of their educational goals and the child’s developmental level (Hirsch-Pasek et al. 2009).”

Here, varies = affect

So, the answer is: G (Hirsch-Pasek et al.)

Question 29: Combining work with play may be the best way for children to learn

Keywords for this question: combining work with play, best way, to learn,

In paragraph no. 7 the writer mentions in lines 3-5, “. . .. Researcher Joan Goodman (1994) suggested that hybrid forms of work and play are not a detriment to learning; rather they can provide optimal contexts for learning.”

So, the answer is: F (Joan Goodman)

Question 30: Certain elements of play are more significant than others

Keywords for this question: certain elements, more significant than others,

Paragraph no. 6 gives us the answer. Here, the writer says, “Rubin and colleagues did not assign greater weight to any one dimension in determining playfulness; however, other researchers have suggested that process orientation and a lack of obvious functional purpose may be the most important aspects of play (e.g. Pellegrini 2009).”

The lines suggest that though Rubin and his colleagues did not think that any one dimension (element) is not more significant than other, Pellegrini thought differently.

So, the answer is: E (Pellegirni)

Question 31: Activities can be classified on a scale of playfulness

Keywords for this question: activities, classified, scale of playfulness,

The answer is in paragraph no. 5 where the writer gives reference of the research conducted by Rubin and colleagues in 1983 (Rubin et.al. 1983), “Often, play is defined along a continnum as more or less playful using the following set of behavioral and dispositional criteria (e.g. Rubin et al. 1983):. . .” Then the wirter explains the scale of playfulness.

So, the answer is: C (Rubin at al.) 

Questions 32-36: (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches the claim of the writer in the text- YESThe statement in the question contradicts the claim of the writer in the text- NOThe statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 32: Children need toys in order to play.

Keywords for this question: Children, toys,

The very first lines of paragraph no. 1 give us the answer, “Virtually every child, the world over, plays. The drive to play is so intense that children will do so in any circumstances, for instance when they have no real toys, or when parents do not actively encourage the behaviour. In the eyes of a young child, running, pretending and building is fun.”

The lines clearly suggest that children take running, pretending or building as play when they do not get a toy.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 33: It is a mistake to treat play and learning as separate types of activities.

Keywords for this question: mistake, treat, play and learning, separate, activities, 

The answer is in the last line of paragraph no. 2. “Our society has created a false dichotomy between play and learning.”

Here, false = mistake, dichotomy = separate,

So, the answer is: YES

Question 34: Play helps children to develop their artistic talents.

Keywords for this question: helps, children, develop, artistic talents,

As we have found the answer for question no. 33 at the end of paragraph no. 2 and the main keyword ‘definition’ for question no. 35 is found in paragraph no. 4, the answer for question no. 34 has to be found in paragraph no. 3 (This type of question maintains a sequence).

There is no information about ‘artistic talents’ in this paragraph.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 35: Researchers have agreed on a definition of play.

Keywords for this question: researchers, agreed, definition of play, 

In paragraph no. 4 we find the keyphrase ‘definition of play’. The first line gives us the answer, “Full consensus on a formal definition of play continues to elude the researchers and theorists who study it.”

Here, elude = make confused and avoid, consensus = agreement,

This means researchers are not in agreement on a definition of play.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 36: Work and play differ in terms of whether or not they have a target.

Keywords for this question: work and play, differ, have a target,   

We find the reference of ‘work and play’ in paragraph no. 7. Here, in lines 2-3 the writer says, “. . .Unlike play, work is typically not viewed as enjoyable and it is extrinsically motivated (i.e. it is goal-oriented).”

Here, goal-oriented = have a target,

Thus, the line suggests that work is different from play because it is mainly based on a target.

So, the answer is: YES 

Questions 37-40 (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Title of the summary: Guided play     

Question 37: In the simplest form of guided play, an adult contributes to the environment in which the child is playing. Alternatively, an adult can play with a child and develop the play, for instance by __________ the child to investigate different aspects of their game.

Keywords for this question: Alternatively, adult, play with child, develop, for instance, investigate,  

The answer is found in paragraph no. 9 in lines 2-5, “. .. In the more direct form of guided play, parents or other adults can support children’s play by joining in the fun as a co-player, raising thoughtful questions, commenting on children’s discoveries, or encouraging further exploration or new facets to the child’s activity.”

Here, further exploration means investigate

So, the answer is: encouraging

Question 38: Adults can help children to learn through play, and may make the activity rather structured, but it should still be based on the child’s __________ to play.

Keywords for this question: adults, help children, learn, make, activity, structured, should still be, based on,  

The last lines of paragraph no. 9 have the answer. Here, the author writes, “. . . .Although playful learning can be somewhat structured, it must also be child-centered (Nicolopolou et al. 2006). Play should stem from the child’s own desire.”

Here, stem from = based on,

So, the answer is: desire

Question 39 & 40: Play without the intervention of adults gives children real __________; with adults, play can be __________ at particular goals. However, all forms of play should be an opportunity for children to have fun.

