Month: March 2024

IELTS Cambridge 6 Test 3: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1 : Questions 1-5: Identifying information:

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

Question no. 1: the location of the first cinema

Keywords for the question: location, first cinema,

In paragraph A, read these lines carefully, “The Lumière Brothers opened their Cinematographe, at 14 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris, to 100 paying customers over 100 years ago, on December 8, 1985. Before the eyes of the stunned, thrilled audience, photographs came to life and moved across a flat screen.”

The following paragraphs (especially paragraph C) gives indication that 14 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris was the first location in the world to show a cinema.

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 2: how cinema came to focus on stories

Keywords for the question: how, cinema, focus on stories,

The first few lines of paragraph I indicate the answer as the writer explains here, “Cinema might, for example, have become primarily a documentary form. Or it might have developed like television -as a strange noisy transfer of music, information and narrative. But what happened was that it became, overwhelmingly, a medium for telling stories.

So, the answer is: I

Question no. 3: the speed with which cinema has changed

Keywords for the question: speed, cinema, changed,

Skim paragraph J to find how fast cinema has changed, “And it has all happened so quickly. Almost unbelievably, it is a mere 100 years since that train arrived and the audience screamed and fled, convinced by the dangerous reality of what they saw, and, perhaps, suddenly aware that the world could never be the same again -that, maybe, it could be better, brighter, more astonishing, more real than reality.”

Here, it is a mere 100 years mean that cinema has progressed very fast during 100 years.

So, the answer is: J

Question no. 4: how cinema teaches us about other cultures

Keywords for the question: how, cinema, teaches, other cultures,

The answer can be found in lines 1-6 of paragraph E. The writer says here, “One effect of this realism was to educate the world about itself. For cinema makes the world smaller. Long before people travelled to America or anywhere else, they knew what other places looked like; they knew how other people worked and lived. . .. .. .”

Here, they knew what other places looked like; they knew how other people worked and lived = cinema teaches us about other cultures,

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 5: the attraction of actors in films

Keywords for the question: attraction, actors, films,

The first lines of paragraph G give us the answer, “The ‘star’ was another natural consequence of cinema. The cinema star was effectively born in 1910. Film personalities have such an immediate presence that inevitably, they become super-real. .. ..”

Here, Film personalities = actors, an immediate presence = attractions,

So, the answer is: G

Question 6-9: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 6: It is important to understand how the first audiences reacted to the cinema.

Keywords for the question: important, understand, how, first audiences, reacted to, cinema,

The answer is found in lines 4-9 of paragraph B, “ . .. . But it is worth trying, for to understand the initial shock of those images is to understand the extraordinary power and magic of cinema, the unique, hypnotic quality that has made films the most dynamic, effective art form of the 20th century.”

Here, it is worth trying = it is important, the initial shock of those images = how the first audiences reacted to the cinema,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 7: The Lumiere Brothers’ film about the train was one of the greatest films ever made.

Keywords for the question: Lumiere Brothers’ film, train, one of, greatest films ever made,

Paragraph C gives a detailed explanation of The Lumiere Brothers’ film about the train. Here, these lines may confuse you, “ . .. Yet the Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky, one of the greatest of all film artists, described the film as a ‘work of genius’.”

You need to read the question again; it asks about the film, not the film artists.

In this passage, there is no information about whether this film is one of the greatest films ever made or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 8: Cinema presents a biased view of other countries.

Keywords for the question: cinema, presents, biased view, other countries,

In paragraph E we find the information that cinema can make us aware about other countries. So, we can guess that the answer to this question should be found in the same paragraph. However, it does not say anywhere that cinema gives a biased view of other countries.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 9: Storylines were important in very early cinema.

Keywords for the question: storylines, important, very early cinema,

In paragraph D H lines 5-7 say, “ . .. . All that mattered at first was the wonder of movement. … . .”

Here, All that mattered at first = all that was important in very early cinema,

So, it was the wonder of movement, not the storylines.

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 11-13: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 10: The writer refers to the film of the train in order to demonstrate –

Keywords for the question: the film of train, to demonstrate,

Take a look at these lines paragraph C where the writer talks about the film about the moving train presented by the Lumiere Brothers, “. . .. ‘As the train approached,’ wrote Tarkovsky, ’panic started in the theatre: people jumped and ran away. That was the moment when cinema was born. The frightened audience could not accept that they were watching a mere picture.. … .”

Clearly, the writer explains the impact of the early films as mass people reacted with astonishment.

So, the answer is: B (the impact of early films)

Question no. 11: In Tarkovsky’s opinion, the attraction of the cinema is that it –

Keywords for the question: Tarkovsky’s opinion, attraction, cinema, it,

Take a look at lines 7-9 in paragraph D, “. . .. For Tarkovsky, the key to that magic dynamic image of the real flow of events. . ..”

Here, that magic dynamic image = attraction of the cinema, real flow of events = passing of time,

So, the answer is: C (illustrates the passing of time)

Question no. 12: When cinema first began, people thought that –

Keywords for the question: when, cinema, first begun, people, thought,

The answer can be found in paragraph H as the author says here, “.. .. When the Lumiere Brothers and other pioneers began showing off this new invention, it was by no means obvious how it would be used. All that mattered at first was the wonder of movement. Indeed, some said that, once this novelty had worn off, cinema would fade away. .. . .”

Here, by no means obvious = the future was uncertain,

So, the answer is: D (its future was uncertain)

Question no. 13: What is the best title for this passage?

Keywords for the question: best title,

During answering all the 12 questions, we have found out that the passage highlights the introduction, the development and different impacts of the cinema. Only two paragraphs in this passage talk about stars/ film artists, the dominance of Hollywood and a short comparison between cinema and novels.

The best choice from the four options has to be ‘The power of the big screen (cinema)’.

So, the answer is: D (The power of the big screen)

Reading Passage 2 : Motivating Employees under Adverse Conditions

Questions 14-18: 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 no. 14: Key Point Two

Take a close look at the first lines of Key Point Two, “The literature on goal-setting theory suggests that managers should ensure that all employees have specific goals and receive comments on how well they are doing in those goals.”

Here, all employees have specific goals = establish targets, receive comments on how well they are doing in those goals = give feedbacks,

So, the answer is: vii (Establish targets and give feedback)

Question no. 15: Key Point Three

The answer can be found in lines 1-4 of Key Point Three. Here, the writer says, “Regardless of whether goals are achievable or well within management’s perceptions of the employee’s ability, if employees see them as unachievable they will reduce their effort. Managers must be sure, therefore, that employees feel confident that their efforts can lead to performance goals. .. .. .”

Here, if employees see them as unachievable they will reduce their effort = targets should not be unrealistic,

So, the answer is: iii (Ensure targets are realistic)

Question no. 16: Key Point Four

The answer can be found in lines 1-3 of Key Point Four. Take a look at these lines, “Since employees have different needs, what acts as a reinforcement for one may not for another. Managers could use their knowledge of each employee to personalise the rewards over which they have control. .. .. .”

Here, personalise the rewards over which they have control = match rewards to individuals,

So, the answer is: ii (Match rewards to individuals)

Question no. 17: Key Point Five

The answer can be found in the very first sentence of Key Point Five. The writer says here, “Managers need to make rewards contingent on performance. . .. .. ”

Here, performance = achievement, contingent = reliant/linked,

So, the answer is: iv (Link rewards to achievement)

Question no. 18: Key Point Six

The answer can be found in the first lines of Key Point Six. The author says here, “The way rewards are distributed should be transparent so that employees perceive that rewards or outcomes are equitable and equal to the inputs given. .. ..”

Here, The way rewards are distributed = reward system, transparent = fair,

So, the answer is: i (Ensure the reward system is fair)

Questions 19-24: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

Question no. 19: A shrinking organisation tends to lose its less skilled employees rather than its more skilled employees.

Keywords for the question: shrinking organisation, tends to lose, less skilled employees, than, more skilled employees,

The answer can be found in the ‘THE CHALLENGE’ section in the first paragraph. The writer says here, “. . .. . When an organization is shrinking, the best and most mobile workers are prone to leave voluntarily. …they are the ones….with the highest skills and experience.”

Here, the lines clearly suggest that the less skilled workers have a lower chance to lose their jobs than the highly skilled ones.

Here, most mobile workers = more skilled workers,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 20: It is easier to manage a small business than a large business.

Keywords for the question: easier to manage, small business, than, large business,

In ‘KEY POINT ONE’, small and large businesses are mentioned but we do not find any comparison on managing them.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 21: High achievers are well suited to team work.

Keywords for the question: high achievers, well suited, team work,

The answer can be found in ‘KEY POINT ONE’, in lines 7-8. The author says here, “ . .. . High achievers will do best when the job provides moderately challenging goals and where there is independence and feedback.”

Here, where there is independence = not teamwork but work with freedom,

The line clearly contradicts the question.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 22: Some employees can feel manipulated when asked to participate in goal-setting.

Keywords for the question: some employees, can feel, manipulated, asked to participate, goal-setting,

The last few lines of ‘KEY POINT TWO’ provide us with the answer to this question as the author explains here, “ . .. . If participation and the culture are incongruous, employees are likely to perceive the participation process as manipulative and be negatively affected by it.”

Here, manipulative = manipulated,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 23: The staff appraisal process should be designed by employees.

Keywords for the question: staff appraisal process, should be, designed, by employees,

‘KEY POINT THREE’ mentions about ‘staff appraisal process’. Take a look at the last lines, “. .. . For managers, this means that employees must have the capability of doing the job and must regard the appraisal process as valid.”
However, it’s not mentioned whether the process should be designed by employees or managers.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 24: Employees’ earnings should be disclosed to everyone within the organisation.

Keywords for the question: employees’ earnings, should be disclosed, to everyone, within, organisation,

In ‘KEY POINT FIVE’ the writer mentions employees’ earnings. Here, in lines 5-6, the writer says, “ . .. . Eliminating the secrecy surrounding pay by openly communicating everyone’s remuneration, publicising performance bonuses and allocating annual salary increases in a lump sum … .. . . . make rewards more visible and potentially more motivating.”

Here, make rewards more visible = should be disclosed to everyone,

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 25-27: Matching places/names/groups from list of descriptions:

[The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person/places/groups, read around it carefully and try to match with the given list of descriptions. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions will not follow any sequential order. Do the reverse method when the statements are in questions]

Question no. 25: high achievers

Keywords for the question: high achievers,

We find points made about high achievers in ‘KEY POINT ONE’ where the writer mentions where and why we should select high achievers. Then, in ‘KEY POINT TWO’ in lines 3-4, the writer says, “ . .. . For those with high achievement needs, typically a minority in any organisation, the existence of external goals is less important because high achievers are already internally motivated. .. . .”

Here, For those with high achievement needs = high achievers, the existence of external goals is less important = they have less need of external goals.

So, the answer is: B (They have less need of external goals.)

Question no. 26: clerical workers

Keywords for the question: clerical workers,

The answer can be found in ‘KEY POINT SIX’ in lines 7-8, “ . . .. the clerical workers considered factors such as quality of work performed and job knowledge near the top of their list, . .. .”

Here, quality of work performed = quality of their work, the top of their list = important,

So, the answer is: C (They think that the quality of their work is important.)

Question no. 27: production workers

Keywords for the question: production workers,

In ‘KEY POINT SIX’, take a look at line no. 13, “.. .. . For example, production workers rated advancement very highly, . .. ..”

Here, advancement = promotion, very highly = to be important,

So, the answer is: A (They judge promotion to be important.)

Reading Passage 3 : The Search for the Anti-aging Pill

Questions 27-32: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

Question no. 28: Studies show drugs available today can delay the process of growing old.

Keywords for the question: studies show, drugs available today, delay, process, growing old,

Take a look at the first sentence of the first paragraph where the writer says, “As researchers on aging noted recently, no treatment on the market today has been proved to slow human aging . .. . .”

Here, no treatment = drugs available, slow human aging = delay to process of growing old,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 29: There is scientific evidence that eating fewer calories may extend human life.

Keywords for the question: scientific evidence, eating fewer calories, may extend, human life,

In the first paragraph, the writer says in lines 3-5, “ . .. . But one intervention, consumption of a low-calorie* yet nutritionally balanced diet, works incredibly well in a broad range of animals, increasing longevity and prolonging good health. … .. .”

Here, consumption of a low-calorie .. .. .. balanced diet = eating fewer calories, prolonging good health = may extend human life,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 30: Not many people are likely to find a caloric-restricted diet attractive.

Keywords for the question: not many people, likely, find, caloric-restricted diet, attractive,

Lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 2 says, “ . .. . . Few mortals could stick to that harsh a regimen, especially for years on end.. . .. .”

Here, Few mortals = not many people, that harsh a regimen = calorie-restricted diet, could stick = likely to find . .. attractive,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 31: Diet-related diseases are common in older people.

Keywords for the question: diet-related diseases, common, older people,

Lines 6-7 talks about some common diet-related diseases, “ . .. . . age-related disorders (such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, heart disease and cancer) …. . .”

However, we don’t find any comment on whether diet-related diseases are common in older people.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 32: In experiments, rats who ate what they wanted, led shorter lives than rats on a low-calorie diet.

Keywords for the question: experiments, rats, ate, what they wanted, led, shorter lives, than, low-calorie-diet,

Have a look at paragraph no. 3 (in the The benefits of caloric restriction section) where the author talks about the results of the experiment done on rats, “ . .. . they found that rats fed a low-calorie diet lived longer on average than free-feeding rats and also had a reduced incidence of conditions that become increasingly common in old age. .. .. .”

Here, rats fed a low-calorie diet lived longer = rats which ate what they wanted did not live longer compared to rats which ate a low-calorie diet,

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 33-37: Classifying groups

[This type of question asks candidates to classify information from the given reading text. Candidates are given some groups from the text, and a list of options, which are listed as A, B, C etc. They must match the correct groups with the correct options.

N.B.: This question doesn’t follow any sequence. So, they should be answered after all other questions in the passage.]

Question no. 33: Monkeys were less likely to become diabetic.

Keywords for the question: monkeys, less likely, become diabetic,

Paragraphs no. 5 and 6 talk about experiments on monkeys. Here, in paragraph no. 6, the writer says in lines 3-4, “The calorie-restricted animals . .. . .. .. .. .. they have more normal blood glucose levels (pointing to a reduced risk for diabetes, which is marked by unusually high blood glucose levels). .. .. ..”

Here, pointing to a reduced risk for diabetes = less likely to become diabetic,

So, the answer is: A (caloric-restricted monkeys)

Question no. 34: Monkeys experienced more chronic disease.

