Month: March 2024

Reading Passage 1:Case Study: Tourism New Zealand website

Questions 1-7 (Completing table with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a table 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.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 1: allowed businesses to ______ information regularly.

Keywords for these answers: database, allowed businesses, information, regularly,

In paragraph no. 2, we find the mention of the word ‘database’ in the third line. Here, lines 8 & 9, the writer mentions, “In addition, because participating businesses were able to update the details they gave on a regular basis….”.

Here, details = information

So, the answer is: update

Question 2: provided a country-wide evaluation of businesses, including their impact on the _________.

Keywords for this answer: database, country-wide evaluation, impact on

The last line of paragraph no. 2 has the answer. Here, the writer suggests, “As part of this, the effect of each business on the environment was considered.”

Here, effect = impact

So, the answer is: environment                     

Question 3: e.g. an interview with a former sports __________.  

Keywords for this answer: special features, interview, a former sports

The answer can be found in paragraph 3, lines 1-3. The words ‘interview’ and ‘former’ are formed in line number 2. The writer says, “.. .. . One of the most popular was an interview with former New Zealand All Blacks rugby captain Tana Umaga.”

Here, rugby = sports

So, the answer is: captain                  

Question 4: and an interactive tour of various locations used in ________.

Keywords for this answer: interactive tour, various locations

The answer is in paragraph 3, lines 4-5. The lines say, “…… was an interactive journey through a number of locations chosen for blockbuster films …… ..”.

Here, journey = tour,

A number of locations = various locations,

Chosen for = used in,

So, the answer is: films                      

Question 5: varied depending on the __________. 

Keywords for these answers: driving routes, varied, depending on

Paragraph 3, lines 8-9 has the answer to this question. The lines say, “…. . .the site catalogued the most popular driving routes in the country, highlighting different routes according to the season….. . .”.

Here, different = varied,

according to = depending on,

So, the answers are: season           

Question 6: including a map showing selected places, details of public transport and local _______.

Keywords for this answer:  travel planner, a map, public transport, local

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4, line 4. The paragraph begins with ‘travel planner’. In the subsequent lines, we can find the mention of ‘public transport’. In line no. 4 it says, “… . There were also links to accommodation in the area.”

Here, the phrase ‘in the area’ can be replaced with the word ‘local’.

So, the answer is: accommodation

Question 7: travellers could send a link to their ________.

Keywords for this answer:  ‘Your Words’, travellers, send, link to,

The answer is in paragraph no. 4. ‘Your Words’ is the name of a section of the website www.newzealand.com. We can see that the phrase ‘Your Words’ is present in line 6 of paragraph 4. So, we need to read lines 6 & 7 to find the answer.

The author says, “ ….. . . The website also had a ‘Your Words’ section where anyone could submit a blog of their New Zealand travels for possible inclusion on the website.”

Here, anyone could submit = travellers could send a link to

So, the answer is: blog

Questions 8-13: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)

In this type of question, candidates must find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
There is no clear connection of the statement with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

Question 8: The website www.newzealand.com aimed to provide ready-made itineraries and packages for travel companies and individual tourists.

Keywords for this answer: the website, aimed, itineraries, travel packages

To find the answer to this question, look for the word’s itineraries and travel packages. The answer is in Paragraph 6. Here, lines 1 and 2 say, “The website was set up to allow both individuals and travel organizations to create itineraries and travel packages to suit their own needs and interests.”

This means that the aim of the website was to allow individuals and travel organizations to do their work on their own, the website did not provide any ready-made itineraries and travel packages.

The statement clearly contradicts the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 9: It was found that most visitors started searching on the website by geographical location.

Keywords for this answer: started searching, geographical location

The answer is not anywhere in the passage. The question is about starting the search in the website.

 In paragraph 6 line 3, the author says, “…… visitors can search for activities not solely by geographical locations, but also by the particular nature of the activity.” However, nowhere it says anything about starting the search.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 10: According to research, 26% of visitor satisfaction is related to their accommodation.

Keywords for this answer: 26%, visitor satisfaction, accommodation

** Special answer-finding technique:

There is a number in the question (26%).
If the answer is TRUE, 26% has to be in the text.
For FALSE, the number will be different; or, the number will be 26% (but it will be related to other matters).
If the number is still 26%, yet it doesn’t match with other keywords, the answer will be NOT GIVEN.

The answer is in lines 4, 5 & 6 of paragraph no. 6. Here, the writer says, “This is important as research shows that activities are the key driver of visitor satisfaction, contributing 74% to visitor satisfaction, while transport and accommodation account for the remaining 26%.”

Here, the lines clearly contradict the question. Transportation and accommodation account for 26%. Visitor satisfaction accounts for 74%. If only accommodation accounted for 26%, we could write TRUE. 

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Visitors to New Zealand like to become involved in the local culture.

Keywords for this answer: like to, involved, local nature

The answer lies in lines 7-9 of paragraph 6. The author says, “…. It has also been found that visitors enjoy cultural activities most when they are interactive, such as visiting a marae (meeting ground) to learn more about traditional life.”

It means that visitors like to engage in local culture.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 12: Visitors like staying in small hotels in New Zealand rather than in larger ones.

Keywords for this answer: like staying, small hotels

In paragraphs 6 & 7, there is no mention of staying in hotels. There is no comparison between small and large hotels also.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13: Many visitors feel it is unlikely that they will return to New Zealand after their visit.

Keywords for this answer: feel, unlikely, will return, after their visit

The answer is in paragraph 7. Here, lines 4 and 5 states, “Because of the long-haul flight, most visitors stay for longer (average 20 days) and want to see as much of the country as possible on what is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime visit.”

Here, the phrase ‘often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime visit’ means that there is a very low possibility that the visit will happen again.

So the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:Why being bored is stimulating – and useful, too

Questions 14-19: (List of headings)

Follow the same rules of finding answers for the List of Headings and check the first and last few lines of each paragraph. Most of the time, the answer is there for you containing some synonymous words, which match with the lists of headings. If you cannot find the answers in the first and last few lines, you may need to check the middle of the paragraphs. (This we did in other tests too.)

Question 14: Paragraph A

For this question, check line 3 of Paragraph A. The line says, “But defining boredom so that it can be studied in the lab has proved difficult.”
Let’s analyse the sentence here. The phrase ‘has proved difficult’ in the sentence means that there is a problem with the science to define boredom.

So, the answer is: iv  (Problems with a scientific approach to boredom)

Question 15: Paragraph B

The answer is in lines 1-3 of the paragraph. Here, the writer says, “By asking people about their experiences of boredom, Thomas Goetz and his team at the University of Konstanz in Germany have recently identified five distinct types: indifferent, calibrating, searching, reactant and apathetic. These can be plotted … …  .”

So, we can gather from these lines that there is an explanation of how a team of scientists has classified the feelings of boredom.

So, the answer is: vi (Creating a system of classification for feelings of boredom)

Question 16: Paragraph C

In lines 2 and 3 of Paragraph C, we can find a sentence about the finding of psychologist Sandi Mann of the University of Central Lancashire. “Mann has found that being bored makes us more creative.” This means that boredom can result in something good (productive outcomes).

So, the answer is: i (The productive outcomes that may result from boredom)

Question 17: Paragraph D

We can get the answer having a quick look in lines 6-7 of paragraph D. The lines say, “… . .. But even if boredom has evolved to help us survive, it can still be toxic if allowed to fester.” The word ‘toxic’ here means poisonous or extremely bad or dangerous.

So, the answer is: v (A potential danger arising from boredom)

Question 18: Paragraph E

We can get an idea of what paragraph E talks about by reading the first 2-3 lines. Here the writer says, “Eastwood’s team is now trying to explore why the ‘attention system’ fails. It’s early days but they think that at least some of it comes down to personality. Boredom proneness has been linked with a variety of traits.” From these lines, we can gather that the researchers or scientists are working on the identification of people who are most prone to or most affected by boredom.

So, the answer is: viii (Identifying those most affected by boredom)

Question 19: Paragraph F

The first and second lines of paragraph F talk about a new theory about boredom – “…. that our over-connected lifestyles might even be a new source of boredom.” Then, in lines 4-5, the writer provides a possible treatment for this new source of boredom – “…. So instead of seeking yet more mental stimulation, perhaps we should leave our phones alone, and use boredom to motivate us to engage with the world in a more meaningful way . .. …”.

So, the answer is: iii (A new explanation and a new cure for boredom)

Question 20-23: (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 may not follow any sequential order. )

Question 20: Peter Toohey

In paragraph A, we find an idea shared by Peter Toohey. Look at the last lines – “If disgust protects humans from infection, boredom may protect them, from ‘infectious’ social situations .. . ..” It means boredom may help us to avoid an unpleasant situation. Here, infectious means displeasing/unpleasant.

So, the answer is: E (Boredom may encourage us to avoid an unpleasant experience)

Question 21: Thomas Goetz

There are two references for Thomas Goetz in this passage – in paragraphs B & E. So, we need to look at paragraph B first. In the first few lines, we can see that Goetz and his team have identified five types of boredom and when you read further, in lines 7-8, the writer states, “Of the five types, the most damaging is ‘reactant’ boredom with its explosive combination of high arousal and negative emotion.”

So, the answer is: B (One sort of boredom is worse than all the others)

Question 22: John Eastwood

Again, there are two references to John Eastwood in paragraphs D & E. So, we need to look at paragraph D first. If we don’t find the answer there, we can have a look at paragraph E. In paragraph D, lines 7-9 say, “For Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is a failure to put our ‘attention system’ into gear. This causes an inability to focus on anything which makes time seem to go painfully slowly.” The lines indicate that if anyone tries and cannot focus on anything (attention system failure), this may give a bad feeling that the time has slowed down which may make anyone more and more irritated.

So, the answer is: D (Trying to cope with boredom can increase its negative effects)

Question 23: Francoise Wemelsfelder

There is only one reference to Wemelsfelder and that’s in Paragraph F, the very last one. Take a careful look lines 1-2, “Psychologist Francoise Wemelsfelder speculates that our over-connected lifestyles might even be a new source of boredom.” This clearly indicates that our present lifestyle may inspire boredom.

So, the answer is: A (The way we live today may encourage boredom)

Questions 24-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

Question 24: For John Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is that people cannot ________, due to failure in what he calls the ‘attention system’,.. .. . . .

Keywords for this answer: central feature, people cannot

The question starts with the name of John Eastwood. So, we simply need to go to paragraph D and start looking for answers there. In line 7, we can see the phrase ‘central feature’. So, we can read this line – “For Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is a failure to put our ‘attention system’ into gear. This causes an inability to focus on anything.” Here, inability = cannot

So, the answer is: focus

Question 25: His team suggests that those for whom ______ is an important aim in life may have problems in coping with boredom, …. . . ..

Keywords for this answer: suggests, important aim in life, may have problems

In paragraph E, lines 3-4 say, “People who are motivated by pleasure seem to suffer particularly badly.”

This means people who depend on pleasure, may have problems coping with pleasure.

So, the answer is: pleasure

Question 26: …. whereas those who have the characteristic of ______ can generally cope with it.

Keywords for this answer: characteristic, generally cope with it

This answer needs some understanding. In lines 4 and 5, we see – “Other personality traits (characteristics), such as curiosity, are associated with a high boredom threshold.” Here, the word ‘threshold’ means the point where something changes or turns into something else. So, high boredom threshold means where boredom changes completely/ tendency to not get bored quickly. Thus, it further means people with curiosity can cope with boredom.

So, the answer is: curiosity

Reading Passage 3:Artificial Artists

Questions 27-31:  (Multiple Choice Questions)

‘Multiple choice questions’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of questions because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming technique might come handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

TIP: 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: What is the writer suggesting about computer-produced works in the first paragraph?

Keywords for this answer: computer-produced works, first paragraph

In the first paragraph, the answer to this question can be guessed from line 1.

In line 1 the writer of the passage says, “The Painting Fool is one of a growing number of computer programs which, so their makers claim, possess creative talents.” Here, the phrase one of a growing number is a clear indication that the number of computer programs is on the rise. So, great progress has been made here.

So, the answer is: B (A great deal of progress has already been attained in this field.)

Question 28: According to Geraint Wiggins, why are many people worried by computer art?

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, worried by computer art

The answer to this question can be found in line 5 of paragraph 2. Here the writer says, “…. It scares a lot of people. They are worried that it is taking something special away from what it means to be human.”

Many of you (IELTS candidates) may think that the answer would be D (It will lead to a deterioration in human ability). But the answer cannot be it because the answer is in future form (..will lead..), while the lines in the text are in present form. Answer A and B are ruled out because there is no comparison on any aesthetic power between computer or human art and the line does not say anywhere that computer art may overtake or supersede human art.

But answer C (It undermines a fundamental human ability) has a close relationship with the line. The line indicates to the fact that people are worried that machines like computer may have the powers which are found generally in humans. Thus, computer art can undermine or make human quality weaker.

So, the answer is: C (It undermines a fundamental human ability)

Question 29: What is a key difference between Aaron and the Painting Fool?

Keywords for this answer: key difference, Aaron, Painting Fool

The answer is in lines 2-5 of paragraph 4. Here, the author mentions some amazing and interesting features of the computer program named the Painting Fool – such as “only need minimal direction”, “can come up with its own concepts”, “runs its own web searches”, “trawls through social media sites”, “beginning to display a kind of imagination”, “creating pictures from scratch”. All these features or characteristics indicate that The Painting Fool is different from Aaron in its source of subject for painting.

So, the answer is: C (the source of its subject matter)

Question 30: What point does Simon Colton make in the fourth paragraph?

Keywords for this answer: fourth paragraph, Simon Colton

For this question, answer A is ruled out because there is no reference to anything childish and simplistic. There are also no points on whether people should apply the same concepts of creativity to all forms of art. So, answer B is also wrong. Take a close look at lines 7-8, where the author says, “….. Colton agrees that such reactions arise from people’s double standards towards software-produced and human-produced art.” Here, the phrase ‘double-standard’ matches with the phrase in answer D ‘different criteria’.

So, the answer is: D (People tend to judge computer art and human art according to different criteria)

Question 31: The writer refers to the paintings of a chair as an example of computer art which –

Keywords for this answer: paintings of a chair

In lines 12-14 of paragraph no. 4, we find the reference of the painting of a chair. “Some of the Painting Fool’s paintings of a chair came out in black and white, thanks to a technical glitch. This gives the work an eerie, ghostlike quality.” It means that though there was a glitch or problem in the program, it created an excellent black and white feature in the painting which was very attractive/striking/spooky (eerie, ghostlike quality).

So, the answer is: A (achieves a particularly striking effect)

Questions 32-37 (Completing sentence with given list of Ideas)

Here, candidates have to complete sentences with a list of ideas. It is just like completing sentences. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.

Question 32: Simon Colton says it is important to consider long-term view when –

Keywords for this answer: Simon Colton, important, long-term view

The answer is in the first two lines of paragraph 5. Here, the writer says, “Researchers like Colton don’t believe it is right to measure machine creativity directly to that of humans who ‘have had millennia to develop our skills.’ These lines clearly indicate that we should not be so direct or so quick to compare machine creativity with human creativity because humans have had developed their skills in several millennia (thousand years) to become as creative as they are now, but machines have evolved only recently and more time is necessary to understand what machines can create.

So, the answer is: D (comparing the artistic achievements of humans and computers)

Question 33: David Cope’s EMI software surprised people by –

Keywords for this answer: David Cope’s EMI, surprised people

We find the mention of David Cope’s EMI software in lines 4-5 of paragraph 5. Then, in lines 7-8, we can find the answer. Here, the writer states, “Audiences were moved to experts into thinking they were hearing genuine Bach.” It means the audience was so moved by their experience of listening to machine-created music that they failed to distinguish (to find the difference) between machine-created music and human-created music.”

So, the answer is: A (generating work that was virtually indistinguishable from that of humans)

Question 34: Geraint Wiggins criticized Cope for not –

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, criticized, Cope

We can see a criticism made by Geraint Wiggins about Cope’s EMI software in paragraph 5, lines 9-11. The author states, “Some, such as Wiggins, have blasted Cope’s work as pseudoscience, and condemned him for his deliberately vague explanation of how the software worked.” It means Wiggins does not like Cope’s work because it is pseudoscience (a kind of scientific work which is not what it claims to be) and Cope’s explanations about the work are vague (unclear/elusive).

So, the answer is: E (revealing the technical details of his program)

Question 35: Douglas Hofstadter claimed that EMI was –

Keywords for this answer: Douglas Hofstadter, claimed, EMI

The answer is in lines 11-12 of paragraph 5. The lines say, “…. Meanwhile, Douglas Hofstadter of Indiana University said EMI created replicas which still rely completely on the original artist’s creative impulses.”

So, the answer is: C (producing work entirely dependent on the imagination of its creator)

Question 36: Audiences who had listened to EMI’s music became angry after –

Keywords for this answer: Audiences, listened, EMI’s music, angry

The answer lies in lines 13-14 of paragraph 5. Here, the author states, “When audiences found out the truth, they were often outraged with Cope, and one music lover even tried to punch him.” This means when audiences found out that they actually listened to music that a machine created, they were outraged or became angry at the creator of the program.

So, the answer is: G (discovering that it was the product of a computer program)

Question 37: The participants in David Moffat’s study had to assess music without –

Keywords for this answer: participants, David Moffat’s study, assess music without

To find the answer to this question, we must find David Moffat first. In paragraph no. 6, we find the name in line no. 2. The next lines give us clues to the answer. Here, in lines 3-4, the writer says, “He asked both expert musicians and non-experts to assess six compositions. The participants weren’t told beforehand whether the tunes were composed by humans or computers”. This means the listeners were not given information about the original composer until they listened to the music.

So, the answer is: B (knowing whether it was the work of humans or software)

Questions 38-40: (YES, NO, NOT GIVEN)

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

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- NO
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: Moffat’s research may help explain people’s reactions to EMI.

Keywords for this answer: Moffat’s research, help, explain, reactions, EMI

We had to read the first half of paragraph 6 for question no. 37 before. Here, we learned that Moffat’s study was giving listeners six music compositions without telling them who the composers were. Now, the last half of the paragraph tells us how people might react to this. “People who thought the composer was a computer tended to dislike the piece more than those who believed it was human. This was true even among the experts, .. . .”

So, the result of the experiment helps to understand people’s reactions.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 39: The non-experts in Moffat’s study all responded in a predictable way.

Keywords for this answer: non-experts, Moffat’s study, all responded, predictable way

There is no reference as to whether there was any predictable way to respond by non-experts in Moffat’s study.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 40: Justin Kruger’s findings cast doubt on Paul Bloom’s theory about people’s prejudice towards computer art.

Keywords for this answer: Justin Kruger’s findings, cast doubt, Paul Bloom’s theory

The last paragraph’s lines 1-5 give us the answer. Though we find here two views of Justin Kruger and Paul Bloom, these two views actually approve or support each other.

Paul Bloom’s theory says, “…. . . .. part of the pleasure we get from art stems….. .” This matches with Justin Kruger’s experiments, “… . . have shown that people’s enjoyment of  an artwork increases.”

There is another clue: In Paul Bloom’s suggestion, there is a mention of ‘the creative process’.

This also matches with Justin Kruger’s findings where we can see the mention of “more time and effort was needed to create it”.

Thus, the two findings do not cast any doubt. Rather, one supports the other.

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1: The coconut palm

Questions 1-8 (Completing notes/table with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a note or a table 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.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 1: timber for houses and the making of  ______ 

Keywords for this question: trunk, 30 metres making houses,

To find the answer to this question, we need to locate the keyword ‘trunk’ which can be found in paragraph no. 2, line no. 3. Here, the author writes, “ … . The coconut palm has a smooth, slender, grey trunk, up to 30 metres tall. This is an important source of timber for building houses, and is increasingly being used as a replacement for endangered hardwoods in the furniture construction industry.” So, the lines say that the trunk of a coconut tree is used not only in making the timbers for houses but also in making furniture.

So, the answer is:        furniture

Question 2: stems provide sap, used as a drink or a source of  _________

Keywords for this question: flowers, top of trunk, sap, used as drink,

The answer to this question is in line 8-10 of paragraph no. 2. The author writes about the coconut flowers, “…. . Immature coconut flowers are tightly clustered together among the leaves at the top of the trunk. The flower stems may be tapped for their sap to produce a drink, and the sap can also be reduced by boiling to produce a type of sugar used for cooking.” So, the lines say that the sap of coconut flowers can be used as a drink or as a source of sugar.

So, the answer is:        sugar              

Question 3: used for  __________ etc.  

Keywords for this question: fruits, middle layer (coir fibres),

Paragraph no 3 talks about the fruit of coconut trees. The answer can be found in paragraph no. 3, lines 3-5. The lines say, “….. The thick fibrous middle layer produces coconut fibre, ‘coir’, which has numerous uses and is particularly important in manufacturing ropes.” This means the thick fibre of coconut palm produces ‘coir’ which is used to manufacture ropes.

So, the answer is: ropes                     

Question 4: a source of ________

Keywords for this question: inner layer (shell)

In paragraph no. 3, lines 5-6 talk about the innermost layer of coconut fruits, “ ….  The woody innermost layer, the shell, with its three prominent ‘eyes’ surrounds the seed. An important product obtained from the shell is charcoal, which is widely used… . .. .”

So, the answer is: charcoal                

Question 5: (when halved) for _________ 

Keywords for this question: fruits, inner layer (shell), when halved

The last lines of paragraph no. 3 have the answer to this question. Here, in lines 7-8, the author states, “.. . .. When broken in half, the shells are also used as bowls in many parts of Asia.”

Here, when broken in half = when halved.

So, the answers are:     bowls

Question 6: a source of _______ for other plants.

Keywords for this question:  coconut water,

We can find the reference to coconut water in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 4, “…. …is a sweetish liquid, coconut water, which is enjoyed as a drink, but also provides the hormones which encourage other plants to grow more rapidly and produce higher yields.” So, the coconut water is not only used as a drink, but also other plants use the hormones of it for rapid growth.

So, the answer is: hormones

Question 7: oil and milk for cooking and ________

Keywords for this question:  fruits, coconut flesh, oil, milk, cooking

In paragraph no. 4, the reference to coconut flesh can be found in line 5. Lines 5-7 says, “…. .. . Dried coconut flesh, ‘copra’, is made into coconut oil and coconut milk, which are widely used in cooking in different parts of the world, as well as in cosmetics.” So, coconut flesh is used in cooking and as cosmetics.

So, the answer is: cosmetics

Question 8: glycerine (an ingredient in ________ )  

Keywords for this question: coconut flesh, glycerine, ingredient

The answer to this question can be found in lines 7-9 of paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says, “.. . . A derivative of coconut fat, glycerine, acquired strategic importance in a quite different sphere, as Alfred Nobel introduced the world to this nitroglycerine-based invention: dynamite.”  So, glycerine is a key ingredient of dynamite.

So, the answer is: dynamite

Questions 9-13: (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
or, 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: Coconut seeds need shade in order to germinate.

Keywords for this question: coconut seeds, shade, to germinate

The answer lies in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 5 where the author says, “Literally cast onto desert island shores with little more sand to grow in and exposed to the full glare of the tropical sun, coconut seeds are able to germinate and root.” The line clearly contradicts with the statement and confirms that coconut seeds do not need shade (exposed to the full glare of the tropical sun) to germinate.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10: Coconuts were probably transported to Asia from America in the 16^th century.

Keywords for this question: probably transported, Asia to America, 16^th century

The answer lies in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 6 where the author says, “… .. .. 16^th century trade and human migration patterns reveal that Arab traders and European sailors are likely to have moved coconuts from South and Southeast Asia to Africa and then across the Atlantic to east coast of America.” These lines suggest that the possibility of transporting coconuts in the 16^th century was not from Asia to America, rather from Asia to Africa and then to America.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Coconuts found on the west coast of America were a different type from those found on the east coast. 

Keywords for this question: west coast of America, different type from, east coast

We find the reference to the east and west coast of America in the final paragraph or paragraph no. 6. But, there is no comparison found between the coconut varieties found in these parts anywhere in the paragraph.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 12: All the coconuts found in Asia are cultivated varieties.   

Keywords for this question: all the coconuts, Asia, cultivated varieties

The answer is found in lines 10-12 where the writer says, “In Asia, there is a large degree of coconut diversity and evidence of millennia of human use – but there are no relatives growing in the wild.” These lines suggest that the there were no wild varieties in Asia, they were all cultivated.”

So the answer is: TRUE

Question 13: Coconuts are cultivated in different ways in America and the Pacific. 

Keywords for this question: cultivated, in different ways, America and the Pacific  

There is no definite mention of how coconuts are cultivated in the final paragraph or paragraph no. 6.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 2:How baby talk gives infant brains a boost

Questions 14-17: (Matching references with researchers)

(In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or links to researchers in the passage. This question is similar to matching names 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 14: the importance of adults giving babies individual attention when talking to them

Keywords for this question:individual attention

The reference of individual attention is found in paragraph no. D lines 10-11 where the writer includes the quotes of Narián Ramirez-Esparza. “….. says Narián Ramirez-Esparza of the University of Connecticut. ‘We also found that it really matters whether you use baby talk in a one-to-one context,’ she adds.”

Here,one-to-one context = individual attention

So, the answer is: B (Narián Ramirez-Esparza)

Question 15: the connection between what babies hear and their own efforts to create speech

Keywords for this question:what babies hear, their own efforts to create speech

The answer is in Paragraph F, lines 8-11. The writer includes the comment of Patricia Kuhl. “Finding activation in motor areas of the  brain when infants are simply listening is significant, because it means the baby brain in engaged in trying to talk back right from the start, and suggests that seven-month-olds’ brains are already trying to figure out how to make the right movements that will produce words,” says co-author Patricia Kuhl.”