Keywords for this question: without, intervention of adults, with adults, particular goals,

The answers are in the last paragraph. Here, in line no. 2 gives the answer for question no. 39. “Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy, …”

Here, free play = play without the intervention, true = real,

Again, in lines 2-3, we find the answer for question no. 40. “. ..while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences.”

Here, parents and educators = adults, learning experiences = particular goals,

So, the answers are:

39. autonomy

40. targeted

Reading Passage 1: Alexander Henderson (1831-1913)

Questions 1-8: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 1: Henderson rarely visited the area around Press Estate when he was younger.

Keywords for the question: Henderson, rarely visited, around Press Estate, younger  

We find the keyword ‘Press Estate’ in paragraph no. 1. So, we should scan it carefully. In the last few lines of the paragraph, the writer says, “… .. .it owned Press Estate, 650 acres of……….. The family often stayed at Press Castle, the large … . . . .. . and Alexander spent much of his childhood in the area, .. . .”

The lines suggest that Alexander’s family was a merchant family and they owned a huge property in Scotland including the Press estate and he spent a good deal of time there. So, he often (opposite to the word ‘rarely’) visited the Press Estate.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 2: Henderson pursued a business career because it was what his family wanted.

Keywords for the question: pursued, business career, family wanted  

We find the answer in paragraph no. 2 of the passage. Take a look at lines 2-4, “. . . In 1849 he began a three-year apprenticeship to become an accountant. Although he never liked the prospect of a business career, he stayed with it to please his family.”

Here, he began a three-year apprenticeship to become an accountant = Henderson pursued a business career, he stayed with it to please his family = because it was what his family wanted

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 3: Henderson and Notman were surprised by the results of their 1865 experiment.

Keywords for the question: Henderson, Notman, surprised, results, 1865 experiment      

We find the reference to the 1865 experiments ‘with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light’ in paragraph no. 3. However, there is no mention of their surprise or astonishment about the experiment.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN       

Question 4: There are many similarities between Henderson’s early landscapes and those of Notman.

Keywords for the question: many similarities, early landscapes, Henderson, Notman

The answers can be found in lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 4. The writer says, “In spite of their friendship, their styles of photography were quite different. While Notman’s landscapes were noted for their bold realism, Henderson for the first 20 years of his career produced romantic images, showing the strong influence of the British landscape tradition.” The lines clearly show that the works of Henderson and Notman did not have many similarities.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 5: The studio that Henderson opened in 1866 was close to his home.

Keywords for the question: studio, opened, 1866, close, home

The mention of Henderson’s studio opening is found in the first lines of paragraph no. 5, “In 1866, he gave up his business to open a photographic studio, …” But the location of the studio is not mentioned here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 6: Henderson gave up portraiture so that he could focus on taking photographs of scenery.

Keywords for the question: gave up, portraiture, focus, taking photographs,

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 5, “From about 1870 he dropped portraiture to specialize in landscape photography and other views.”

Here, landscape photography and other views mean photography of scenery, dropped means gave up,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7: When Henderson began work for the Intercolonial Railway, the Montreal to Halifax line had been finished.

Keywords for the question: Intercolonial Railway, Montreal to Halifax line, finished   

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 7 as we see the mention of ‘Intercolonial Railway’ in lines 6-7 of this paragraph. Let’s take a look at lines 5-8, “. .. .That same year, while in the lower St. Lawrence River region, he took some photographs of the construction of the Intercolonial Railway. This undertaking led in 1875 to a commission from the railway to record the principal structures along the almost-completed line connecting Montreal to Halifax.” The lines suggest that the Montreal to Halifax line was not yet completed at that time.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 8: Henderson’s last work as a photographer was with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Keywords for the question: last work, photographer, Canadian Pacific Railway  

The answer is in paragraph no. 8. The writer says, “In 1892 Henderson accepted a full-time position with the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) as manager of a photographic department . .. . . .. . . . . . .. … . That summer he made his second trip west, photographing extensively along the railway line as far as Victoria. He continued in this post until 1897, when he retired completely from photography.”

So, the job with the CPR was his last work, where he did his work of photography extensively.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 9-13: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 9:

Early Life:

• was born in Scotland in 1831 – father was a __________.

Keywords for this question: born, Scotland, 1831, father

The answer lies in paragraph no. 1, at the very beginning of the paragraph, “Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1831 and was the son of a successful merchant.”

So, the answer is: merchant

Questions 10 and 11:

Start of a photographic career:

• people bought Henderson’s photos because photography took up considerable time and the 10. ____________ was heavy

Keywords for this question: bought, because, time, heavy,

• the photographs Henderson sold were 11. _____________ or souvenirs

Keywords for this question:  photographs, souvenirs,

We can find answers to questions 10 and 11 in paragraph no. 5. Look at lines 6-10 of the paragraph. “There was sufficient demand for these types of scenes and others he took depicting the lumber trade, steamboats, and waterfalls to enable him to make a living. There was little competing hobby or amateur photography before the late 1880s because of the time-consuming techniques involved and the weight of the equipment. People wanted to buy photographs as souvenirs of a trip or as gifts, …..”

Here, the lines suggest that people bought Henderson’s photographs because of the little competition involved in this sort of hobby due to the time it took and the weight (heavy) of the equipment.