Keywords for the question: monkeys, more, chronic disease,

The writer says in paragraph no. 6 in lines 4-6, “.. .. … . it has recently been shown that rhesus monkeys kept on caloric-restricted diets for an extended time (nearly 15 years) have less chronic disease. … .. .”

The lines suggest that monkeys kept on calorie-restricted diet experienced less chronic disease compared to control monkeys.

So, the answer is: B (control monkeys)

Question no. 35: Monkeys have been shown to experience a longer than average life span.

Keywords for the question: monkeys, shown to experience, longer, than average life span,

The writer says in paragraph no. in lines 6-8, “. .. .. They and the other monkeys must be followed still longer, however, to know whether low-calorie intake can increase both average and maximum life spans in monkeys.. .. .. .”

Here, must be followed still longer = result is pending, maximum life spans = longer than average life span,

So, the answer is: C (neither caloric-restricted monkeys nor control monkeys)

Question no. 36: Monkeys enjoyed a reduced chance of heart disease.

Keywords for the question: monkeys, enjoyed, reduced chance, heart disease,

The answer can be found at the beginning of paragraph no. 6. The writer says here, “The caloric-restricted animals also look better on indicators of risk for age-related diseases. For example, they have lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels (signifying a decreased likelihood of heart disease) . .”

Here, a decreased likelihood of heart disease = a reduced chance of heart disease,

So, the answer is: A (caloric-restricted monkeys)

Question no. 37: Monkeys produced greater quantities of insulin.

Keywords for the question: monkeys, produced, greater quantities, insulin,

In paragraph no. 5, the author mentions, “. . .. calorie-restricted monkeys have lower body temperatures and levels of the pancreatic hormone insulin. … … .”

This means the level of insulin is greater in control monkeys.

So, the answer is: B (control monkeys)

Questions 38-40: Completing FLOW-CHART with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS to complete some notes on the given flow-chart. 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.]

Title of the flow-chart: How a calorie-restriction mimetic works

All the answers are found in the last section (How a prototype caloric-restriction mimetic works).

Question no. 38:

CR mimetic

↓

less __________ is processed

Keywords for the question: CR mimetic, less, processed,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 8 in lines 2-3. The writer says here, “. . .. calorie restriction minimizes the amount of glucose entering cells and decreases ATP generation. .. . .”

Here, minimizes the amount of glucose = less glucose is processed,

So, the answer is: glucose

Question no. 39 & 40:

production of ATP is decreased
↙	↘
Theory 1:	Theory 2:
cells less damaged by disease because fewer __________ are emitted	cells focus on ____________ because food is in short supply

Keywords for the question: production of ATP, decreased, Theory 1, cells, damaged, disease, fewer, omitted, Theory 2, cells, focus on, food, short supply,

The answers can be found in paragraph no.6.

The writer says first in lines 7-9, “. . .. One possibility relates to the ATP-making machinery’s emission of free radicals, which are thought to contribute to aging and to such age-related diseases as cancer by damaging cells. Reduced operation of the machinery should limit their production and thereby constrain the damage… . .”

Here, One possibility = theory 1, Reduced operation of the machinery = fewer free radicals are emitted,

So, the answer for q. 39 is free radicals.

Then, the writer says, “ . .. .. Another hypothesis suggests that decreased processing of glucose could indicate to cells that food is scarce (even if it isn’t) and induce them to shift into an anti-aging mode that emphasizes preservation of the organism over such ‘luxuries’ as growth and reproduction.”

Here, Another hypothesis = theory 2, food is scarce = food is in short supply, emphasizes = focus on,

So, the answer for q. 40 is preservation.

So, the answers are:

free radicals
preservation

March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 6 Test 2: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: Advantages of public transport

Questions 1-5: List of headings

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

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

N.B.: This passage has 12 paragraphs and the last 5 paragraphs are marked as A, B, C, D & E. You need to find out answers for the last 5 marked paragraphs for this question type.

Question no. 1: Paragraph A

The first lines talk about politics (people power), “In fact, Newman believes the main reason for adopting one sort of transport over another is politics: ‘The more democratic the process, the more public transport is favored.’ .. .”

Then the writer explains how a project became successful due to politics, “ . .. . Some years ago, federal money was granted to build a new road. However, local pressure groups forced a referendum over whether to spend the money on light rail instead. The rail proposal won and the railway worked spectacularly well.”

Here, politics & democratic process indicates to people power.

So, the answer is: ii (A successful exercise in people power)

Question no. 2: Paragraph B

The answer can be found in the first and last lines of paragraph B.

At the beginning the writer says in line no. 1, “In the UK, travel times to work had been stable for at least six centuries, .. .. .”

Then, in the last lines the writer says, “ .. . .. However, public infrastructure did not keep pace with urban sprawl, causing massive congestion problems which now make commuting times far higher.”

Here, commuting times far higher = an increase in travelling time.

So, the answer is: vii (Increases in travelling time)

Question no. 3: Paragraph C

The answer can be found in lines 1-3 of paragraph C. The author mentions here, “There is a widespread belief that increasing wealth encourages people to live farther out where cars are the only viable transport. The example of European cities refutes that. They are often wealthier than their American counterparts but have not generated the same level of car use.”

Here, refutes = the example directly contradicts the previous statement / Higher incomes need not mean more cars

So, the answer is: iv (Higher incomes need not mean more cars)

Question no. 4: Paragraph D

The answer can be found in lines 2-3 of paragraph D. The writer says here, “. .. . which used Melbourne as an example. It found that pushing everyone into the city centre was not the best approach. . .. ..”

Here, pushing everyone into the city centre was not the best approach = Avoiding an overcrowded centre,

So, the answer is: i (Avoiding an overcrowded centre)

Question no. 5: Paragraph E

The answer can be found in lines 4-6 of paragraph E. The author says here, “. . .. . The explanation for this seems to be that it is valuable to place people working in related fields together. ‘The new world will largely depend on human creativity, and creativity flourishes where people come together face-to-face.’”

Here, valuable to place people working in related fields together = benefits of working together in cities,

So, the answer is: iii (The benefits of working together in cities)

Question 6-10: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 6: The ISTP study examined public and private systems in every city in the world.

Keywords for the question: ISTP study, examined, public and private systems, every city in the world,

The answer can be traced in lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 1, “A new study conducted for the World Bank by Murdoch University’s Institute for Science and Technology Policy (ISTP) has demonstrated that public transport is more efficient than cars. The study compared the proportion of wealth poured into transport by thirty-seven cities around the world. . . .. ”

Here, the lines suggest that the study compared public and private systems in 37 countries, not every city in the world.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 7: Efficient cities can improve the quality of life for their inhabitants.

Keywords for the question: efficient cities, can improve, quality of life, inhabitants,

The first last lines of paragraph no. 1 say, “ . .. .. Professor Peter Newman, ISTP Director, pointed out that these more efficient cities were able to put the difference into attracting industry and jobs or creating a better place to live.”

Here, creating a better place to live = improves the quality of life for their inhabitants,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 8: An inner-city tram network is dangerous for car drivers.

Keywords for the question: inner-city tram network, dangerous for, car drivers,

In paragraph no. 3 we can see the mention of ‘inner-city tram network’ of Melbourne in line no. 3. However, no information can be found about whether an inner-city tram network is dangerous for car drivers or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 9: In Melbourne, people prefer to live in the outer suburbs.

Keywords for the question: Melbourne, people, prefer, live, outer suburbs,

In paragraph no. 3, take a look at the last lines, “ .. . The explosion in demand for accommodation in the inner suburbs of Melbourne suggests a recent change in many people’s preferences as to where they live.”

Here, demand for accommodation in the inner suburbs = people prefer to live in the inner suburbs,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 10: Cities with high levels of bicycle usage can be efficient even when public transport is only averagely good.

Keywords for the question: cities, high levels of bicycle usage, can be efficient, public transport, only averagely good,

Take a close look at paragraph no. 5 as the author mentions in lines 1-3, “Bicycle use was not included in the study but Newman noted that the two most ‘bicycle friendly’ cities considered – Amsterdam and Copenhagen – were very efficient, even though their public transport systems were ‘reasonable but not special’.”

Here, ‘bicycle friendly’ cities = Cities with high levels of bicycle usage, public transport systems were ‘reasonable but not special’ = public transport is only averagely good,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 11-13: Matching places/names from list of descriptions:

[The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person/places, read around it carefully and try to match it with the given list of descriptions. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions will not follow any sequential order. Do the reverse method when the statements are in question.]

Question no. 11: Perth

Keywords for the question: Perth,

Take a look at paragraph no. 2 where the writer mentions about Perth. Lines 1-3 say, “ . .. .. . Western Australian city of Perth is a good example of a city with minimal public transport. As a result, 17% of its wealth went into transport costs. Some European and Asian cities, on the other hand, spent as little as 5%. .. .”

Here, minimal public transport = limited public transport system, 17% of its wealth went into transport costs = inefficient,

So, the answer is: F (inefficient due to a limited public transport system)

Question no. 12: Auckland

Keywords for the question: Auckland,

In paragraph no. 7, the writer says in lines 2-3, “ . .. . Newman accepts it would be hard for a city as hilly as Auckland to develop a really good rail network.. .. .”

Here, it would be hard = inappropriate,

So, the answer is: D (hilly and inappropriate for rail transport system)

Question no. 13: Portland

Keywords for the question: Portland,

Lines 2-5 in paragraph A says, “. … He considers Portland, Oregon, a perfect example of this. Some years ago, federal money was granted to build a new road. However, local pressure groups forced a referendum over whether to spend the money on light rail instead. The rail proposal won and the railway worked spectacularly well. . .. .”

Here, federal money was granted to build a new road = government wanted to build road,

local pressure groups forced a referendum over whether to spend the money on light rail instead = local people wanted rail road,

rail proposal won = move from road to light rail transport system, worked spectacularly well = profitable,

So, the answer is: C (profitably moved from road to light rail transport system)

Reading Passage 2 : GREYING POPULATION STAYS IN THE PINK

Questions 14-22: Completing summary with list of words:

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

Question no. 14 & 15: Research carried out by scientists in the United States has shown that the proportion of people over 65 suffering from the most common age-related medical problems is 14. _________ and that the speed of this change is 15. ________.

Keywords for the question: research, United States, proportion, people over 65, suffering from, most common age-related medical problems, speed, change,

In paragraph no. 2 the author states in lines 1-6, “In the last 14 years, the National Long-term Health Care Survey has gathered data on the health and lifestyles of more than 20,000 men and women over 65. Researchers, now analysing the results of data gathered in 1994, say arthritis, high blood pressure and circulation problems – the major medical complaints in this age group – are troubling a smaller proportion every year. And the data confirms that the rate at which these diseases are declining continues to accelerate… . . .”

Here, men and women over 65 = people over 65, the major medical complaints in this age group = the most common age-related medical problems, the rate = the proportion,

are declining = falling (B), to accelerate = the speed is increasing (I)

So, the answers are:
1. B (falling)
2. I (increasing)
Question no. 16: It also seems that these diseases are affecting people _________ in life than they did in the past.

Keywords for the question: seems, these diseases, affecting people, in life, than, in the past,

For this question’s answer, we have to look at paragraph no. 3. Here, in lines 2-3, the writer says, “ . . .. He says the problems doctors accepted as normal in a 65-year-old in 1982 are often not appearing until people are 70 or 75.”

Here, the problems = these diseases, often not appearing until people are 70 or 75 = often affecting people later in life (70 or 75).

So, the answer is: F (later)

Question no. 17 & 18: This is largely due to developments in 17. ________ but other factors such as improved 18. _________ may also be playing a part.

Keywords for the question: largely, due to, developments, but, other factors such as, improved, may be, playing a part,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says in lines 1-4, “Clearly, certain diseases are beating a retreat in the face of medical advances. But there may be other contributing factors. Improvements in childhood nutrition in the first quarter of the twentieth century, for example, gave today’s elderly people a better start in life than their predecessors.”

Here, in the face of medical advances = developments in medicine, other contributing factors = other factors, Improvements in childhood nutrition = improved nutrition,

So, the answers are:
1. M (medicine)
2. J (nutrition)
Question no. 19: Increases in some other illnesses may be due to changes in personal habits and to ________.

Keywords for the question: increases, some other illnesses, may be, due to, changes, personal habits,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. The author says here in lines 1-3, “On the downside, the data also reveals failures in public health that have caused surges in some illnesses. An increase in some cancers and bronchitis may reflect changing smoking habits and poorer air quality, say the researchers. . .. .”

Here, An increase in some cancers and bronchitis = Increases in some other illnesses, smoking habits = personal habits, poorer air quality = pollution,

So, the answer is: N (pollution)

Question no. 20: The research establishes a link between levels of _________ and life expectancy.

Keywords for the question: research, establishes, link between, levels of, life expectancy,

In paragraph no. 6 the author writes in the beginning, “One interesting correlation Manton uncovered is that better-educated people are likely to live longer. .. .. .”

Here, correlation = link, likely to live longer = life expectancy,

better-educated people = education,

So, the answer is: K (education)

Question no. 21 & 22: It also shows that there has been a considerable reduction in the number of elderly people who are 21. _________ which means that the 22. _________ involved in supporting this section of the population may be less than previously predicted.

Keywords for the question: considerable reduction, number of elderly people, who are, means, involved in, supporting, this section of population, may be, less than, previously predicted,

In paragraph no. 7, the writer says in lines 4-9, “.. .. . That represents a significant drop in the number of disabled old people in the population. If the trends apparent in the United States 14 years ago had continued, researchers calculate there would be an additional one million disabled elderly people in today’s population. According to Manton, slowing the trend has saved the United States government’s Medicare system more than $200 billion, suggesting that the greying of America’s population may prove less of a financial burden than expected.”

Here, significant drop = considerable reduction, disabled old people = elderly people who are disabled (G), may prove less = may be less, financial burden = cost (A),

So, the answers are:
- G (disabled)
- A (cost)
Questions 23-26: Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings:

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

Question no. 23: Home medical aids

Keywords for the question: home medical aids,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 8. The writer says here, “The increasing self-reliance of many elderly people is probably linked to a massive increase in the use of simple home medical aids. .. . . .”

Here, increasing self-reliance of many elderly people = old people to be more independent,

So, the answer is: G (allow old people to be more independent.)

Question no. 24: Regular amounts of exercise

Keywords for the question: regular amounts of exercise,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 9. In this paragraph, the writer says, “Maintaining a level of daily physical activity may help mental functioning, says Carl Cotman, a neuroscientist at the University of California at Irvine. He found that rats that exercise on a treadmill have raised levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor coursing through their brains. Cotman believes this hormone, which keeps neurons functioning, may prevent the brains of active humans from deteriorating.”