So, the answer is: C (Patricia Kuhl)

Question 16: the advantage for the baby of having two parents each speaking in a different way

Keywords for this question:advantage, having two parents, each speaking, different way

The answer can be found in lines 10-12 of Paragraph C. Here, the writer gives reference to Mark VanDam’s  comments about both parents’ speaking with the baby which clarifies the answer for us. “The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice,’ says VanDam.’

So, the answer is: A (Mark VanDam)

Question 17: the connection between the amount of baby talk babies hear and how much vocalising they do themselves

Keywords for this question:amount of baby talk, babies hear, how much vocalising, themselves

In Paragraph D, lines 7-9 give us information about the amount of baby talk that babies hear. Here, the writer gives account of Narián Ramirez-Esparza, “…. . Those children who listened to a lot of baby talk were talking more than the babies that listened to more adult talk or standard speech,” says Nairán Ramírez-Esparza of the University of Connecticut.”

So, the answer is: B (Narián Ramirez-Esparza)

Question 18-23: (Summary completion with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

(In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing no more than ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. 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.)

The title of the summary is:  Research into how parents talk to babies

Question 18: Researchers at Washington State University used _________, together with specialised computer programs,

Keywords for this question:Washington State University, specialised computer programs

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph C. Here the writer says, “… . ..Mark VanDam of Washington State University at Spokane and colleagues equipped parents with recording devices and speech-recognition software to study the way they interacted with their youngsters during a normal day.”

Here, speech recognition software = specialised computer programs

So, the answer is: recording devices

Question 19: The study reveals that _________ tended not to modify their ordinary speech patterns when interacting with their babies.

Keywords for this question:tended to modify, ordinary speech, interacting with babies

In Paragraph C, lines 6-8 say, “But we found that dads aren’t doing the same thing. Dads didn’t raise their pitch or fundamental frequency when they talked to kids.” Here, the lines mean that dads don’t have the tendency to modify their speech the way moms did.

So, the answer is: dads  

Question 20: According to an idea known as __________, they may use a more adult type of speech to prepare infants for the language they will hear outside the family home.    

Keywords for this question:idea known as, more adult type of speech, prepare infants

In Paragraph C, lines 8-10 say, “. . .. Their role may be rooted in what is called the bridge hypothesis, which dates back to 1975. It suggests that fathers use less familial language to provide their children with a bridge to the kind of speech they’ll hear in public.”  Here, bridge hypothesis indicates that fathers use adult type of language more which is less familiar to infants or children.

So, the answer is: bridge hypothesis

Question 21: . … .. . ‘normal’ language from the other expands the baby’s _________ of types of speech which they can practise.

Keywords for this question:‘normal’ language, other, expands, types of speech  

In Paragraph C lines 11-12, the author says, “The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice,’ says VanDam.”

Here, wider = expands, kinds of speech = types of speech

So, the answer is: repertoire  

Question 22: ….. the University of Connecticut recorded speech and sound using special __________ that the babies were equipped with. 

Keywords for this question:University of Connecticut recorded speech and sound, special

The answer is in line 3 of Paragraph D. Here, the writer says, “ ….. the University of Connecticut collected thousands of 30-second conversations between parents and their babies, fitting 26 children with audio-recording vests that captured language and sound during a typical eight-hour day.” This clearly indicates that the babies were equipped with audio-recording vests.

So, the answer is: (audio-recording) vests

Question 23: … … .. at the age two, they found that those who had heard a lot of baby talk in infancy had a much larger ________ than those who had not.

Keywords for this question:at the age two, who heard, a lot of baby talk in infancy, much larger  

We find the reference of hearing a lot of baby talk in Paragraph D. Here, in lines 5-7, the writer mentions, “.. . .. And when researchers saw the same babies at age two, they found that frequent baby talk had dramatically boosted vocabulary, regardless of socioeconomic status.”

Here, boosted = larger

So, the answer is: vocabulary

Question 24-26 : (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.]

Question 24: a reference to a change which occurs in babies’ brain activity before the end of their first year

Keywords for this answer: change, occurs, babies’ brain activity, before, end of first year

In paragraph F, lines 7-11 say, “Finding activation in motor areas of the brain when infants are simply listening is significant, because it means the baby brain is engaged in trying to talk back right from the start, and suggests that seven-month-olds’ brains are already trying to figure out how to make the right movements that will produce words,’
Here, activation = change; seven-month-olds’ brains = before the end of their first year

So, the answer is: F

Question 25: an example of what some parents do for their baby’s benefit before birth

Keywords for this answer: some parents do, before birth

Answer to this question can be found in Paragraph A. Here, in lines 2-4, the writer says, “Most babies start developing their hearing while still in the womb, prompting some hopeful parents to play classical music to their pregnant bellies.”
Here, still in the womb = before birth

So, the answer is: A

Question 26: a mention of babies’ preference for the sounds that other babies make

Keywords for this answer: babies’ preference, sounds that other babies make    

The answer to this question is found in Paragraph E, lines 5-7, where the writer says, “ …found that babies seem to like listening to each other rather than to adults – which may be why baby talk is such a universal tool among parents.”

Here, the writer means that a baby likes to listen to another baby rather than listening to adults.

*each other = baby to baby   

So, the answer is: E

Reading Passage 3:Whatever happened to the Harappan Civilisation?

Questions 27-31:  (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.]

Question 27: proposed explanations for the decline of the Harappan Civilization

Keywords for this question: proposed explanations, decline

The answer is in lines 1-3 of paragraph C. The writer says here, “Some have claimed that major glacier-fed rivers changed their course, dramatically affecting the water supply and agriculture; or the city could not cope with an increasing population, they exhausted their resource base, the trading economy broke down or they succumbed to invasion and conflict….”  Here, some have claimed = proposed explanations

So, the answer is: C

Question 28: reference to a present-day application of some archeological research findings

Keywords for this question: present-day application, archeological research findings

In the last paragraph or Paragraph H, we find the reference to a present-day application of some archeological research findings. Our answer is in lines 2-4 of paragraph H. Here, the writer of the passage gives the quote of Petrie: “By investigating responses to environmental pressures and threats, we can learn from the past to engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as…”. These lines suggest that their investigating technique is a modern or present-day application.

So, the answer is: H

Question 29: a difference between the Harappan Civilization and another culture of the same period

Keywords for this question: difference, the Harappan Civilization, another culture of the same period

The answer is in the first paragraph or paragraph A. Here, in lines 2-3 we find the reference of the Harappan Civilization and in lines 5-7 we find reference of Egyptian Civilization. “…..But their lack of self-imagery – at a time when the Egyptians were carving and painting representations of themselves all over the temples – is only part of the mystery.”

So, the answer is: A

Question 30: a description of some features of Harappan urban design

Keywords for this question: description, features, urban design

The answer to this question lies in paragraph B, where we find the comments of Dr. Cameron Petrie of the University of Cambridge. “… . . As population increased, cities were built that had great baths, craft workshops, palaces and halls laid out in distinct sectors. Houses were arranged in blocks, with wide main streets and narrow alleyways, and many had their own wells and drainage systems.”

These lines indicate directly to the city-design of civilization.

So, the answer is: B

Question 31: reference to the discovery of errors made by previous archaeologists

Keywords for this question: discovery, errors, previous archeologists

In paragraph D, the author gives reference to the faults done by previous archeologists. Look at lines 7-8, “…. They realized that any attempt to use the existing data were likely to be fundamentally flawed.”

Here, flawed = with errors or mistakes

So, the answer is: D

Questions 32-37 : (Summary completion with NO MORE THAN ONE WORD)

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing no more than ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. 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 to fill in the gaps.)

Question 32: By collection the _______ of snails and analyzing them,

Keywords for this question: collection, snails

The answer can be found in line 5 of Paragraph E where we find the words gathered and snails. Look at the line, “…the researchers gathered shells of Melanoides tuberculate snails from the sediments of an ancient lake…”

Here, gathered = collection

So, the answer is: shells

Question 33: they discovered evidence of a change in water levels in a _______ in the region.

Keywords for this question: discovered evidence, change, water levels,  

The answer is in lines 8-10 of Paragraph E. Here, the author writes, “But we have observed that there was an abrupt change about 4,100 years ago, when the amount of evaporation from the lake exceeded the rainfall – indicative of a drought.” Here, we can see that the evidence of water-level change was found in a lake.

So, the answer is: lake  

Question 34: This occurred when there was less _________ than evaporation, and suggests that there was an extended period of drought.

Keywords for this question: less, evaporation, drought  

The answer to this question is also found in lines 8-10 of Paragraph E. Here, the author mentions, “But we have observed that there was an abrupt change about 4,100 years ago, when the amount of evaporation from the lake exceeded the rainfall – indicative of a drought.” Here, it says that evaporation exceeded rainfall, which in an alternative way, means that rainfall was less than evaporation.

So, the answer is: rainfall

Question 35: Petrie and Singh’s team are using archeological records to look at _________ from five millennia ago,

Keywords for this question: Petrie and Singh’s, archeological records, five millennia ago  

Lines 1-4 of paragraph G contain the answer to this question. Here, the author talks about Petrie and Singh’s teamwork, “Petrie and Singh’s team is now examining archaeological records and trying to understand details of how people led their lives in the region five millennia ago. They are analysing grains cultivated at the time…’
Here, analyse means look at and at the time means five millennia ago

So, the answer is: grains

Question 36: They are also examining objects including _________, so as to find out about links between inhabitants of different parts of the region and whether these changed over time.

Keywords for this question: examining objects, links between inhabitants, different parts of the region

The answer is the lines 6-7 of paragraph G. “They are also looking at whether the types of pottery used, and other aspects of their material culture, were distinctive to specific regions or more similar across large areas… .” The lines mean that the archeologists are examining pottery.

So, the answer is: pottery

Questions 37-40 (Matching references with researchers)

(In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or links to researchers in the passage. This question is similar to matching names 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 37: Finding further information about changes to environmental conditions in the region is vital.

Keywords for this question: changes to environmental conditions, vital

The answer is found in lines 5-8 of paragraph F. The author talks here of the quotes of Dr. Rabindanath Singh, “Considering the vast area of the Harappan Civilisation with its variable weather systems, it is essential that we obtain more climate data from areas close to the two great cities at Mohenjodaro and Harappa and also from the Indian Punjab.” Here, variable weather conditions = changes in environmental conditions, essential = vital

So, the answer is: B (Dr. Rabindanath Singh)

Question 38: Examining previous patterns of behaviour may have long-term benefits.

Keywords for this question: previous patterns of behaviour, long-term benefits  

Take a look at Paragraph H where Cameron Petrie’s quote is: “By investigating responses to environmental pressures and threats, we can learn from the past to engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as…”

Here, previous = the past, long term benefits = to be more protective

So, the answer is: A (Cameron Petrie)

Question 39: Rough calculations indicate the approximate length of a period of water shortage.

Keywords for this question: rough calculations, water shortage

Answer to this question can be found in paragraph E. Paragraph E, David Hodell comments, “… We estimate that the weakening of the Indian summer monsoon climate lasted about 200 years before recovering to the previous condition… . ..”

Here, estimate = rough calculations; lasted about 200 years = the approximate length of water shortage  

So, the answer is: D (David Hodell)

Question 40: Information about the decline of the Harappan Civilization has been lacking.

Keywords for this question: decline, lacking

The writer opens Paragraph B with the quote of Cameron Patrie, “.. .. There is plenty of archaeological evidence to tell us about the rise of the Harappan Civilization, but relatively little about its fall.”

Here, relatively little = lacking; fall = decline

So, the answer is: A (Cameron Petrie)

Reading Passage 1:Bringing cinnamon to Europe

Questions 1-7 (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word 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.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 1: added to ______ 

Keywords for these answers: Biblical times, added

We can easily find the answer to this question in lines 2-4 in paragraph no. 1. Here, the author of the passage states, “ ….. It was known in biblical times, and is mentioned in several books of the Bible, both as an ingredient that was mixed with oils for anointing people’s bodies . .. .”

*mixed with = added to

So, it is clear from the lines that in the biblical times cinnamon was added to oils.

So, the answer is: oils

Question 2: used to show  _________ between people.

Keywords for this answer: used, show, between people

The answer to this question is in line 4 of paragraph no. 1. “…. . .people’s bodies and also as a token indicating friendship among lovers and friends.”

*token indicating = show, lovers and friends = people

So, the answer is: friendship                         

Question 3: used for its sweet smell at __________.  

Keywords for this answer: Ancient Rome, used, sweet smell

The answer can be found in paragraph 1, lines 5-6. The lines say, “In ancient Rome, mourners attending funerals burnt cinnamon to create a pleasant scent.”

*pleasant scent = sweet smell

This means cinnamon was burnt at funerals for creating a sweet smell.

So, the answer is: funerals                

Question 4: was an indication of a person’s ________.

Keywords for this answer: Middle ages, food, meat, indication, person’s

We find the keywords Middle Ages, food, meat, etc. in lines 7-8 of paragraph no. 1. So, we continue reading from here. In lines 8-9, the author mentions, “… . . At a banquet, a host would offer guests a plate with spices piled upon it as a sign of the wealth at his or her disposal.”

*sign = indication

So, the answer is: wealth                   

Question 5: known as a treatment for __________ and other health problems. 

Keywords for these answers: treatment, other health problems

The last lines of paragraph 1 have the answer to this question. Here, in lines 11-12, the author states, “.. . .. Cinnamon was also reported to have health benefits, and was thought to cure various ailments, such as indigestion.”

*cure = treatment, various ailments = other health problems

So, the answer is:     indigestion    

Question 6: grown in _______.

Keywords for this answer:  Middle ages, grown

We can see another reference to the Middle ages in paragraph 2. So, we need to look carefully here for the word ‘grown’ or any similar words close to ‘grown’. In line 6 of paragraph no. 2, the writer says, “They took it from India, where it was grown, . . ..”

So, the answer is: India

Question 7: merchants used ________ to bring it to the Mediterranean

Keywords for this answer:  merchants, bring, Mediterranean

In paragraph no. 2 line 6, the author mentions the word merchants in line 3, “ .. . .  At that time, cinnamon was transported by Arab merchants, who closely guarded the secret of the source of the spice from potential rivals.” The next line has the answer. “. .. . They took it from India, where it was grown, on camels via an overland route to the Mediterranean.”. As we find the mention of the word Mediterranean, we can understand that they used camels to bring cinnamon to the Mediterranean.

So, the answer is:camels

Question 8: arrived in the Mediterranean at ________.  

Keywords for this answer: arrived in, Mediterranean

The question has a preposition ‘at’ after the word Mediterranean. This means cinnamon arrived at a fixed place which is located in the Mediterranean region. In line 6 of paragraph no. 2, the author writes, “… ..  to the Mediterranean. Their journey ended when they reached Alexandria.”

So, the answer is: Alexandria

Question 9: traders took it to ______ and sold it to destinations around Europe.

Keywords for this answer: traders, took, sold, destinations, Europe

The word ‘European’ and ‘traders’ are found in lines 6 and 7 of paragraph no. 2. Here, the author says, “… … European traders sailed there to purchase their supply of cinnamon, then brought it back to Venice. The spice then traveled from that great trading city to markets all around Europe.” This means the traders took cinnamon to Venice and then sold it all around Europe.

So, the answer is: Venice

Questions 10-13 (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
There is no clear connection of the statement 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 10: The Portuguese had control over the cinnamon trade in Ceylon throughout the 16th century.

Keywords for these answers: Portuguese, control, Ceylon, 16^th century

In paragraph no. 3, line 1, we find about the Portuguese. In the very next line, we can also see the word Ceylon. But candidates shouldn’t make mistakes and start reading the whole paragraph because you won’t find the reference of the 16th century here.

All these keywords – Portuguese, Ceylon, 16^th century – can be found together at the very end of paragraph no. 3. Go straight there and read the last few lines.

In lines 10-12, the author says, “In 1518, the Portuguese built a fort on Ceylon, which enabled them to protect the island, so helping them to develop a monopoly in the cinnamon trade and generate very high profits. In the late 16th century, for example, they enjoyed a tenfold profit. … .”

These lines directly indicate that the Portuguese built the fort in Ceylon to take complete control of the cinnamon business, and by the 16th century, they got ten times more profit from it.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 11: The Dutch took over the cinnamon trade from the Portuguese as soon as they arrived in Ceylon.  

Keywords for this answer: The Dutch, cinnamon trade, the Portuguese, as soon as, arrived

We can see the phrase ‘the Dutch’ in line 1 of paragraph no. 4. So, we need to find the information here.

The Dutch, as mentioned in the paragraph, arrived in Ceylon ‘at the very beginning of the 17th century’.  In lines 5-6, the writer says, “. .. .. . By 1640, the Dutch broke the 150-year Portuguese monopoly when they overran and occupied their factories.” Therefore, we can understand that it took the Dutch about 40 long years to take control of the Portuguese monopoly of cinnamon.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 12: The trees planted by the Dutch produced larger quantities of cinnamon than the wild trees.   

Keywords for this answer: trees, the Dutch, larger quantities, wild trees

In paragraph no. 5, we can see the reference to cinnamon trees and wild trees.

In the question, there is a comparison between local cinnamon trees and wild cinnamon trees on the quantities produced by trees planted by the Dutch and the wild trees. The final lines say, “… .. Eventually, the Dutch began cultivating their own cinnamon trees to supplement the diminishing number of wild trees available for use.” But this doesn’t confirm for us of the quantity of cinnamon produced by the trees planted by the Dutch or wild species of cinnamon trees.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13: The spice trade maintained its economic importance during the 19th century. 

Keywords for this answer: spice trade, maintained, economic importance, 19th century

The final paragraph or paragraph no. 6 has the answer to this question. In the second line, we find a reference to the 19th century. So, we should read the line. Here, the writer says, “…. By the middle of the 19th century, production of cinnamon reached 1000 tons a year, after a lower grade quality of the spice became acceptable to European tastes.” It seems the answer may be TRUE. But if you read further in lines 6-7, you will find a contrasting picture. “.. .. Not only was a monopoly of cinnamon becoming impossible, but also the spice trade overall was diminishing in economic potential. .. .. . .” This means cinnamon trade could not maintain economic importance during the 19th century.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 2: Stadiums: past, present, and future

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 it. 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 the List of Headings, only read the first two lines or final 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 mention of negative attitudes towards stadium building projects

Keywords for the question: negative attitudes, stadium building projects,

The answer to this question is in the second paragraph of section A. Here, the writer of the text says, “Today, however, stadiums are regarded with growing scepticism. Construction costs can soar above £1 billion, and stadiums finished for major events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup have notably fallen into disuse and disrepair.”   

Here, regarded with growing scepticism = negative attitudes,

Construction costs can soar above £1 billion & notably fallen into disuse and disrepair = negatives attitudes,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 15: figures demonstrating the environmental benefits of a certain stadium

Keywords for the question: figures, environmental benefits, a certain stadium,

In section F, the writer describes the environmental benefits of a particular stadium in the second paragraph. Let’s read the second paragraph, “Freiburg Mage Solar Stadium in Germany is the first of a new wave of stadiums as power plants, which also includes the Amsterdam Arena and the Kaohsiung Stadium. The latter, inaugurated in 2009, has 8,844 photovoltaic panels producing up to 1.14 GWh of electricity annually. This reduces the annual output of carbon dioxide by 660 tons and supplies up to 80 percent of the surrounding area when the stadium is not in use. This is proof that a stadium can serve its city, and have a decidedly positive impact in terms of reduction of CO2 emissions.” 

Here, proof that a stadium can serve its city, and have a decidedly positive impact in terms of reduction of CO2 emissions = the environmental benefits of a certain stadium,

reduces the annual output of carbon dioxide by 660 tons and supplies up to 80 percent of the surrounding area = figures,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 16: examples of the wide range of facilities available at some new stadiums

Keywords for the question: wide range of facilities, at some new stadiums,

In section E, the author of the passage says in the second paragraph, “There’s a growing trend for stadiums to be equipped with public spaces and services that serve a function beyond sport, such as hotels, retail outlets, conference centres, restaurants and bars, children’s playgrounds, and green space. . .. … ..”

Here, hotels, retail outlets, conference centres, restaurants and bars, children’s playgrounds, and green space = wide range of facilities available at some new stadiums,

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 17: reference to the disadvantages of the stadiums built during a certain era

Keywords for the question: disadvantages, stadiums built, during a certain era,

The first paragraph of section D says, “ . .. . .. .. .. But some of the flexibility was lost at the beginning of the 20th century, as stadiums were developed using new products such as steel and reinforced concrete, and made use of bright lights for night-time matches.”

Here, the 20th century = a certain era, some of the flexibility was lost = the disadvantages,

So, the answer is: D

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-blank 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 with ONE WORD ONLY.]

Title of the summary: Roman amphitheatres

Question no. 18: The Roman stadiums of Europe have proved very versatile. The amphitheatre of Aries, for example, was converted first into a ____________.

Keywords for the question: Roman stadiums, Europe, proved, versatile, the amphitheatre of Aries, was converted first into,

The first few lines of Paragraph no. 1 in Section B give us the answer to this question as the author writes here, “The amphitheatre of Aries in southwest France, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, is perhaps the best example of just how versatile stadiums can be. Built by the Romans in 90 AD, it became a fortress with four towers after the fifth century, . . .. .. . . .”

Here, just how versatile stadiums can be = proved very versatile, became = converted into,  

So, the answer is: fortress  

Question no. 19:  . .. .. . .. .  then into a residential area and finally into an arena where spectators could watch ____________.

Keywords for the question: then, into, residential area, finally into, arena, where, spectators could watch,  

Again, in section B paragraph no. 1, in lines 4-6, the writer says, “ . . .. . and was then transformed into a village containing more than 200 houses. With the growing interest in conservation during the 19th century, it was converted back into an arena for the staging of bullfights, thereby returning the structure to its original use as a venue for public spectacles..”

Here, transformed into a village containing more than 200 houses = transformed into a residential area,

So, the answer is: bullfights  

Question no. 20: Meanwhile, the arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, is famous today as a venue where ___________ is performed.

Keywords for the question: Meanwhile, arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, famous today, as a venue, is performed,  

In Section B, in the second paragraph, the writer says, “Another example is the imposing arena of Verona in northern Italy, with space for 30,000 spectators, which was built 60 years before the Arles amphitheatre and 40 years before Rome’s famous Colosseum. It has endured the centuries and is currently considered one of the world’s prime sites for opera, thanks to its outstanding acoustics.”

Here, It has endured the centuries = one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, one of the world’s prime sites = famous today as a venue,

So, the answer is: opera  

Question no. 21: The site of Lucca’s amphitheatre has also been used for many purposes over the centuries, including the storage of ___________.

Keywords for the question: The site of Lucca’s amphitheatre also been used for many purposes the storage of,

In Section C, lines 1-5 say, “The area in the centre of the Italian town of Lucca, known as the Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, is yet another impressive example of an amphitheatre becoming absorbed into the fabric of the city. The site evolved in a similar way to Arles and was progressively filled with buildings from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, variously used as houses, a salt depot and a prison… . .. .. ..”

Here, variously used = been used for many purposes, depot = storage,

So, the answer is: salt

Question no. 22: It is now a market square with ___________ and homes incorporated into the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.

Keywords for the question: now a market square, with, homes, incorporated into, remains of the Roman amphitheatre,

Lines 5-7 of Section C say, “ . . .. But rather than reverting to an arena, it became a market square, designed by Romanticist architect Lorenzo Nottolini. Today, the ruins of the amphitheatre remain embedded in the various shops and residences surrounding the public square.”

Here, residences = homes,

So, the answer is: shops

Questions 23-26: Choosing TWO letters/ options from given list

[In this kind of question candidates must 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 in handy and previous reading of the text can come in use. Therefore, other questions should be answered first before answering this question.]

Questions no. 23 & 24: When comparing twentieth-century stadiums to ancient amphitheatres in Section D, which TWO negative features does the writer mention?

Keywords for the question: comparing, twentieth-century stadiums, to ancient amphitheatres, Section D, TWO negative features,    

Let’s have a look at Section D.

Section D has two paragraphs. In the second paragraph, the writer says, “Many such stadiums are situated in suburban areas, designed for sporting use only and surrounded by parking lots. These factors mean that they may not be as accessible to the general public, require more energy to run and contribute to urban heat.”

Here, designed for sporting use only = less versatile,

may not be as accessible to the general public = in less convenient locations,

So, the answers are:

C (They are in less convenient locations.)

D (They are less versatile.)

Questions no. 25 & 26: Which TWO advantages of modern stadium design does the writer mention?

Keywords for the question: TWO advantages of modern stadium design,

In Section E, the first paragraph has the answer for these two questions. The writer says here, “But many of today’s most innovative architects see scope for the stadium to help improve the city. Among the current strategies, two seem to be having success: the stadium as an urban hub, and as a power plant.”

Here, as an urban hub = bringing community life back into the city environment,

as a power plant = providing a suitable site for the installation of renewable power generators,

Then, in the following paragraphs and section, the writer explains these two points with examples.

So, the answers are:

B (bringing community life back into the city environment)

E (providing a suitable site for the installation of renewable power generators)

Reading Passage 3:The headline of the passage: Making the most of trends

Questions 27-31:  (Multiple Choice Questions)

[‘Multiple choice questions’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of questions because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming technique might come handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.]