So, the answer to question no. 11 is: equipment

Again, in the next line, People liked to buy Henderson’s photos as souvenirs or as gifts.

So, the answer to question no. 12 is: gifts

Questions 12 and 13: Travelling as a professional photographer:

Question 12: took many trips along eastern rivers in a __________.

Keywords for this question: many trips, eastern rivers, in,   

We find the mention of ‘eastern rivers’ in paragraph no. 7. In lines 1-4 the writer says, “In the 1870s and 1880s Henderson travelled widely throughout Quebec and Ontario. . .. . . .. .He was especially fond of the wilderness and often travelled by canoe on the Blanche, du Lievre, and other noted eastern rivers.”

The lines suggest that Henderson made many trips (travelled widely) in a canoe.

So, the answer is: canoe

Question 13: worked for CPR in 1885 and photographed the _________ and the railway at Rogers Pass.  

Keywords for this question: worked, CPR, 1885, photographed, railway, Rogers Pass   

The last lines of paragraph no. 7 give us the answer. “In 1885 he went west along the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as far as Rogers Pass in British Columbia, where he took photographs of the mountains and the progress of construction.”

The lines propose that in 1885 Henderson worked for the CPR and took photographs of the mountains.

So, the answer is: mountains

Reading Passage 2:Back to the future of skyscraper design

Questions 14-18: (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: why some people avoided hospitals in the 19th century

Keywords for this question: people avoided, hospitals, 19th century,  

The answer lies in paragraph F in the first lines. Here, the writer says, “Much of the ingenuity present in 19th-century hospital and building design was driven by a panicked public clamouring for buildings that could protect against what was thought to be the lethal threat of miasmas – toxic air that spread disease.”

These lines suggest that 19th-century people were feeling panicked (terrified) people shouting (clamouring) for such hospital designs that could protect them from miasmas. This means they were avoiding hospitals at that time.

So, the answer is: F

Question 15: a suggestion that the popularity of tall buildings is linked to prestige

Keywords for this question: popularity, tall buildings, linked to prestige,  

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph C. The author writes, “. .. Short regards glass, steel and air-conditioned skyscrapers as symbols of status, rather than practical ways of meeting our requirements.”

Here, the suggestion made by Alan Short means the tall buildings (skyscrapers) symbolizes status (prestige).

So, the answer is: C

Question 16: a comparison between the circulation of air in a 19th-century building and modern standards

Keywords for this question: comparison, circulation of air, 19th century, modern standards,  

The answer can be found in the first lines of paragraph E. The writer says, “We discovered that 19th Century hospital wards could generate up to 24 air changes an hour – that’s similar to the performance of a modern-day, computer-controlled operating theatre.”

So, we can find a clear comparison of the circulation of air between 19th Century building and modern-day buildings.

So, the answer is: E

Question 17: how Short tested the circulation of air in a 19th-century building

Keywords for this question: how, Short tested, circulation of sir, 19th-century building, 

The second part of paragraph D is a description of how Short tested the circulation of air in Johns Hopkins Hospital building which was built in the 19^th Century. “ “We spent three years digitally modeling Billings’ final designs”, says Short. “We put pathogens in the airstreams, modeled for someone with tuberculosis (TB) coughing in the wards and we found the ventilation systems in the room would have kept other patients safe from harm.”

So, the answer is: D

Question 18: an implication that advertising led to the large increase in the use of air conditioning

Keywords for this question: advertising, large increase, air conditioning,  

The answer is the last lines of the second part of paragraph B. “ . .. . before the widespread introduction of air conditioning systems, which were ‘relentlessly and aggressively marketed’ by their inventors.”

Here, ‘relentlessly and aggressively marketed’ means advertisements, widespread introduction means large increase

So, the answer is: B

Question 19-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Title of the summary: Ventilation in 19th-century hospital wards 

Question 19: Professor Alan Short examined the work of John Shaw Billings, who influenced the architectural ____________ of hospitals to ensure they had good ventilation.

Keywords for this answer: Alan short, examined, John Shaw Billings, influenced, architectural, ensure, ventilation,

The answer is in the first part of paragraph D where we find the reference of Alan Short putting his interest in the works of John Shaw Billings. “Short’s book highlights a developing and sophisticated art and science of ventilating buildings through the 19^th and earlier-20^th centuries, including the design of ingeniously ventilated hospitals. Of particular interest were those built to the designs of John Shaw Billings, including the first John Hopkins Hospital in the US city of Baltimore (1873-1889).”  So, the lines mean that Alan Short examined the works of John Shaw Billings, whose works influenced the designs of hospitals with great ventilation.

So, the answer is: design(s)

Question 20 and 21: He calculated that _________  in the air coming from patients suffering from _________ would not have harmed other patients.

Keywords for this answer: calculated, in the air, patients suffering from, would not have harmed, other patients, 

The answers are found in the second part of paragraph D, “We spent three years digitally modelling Billings’ final designs,” says Short. “We put pathogens in the airstreams, modeled for someone with tuberculosis (TB) coughing in the wards and we found the ventilation systems in the room would have kept other patients safe from harm.”