Here, Maintaining a level of daily physical activity = Regular amounts of exercise, may prevent the brains of active humans from deteriorating = help prevent mental decline,

So, the answer is: E (may help prevent mental decline.)

Question no. 25: Feelings of control over life

Keywords for the question: feelings, control over life,

Here, bulk cargo means heavy or large goods transported from one place to other.

The author says in paragraph no. 10, “ . .. . found a connection between self-esteem and stress in people over 70. In laboratory simulations of challenging activities such as driving, those who felt in control of their lives pumped out lower levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.”

Here, felt in control of their lives = feelings of control over life, lower levels of stress hormones = reduce stress in difficult situations,

So, the answer is: H (can reduce stress in difficult situations.)

Question no. 26: Feelings of loneliness

Keywords for the question: feelings of loneliness,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 11 in lines 1-2, “ . .. . Seeman found that elderly people who felt emotionally isolated maintained higher levels of stress hormones even when asleep. … . .”

Here, felt emotionally isolated = feelings of loneliness, maintained higher levels of stress hormones = cause rise in levels of stress hormones,

So, the answer is: C (may cause rises in levels of stress hormones.)

Reading Passage 3 : Numeration

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

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

Question no. 27: A developed system of numbering –

Keywords for the question: developed system, numbering,

In paragraph no. 2, the writer mentions the reason for the need of a developed system of numbering. In line no. 3 take a look at the phrase ‘our ancestors’. Then in lines 7-8, the writer says, “. . . . As they began to settle, grow plants and herd animals, the need for a sophisticated number system became paramount. … .”

Here, they (our ancestors) = people, to settle, grow plants and herd animals = began farming, sophisticated number system = developed system of numbering,

So, the answer is: B (was necessary when people began farming.)

Question no. 28: An additional hand signal –

Keywords for the question: additional, hand signal,

Paragraph no. 3 highlights the use of hand signals and discusses some types of hand signals first. Then, in lines 5-8 the writer explains, “ . .. For example, when using the one, two, many type of system, the word many would mean, ‘Look at my hands and see how many fingers I am showing you’. This basic approach is limited in the range of numbers that it can express, but this range will generally suffice when dealing with the simpler aspects of human existence.

Here, the one, two, many type of system = additional hand signal, limited in the range of numbers = range of number word was restricted,

So, the answer is: E (was used when the range of number words was restricted.)

Question no. 29: In seventh-century Europe, the ability to count to a certain number –

Keywords for the question: seventh-century, Europe, ability, count, certain number,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4 where the keywords ‘seventh-century’ and ‘Europe’ can be found. In lines 6-8 the author says, “ . .. The average person in the seventh century in Europe was not as familiar with numbers as we are today. In fact, to qualify as a witness in a court of law a man had to be able to count to nine!”

Here, to qualify as a witness in a court of law = to fulfill a civic role, had to be able to = was necessary,

So, the answer is: A (was necessary in order to fulfill a civic role.)

Question no. 30: Thinking about numbers as concepts separate from physical objects –

Keywords for the question: thinking, numbers, concepts, separate from, physical objects,

The answer is in paragraph no.5. First, the writer says at the beginning of the paragraph, “Perhaps the most fundamental step in developing a sense of number is not the ability to count, but rather to see that a number is really an abstract idea instead of a simple attachment to a group of particular objects.”

Here, an abstract idea = concepts, group of particular objects = physical objects,

Then, in the final lines of paragraph no. 5, the writer says, “… .. . When the number 4 can be registered in the mind as a specific word, independent of the object being referenced, the individual is ready to take the first step toward the development of a notational system for numbers and, from there, to arithmetic.”

Here, the first step toward the development of a notational system for numbers and, from there, to arithmetic = development of arithmetic,

So, the answer is: C (was necessary for the development of arithmetic.)

Question no. 31: Expressing number differently according to class of item –

Keywords for the question: expressing number, differently, according to, class of item,

The writer says in paragraph no. 6, “ .. . . Traces of the very first stages in the development of numeration can be seen in several living languages today. The numeration system of the Tsimshian language in British Columbia contains seven distinct sets of words for numbers according to the class of the item being counted: for counting flat objects and animals, for round objects and time, for people, for long objects and trees, for canoes, for measures, and for counting when no particular object is being numerated. .. . ..”

Here, Traces of the very first stages in the development of numeration = characteristics of early numeration systems,

So, the answer is: G (was a characteristic of early numeration systems.)

Questions 32-40: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE

The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE

If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

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

Question no. 32: For the earliest tribes, the concept of sufficiency was more important than the concept of quantity.

Keywords for the question: earliest tribes, sufficiency, more important, than, quantity,

Let’s read the second paragraph. The author mentions here in lines 2-4, “ . .. Even the earliest of tribes had a system of numeration that, if not advanced, was sufficient for the tasks that they had to perform. Our ancestors had little use for actual numbers; . . . .”

Here, was sufficient for the tasks that they had to perform = the concept of sufficiency was more important, Our ancestors had little use for actual numbers = the concept of quantity was less important,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 33: Indigenous Tasmanians used only four terms to indicate numbers of objects.

Keywords for the question: Indigenous Tasmanians, used, only four terms, indicate, numbers of objects,

The answer can be traced in lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. The indigenous peoples of Tasmania were only able to count one, two, many; . .. .”

Here, The indigenous peoples of Tasmania = Indigenous Tasmanians, able to count = used, one, two, many = three terms,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 34: Some peoples with simple number systems use body language to prevent misunderstanding of expressions of number.

Keywords for the question: some people, simple number systems, use, body language, to prevent, misunderstanding, expressions of number,

Again, in the third paragraph, lines 3-4 say, “ . . . But in real situations the number and words are often accompanied by gestures to help resolve any confusion. . .. .”

Here, often accompanied by gestures = use body languages, resolve any confusion = prevent misunderstanding of expressions,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 35: All cultures have been able to express large numbers clearly.

Keywords for the question: all cultures, have been able, to express, large numbers, clearly,

The writer says in paragraph no. 4 in line no. 1, “The lack of ability of some cultures to deal with large numbers is not really surprising. .. . …”

Here, lack of ability of some cultures to deal with large numbers = Not all cultures have been able to express large numbers clearly,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 36: The word ‘thousand’ has Anglo-Saxon origins.

Keywords for the question: word ‘thousand’, Anglo-Saxon origins,

The author talks about the Anglo-Saxon language in paragraph no. 4 providing a list of words and their origins. We can find only the numbers 10 and 100, but there is no discussion about the origin of the number ‘thousand’.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 37: In general, people in seventh-century Europe had poor counting ability.

Keywords for the question: in general, people, seventh-century, Europe, poor counting ability,

At the end of paragraph no. 4 the writer says, “ . .. The average person in the seventh century in Europe was not as familiar with numbers as we are today. .. ..”

Here, The average person in the seventh century = In general, people in seventh-century Europe, not as familiar with numbers = poor counting ability,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 38: In the Tsimshian language, the number for long objects and canoes is expressed with the same word.

Keywords for the question: Tsimshian language, number for long objects, canoes, expressed, same word,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 6. The writer says here in lines 2-5, “. . .. The numeration system of the Tsimshian language in British Columbia contains seven distinct sets of words for numbers according to the class of the item being counted: for counting flat objects and animals, for round objects and time, for people, for long objects and trees, for canoes, for measures, and for counting when no particular object is being numerated.… .. ..”

Here, seven distinct sets of words = not same words,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 39: The Tsimshian language contains both older and newer systems of counting.

Keywords for the question: Tsimshian language, contains, both older and newer systems, counting,

After the information about listing seven distinct sets of words for numbers according to the class of item in the Tsimshian language, the author says in lines 6-7, “It seems that the last is a later development while the first six groups show the relics of an older system.”

This means the Tsimshian language has both old and new systems for counting.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 40: Early peoples found it easier to count by using their fingers rather than a group of pebbles.

Keywords for the question: early peoples, found, easier, to count, using, fingers, rather than, group of pebbles,

In the final paragraph, the author mentions in lines 2-3, “ . .. . it is possible to count by matching the items being counted against a group of pebbles, grains of corn, or the counter’s fingers. .. ..”

However, there is no mention regarding whether early people found it easier to count by using their fingers or a group of pebbles.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 6 Test 1: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: AUSTRALIA’S SPORTING SUCCESS

Questions 1-7: Identifying information

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

Question no. 1: A reference to the exchange of expertise between different sports

Keywords for the question: exchange, expertise, between different sports,

The answer can be found in paragraph B. At the beginning the writer says in lines 1-3, “. . .. .The AIS employs more than 100 sports scientists and doctors, and collaborates with scores of others in universities and research centres. AIS scientists work across a number of sports, .. .. .”

Here, collaborates = work together, scientists and doctors = experts, a number of sports = different sports, work across = exchange,

This sentence suggests that Australian sports scientists and doctors share their expertise across different sports.

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 2: An explanation of how visual imaging is employed in investigation

Keywords for the question: how, visual imaging, employed, investigation,

In the middle of paragraph C the writer explains how the visual imaging works to help in the investigation. Read carefully lines 6-10, “ . .. . To demonstrate how the system works, Bruce Mason at AIS shows off the prototype of a 3D analysis tool for studying swimmers. A wire-frame model of a champion swimmer slices through the water, her arms moving in slow motion. Looking side-on, Mason measures the distance between strokes. From above, he analyses how her spine swivels. When fully developed, this system will enable him to build a biomechanical profile for coaches to use to help budding swimmers.”

Here, prototype of a 3D analysis tool = visual imaging tool,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 3: A reason for narrowing the scope of research activity

Keywords for the question: reason, narrowing, scope, research activity,

At the end of paragraph B, Peter Fricker, chief of science at AIS explains why the scope of research activity needs to be narrowed. Read lines 5-7, “ .. .. . They all focus on one aim: winning.‘ We can’t waste our time looking at ethereal scientific questions that don’t help the coach work with an athlete and improve performance,’. … .”

Here, We can’t waste our time = we must narrow the scope of research activity,

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 4: How some AIS ideas have been reproduced

Keywords for the question: how, some AIS ideas, reproduced,

Paragraph F details about some AIS ideas that had been copied in different times, “ .. . . Some years ago, the AIS unveiled coolant-lined jackets for endurance athletes. At the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, these sliced as much as two per cent off cyclists’ and rowers’ times. Now everyone uses them. The same has happened to the ‘altitude tent’, developed by AIS to replicate the effect of altitude training at sea level.”

Here, Now everyone uses them = all other countries have copied them, replicate = copy / reproduced,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 5: How obstacles to optimum achievement can be investigated

Keywords for the question: how, obstacles, optimum achievement, can be investigated,

The answer can be found in paragraph D where Bruce Mason at AIS explains how obstacles to highest achievement can be investigated. First, take a look at lines 1-4, “. .. . He points out the data on the swimmers in second and third place, which shows that the one who finished third actually swam faster. So why did he finish 35 hundredths of a second down? ‘His turn times were 44 hundredths of a second behind the other guy,’ says Mason. ‘If he can improve on his turns, he can do much better.’ . .. .”

Then take a look at lines 6-9, “ . .. . With the Cooperative Research Centre for Micro Technology in Melbourne, they are developing unobtrusive sensors that will be embedded in an athlete’s clothes or running shoes to monitor heart rate, sweating, heat production or any other factor that might have an impact on an athlete’s ability to run.”

These lines suggest the way of investigating the obstacles / obstructions to optimum / best achievement / result.

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 6: An overview of the funded support of athletes

Keywords for the question: overview, funded support, athletes,

The answer is found in lines 5-7 of paragraph A, “ . .. . Another body, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), finances programmes of excellence in a total of 96 sports for thousands of sportsmen and women.”

Here, finances = funded support,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 7: How performance requirements are calculated before an event

Keywords for the question: how, performance requirements, calculated, before, event,

The first few lines of paragraph E give us the answer, “ . .. .. Well before a championship, sports scientists and coaches start to prepare the athlete by developing a ‘competition model’, based on what they expect will be the winning times.”

Here, Well before a championship = before an event, prepare the athlete by developing a ‘competition model’ = performance requirements are calculated,

So, the answer is: E

Questions 8-11: Classifying groups

[This type of question asks candidates to classify information from the given reading text. Candidates are given some groups from the text, and a list of options, which are listed as A, B, C etc. They must match the correct groups with the correct options.

N.B.: This question doesn’t follow any sequence. So, they should be answered after all other questions in the passage.]

Question no. 8: cameras

Keywords for the question: cameras,

In paragraph C lines 11-14 say, “. .. . . Mason’s contribution to sport also includes the development of the SWAN (SWimming ANalysis) system now used in Australian national competitions. It collects images from digital cameras running at 50 frames a second and breaks down each part of a swimmer’s performance into factors that can be analysed individually – . …. .”

Here, It collects images from digital cameras means cameras are currently exclusively used by Australians.

So, the answer is: A (are currently exclusively used by Australians)

Question no. 9: sensors

Keywords for the question: sensors,

In paragraph D lines 6-9 talk about the use of sensors in the future, “. .. . With the Cooperative Research Centre for Micro Technology in Melbourne, they are developing unobtrusive sensors that will be embedded in an athlete’s clothes or running shoes to monitor heart rate, sweating, heat production or any other factor that might have an impact on an athlete’s ability to run.”

So, the answer is: B (will be used in the future by Australians)

Question no. 10: protein tests

Keywords for the question: protein tests,

The answer to this question can also be found in paragraph D, “ … . . After years of experimentation, AIS and the University of Newcastle in New South Wales developed a test that measures how much of the immune-system protein immunoglobulin A is present in athletes’ saliva. If IgA levels suddenly fall below a certain level, training is eased or dropped altogether. Soon, IgA levels start rising again, and the danger passes. Since the tests were introduced, AIS athletes in all sports have been remarkably successful at staying healthy.”

This means protein tests are currently used by AIS athletes (Australians).

So, the answer is: A (are currently exclusively used by Australians)

Question no. 11: altitude tents

Keywords for the question: altitude tents,

Take a look at these lines paragraph F, “. . .. Some years ago, the AIS unveiled coolant-lined jackets for endurance athletes. At the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, these sliced as much as two per cent off cyclists’ and rowers’ times. Now everyone uses them. The same has happened to the ‘altitude tent’, developed by AIS to replicate the effect of altitude training at sea level..”