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: In the first paragraph, the writer says that most managers –

Keywords for this question: first paragraph, most managers

The answer is in lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 1. The writer says here, “… .. ..that managers often fail to recognise the less obvious but profound ways these trends are influencing consumers’ aspirations, attitudes and behaviors.” The lines indicate that most managers fail to recognize or are unaware of the impacts of these trends on customers’ lives.

So, the answer is: D (are unaware of the significant impact that trends have on consumers’ lives.)

Question 28: According to the third paragraph, Coach was anxious to –

Keywords for this question: third paragraph, Coach, anxious

In the third paragraph, we find about the company Coach in line 4. So, we read from there. Our answer is in lines 6-7 of paragraph no. 3. Here, the writer of the passage says, “… However, that would have risked cheapening the brand’s image …..” So, it can be understood from the lines that the strategy that the company ‘Coach’ were considering to lower their product’s price. But they feared that it would risk/harm the image or goodwill of the company. Coach wanted to keep its brand image.

So, the answer is: C (safeguard its reputation as a manufacturer of luxury goods.)

Question 29: What point is made about Tesco’s Greener Living Programme?

Keywords for this question: Tesco’s Greener Living Programme  

The answer is in the fourth paragraph because it talks about Tesco. The phrase “Greener Living Program” is found in line 3. Take a look at lines 7-9, “…. Tesco has not abandoned its traditional retail offerings but augmented its business with these innovations, thereby infusing its value proposition with a green streak.” So, it can be realized from the lines that Tesco did not need to change its traditional (core) business activities; they only made it larger (augmented).

So, the answer is: A (it did not require Tesco to modify its core business activities.)

Question 30: What does the writer suggest about Nike’s strategy?

Keywords for this question: suggest, Nike’s strategy

The answer to this question lies in paragraph no. 5 where we see discussion about Nike’s ‘radical strategy’. Here, in lines 4-5, the author says, “At first glance, spending resources to incorporate elements of a seemingly irrelevant trend into one’s core offerings sounds like it’s hardly worthwhile.” These lines indicate that the process might look like to have little value or fewer benefits.

So, the answer is: D (it was the kind of strategy which might appear to have few obvious benefits.)

Question 31: What was original about the ME2?  

Keywords for this question: original about ME2

We find information about the video game ME2, created by Canada’s iToys, in paragraph no. 6. Here, we get quite a long reference to the game’s originality. Skim the lines 4-7, “By reaffirming the toy category’s association with physical play, the ME2 counteracted some of the widely perceived negative impacts of digital gaming devices. Like other handheld games…. . ….”

Here, the lines confirm that the game was handheld and it actually gave an excellent response to the worries of people about negative impacts of video games.

So, the answer is: D (It was a handheld game that addressed people’s concerns about unhealthy lifestyles.)

Questions 32-37 (Matching statements with the company)

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just read around it carefully and find the name of the company. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same company in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.)

Question 32: It turned the notion that its products could have harmful effects to its own advantages.  

Keywords for this question: could have harmful effects, own advantage

The answer can be found in lines 4-6 of the sixth paragraph where the writer mentions a negative aspect of iToys, “…. …by Canda’s iToys. By reaffirming the toy category’s association with physical play, the ME2 counteracted some of the widely perceived negative impacts of digital gaming devices.” Here, ‘counteracted some of the widely perceived negative impacts of digital gaming devices’ – means that the game has prevented some of the most common negative impacts of video gaming devices.

Here, negative effects = harmful impacts

So, the answer is: D (iToys)

Question 33: It extended its offering by collaborating with another manufacturer.  

Keywords for this question: collaborating with another manufacturer

The answer is in lines 6-7 of paragraph no. 5. Here, the author writes about Nike, “In 2006, they teamed up with the technological company Apple to launch Nike+. .. . .” Here, teamed up means collaborating.

So, the answer is: C (Nike)

Question 34: It implemented an incentive scheme to demonstrate its corporate social responsibility.  

Keywords for this question: incentive scheme, demonstrate, corporate social responsibility  

The answer lies in lines 5-7 of paragraph no. 4. Here, we find a reference of Tesco’s implementation of an incentive (encouragement) – “Tesco customers can accumulate points for such activities as reusing bags, recycling, cans and printer cartridges, and buying home-insulation materials. Like points earned on regular purchases, these green points can be redeemed for cash.” – This is clearly a reference to incentive scheme which is seen as a corporate social responsibility because Tesco is helping the society to be greener.

So, the answer is: B (Tesco)

Question 35: It discovered that customers had a positive attitude towards dealing with difficult circumstances.

Keywords for this question: customers, positive attitude, difficult circumstances

Lines 7-8 of paragraph no. 3 contain the answer for this question. Here, the author talks about the economic downturn of 2008 and a strategy of the company Coach, “…. . .. project which revealed that customers were eager to lift themselves and the country out of rough times.” Here, the lines mean that customers were eager or positive to help themselves and the whole country.

So, the answer is: A (Coach)

Question 36: It responded to a growing lifestyle trend in an unrelated product sector.  

Keywords for this question: growing lifestyle trend, unrelated product sector

The answer is on the same lines from where we previously found the answer to question no. 30. The writer says, “…. .. spending resources to incorporate elements of a seriously irrelevant trend into one’s core offerings….”

Here, irrelevant trend = unrelated product sector

Also, the paragraph gives information about Nike’s integration with Apple, the tech giant. Technology is considered a growing lifestyle trend.

So, the answer is: C (Nike)

Question 37: It successfully avoided having to change its customers less for its core products.

Keywords for this question: successfully avoided, change customers less

The answer is found in lines 10-11 of paragraph no. 3. The author says here, “… . .Creating the sub-brand allowed Coach to avert an across-the-board product.” Here, avert = avoid, price cut = charge less

So, the answer is: A (Coach)

Questions 38-40: (Completing sentences/sentence completion)

[Here, candidates have to complete sentences by matching one part of the sentence with the other. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.]

Question 38: If there are any trend-related changes impacting on your category, you should

Keywords for this question: trend-related changes, impacting, category

The answer to this question is in lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 7. The writer says, “Once you have gained perspective on how trend-related changes in consumer opinions and behaviors impact on your category, you can determine which of our three innovation strategies to pursue.”

Here, we find keywords like trend-related changes, impact and category.

Also, determine = identify

So, the answer is: B (identify the most appropriate innovation strategy to use)

Question 39: If a current trend highlights a negative aspect of your category, you should

Keywords for this question: current trend, highlights, negative aspect, category

Answer to this question can be found in the last few lines of paragraph no. 7. The author writes, “… .. if aspects of the category clash with undesired outcomes of a trend, such as associates with unhealthy lifestyles, there is an opportunity to counteract these changes by reaffirming the core values of your category.”

Here, undesired outcomes = negative aspect

Also, we find here keywords like counteract, reaffirming, core, values

So, the answer is: C (emphasise your brand’s traditional value with the counteract-and-affirm strategy)

Question 40: If the consumers’ new focus has an increasing lack of connection with your offering, you should

Keywords for this question: customers’ new focus, increasing lack of connection,

The answer is in lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 7. The writer says, “.. .. If analysis reveals an increasing disparity between your category and consumers’ new focus, your innovations need to transcend the category to integrate the two worlds”.

Here, increasing disparity = increasing lack of connection

Also, we find words like transcend, integrate, two worlds

So, the answer is: D (use the combine-and-transcend strategy to integrate the two worlds.)

Reading Passage 1:The headline of the passage: Case Study: Tourism New Zealand website

Questions 1-7 (Completing table with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a table 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.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 1: allowed businesses to ______ information regularly.

Keywords for these answers: database, allowed businesses, information, regularly,

In paragraph no. 2, we find the mention of the word ‘database’ in the third line. Here, lines 8 & 9, the writer mentions, “In addition, because participating businesses were able to update the details, they gave on a regular basis….”.

Here, details = information

So, the answer is: update

Question 2: provided a country-wide evaluation of businesses, including their impact on the _________.

Keywords for this answer: database, country-wide evaluation, impact on

The last line of paragraph no. 2 has the answer. Here, the writer suggests, “As part of this, the effect of each business on the environment was considered.”

Here, effect = impact

So, the answer is: environment                     

Question 3: e.g. an interview with a former sports __________.  

Keywords for this answer: special features, interview, a former sport

The answer can be found in paragraph 3, lines 1-3. The words ‘interview’ and ‘former’ are formed in line number 2. The writer says, “.. .. . One of the most popular was an interview with former New Zealand All Blacks rugby captain Tana Umaga.”

Here, rugby = sports

So, the answer is: captain                  

Question 4: and an interactive tour of various locations used in ________.

Keywords for this answer: interactive tour, various locations

The answer is in paragraph 3, lines 4-5. The lines say, “…… was an interactive journey through a number of locations chosen for blockbuster films …… ..”.

Here, journey = tour,

A number of locations = various locations,

Chosen for = used in,

So, the answer is: films                      

Question 5: varied depending on the __________. 

Keywords for these answers: driving routes, varied, depending on

Paragraph 3, lines 8-9 has the answer to this question. The lines say, “…. . .the site catalogued the most popular driving routes in the country, highlighting different routes according to the season….. . .”.

Here, different = varied,

according to = depending on,

So, the answers are: season           

Question 6: including a map showing selected places, details of public transport and local _______.

Keywords for this answer:  travel planner, a map, public transport, local

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4, line 4. The paragraph begins with ‘travel planner’. In the subsequent lines, we can find the mention of ‘public transport’. In line no. 4 it says, “… . There were also links to accommodation in the area.”

Here, the phrase ‘in the area’ can be replaced with the word ‘local’.

So, the answer is: accommodation

Question 7: travelers could send a link to their ________.

Keywords for this answer:  ‘Your Words’, travelers, send, link to,

The answer is in paragraph no. 4. ‘Your Words’ is the name of a section of the website www.newzealand.com. We can see that the phrase ‘Your Words’ is present in line 6 of paragraph 4. So, we need to read lines 6 & 7 to find the answer.

The author says, “ ….. . . The website also had a ‘Your Words’ section where anyone could submit a blog of their New Zealand travels for possible inclusion on the website.”

Here, anyone could submit = travelers could send a link to

So, the answer is: blog

Questions 8-13: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)

In this type of question, candidates must find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
There is no clear connection of the statement with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

Question 8: The website www.newzealand.com aimed to provide ready-made itineraries and packages for travel companies and individual tourists.

Keywords for this answer: the website, aimed, itineraries, travel packages

To find the answer to this question, look for the words itineraries and travel packages. The answer is in Paragraph 6. Here, lines 1 and 2 say, “The website was set up to allow both individuals and travel organizations to create itineraries and travel packages to suit their own needs and interests.”

This means that the aim of the website was to allow individuals and travel organizations to do their work on their own, the website did not provide any ready-made itineraries and travel packages.

The statement clearly contradicts the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 9: It was found that most visitors started searching on the website by geographical location.

Keywords for this answer: started searching, geographical location

The answer is not anywhere in the passage. The question is about starting the search in the website.

 In paragraph 6 line 3, the author says, “…… visitors can search for activities not solely by geographical locations, but also by the particular nature of the activity.” However, nowhere it says anything about starting the search.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 10: According to research, 26% of visitor satisfaction is related to their accommodation.

Keywords for this answer: 26%, visitor satisfaction, accommodation

** Special answer-finding technique:

There is a number in the question (26%).
If the answer is TRUE, 26% has to be in the text.
For FALSE, the number will be different; or, the number will be 26% (but it will be related to other matters).
If the number is still 26%, yet it doesn’t match with other keywords, the answer will be NOT GIVEN.

The answer is in lines 4, 5 & 6 of paragraph no. 6. Here, the writer says, “This is important as research shows that activities are the key driver of visitor satisfaction, contributing 74% to visitor satisfaction, while transport and accommodation account for the remaining 26%.”

Here, the lines clearly contradict the question. Transportation and accommodation account for 26%. Visitor satisfaction accounts for 74%. If only accommodation accounted for 26%, we could write TRUE. 

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Visitors to New Zealand like to become involved in the local culture.

Keywords for this answer: like to, involved, local nature

The answer lies in lines 7-9 of paragraph 6. The author says, “…. It has also been found that visitors enjoy cultural activities most when they are interactive, such as visiting a marae (meeting ground) to learn more about traditional life.”

It means that visitors like to engage in local culture.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 12: Visitors like staying in small hotels in New Zealand rather than in larger ones.

Keywords for this answer: like staying, small hotels

In paragraphs 6 & 7, there is no mention of staying in hotels. There is no comparison between small and large hotels also.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13: Many visitors feel it is unlikely that they will return to New Zealand after their visit.

Keywords for this answer: feel, unlikely, will return, after their visit

The answer is in paragraph 7. Here, lines 4 and 5 states, “Because of the long-haul flight, most visitors stay for longer (average 20 days) and want to see as much of the country as possible on what is often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime visit.”

Here, the phrase ‘often seen as a once-in-a-lifetime visit’ means that there is a very low possibility that the visit will happen again.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:The headline of the passage: Why being bored is stimulating – and useful, too

Questions 14-19: (List of headings)

Follow the same rules of finding answers for the List of Headings and check the first and last few lines of each paragraph. Most of the time, the answer is there for you containing some synonymous words, which match with the lists of headings. If you cannot find the answers in the first and last few lines, you may need to check the middle of the paragraphs. (This we did in other tests too.)

Question 14: Paragraph A

For this question, check line 3 of Paragraph A. The line says, “But defining boredom so that it can be studied in the lab has proved difficult.”
Let’s analyse the sentence here. The phrase ‘has proved difficult’ in the sentence means that there is a problem with the science to define boredom.

So, the answer is: iv  (Problems with a scientific approach to boredom)

Question 15: Paragraph B

The answer is in lines 1-3 of the paragraph. Here, the writer says, “By asking people about their experiences of boredom, Thomas Goetz and his team at the University of Konstanz in Germany have recently identified five distinct types: indifferent, calibrating, searching, reactant and apathetic. These can be plotted … …  .”

So, we can gather from these lines that there is an explanation of how a team of scientists has classified the feelings of boredom.

So, the answer is: vi (Creating a system of classification for feelings of boredom)

Question 16: Paragraph C

In lines 2 and 3 of Paragraph C, we can find a sentence about the finding of psychologist Sandi Mann of the University of Central Lancashire. “Mann has found that being bored makes us more creative.” This means that boredom can result in something good (productive outcomes).

So, the answer is: i (The productive outcomes that may result from boredom)

Question 17: Paragraph D

We can get the answer having a quick look in lines 6-7 of paragraph D. The lines say, “… . .. But even if boredom has evolved to help us survive, it can still be toxic if allowed to fester.” The word ‘toxic’ here means poisonous or extremely bad or dangerous.

So, the answer is: v (A potential danger arising from boredom)

Question 18: Paragraph E

We can get an idea of what paragraph E talks about by reading the first 2-3 lines. Here the writer says, “Eastwood’s team is now trying to explore why the ‘attention system’ fails. It’s early days but they think that at least some of it comes down to personality. Boredom proneness has been linked with a variety of traits.” From these lines, we can gather that the researchers or scientists are working on the identification of people who are most prone to or most affected by boredom.

So, the answer is: viii (Identifying those most affected by boredom)

Question 19: Paragraph F

The first and second lines of paragraph F talk about a new theory about boredom – “…. that our over-connected lifestyles might even be a new source of boredom.” Then, in lines 4-5, the writer provides a possible treatment for this new source of boredom – “…. So instead of seeking yet more mental stimulation, perhaps we should leave our phones alone, and use boredom to motivate us to engage with the world in a more meaningful way . .. …”.

So, the answer is: iii (A new explanation and a new cure for boredom)

Question 20-23: (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 may not follow any sequential order. )

Question 20: Peter Toohey

In paragraph A, we find an idea shared by Peter Toohey. Look at the last lines – “If disgust protects humans from infection, boredom may protect them, from ‘infectious’ social situations .. . ..” It means boredom may help us to avoid an unpleasant situation. Here, infectious means displeasing/unpleasant.

So, the answer is: E (Boredom may encourage us to avoid an unpleasant experience)

Question 21: Thomas Goetz

There are two references for Thomas Goetz in this passage – in paragraphs B & E. So, we need to look at paragraph B first. In the first few lines, we can see that Goetz and his team have identified five types of boredom and when you read further, in lines 7-8, the writer states, “Of the five types, the most damaging is ‘reactant’ boredom with its explosive combination of high arousal and negative emotion.”

So, the answer is: B (One sort of boredom is worse than all the others)

Question 22: John Eastwood

Again, there are two references to John Eastwood in paragraphs D & E. So, we need to look at paragraph D first. If we don’t find the answer there, we can have a look at paragraph E. In paragraph D, lines 7-9 say, “For Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is a failure to put our ‘attention system’ into gear. This causes an inability to focus on anything which makes time seem to go painfully slowly.” The lines indicate that if anyone tries and cannot focus on anything (attention system failure), this may give a bad feeling that the time has slowed down which may make anyone more and more irritated.

So, the answer is: D (Trying to cope with boredom can increase its negative effects)

Question 23: Francoise Wemelsfelder

There is only one reference to Wemelsfelder and that’s in Paragraph F, the very last one. Take a careful look lines 1-2, “Psychologist Francoise Wemelsfelder speculates that our over-connected lifestyles might even be a new source of boredom.” This clearly indicates that our present lifestyle may inspire boredom.

So, the answer is: A (The way we live today may encourage boredom)

Questions 24-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

Question 24: For John Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is that people cannot ________, due to failure in what he calls the ‘attention system’,.. .. . . .

Keywords for this answer: central feature, people cannot

The question starts with the name of John Eastwood. So, we simply need to go to paragraph D and start looking for answers there. In line 7, we can see the phrase ‘central feature’. So, we can read this line – “For Eastwood, the central feature of boredom is a failure to put our ‘attention system’ into gear. This causes an inability to focus on anything.” Here, inability = cannot

So, the answer is: focus

Question 25: His team suggests that those for whom ______ is an important aim in life may have problems in coping with boredom, …. . . ..

Keywords for this answer: suggests, important aim in life, may have problems

In paragraph E, lines 3-4 say, “People who are motivated by pleasure seem to suffer particularly badly.”

This means people who depend on pleasure, may have problems coping with pleasure.

So, the answer is: pleasure

Question 26: …. whereas those who have the characteristic of ______ can generally cope with it.

Keywords for this answer: characteristic, generally cope with it

This answer needs some understanding. In lines 4 and 5, we see – “Other personality traits (characteristics), such as curiosity, are associated with a high boredom threshold.” Here, the word ‘threshold’ means the point where something changes or turns into something else. So, high boredom threshold means where boredom changes completely/ tendency to not get bored quickly. Thus, it further means people with curiosity can cope with boredom.

So, the answer is: curiosity

Reading Passage 3:Artificial Artists

Questions 27-31: (Multiple Choice Questions)

‘Multiple choice questions’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of questions because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming technique might come handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

TIP: 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: What is the writer suggesting about computer-produced works in the first paragraph?

Keywords for this answer: computer-produced works, first paragraph

In the first paragraph, the answer to this question can be guessed from line 1.

In line 1 the writer of the passage says, “The Painting Fool is one of a growing number of computer programs which, so their makers claim, possess creative talents.” Here, the phrase one of a growing number is a clear indication that the number of computer programs is on the rise. So, great progress has been made here.

So, the answer is: B (A great deal of progress has already been attained in this field.)

Question 28: According to Geraint Wiggins, why are many people worried by computer art?

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, worried by computer art

The answer to this question can be found in line 5 of paragraph 2. Here the writer says, “…. It scares a lot of people. They are worried that it is taking something special away from what it means to be human.”

Many of you (IELTS candidates) may think that the answer would be D (It will lead to a deterioration in human ability). But the answer cannot be it because the answer is in future form (..will lead..), while the lines in the text are in present form. Answer A and B are ruled out because there is no comparison on any aesthetic power between computer or human art and the line does not say anywhere that computer art may overtake or supersede human art.

But answer C (It undermines a fundamental human ability) has a close relationship with the line. The line indicates to the fact that people are worried that machines like computer may have the powers which are found generally in humans. Thus, computer art can undermine or make human quality weaker.

So, the answer is: C (It undermines a fundamental human ability)

Question 29: What is a key difference between Aaron and the Painting Fool?

Keywords for this answer: key difference, Aaron, Painting Fool

The answer is in lines 2-5 of paragraph 4. Here, the author mentions some amazing and interesting features of the computer program named the Painting Fool – such as “only need minimal direction”, “can come up with its own concepts”, “runs its own web searches”, “trawls through social media sites”, “beginning to display a kind of imagination”, “creating pictures from scratch”. All these features or characteristics indicate that The Painting Fool is different from Aaron in its source of subject for painting.

So, the answer is: C (the source of its subject matter)

Question 30: What point does Simon Colton make in the fourth paragraph?

Keywords for this answer: fourth paragraph, Simon Colton

For this question, answer A is ruled out because there is no reference to anything childish and simplistic. There are also no points on whether people should apply the same concepts of creativity to all forms of art. So, answer B is also wrong. Take a close look at lines 7-8, where the author says, “….. Colton agrees that such reactions arise from people’s double standards towards software-produced and human-produced art.” Here, the phrase ‘double-standard’ matches with the phrase in answer D ‘different criteria’.

So, the answer is: D (People tend to judge computer art and human art according to different criteria)

Question 31: The writer refers to the paintings of a chair as an example of computer art which –

Keywords for this answer: paintings of a chair

In lines 12-14 of paragraph no. 4, we find the reference of the painting of a chair. “Some of the Painting Fool’s paintings of a chair came out in black and white, thanks to a technical glitch. This gives the work an eerie, ghostlike quality.” It means that though there was a glitch or problem in the program, it created an excellent black and white feature in the painting which was very attractive/striking/spooky (eerie, ghostlike quality).

So, the answer is: A (achieves a particularly striking effect)

Questions 32-37 (Completing sentence with given list of Ideas)

Here, candidates have to complete sentences with a list of ideas. It is just like completing sentences. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.

Question 32: Simon Colton says it is important to consider long-term view when –

Keywords for this answer: Simon Colton, important, long-term view

The answer is in the first two lines of paragraph 5. Here, the writer says, “Researchers like Colton don’t believe it is right to measure machine creativity directly to that of humans who ‘have had millennia to develop our skills.’ These lines clearly indicate that we should not be so direct or so quick to compare machine creativity with human creativity because humans have had developed their skills in several millennia (thousand years) to become as creative as they are now, but machines have evolved only recently and more time is necessary to understand what machines can create.

So, the answer is: D (comparing the artistic achievements of humans and computers)

Question 33: David Cope’s EMI software surprised people by –

Keywords for this answer: David Cope’s EMI, surprised people

We find the mention of David Cope’s EMI software in lines 4-5 of paragraph 5. Then, in lines 7-8, we can find the answer. Here, the writer states, “Audiences were moved to experts into thinking they were hearing genuine Bach.” It means the audience was so moved by their experience of listening to machine-created music that they failed to distinguish (to find the difference) between machine-created music and human-created music.”

So, the answer is: A (generating work that was virtually indistinguishable from that of humans)

Question 34: Geraint Wiggins criticized Cope for not –

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, criticized, Cope

We can see a criticism made by Geraint Wiggins about Cope’s EMI software in paragraph 5, lines 9-11. The author states, “Some, such as Wiggins, have blasted Cope’s work as pseudoscience, and condemned him for his deliberately vague explanation of how the software worked.” It means Wiggins does not like Cope’s work because it is pseudoscience (a kind of scientific work which is not what it claims to be) and Cope’s explanations about the work are vague (unclear/elusive).

So, the answer is: E (revealing the technical details of his program)

Question 35: Douglas Hofstadter claimed that EMI was –

Keywords for this answer: Douglas Hofstadter, claimed, EMI

The answer is in lines 11-12 of paragraph 5. The lines say, “…. Meanwhile, Douglas Hofstadter of Indiana University said EMI created replicas which still rely completely on the original artist’s creative impulses.”

So, the answer is: C (producing work entirely dependent on the imagination of its creator)

Question 36: Audiences who had listened to EMI’s music became angry after –

Keywords for this answer: Audiences, listened, EMI’s music, angry

The answer lies in lines 13-14 of paragraph 5. Here, the author states, “When audiences found out the truth, they were often outraged with Cope, and one music lover even tried to punch him.” This means when audiences found out that they actually listened to music that a machine created, they were outraged or became angry at the creator of the program.

So, the answer is: G (discovering that it was the product of a computer program)

Question 37: The participants in David Moffat’s study had to assess music without –

Keywords for this answer: participants, David Moffat’s study, assess music without

To find the answer to this question, we must find David Moffat first. In paragraph no. 6, we find the name in line no. 2. The next lines give us clues to the answer. Here, in lines 3-4, the writer says, “He asked both expert musicians and non-experts to assess six compositions. The participants weren’t told beforehand whether the tunes were composed by humans or computers”. This means the listeners were not given information about the original composer until they listened to the music.

So, the answer is: B (knowing whether it was the work of humans or software)

Questions 38-40: (YES, NO, NOT GIVEN)

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

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- NO
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: Moffat’s research may help explain people’s reactions to EMI.

Keywords for this answer: Moffat’s research, help, explain, reactions, EMI

We had to read the first half of paragraph 6 for question no. 37 before. Here, we learned that Moffat’s study was giving listeners six music compositions without telling them who the composers were. Now, the last half of the paragraph tells us how people might react to this. “People who thought the composer was a computer tended to dislike the piece more than those who believed it was human. This was true even among the experts, .. . .”