Here, digitally modelling means calculating,

So, the answers are:

• pathogens
• tuberculosis

Question 22: He also found that the air in _________ in hospitals could change as often as in a modern operating theatre.

Keywords for this answer: also found, the air, in hospitals, could change, as often as, modern operating theatre, 

The answer lies in the first part of paragraph E, “We discovered that 19^th-century hospital wards could generate up to 24 air changes an hour – that’s similar to the performance of a modern-day, computer-controlled operating theatre.”

Here, similar to = as often as

So, the answer is: wards

Question 23: He suggests that energy use could be reduced by locating more patients in ________ areas.

Keywords for this answer: suggests, energy use, could be reduced, locating, more patients, areas, 

The answer is found in the second part of paragraph E. “Communal wards appropriate for certain patients – older people with dementia, for example – would work just as well in today’s hospitals, at a fraction of the energy cost.”

Here, at a fraction of the energy cost = energy use could be reduced

So, the answer is: communal

Question 24 and 25: A major reason for improving ventilation in 19th-century hospitals was the demand from the __________ for protecting against bad air, known as __________.

Keywords for this answer: major reason, improving ventilation, 19th-century hospitals, demand from, for protecting against, bad air, known as, 

In paragraph F, look at the first lines, “Much of the ingenuity present in the 19th Century hospital and building design was driven by a panicked public clamouring for buildings that could protect against what was thought to be lethal threat of miasmas – toxic air that spread disease.”

Here, the lines suggest that the public demanded protection against miasmas.

So, the answers are:

• public
• miasmas

Question 26: These were blamed for the spread of disease for hundreds of years, including epidemics of ______________ in London and Paris in the middle of the 19th century.

Keywords for this answer: blamed, spread of disease, hundreds of years, epidemics of, in London and Paris, middle of the 19th century, 

The answer is in lines 3-5 of paragraph F, “Miasmas were feared as the principal agents of disease and epidemics for centuries, and were used to explain the spread of infection from the Middle Ages right through to the cholera outbreaks in London and Paris during in 1850s.”

Here, the lines suggest that London and Paris city suffered from the epidemics (outbreaks) of cholera.

So, the answer is: cholera

IELTS Cambridge 14 Test 2: ACADEMIC Reading Module

Reading Passage 3:Why companies should welcome disorder

Questions 27-34 (List of headings)

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph which will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question 27: Section A

The answer lies in paragraph no. 2 of Section A. “…. . .We are told that we ought to organise our company, our home life, our week, our day and even our sleep, all as a means to becoming more productive. Every week, countless seminars and workshops take place around the world to tell a paying public that they ought to structure their lives in order to achieve this.”

These lines suggest that people are increasingly expected to organise their companies.

So, the answer is: vi (What people are increasingly expected to do)

Question 28: Section B

The answer for this question is found in the first paragraph of Section B. Here, the writer complains that. . . “Ironically, however, the number of businesses that fail has also steadily increased. Work-related stress has increased. A large proportion of workers from all demographics claim to be dissatisfied with the way their work is structured and the way they are managed.”

So, the answer is: i (Complaints about the impact of a certain approach)

Question 29: Section C

The answer is in lines 2-4 of section C, where we find reference of some recommendations regarding business activities which was given in the first half of the 20th century. “… .Writing in the first half of the 20th century, he designed a number of principles to improve the efficiency of the work process, which have since become widespread in modern companies.”

So, the answer is: iii (Early recommendations concerning business activities)

Question 30: Section D

The first line of section D gives us the answer. The writer states, “New research suggests that this obsession with efficiency is misguided.” It means that the beliefs regarding efficiency are misguided or incorrect.

So, the answer is: ii (Fundamental beliefs that are in fact incorrect)

Question 31: Section E

This question’s answer can also be traced to the first line of section E. “What’s more, recent studies show that order actually has diminishing returns.” It means the order (organisation) brings problems. Also, take a look at the following lines. “Order does increase productivity to a certain extent, but eventually the usefulness of the process of organisation, and the benefit it yields, reduce until the point where any further increase in order reduces productivity.” So, it is clear that order does more damage than progress.

So, the answer is: ix (Evidence that a certain approach can have more disadvantages than advantages) 

Question 32: Section F

The answer is in the last lines of section F. “These environments can lead to new solutions that, under conventionally structured environments …….. would never be reached.”

Here, would never be reached = impossible

So, the answer is: vii (How to achieve outcomes that are currently impossible)

Question 33: Section G

The second and third paragraph talks about the approach which is taken of Oction, a large Danish manufacturer of hearing aids and the former chairman of General Electric.

So, the answer is: iv (Organisations that put a new approach into practice)

Question 34: Section H

The last lines of section H indicate the answer. Here, the writer says, “This research also shows that we should continually question whether or not our existing assumptions work.” It means there is no guarantee that any approach may work.

So, the answer is: viii (Neither approach guarantees continuous improvement) 

Questions 35-37 (Completing sentences/sentence completion with ONE WORD ONLY)

Here, candidates have to complete sentences by using ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.

Question 35: Numerous training sessions are aimed at people who feel they are not _________ enough.