Here, everyone uses them & The same has happened to mean that altitude tents are used by both Australians and their rivals.

So, the answer is: C (are currently used by both Australians and their rivals)

Questions 12-13: Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER)

[In this kind of questions candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords which will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

Question no. 12: What is produced to help an athlete plan their performance in an event?

Keywords for the question: produced, help, athlete, plan, performance, event,

The answer can be found at the beginning of paragraph E, “.. .. Well before a championship, sports scientists and coaches start to prepare the athlete by developing a ‘competition model’, based on what they expect will be the winning times.”

Here, prepare = start to produced, Well before a championship & what they expect will be the winning times = plan their performance in an event,

So, the answer is: (a) competition model

Question no. 13: By how much did some cyclists’ performance improve at the 1996 Olympic Games?

Keywords for the question: how much, some cyclists’ performance, improve, 1996 Olympic Games,

The KEYPHRASE ‘how much’ indicates that the answer has to be a number. Take a look at paragraph F in lines 2-3, “ .. .. At the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996, these sliced as much as two per cent off cyclists’ and rowers’ times.”

Here, sliced . . .. . off = performance improve by,

So, the answer is: (by) 2 per cent/ percent/ %

Reading Passage 2: DELIVERING THE GOODS

Questions 14-17: Identifying information

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

Question no. 14: a suggestion for improving trade in the future

Keywords for the question: suggestion, improving trade, in the future,

A special TIP: questions like this one where you have to find ‘a solution for the coming days / future’, you should take a look at the last two paragraphs. You will always find your answers there.

For this question, we have to go to the last paragraph and search for solutions or suggestions to improve trade in the future. Take a look at the last lines of paragraph I, “ .. . .. Bringing these barriers down would help the world’s economies grow even closer.”

Here, Bringing these barriers down = a suggestion, would help = indicates the future, the world’s economies grow even closer = improving trade,

So, the answer is: I

Question no. 15: the effects of the introduction of electronic delivery

Keywords for the question: effects, introduction of electronic delivery,

The answer can be found in paragraph F. Here, lines 2-5 say, “. . .. . Computer software can be ‘exported’ without ever loading it onto a ship, simply by transmitting it over telephone lines from one country to another, so freight rates and cargo-handling schedules become insignificant factors in deciding where to make the product. .. .. .”

Here, simply by transmitting it over telephone lines = electronic delivery, so freight rates and cargo-handling schedules become insignificant factors in deciding where to make the product = the effects,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 16: the similar cost involved in transporting a product from abroad or from a local supplier

Keywords for the question: similar cost, transporting, product, from abroad, from a local supplier,

The answer can be found in paragraph E. Take a look at these lines, “. . .. . Computer manufacturers in Japan or Texas will not face hugely bigger freight bills if they import drives from Singapore rather than purchasing them on the domestic market. , .. .. .”

Here, import drives from Singapore = transporting a product from abroad, domestic market = local supplier,

Also, Computer manufacturers in Japan or Texas will not face hugely bigger freight bills means that companies do not want to spend more money on products that are priced the same in a local or foreign market.

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 17: the weakening relationship between the value of goods and the cost of their delivery

Keywords for the question: weakening relationship, between, value of goods, the cost of their delivery,

The answer can be found in paragraph D. At the beginning the writer says in lines 1-2, “. . .. . Over time, however, world output has shifted into goods whose worth is unrelated to their size and weight., .. .. .”

Then the writer says again in the end, “. .. thanks to technological advances such as lightweight components, manufactured goods themselves have tended to become lighter and less bulky. As a result, less transportation is required for every dollar’s worth of imports or exports.”

Here, goods whose worth is unrelated to their size and weight = the price of some goods does not match with their size and weight,

Also, less transportation is required for every dollar’s worth of imports or exports = the relationship between value of goods and their transportation cost is becoming weak,

So, the answer is: D

Questions 18-22: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE

The statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSE

If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

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

Question no. 18: International trade is increasing at a greater rate than the world economy.

Keywords for the question: international trade, increasing, greater rate, than, world economy,

The answer can be found in the first lines of paragraph A. The writer says, “International trade is growing at a startling pace. While the global economy has been expanding at a bit over 3% a year, the volume of trade has been rising at a compound annual rate of about twice that.”

Here, is growing = is increasing, global economy = world economy,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 19: Cheap labour guarantees effective trade conditions.

Keywords for the question: cheap labour, guarantees, effective trade conditions,

The answer can be found in paragraph B. At the end of the paragraph the writer says, “. . .. . Cheap labour may make Chinese clothing competitive in America, but if delays in shipment lie up working capital and cause winter coats to arrive in spring, trade may lose its advantages.”

Here, the writer means that cheap labour may work as a contributory factor but it cannot guarantee an effective trade condition; delivery in proper time guarantees that.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 20: Japan imports more meat and steel than France.

Keywords for the question: Japan, imports, more meat and steel, than France,

We can find the words Japan, France, meat and steel, in paragraph C. However, we can’t find any comparison on the import of meat and steel between Japan and France.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 21: Most countries continue to prefer to trade with nearby nations.

Keywords for the question: most countries, continue to prefer, trade, nearby nations,

The answer can be found at the very beginning of paragraph D. The author says in line no. 1, Countries still trade disproportionately with their geographic neighbours.”

Here, still trade = continue to prefer to trade, geographical neighbours = nearby nations,

The line is a clear match to the question.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 22: Small computer components are manufactured in Germany.

Keywords for the question: small computer components, manufactured, Germany,

Information about computer components is included in paragraph E. However, Germany is not mentioned in this paragraph.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 23-26: Completing summary with list of words:

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

Title of the summary: THE TRANSPORT REVOLUTION

Question no. 23: Modern cargo-handling methods have had a significant effect on ___________ as the business of moving freight around the world becomes increasingly streamlined.

Keywords for the question: modern cargo-handling methods, significant effect, moving freight, around the world, increasingly streamlined,

The answer can be found in paragraph D. The writer says here, “. . .. Over time, however, world output has shifted into goods whose worth is unrelated to their size and weight. Today, it is finished manufactured products that dominate the flow of trade, and, thanks to technological advances such as lightweight components, manufactured goods themselves have tended to become lighter and less bulky. .”

Here, dominate = significant effect, streamlined = manufactured goods themselves have tended to become lighter and less bulky, technological advances = modern cargo-handling methods,

So, the answer is: G (trade)

Question no. 24: Manufacturers of computers, for instance, are able to import ___________ from overseas, rather than having to rely on a local supplier.

Keywords for the question: manufactures, computers, able to import, from overseas, than, rely on, local supplier,

The answer can be found in paragraphs D and E. In paragraph D, the writer talks about ‘lightweight components’ as manufactured goods. Then in paragraph E, the writer says, “ . . . Computer manufacturers in Japan or Texas will not face hugely bigger freight bills if they import drives from Singapore rather than purchasing them on the domestic market.”

Here, Computer manufacturers in Japan = manufacturers of computers, drives = components, Singapore = overseas, domestic market = local supplier,

So, the answer is: B (components)

Question no. 25: The introduction of __________ has meant that bulk cargo can be safely and efficiently moved over long distances.

Keywords for the question: introduction, meant, bulk cargo, safely, efficiently, moved, long distances,

Here, bulk cargo means heavy or large goods transported from one place to other.

The author says in paragraph G, “ . .. . Forty years ago, the process of exporting or importing involved a great many stages of handling, which risked portions of the shipment being damaged or stolen along the way. The invention of the container crane made it possible to load and unload containers without capsizing the ship and the adoption of standard container sizes allowed almost any box to be transported on any ship.”

Here, the invention of the container crane = the introduction of container ships with crane, without capsizing = safely and efficiently,

So, the answer is: C (container ships)

Question no. 26: While international shipping is now efficient, there is still a need for governments to reduce __________ in order to free up the domestic cargo sector.

Keywords for the question: international shipping, efficient, still a need, governments, reduce, in order to, free up, domestic cargo sector,

The answer can be found in paragraph H where the writer talks about tariffs. The writer says here, “ . .. . The shipping container transformed ocean shipping into a highly efficient, intensely competitive business. But getting the cargo to and from the dock was a different story. National governments, by and large, kept a much firmer hand on truck and railroad tariffs than on charges for ocean freight. This started changing, however, in the mid-1970s, when America began to deregulate its transportation industry. First airlines, then road haulers and railways, were freed from restrictions on what they could carry, where they could haul it and what price they could charge. Big productivity gains resulted.”

Here, the writer explains how lowering truck and railroad tariffs can increase productivity and suggests that government should reduce tariffs.

So, the answer is: A (tariffs)

Reading Passage 3: Climate change and the Inuit

Questions 27-32: List of headings:

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

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

Question no. 27: Paragraph B

In paragraph B the writer mentions the reaction of the Inuit community to climate change. In lines 3-4 the writer says, “.. .. Nobody knows the Arctic as well as the locals, which is why they are not content simply to stand back and let outside experts tell them what’s happening.”

Here, they are not content means the Inuit people are not happy.

Again, in the last few lines, the writer mentions, “ .. . . they believe their best hope of survival in this changing environment lies in combining their ancestral knowledge with the best of modern science. This is a challenge in itself.”

So, the answer is: i (The reaction of the Inuit community to climate change)

Question no. 28: Paragraph C

Paragraph C highlights the harsh and challenging landscape of the polar desert known as the North Pole. Take a look at phrases and sentences like ‘vast, treeless polar desert’, ‘some idea of the hardships’, ‘Farming is out of the question and nature offers meagre pickings’, ‘The environment tested them to the limits’ etc.

So, the answer is: vi (A difficult landscape)

Question no. 29: Paragraph D

For this question, we have to go to the last part of Paragraph D. The writer explains here about the alternative sources of necessary supplies, “ . .. . Provisions available in local shops have to be flown into Nunavut on one of the most costly air networks in the world, or brought by supply ship during the few ice-free weeks of summer. It would cost a family around £7,000 a year to replace meat they obtained themselves through hunting with imported meat. ….. .”

Here, Provisions = essential supplies, imported meat = alternative sources of supplies,

So, the answer is: iii (Alternative sources of essential supplies)

Question no. 30: Paragraph E

The first lines of paragraph E says, “While the Inuit may not actually starve if hunting and trapping are curtailed by climate change, there has certainly been an impact on people’s health. . .. .”

Here, impact = negative effects, people’s health = well-being,

So, the answer is: vii (Negative effects on well-being)

Question no. 31: Paragraph F

The first few lines of paragraph F gives us the answer to this question, “With so much at stake, the Inuit are determined to play a key role in teasing out the mysteries of climate change in the Arctic. Having survived there for centuries, they believe their wealth of traditional knowledge is vital to the task. And Western scientists are starting to draw on this wisdom,. .. ..”

Here, Western scientists are starting to draw on this wisdom = respect for limit opinion grows,

So, the answer is: iv (Respect for limit opinion grows)

Question no. 32: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, take a look at lines 2-5, “. .. . . Others, however, point out that the first weather stations in the far north date back just 50 years. There are still huge gaps in our environmental knowledge, and despite the scientific onslaught, many predictions are no more than best guesses. .. .. .”

Here, date back just 50 years, There are still huge gaps, many predictions are no more than best guesses all mean that the knowledge or understanding of climate change is limited.

So, the answer is: ii (Understanding of climate change remains limited)

Questions 33-40: 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. 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.]

Question no. 33: If you visit the Canadian Arctic, you immediately appreciate the problems faced by people for whom this is home. It would clearly be impossible for the people to engage in __________as a means of supporting themselves.

Keywords for the question: visit the Canadian Arctic, immediately appreciate, problems, would be clearly impossible, to engage in, means of supporting themselves,

The answer can be found at the beginning of paragraph C. The writer says here, The Canadian Arctic is a vast, treeless polar desert that’s covered with snow for most of the year. Venture into this terrain and you get some idea of the hardships facing anyone who calls this home. Farming is out of the question and nature offers meagre pickings. . .. .”

Here, Venture into this terrain = if you visit the Canadian Arctic, get some idea of the hardships = you immediately appreciate the problems, out of the question = clearly be impossible for the people to engage,

So, the answer is: farming

Question no. 34 & 35: For thousands of years they have had to rely on catching 34. _________ and 35. _________ as a means of sustenance.

Keywords for the question: thousands of years, rely on, catching, as a means of sustenance,

The writer says in paragraph C in lines 4-5, “. .. .. Humans first settled in the Arctic a mere 4,500 years ago, surviving by exploiting sea mammals and fish. .. .. .”

Here, 4,500 years ago = thousands of years ago, surviving by exploiting = have had to rely on catching . .. . as a means of sustenance,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

sea mammals

fish

Question no. 36: The harsh surroundings saw many who tried to settle there pushed to their limits, although some were successful. The _________ people were an example of the latter and for them the environment did not prove unmanageable.

Keywords for the question: harsh surroundings, tried to settle, pushed to their limits, although, some, successful, example, latter, environment, did not prove unmanageable,

The answer can be found at the end of paragraph C. The writer says here, “. . .. The environment tested them to the limits: sometimes the colonists were successful, sometimes they failed and vanished. But around a thousand years ago, one group emerged that was uniquely well adapted to cope with the Arctic environment. These Thule people moved in from Alaska, . .”

Here, tested them to the limits = many who tried to settle there pushed to their limits, one group emerged that was uniquely well adapted to cope with = some were successful, an example = these,

So, the answer is: Thule

Question no. 37: For the present inhabitants, life continues to be a struggle. The territory of Nunavut consists of little more than ice, rock and a few __________ .

Keywords for the question: present inhabitants, life, struggle, territory of Nunavut, consists of, little more than ice, rock, few,

In the beginning of paragraph D, the author mentions, “. . .. Life for the descendants of the Thule people is still harsh. Nunavut is 1.9 million square kilometres of rock and ice, and a handful of islands around the North Pole.. .”

Here, the descendants of the Thule people = the present inhabitants, harsh = struggle, a handful of = a few,

So, the answer is: islands

Question no. 38 & 39: In recent years, many of them have been obliged to give up their 38. _________ lifestyle, but they continue to depend mainly on 39. _________ for their food and clothes.

Keywords for the question: recent years, have been obliged to give up, lifestyle, but, continue to, depend mainly on, for food and clothes,

The answer can be found in paragraph D. The writer says here in lines 3-5, “. . .. Over the past 40 years, most have abandoned their nomadic ways and settled in the territory’s 28 isolated communities, but they still rely heavily on nature to provide food and clothing.. . .”