So, the result of the experiment helps to understand people’s reactions.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 39: The non-experts in Moffat’s study all responded in a predictable way.

Keywords for this answer: non-experts, Moffat’s study, all responded, predictable way

There is no reference as to whether there was any predictable way to respond by non-experts in Moffat’s study.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 40: Justin Kruger’s findings cast doubt on Paul Bloom’s theory about people’s prejudice towards computer art.

Keywords for this answer: Justin Kruger’s findings, cast doubt, Paul Bloom’s theory

The last paragraph’s lines 1-5 give us the answer. Though we find here two views of Justin Kruger and Paul Bloom, these two views actually approve or support each other.

Paul Bloom’s theory says, “…. . . .. part of the pleasure we get from art stems….. .” This matches with Justin Kruger’s experiments, “… . . have shown that people’s enjoyment of  an artwork increases.”

There is another clue: In Paul Bloom’s suggestion, there is a mention of ‘the creative process’.

This also matches with Justin Kruger’s findings where we can see the mention of “more time and effort was needed to create it”.

Thus, the two findings do not cast any doubt. Rather, one supports the other.

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1:The History of Glass

Questions 1-8 (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete some 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.

[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 1 and 2: Early humans used a material called 1______ to make the sharp points of their 2 _____.

Keywords for these answers: early humans, material, make sharp points,

The answer is found in paragraph 1. Here, in the 1st line, a phrase is found (our earliest origins) which is synonymous to early humans. After that, in lines 2, 3 and 4, the author says, “……. Historians have discovered that a type of natural glass – obsidian – ……”. The synonym of sharp points is also found in line 7, ‘……. – was first used as tips of spears.”

So, the answers are:

1. obsidian

2. spears

Question 3: 4000 BC: 3 ______ made of stone were covered in a coating of man-made glass.

Keywords for this answer: 4000 BC, stone, coating, man-made glass

In paragraph A, lines 8-11 say, “Archaeologists have even found evidence of man-made glass which dates back to 4000 BC; this took the form of glazes used for coating stone beads.”

Here, we can see the direct references from the questions to the keywords like man-made glass, 4000 BC, coating and stone. So, the thing that was made of stone was beads.

So, the answer is: beads                    

Question 4: First century BC: glass was coloured because of the 4 _____ in the material.

Keywords for this answer: First century BC, was coloured, because

In paragraph B, lines 3-5 say, “….. from the first century BC . The glass made during this time was highly coloured due to the impurities of the raw material.”

Here, we can find some direct matches and synonyms for our selected keywords like:

First century BC,

highly coloured = coloured and

due to = because

So, the answer is: impurities                         

Question 5: Until 476 AD: Only the 5 ______ knew how to make glass.

Keywords for this answer: Until 476 AD, Only, knew how to make glass

In paragraph 2, lines 9-17 say, “The secret of glass making was taken across Europe by the Romans during this century. However, they guarded the skills and technology required to make glass very closely, and it was not until their empire collapsed in 476 AD that glass-making knowledge became widespread throughout Europe and the Middle East.”

These lines suggest that only the Romans knew about how to make glass until the collapse of their empire in 476 AD.

So, the answer is: Romans                

Questions 6 and 7: 17^th century: George Ravenscroft developed a process using 6 ______ to avoid the occurrence of 7 ______ in blown glass. 

Keywords for these answers: 17th century, George Ravenscroft, developed a process, using, to avoid, in blown glass

The answers for these questions are in paragraph 3 because we find the reference of the name George Ravenscroft here. There is also a reference to the invention of lead crystal glass. Then the author says in lines 5-8, “… … He attempted to counter the effect of clouding that sometimes occurred in blown glass by introducing lead to the raw materials used in the process.”.

Here, counter = to avoid

So, it can be understood here that George Ravenscroft developed a process by using lead so that the occurrence of clouding can be avoided.

So, the answers are:

6. lead

7. clouding

Question 8: Mid-19th century: British glass production developed after changes to laws concerning 8 _____.

Keywords for this answer:  Mid-19th century, British glass production, developed, after changes, laws concerning,

In paragraph 4, lines 1-6 say, “In Britain, the modern glass industry only really started to develop after the repeal of the Excise Act in 1845. Before that time, heavy taxes had been placed on the amount of glass melted in a glasshouse, and were levied continuously from 1745 to 1845.”

Here, we can gather from the text that British glass production was in a problem in the mid-19th century (1745-1845) when there were taxes for glass blowing industry. But after the Excise Act was repealed in 1845, the industry only started to develop.

So, the answer is: taxes

Questions 9-13 (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
There is no clear connection of the statement 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.

Click here to learn more on how best to tackle this type of question.

Question 9: In 1887, HM Ashley had the fastest bottle-producing machine that existed at the time.

Keywords for this answer: 1887, HM Ashley,  fastest, bottle-producing, existed at the time

To find the answer to this question, find the given year (1887). If you just brush your eyes on each paragraph quickly, you will find the year in Paragraph 5. Now, read the first few lines and try to find the other keywords.

In line 4, we can find HM Ashley, the name of the glass factory.

In lines 7 and 8, the writer mentions, “…. – more than three times quicker than any previous production method.” This means HM Ashley was the fastest bottle-producing machine of that time.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 10: Michael Owens was hired by a large US company to design a fully-automated bottle manufacturing machine for them.

Keywords for this answer: Michael Owens, was hired, by large US company, to design, fully-automated, machine

The answer can be found in lines 8-10. Here, it is mentioned that Michael Owens owned a large US company, he was not hired by them. Check the lines, “……Michael Owens – founder of the Owens Bottle Machine Company (later the major manufacturers Owens-Illinois).”

Here, founder = owner

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Nowadays, most glass is produced by large international manufacturers.

Keywords for these answers: Nowadays, most glass, produced by, large international manufacturers

For this question, look for the first keyword like Nowadays. In paragraph 6 line 1 starts with the word Today which is synonymous with Nowadays. But this paragraph talks about glass manufacture as a big industry. But nowhere in the paragraph has it discussed the issue of whether most glass production is done by large international manufacturers or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 12: Concern for the environment is leading to an increased demand for glass containers.  

Keywords for this answer: Concern, environment, leading to, increased demand

In paragraph 7, the first few lines contain the answer. Here the lines say, “…… and with growing consumer concern for green issues, glass bottles, and jars are becoming even more popular.” It means that the consumers of glass are worried about the environmental issues (green issues) and this is making the production of glass even more popular (increased demand).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 13: It is more expensive to produce recycled glass than to manufacture new glass.  

Keywords for this answer: more expensive, produce recycled glass, than, manufactured new glass

In paragraph 7, lines 6-10 say, “….. As less energy is needed to melt recycled glass than to melt down raw materials, this also saves fuel and production costs.” So, it is clear that producing glass actually saves money which means it is less expensive.

So the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 2:Bring back the big cats

Questions 14-18: (Multiple Choice Questions)

‘Multiple Choice Question’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of question because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming techniques might come in handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

Question 14: What did the 2006 discovery of the animal bone reveal about the lynx?

A. Its physical appearance was very distinctive.
B. Its extinction was linked to the spread of farming.
C. It vanished from Britain several thousand years ago.
D. It survived in Britain longer than was previously thought.

Keywords for this answer: 2006 discovery, animal bone, reveal, lynx

As we can easily find keywords like 2006 and animal bone in paragraph 1 lines 4-5, we can understand that the answer is in this paragraph. If we read further lines 9-11, we find that lynx died out 6000 years ago as previously presumed. But lines 16-18 suggest that the timeline was actually 5000 years ago, not 6000 years ago. So, the lynx actually survived longer than the previous presumption or belief.

So, the answer is: D

Question 15: What point does the writer make about large predators in the third paragraph?

A. Their presence can increase biodiversity.
B. They may cause damage to local ecosystems.
C. Their behavior can alter according to the environment.
D. They should be reintroduced only to areas where they were native.

Keywords for this answer:  large predators, third paragraph

The phrase large predators in line 10 of the 3rd paragraph.

In this paragraph, lines 8-16 say that some of the large predators drive dynamic processes that affect the food chain and create niches (the conditions in which a type of living thing can live successfully) for many other species. Line 16 says: “The killers (lynxes or large predators) turn out to be bringers of life.”

So, the answer is: A

Question 16: What does the writer suggest about British conservation in the fourth paragraph?

A. It has failed to achieve its aims.
B. It is beginning to change direction.
C. It has taken a misguided approach.
D. It has focused on the most widespread species.

Keywords for this answer: British conservation, fourth paragraph

Lines 2-5 of paragraph 4 say: “….. .. .which has often selected arbitrary (not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair) assemblages of plants and animals and sought, at great effort and expense, to prevent them from changing.”

It means that the assemblages of plants and animals were not based on reason, system, or plan.

So, the answer is: C

Question 17: Protecting large areas of the sea from commercial fishing would result in –

A. practical benefits for the fishing industry.
B. some short-term losses to the fishing industry.
C. widespread opposition from the fishing industry.
D. certain changes to techniques within the fishing industry.

Keywords for this answer: Protecting, large areas of the sea, commercial fishing

The phrase protecting large areas of the sea can be found in paragraph 5 lines 2-3. The previous paragraph (paragraph 4) ends with a positive note that dynamism depends on large predators. Then paragraph 5 opens with the line, “At sea the potential is even greater: …..”

Again, in lines 7-8 of paragraph 5, the writer says, “…..This policy would also greatly boost catches in the surrounding seas….” These lines suggest that there are some practical benefits of protecting large areas of the sea from commercial fishing.

So, the answer is: A

Question 18: According to the author, what distinguishes rewilding from other environmental campaigns?

A. Its objective is more achievable.
B. Its supporters are more articulate.
C. Its positive message is more appealing.
D. It is based on sounder scientific principles.

Keywords for this answer: distinguishes, rewilding, other environmental campaigns

We can see the key phrases like rewilding and environmental campaigns in first 3 lines of paragraph 6.

In the same paragraph, in lines 7-8, we can see some information like “…… a more inspiring vision than .. .. .”. This is a clear match with the phrase “more appealing”.

So, the answer is: C

Question 19-22: (Summary completion from list of words)

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill-in-the-blanks questions. As these are fill-in-the-blanks or gaps, generally there is a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer. For these questions, there is a fixed condition. Candidates must use the words given as a list with the questions which are marked with alphabets/letters. They must write the letters in the answer sheet, not the words. They need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. It must be remembered that the words on the list may not be found directly in the texts, so they need to look for synonyms. They should also follow the same steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.)

Title of the summary: Reintroducing the lynx to Britain

Question 19: While there is no evidence that the lynx has ever put _______ in danger,

Keywords for this answer: no evidence, lynx, put…..in danger,

Line 1 of paragraph 7 says, “The lynx presents no threat to human beings: there is no known instance of one preying on people”.

So, here we can see that no known instance is synonymous with no evidence and threat = put ….in danger.

So, the answer is: E (humans)

Question 20: it would reduce the numbers of certain ________ whose populations have increased enormously in recent decades.

Keywords for this answer: reduce, number of certain, populations have increased enormously, recent decades

Lines 7-10 of paragraph 7, “It is a specialist predator of roe deer, a species that has exploded in Britain in recent decades, holding back, by intensive browsing, attempts to re-establish forests. It will also winkle out sika deer: an exotic species that is almost impossible for human beings to control, as it hides in impenetrable plantations of young trees.”

The bold words in these lines suggest that there are few species of wild animals (roe deer, sika deer) that have had an explosion in their populations, and introducing lynx in their habitat may help to reduce the exploding numbers of those wild animals.

So, the answer is: D (wild animals)

Question 21: It would present only a minimal threat to _______, provided these were kept away from lynx habitats.

Keywords for this answer: only a minimal threat, provided, kept away, from lynx habitats

The answer lies in paragraph 7. Here, in lines 14-18, the author says, “…. The lynx requires deep cover, and as such presents little risk to sheep and other livestock, which are supposed, as a condition of farm subsidies, to be kept out of the woods.”

Here, presents little risk = present only a minimal threat,

So, it is said here that lynxes present almost no threat to animals like sheep and other livestock (farm animals).

So, the answer is: F (farm animals)

Question 22: Furthermore, the reintroduction programme would also link efficiently with initiatives to return native 22 ________ to certain areas of the country.

Keywords for this answer: reintroduction programme, link efficiently, initiatives to return, native

The answer is in paragraph 7 lines 11-13. Here, the author mentions, “…. The attempt to reintroduce this predator marries well with the aim of bringing forests back to parts of our bare and barren uplands.”

Here, marries well = link efficiently

The aim = initiatives

Bringing back = return

So, the reintroduction programme has the aim to return forests or trees.

So, the answer is: A (trees)

Questions 23-26: (YES/NO/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- YES
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- NO
There is no clear connection of the statement 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 23: Britain could become the first European country to reintroduce the lynx.

Keywords for this answer: first European country, reintroduce

In paragraph 8 lines 9-12, it is mentioned, “…… The lynx has now been reintroduced to the Jura Mountains, the Alps, the Vosges in eastern France and the Harz Mountains in Germany, and has re-established itself in many more places.” Therefore, it is clear that Britain is not the first country to reintroduce the lynx. There are many others.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 24: The large growth in the European lynx population since 1970 has exceeded conservationists’ expectations.

Keywords for this answer: large growth, since 1970, exceeded, conservationists’ expectations

We find keywords like since 1970, and large growth in lines 14-15, “… The European population has tripled since 1970 to roughly 10,000.” But there is no discussion of whether it has exceeded the expectation of the conservationists.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 25: Changes in agricultural practices have extended the habitat of the lynx in Europe.

Keywords for this answer: changes, agricultural practices, extend, habitat

In paragraph 8, lines 15-19 say, “…. .. . As with wolves, bears, beavers, boar, bison, moose and many other species, the lynx has been able to spread as farming has left the hills and …..”. This means the lynx has spread out its habitat like some other species due to the fact that farming is no more done in the hills.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 26: It has become apparent that species reintroduction has commercial advantages.

Keywords for this answer: apparent, species reintroduction, commercial advantages

In paragraph 8, lines 20-21 say, “….. and people discover that it is more lucrative to protect charismatic wildlife than to hunt it. “  Here, lucrative means commercially beneficial.

So, the answer is: YES

Reading Passage 3:UK companies need more effective boards of directors

Questions 27-33 (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: 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: Paragraph A

In paragraph A, lines 6-8 talk about the responsible authority who are to blame for the problems. Here, it is mentioned, “…. .. . the search for explanations in the many post-mortems of the crisis has meant blame has been spread far and wide. Governments, regulators, central banks and auditors have all been in the frame.”

So, the answer is: iv

Question 28: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, lines 2-3 deal with the impact of the scrutiny on the companies. The lines say, “…….. an issue of intense public debate and has significantly increased the pressures on, and the responsibilities of, directors.”

So, the answer is: ii

Question 29: Paragraph C

In paragraph C, lines 2-3 talk about the less involvement of the board in meeting some important issues. The lines say, “….. .. . but can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues.”

So, the answer is: vi

Question 30: Paragraph D

In paragraph D, lines 1-4 deal with a proposal for large companies which can solve the problem of operating the board.

The lines say, “A radical solution, which may work for some very large companies whose businesses are extensive and complex, is the professional board, whose members would work up to three or four days a week, supported by their own dedicated staff and advisors.”

We cannot say that it is a clean solution; rather it is a proposal because the writer is saying that it may work.

So, the answer is: viii  

Question 31: Paragraph E

In paragraph E, the answer lies in the first lines.

Here, lines 1-2 say, “One of the main criticisms of boards and their directors is that they do not focus sufficiently on longer-term matters of strategy, sustainability, and governance.”

It means that boards are not looking far enough.

So, the answer is: vii

Question 32: Paragraph F

In paragraph F, the answer can be found in the first few lines.

Here, in lines 1-2, the author says, “Compensation for chief executive has become a combat zone where pitched battles between investors, management and board members are fought, ….”.

This means that there is an ongoing dispute about the financial matters of the chief executives or senior managers.

So, the answer is: i

Question 33: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, the answer is found in lines 5-6 where the writer says, “…… Boards of companies in all sectors will need to widen their perspective to encompass these issues and this may involve a realignment of corporate goals”.

It means that boards in all sectors or every area need to change fundamentally in their corporate goals.

So, the answer is: iii

Questions 34-37 (YES/NO/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- YES
The statement contradicts the account in the text- NO
There is no clear connection of the statement 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 34: Close scrutiny of the behaviour of boards has increased since the economic downturn.

Keywords for this answer: close scrutiny, behaviour of boards, increased, economic downturn

In paragraph A line 4, we find the reference of economic downturn (the 2008 financial meltdown). In lines 8-10 of the same paragraph, the author says,” ….. The role of bank directors and management and their widely publicized failures have been extensively picked over and examined in reports, inquiries and commentaries.”

Here,

*the role = behaviour

*extensively picked over = close scrutiny increased

So, the answer is: YES

Question 35: Banks have been mismanaged to a greater extent than other businesses.

Keywords for this answer: banks, mismanaged, greater extent, than, other businesses.

We cannot find any comparison of mismanagement between banks and other businesses in paragraph A, B or C.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 36: Board meetings normally continue for as long as necessary to debate matters in full.

Keywords for this answer: Board meetings, continue, as long as, necessary, debate matters, in full

In paragraph B, lines 10-12 say, “….. Agendas can become overloaded and this can mean the time for constructive debate must necessarily be restricted in favour of getting through the business.” This means that debates are restricted for the sake of business.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 37: Using a committee structure would ensure that board members are fully informed about significant issues.

Keywords for this answer: committee structure, ensure, board members, fully informed, significant issues

In paragraph C lines 1-2 say, “Often, board business is developed to committees in order to cope with the workload, which may be more efficient but can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues.” This means that using a committee cannot ensure that board members are informed about important issues.

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 38-40 (Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only word to complete the sentence. 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 38: Before 2008, non-executive directors were at a disadvantage because of their lack of _________.

Keywords for this answer: before 2008, non-executive directors, at a disadvantage, because, lack of

In paragraph D, lines 10-11 say, “…… where the executives had access to information that part-time non-executive directors lacked, leaving the latter unable to comprehend or anticipate the 2008 crash.” This means that the non-executive directors lacked or did not have access to information and could not anticipate the 2008 financial crash.

So, the answer is: information

Question 39: Boards tend to place too much emphasis on _________ considerations that are only of short-term relevance.

Keywords for this answer: boards, place too much emphasis, considerations, of short-term relevance

In paragraph E line 3, the writer says, “…. ..but instead concentrate too much on short-term financial metrics.”

Here, concentrate too much = place too much emphasis

So, the answer is: financial

Question 40: On certain matters, such as pay, the board may have to accept the views of ___________.

Keywords for this answer: pay, board, may have to, accept, views of

From our finding in question 32 we came to know that there are often conflicts/debates between investors and boards concerning the matter of compensation, or in other words pay. Moreover, in paragraph F we have found that “shareholders use their muscle in the area of pay to pressure boards to remove underperforming chief executives”. The passage also says: “Their powers to vote down executive remuneration policies increased when binding votes came into force”. If a decision is “binding”, this means that it must be accepted by the board. For this reason, the only word to fill in this blank is either “investors” or “shareholders”.

The word “compensation” is a clear synonym for payment or remuneration, so it has to do with money.

So, the answer is: investors/shareholders  

Reading Passage 1 :Flying tortoises

Questions 1-7 (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: 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 1: Paragraph A

In paragraph A, the answer is found in line 7 where the writer says, “…. . .. the islands were colonized by one or two tortoises from mainland South America…”. And then continues, “……. .. . giving rise to at least 14 different subspecies…” 

These lines suggest that tortoises were populating the islands.

So, the answer is: v (Tortoises populate the islands)

Question 2: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, line 3-4 says, “….. saw this exploitation grow exponentially.”

The previous lines say that tortoises were taken on ships by pirates as food supplies. Then lines 3-4 talk about the increase of exploitation.

So, the answer is: iii (Developments to the disadvantages of tortoise populations)

Question 3: Paragraph C

For Paragraph C, the answer lies in line 2, where the author mentions, “….. In 1989, work began on a tortoise breeding centre … …” suggesting that some people had started a conservation project to protect the tortoises.

So, the answer is: viii (The start of the conservation project)

Question 4: Paragraph D

As for paragraph D, the answer is found in lines 4-5. Here, the writer states, “…. .. if people wait too long after that point, the tortoises eventually become too large to transport.” This means that if the timing is wrong, there is a big price to pay or they have to face a big problem.

So, the answer is: i (The importance of getting the timing right)

Question 5: Paragraph E

The answer for paragraph E lies in lines 6-7. Here, the author says, “….to work out more ambitious reintroduction. The aim was to use a helicopter to move 300 of the breeding center’s tortoises to various locations close to Sierra Negra.” It means that the plan is a very big one that is yet to occur.

So, the answer is: iv (Planning a bigger idea)

Question 6: Paragraph F

In Paragraph F, the writer mentions the procedures which were taken to complete the transportation of 33 tortoises to relocate them to different parts of Galapagos Island. All the procedures indicate that the operation was carefully prepared.

So, the answer is: vi (Carrying out a carefully prepared operation)

Question 7: Paragraph G

The answer for paragraph G is in line 3, where the author mentions, “Eventually, one tiny tortoise came across a fully grown giant …..”.

So, the answer is: ii (Young meets old)

Questions 8-13: (Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. 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 8: 17th Century: small numbers taken onto ships used by _____________.

Keywords for this answer: 17th Century, small numbers, ships used by

For this question, we look at the paragraph where 17^th century is mentioned. Start skimming from the beginning of the text. You’ll find the mention of 17^th century in paragraph B. So, we can be sure that the answer will be in this paragraph. In line 2-3 the writer says, “… From 17^th century onwards, pirates took a few on board for food, … … .”. Here,  a few = small numbers.  So, we can understand that those ships were used by pirates, who took small numbers of tortoises on their ships (on board) for food supply.

So, the answer is: pirates

Questions 9 and 10: 1790s: very large numbers taken onto whaling ships kept for 9. _______ and also used to produce 10. _______.

Keywords for these answers: 1790s, very large numbers, whaling ships, kept for, to produce

For these questions, we have to look at paragraph 2 line 3. Here we find 1790s, which is our first clue. Then, when we read further, we find in lines 5 and 6, “….  The tortoises were taken on board these ships to act as food supplies during long ocean passages. Sometimes, their bodies were processed into high-grade oil.”

*Kept for = act as

*To produce = processed 

So the answer for Q 9 is: food

The answer for Q 10 is: oil

Question 11: Hunted by  _________ on the islands

Keywords for this answer: hunted

In paragraph 2, the word ‘hunted’ is directly found in line 10—-“They hunted the tortoises……”. As ‘they’ is a pronoun, we have to read the previous line to learn what the noun ‘they’ is referring to. “This historical exploitation was then exacerbated when settlers came to the islands.” Here, ‘they’ are referring to settlers.

So, the answer is: settlers

Questions 12 and 13: Habitat destruction: for the establishment of agriculture and by various 12. ______ not native to the islands, which also fed on baby tortoises and tortoise’s 13. ______

Keywords for these answers: Habitat destruction, establishment of agriculture, not native, also fed on, baby tortoises and tortoise’s

Continue reading from the previous lines. The word ‘habitat’ is found in line 9, and ‘establishment of agriculture’ in line 10. Then, in line 10, the author says, “They also introduced alien species- ranging from …..”. Here the word ‘alien’ is a match with ‘not native’.

So the answer for Q 12 is: species

After that, in line 11, we find, “- that either prey on the eggs and young tortoises… .. ..”. Here, prey on means fed on, young tortoises means baby tortoises.

So the answer for Q 13 is: eggs

Reading Passage 2 :The Intersection of Health Sciences and Geography

The headline of the passage: The Intersection of Health Sciences and Geography

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. 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 20- 26. After finishing with these questions, come to questions 14-19. And just like the 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.

Question 14: an acceptance that not all diseases can be totally eliminated

Keywords for this answer: not all diseases, totally eliminated

The information is found in paragraph D. Here, in lines 2 and 3, the writer says, “ … .. . diseases like polio are re-emerging, …..”. Re-emerging means coming back or not totally eliminated.

So, the answer is: D

Question 15: examples of physical conditions caused by human behaviour

Keywords for this answer: physical condition, caused by, human behaviour

The information is found in paragraph C. It is because, skimming the paragraph, we can gather information about various physical conditions such as asthma, lung problems, eyesight issues, and more. We also find different human behaviours like the massive number of cars being driven, rapid industrialization, cutting down of forests, etc.

So, the answer is: C

Question 16: a reference to classifying diseases on the basis of how far they extend geographically

Keywords for this answer: classifying diseases, how far they extend geographically

The information is found in paragraph F. We can find information like categorizing illnesses, diseases and epidemics in line 3 which is a match with classifying diseases. Also, line 4 says, “Health geographers can map the spread if illnesses….” means that they are mapping diseases on the basis of their extension geographically.

So, the answer is: F

Question 17: reasons why the level of access to healthcare can vary within a country

Keywords for this answer: reasons, access to healthcare, vary within a country

The information is found in paragraph G because there is a mention of healthcare provision and availability (or lack thereof) of healthcare resources to individuals and populations in line 1 and 2 which means access to healthcare. The next few lines show how healthcare can vary in different regions of a country with an example in lines 7, 8 and 9 (for instance, it may be very difficult……. .. … . .and the nearest hospital.)