Keywords for this question: numerous, training sessions, aimed at, people who feel,

The answer is in the second paragraph of Section A. Take a look at lines 2-5, “….We are told that we ought to organise our company, our home life, our week, our day and even our sleep, all as a means to becoming more productive. Every week, countless seminars and workshops take place around the world to tell a paying public that they ought to structure their lives in order to achieve this.”

The lines suggest that countless seminars and workshops (Numerous training sessions) are targeted at people who are not productive.

So, the answer is: productive

Question 36: Being organised appeals to people who regard themselves as ____________.

Keywords for this question: being organised, appeals, regard themselves,

The answer is in the first lines of paragraph no. 2 of Section A. “This rhetoric has also crept into the thinking of business leaders and entrepreneurs, much to the delight of self-proclaimed perfectionists with the need to get everything right.”

Here, self-proclaimed = regard themselves

So, the answer is: perfectionists

Question 37: Many people feel _________ with aspects of their work.

Keywords for this question: many people feel, aspects of work

The answer is in paragraph no. 1 of Section B. “A large proportion of workers from all demographics claim to be dissatisfied with the way their work is structured and the way they are managed.”

Here, A large proportion of workers = Many people

So, the answer is: dissatisfied

Questions 38- TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 38: Both businesses and people aim at order without really considering its value.

Keywords for this question: businesses and people, aim at, order, without considering, value,   

The answer is found in the last lines of Section D. The writer says, “The result is that businesses and people spend time and money organising themselves for the sake of organising, rather than actually looking at the end goal and structure of such an effort.”

The lines mean that people and different businesses actually aim at order (organisation) rather than looking at the goals. So, they are not considering the real value of order but aiming at it for the sake of organising.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 39: Innovation is most successful if the people involved have distinct roles.

Keywords for this question: innovation, most successful, people involved, distinct roles,

We can find the answer to this question in Section F. Here, in the first lines, the writer says, “In fact, research shows that, when innovating, the best approach is to create an environment devoid of structure and hierarchy and enable everyone to engage as one organic group.”

Here, one organic group is an antonym for distinct roles.

So, the lines suggest that if people work together as one organic group, innovation is most successful, not if people have distinct roles.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 40: Google was inspired to adopt flexibility by the success of General Electric.

Keywords for this question: innovation, most successful, people involved, distinct roles,

In Section G, we find the mention of different companies that adopted flexibility. In paragraph no. 2 of Section G, the writer mentions, “Google and a number of other tech companies have embraced (at least in part) these kinds of flexible structures, . . . .” But, there is no mention of the fact that Google was or was not inspired to adopt flexibility by General Electric.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 1:The Importance of Children’s Play

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only ONE WORD to complete notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Questions 1 and 2 are under the title: Uses of children’s play

Question 1: building a ‘magical kingdom’ may help develop ____________.

Keywords for the question: magical kingdom, help develop

We find the keyword ‘magical kingdom’ in paragraph no. 1. So, we should scan it carefully. In the last lines of the paragraph, the writer says, “Although she isn’t aware of it, this fantasy is helping her take her first steps towards her capacity for creativity and……”

Here, helping her take her first steps towards her capacity = help develop

So, the answer is: creativity

Question 2: board games involve ___________ and turn-taking

Keywords for the question: board games, turn-taking  

We find the keyword ‘board game’ in paragraph no. 2, line no. 3. So, we should scan it carefully. The line says, “Later on, when they tire of this and settle down with a board game, she’s learning about the need to follow rules and take turns with a partner.”

Here, take turns with a partner = turn-taking  

So, the answer is: rules

Questions 3-6 are under the title: Recent changes affecting children’s play

Question 3: populations of ________ have grown

Keywords for the question: recent changes, populations, grown 

The question asks us to find out recent changes regarding populations. We find the answer in paragraph no. 5, lines 1-2. “But we live in changing times, and Whitebread is mindful of a worldwide decline in play, pointing out that over half the people in the world now live in cities.”

Here, we live in changing times = recent changes, over half the people = populations grown

So, the answer is: cities          

Opportunities for free play are limited due to:

Questions 4 and 5 : fear of _________

Keywords for the question: opportunities, limited, fear of

The answers can be found in lines 2-5 of paragraph no. 5. The writer says, “The opportunities for free play, …. . . .   .. . . .   .. . are becoming increasingly scarce.’ he says. Outdoor play is curtailed by perceptions of risk to do with traffic, as well asparents’ increased wish to protect their children from being the victims of crime.”

Here, becoming increasingly scarce = limited, perceptions of risk = fear, parents’ increased wish to protect their children = fear

So, the answers are (in any order):

traffic

crime

Question 6: increased __________ in school

Keywords for the question: increased, school

The answer is in lines 5-6 of paragraph 5. The writer says here, “…..and by the emphasis on ‘earlier is better’ which is leading to greater competition in academic learning and schools.”

Here, leading to greater = increased

So, the answer is: competition

International policies on children’s play:  

Question 7: it is difficult to find __________ to support new policies

Keywords for the question: difficult to find, support new policies  

The answer is found in paragraph no. 6. Here, the author says, “International bodies like the United Nations and the European Union have begun to develop policies. … ..” Then in the last line, “ . .. . But what they often lack is the evidence to base policies on.”