Here, Over the past 40 years = in recent years, most have abandoned = many of them have been obliged to give up, ways = lifestyle, still rely heavily on = but they continue to depend on,

So, the answers are:
- nomadic
- nature
Question no. 40: _________ produce is particularly expensive.

Keywords for the question: produce, particularly expensive,

Again, the answer can be found in paragraph D. The author says here in lines 6-9, “. . .. Provisions available in local shops have to be flown into Nunavut on one of the costliest air networks in the world, or brought by supply ship during the few ice-free weeks of summer. It would cost a family around £7,000 a year to replace meat they obtained themselves through hunting with imported meat.. .”

Here, Provisions available in local shops have to be flown = supplies are imported, £7,000 a year = particularly expensive,

So, the answer is: Imported (must use capital letter)
March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 5 Test 4 : ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1: The Impact of Wilderness Tourism

Questions 1-3: 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 no. 1: Section A

Section A contains two paragraphs. In the first paragraph, take a look at line no. 7, “ . .. these regions are fragile (i.e. highly vulnerable to abnormal pressures). . .”

Then, in the second paragraph, the author of the passage says, “Tourists are drawn to these regions by their natural landscape beauty and the unique cultures of their indigenous people. And poor governments in these isolated areas have welcomed the new breed of ‘adventure tourist’, grateful for the hard currency they bring. For several years now, tourism has been the prime source of foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan. Tourism is also a key element in the economies of Arctic zones such as Lapland and Alaska and in desert areas such as Ayers Rock in Australia and Arizona’s Monument Valley.”

Here, Tourists are drawn to these regions by their natural landscape beauty and the unique cultures of their indigenous people, poor governments in these isolated areas have welcomed the new breed of ‘adventure tourist’, grateful for the hard currency they bring = the reason for the expansion of tourism there,

So, the answer is: iii (Fragile regions and the reasons for the expansion of tourism there)

Question no. 2: Section B

Section B explains how wilderness tourism has negatively affected areas such as mountains, deserts and arctic regions. Look at these lines from the first paragraph, “ .. .. When hill-farmers, for example, can make more money in a few weeks working as porters for foreign trekkers than they can in a year working in their fields, . .. .. .. . In some hill-regions, this has led to a serious decline in farm output and a change in the local diet, because there is insufficient labour to maintain terraces and irrigation systems and tend to crops. The result has been that many people in these regions have turned to outside supplies of rice and other foods.”

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer talks about the effects in the Arctic region, “ .. . However, as some inhabitants become involved in tourism, they no longer have time to collect wild food; this has led to increasing dependence on bought food and stores. … . .”

So, the answer is: v (Some of the disruptive effects of wilderness tourism)

Question no. 3: Section C

In section C, the first few lines of the second paragraph indicate the answer to this question, “In the Swiss Alps, communities have decided that their future depends on integrating tourism more effectively with the local economy. .. ..”

Here, integrating tourism more effectively with the local economy = How local communities can balance their own needs with the demands of wilderness tourism,

Also, in the third paragraph, in lines 3-4, the writer talks more about the integration, “ . . . But some Arctic communities are now operating tour businesses themselves, thereby ensuring that the benefits accrue locally. … ..”

Here, Arctic communities are now operating tour businesses themselves = How local communities can balance their own needs with the demands of wilderness tourism,

So, the answer is: ii (How local communities can balance their own needs with the demands of wilderness tourism)

Question 4-9: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 4: The low financial cost of selling up wilderness tourism makes it attractive to many countries.

Keywords for the question: low financial cost, selling up, wilderness tourism, makes, attractive, many countries,

The answer lies in section A, in beginning of the first paragraph, “ .. . . Countries all across the world are actively promoting their ‘wilderness’ regions – such as mountains. Arctic lands, deserts, small islands and wetlands – to high-spending tourists. The attraction of these areas is obvious: by definition, wilderness tourism requires little or no initial investment. . …”

Here, wilderness tourism requires little or no initial investment = low financial cost of selling up wilderness tourism,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 5: Deserts, mountains and Arctic regions are examples of environments that are both ecologically and culturally fragile.

Keywords for the question: Deserts, mountains and Arctic regions, examples of environments,

The answer is in the first paragraph of section A in lines 7-8, “ .. .. these regions are fragile (i.e. highly vulnerable to abnormal pressures) not just in terms of their ecology, but also in terms of the culture of their inhabitants. . ..”

Here, not just in terms of their ecology, but also in terms of the culture of their inhabitants = both ecologically and culturally,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 6: Wilderness tourism operates throughout the year in fragile areas.

Keywords for the question: wilderness tourism, operates, throughout the year, fragile areas,

The last lines of paragraph no. 1 in section A gives us the answer, “ . .. . Consequently, most human activities, including tourism, are limited to quite clearly defined parts of the year.”

Here, limited to quite clearly defined parts of the year = tourism does not operate throughout the year in fragile areas,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 7: The spread of tourism in certain hill-regions has resulted in a fall in the amount of food produced locally.

Keywords for the question: spread of tourism, certain hill-regions, resulted, fall in the amount of food, produced locally,

In section B, lines 2-8 of the first paragraph says, “. . .. When hill-farmers, for example, can make more money in a few weeks working as porters for foreign trekkers than they can in a year working in their fields, it is not surprising that many of them give up their farm-work, which is thus left to other members of the family. In some hill-regions, this has led to a serious decline in farm output and a change in the local diet, because there is insufficient labour to maintain terraces and irrigation systems and tend to crops. .. ..”

Here, the lines suggest that many farming communities have left their jobs of farming as they can earn more money by selling pottery to the travellers due to the spread of tourism. This has resulted in a serious decline in farm output (resulted in a fall in the amount of food produced locally).

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 8: Traditional food-gathering in desert societies was distributed evenly over the year.

Keywords for the question: traditional food-gathering, desert societies, distributed evenly, over the year,

In section B, in the second paragraph, take a look at the first few lines, “In Arctic and desert societies, year-round survival has traditionally depended on hunting animals and fish and collecting fruit over a relatively short season. . .. .”

Here, hunting animals and fish and collecting fruit = traditional food-gathering, over a relatively short season = NOT distributed evenly over the year,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 9: Government handouts do more damage than tourism does to traditional patterns of food-gathering.

Keywords for the question: government handouts, do more damage, than, tourism does, traditional patterns, food-gathering,

We find the mention of ‘government handouts’ in line no. 6 in the second paragraph of section B. However, we find NO COMPARISON on whether ‘government handouts’ do more damage to traditional patterns of food-gathering than tourism does.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 10-13: Completing table: ONE WORD ONLY

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

Title of the table: The positive ways in which some local communities have responded to tourism

Question no. 10:

People/Location: Swiss Pays d’Enhaut

Activity: Revived production of ___________.

Keywords for the question: Swiss Pays d’Enhaut, revived, production,

Take a look at section C. In paragraph no. 2, the writer says, “ . .. .. Local concern about the rising number of second home developments In the Swiss Pays d’Enhaut resulted in limits being imposed on their growth. There has also been a renaissance in communal cheese production in the area, providing the locals with a reliable source of income that does not depend on outside visitors.”

Here, renaissance in communal cheese production = revived production of cheese,

So, the answer is: cheese

Question no. 11:

People/Location: Arctic communities

Activity: Operate ___________ businesses.

Keywords for the question: Arctic communities, operate, businesses,

Again, in section C, take a look at paragraph no. 3. In lines 3-4, the writer says, “ . .. But some Arctic communities are now operating tour businesses themselves, thereby ensuring that the benefits accrue locally. … .”

So, the answer is: tourism/tourist/tour

Question no. 12:

People/Location: Acoma and San Ildefonso

Activity: Produce and sell ___________.

Keywords for the question: Acoma and San Ildefonso, produce, sell,

In paragraph no. 4 of section C, the author says in lines 3-4, “ .. . The Acoma and San Ildefonso pueblos have established highly profitable pottery businesses, ….”

Here, businesses = produce and sell,

So, the answer is: pottery

Question no. 13:

People/Location: Navajo and Hopi

Activity: Produce and sell ___________.

Keywords for the question: Navajo and Hopi, produce, sell,

In paragraph no. 4 of section C, the author says in lines 4-5, “ .. . while the Navajo and Hopi groups have been similarly successful with Jewellery.”

Here, similarly successful = successful in producing and selling,

So, the answer is: jewelry/ jewellery

Reading Passage 2 : Flawed Beauty: the problem with toughened glass

Questions 14-17: Matching statements with a list of people

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

Question no. 14: Brian Waldron

Keywords for the question: Brian Waldron

At the very first paragraph, the nickel sulphide failure of a glass pane in the town of Cirencester in the UK is mentioned.

Then, in the next paragraph (paragraph no. 2) we can see a comment made by Brian Waldron. “The glass industry is aware of the issue,’ says Brian Waldron, .. .. .. .. But he insists that cases are few and far between. ‘It’s a very rare phenomenon.’ he says.”

Here, very rare phenomenon = very unusual,

So, the answer is: G (claims that nickel sulphide failure is very unusual)

Question no. 15: Trevor Ford

Keywords for the question: Trevor Ford

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 3, in lines 10-14, “ .. . . ‘What you hear is only the tip of the iceberg,’ says Trevor Ford, a glass expert at Resolve Engineering in Brisbane. Queensland. He believes the reason is simple: ‘No-one wants bad press.’”

Here, No-one wants bad press = publicity about nickel sulphide has been suppressed,

So, the answer is: A (suggests that publicity about nickel sulphide failure has been suppressed)

Question no. 16: Graham Dodd

Keywords for the question: Graham Dodd

The answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 8, in lines 6-15, “ .. . . It could happen just months after manufacture, or decades later, although if the glass is heated – by sunlight, for example – the process is speeded up. Ironically, says Graham Dodd, of consulting engineers Arup in London, the oldest pane of toughened glass known to have failed due to nickel sulphide inclusions was in Pilkington’s glass research building in Lathom, Lancashire. The pane was 27 years old.”

Here, decades later & 27 years old = most extreme case of delayed failure,

So, the answer is: H (refers to the most extreme case of delayed failure)

Questions no. 17: John Barry

Keywords for the question: John Barry

In the final paragraph (paragraph no. 10), the writer mentions the work of John Berry in lines 7-12, “ .. .. . John Barry, an expert in nickel sulphide contamination at the University of Queensland, analysed every glass pane in the building. Using a studio camera, a photographer went up in a cradle to take photos of every pane. … .”

Here, analysed every glass pane in the building = closely examined all the glass in one building,

So, the answer is: C (closely examined all the glass in one building)

Questions 18-24: Completing summary with list of words

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

The title of the summary: Toughened Glass

Question no. 18: Toughened glass is favoured by architects because it is much stronger than ordinary glass, and the fragments are not as ________ when it breaks.

Keywords for the question: toughened glass, favoured by architects, because, much stronger than, ordinary glass, fragments, not, when it breaks,

In paragraph no. 4, the writer mentions the reason why architects favour toughened glass in lines 4-11, “ .. . .. This glass has five times the strength of standard glass, and when it does break it shatters into tiny cubes rather than large, razor-sharp shards. Architects love it because large panels can be bolted together to make transparent walls, and turning it into ceilings and floors is almost as easy.”

Here, five times the strength of standard glass = much stronger than ordinary glass, Architects love it = Toughened glass is favoured by architects, rather than large, razor-sharp shards = the fragments are not as sharp when it breaks,

So, the answer is: F (sharp)

Question no. 19: However, it has one disadvantage: it can shatter _________.

Keywords for the question: however, one disadvantage, can shatter,

In paragraph no. 8 the writer says in lines 4-5, “ . .. . the stresses this unleashes can shatter the whole sheet. The time that elapses before failure occurs is unpredictable.

Here, The time that elapses before failure occurs is unpredictable = it can shatter unexpectedly,

So, the answer is: I (unexpectedly)

Question no. 20: This fault is a result of the manufacturing process. Ordinary glass is first heated, then cooled very ________.

Keywords for the question: this fault, result, manufacturing process, ordinary glass, first heated, then cooled, very,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. At the beginning, the writer says, “It is made by heating a sheet of ordinary glass to about 620°C to soften it slightly, allowing its structure to expand, and then cooling it rapidly with jets of cold air. . . . .”

Here, rapidly = quickly,

So, the answer is: C (quickly)

Question no. 21: The outer layer ________ before the inner layer, and the tension between the two layers which is created because of this makes the glass stronger.

Keywords for the question: outer layer, before, inner layer, tension between the two layers, created, because of this, makes, glass, stronger,

In paragraph no. 5, look closely at lines 5-11, “ .. . . This causes the outer layer of the pane to contract and solidify before the interior. When the interior finally solidifies and shrinks, it exerts a pull on the outer layer that leaves it in permanent compression and produces a tensile force inside the glass. .. .”

Here, before the interior = before the inner layer,

So, the answer is: K (contracts)

Question no. 22: However, if the glass contains nickel sulphide impurities, crystals of nickel sulphide are formed. These are unstable and can expand suddenly, particularly if the weather is ________. If this happens, the pane of glass may break.

Keywords for the question: however, if, glass contains, nickel sulphide impurities, crystals of nickel sulphide, formed, unstable, can expand, suddenly, particularly, if, weather, if this happens, pane of glass, may break,

The answer can be found in two places. First, in paragraph no. 6, the writer provides a hint of heat that can cause damage to glass, “ .. . As the glass is heated, these atoms react to form tiny crystals of nickel sulphide. Just a tenth of a gram of nickel in the furnace can create up to 50,000 crystals.”

Then, in paragraph no. 8, in lines 5-10, the writer says, “ . .. . The time that elapses before failure occurs is unpredictable. It could happen just months after manufacture, or decades later, although if the glass is heated – by sunlight, for example – the process is speeded up. .. ..”

Here, sunlight, for example = warm weather, the process is speeded up = can expand suddenly,

So, the answer is: E (warm)

Question no. 23: The frequency with which such problems occur is _________ by glass experts. Furthermore, the crystals cannot be detected without sophisticated equipment.

Keywords for the question: frequency, such problems occur, by glass experts, furthermore, crystals, cannot be, detected, without, sophisticated equipment,

The last part of paragraph no. 8 and the complete paragraph no. 9 indicates that there is a big dispute over the issue of the frequency with which such problems occur.

The writer says in paragraph no. 8, “ .. … Ironically, says Graham Dodd, of consulting engineers Arup in London, the oldest pane of toughened glass known to have failed due to nickel sulphide inclusions was in Pilkington’s glass research building in Lathom, Lancashire. The pane was 27 years old.” So, here, one expert (Graham Dodd) is saying that such problems happen after a long time.