So, the answer is: G

Question 18: a description of health geography as a mixture of different academic fields

Keywords for this answer: health geography, mixture of different academic fields

The information is found in paragraph D because lines 4-7 say, “Health geography is the combination of (mixture of), on the on hand, knowledge regarding geography and methods used to analyse and interpret geographical information, and on the other, the study of health, diseases and healthcare practices around the world.”

So, the answer is: D

Question 19: a description of the type of area where a particular illness is rare

Keywords for this answer: type of area, particular illness is rare

The information is found in paragraph B. It is because, in lines 6 and 7, it says, “Malaria is much less of a problem in high-altitude deserts, for instance.” This means malaria is rare in particular areas.

So, the answer is: B

Questions 20-26: (Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. 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 20: Certain diseases have disappeared thanks to better ________ and healthcare.

Keywords for this answer: Certain diseases, disappeared, thanks to,

In paragraph A, lines 1 and 2, it says, “While many diseases that affect humans have been eradicated (have disappeared) due to (thanks to) improvements in vaccinations and the availability of healthcare, …”

This means that the improvements in vaccinations and availability of healthcare are responsible for the disappearance of certain diseases. But, our answer has to be in one word only.  So, we choose vaccinations as the answer. It is because we cannot choose words like improvements or availability because they are adjectives. We have to give priority to nouns over adjectives. We cannot choose healthcare as the answer because we know that vaccinations are directly related to the eradication of major diseases.

So, the answer is: vaccinations

Question 21: Because there is more contact between people, __________ are losing their usefulness.

 Keywords for this answer: because, more contact, losing, usefulness

We find phrases like people come into contact (more contact between people) and becoming more and more common (losing their usefulness) line paragraph A lines 3 and 6. So, the answer will be antibiotics. It is because the lines mean that when more people are coming in contact with each other more and more, antibiotics are becoming a common thing which means antibiotics are no longer as useful as it used to be before.

So, the answer is: antibiotics

Question 22: Disease-causing ________ are most likely to be found in hot, damp regions.

Keywords for this answer: disease-causing, most likely, found, hot, damp regions

We find a reference to disease-causing and hot, damp regions in paragraph B lines 3-5 (“…. Is malaria-prone areas, which are usually tropical regions that foster a warm and damp environment in which the mosquitos that can give people this disease can grow.)

So, the answer is: mosquitos

Question 23: One cause of pollution is __________ that burn a particular fuel.

Keywords for this answer: cause, pollution, burn a particular fuel,

We know that there are some common fuels like wood, gas, coal, petrol, octane, diesel, etc. So, we need to find a word like these fuels. In paragraph C, line 6, we can find the word coal (“… … in addition to factories that run on coal power.”). So, we can gather from this line that factories burn coal.

So, the answer is: factories

Question 24: The growth of cities often has an impact on nearby __________.

Keywords for this answer: growth of cities, an impact,

Reading line 7 and 8 in paragraph C, we find phrases like expansion of big cities (matching with growth of cities) which indicate in the lines that it is responsible for cutting down of forests. So, we can realize that cutting down of forests is the impact which is caused by the growth of cities.

So, the answer is: forests

Question 25: _______is one disease that is growing after having been eradicated.

Keywords for this answer: disease, growing, after, eradicated

In Paragraph D lines 2 and 3, we find information of re-emerging or coming back of a disease named polio.  Here, the line says, “… . .a world where diseases like polio are re-emerging,…..”. The word re-emerge matches with growing after having been eradicated.

So, the answer is: polio

Question 26: A physical barrier such as a _________ can prevent people from reaching a hospital.

Keywords for this answer: physical barrier, prevent people, reaching a hospital

For this answer we have to skim quickly and go to paragraph G. Here, in lines 7-9, we find the mention of a physical barrier which makes it difficult for people to get medical attention. The lines say, “….. .. .(for instance, it may be difficult for people to get medical attention because there is a mountain between their village and the nearest hospital).”

So, the answer is: mountain

Reading Passage 3 :Music and the emotions

The headline of the passage: Music and the emotions

Questions 27-31 (Summary completion with no more than TWO words)

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer. 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 to fill in the gaps.)

As the headline of the summary is The Montreal Study, we have to look for the Montreal Study in the passage. Look closely at the first line of the second paragraph, where it says, “A recent paper in Nature Neuroscience by a research team in Montreal, Canada,……”. So, it is very much likely that the answers to questions 27-31 may be found in the second and third paragraphs.

Question 27: It was noted that the music stimulated the brain’s neurons to release a substance called 27 ______

Keywords for this question: music stimulated, neurons, release a substance

In paragraph 2 lines 13 and 14, the writer mentions, “The first thing they discovered is that music triggers the production of dopamine— a chemical with a key role in setting people’s moods— by the neurons .. .. . ….”. It means that the substance which is released by the brain’s neurons is called dopamine.

So, the answer is: dopamine

Question 28: … .. . in two of the parts of the brain which are associated with feeling 28 ________

Keywords for this question:two of the parts, which are associated with,  feeling

In paragraph 2, the last lines say, “As these two regions have long been linked with the experience of pleasure,…..”.

Here, we find some direct matches such as:

*Two regions = two of the parts

*Linked with = associated with

*Experience = feeling

So, the answer is: pleasure / of pleasure

Question 29: Researchers also observed that the neurons in the area of the brain called the 29 ________ were particularly active just before the participants’ favourite moments in the music– ….

Keywords for this question: observed, neurons, in the area of the brain, called

In paragraph 3, the author says in the first lines, “What is rather more significant is the finding that the dopamine neurons in the caudate— a region of the brain…….”

Here also, we can gather some direct matches such as:

*observed = found

*neurons = dopamine neurons

* in the area of the brain = a region of the brain

So, the answer is: caudate

Question 30: were particularly active just before the participants’ favourite moments in the music— the period known as the 30 ________

Keywords for this question: particularly active, just before, participants’ favourite moment, period known as

The answer is found in lines 3,4 and 5 in paragraph 3, where the author states, “ … . .. .  — were at their most active around 15 seconds before the participants’ favourite moments in the music. The researchers call this the ‘anticipatory  phase’…. .. .”

So, the answer is: anticipatory phase

Question 31: Activity in this part of the brain is associated with the expectation of ‘reward’ stimuli such as 31 ________.

Keywords for this question: activity, associated with, reward stimuli, such as

In this question, the phrase ‘such as’ indicates that we have to find an example of ‘reward stimuli’. Now, reading the third line of paragraph 3, we find such an example. “… .. .in anticipating food and other ‘reward’ stimuli—…” Here, anticipating can be a synonym of expectation.

So, the answer is: food

Questions 32-36 (Multiple Choice Questions)

‘Multiple Choice Question’ is a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. It is also found in the Listening test.  Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of question because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers, so they may kill valuable time. So, a quick reading or skimming technique might come in handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.

Question 32: What point does the writer emphasise in the first paragraph?

A. how dramatically our reactions to music can vary
B. how intense our physical responses to music can be
C. how little we know about the way that music affects us
D. how much music can tell us about how our brains operate

Keywords for this question: emphasise, first paragraph

We have to use our skimming skills here. Let’s have a quick look at paragraph 1 and see if we can find any similarities between one of the options and any lines in the paragraph.

In lines 2 and 3 of the first paragraph, the writer says, “And yet, even though music says little, it manages to touch us deeply.” After that, the writer gives a detail description of different body parts reacting extremely— “The pupils in our eyes dilate, our pulse and blood pressure rise, …. . .. . . .”. And the last line, “… .. .sound stirs us at our biological roots.” means that sound of music touches us very intensely.

So, the answer is: B

Question 33: What view of the Montreal study does the writer express in the second paragraph?

A. Its aims were innovative.
B. The approach was too simplistic.
C. It produced some remarkably precise data.
D. The technology used was unnecessarily complex.

Keywords for this question: view of, Montreal study, second paragraph

In lines 2 and 3 of the second paragraph, the author says, “….. in revealing the precise underpinnings of the potent pleasurable stimulus’ that is music.” It means that the Montreal Study has produced some precise data about music and pleasure. Further reading of the paragraph may clarify the answer.

So, the answer is: C

Question 34: What does the writer find interesting about the results of the Montreal study?

A. the timing of participants’ neural responses to the music
B. the impact of the music on participants’ emotional state
C. the section of participants’ brains which was activated by the music
D. the type of music which had the strongest effect on participants’ brains

Keywords for this question: interesting, the results, Montreal Study

In paragraph 3, line 1 says, “What is rather more significant…..” which means something interesting has been found. Then, in lines 3-4, it says, “….—were at their most active around 15 seconds before the participants’ favourite moments in the music.”

So, it means that the interesting matter is the time of neuron’s response.

So, the answer is: A

Question 35: Why does the writer refer to Meyer’s work on music and emotion?

A. to propose an original theory about the subject
B. to offer support for the findings of the Montreal study
C. to recommend the need for further research into the subject
D. to present a view which opposes that of the Montreal researchers

Keywords for this question: Why, refer to, Meyer’s work

In paragraph 4 the writer describes in lines 7-9, “This is why composers often introduce a key note in the beginning of a song, spend most of the rest of the piece in the studious avoidance of the pattern, and then finally repeat it only at the end.”

Now, in paragraph 5, the writer talks about Meyer’s work and thus supports what is said in paragraph 4. “….. … . .showing how Beethoven begins with the clear statement of a rhythmic and harmonic pattern and then, in an ingenious tonal dance, carefully holds off repeating it……. .. .. .. Beethoven saves that chord for the end.”

So, the answer is: B

Question 36: According to Leonard Meyer, what causes the listener’s emotional response to music?

A. the way that the music evokes poignant memories in the listener
B. the association of certain musical chords with certain feelings
C. the listener’s sympathy with the composer’s intentions
D. the internal structure of the musical composition

Keywords for this question: Leonard Meyer, causes, listener’s emotional response

In paragraph 6, lines 4-5 says, “…. .—Meyer argued that the emotions we find in music come from the unfolding events of the music itself. This “embodied meaning” arises from the patterns the symphony invokes and then ignores.” Here, the word ‘embodied’ means the internal part.

So, the answer is: D

Questions 37-40 (Completing sentences with the correct ending)

[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 37: The Montreal researchers discovered that _____.

Keywords for this question: Montreal researchers, discovered

In lines 3-4 of paragraph 3, the writer says, “—were at their most active around 15 seconds before the participants’ favourite moments in the music.” This means that Montreal researchers have found that dopamine neuron becomes more active prior to (around 15 seconds before) the participants’ favourite moments in the music.

So, the answer is: F     neuron activity increases prior to key points in a musical piece.

Question 38: Many studies have demonstrated that _____.

Keywords for this question: Many studies, demonstrated

In paragraph 4, lines 6-7 says, “Numerous studies, after all, have demonstrated that dopamine neurons quickly adapt to predictable rewards. If we know what’s going to happen next, then we don’t get excited.” It means neurons’ activity goes down if the result becomes known to the listener.

So, the answer is: B    neuron activity decreases if outcomes become predictable.

Question 39: Meyer’s analysis of Beethoven’s music shows that _____.

Keywords for this question: Meyer’s analysis, Beethoven’s music

Line 7 and the last lines of paragraph 5 suggest that music of emotion, for example, Beethoven’s music makes a delay in giving what his listeners want to hear. Look closely at the lines: “……and then, in an ingenious tonal dance, carefully holds off repeating it.” And, “…… Beethoven saves that chord for the end.”

So, the answer is: E    emotive music delays giving listeners what they expect to hear.

Question 40: Earlier theories of music suggested that _____.

Keywords for this question: Earlier theories, suggested

In the final paragraph, we find a reference of music from past time. Look at line 2-3 where the writer says, “While the earlier theories of music focused on the way a sound can refer to the real world of images and experiences—……”. Here, real world of images and experiences matches with actual pictures and events.

So, the answer is: C    emotive music can bring to mind actual pictures and events.

Reading Passage 1:The Risks agriculture faces in developing countries

Question 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.

Question 1: a reference to characteristics that only apply to food production.

Keywords for the answer: characteristics, only apply, food production

In Paragraph A, line 1, the writer says, “Two things distinguish food production form all other productive activities.”

Here, the word distinguish is a verb and it refers to differentiate one thing from the other. The rest of the paragraph is about food only. So, by placing the word distinguish here, the writer means that these two things only apply to food production.

Also, in the question, the word ‘characteristics’ is in plural form, which means there is more than one characteristic = two things.

So, the answer is: A

Question 2: a reference to challenges faced only by farmers in certain parts of the world.

Keywords for the answer: challenges, only, farmers in certain parts of the world

In Paragraph B, the very first line deals with the challenges the farmers have to face all round the world = “Farmers everywhere face major risks, including …. . .”.

Now, many candidates will think it says farming problems of the whole world. Don’t let the line fool you. Go through the next lines. Here, line 3 says, “However, smallholder farmers in developing countries must, in addition, deal with adverse environments, both natural .. .. . ..”.

Here, Developing countries = certain parts of the world.

So, the answer is: B

Question 3: a reference to difficulties in bringing about co-operation between farmers

Keywords for the answer: difficulties, co-operation between farmers.

*** This question will make you read all the paragraphs, but you will find the answer in paragraph H. That’s why I’ve instructed you not to touch this type of question at the beginning of your test.

In paragraph H, lines 7-8 have a reference to Giel Ton who warns, “…that collective action does not come as a free good. It takes time, effort …… .” This line is a clear match with the difficulties of Collective actions (co-operation between farmers).

So, the answer is: H

Questions 4-9 (matching statements with list of people):

This question asks you to match the given statements with the list of people in the box below the question. Here, there are names of six agriculturists who have made different statements in the passage. First, find the main keyword of the question from the passage and then match other supporting keywords. Then, you can decide which person has made the selected statement. Read the instructions for the questions carefully. You may get confused sometimes if you don’t read the instructions.

Question 4: Financial assistance from the government does not always go to the farmers who most need it.

Keywords for the answer: financial assistance, does not always go to the farmers

If you skim paragraphs A, B, C, and D, you can’t find the main keyword financial assistance there. But, paragraph E, line 7 has a word ‘subsidies’ which is synonymous with financial assistance. It also says in lines 10 and 11, “In fact, studies show that sixty percent of beneficiaries of subsidies are not poor, but rich… .. . .” The underlined part of the sentence matches with “does not always go to the farmers”. Here, farmers are not rich.

The statement is made by Rokeya Kabir, Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Progati Shangha.

So, the answer is: D

Question 5: Farmers can benefit from collaborating as a group.

Keywords for the answer: benefit, collaborate, as a group

The main keyword collaborating is synonymous to collective action and this phrase first appears in Paragraph H. So, it’s clear that the answer is in para H. Here lines 6 & 7 say, “collective action offers an important way for farmers to strengthen their political and economic bargaining power.” Here, the word strengthen can be replaced with benefit.

The statement is made by Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

So, the answer is: B

Question 6: Financial assistance from the government can improve the standard of living of farmers.

Keywords for the answer: financial assistance, standard of living, farmers.

The opening sentence of paragraph E, from where we found the answer of question 4, mentions the statement of Shennge Fan, who believes “…safety nets and public welfare programmes” are “…valuable ways to address poverty among farming families and reduce their vulnerability to agriculture shocks”. “Public welfare programmes” are actually those programmes which supply financial assistance. And “address poverty” and “reduce their vulnerability to agriculture shocks” means to “improve the standard of living”.

The statement is made by Shennge Fan, Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute.

So, the answer is: C

Question 7: Farmers may be helped if there is financial input by the same individuals who buy from them.

Keywords for the answer: may be helped, financial input, same individuals, buy

Skim to Paragraph I and you find these synonyms or some synonymous phrases. In line 8, there is a phrase “worth more attention” which is synonymous with “farmers may be helped”. Also, the part of the sentence in line 7 “consumers invest in local farmers….”   matches with “financial input by the same individuals who buy from them”.

The statement is made by Sonali Bisht, founder, and advisor of INHERE, India.

So, the answer is: G

Question 8: Governments can help to reduce variation in prices.

Keywords for the answer: governments, reduce, variation in prices

There is a statement in paragraph D that deals with the reduction of variation in prices. Just focus on the words and phrases in the last three lines of paragraph D.

• There is a word ‘government’.
• The word ‘Mitigate’ means ‘reduce’.
• ‘Wild swings in food prices’ means ‘variation in prices’.

The statement is made by Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

So, the answer is: B

Question 9: Improvements to infrastructure can have a major impact on risk for farmers.

Keywords for the answer: improvements to infrastructure, major impact, risk for farmers

Skim to paragraph D where you’ve just found the previous answer to question 8. In lines 3, 4, 5 and 6, you find talks about improvements of infrastructures like roads, water, and food storage facilities, etc. Also, here are other phrases that match the question. Take a look:

• Major impact on risk for farmers = governments can significantly reduce risk for farmers (line 4),

The statement is made by Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

So, the answer is: A

Questions 10-13 (Multiple choice questions for two answers):

This set of questions asks you to find TWO answers to the same question. So, the main keyword/keywords will be the same.

Remember, you just need to find the two answers and put them in boxes 10 and 11 of the answer sheet but you need not follow any sequence for that. Do the same for questions 12 and 13.

Questions 10 and 11: Which TWO problems are mentioned which affect farmers with small farms in developing countries?

Keywords for the answer: problems, affect farmers with small farms, developing countries

In paragraph B line 3, you can find the mention of smallholder farmers which means farmers with small farms. There is also a clear mention of developing countries.

Now, in lines 3 and 4 you will find the phrase ‘adverse environment’ which matches with answer D = the effects of changing weather patterns.

Also in the opening of paragraph G, the writer states, “… climate change and its consequences for small-scale agriculture”. Here, ‘Small-scale agriculture’ matches with ‘farmers with small farms’.

So, the identifiable first problem is climate change and its consequences, which are a match with “the effects of changing weather patterns”. Answer: D

Now, in paragraph I, the author talks about “the presence of intermediary purchasers” (line 2). “Purchasers” means “buyers”. Those people “… taking advantage of farmers’ vulnerability, dictate prices.” It’s the reason as farmers are bound to sell their goods to these intermediary buyers and these are the buyers who play with prices or dictate prices. Answer: E

So, the answers are: D & E (put answers in boxes 10 and 11 in any order)

Questions 12 and 13: Which TWO actions are recommended for improving conditions for farmers?

Keywords for the answer: recommended, improving, conditions for farmers

In paragraph H, as we’ve already read that collective actions can be beneficial for farmers. So, this matches with answer C where organizing co-operation …. is mentioned.

In paragraph I, lines 7 and 8 there is a mention of “….community-supported agriculture, where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription and guarantee producers a fair price, ….” So, this matches with answer D where we find phrases like encouraging consumers and financial stakes.

So, the answers are: C & D (put answers in boxes 12 and 13 in any order)

The headline of Passage 2: The Lost City

Question 14-20 (List of headings/ Matching Headlines):

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: Read the first two lines, and occasionally, the last line of each heading. In most cases, the answers are found here. Do it for all the paragraphs. Do not read too much. If you still don’t find the answers, only then, read the remaining texts.

Question 14: Paragraph A

In paragraph A, the answer is found in line 4 and line 6, at the end of the paragraph. Line 4 states, “…… His goal was to locate…..”. Line 6 states, “….. and Bingham’s plan was to… …” Both these lines have words like goal and plan which indicates that there was an aim of the trip.

So, the answer is: iv            The aim of the trip

Question 15: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, you can find the answer in line 2 and 3, where the writer says, “ ….. a track had recently been blasted down….” Again, you read further and in line 4, the writer also says, “Almost all previous travelers had left the river at Ollantaytambo and taken a high pass across the mountains to rejoin the river………. … .. . but also therefore never passing through the area around Machu Picchu.”

It means that before Bingham’s expedition using the recent track, previous travelers had no idea that the recent route existed.

So, the answer is: vi            A new route

Question 16: Paragraph C

In paragraph C, the last lines contain the answer. In lines 5 and 6 the writer says, “……. And Bingham also seems to have been less than keen on …… “ It means for the time being Bingham also lost his interest in the expedition.

So, the answer is: viii          Bingham’s lack of enthusiasm

Question 17: Paragraph D

As for paragraph D, the answer can be gathered both from the first and last lines. In line 1, the author says, “….. Bingham writes about the approach in vivid style.” Line 7 and 8 says, “… It seemed like unbelievable dream….” Both in vivid style and unbelievable dream suggest that the description of Bingham was dramatic.

So, the answer is: v              A dramatic description

Question 18: Paragraph E

The answer to paragraph E lies in lines 2 and 3 where he says, “ ….. His journey entries of the time reveal a much more gradual appreciation of his achievement.” This means he wrote more than what he saw. Also in line 5 and 6, the writer says, “….. rejoined his companions, to whom he seems to have said little about his discovery.” So, Bingham writes in his notebook many things but doesn’t tell his companions much.

So, the answer is: i               Different accounts of the same journey

Question 19: Paragraph F

In paragraph F, lines 2 and 3, it is written, “…. . . When he came to write the National Geographic magazine article that broke the story to the world in April 1913, …” These lines suggest that Bingham wrote an article on Machu Picchu.

So, the answer is: vii           Bingham publishes his theory

Question 20: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, line 5 says, “ … An idea which has gained wide acceptance over the past few years…..”. Here, wide acceptance means that the idea became a common belief.

 So, the answer is: iii            A common belief

Question 21-24 (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

Question 21: Bingham went to South America in search of an Inca City.

Keywords for the answer: went, South America, search, Inca city

In paragraph A line 1, the writer says, “…  . .. Hiram Bingham arrived in South America….”.

In line 3, the writer also says, “…. . .exploration of the remote hinterland to the west of Cusco, the old capital of the Inca .. ..”

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 22: Bingham chose a particular route down the Urubamba valley because it was the most common route used by travelers.

Keywords for the answer: chose, particular route, down the Urubamba valley, the most common route

In paragraph B, you can find the answer in lines 2 and 3, where the writer says, “ ….. a track had recently been blasted down….” Again, you read further and in line 4, the writer also says, “Almost all previous travelers had left the river at Ollantaytambo and taken a high pass across the mountains to rejoin the river………. … .. . but also therefore never passing through the area around Machu Picchu.”

It clearly means that before Bingham’s expedition using the recent track, previous travelers had no idea that the recent route existed.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 23: Bingham understood the significance of Machu Picchu as soon as he saw it.

Keywords for the answer: understood, significance, Machu Picchu, as soon as, saw

In paragraph E, lines 6 and 7, the writer says, “… . .. At this stage, Bingham didn’t realize the extent or the importance of the site….”

The text clearly contradicts/doesn’t match the question.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 24: Bingham returned to Machu Picchu in order to find evidence to support this theory.

Keywords for the answer: returned, in order to, find, evidence

The previous answer was from paragraph E. So, you need not go back. Just skim the next paragraphs. You will find no information regarding Bingham’s return to Machu Picchu.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 25-26: (Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. 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 25: The track that took Bingham down the Urubamba valley had been created for the transportation of ……………………  .

Keywords for the answer: the track, down the Urubamba valley, for transportation

The answer is in paragraph B. Here, you can find in line 2 and 3, “…. .. a track had recently been blasted down… .. .. to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle.”

It means that the recent route which Bingham used to reach Machu Picchu was made to transport rubber.

So, the answer is: rubber

Question 26: Bingham found out about the ruins of Machu Picchu from a ……………………  in the Urubamba valley.

Keywords for the answer: ruins of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba valley, from a

This answer lies in paragraph C line 1 there is a mention of the word valley. In lines 3 and 4, the writer says,

“. . . .. . . up the nearby hill to see some ruins that a local farmer, Melchor Arteaga, had told them about … . .. . ”.

So, it was a local farmer who told Bingham’s team about the ruins.

So, the answer is: farmer

The headline of Passage 3: The Benefits of Being Bilingual

Question 27-31 (Matching tables; tests and findings)

In this type of question, the candidates have to fill in the blanks in two tables where some tests and their findings are mentioned. There is a condition of writing the answer which is NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS. As these questions have gaps to fill in, you need to focus the words before and after the gaps. This will help you find the answers easily. Synonyms are important because the answers cannot be found as it is in the questions.

Question 27: Observing the _________ of Russian-English bilingual people when asked to select certain objects.

Keywords for the answer:  Observing, Russian–English, when asked, select certain objects

In paragraph B, the keyword Russian-English is in line 10. So, the answer should be somewhere around it. Line 9 mentions a word ‘studying’ which is synonymous to ‘Observing’. The rest of the paragraph indicates selecting certain words like ‘stamp’ or ‘marka’. So, they will be studying eye movements (found in lines 9 and 10).

So, the answer is: eye movements

Question 28: Bilingual people engage both languages simultaneously: a mechanism known as __________.

Keywords for the answer: both languages, simultaneously, mechanism, known as

In paragraph B, where we found the previous question’s answer, there are a few words that match the keywords for this answer. Here, in lines 6 and 7, it says that the word ‘recognition’ is ‘… . . not limited to a single language; auditory input activates corresponding words regardless of the language to which they belong.’ This is synonymous to “Bilingual people engage both languages simultaneously”. Also, mechanism = phenomenon and known as = called.  

So, the answer is: language co-activation

Question 29: A test called the _______, focusing on naming colours.

Keywords for the answer: test, called, naming colours

In paragraph C, line 7 mentions the name of a test which is ‘Stroop Task’. The following line has a phrase ‘to name the colour’.

So, the answer is: Stroop Task

Question 30: Bilingual people are more able to handle tasks involving a skill called ________.