Here, what they often lack = it is difficult to find

So, the answer is: evidence

Question 8: research needs to study the impact of play on the rest of the child’s __________.  

Keywords for the question: research, need, study, rest of the child’s

The answer lies in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 8. In the previous paragraph (paragraph no. 7) the writer talks about the need for research to study the impact. Then, in paragraph no. 8, they mention the reaction of Dr Jenny Gibson, “Dr Jenny Gibson agrees, pointing out. .. ., there is very little data on the impact it has on the child’s later life.”

Here, child’s later life = rest of the child’s life

So, the answer is: life

Questions 9-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

In this type of question, candidates need to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSEAnd the statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 9: Children with good self-control are known to be likely to do well at school later on.

Keywords for this question: good self-control, likely, do well, school, later

The answer lies in paragraph no. 11, “In a study carried out by Baker with toddlers and young pre-schoolers, she found that children with greater self-control solved problems more quickly when exploring an unfamiliar set-up requiring scientific reasoning. ‘This sort of evidence makes us think that giving children the chance to play will make them more successful problem-solvers in the long run.”

So, the lines clearly show that children with self-control do well in the long run (later on).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 10: The way a child plays may provide information about possible medical problems.

Keywords for this question: the way child plays, may provide info, possible medical problems

The answer lies in paragraph no. 13, where Dr Gibson says, “… Playful behaviour is also an important indicator of healthy social and emotional development. . .. . .. . . .give us important clues about their well-being and . .. .. . .. .useful in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.”

Here, the lines clearly show that the way a child’s plays can be used to identify medical problems (autism).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 11: Playing with dolls was found to benefit girls’ writing more than boys’ writing.

Keywords for this question: playing with dolls, benefit, girls’ writing,

We find a reference to playing with dolls in paragraph 14 line 4. But there is no comparison between girls’ writing and boys’ writing.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 12: Children had problems thinking up ideas when they first created the story with Lego.

Keywords for this question: children, problems, thinking up ideas, first created, Lego  

The answer is lies in lines 3-5 of paragraph no. 15. “…. Children wrote longer and better-structured stories when they first played with dolls representing characters in the story. In the latest study, children first created their story with Lego, with similar results.”

The lines show the fact that children produced longer and better-structured stories when playing with dolls and Legos. They did not face any problems there. In the last lines of the same paragraph, the writer repeats the result. “With the Lego building.. .. .. ….  The whole year of the project.”

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 13: People nowadays regard children’s play as less significant than they did in the past.

Keywords for this question: nowadays, children’s play, less significant, did in the past  

The first line of the last paragraph gives us the answer. “Somehow the importance of play has been lost in recent decades. It’s regarded as something trivial, or even as something negative that contrasts with ‘work’.”

The lines suggest that nowadays (in recent decades) children’s play has become less significant (has been lost, …. Regarded as something trivial)

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:The growth of bike-sharing schemes around the world

Questions 14-18: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer questions 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to questions 1-3. And just like the List of Headings, only read the first two lines or the last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: a description of how people misused a bike-sharing scheme

Keywords for this question: misused, bike-sharing

In paragraph E we find a reference to some problems the designers were facing in the project. Line line 4, the writer says, “The system, however, was prone to vandalism and theft.” Take a look at the statement made by Theo Molenaar too, “ ‘After every weekend there would always be a couple of bikes missing,’ Molenaar says, ‘I really have no idea what people did with them, . .. .”

So, the lines reveal the fact that people were misusing the scheme

So, the answer is: E

Question 15: an explanation of why a proposed bike-sharing scheme was turned down

Keywords for this question: proposed bike-sharing scheme, turned down

In lines 6-7 of paragraph C, the author says, “. . .. Nevertheless, the council unanimously rejected the plan, ‘They said that the bicycle belongs to the past. They saw a glorious future for the car,’. … .”

Here, rejected = was turned down, 

So, the answer is: C

Question 16: a reference to a person being unable to profit from their work

Keywords for this question: person being unable, profit

Take a look at the very last line of paragraph F. “… But financially I didn’t really benefit from it, because I never filed for a patent.”

Here, financially I didn’t really benefit from it = unable to profit, 

So, the answer is: F

Question 17: an explanation of the potential savings a bike-sharing scheme would bring

Keywords for this question: potential savings

In paragraph C, Schimmelpennink explained his idea to the city council. Take a close look at his explanation, “ . .. . It turned out that a white bicycle – per person, per kilometre – would cost the municipality only 10% of what it contributed to public transport  per person, per kilometre.’. .. .”

Here, would cost the municipality only 10% = potential savings, 

So, the answer is: C

Question 18: a reference to the problems a bike-sharing scheme was intended to solve

Keywords for this question: problems, intended to solve

In paragraph A, scan lines 3-5, “ . . .They believed the scheme, which was known as the Witte Fietsenplan, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism.”