Now, in the next paragraph (paragraph no. 9), the writer also says, “Data showing the scale of the nickel sulphide problem is almost impossible to find. The picture is made more complicated by the fact that these crystals occur in batches. So even if on average, there is only one inclusion in 7 tonnes of glass, if you experience one nickel sulphide failure in your building, that probably means you’ve got a problem in more than one pane. Josie says that in the last decade he has worked on over 15 buildings with the number of failures into double figures.” Here, another expert (Barrie Josie) is saying that over the last 10 years he found such problems 2 times more than previous times.

This suggests that the frequency with which such problems (failure due to nickel sulphide inclusions) occur is disputed among glass experts.

So, the answer is: L (disputed)

Questions 25-26: 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 no. 24: Little doubt was expressed about the reason for the Bishops Walk accident.

Keywords for the question: little doubt, expressed about, reason, the Bishops Walk accident,

In the last line of paragraph no.1, the writer comments on the Bishops Walk accident. “ .. . . they found that minute crystals of nickel sulphide trapped inside the glass had almost certainly caused the failure.”

Here, almost certainly caused the failure = little doubt about the reason,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 25: Toughened glass has the same appearance as ordinary glass.

Keywords for the question: toughened glass, same appearance, as, ordinary glass,

In this passage, we find how ordinary glass is processed into toughened glass. However, there is no comparison of the appearance between toughened glass and ordinary glass.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 26: There is plenty of documented evidence available about the incidence of nickel sulphide failure.

Keywords for the question: plenty of documented evidence, available, about, incidence of nickel sulphide failure,

In the first lines of paragraph no. 9 the writer states, “Data showing the scale of the nickel sulphide problem is almost impossible to find. … .”

Here, almost impossible to find = there is not enough documented evidence about the incidence of nickel sulphide failure,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 3 : The effects of light on plant and animal species

Questions 27-33: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – 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 no. 27: There is plenty of scientific evidence to support photoperiodism.

Keywords for the question: plenty of, scientific evidence, support, photoperiodism,

Take a look at lines 5-6 in paragraph no. 2, “ . .. . The seasonal impact of day length on physiological responses is called photoperiodism, and the amount of experimental evidence for this phenomenon is considerable. .. .. .”

Here, experimental evidence = scientific evidence, considerable = plenty of,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 28: Some types of bird can be encouraged to breed out of season.

Keywords for the question: some types, bird, can be encouraged, breed, out of season,

In paragraph no. 2, lines 7-8 say, “ . .. For example, some species of birds’ breeding can be induced even in midwinter simply by increasing day length artificially (Wolfson 1964). .. .”

Here, some species of birds = some types of bird, induced = encouraged, even in midwinter = out of season,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 29: Photoperiodism is restricted to certain geographic areas.

Keywords for the question: Photoperiodism, restricted, certain geographic areas,

In paragraphs no. 2, 3 and 4 the writer mentions ‘temperate zones’ – areas of the world that have a temperate climate. However, no mention of any geographical restriction of photoperiodism can be found in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 30: Desert annuals are examples of 1ong-day plants.

Keywords for the question: desert annuals, examples, long-day plants,

In paragraph no. 4 the writer says at the end, “. .. . . For example, desert annuals germinate, flower and seed whenever suitable rainfall occurs, regardless of the day length.”

Here, regardless of the day length = day-neutral,

This means desert annuals are examples of day-neutral plants, NOT long-day plants.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 31: Bamboos flower several times during their life cycle.

Keywords for the question: bamboos, flower, several times, during, life cycle,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 5, the author writes, “Bamboos are perennial grasses that remain in a vegetative state for many years and then suddenly flower, fruit and die (Evans 1976). … ..”

Here, suddenly flower, fruit and die = flower one time during life cycle,

Then, the writer provides some statistics to support the sentence.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 32: Scientists have yet to determine the cue of Chusquea abietifolia’s seasonal rhythm.

Keywords for the question: scientists, yet to determine, cue, Chusquea abietifolia’s seasonal rhythm

Again, in paragraph no. 5, the writer says in lines 3-6, “. .. Every bamboo of the species Chusquea abietifolia on the island of Jamaica flowered, set seed and died during 1884. The next generation of bamboo flowered and died between 1916 and 1918, which suggests a vegetative cycle of about 31 years. The climatic trigger for this flowering cycle is not yet known, but the adaptive significance is clear.”

Here, The climatic trigger for this flowering cycle = Chusquea abietifolia’s seasonal rhythm, not known yet = Scientists have yet to determine,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 33: Eastern hemlock is a fast-growing plant.

Keywords for the question: Eastern hemlock, fast-growing plant,

For this question, we need to go to the final paragraph. In the beginning of the paragraph, the writer says in lines 2-3, “ .. . .. Shade-tolerant plants have lower photosynthetic rates and hence have lower growth rates than those of shade-intolerant species. .. .”

Then, in line no. 7, the writer says, “ . .. . For example, eastern hemlock seedlings are shade-tolerant.”

As eastern hemlock is shade-tolerant plant, it has lower growth rate (slow-growing plant).

So, the answer is: FALSE

Questions 34-40: Completing sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write a maximum of three words 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 no. 34: Day length is a useful cue for breeding in areas where ________ are unpredictable.

Keywords for the question: day length, useful cue, breeding, areas, unpredictable,

The writer says in paragraph no. 2 in lines 2-5, “ .. . .. Day length is an excellent cue, because it provides a perfectly predictable pattern of change within the year. In the temperate zone in spring, temperatures fluctuate greatly from day to day, but day length increases steadily by a predictable amount. . .. ”

Here, excellent cue = useful cue, fluctuate greatly from day to day = unpredictable,

So, the answer is: temperatures

Question no. 35: Plants which do not respond to light levels are referred to as _________.

Keywords for the question: plants, do not respond, light levels, referred to, as,

First, in lines 5-7, the writer explains the term that deals with response to light levels, “ .. . The seasonal impact of day length on physiological responses is called photoperiodism, and the amount or experimental evidence for this phenomenon is considerable. .. . ”

Then, in lines 11-12 of the same paragraph, the writer says, “ . .. . Plants which flower after a period of vegetative growth, regardless of photoperiod, are known as day-neutral plants.”

Here, regardless of photoperiod = do not respond to light levels, known as = referred to as,

So, the answer is: day-neutral (plants)

Question no. 36: Birds in temperate climates associate longer days with nesting and the availability of __________.

Keywords for the question: birds, temperature climates, associate, longer days, nesting, availability of,

Let’s have a close look at paragraph no. 3. Here, the author of the passage says in lines 4-6, “ . .. . Thus many temperate-zone birds use the increasing day lengths in spring as a cue to begin the nesting cycle, because this is a point when adequate food resources will be assured.”

Here, temperate-zone birds = Birds in temperate climates, increasing day lengths = longer days, will be assured = availability,

So, the answer is: (adequate) food (resources)

Question no. 37: Plants that flower when days are long often depend on _________ to help them reproduce.

Keywords for the question: plants, flower, days are long, often, depend on, help them reproduce,

The answer to this question can be traced in paragraph no. 4, in lines 3-4, “ . .. Long-day plants are adapted for situations that require fertilization by insects, or a long period of seed ripening. .. .”

Here, Long-day plants = Plants that flower when days are long, require = depend on,

So, the answer is: (fertilization/fertilisation by) insects

Question no. 38: Desert annuals respond to ________ as a signal for reproduction.

Keywords for the question: desert annuals, respond, as a signal, reproduction,

The answer can be found in the last lines paragraph no. 4, “ .. . Day-neutral plants have an evolutionary advantage when the connection between the favourable period for reproduction and day length is much less certain. For example, desert annuals germinate, flower and seed whenever suitable rainfall occurs, regardless of the day length.”

Here, germinate, flower and seed = respond,

So, the answer is: (suitable) rainfall

Question no. 39: There is no limit to the photosynthetic rate in plants such as___________.

Keywords for the question: no limit, photosynthetic rate, plants, such as,

In paragraph no. 6, the last few lines say, “ . .. Some plants reach maximal photosynthesis at one-quarter full sunlight, and others, like sugarcane, never reach a maximum, but continue to increase photosynthesis rate as light intensity rises.”

Here, never reach a maximum = no limit to the photosynthetic rate,

So, the answer is: sugarcane

Question no. 40: Tolerance to shade is one criterion for the ________ of plants in forestry and horticulture.

Keywords for the question: tolerance to shade, one criterion, plants in forestry and horticulture,

The first two lines of the final paragraph give us the answer to this question. The author says here, “ . .. . Plants in general can be divided into two groups: shade-tolerant species and shade-intolerant species. This classification is commonly used in forestry and horticulture.

Here, shade-tolerant species and shade-intolerant species = tolerance to shade,

So, the answer is: classification

March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 5 Test 3 : ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1 : Early Childhood Education

Questions 1-4: Identifying information

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

Question no. 1: details of the range of family types involved in an education programme

Keywords for the question: range of family types, involved in, education programme,

In section D, we find two paragraphs. At the end of the first paragraph, in lines 11-17, the author says, “ .. . . The four-year pilot study included 380 families who were about to have their first child and who represented a cross-section of socio-economic status, age and family configurations. They included single-parent and two-parent families, families in which both parents worked, and families with either the mother or father at home.”

Here, single-parent and two-parent families, families in which both parents worked, and families with either the mother or father at home = details of the range of family types,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 2: reasons why a child’s early years are so important

Keywords for the question: reason, why, child’s early years, so important,

Both the paragraphs in section B provide details about the importance of the early years of a child. In the first paragraph, the writer says, “ … .. by the age of three, most children have the potential to understand about 1000 words .. .. .”

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says again, “. .. . research has shown that while every child is born with a natural curiosity, it can be suppressed dramatically during the second and third years of life. Researchers claim that the human personality is formed during the first two years of life, and during the first three years children learn the basic skills they will use in all their later learning both at home and at school.”

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 3: reasons why an education programme failed

Keywords for the question: reasons, why, education programme, failed,

Section C contains two paragraphs. In the first paragraph, the writer talks about the ‘Headstart’ education programme.

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says at the beginning, “Despite substantial funding, results have been disappointing.”

Here, results have been disappointing = the education programme failed,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 4: a description of the positive outcomes of an education programme

Keywords for the question: description, positive outcomes, education programme,

In section E, the author of the passage says in the beginning, in lines 1-7, “At the age of three, the children who had been involved in the ‘Missouri’ programme were evaluated alongside a cross-section of children selected from the same range of socio-economic backgrounds and family situations, and also a random sample of children that age. The results were phenomenal.”

Here, the results were phenomenal = positive outcomes,

Then, in the following lines, the writer provides a detailed description of the positive outcomes.

So, the answer is: E

Question 6-9: Classifying groups

[This type of question asks candidates to classify information from the given reading text. Candidates are given some groups from the text, and a list of options, which are listed as A, B, C etc. They must match the correct groups with the correct options.

N.B.: This question doesn’t follow any sequence. So, they should be answered after all other questions in the passage.]

Question no. 5: was administered to a variety of poor and wealthy families

Keywords for the question: administered to, variety of, poor and wealthy families,

In section E, the author says about the ‘Missouri’ programme in lines 4-5 of the first paragraph, “ .. .. a cross-section of children selected from the same range of socio-economic backgrounds and family situations .. .”

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says in the last lines, “ .. . . That interaction was not necessarily bad in poorer families.”

Moreover, in section D, take a look at these lines in the first paragraph, “ . .. . The ‘Missouri’ programme was predicated on research showing that .. … . The four-year pilot study included 380 families who were about to have their first child and who represented a cross-section of socio-economic status, age and family configurations. . .. . ”

Here, a cross-section of socio-economic status = both poor and wealthy families,

This means the ‘Missouri’ programme was administered to a variety of poor and wealthy families.

So, the answer is: B (the ‘Missouri’ programme)

Question no. 6: continued with follow-up assistance in elementary schools

Keywords for the question: continued with, follow-up assistance, elementary schools,

We can learn from the passage that both the ‘Headstart’ and ‘Missouri’ programmes aimed at children’s early education before the age of three. So, logically, neither the ‘Headstart’ nor the ‘Missouri’ programme continued with further assistance in elementary schools.

So, the answer is: D (neither the ‘Missouri’ nor the ‘Headstart’ programme)

Question no. 7: did not succeed in its aim

Keywords for the question: did not succeed, its aim,

Section C contains two paragraphs. In the first paragraph, the writer talks about the ‘Headstart’ programme.

Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says at the beginning, “Despite substantial funding, results have been disappointing.”

Here, results have been disappointing = the education programme failed or did not succeed in its aim,

So, the answer is: A (the ‘Headstart’ programme)

Question no. 8: supplied many forms of support and training to parents

Keywords for the question: supplied, many forms of, support and training, parents,

The writer gives details about the ‘Missouri’ programme in section D, “ . . . a pilot programme was launched in Missouri in the US that focused on parents as the child’s first teachers… .. The programme involved trained parent-educators visiting the parent’s home and working with the parent, or parents, and the child. Information on child development, and guidance on things to look for and expect as the child grows were provided, plus guidance in fostering the child’s intellectual, language, social and motor-skill development.”

Here, Information on child development, and guidance on things to look for and expect as the child grows were provided, plus guidance in fostering the child’s intellectual, language, social and motor-skill development = the many forms of support and training supplied to parents,

So, the answer is: B (the ‘Missouri’ programme)

Question no. 9: received insufficient funding

Keywords for the question: received, insufficient funding,

In section C, we find about the sufficient funding for the ‘Headstart’ programme, “Despite substantial funding, results have been disappointing. . ..” So, the ‘Headstart’ programme received substantial or sufficient funding.

Then, in section D, in the second paragraph, the writer provides a detailed description of guidance and support provided to parents and children by the ‘Missouri’ programme. This means the programme received more than sufficient funding.

So, the answer is: D (neither the ‘Missouri’ nor the ‘Headstart’ programme)

Question no. 10: was designed to improve pre-schoolers’ educational development

Keywords for the question: was designed, improve, pre-schoolers’ educational development,

In section D, the author of the passage says that the ‘Missouri’ programme “ .. . . included 380 families who were about to have their first child . .. .”. Moreover, this programme lasted

in 4 years. In these 4 years, the programme provided training and support to the parents and medical check-ups for the children. So, this is understood that this programme was designed to improve the pre-schooler’s (first child) educational development.

Moreover, in section C, the writer says that ‘Headstart’ programme “ . .. . took children into pre-school institutions at the age of three and was supposed to help the children of poorer families succeed in school.”