Keywords for the answer: more able to handle, a skill called

In paragraph C, lines 6 and 7, the author states, “…. .. .. bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management.”

This means that bilingual people are better (more able) to perform (handle) those tasks which require (involving) a special skill and that is conflict management.

So, the answer is: conflict management

Question 30: When changing strategies, bilingual people have superior ________.

Keywords for the answer: changing strategies, have superior

In paragraph C, lines 14 and 15, the writer talks about switching between two tasks. This has a close relationship with the phrase-‘changing strategies’ in question. Then the writer says that when bilingual people do such tasks, they reflect better cognitive control (line 17).

So, the answer is: cognitive control

Question 32-36(YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates have to find out whether:

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

Answers to these questions will follow a sequential order. So, if you find, for example, the answer to question 33, it means that the answer to question 32 is just before that.

Question 32: Attitudes towards bilingualism have changed in recent years.

Keywords for the answer: attitudes, have changed, recent years

Start reading from the very beginning of the passage. In paragraph 1, lines 2 and 3, the writer talks about the negative attitudes towards speaking two languages (….. In the past, such children were considered ….. . .. .) Then, in lines 4-7, the writer says that the advancement in technology has helped to show that children who speak two or more languages have several clear benefits (last line). This means that the attitudes have changed.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 33: Bilingual people are better than monolingual people at guessing correctly what words are before they are finished.

Keywords for the answer: better than, at guessing correctly, what words, before, finished

Paragraph B talks about the use of words while paragraph C talks about guessing words. But none of them shows any comparison on who is better at guessing correctly a word. There is no clear indication of the statement in question 33.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 34: Bilingual people consistently name images faster than monolingual people.

Keywords for the answer: consistently, name images, faster

In paragraph C, lines 2 and 3, the writer says a completely opposite thing. “…. .For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly.” This line directly contradicts the statement in question 34.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 35: Bilingual people’s brains process single sounds more efficiently than monolingual people in all situations.

Keywords for the answer: brains process single sounds, more efficiently, in all situations

In paragraph D, the author mentions “… When monolingual and bilingual adolescents listen to simple speech sounds without any intervening background noise, they show highly similar brain stem responses”. So, there is a proof of one situation, when there is no intervening background noise, at the time of the brain processing of both monolingual and bilingual people is “almost the same”. The given statement is only correct in the presence of background noise, but not in all situations.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 36: Fewer bilingual people than monolingual people suffer from brain disease in old age.

Keywords for the answer: Fewer, suffer, brain disease, old age

Paragraph F is the only place where the writer mentions old age in terms of issues related to brain disease. But nowhere in the paragraph has the writer said anything about a comparison on who suffers from brain disease more- bilingual or monolingual.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 37-40 (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. 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. You might as well find some answers quickly now, as you have already read the passage to find other questions and got a thorough idea about it.

Question 37: An example of how bilingual and monolingual people’s brains respond differently to a certain type of non-verbal auditory input

Keywords for the answer: example, brains, respond, differently, type of non-verbal auditory input

In paragraph D, we find some information about brain responses. Actually, we already found it when answering question 35. There is a mention of ‘simple sound’ which can be a close match to non-verbal auditory input.

So, the answer is: D

Question 38: A demonstration of how a bilingual upbringing has benefits even before we learn to speak

Keywords for the answer: demonstration, a bilingual upbringing, benefit, before we learn to speak

In paragraph G, lines 1 to 3, we find phrases like “very early” which matches with even before we learn to speak, “seven-month-old babies growing” which matches with upbringing. In the last lines, there is a phrase ‘imparts advantages’ which matches with benefits.

So, the answer is: G

Question 39: A description of the process by which people identify words that they hear

Keywords for the answer: description, process, identify words that they hear

We have already read paragraph B, where the writer talks about how bilinguals identify words (in lines 2 and 3). So, further reading may not be necessary. Just check again the lines.

So, the answer is: B

Question 40: Reference to some negative consequences of being bilingual

Keywords for the answer: negative consequences, being bilingual

This is also an easy answer to find out because we have already covered it while reading paragraph C, line 2 and 3. The writer says, “For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly.”

So, the answer is: C

Reading Passage 2:Collecting as a hobby

This passage mainly deals with the different forms of collecting as a hobby and its psychological aspects. It secondarily deals with the purpose of collecting as a hobby. 

Question 14 – 21: Fill in the blanks in a sentence. (Choose ONE WORD ONLY)

1. The writer mentions collecting _____ as an example of collecting in order to make
   money.

Key words for the question: collecting, make money

The question asks to find which things are collected for making money.

If you scan first sentence of paragraph 2, you will see that the author mentioning- “There are the people who collect because they want to make money – this could be called an instrumental reason for collecting; that is, collecting as a means to an end.”

Here, Because = in order to

So, that’s our first clue matching with the question.

Now, you will look for the next sentence to find out the example – “They’ll look for, say, antiques that they can buy cheaply and expect to be able to sell at a profit.”

Here, the word “,say,” has something special. When you find the word “SAY” in the middle of a sentence with two commas, you can be sure that this particular word is indicating an example or instance.

So, the answer is: antiques.

1. Collectors may get a feeling of _________ from buying and selling items.

Key words for the question: collectors, feeling, buying and sellingIn paragraph 2, you will find a sentence stating buying and selling items, that is: “But there may well be a psychological element, too – buying cheap and selling dear can give the collector a sense of triumph”.

Here, a sense of = a feeling of.

So, the answer is: triumph.

You can watch a video on YouTube on how to find the answers for the two questions above. Follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwI28glBvVo&feature=youtu.be

1. Collectors’ clubs provide opportunities to share ____________

Key words for the question: collectors’ clubs, share

In the opening sentence of paragraph 3, the author states “a group of collectors” – “attending meetings of a group of collectors and exchanging information on items.”

We can understand from the lines that these groups as “collectors’ clubs”. It’s saying that they can exchange information on items while attending those clubs. But the question requires one word only, so we choose the most important word from the sentence – “information”.
Here,  a group of = a club and exchange = share

So, the answer is: information.

1. Collectors’ clubs offer _______ with people who have similar interests.

Key words for the question: Collectors’ clubs, similar interests.

Again, in this question we find “collectors’ clubs” as in the question above. Therefore, we must stay at paragraph 3 to find the answer. In the second sentence, we see a phrase “like–minded people”.

The phrase like-minded means “people who have the same/similar interests”. And those clubs bring them into “contact” with other collectors, so the answer simply is “contact”. “Attending meetings” in clubs is one
way in which collectors come into contact socially.

Here, in the sentence, bring means offer and people who have similar interests means like – minded people.

So, the answer is: contact/meetings.

1. Collecting sometimes involves a life-long ______ for a special item.
   Key words for the question: collecting, life – long, special item.​

The first clue of the question is given in paragraph 3.

As the questions in IELTS Reading frequently follow the text’s order, you should look at the following sentences and find the similar words to the question you are practicing. The final sentence of paragraph 3 states   another purpose of collecting – which is “the desire to find something special” (Here, the word special means special item). But there is no mention of anything similar to “life-long”. Therefore you must continue reading to find the accurate answer. Interestingly, in the very next sentence, the author says “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this” (“the whole lives = life – long”). Now, we can understand that the writer means to say “Collectors sometimes have a life-long desire/ spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item.” So, the answer can be both “desire” or “hunt”.
Here, the phrase ‘whole lives’ means life- long

So, the answer is: hunt / desire.

1. Searching for something particular may prevent people from feeling their life is completely ______.

Key words for the question: searching, prevent, their life.

Have a look at paragraph 4. Here, the author states, “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this. Psychologically, this can give a purpose to a life that otherwise feels aimless.”

Scanning the sentence two times, you will understand that “This” means “spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item”. We can also understand that “a hunt” means “searching for”.

So, the author is claiming that if they are not looking for a special item, they will feel “aimless”. Then, in the following lines, we are again told (in paragraph 4 line 7-8), if the collector finds that special item, they may then “feel empty”, because the search has ended with the finding of the special item.

So, the answer is: aimless / empty.

• Stamp collecting may be _____ because it provides facts about different countries.

Key words for the question: stamp collecting, facts, different countries.

The main or primary key word for this question is “stamp collecting”, so we have to find that part of the passage which contains information about such type of collecting – which is paragraph 5. In this paragraph, the author mentions, “If you think about collecting postage stamps another potential reason for it – or, perhaps, a result of collecting – is its educational value. Stamp collecting opens a window to other countries, and to the plants, animals, or famous people shown on their stamps.”

The writer is clearly of the opinion that stamp collecting has some educational value as it “opens a window to other countries” with things described or shown on their stamps.

So, the answer is: educational.

• _______ tends to be mostly a male hobby.

Key words for the question: male hobby.

This question has a gender related word, which is “male”. This is our keyword.  In paragraph 7, the author talks about “trainspotting” as “a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men”. The opening lines say, “In the past – and nowadays, too, though to a lesser extent – a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men, was trainspotting.”

Here, boys and men means male.

So, the answer is: trainspotting.

Question 22-26           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of questions maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• The number of people buying dolls has grown over the centuries.

Key words for the question: the number of, buying dolls, grown.

As, in this question, the primary or main keyword is doll, we have to find every part of the text about “dolls”. Paragraph 8 talks about this topic. But it is about the things which interest doll collectors, but there is no information about the number of people buying dolls. No numeric data is given here.

So, the answer is: Not given.

NB: Sometimes, it can be difficult for you to be sure about this answer (NOT GIVEN). If you are not sure enough, you can skip this question and go to the next one. As you know, these questions are arranged in order, if you find out clues for the answer of next question, then you can be sure that the following sentences has no information about the answer for this question.)

• Sixteenth century European dolls were normally made of wax and porcelain.

Key words for the question: 16th century, made of, wax and porcelain.

In the same paragraph (paragraph 8) about dolls, the writer also says in the second sentence: “These have changed over the centuries from the wood that was standard in 16th century Europe, through the wax and porcelain of later centuries, to the plastics of today’s dolls.” So, it can be gathered from the lines, in 16th century, European dolls were often made of wood. And the wax and porcelain dolls were popular in later centuries, which indicates the 17th century and the ones after.

Here, materials that are used means made of

So, the answer is: False.

• Arranging a stamp collection by the size of the stamps is less common than other methods.

Key words for the question: arranging, by the size, less common.

Paragraph 9 should be focused, which contains information about arranging a stamp collection. In this paragraph, the author only states the reason behind some collectors’ liking to arrange their collection and the types of arrangement. But, you can find no reference to what kind of arrangement is more or less common.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• Someone who collects unusual objects may want others to think he or she is also unusual.

Key words for the question: unusual objects, think.

In paragraph 10, the author says “One reason, conscious or not, for what someone chooses to collect is to show the collector’s individualism”, and gives an example by stating, “Someone who decides to collect something unexpected as dog collars,” (which means unusual objects), they may be passing on their belief (which means they want others to think) that they are interesting as well.

Here, unusual means unexpected

So, the answer is: True.

• Collecting gives a feeling that other hobbies are unlikely to inspire.

Key words for the question: other hobbies, inspire

In the final paragraph, the writer says, “More than most other hobbies, collecting can be totally engrossing, and can give a strong sense of personal fulfillment.” This means collecting needs all your attention and makes you completely satisfied, while most other hobbies could not do the same (more than most other hobbies).

Here, give a sense means give a feeling and inspire means fulfill.

So, the answer is: True.

Reading Passage 3:What’s the Purpose of Gaining Knowledge?

Question 27-32           List of Headings/ Matching Headlines

In this kind of question, time is a crucial matter. It will take a lot of your important time. You must not waste too much time in other easy question. This will help you to save some extra time which may come beneficial to you. As questions like these target the whole paragraph, we may need some time to get used to at first. You need not panic. Practicing them regularly will surely upgrade your skills. Skills like skimming and scanning will come handy here. Speculating some answers may also help. Most importantly, you need to apply some techniques like avoiding reading the whole paragraph and focusing on key sentences. Read the first lines and, in some cases, the last line. Don’t read the whole paragraph!

• Section A

This section discusses the university founders’ passion to a wide variety of courses and majors. So, we must focus on headings related to those contents – they are ii, vi and vii (headings about the title, there is no heading about the other contents). In section A, the author writes “But what would the founders of these two institutions have thought of a course called Arson for Profit’?”. The author also says: “I kid you not…” to make clear that this course title is not a mere joke. We may have doubts about the existence of the course, but the writer confirms that it does exist. Since this is only one unexpected title, it cannot match with vii (different names) and the author states nothing related to its meanings, so it cannot be ii (with two meanings). The answer is vi because it says A surprising course title.

So, the answer is: vi

• Section B

Section B deals with targeting students of the course because the first sentence says: “the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. After that the author throws a question: “But wouldn’t this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?” The author asks this question to show the possibility of attracting the wrong kind of students. The course might attract those students who might be interested in starting fires, not fighting fires.

So, the answer is: viii

• Section C

Section C talks about the author and his life-story about the title of the course. There are only two outstanding headings that could be related to a title – ii and vii. We have already a confirmed answer-vi for Section A. As in this section, the author only states one confusing title that could be recognized by his students in two different ways, as it deals with the two meanings of ‘principles’. So, the answer has to be “a course title with two meanings”.

So, the answer is: ii

• Section D

Section D is a very small paragraph and you can cross out some answers straightaway because you know they are wrong for sure. As an example, in this section, the author does not talk about any commitment, so the answer heading ‘i’ is wrong– “Courses that require a high level of commitment”. Continue to do the same for other answers. Thus, only heading iv – “Applying a theory in an unexpected context” will remain. Here, the writer provides a reference to the idea of the philosopher Kant that any body of knowledge is principled. The author states in the first line that this idea sounds “downright crazy in the light of the evidence”, which is a clear match with “an unexpected context” in the heading when applied to an immoral practice like marketing.

So, the answer is: iv

• Section E

In this section, the writer states two important terms in marketing, means and end, in the very first line. So, there are two important matters which are discussed in this section. In the last lines, he supposes that “A field of knowledge or a professional endeavor is defined by both the means and the end; hence both deserve scrutiny”, which means that both terms are equally important. Therefore, the answer is “the equal importance of two key issues”.

So, the answer is: iii

• Section F

In the last lines final section, the author gives the example of a doctor and a poisoner/murderer. Both may gather the same body of knowledge, but they use that knowledge for completely different purposes/ends, and so we give different names: we say that the doctor is practicing medicine and we say that the other is practicing murder. The author does not talk about anything related to “financial benefits” (heading v) and “a high level of commitment” (heading i). Therefore, the most suitable heading for this section is “Different names for different outcomes” (vii).

So, the answer is: vii

Question 33-36           Summary Completion (using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

In this question type, you are given a short text with some blank spaces. You have to fill in the blanks with one or two words taken directly from the passage. To practice this question type effectively, look at the words or phrases just before and after the blank spaces carefully. This may give you some idea about where to look for the answers in the passage.

• […] undergraduates and who are studying ____

In the final sentence of the first section, the author mentions: “Any undergraduates who have met the academic requirements can sign up for the course in our program in ‘fire science’.” So, it can be said that students who can sign up for the course are undergraduates and those who are studying ‘fire science’. (in this question you can write no more than two words).

So, the answer is: fire science.

• […] that they will become ____

The opening lines of the second section says: “Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. We can see here that expectation means prospective, which means they are studying to be arson investigators in the future. The answer is investigators.

Here, expectation = prospective and will be = in the future

So, the answer is: investigators.

• […] cases of arson and find ____ of criminal intent

In this question, the clause “The course will help them” means students can learn something from the course, so we need to look at this reference in section B, lines 1-3: “…. who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.” Here, “A fire was deliberately set” can be taken as an example of criminal intent, that is: the arsonist deliberately intended to start a fire. Then the course can help them to detect whether it is done deliberately or not, who did it, and find a chain of evidence. So, the answer has to be “evidence”.

Here, find means to detect or establish

So, the answer is: evidence.

• […] leading to successful ____ in the courts.

The answer required for this question is just after an adjective (successful) and in front of an adverb of place (in the courts). Therefore, we can understand that the answer has to be a noun. In section B, the author states the court in this phrase in lines 3-4: “establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law”. Here, “effective” means “successful”, and “in a court of law” means “in the courts”. So, the answer is “prosecution”.

So, the answer is: prosecution.

Question 37-40           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of question maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• It is difficult to attract students onto courses that do not focus on a career.

If this statement is true, you must find a sentence in the text conveying the same idea. If this statement is false, you need to point out what is wrong with it and find a sentence in the passage given to correct it. However, there is no reference like that in the passage. In the passage, we can’t find any sentence telling us about difficulties in attracting students onto such courses.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• The ‘Arson for Profit’ course would be useful for people intending to set fire to buildings.

Hence, we have already learned from our previous reading of the passage that “use the very same knowledge” means they can use what they have learned from this course (= this course would be useful for them). Moreover, “destructive, dangerous, reckless activity” can include “set fire to buildings.” Therefore, the answer is Yes. Further in section F, the author once again states the “Arson for Profit” course and mentions: “As we have seen, someone could use the very same knowledge of means to achieve a much less noble end, such as personal profit via destructive, dangerous, reckless activity”.

So, the answer is: Yes.

• Fire science courses are too academic to help people to be good at the job of firefighting.

Look at section B where the author speaks about the knowledge learned on the course to its usefulness for students who want to become firefighters. They will be capable of doing the job in a professional and expert way: “…. programs in fire science: they are highly welcome as part of the increasing professionalization of this and many other occupations”. The course surely helps the students. Here, To be good at the job of means professionalization.

So, the answer is: No.

• The writer’s fire science students provided a detailed definition of the purpose of their studies.

Take a look at section F where the author asks the students about the purpose of the course, “When I ask fire science students to articulate the end, or purpose, of their field, they eventually generalize to something like, ‘The safety and welfare of society,’ which seems right.” Here, they only “generalize”, which means “to make a flat/general statement or form a general opinion”. Their opinion is only general or flat, not detailed or particularly clear. Here, provide a detailed definition of means to articulate.

So, the answer is: No.

Reading Passage 1: Cork

Question 1-5 : TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of question maintains a sequence. So, if you find the answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for the answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

Strategies to answer the questions: This post may help you to answer this type of question easily.

https://ieltsdeal.com/2018/01/13/ielts-reading-a-smart-strategy-to-handle-yes-no-not-given/

Now let’s look at the questions and explanations.

1. The cork oak has the thickest bark of any living tree.
   
   

Keywords for the question: thickest bark

In paragraph 1 of the passage the author mentions, “Cork- the thick bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber) – is a remarkable material.” Again, in paragraph 2, the author mentions, “Its bark grows up to 20cm in thickness.” In both these lines, the word THICK is available. But, in our question, the phrase is the thickest bark. Here, the word thickest is in the superlative form of an adjective, which means this tree has to be in rank no. 1 as far as thickness is concerned. There is no such comparison in the passage and it means that our answer is not available in the passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN 

• Scientists have developed a synthetic cork with the same cellular structure as natural cork.

Keywords for the question: synthetic cork, same cellular structure, natural cork

In paragraph 2 lines 9-13, the author mentions the cellular structure of the bark of the cork oak “ . . .. ..  the bark of the cork oak has a particular cellular structure – with about 40 million cells per cubic centimetre – that technology has never succeeded in replicating”.

Here, there is a clear contradiction or disagreement between the question and the above-quoted text from the passage. The question says,  scientists have developed or discovered or invented an artificial synthetic cork that matches the cellular structure of natural cork. But the words “technology has never succeeded in replicating” means that technology or scientists have not been successful to make anything similar to the natural cork, with all of the same qualities.

Here, the word replicate may create confusion as a new or unknown word, which means duplicate or same.

So, the answer is: FALSE

• Individual cork oak trees must be left for 25 years between the first and second harvest.

Keywords for the question: individual, 25 years, the first and second harvest

Take a close look at paragraph 4, which talks about the harvesting of an individual cork oak tree. The author says, “From the planting of a cork sapling to the first harvest takes 25 years, and a gap of approximately a decade must separate harvests from an individual tree”.

* Approximately a decade = nearly 10 years. So, the gap is 10 years, not 25 years.

* A gap = must be left……….. between

So, the answer is: FALSE

Note: If there is only a numeric (number) difference between the question and the passage, the answer is always False. Here is a picture to explain question no. 3 in a better way.

• Cork bark should be stripped in dry atmospheric conditions.

Keywords for the question: stripped, dry atmospheric conditions

The word stripped is directly mentioned in paragraph 4 (Follow the order of the text from the previous question). Here, in line 15 the author states, “If the bark is stripped on a day when it’s too cold – or when the air is damp – the tree will be damaged”.

This text agrees with the question, but in a reverse pattern. Here, the word “damp” is antonym for the word “dry”. So, the bark should not be stripped in damp atmospheric conditions; rather, it needs to be stripped in dry atmospheric conditions.

So, the answer is: TRUE

• The only way to remove the bark from cork oak trees is by hand.

Keywords for the question: only way, remove, by hand

The answer is available in paragraph 5, where the author maintains, “No mechanical means of stripping cork bark has been invented, so the job is done by teams of highly skilled workers.”

Stripping = remove

Since the author’s negative statement “no mechanical means has been invented” suggests that there is no mechanical technology available to remove the bark, it has to be done by hand (the hands of highly skilled workers).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 6-13: NOTE-COMPLETION (One word only)

Note: This type of question is nothing more than filling in the blanks. Read the title of the note, which is very important to have an idea about the questions and targeted paragraphs to find the answers.

• do not affect the ___________ of the bottle contents
  
  

Keywords for the question: affect, bottle contents

First, find the main keyword “bottle contents” and then scan the line carefully.
The author states in paragraph 6, “Recent years have seen the end of the virtual monopoly of cork as the material for bottle stoppers, due to concerns about the effect it may have on the contents of the bottle…..The tiniest concentrations – as little as three or four parts to a trillion – can spoil the taste of the product contained in the bottle. The result has been a gradual yet steady move first towards plastic stoppers and, more recently, to aluminium screw caps.”

Here, look at the synonymous links.

• Affect = spoil
  • Bottle contents = the product contained in the bottle

These lines indicate that aluminium screw caps overcame one disadvantage of cork bottle stoppers, which is that they “spoil the taste of the product contained in the bottle”. So, we understand from here that aluminium screw caps do not affect the taste of the product inside the bottle.

So, the answer is: taste

• are ________ to produce

Keywords for the question: produce

• are _______ to use
  
  

Keywords for the question: use

In the final sentence of paragraph 6, the author states, “These substitutes are cheaper to manufacture and, in the case of screw caps, more convenient for the user”.

Here,

These substitutes = aluminium screw caps

Manufacture = produce,

for the user = to use

So, we can gather the meaning from here that they are cheaper to produce and more convenient for the user. However, the question requires ONE WORD ONLY, so the answers for questions 7 and 8 have to be “cheaper” and “convenient”.

• Produce = manufacture
• To use = for the user

So, the answers are:

7. cheaper  

8. convenient

• Suit the ______ of quality products

Keywords for the question: suit, quality products

We find some information about quality products in the sentence in paragraph 7 line 3: “Firstly, its(the cork bottle stopper) traditional image is more in keeping with that of the type of high-quality goods with which it has long been associated”.

Here, the phrase “in keeping with” means “suit”. So the answer is “traditional image”, but the answer requires only one word, so it has to be “image”. It is because you have to choose a noun between a noun and an adjective.

• Products = goods
  • In keeping with = suit

So, the answer is: image

1. made from a ______ material

Keywords for the question: made from, material

1. easily ______

In the very following sentence, the author mentions “Secondly – and very importantly – cork is a sustainable product that can be recycled without difficulty”.

Recycling often is linked with the material. So the author is referring to its material here. The answer is
“sustainable” and “recycled”
Here, without difficulty = easily

So, the answers are:

10. sustainable   

11. recycled

1. cork forests aid _______

Keywords for the question: cork forests, aid

1. cork forests stop _____ happening

Keywords for the question: cork forests, stop

In paragraph 7 line 9, in the end, the author states about the cork forests – “Moreover, cork forests are a resource which support local biodiversity, and prevent desertification in the regions where they are planted. So, given the current concerns about environmental issues, the future of this ancient material once again looks promising”.

Here, support = aid

Prevent = stop.

So the answers are clearly “biodiversity” and “desertification”

So, the answers are:

12. Biodiversity  

13. Desertification

Reading Passage 2 : Collecting as a hobby

This passage mainly deals with the different forms of collecting as a hobby and its psychological aspects. It secondarily deals with the purpose of collecting as a hobby. 

Question 14 – 21: Fill in the blanks in a sentence. (Choose ONE WORD ONLY)

1. The writer mentions collecting _____ as an example of collecting in order to make
   money.

Key words for the question: collecting, make money

The question asks to find which things are collected for making money.

If you scan first sentence of paragraph 2, you will see that the author mentioning- “There are the people who collect because they want to make money – this could be called an instrumental reason for collecting; that is, collecting as a means to an end.”

Here, Because = in order to

So, that’s our first clue matching with the question.

Now, you will look for the next sentence to find out the example – “They’ll look for, say, antiques that they can buy cheaply and expect to be able to sell at a profit.”

Here, the word “,say,” has something special. When you find the word “SAY” in the middle of a sentence with two commas, you can be sure that this particular word is indicating an example or instance.

So, the answer is: antiques.

1. Collectors may get a feeling of _________ from buying and selling items.

Key words for the question: collectors, feeling, buying and sellingIn paragraph 2, you will find a sentence stating buying and selling items, that is: “But there may well be a psychological element, too – buying cheap and selling dear can give the collector a sense of triumph”.