Here, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism = the problems . . .. intended to solve

So, the answer is: A

Questions 19-22 (Multiple choice questions – choosing two from five options)

[Generally, in multiple choice questions, candidates have to choose one answer from three or four options. However, in this type of MCQ, candidates have to choose two answers from five / six options. So, the best tip to find out the answer is to remember that the keywords/clues will be found in two cases/ places. Candidates need to be aware of this fact.]

Questions 19 and 20: Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999?

Keywords for this question: Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999

In paragraph D, look at lines 7-9, where the writer mentions people’s attitudes about the environment. “ ‘Times had changed,” he recalls. ‘People had become more environmentally conscious, and the Danish experiment had proved that bike-sharing was a real possibility. A new Witte Fietsenplan was launched in 1999 in Amsterdam.” So, this means the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999 started (launched) because people’s attitude towards the environment was positive. (Answer: D)

Again, the reference to the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999 is in paragraph D. In the same paragraph we find that the Dutch Bank Postbankdeveloped a chip card for the project. But in the next paragraph (paragraph E) the writer says in lines 7-8 , “. . But the biggest blow came when Postbank decided to abolish the chip card, because it wasn’t profitable.. .. . .”  This means the partner (Postbank withdrew its support for the scheme). (Answer: B)

So, the answers are (in any order):

B (It failed when a partner in the scheme withdraw support.)

D (It was made possible by a change in people’s attitudes.)

Questions 21 and 22: Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about Amsterdam today?

Keywords for this question: Amsterdam today

The answer lies in paragraph G because the paragraph starts with “In Amsterdam today. ..”.

First, take a look at lines 2-3, “. . . it is regarded as one of the two most cycle-friendly capitals in the world – … .” (Answer E)

Again, look at lines 6-7, “.. . People who travel on the underground don’t carry their bikes around. But often they need additional transport to reach their final destination.” The lines clearly explain that a bike-sharing scheme is very important for people who use underground tubes, because they need additional transport (bikes) to get to their expected destination. (Answer D)

So, the answers are (in any order):

D (A bike-sharing scheme would benefit residents who use public transport.)

E (The city has a reputation as a place that welcomes cyclists.)

Question 23-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Title of the summary: The first urban bike-sharing scheme

Question 23: The first bike-sharing scheme was the idea of the Dutch group Provo. The people who belonged to this group were ______________.

Keywords for this answer: idea, Dutch group Provo, people, belonged to this group,

The answer is in the second and third lines of paragraph A. “.. .Provo, the organisation that came up with the idea, was a group of Dutch activists who wanted to change society.” .

So, the answer is: activists

Question 24: They were concerned about damage to the environment and about ___________, and believed that the bike-sharing scheme would draw attention to these issues.

Keywords for this answer: concerned about, damage to the environment,  

Lines 3-5 of paragraph A give us the answer. “…They believed the scheme, which . .. . .. . ., was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism.”

Here, threats of air pollution = damage to the environment

So, the answer is: consumerism

Question 25: As well as painting some bikes white, they handed out __________ that condemned the use of cars.

Keywords for this answer: painting, white, condemned, use of cars

The answer is in lines 5-7, “… . . In the centre of Amsterdam, they painted a small number of used bikes white. They also distributed leaflets describing the dangers of cars . . .. .. ..”

Here, distributed = handed out,    describing the dangers of cars = condemned the use of cars

So, the answer is: leaflets

Question 26: However, the scheme was not a great success; almost as quickly as Provo left the bikes around the city, the __________ took them away. According to ……..    . . ..    . .. .

Keywords for this answer: not a great success, Provo left the bikes around the city, took them away

The answer is in paragraph B, lines 4-6, “. . .. The police were opposed to Provo’s initiatives and almost as soon as soon as the white bikes were distributed around the city, they removed them.”

Here, left the bikes around the city = the white bikes were distributed around the city, took them away = removed them,

So, the answer is: police

Reading Passage 3:Motivational factors and the hospitality industry

Questions 27-31 (Matching names of people with their ideas or statements)

[The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully . Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions will not follow any sequential order. Do the reverse method when the statements are in questions]

Question 27: Hotel managers need to know what would encourage good staff to remain.

Keywords for this question: hotel managers, need to know, encourage, staff, remain

The answer is in paragraph no. 9, first and last lines. Research done by Enz and Siguaw in 2000 concludes that, “. .. It is essential for hotel management to develop HRM practices that enable them to inspire and retain competent employees.” . .. .. . .. “This implies that it is beneficial for hotels managers to understand what practices are most favourable toincrease employee satisfaction and retention.”

Here, inspire = encourage, retention = staff to remain

So, the answer is: E (Enz and Siguaw)

Question 28: The actions of managers may make staff feel they shouldn’t move to a different employer.

Keywords for this question: actions, make staff feel, shouldn’t move, different employer

The answer is found in paragraph no. 5, in the very first lines. “Ng and Sorensen (2008) demonstrated that when managers provide recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company.”

Here, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company = staff feel they shouldn’t move to a different employer

So, the answer is: D (Ng and Sorensen)

Question 29: Little is done in the hospitality industry to help workers improve their skills.

Keywords for this question: little, done, hospitality, help workers, imporve skills

This answer can be traced in paragraph no. 4, at the very beginning. “Lucas also points out that ‘the substance of HRM practices does not appear to be designed to foster constructive relations with employees or to represent a management approach that enables developing and drawing out the full potential of people, . .. .”