Therefore, we can realize that both the programmes were designed to improve pre-scholers’ educational development.

So, the answer is: C (both the ‘Missouri’ and the ‘Headstart’ programme)

Questions 11-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 11: Most ‘Missouri’ programme three-year-olds scored highly in areas such as listening, speaking, reasoning and interacting with others.

Keywords for the question: most ‘Missouri’ programme, three-year-old, scored, highly, areas, such as, listening, speaking, reasoning, interacting with others,

The first paragraph in section E provides us with the answer to this question. The writer presents the phenomenal results of the ‘Missouri’ programme here, “ . . . The results were phenomenal. By the age of three, the children in the programme were significantly more advanced in language development than their peers, had made greater strides in problem solving and other intellectual skills, and were further along in social development, in fact, the average child on the programme was performing at the level of the top 15 to 20 per cent of their peers in such things as auditory comprehension, verbal ability and language ability.”

Here, auditory comprehension = listening, verbal ability = speaking, problem solving = reasoning, social development = interacting with others,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 12: ‘Missouri’ programme children of young, uneducated, single parents scored less highly on the tests.

Keywords for the question: ‘Missouri’ programme children, young, uneducated, single parents, scored, less highly, tests,

In the second paragraph of section E, the writer says, “ . . .. Most important of all, the traditional measures of ‘risk’, such as parents’ age and education, or whether they were a single parent, bore little or no relationship to the measures of achievement and language development. Children in the programme performed equally well regardless of socio-economic disadvantages. . ..”

Here, performed equally well regardless of socio-economic disadvantages = scored equal, not less highly,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 13: The richer families in the ‘Missouri’ programme had higher stress levels.

Keywords for the question: richer families, ‘Missouri’ programme, had, higher stress levels,

The explanation regarding the ‘Missouri’ programme was given in section D and E. However, there was no mention of stress levels in the richer families here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 2 : Disappearing Delta

Questions 14-17: 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 no. 14: Paragraph B

The first part of paragraph B guides us to the answer to this question. The writer says here, “Up to now, people have blamed this loss of delta land on the two large dams at Aswan in the south of Egypt, which hold back virtually all of the sediment that used to flow down the river. Before the dams were built, the Nile flowed freely, . .. . .”

Here, the highlighted points suggest that the two large dams built in Aswan have interrupted the natural flow of sediment in the river Nile.

So, the answer is: iv (Interrupting a natural process)

Question no. 15: Paragraph D

Paragraph D explains the effects of irrigation in the river Nile on sedimentation as the writer says here, “Once north of Cairo, most of the Nile water is diverted into more than 10,000 kilometres of irrigation canals . . .. . The water in the irrigation canals is still or very slow-moving and thus cannot carry sediment’, Stanley explains. The sediment sinks to the bottom of the canals and then is added to fields by farmers or pumped with the water into the four large freshwater lagoons that are located near the outer edges of the delta. .. ..”

So, the answer is: i (Effects of irrigation on sedimentation)

Question no. 16: Paragraph E

Paragraph E explains how pollutants found in the river water are becoming a threat to food production. The writer says here, “ .. . . by the time the sediment has come to rest in the fields and lagoons, it is laden with municipal, industrial and agricultural waste from the Cairo region, which is home to more than 40 million people. ‘Pollutants are building up faster and faster,’ says Stanley.”

Again, take a look at these lines from the same paragraph, “ . .. . Since that time the concentration of mercury has increased significantly. Lead from engines that use leaded fuels and from other industrial sources has also increased dramatically. These poisons can easily enter the food chain, affecting the productivity of fishing and farming. .. .”

Here, productivity of fishing and farming = food production,

So, the answer is: v (The threat of food production)

Question no. 17: Paragraph F

The last few lines of paragraph F indicate the answer. The writer says here, “ .. . .. He says, however, that in the long term an alternative process such as desalination may have to be used to increase the amount of water available. ‘In my view, Egypt must devise a way to have more water running through the river and the delta,’ says Stanley. Easier said than done in a desert region with a rapidly growing population.”

Here, Easier said than done = the solutions may take quite a long time and efforts,

So, the answer is: viii (Looking at the long-term impact)

Questions 19-24: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 18: Coastal erosion occurred along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast before the building of the Aswan dams.

Keywords for the question: coastal erosion, occurred, Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, before, building, Aswan dams,

The answer can is found in the last few lines of paragraph A, “ . .. In the past, land scoured away from the coastline by the currents of the Mediterranean Sea used to be replaced by sediment brought down to the delta by the River Nile, but this is no longer happening.”

Here, land scoured away from the coastline = coastal erosion occurred,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 19: Some people predicted that the Aswan dams would cause land loss before they were built.

Keywords for the question: some people, predicted, Aswan dams, would cause, land loss, before, built,

The first lines of paragraph B may confuse you here, as the writer says here, “Up to now, people have blamed this loss of delta land on the two large dams at Aswan in the south of Egypt, .. ..”

We should understand here, the lines suggest that people now blame the Aswan dams for the land loss. However, the question asks us whether people predicted it before the construction of Aswan dams. We don’t find any such information here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 20: The Aswan dams were built to increase the fertility of the Nile delta.

Keywords for the question: Aswan dams, built, to increase, fertility, Nile delta,

The reasons for building Aswan dams are provided in lines 15-19 of paragraph B, “ . .. . . the Aswan dams were constructed in the 20th century to provide electricity and irrigation, and to protect the huge population centre of Cairo and its surrounding areas from annual flooding and drought, . .. .”

These lines suggest that the Aswan dams were not built to improve the fertility of the Nile delta.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 21: Stanley found that the levels of sediment in the river water in Cairo were relatively high.

Keywords for the question: Stanley, found, levels of sediments, river water, Cairo, relatively high,

Take a close look at the last few lines of paragraph C where Stanley compares the level of sediment in the Nile delta in Cairo and the Mediterranean, “ . .. ‘There is still a lot of sediment coming into the delta, but virtually no sediment comes out into the Mediterranean to replenish the coastline. So this sediment must be trapped on the delta itself.”

Here, the delta = the Nile delta in Cairo, a lot of sediment = relatively high level of sediment,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 22: Sediment in the irrigation canals on the Nile delta causes flooding.

Keywords for the question: sediment, irrigation canals, Nile delta, causes, flooding,

Paragraph D talks about the impact of irrigation on sedimentation in the delta and paragraph E deals with the threats of pollutants in food production. No cause of flooding is found here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 23: Water is pumped from the irrigation canals into the lagoons.

Keywords for the question: water, pumped, irrigation canals, into, lagoons,

The answer can be found in paragraph D, in lines 7-11, “ . .. . The sediment sinks to the bottom of the canals and then is added to fields by farmers or pumped with the water into the four large freshwater lagoons that are located near the outer edges of the delta. .. .. .”

The lines suggest that water is pumped from the irrigation canals into the four lagoons.

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 24-26: Completing summary with a list of words

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

Question no. 24: In addition to the problem of coastal erosion, there has been a marked increase in the level of _________ contained in the silt deposited in the Nile delta.

Keywords for the question: in addition to, problem, coastal erosion, marked increase, level of, silt, deposited, Nile delta,

The point of coastal erosion is discussed in paragraph A and B. Then, paragraph C and D mainly discusses the point of sedimentation process. After that, in paragraph E, the writer talks in details about the problem created by waste and pollutants, “ . . . But by the time the sediment has come to rest in the fields and lagoons it is laden with municipal, industrial and agricultural waste from the Cairo region, which is home to more than 40 million people. ‘Pollutants are building up faster and faster,’ says Stanley.

Here, building up faster and faster = marked increase,

So, the answer is: F (pollutants)

Questions no. 25 & 26: To deal with this, Stanley suggests the use of 25. _________ in the short term, and increasing the amount of water available through 26. ________ in the longer term.

Keywords for the question: deal with, Stanley suggests, use of, short term, increasing, amount of water, available through, longer term,

In paragraph F, we find the short-term and long-term solutions to the problem. In lines 9-11, the writer states, “ . .. . In the immediate future, Stanley believes that one solution would be to make artificial floods to flush out the delta waterways, in the same way that natural floods did before the construction of the dams. .. ..”

Here, In the immediate future = short-term solution,

Then, right after that, the writer says again, “ . .. He says, however, that in the long term an alternative process such as desalination may have to be used to increase the amount of water available. .. ..”

Here, in the long term = long-term solution,

So, the answers are:
- A (artificial floods)
- B (desalination)
Reading Passage 3 : The Return of Artificial Intelligence

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. 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. Please, do not read the questions first.]

Question no. 27: how AI might have a military impact

Keywords for the question: AI, military impact,

The answer lies in the middle of paragraph E, in lines 3-4, “ . .. HNC claim that their system, based on a cluster of 30 processors, could be used to spot camouflaged vehicles on a battlefield . . ..”

Here, spot camouflaged vehicles on a battlefield = might have a military impact,

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 28: the fact that AI brings together a range of separate research areas

Keywords for the question: AI, brings together, a range of, separate, research areas,

Lines 3-5 in paragraph B gives us the answer to this question, “ . .. . The expression provided an attractive but informative name for a research programme that encompassed such previously disparate fields as operations research, cybernetics, logic and computer science. …”

Here,

encompassed = linked/included,

operations research, cybernetics, logic and computer science = a range of separate research areas,

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 29: the reason why AI has become a common topic of conversation again

Keywords for the question: reason, why, AI, become, common topic of conversation, again,

In paragraph a, take a look at the first few lines, “After years in the wilderness, the term ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) seems poised to make a comeback. AI was big in the 1980s but vanished in the 1990s. It re-entered public consciousness with the release of AI, a movie about a robot boy. This has ignited public debate about AI, . .. .”

Here, make a comeback = has become . .. . . again, re-entered public consciousness = has become a common topic of conversation again,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 30: how AI could help deal with difficulties related to the amount of information available electronically

Keywords for the question: how, AI, could help, deal with, difficulties, amount of information, available, electronically,

Paragraph F talks about new companies who may deal with humongous amount of information using AI in the coming future, “Another factor that may boost the prospects for AI in the near future is that investors are now looking for firms using clever technology, rather than just a clever business model, to differentiate themselves. In particular, the problem of information overload, exacerbated by the growth of e-mail and the explosion in the number of web pages, means there are plenty of opportunities for new technologies to help filter and categorise information – classic AI problems. . .. .”

Here, the problem of information overload = difficulties related to the amount of information available electronically,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 31: where the expression AI was first used

Keywords for the question: where, expression AI, first used,

Take a close look at the first lines of paragraph B, “The field was launched, and the term ‘artificial intelligence’ coined at a conference in 1956 by a group of researchers that included Marvin Minsky, John McCarthy, Herbert Simon and Alan Newell, all of whom went on to become leading figures in the field.. . .”

Here, the term ‘artificial intelligence’ coined = expression AI was first used,

So, the answer is: B

Questions 32-37: 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 no. 32: The researchers who launched the field of AI had worked together on other projects in the past.

Keywords for the question: researchers, launched, field of AI, worked together, other projects, in the past,

In paragraph B, the first lines talk about the researchers who launched the field of AI, “The field was launched, and the term ‘artificial intelligence’ coined at a conference in 1956 by a group of researchers that included Marvin Minsky, John McCarthy, Herbert Simon and Alan Newell, all of whom went on to become leading figures in the field. . .. .”

However, whether they worked together in any other projects in the past was not mentioned.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 33: In 1985, AI was at its lowest point.

Keywords for the question: 1985, AI, lowest point,

In paragraph C, the first line says, “ . .. . Most researchers agree that AI peaked around 1985. ..”

Here, peaked around 1985 = was at its highest point,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 34: Research into agent technology was more costly than research into neural networks.

Keywords for the question: research, agent technology, more costly, research, neural networks,

We find the mention of agent technology and neural networks in the last lines of paragraph C, “ . .. By the late 1980s, the term AI was being avoided by many researchers, who opted instead to align themselves with specific sub-disciplines such as neural networks, agent technology, case-based reasoning, and so on.”

However, no comparison has been made here between neural networks and agent technology.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 35: Applications of AI have already had a degree of success.

Keywords for the question: applications of AI, already had, a degree of success,

In paragraph D, the first indicates the answer, “Ironically, in some ways AI was a victim of its own success. .. ..”

The sentence suggests that AI has been successful in some cases and its own success led to some problems.

Here, in some ways = a degree of,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 36: The problems waiting to be solved by AI have not changed since 1967.

Keywords for the question: the problems, waiting to be solved, AI, not changed, since 1967,

For this question, we have to look at both paragraphs C and D.

First, in paragraph C, the author of the passage says in lines 3-5, “ .. .. Marvin Minsky said in 1967 that within a generation the problem of creating ‘artificial intelligence’ would be substantially solved. . .. .”

Then, in line no. 6, the author says, “ . .. It proved to be a false dawn. .. .” This means AI could not solve the problem and as a result, “ . .. . By the late 1980, the term AI was being avoided by many researchers, who opted instead to align themselves with specific sub-disciplines such as neural networks, agent technology, case-based reasoning, and so on.”

After that, in paragraph D, the author says in lines 6-8, “ . .. Meanwhile, the technologies that made it onto the market, such as speech recognition, language translation and decision-support software, were no longer regarded as AI. Yet all three once fell well within the umbrella of AI research.”

So, the problems (that AI was meant to solve) were no longer considered as AI problems.

Therefore, the problems waiting to be solved by AI have changed since 1967.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 37: The film 2001: A Space Odyssey reflected contemporary ideas about the potential of AI computers.

Keywords for the question: film 2001: A Space Odyssey, reflected, contemporary ideas, potential of AI computers,

To find the answer to this question, let’s go to paragraph G, where the author mentions the name of the movie, “The 1969 film, 2001: A space Odyssey, featured an intelligent computer called HAL 9000. As well as understanding and speaking English, HAL could play chess and even learned to lipread. HAL thus encapsulated the optimism of the 1960s that intelligent computers would be widespread by 2001. . .. ”

Here, encapsulated the optimism of the 1960s = reflected contemporary ideas,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 38-40: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 38: According to researchers, in the late 1980s there was a feeling that –

Keywords for the question: according to researchers, late 1980s, a feeling,

The answer can be found in paragraph C in lines 7-11. The author says here, “. . .. ‘There was undue optimism in the early 1980s.’ says David Leake, a researcher at Indiana University. ‘Then when people realised there were hard problems, there was retrenchment. By the late 1980s, the term AI was being avoided by many researchers, who opted instead to align themselves with specific sub-disciplines such as neural networks, agent technology, case-based reasoning, and so on.’”