Here, a sense of = a feeling of.

So, the answer is: triumph.

You can watch a video on YouTube on how to find the answers for the two questions above. Follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwI28glBvVo&feature=youtu.be

1. Collectors’ clubs provide opportunities to share ____________

Key words for the question: collectors’ clubs, share

In the opening sentence of paragraph 3, the author states “a group of collectors” – “attending meetings of a group of collectors and exchanging information on items.”

We can understand from the lines that these groups as “collectors’ clubs”. It’s saying that they can exchange information on items while attending those clubs. But the question requires one word only, so we choose the most important word from the sentence – “information”.
Here,  a group of = a club and exchange = share

So, the answer is: information.

1. Collectors’ clubs offer _______ with people who have similar interests.

Key words for the question: Collectors’ clubs, similar interests.

Again, in this question we find “collectors’ clubs” as in the question above. Therefore, we must stay at paragraph 3 to find the answer. In the second sentence, we see a phrase “like–minded people”.

The phrase like-minded means “people who have the same/similar interests”. And those clubs bring them into “contact” with other collectors, so the answer simply is “contact”. “Attending meetings” in clubs is one
way in which collectors come into contact socially.

Here, in the sentence, bring means offer and people who have similar interests means like – minded people.

So, the answer is: contact/meetings.

1. Collecting sometimes involves a life-long ______ for a special item.
   Key words for the question: collecting, life – long, special item.​

The first clue of the question is given in paragraph 3.

As the questions in IELTS Reading frequently follow the text’s order, you should look at the following sentences and find the similar words to the question you are practicing. The final sentence of paragraph 3 states   another purpose of collecting – which is “the desire to find something special” (Here, the word special means special item). But there is no mention of anything similar to “life-long”. Therefore you must continue reading to find the accurate answer. Interestingly, in the very next sentence, the author says “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this” (“the whole lives = life – long”). Now, we can understand that the writer means to say “Collectors sometimes have a life-long desire/ spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item.” So, the answer can be both “desire” or “hunt”.
Here, the phrase ‘whole lives’ means life- long

So, the answer is: hunt / desire.

1. Searching for something particular may prevent people from feeling their life is completely ______.

Key words for the question: searching, prevent, their life.

Have a look at paragraph 4. Here, the author states, “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this. Psychologically, this can give a purpose to a life that otherwise feels aimless.”

Scanning the sentence two times, you will understand that “This” means “spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item”. We can also understand that “a hunt” means “searching for”.

So, the author is claiming that if they are not looking for a special item, they will feel “aimless”. Then, in the following lines, we are again told (in paragraph 4 line 7-8), if the collector finds that special item, they may then “feel empty”, because the search has ended with the finding of the special item.

So, the answer is: aimless / empty.

• Stamp collecting may be _____ because it provides facts about different countries.

Key words for the question: stamp collecting, facts, different countries.

The main or primary key word for this question is “stamp collecting”, so we have to find that part of the passage which contains information about such type of collecting – which is paragraph 5. In this paragraph, the author mentions, “If you think about collecting postage stamps another potential reason for it – or, perhaps, a result of collecting – is its educational value. Stamp collecting opens a window to other countries, and to the plants, animals, or famous people shown on their stamps.”

The writer is clearly of the opinion that stamp collecting has some educational value as it “opens a window to other countries” with things described or shown on their stamps.

So, the answer is: educational.

• _______ tends to be mostly a male hobby.

Key words for the question: male hobby.

This question has a gender related word, which is “male”. This is our keyword.  In paragraph 7, the author talks about “trainspotting” as “a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men”. The opening lines say, “In the past – and nowadays, too, though to a lesser extent – a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men, was trainspotting.”

Here, boys and men means male.

So, the answer is: trainspotting.

Question 22-26           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of questions maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• The number of people buying dolls has grown over the centuries.

Key words for the question: the number of, buying dolls, grown.

As, in this question, the primary or main keyword is doll, we have to find every part of the text about “dolls”. Paragraph 8 talks about this topic. But it is about the things which interest doll collectors, but there is no information about the number of people buying dolls. No numeric data is given here.

So, the answer is: Not given.

NB: Sometimes, it can be difficult for you to be sure about this answer (NOT GIVEN). If you are not sure enough, you can skip this question and go to the next one. As you know, these questions are arranged in order, if you find out clues for the answer of next question, then you can be sure that the following sentences has no information about the answer for this question.)

• Sixteenth century European dolls were normally made of wax and porcelain.

Key words for the question: 16th century, made of, wax and porcelain.

In the same paragraph (paragraph 8) about dolls, the writer also says in the second sentence: “These have changed over the centuries from the wood that was standard in 16th century Europe, through the wax and porcelain of later centuries, to the plastics of today’s dolls.” So, it can be gathered from the lines, in 16th century, European dolls were often made of wood. And the wax and porcelain dolls were popular in later centuries, which indicates the 17th century and the ones after.

Here, materials that are used means made of

So, the answer is: False.

• Arranging a stamp collection by the size of the stamps is less common than other methods.

Key words for the question: arranging, by the size, less common.

Paragraph 9 should be focused, which contains information about arranging a stamp collection. In this paragraph, the author only states the reason behind some collectors’ liking to arrange their collection and the types of arrangement. But, you can find no reference to what kind of arrangement is more or less common.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• Someone who collects unusual objects may want others to think he or she is also unusual.

Key words for the question: unusual objects, think.

In paragraph 10, the author says “One reason, conscious or not, for what someone chooses to collect is to show the collector’s individualism”, and gives an example by stating, “Someone who decides to collect something unexpected as dog collars,” (which means unusual objects), they may be passing on their belief (which means they want others to think) that they are interesting as well.

Here, unusual means unexpected

So, the answer is: True.

• Collecting gives a feeling that other hobbies are unlikely to inspire.

Key words for the question: other hobbies, inspire

In the final paragraph, the writer says, “More than most other hobbies, collecting can be totally engrossing, and can give a strong sense of personal fulfillment.” This means collecting needs all your attention and makes you completely satisfied, while most other hobbies could not do the same (more than most other hobbies).

Here, give a sense means give a feeling and inspire means fulfill.

So, the answer is: True.

Reading Passage 3 : What’s the Purpose of Gaining Knowledge?

Question 27-32           List of Headings/ Matching Headlines

In this kind of question, time is a crucial matter. It will take a lot of your important time. You must not waste too much time in other easy question. This will help you to save some extra time which may come beneficial to you. As questions like these target the whole paragraph, we may need some time to get used to at first. You need not panic. Practicing them regularly will surely upgrade your skills. Skills like skimming and scanning will come handy here. Speculating some answers may also help. Most importantly, you need to apply some techniques like avoiding reading the whole paragraph and focusing on key sentences. Read the first lines and, in some cases, the last line. Don’t read the whole paragraph!

• Section A

This section discusses the university founders’ passion to a wide variety of courses and majors. So, we must focus on headings related to those contents – they are ii, vi and vii (headings about the title, there is no heading about the other contents). In section A, the author writes “But what would the founders of these two institutions have thought of a course called Arson for Profit’?”. The author also says: “I kid you not…” to make clear that this course title is not a mere joke. We may have doubts about the existence of the course, but the writer confirms that it does exist. Since this is only one unexpected title, it cannot match with vii (different names) and the author states nothing related to its meanings, so it cannot be ii (with two meanings). The answer is vi because it says A surprising course title.

So, the answer is: vi

• Section B

Section B deals with targeting students of the course because the first sentence says: “the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. After that the author throws a question: “But wouldn’t this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?” The author asks this question to show the possibility of attracting the wrong kind of students. The course might attract those students who might be interested in starting fires, not fighting fires.

So, the answer is: viii

• Section C

Section C talks about the author and his life-story about the title of the course. There are only two outstanding headings that could be related to a title – ii and vii. We have already a confirmed answer-vi for Section A. As in this section, the author only states one confusing title that could be recognized by his students in two different ways, as it deals with the two meanings of ‘principles’. So, the answer has to be “a course title with two meanings”.

So, the answer is: ii

• Section D

Section D is a very small paragraph and you can cross out some answers straightaway because you know they are wrong for sure. As an example, in this section, the author does not talk about any commitment, so the answer heading ‘i’ is wrong– “Courses that require a high level of commitment”. Continue to do the same for other answers. Thus, only heading iv – “Applying a theory in an unexpected context” will remain. Here, the writer provides a reference to the idea of the philosopher Kant that any body of knowledge is principled. The author states in the first line that this idea sounds “downright crazy in the light of the evidence”, which is a clear match with “an unexpected context” in the heading when applied to an immoral practice like marketing.

So, the answer is: iv

• Section E

In this section, the writer states two important terms in marketing, means and end, in the very first line. So, there are two important matters which are discussed in this section. In the last lines, he supposes that “A field of knowledge or a professional endeavor is defined by both the means and the end; hence both deserve scrutiny”, which means that both terms are equally important. Therefore, the answer is “the equal importance of two key issues”.

So, the answer is: iii

• Section F

In the last lines final section, the author gives the example of a doctor and a poisoner/murderer. Both may gather the same body of knowledge, but they use that knowledge for completely different purposes/ends, and so we give different names: we say that the doctor is practicing medicine and we say that the other is practicing murder. The author does not talk about anything related to “financial benefits” (heading v) and “a high level of commitment” (heading i). Therefore, the most suitable heading for this section is “Different names for different outcomes” (vii).

So, the answer is: vii

Question 33-36           Summary Completion (using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

In this question type, you are given a short text with some blank spaces. You have to fill in the blanks with one or two words taken directly from the passage. To practice this question type effectively, look at the words or phrases just before and after the blank spaces carefully. This may give you some idea about where to look for the answers in the passage.

• […] undergraduates and who are studying ____

In the final sentence of the first section, the author mentions: “Any undergraduates who have met the academic requirements can sign up for the course in our program in ‘fire science’.” So, it can be said that students who can sign up for the course are undergraduates and those who are studying ‘fire science’. (in this question you can write no more than two words).

So, the answer is: fire science.

• […] that they will become ____

The opening lines of the second section says: “Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. We can see here that expectation means prospective, which means they are studying to be arson investigators in the future. The answer is investigators.

Here, expectation = prospective and will be = in the future

So, the answer is: investigators.

• […] cases of arson and find ____ of criminal intent

In this question, the clause “The course will help them” means students can learn something from the course, so we need to look at this reference in section B, lines 1-3: “…. who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.” Here, “A fire was deliberately set” can be taken as an example of criminal intent, that is: the arsonist deliberately intended to start a fire. Then the course can help them to detect whether it is done deliberately or not, who did it, and find a chain of evidence. So, the answer has to be “evidence”.

Here, find means to detect or establish

So, the answer is: evidence.

• […] leading to successful ____ in the courts.

The answer required for this question is just after an adjective (successful) and in front of an adverb of place (in the courts). Therefore, we can understand that the answer has to be a noun. In section B, the author states the court in this phrase in lines 3-4: “establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law”. Here, “effective” means “successful”, and “in a court of law” means “in the courts”. So, the answer is “prosecution”.

So, the answer is: prosecution.

Question 37-40           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of question maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• It is difficult to attract students onto courses that do not focus on a career.

If this statement is true, you must find a sentence in the text conveying the same idea. If this statement is false, you need to point out what is wrong with it and find a sentence in the passage given to correct it. However, there is no reference like that in the passage. In the passage, we can’t find any sentence telling us about difficulties in attracting students onto such courses.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• The ‘Arson for Profit’ course would be useful for people intending to set fire to buildings.

Hence, we have already learned from our previous reading of the passage that “use the very same knowledge” means they can use what they have learned from this course (= this course would be useful for them). Moreover, “destructive, dangerous, reckless activity” can include “set fire to buildings.” Therefore, the answer is Yes. Further in section F, the author once again states the “Arson for Profit” course and mentions: “As we have seen, someone could use the very same knowledge of means to achieve a much less noble end, such as personal profit via destructive, dangerous, reckless activity”.

So, the answer is: Yes.

• Fire science courses are too academic to help people to be good at the job of firefighting.

Look at section B where the author speaks about the knowledge learned on the course to its usefulness for students who want to become firefighters. They will be capable of doing the job in a professional and expert way: “…. programs in fire science: they are highly welcome as part of the increasing professionalization of this and many other occupations”. The course surely helps the students. Here, To be good at the job of means professionalization.

So, the answer is: No.

• The writer’s fire science students provided a detailed definition of the purpose of their studies.

Take a look at section F where the author asks the students about the purpose of the course, “When I ask fire science students to articulate the end, or purpose, of their field, they eventually generalize to something like, ‘The safety and welfare of society,’ which seems right.” Here, they only “generalize”, which means “to make a flat/general statement or form a general opinion”. Their opinion is only general or flat, not detailed or particularly clear. Here, provides a detailed definition of means to articulate.

So, the answer is: No.

Reading Passage 1: Research using twins

Questions 1-4:  (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: There may be genetic causes for the differences in how young the skin of identical twins looks.

Keywords for the question: may be, genetic cause, differences, young, skin,

The answer can be found in lines 8-11 of the first paragraph. Here, the writer says, “Any differences between them – one twin having younger looking skin, for example – must be due to environmental factors such as less time spent in the sun.” It means the differences are because of the environment, not for genetic causes.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 2: Twins are at greater risk of developing certain illnesses than non-twins.

Keywords for the question: greater risk, developing certain illnesses,

Many of you might think the answer is in the second paragraph because of these lines, “If identical twins are more similar to each other with respect to an ailment than fraternal twins are, then vulnerability to the disease must be rooted at least in part in heredity. Unfortunately, the sentence starts with ‘if’, which means the writer only compares identical twins with fraternal twins, he doesn’t make a comparison between twins and non-twins.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 3: Bouchard advertised in newspapers for twins who had been separated at birth.

Keywords for the question: Bouchard, advertised, newspapers,

In paragraph no. 3 and 4, we find reference to the groundbreaking research on twins. However, nowhere in the paragraph we find any reference to advertisement in newspapers.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   

Question 4: Epigenetic processes are different from both genetic and environmental processes.

Keywords for the question: Epigenetic, different from, genetic and environmental,

In paragraph no. 6, the writer mentions, “… .. .nature and nurture are not the only elemental forces at work. According to a recent field called epigenetics, there is a third factor also in play, one that in some cases serves as a bridge between the environment and our genes.” In the previous paragraphs, genetic and environmental processes (nature and nurture) have been explained. Now, in paragraph 6 this line means that the epigenetic process works as a bridge between those two processes. It means it is neither a genetic process nor an environmental process.

So, the answer is: TRUE       

Questions 5-9: (Matching statements with a list of researchers)

[In this kind of questions, the candidates have to match the statements which are stated by different researchers given in the list.]

Question 5: invented a term used to distinguish two factors affecting human characteristics

Keywords for the question: invented a term, distinguish, characteristics

It is quite easy to find this answer because there is a trick that works here perfectly.

Special Tips:

The phrase “invented a term” is synonymous to ‘coined the phrase’. It means saying something special that no one used this way before. Remember the saying, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” by the greatest boxer Mohammad Ali. He coined the phrase. 🙂

So, for this question, we need to find ‘coined the phrase’ and we find it in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says, “The idea of using twins to measure the influence of heredity dates back to 1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton first suggested the approach (and coined the phrase ‘nature and nurture’.)”

So, the answer is: A (Francis Galton)

Question 6: expressed the view that the study of epigenetics will increase our knowledge

Keywords for the question: study of epigenetics, will increase, knowledge

The answer can be found at the end of paragraph 12 lines 1-3. Here, we find the comments or views of Geneticist Danielle Reed. “Reed adds, the latest work in epigenetics promises to take our understanding even further”. This means that Reed is hopeful that the study of epigenetics will give us a better understanding or knowledge.

So, the answer is: C (Danielle Reed)  

Question 7: developed a mathematical method of measuring genetic influences.

Keywords for the question: developed, mathematical method, measuring genetic influences

In paragraph 5, the author mentions, “Bouchard and his colleagues used this mountain of data to identify how far twins were affected by their genetic makeup. The key to their approach was a statistical concept called heritability. In broad terms, the heritability of a trait measures the extent to which differences among members of a population can be explained by differences in their genetics”.

Here, statistical concept = mathematical method

So, the answer is: B (Thomas Bouchard)

Question 8: pioneered research into genetics using twins

Keywords for the question: pioneered, research, genetics, twins

Answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 4 lines 1-4, “The idea of using twins to measure the influence of heredity dates back to 1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton first suggested the approach. .. . . .”. Here, the phrase “first suggested” means that Francis Galton was the first person or the pioneer to use twins to measure the influence of heredity.

So, the answer is: A (Francis Galton)

Question 9: carried out research into twins who had lived apart

Keywords for the question: carried out, research, twins who had lived apart,  

To find the answer to this question, we need to locate the key phrase ‘twins who had lived apart’ which can be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says in lines 6-10, “… .. twin studies took a surprising twist in the 1980s, with the arrival of studies into identical twins who had been separated at birth and reunited as adults. Over two decades 137 sets of twins eventually visited Thomas Bouchard’s lab….”

So, the answer is: B (Thomas Bouchard)

Question 10-13: (Summary completion using the list of words)

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two, or three paragraphs with some fill-in-the-blanks questions. As these are fill-in-the-blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing ONE, TWO, or THREE words for each answer or, for this kind of question, choose words from a given list. 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.)

Question 10 and 11: In epigenetic processes, 10 __________ influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal 11 ____________.

Keywords for the question: epigenetic process, influence, activity of our genes, creating, our internal,

The answer lies in paragraph 7. You need to read the whole paragraph. First, the writer says, in line 1 and 2, what epigenetic processes are. “Epigenetic processes are chemical reactions .. .. . ..” Then in the last few lines of the paragraph, the writer explains what these chemical reactions influence, “These reactions influence how our genetic code is expressed: how each gene is strengthened or weakened; even turned on or off, to build our bones, brains and all other parts of our bodies.”

So, it can be deduced or realized from these lines that ‘chemical’ reactions influence how our internal body parts are created such as ‘our bones, brains’ etc.

So, the answers are:

1. D (chemicals)
2. B (organs)

Question 12: The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our  ________.

Keywords for the question: uncovering a way, our genes can be affected,   

In paragraph 9, the writer mentions in lines 1-5, “One way the study of epigenetics is revolutionizing our understanding of biology is by revealing a mechanism by which the environment directly impacts our genes.”

Here, the word ‘impact’ is synonymous to ‘affected’, ‘revealing’ is synonymous to ‘uncovering a way’.

So the answer is: E (environment)

Question 13: One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may show problems in its ____________.

Keywords for the question: pregnant rat, suffers stress,

The answer to this question can also be found in  paragraph  9, where the  writer  says  in lines 5-9, “Studies  of  animals,  for  example,  have  shown  that  when  a  rat experiences  stress  during  pregnancy,  it  can  cause  epigenetic  changes  in  a  fetus  that  lead  to  behavioral problems as the rodent grows up.”

So the answer is: F (behavior/ behavior)

Reading Passage 2: An Introduction to Film Sound

Questions 14-20: (Multiple Choice Questions)

[Multiple choice questions are a common type of question set in the IELTS Reading test. Most of the time, they come with four options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need to work hard for this type of question because this may confuse them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So, quick reading or skimming techniques might come in handy here.  Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close. So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.]

[TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not to 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 14: In the first paragraph, the writer makes a point that

Keywords for the question: NO KEYWORDS HERE

In  the first  paragraph,  the  author  describes the importance of sound in lines 1-4, at the very opening of the paragraph,  “Though  we  might  think  of  film  as  an  essentially  visual experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of film sound.”

Here, the word ‘underestimate’ means ‘overlook’.

After that, the author also gives details of how important film sound is. So, he makes a point that it would be wrong to overlook the contribution of sound to the artistry of films.

*Underestimate = overlook

So, the answer is: B (it would be wrong to overlook the contribution of sound to the artistry of films.)

Question 15: One reason that the writer refers to Humphrey Bogart is to exemplify

Keywords for the question: Humphrey Bogart, exemplify,

In the second paragraph, the author gives reference to Humphrey Bogert in lines 4-10, “Often with film characterization, the audience perceives little or no difference between the character and the actor. Thus, for example, the actor Humphrey Bogart is the character Sam Spade; film personality and life personality seem to merge.”

• merge = become one

This clearly means that Humphrey Bogart is mentioned to exemplify the significance of the actor and the character appears to have similar personalities.

So, the answer is: A (the importance of the actor and the character appearing to have similar personalities.)

Question 16: In the third paragraph, the writer suggests that

Keywords for the question: NO KEYWORDS HERE

In paragraph no. 3, the writer mentions the use of dialogues in lines 6-12, “It  is  interesting  to  note  that  how  dialogue  is  use and the very amount of dialogue used varies widely  among  films.  For  example,  in  the  highly  successful  science-fiction  film  2001,  little  dialogue  was evident, and most of it was banal  and of little intrinsic interest.”

Here, banal means dull or boring

So, the answer is: B (film dialogue that appears to be dull may have a specific purpose.)

Question 17: What does the writer suggest about Bringing Up Baby?

Keywords for the question: suggest, Bringing Up Baby,

The answer lies in the beginning of paragraph no. 4, in lines 1-8. Here, the author says, “The comedy Bringing Up Baby, on the other hand, presents practically non-stop dialogue delivered at breakneck speed. This use of dialogue underscores not only the dizzy quality of the character Katherine Hepburn, but also the absurdity of the film itself and thus its humor.”

These lines suggest that the dialogue in the film Bringing Up Baby highlights key elements of the film.

• key elements = the absurdity of the humor of the film

So, the answer is: D (The nature of the dialogue emphasizes key elements of the film.)

Question 18: The writer refers to the ‘click’ of a door to make the point that realistic sounds

Keywords for the question: click of a door, realistic sounds

We can see the reference to the ‘click’ sound in paragraph no. 5. Here, in lines 6-19 the author says, “Synchronous sounds contribute to the realism of film and also help to create a particular atmosphere. For example, the ‘click’ of a door being opened may simply serve to  convince  the  audience  that  the  image  portrayed  is  real,  and  the  audience  may  only  subconsciously note the expected sound. However, if the ‘click’ of an opening door is part of an ominous action such as a burglary, the sound mixer may call attention to the ‘click’ with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the audience in a moment of suspense.”

These lines suggest that realistic sounds can be modified by increasing the sound volume to make it more realistic.

So, the answer is: C (may be modified in order to manipulate the audience’s response to the film.)

Question 19-23: (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 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 19: Audiences are likely to be surprised if a film lacks background music.

Keywords for the question: audiences, likely to be surprised, film lack background music

In the very beginning of paragraph no. 7, the writer says that “We are probably all familiar with background music in films, which has become so ubiquitous as to be noticeable in its absence.”

Here, ubiquitous = ever-present

This means background sound or music has become an essential part of films. So, there is a high possibility that the audience will surely notice it and be surprised if background music is absent from a film.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 20: Background music may anticipate a development in a film.

Keywords for the question: anticipate, development

Again, in paragraph no. 7, the author mentions in the end, “In addition, background music often foreshadows a change in mood.”

Here, the word ‘foreshadow’ is synonymous to ‘anticipate’. This means the background music can make the audience understand what changes are going to happen in a film.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 21: Background music has more effect on some people than on others.

Keywords for this question: more effect, some people than on others     

We find the reference to ‘background music’ and its effects in both paragraphs no. 7 and 8. But we cannot find any comparison as to whether it has more or less effect on some people.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 22: Background music may help the audience to make certain connections within the film.

Keywords for this question: help the audience, make certain connections  

The writer states in lines 1 and 2 of paragraph no. 8, “Background music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes.”

Here, help means aid, audience means viewer, make connections within a film means linking scenes

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 23: Audiences tend to be aware of how the background music is affecting them.

Keywords for this question: audiences, tend to, be aware, how, affecting,    

In the final paragraph, the author says, “The effects of sound are often largely subtle and often are noted by only our subconscious minds.”

Here, subtle means delicate or faint or slight

So, audiences aren’t truly aware of the background music’s effect. Rather, subconscious mind takes note of it.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 24-26: (Completing sentences with correct ending)

[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 24: The audience’s response to different parts of a film can be controlled

Keywords for this answer: response, different parts, controlled

 In paragraph no. 1, the writer states in lines 8-13, “The entire sound track consists of three essential ingredients: the human voice, sound effects and music. These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases which in turn create desired effects”.

The lines mean that the response or reaction of the audience can be influenced if voice, sound, and music are appropriately combined.

Here, combined appropriately means mixed and balanced.

So, the answer is: C

Question 25: The feelings and motivations of characters become clear

Keywords for this answer: feelings, motivation, clear

In paragraph 2, the writer says in lines 1-4, “… . As is the case with stage drama, dialogue serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as well.”

This means that listening to dialogues clarifies the feelings and motivations of characters in the film.

So, the answer is: A

Question 26: A character seems to be a real person rather than an actor

Keywords for this answer: seems to be real person, than actor

In paragraph no. 3, the writer says in lines 1-3, “When voice textures fit the performer’s physiognomy  and gestures, a whole and very realistic person emerges.”

Here, actor means performer, appearance means physiognomy, moves means gestures, consistent with means fit

These lines suggest that a character appears to be a real person rather than an actor given to the fact that the audience listens to the voice, looks at the appearance of the character, and watches how he/she moves.