The lines suggest that such HRM practices does very little (or nothing) to help the employees hone (sharpen or improve) their full potential (skills).

So, the answer is: B (Lucas)

Question 30: Staff are less likely to change jobs if cooperation is encouraged.

Keywords for this question: staff, less likely, change jobs, cooperation, encouraged

Again, the answer is found in paragraph no. 5, in the very first lines. “Ng and Sorensen (2008) demonstrated that when managers provide recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company.”

Here, recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, all these mean cooperation which are encourages by managers.

Also,employees feel more obligated to stay with the company = staff are less likely to change jobs

So, the answer is: D (Ng and Sorensen)

Question 31: Dissatisfaction with pay is not the only reason why hospitality workers change jobs.

Keywords for this question: Dissatisfaction, pay, not, only reason, hospitality workers change jobs 

In paragraph 9 (last lines) and paragraph 10 (first lines) we find the research result found by Maroudas et al. (et al.is a Latin phrase which means and others.).

In paragraph no. 9 the writer mentions the statement of Maroudas and others, “as achievement and recognition. When these factors are unfavourable, job dissatisfaction may result. Significantly, though, just fulfilling these needs does not result in satisfaction, but only in the reduction of dissatisfaction.”

Then, in paragraph no. 10, there is another remark by Maroudas and others. “Employees also have intrinsic motivation needs or motivators, which include such factors as achievement and recognition. Unlike extrinsic factors, motivator factors may ideally result in job satisfaction.”

These lines suggest that job dissatisfaction does not come only from pay, rather it may arise from other factors such as achievement and recognition.

So, the answer is: C (Maroudas et al.) 

Questions 32-35 (YES, NO, NOT GIVEN)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches the claims of the writer – YESThe statement in the question contradicts the claims of the writer – NOIt is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 32: One reason for high staff turnover in the hospitality industry is poor morale.

Keywords for this question: high staff turnover, poor morale

The answer is found in paragraph no. 4, lines 4-7. The writer gives account of the research done by Maroudas and others (2008). The lines say, “In addition, or maybe as a result, high employee turnover has been a recurring problem throughout the hospitality industry. Among the many cited reasons are low compensation, inadequate benefits, poor working conditions and compromised employee morale and attitudes.”

So, the answer is: YES

Question 33: Research has shown that staff tend to dislike their workplace.

Keywords for this question: staff, have, tendency, dislike, workplace

The answer can be found in the beginning of paragraph no. 6. The writer gives account of the research done by Spector and others in 2000. “While it seems likely that employees’ reactions to their job characteristics could be affected by a predisposition to view their work environment negatively, no evidence exists to support this hypothesis.” So, the lines clarify the point that there is no proof (no evidence exists to support this hypothesis) that workers view their workplace negatively. The information contradicts with the given question.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 34: An improvement in working conditions and job security makes staff satisfied with their jobs.

Keywords for this question: improvement, working conditions, job security, satisfied

In paragraph 9, the writer gives reference to Herzberg (1966) who showed that when factors like working conditions and job security “… are unfavourable, job dissatisfaction may result.”. Then the writer provides the findings of Maroudas and other, 2008. “Significantly, though, just filling these needs does not result in satisfaction, but only . . ..  …” So, the lines are contradictory to question. Improving working conditions and job security does not make staff satisfied with their jobs.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 35: Staff should be allowed to choose when they take breaks during the working day.

Keywords for this question: should be allowed, choose, take breaks,

There is NO INFORMATION regarding taking breaks during the working days in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 36-40 (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Title of the summary: Fun at Work  

Question 36: Tews, Michel and Stafford carried out research on staff in an American chain of ____________.

Keywords for this question: Tews, Michel and Stafford, American chain

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 11 where we find the names Tews, Michel and Stafford. Look at lines 1-3, “For example, Tews, Michel, and Stafford (2013) conducted a study focusing on staff from a chain of themed restaurants in the United States.

So, the answer is: restaurants

Question 37: They discovered that activities designed for staff to have fun improved their ___________,

Keywords for this question: activities designed for staff, have fun, improved  

We can find the answer in paragraph no. 11. In line no.3 the writer says, “ It was found that fun activities had a favourable impact on performance . . .. .”

So, the answer is: performance

Question 38: and that management involvement led to lower staff ___________.

Keywords for this question: management involvement, lower  

Again, this answer can be found be in paragraph no. 11. In line no. 4, the author says, “. . .. and manager support for fun had a favourable impact in reducing turnover.” Here, reducing = lower

So, the answer is: turnover

Questions 39 and 40: They also found that the activities needed to fit with both the company’s ____________ and the _______________ of the staff.

Keywords for this question: activities, needed to fit with both, company’s

The answers are in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 11. The writer says, “Their findings support the view that fun may indeed have a beneficial effect, but the framing of that fun must be carefully aligned with both organizational goals and employee characteristics.”

Here, activities needed to fit with = must be carefully aligned with, company = organization, staff = employee.

So, the answers are:

• goals
• characteristics