So, the answer is: E

Reading Passage 3: This Marvellous Invention

Questions 27-32:  (List of headings/ Matching Headlines):

[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: Read the first two lines, and occasionally, the last line of each heading. In most cases, the answers are found here. Do it for all the paragraphs. Do not read too much. If you still don’t find the answers, only then, read the remaining texts.]

Question 27: Paragraph A

In paragraph A, we find two different lines which confirm our answer. The first line is line no. 1 which says, “Of all mankind’s manifold creations, language must take pride of place.” The second line is line no. 3 which says, “… Compared to language, all other inventions pale in significance, since …  … . .” These two lines explain that language is the best invention of all.

So, the answer is: vi (Why language is the most important invention of all)

Question 28: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, again, the first and last lines give us the answer. Line 1 & 2 says, “.. . . . In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: . . ..” Here, the writer gives us the impression that language is something that is special (extraordinary sophistication) yet it is of an idea which may surprise us because of the creative simplicity (ingenious simplicity), and this is why it is incompatible or mismatched. Also, take a look at the last lines, “Language is mankind’s greatest invention – except, of course, that it was never invented. This apparent paradox is at the core of our fascination with language, and it holds many of its secrets.” Here, paradox = irony or contradiction or mismatched.

So, the answer is: iv (Apparently incompatible characteristics of language)

Question 29: Paragraph C

In paragraph C, first, the writer asks in line 2-3, “How else could this instrument make so much out of barely three dozen measly morsels of sound?” Then, we find in the next few lines the explanations of how the alphabets or letters work out by arranging themselves to make perfect sounds that can be conveyed into a language. “In themselves, these configurations of mouth – p, f, b, v, t, d, k, sh, a, e and so on –amount to nothing .. . . . . . But run them through the cogs and wheels of the language machine, let it arrange them in some very special orders, and there is nothing that these meaningless streams of air cannot do: from sighing the interminable boredom of existence to unravelling the fundamental order of the universe.”

Here, barely three dozen measly morsels of sound = a few sounds

So, the answer is: ii (The way in which a few sounds are organised to convey a huge range of meaning)

Question 30: Paragraph D

In paragraph D, the writer talks about the universal or worldwide or common ability to use language  “The language machine allows just about everybody – from pre-modern foragers in the subtropical savannah, to post-modern philosophers in the suburban sprawl – to tie these meaningless sounds together into an infinite variety of subtle senses, and all apparently without  the slightest exertion.” This means that language is universal to use.

So, the answer is: vii (The universal ability to use language)

Question 31: Paragraph E

In  paragraph E,  the  writer  states, “Often,  it  is  the  only  estrangement  of  foreign  tongues,  with their many exotic and outlandish features, that brings home the wonder of language’s design.” This means the more a language is different from other language, the more it becomes impressive. The writer also provides the example of a Turkish word of outstanding length that takes a whole sentence to utter in English.

So, the answer is:i (Differences between languages highlight their impressiveness)

Question 32: Paragraph F

In paragraph F, the answer is found in lines 8-9, “… . . . . even the absence of a sound has been enlisted to express something specific.”

Here, the absence of a sound = silence, specific = meaningful

So, the answer is: v (Even silence can be meaningful)

Questions 33-36: (Summary completion with the given list of words)

[In this kind of question candidates get a summary for one, two, or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill-in-the-blanks or gaps questions, there is a condition of writing the answers from the given list of words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. 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 to fill in the gaps. The letters for the words are the answers, so candidates must not put down the words.]

Title of the summary: The importance of language

Question 33 and 34 : The wheel is one invention that has had a major impact on __________ aspects of life, but no impact has been as _________ as that of language.

Keywords for these questions: wheel, invention, impact, aspects

In paragraph A, the writer states about the inventions like wheel, “Other inventions – the wheel, agriculture, sliced bread – may have transformed our material existence, but the advent of language is what made us human.  Compared to language, all other inventions pale in significance, since everything we have ever achieved depends on language and originates from it.”

These lines suggest that the invention of wheel has had a major impact on material aspects of life, but such impacts has not been as significant or fundamental as that of language, because all other inventions have originated from language.

So, the answers are:

• E (material)
• G (fundamental)

Question 35: Language is very _________, yet composed of just a small number of sounds.

Keywords for this question: composed, small number of sounds

At the beginning of paragraph B, the author states, “In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: .. .. .” Then in the next lines, the writer talks about the limitation of numbers of sounds, “… this marvelous invention of composing out of twenty-five or thirty sounds that infinite variety of expression . . . .. “

These lines suggest that language is sophisticated or complex but it comes out of only a few sounds.

So, the answer is: B (complex)

Question 36: Language appears to be ________ to use. However, its sophistication is often overlooked.    

Keywords for this question: appears, sophistication, overlooked

This answer is found in paragraph D. Here, in lines 5-9, the author says, “.. . .. Yet it is precisely this deceptive ease which makes language a victim of its own success since in everyday life its triumphs are usually taken for granted. The wheels of language run so smoothly that one rarely bothers to stop and think about all the resourcefulness and expertise that must have gone into making it tick.” The lines suggest that language provides us ease, and this ease has made people think very little about how sophisticated a language is or how it is being constructed.

So, the answer is: F (easy)

Questions 36-40 (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 contradicts 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 37: Human beings might have achieved their present position without language.

Keywords for this question: human beings, present position, without language

In the very first paragraph, the writer says in the end, “Without language, we could never have embarked on our ascent to unparalleled power over all other animals, and even over nature itself.”

So, the statement directly contradicts with the passage.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 38: The Port-Royal grammarians did justice to the nature of language.

Keywords for this question: Port-Royal grammarians, did justice,

In paragraph B, the writer gives reference to the grammarians of Port-Royal, “. . .. This was how, in 1660, the renowned French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near Versailles distilled the essence of language, and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.”

The lines suggest that the Port-Royal grammarians have most eloquently or beautifully described the essence or nature of language. So, surely they did justice to the nature of language.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 39: A complex idea can be explained more clearly in a sentence than in a single word.

Keywords for this question: complex idea, clearly, sentence

We do not find any such statement as to whether a complex idea can be described more easily or clearly than in a single word. The writer refers to the long Turkish word in paragraph E to explain that one word can clarify a big sentence.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 40: The Sumerians were responsible for starting the recording of events.

Keywords for this question: Sumerians, recording events

In  paragraph  F,  the  writer  states,  “And  if  that  sounds  like  some  one-off  freak,  then  consider Sumerian,  the  language  spoken  on  the  banks  of  the  Euphrates  some  5,000  years  ago  by  the  people  who invented writing and thus enabled the documentation of history.”  So, the statement suggests clearly that the Sumerians invented writing and documentation of history.

So, the answer is: YES

Reading Passage 1: The Story of Silk

Questions 1-9: (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 1: Around 3000 BC, according to legend:

• silkworm cocoon fell into emperor’s wife’s __________

Keywords for the question: 3000 BC, fell into, emperor’s wife

We find the mention of 3000 BC in paragraph no. 1. So, we should try to locate the answer from here. The answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 1 lines 14-17 where, the author writes, “It just so happened that while she was sipping some tea, one of the cocoons that she had collected landed in the hot tea and started to unravel into a fine thread.”

So, the answer is: tea

Question 2: – emperor’s wife invented a ______ to pull out silk fibres

Keywords for the question: emperor’s wife, invented, pull out silk fibres

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 1 lines 21-24. Here, the author writes, “She also devised a special reel to draw the fibres from the cocoon into a single thread so that they would be strong enough to be woven into fabric.” This means that the emperor’s wife devised or invented a reel to draw out or pull out silk fibres.

So, the answer is: reel                        

Question 3: Only _______ were allowed to produce silk

Keywords for the question: only, were allowed to produce

Paragraph no. 2 contains the answer to this question at the very beginning. Here, in lines 1-2, the author says, “Originally, silkworm farming was solely restricted to women and .. .. . .”. Here, the phrase solely restricted to women means that only women were allowed to farm silk.

So, the answer is: women                  

Question 4: Only _______ were allowed to wear silk

Keywords for the question: only, allowed to wear

In paragraph no. 2 lines 6-7 say, “…. . . only royalty were entitled to have clothes made of silk.” This clearly means that only royalty were allowed to wear silk clothes.

So, the answer is: royalty      

Question 5: Silk used as a form of _______

• g. farmer’s taxes consisted partly of silk

Keywords for the question: silk used, form of, farmer’s taxes  

To locate this answer, we need to find the keywords farmer’s taxes and it can be found in lines 15-16 of paragraph no. 2. So, we need to look for the answer a few lines ahead because ‘farmer’s taxes’ is an example here. In lines 12-16, the writer says, “… . .. .silk was so prized that it was also used as a unit of currency. Government officials were paid their salary in silk, and farmers paid their taxes in grain and silk.”

So, the answer is: currency  

Question 6: Silk used for many purposes

• g. evidence found of _____ made from silk around 168 AD

Keywords for the question: 168 AD, many purposes, evidence

The answer can be found at the end of paragraph 2. Here, in lines 20-23, the writer mentions, “The earliest indication of silk paper being used was discovered in the tomb of a noble who is estimated to have died around 168 AD.” So, it can be understood that paper made from silk was found around 168 AD.

So, the answer is: paper  

Question 7: Merchants use Silk Road to take silk westward and bring back _______ and precious metals.

Keywords for the question: Merchants, Silk Road, bring back, precious metals

In paragraph no. 3, the author talks about trading of silk through Silk Road. In lines 3-5 of the paragraph, the author writes, “…. now known as the Silk Road, taking silk westward and bringing gold, silver and wool to the East.” So, the merchants took silk westward and traded them for precious metals like gold and silver and for wool.

So, the answer is: wool

Question 8: 550 AD: ______ hide silkworm eggs in canes and take them to Constantinople.

Keywords for the question: 550 AD, hide, eggs, canes, Constantinople

Answer to this question can be found in the middle of paragraph no. 4 where we can find the reference to Constantinople. Here, in lines 10-14, the writer says, “According to another legend, monks working for  the Byzantine emperor  Justinian smuggled silkworm eggs to Constantinople in 550 AD, concealed inside hollow bamboo walking canes.”

So, the answer is: monks

Question 9: 20th century: ______ and other manmade fibres cause decline in silk production.

Keywords for the question: 20th century, manmade fibre, cause decline,

To find the answer to this question, we need to locate the keywords ‘20th century’ and ‘decline in silk production’ which is found in the last paragraph. Here, the writer says in lines 7-8, “Then in the twentieth century, new manmade fibres, such as nylon, started to be used in what had traditionally been silk products, such as stockings and parachutes.” So, it can be understood that nylon was a man-made fibre.

So, the answer is: nylon

Question 10-13                        (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 with 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 10: Gold was the most valuable material transported along the Silk Road.

Keywords for the question: gold, most valuable material

In paragraph 3, the writer mentions in lines 1-8, “Demand for this exotic fabric eventually created the lucrative trade route now known as the Silk Road, taking silk westward and bringing gold, silver and wool to the East. It was named the Silk Road after its most precious commodity, which was considered to be worth more than gold.” So, it can be safely guessed that gold is not the most valuable material, it’s silk.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 11: Most tradesmen only went along certain sections of the Silk Road.

Keywords for the question: tradesmen, certain sections

In paragraph 3, the writer indicates that “The Silk Road stretched over 6,000 kilometers from Eastern China to the Mediterranean Sea .. .. . . Few merchants traveled the entire route; goods were handled mostly by a series of middlemen.”  This clearly means that the journey through Silk Road was long enough for merchants to travel along; therefore, they only travelled along certain sections.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 12: The Byzantines spread the practice of silk production across the West.

Keywords for the question: The Byzantines, spread  

In paragraph 4, from line 3, the writer mentions, “The Byzantines were as secretive as the Chinese, however, and for many centuries the weaving and trading of silk fabric was a strict imperial monopoly. Then in the seventh century, the Arabs conquered Persia, capturing their magnificent silks in the process. Silk production thus spread through Africa, Sicily and Spain as the Arabs swept through these lands.” Therefore, it was the the Arabs, not the Byzantines, who spread the practice of silk production across the West.

So the answer is: FALSE

Question 13: Silk yarn makes up the majority of silk currently exported from China.

Keywords for the question: silk yarn, the majority, exported, China

In the last paragraph, the writer says, “.. .. .in more recent decades, China has gradually recaptured its position as the world’s biggest producer and exporter of silk and silk yarn.” So, it is unclear from the lines whether silk yarn makes up the majority of silk currently exported from China, we only make out that both silk and silk yarn are exported, but there is no information on which product makes up the majority of silk exported from China.

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

IELTS Cambridge 11 Test 3 : ACADEMIC READING MODULE

Reading Passage 2:

Great Migrations

Questions 14-18: 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 – TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts with 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 14: Local gulls and migrating arctic terns behave in the same way when offered food.

Keywords for the question: local gulls, migrating arctic terns, behave, same way, offered food,

In paragraph no. 2, the first few lines indicate the answer, “An arctic tern, on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of South America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher’s boat along the way. While local gulls will dive voraciously for such handouts, the tern flies on. .. ..”

The lines suggest that local gulls will be attracted to food offered while arctic terns will not pay attention to food when migrating; they behave differently.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 15: Experts’ definitions of migration tend to vary according to their area of study.

Keywords for the question: experts’ definitions, migration, tend to vary, area of study,

In paragraph no. 4, take a look at the first few lines, “But migration is a complex issue, and biologists define it differently, depending in part on what sorts of animals they study. .. .”

Here,biologists = experts, define = definitions, differently = vary, depending in = according to, what sorts of animals they study = their area of study,

So, the answer is: TRUE  

Question 16: Very few experts agree that the movement of aphids can be considered migration.

Keywords for the question: very few experts, agree, movement, aphids, can be considered, migration,

We find the mention of aphids’ movement in paragraph no. 5, “But daily vertical movements by zooplankton in the ocean – upward by night to seek food, downward by day to escape predators – can also be considered migration. So can the movement of aphids when, having depleted the young leaves on one food plant, their offspring then fly onward to a different host plant, with no one aphid ever returning to where it started.”

However, no comparison has been made on experts’ opinion about aphids’ movement considered as migration.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 17: Aphids’ journeys are affected by changes in the light that they perceive.

Keywords for the question: Aphids’ journey, affected, changes, light, they perceive,

In paragraph no. 6, the answer to this question can be traced in lines 6-11, “ . .. . They allow for the fact that, for example, aphids will become sensitive to blue light (from the sky) when it’s time for takeoff on their big journey, and sensitive to yellow light (reflected from tender young leaves) when it’s appropriate to land. .. .”

Here, when it’s time for takeoff on their big journey = aphids’ journey, will become sensitive to blue light & sensitive to yellow light = affected by changes in the light,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 18: Dingle’s aim is to distinguish between the migratory behaviours of different species.

Keywords for the question: Dingle’s aim, distinguish, migratory behaviours, different species,

In paragraph no. 6, the answer is found in the last few lines “.. .. The value of his definition, Dingle argues, is that it focuses attention on what the phenomenon of wildebeest migration shares with the phenomenon of the aphids, and therefore helps guide researchers towards understanding how evolution has produced them all. ..”  

This means the aim of Dingle is to focus attention on the similarities between wildebeest migration and aphid migration, not to distinguish the migratory behaviours of different species. 

So, the answer is: FALSE  

Questions 19-22: 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 19: According to Dingle, migratory routes are likely to –

Keywords for the question: Dingle, migratory routes, likely to,

Take a look at lines 8-13 of paragraph no. 1, “ . .. . The biologist Hugh Dingle has identified five characteristics that apply, in varying degrees and combinations, to all migrations. They are prolonged movements that carry animals outside familiar habitats; they tend to be linear, . .. .”

Here, tend to = likely to, linear = follow a straight line,

So, the answer is: G (follow a straight line.)

Question 20: To prepare for migration, animals are likely to –

Keywords for the question: prepare, migration, animals, likely to,

Again, in paragraph no. 1 at lines 14-16, the writer says, “ . .. .  they involve special behaviours concerning preparation (such as overfeeding) and arrival; .. .”

Here, preparation = to prepare for migration, overfeeding = eat more than they need,   

So, the answer is: C (eat more than they need for immediate purposes.)

Question 21: During migration, animals are unlikely to –

Keywords for this question:during, migration, animals, unlikely to,

In paragraph no. 1, the writer mentions in lines 17-22, “ .. . And one more: migrating animals maintain an intense attentiveness to the greater mission, which keeps them undistracted by temptations and undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals aside.”

Here, undeterred = unlikely to be discouraged, challenges = difficulties,

So, the answer is: A (be discouraged by difficulties.)

Question 22: Arctic terns illustrate migrating animals’ ability to –

Keywords for this question:Arctic terns, illustrate, migrating animals’ ability,   

The answer is in lines 1-5 of paragraph no. 2, “An arctic tern, on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of South America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher’s boat along the way. . .. .”

Here, will take no notice of = ignore, nice smelly herring (food) = distractions,

So, the answer is: E (ignore distractions.)

Question 23-26: Summary completion with ONE word only

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer. 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 to fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The migration of pronghorns

Question 23: Pronghorns rely on their eyesight and _________ to avoid predators. 

Keywords for this question:Pronghorns, rely on, eyesight, to avoid, predators,    

Let’s take a look at paragraph no. 7 (where the writer talks about the Pronghorns) in lines 24-25, “ .. . Pronghorn, dependent on distance vision and speed to keep safe from predators, .. . .”

Here, dependent on = rely on, vision = eyesight, keep safe = avoid,

So, the answer is: speed  

Question 24: One particular population’s summer habitat is a national park, and their winter home is on the _________ where they go to avoid the danger presented by the snow at that time of year.

Keywords for this answer: one particular population’s summer habitat, national park, winter home, where, go, avoid, danger, snow,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 7 in lines 6-12, “ .. . One population, which spends the summer in the mountainous Grand Teton National Park of the western USA, follows a narrow route from its summer range in the mountains, across a river, and down onto the plains. Here they wait out the frozen months, feeding mainly on sagebrush blown clear of snow.  … .”

Here, One population = one particular population, spends the summer = summer habitat, Grand Teton National Park = national park, they wait out the frozen months = their winter home, 

So, the answer is: plains  

Question 25: However, their route between these two areas contains three ________.

Keywords for this answer: their route, these two area, contains, three,

In paragraph no. 7, lines 13-16 say, “. ..  . These pronghorn are notable for the invariance of their migration route and the severity of its constriction at three bottlenecks. .. . .”

Here, route = migration route,

So, the answers are: bottlenecks

Question 26: One problem is the construction of new homes in a narrow __________ of land on the pronghorns’ route.

Keywords for this answer: one problem, construction of new homes, narrow, land, pronghorns’ route, 

Take a close look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 7, “ . .. At one of the bottlenecks, forested hills rise to form a V, leaving a corridor of open ground only about 150 metres wide, filled with private homes. Increasing development is leading toward a crisis for the pronghorn, threatening to choke off their passageway.”

Here, a crisis = one problem, Increasing development = construction of new homes, only about 150 metres wide = narrow,

So, the answers are: corridor/passageway

 

Reading Passage 3: =Preface to ‘How the other half thinks: Adventures in mathematical reasoning

Questions 27-34:  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 27: a reference to books that assume a lack of mathematical knowledge

Keywords for this question: books, assume, lack of mathematical knowledge,   

In section D, the first lines say, “Other scientists have written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have necessarily had to omit the mathematics, . .. ..”

Here, had to omit the mathematics = had to exclude the subject of mathematics thinking that the readers might have a lack of knowledge in mathematics,

So, the answer is: D

Question 28: the way in which this is not a typical book about mathematics

Keywords for this question: the way, not, typical book, about mathematics,

In section B, take a look at the last lines of the first paragraph and the first lines of the second paragraph,
“. . . I want to reveal not only some of the fascinating discoveries, but, more importantly, the reasoning behind them.

In that respect, this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public.”

Here, this book differs from most books on mathematics = not a typical book about mathematics.

The lines suggest that this particular book is not typically a book on mathematics.

So, the answer is: B

Question 29: personal examples of being helped by mathematics

Keywords for this question: personal examples, being helped, by mathematics,

Section G has three paragraphs and paragraphs no. 1 and 2 deal with examples provided in favour of mathematics by a physician and a lawyer.

In the first paragraph, it says, “A physician wrote, ‘The discipline of analytical thought process [in mathematics] prepared me extremely well for medical school. . .. ..”

In the second paragraph, we find another example from the experience of a lawyer.

So, the answer is: G

Question 30: examples of people who each had abilities that seemed incompatible

Keywords for this question: examples, people, each had abilities, seemed incompatible,

Take a look at the last few lines of Section C, “ .. . . To illustrate our human potential, I cite a structural engineer who is an artist, an electrical engineer who is an opera singer, an opera singer who published mathematical research, and a mathematician who publishes short stories.”

Here, we can find the examples of different people having abilities that seem quite incompatible or mismatched.

So, the answer is: C

Question 31: mention of different focuses of books about mathematics

Keywords for this question: different focuses of books, about mathematics,

Section B has two paragraphs and the second paragraph says, “In that respect, this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public. Some present the lives of colorful mathematicians. Others describe important applications of mathematics. Yet others go into mathematical procedures, but assume that the reader is adept in using algebra.”

Here, we can learn from these lines that books about mathematics have different focuses.

So, the answer is: B

Question 32: a contrast between reading this book and reading other kinds of publication

Keywords for this question:  contrast, reading this book, reading other kinds of publication,

In Section E, look at lines 4-5, “ . .. . . You will turn these pages much more slowly than when reading a novel or a newspaper. .. .”

Here, a novel or a newspaper = other kinds of publication,

So, the answer is: E

Question 33: a claim that the whole of the book is accessible to everybody

Keywords for this question: claim, the whole of the book, accessible, everybody,

Section A of the passage contains two paragraphs.

In the first paragraph, the writer says in lines 6-7, “ . . .. Each of the eight chapters in this book illustrates this phenomenon. Anyone can understand every step in the reasoning.”

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says again, “ . .. . . Thus all readers will have the chance to participate in a mathematical experience, to appreciate the beauty of mathematics, and to become familiar with its logical, yet intuitive, style of thinking.”

These lines suggest that the complete book is accessible to anyone.

So, the answer is: A

Question 34: a reference to different categories of intended readers of this book

Keywords for this question: different categories, intended readers, of this book,

In section F the author talks about categories of readers who can enjoy this book. “ .. . As I wrote, I kept in mind two types of readers: those who enjoyed mathematics until they were turned off by an unpleasant episode, usually around fifth grade, and mathematics aficionados, who will find much that is new throughout the book. This book also serves readers who simply want to sharpen their analytical skills . ….”

So, the answer is: F

Questions 35-40: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete sentences 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.

TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]

Question 35: Some areas of both music and mathematics are suitable for someone who is a ___________.

Keywords for this question: some areas, both music and mathematics, suitable for,

Take a look at lines 1-2 in section A, as the writer says, “Occasionally, in some difficult musical compositions, there are beautiful, but easy parts – parts so simple a beginner could play them. So it is with mathematics as well.

Here, easy parts – parts so simple = suitable for someone,

So, the answer is: beginner

Question 36: It is sometimes possible to understand advanced mathematics using no more than a limited knowledge of ___________.

Keywords for this question: sometimes possible, understand, advanced mathematics, using, no more than, limited knowledge,

In section A, lines 3-6 say, “ . … .. There are some discoveries in advanced mathematics that do not depend on specialized knowledge, not even on algebra, geometry, or trigonometry. Instead, they may involve, at most, a little arithmetic, such as ‘the sum of two odd numbers is even’, and common sense. … … .”

Here, at most, a little = no more than a limited knowledge of,

 So, the answer is: arithmetic

Question 37: The writer intends to show that mathematics requires _________ thinking, as well as analytical skills.

Keywords for this question: the writer, intends to show, mathematics, requires, thinking, analytical skills,

The answer can be found in section C lines 3-4, “ . .. . As the chapters will illustrate, mathematics is not restricted to the analytical and numerical; intuition plays a significant role.”

Here, the writer means that in addition to analytical skills, mathematics requires or needs intuition, or intuitive thinking.

So, the answer is: intuitive

Question 38: Some books written by _________ have had to leave out the mathematics that is central to their theories.

Keywords for this question: some books, written by, had to leave out, mathematics, central to their theories,

To find the answer to this question, we have to go to section D. Here, in lines 1-2, the author writes, “Other scientists have written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have necessarily had to omit the mathematics, although it provides the foundation of their theories. . .. .”

Here, had to omit = have had to leave out, provides the foundation = central,

So, the answer is: scientists  

Question 39: The writer advises non-mathematical readers to perform __________ while reading.

Keywords for this question: the writer, advices, non-mathematical readers, perform, while reading,

In section E, the author says, “Still, the non-mathematical reader can go far in understanding mathematical reasoning.  . .. . .. . . . . . It may help to have a pencil and paper ready to check claims and carry out experiments.”  

Here, carry out = perform,

So, the answer is: experiments  

Question 40: A lawyer found that studying __________ helped even more than other areas of mathematics in the study of law.

Keywords for this question: lawyer, found, studying, helped, more than other areas, mathematics, study of law,

In Section G, paragraph no. 2, the writer mentions a lawyer, “A lawyer made the same point, “Although I had no background in law – not even one political science course — I did well at one of the best law schools. I attribute much of my success there to having learned, through the study of mathematics, and, in particular, theorems, how to analyze complicated principles. . ..”

Here, I did well at one of the best law schools = helped even more than other areas of mathematics,

So, the answer is: theorems