Here, undue = overstressed/ too much (so the expectation was too much), people realised there were hard problems, there was retrenchment = original expectations of AI may not have been justified, (and so, the funding for AI research became poor),

So, the answer is: B (original expectations of AI may not have been justified)

Question no. 39: In Dr Leake’s opinion, the reputation of AI suffered as a result of –

Keywords for the question: Dr. Leake’s opinion, reputation, suffered, as a result of,

Again, take a look at lines 8-11 in paragraph C, where we find the opinion of Dr. Leake, “‘Then when people realised there were hard problems, there was retrenchment. By the late 1980s, the term AI was being avoided by many researchers, who opted instead to align themselves with specific sub-disciplines such as neural networks, agent technology, case-based reasoning, and so on.’”

Here, people realised there were hard problems, = people’s perception about AI changed, retrenchment / AI was being avoided= the reputation of AI suffered,

So, the answer is: A (changing perceptions)

Question no. 40: The prospects for AI may benefit from–

Keywords for the question: prospects for AI, may, benefit from,

The answer can be found in paragraph F, in lines 1-3, “Another factor that may boost prospects for AI in the near future is that investors are looking for firms using clever technology, rather than just a clever business model, to differentiate themselves. … .”

Here, may boost prospects for AI = The prospects for AI may benefit from,

investors are looking for firms using clever technology, rather than just a clever business model, to differentiate themselves = new investment priorities,

So, the answer is: D (new investment priorities)
March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 5 Test 2 : ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1 : BAKELITE

Questions 1-3: Summary completion:

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

Question no. 1: Some plastics behave in a similar way to ________. In that they melt under heat and can be moulded into new forms.

Keywords for the question: some plastics, behave, similar way, melt, under heat, can be moulded, new forms,

The answer can be found in lines 4-5 paragraph no. 2, “ . .. . Some are ‘thermoplastic’, which means that, like candlewax, they melt when heated and can then be reshaped. … . .”

Here, like = in a similar way, they melt when heated = they melt under heat, reshaped = moulded into new forms,

So, the answer is: candlewax

Question no. 2: Bakelite was unique because it was the first material to be both entirely ________ in origin, and thermosetting.

Keywords for the question: Bakelite, unique, first material, both, entirely, in origin, thermosetting,

The answer can be found in lines 5-7 in paragraph no. 2. The author says here, “Others are ‘thermosetting’: like eggs, they cannot revert to their original viscous state, and their shape is thus fixed for ever Bakelite had the distinction of being the first totally synthetic thermosetting plastic..”

Here, distinction = unique, totally = entirely,

So, the answer is: synthetic

Question no. 3: There were several reasons for the research into plastics in the nineteenth century, among them the great advances that had been made in the field of _________ and the search for alternatives to natural resources like ivory.

Keywords for the question: several reasons, research into plastics, nineteenth century, great advances, in the field of, search for alternatives, natural resources, ivory,

Paragraph no. 3 gives us the answer to this question. The writer says here, “The history of today’s plastics begins with the discovery of a series of semi-synthetic thermoplastic materials in the mid-nineteenth century. The impetus behind the development of these early plastics was generated by a number of factors – immense technological progress in the domain of chemistry, coupled with wider cultural changes, and the pragmatic need to find acceptable substitutes for dwindling supplies of ‘luxury’ materials such as tortoiseshell and ivory.”

Here, mid-nineteenth century = nineteenth century, immense technological progress = great advances, the domain of = the field of, acceptable substitutes = alternatives,

So, the answer is: chemistry

Questions 4-8: Completing FLOW-CHART with ONE WORD ONLY

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE WORD ONLY to complete some notes on the given flow-chart. 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, the 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.]

N.B.: All the answers for this flow-chart can be found in paragraph no. 5 as this paragraph describes the ‘production of bakelite’.

Question no. 4: stage one resin, called _________

Keywords for the question: phenol, formaldehyde, combine, vaccum, stage one resin, called,

The answer can be found in lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 5. The writer says here, “The original patent outlined a three-stage process, in which phenol and formaldehyde (from wood or coal) were initially combined under vacuum inside a large egg-shaped kettle. The result was a resin known as Novalak, which became soluble and malleable when heated. .. ..”

Here, The result was a resin = stage one resin, known as = called,

So, the answer is: Novalak

Question no. 5: __________ (e.g. cotton, asbestos)

Keywords for the question: e.g. cotton, asbestos, catalysts,

The answer can be found in lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “. . .. . Other substances were then introduced: including fillers, such as woodflour, asbestos or cotton, which increase strength and moisture resistance, catalysts .. .. .. ”

Here, such as woodflour, asbestos or cotton = e.g. cotton, asbestos,

So, the answer is: fillers

Question no. 6: ___________

Keywords for the question: ammonia, formaldehyde,

The answer can be found in line no. 8 of paragraph no. 5. The author states here, “. . .. . hexa, a compound of ammonia and formaldehyde which supplied the additional .. … .. ”

So, the answer is: hexa

Question no. 7: ________ Bakelite

Keywords for the question: stage two resin, cool until hardened, break up, grind, powder,

The answer can be found in lines 8-10 of paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “. . .. . supplied the additional formaldehyde necessary to form a thermosetting resin. This resin was then left to cool and harden, and ground up a second time. The resulting granular powder was raw Bakelite, … . .”

Here, form a thermosetting resin = stage two resin, left to cool and harden = cool until hardened, ground up a second time = grind, resulting granular powder = powder,

So, the answer is: raw

Question no. 8: apply intense heat and _________

Keywords for the question: heat, pour into mould, apply, intense heat,

The answer can be found in lines 11-13 of paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “. . .. . In the last stage, the heated Bakelite was poured into a hollow mould of the required shape and subjected to extreme heat and pressure, thereby ‘setting’ its form for life. .. .. .”

Here, heated Bakelite was poured into a hollow mould = heat, pour into mould, subjected to = apply, extreme = intense,

So, the answer is: pressure

Question 9-10: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 9 & 10: Which TWO of the following factors influencing the design of Bakelite objects are mentioned in the text?

Keywords for the question: TWO, factors, influencing, design, Bakelite objects,

If we look at paragraph no. 6, we can see that the writer says in lines 5-8, “. .. .. . Moulds had to be carefully designed so that the molten Bakelite would flow evenly and completely into the mould. Sharp corners proved impractical and were thus avoided, giving rise to the smooth, ‘streamlined’ style popular in the 1930s. … . .”

Here, flow evenly and completely into the mould . .. . . giving rise to the smooth, ‘streamlined’ style = ease with which the resin could fill the mould,

So, one of the answers is B (the ease with which the resin could fill the mould)

Again, in lines 2-5 of the same paragraph, the writer says, “. . .. The object could not be designed so that it was locked into the mould and therefore difficult to extract. A common general rule was that objects should taper towards the deepest part of the mould, and if necessary the product was moulded in separate pieces. . .”

Here, could not be designed so that it was locked into the mould and therefore difficult to extract = problem about removing the object, objects should taper towards the deepest part of the mould = facility with which the object could be removed from the mould,

Therefore, another answer is C (the facility with which the object could be removed from the mould)

So, the answers are: (in any order)

B (the ease with which the resin could fill the mould)

C (the facility with which the object could be removed from the mould)

Questions 11-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 11: Modern-day plastic preparation is based on the same principles as that patented in 1907.

Keywords for the question: modern-day plastic preparation, based on, same principles, patented, 1907,

Take a look at the last lines of paragraph no. 4 where the author of the text writes, “ . .. On 13 July 1907, Baekeland took out his famous patent describing this preparation, the essential features of which are still in use today.”

Here, essential features = principles, still in use today = modern-day plastic preparation, On 13 July 1907, Baekeland took out his famous patent = patented in 1907,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 12: Bakelite was immediately welcomed as a practical and versatile material.

Keywords for the question: Bakelite, immediately welcomed, practical, versatile material,

In paragraph no. 7, the writer says in the first line, “Baekeland’s invention, although treated with disdain in its early years, .. .. .”

Here, treated with disdain = was not welcomed, its early years = immediately,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 13: Bakelite was only available in a limited range of colours.

Keywords for the question: Bakelite, only available, limited range of colours,

Line no. 6 in paragraph no. 7 says, “. … and consumers everywhere relished its dazzling array of shades, . .. .”

Here, dazzling array of shades = unlimited range of colours,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 2 : What’s so funny?

Questions 14-20: 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 no. 14: Arthur Koestler considered laughter biologically important in several ways.

Keywords for the question: Arthur Koestler, laughter, biologically important, several ways,

In paragraph no. 1 the author states in the last lines, “.. .. . The writer Arthur Koestler dubbed it the luxury reflex: ‘unique in that it serves no apparent biological purpose’.”

Here, serves no apparent biological purpose = biologically not important at all,

This means the question directly contradicts the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 15: Plato believed humour to be a sign of above-average intelligence.

Keywords for the question: Plato, believed, humour, sign, above-average intelligence,

In paragraph no. 2 the author states in lines 1-2, “ . .. . Plato expressed the idea that humour is simply a delighted feeling of superiority over others. .. .. .”

Here, we do not find any comment made by Plato in relation to intelligence.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 16: Kant believed that a successful joke involves the controlled release of nervous energy.

Keywords for the question: Kant, believed, successful joke, controlled release, nervous energy,

The answer to this question can be found in lines 2-4 in paragraph no. 2, “ . .. Kant and Freud felt that joke-telling relies on building up a psychic tension which is safely punctured by the ludicrousness of the punch line. . .. .”

Here, psychic tension = nervous energy, safely punctured = controlled release,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 17: Current thinking on humour has largely ignored Aristotle’s view on the subject.

Keywords for the question: current thinking, humour, largely ignored, Aristotle’s view,

Lines 4-6 in paragraph no. 2 gives us the answer to this question, “ .. . . But most modern humour theorists have settled on some version of Aristotle’s belief that jokes are based on a reaction to or resolution of incongruity, when the punchline is either a nonsense or, though appearing silly, has a clever second meaning.”

Here, most modern humour theorists = current thinkers, have settled on = have agreed on, some version of Aristotle’s belief = some of Aristotle’s view,

The lines suggest that current thinking on humour has agreed on some of Aristotle’s view on the subject.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 18: Graeme Ritchie’s work links jokes to artificial intelligence.

Keywords for the question: Graeme Ritchie’s work, links, jokes, artificial intelligence,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 3. The author says here in lines 1-3, “Graeme Ritchie, a computational linguist in Edinburgh, studies the linguistic structure of jokes in order to understand not only humour but language understanding and reasoning in machines.. . .. .”

Here, studies the linguistic structure of jokes = Graeme Ritchie’s work, in order to understand = links, language understanding and reasoning in machines = artificial intelligence,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 19: Most comedians use personal situations as a source of humour.

Keywords for the question: most comedians, use, personal situations, as, source of humour,

The last lines of paragraph no. 3 talks about what a comedian does when delivering a joke, “ .. .. . A comedian will present a situation followed by an unexpected interpretation that is also apt.”

However, it doesn’t say anything about using personal situation as a source of humour.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 20: Chimpanzees make particular noises when they are playing.

Keywords for the question: chimpanzees, particular noises, when, playing,

In paragraph no.5 the author mentions the sound chimpanzees make in lines 4-5, “ . .. .. Chimpanzees have a ‘play-face’ – a gaping expression accompanied by a panting ‘ah, ah’ noise… .. .”

Here, play-face = when they are playing, a panting ‘ah, ah’ noise = particular noises,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 21-23: Labeling a diagram:

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

Question no. 21: Right prefrontal cortex lights up – area of brain linked to _________

Keywords for the question: Right prefrontal cortex, lights up, area, linked to,

In paragraph no. 8, the writer says in lines 3-4, “ . .. . His scans showed that at the beginning of a joke the listener’s prefrontal cortex lit up, particularly the right prefrontal believed to be critical for problem solving.”

Here, lit up = lights up, right prefrontal = right prefrontal cortex, believed to be critical for = linked to,

So, the answer is: problem solving

Question no. 22: _________ become active too

Keywords for the question: become, active, too,

Again, in paragraph no. 8, the writer says in lines 4-5, “ . .. But there was also activity in the temporal lobes at the side of the head .. .. .”

Here, activity = become active, also = too,

So, the answer is: temporal lobes

Question no. 23: Orbital prefrontal cortex is activated – involved with ___________

Keywords for the question: Orbital prefrontal cortex, activated, involved with,

Once again, in paragraph no. 8, the writer says in lines 6-8, “.. .. . Then when the punchline arrived, a new area sprang to life – the orbital prefrontal cortex. This patch of brain tucked behind the orbits of the eyes is associated with evaluating information.”

Here, sprang to life = activated, associated with = involved with,

So, the answer is: evaluating information

Questions 24-27: Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings

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

Question no. 24: One of the brain’s most difficult tasks is to –

Keywords for the question: one of, brain’s, most difficult tasks,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 9. In this paragraph, the writer says in lines 1-2, “Making a rapid emotional assessment of the events of the moment is an extremely demanding job for the brain, animal or human. .. .. .”

Here, Making a rapid emotional assessment of the events of the moment = respond instantly to whatever in happening, extremely demanding job = one of the most difficult tasks,

So, the answer is: C (respond instantly to whatever is happening.)

Question no. 25: Because of the language they have developed, humans –

Keywords for the question: because of, language, they, developed, humans,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 10. In this paragraph the author writes in lines 1-4, “ . .. All warm-blooded animals make constant tiny adjustments in arousal in response to external events, but humans, who have developed a much more complicated internal life as a result of language, respond emotionally not only to their surroundings, but to their own thoughts. .. .. .”

Here, who have developed a much more complicated internal life as a result of language = because of the language they have developed, respond emotionally = react to,

So, the answer is: A (react to their own thoughts.)

Question no. 26: Individual responses to humour

Keywords for the question: individual responses, humour,

The last lines of paragraph no. 10 gives us the answer, “ . .. Whether a joke gives pleasure or pain depends on a person’s outlook.”

Here, Whether a joke gives pleasure or pain = Individual responses to humour, depends on = relate to, person’s outlook = person’s subjective views,

So, the answer is: F (relate to a person’s subjective views.)

Question no. 27: Peter Derks believes that humour –

Keywords for the question: Peter Derks, believes, humour,

The last paragraph says, “ .. . As Peter Derks, a psychologist at William and Mary College in Virginia, says: ‘I like to think of humour as the distorted mirror of the mind. It’s creative, perceptual, analytical and lingual. If we can figure out how the mind processes humour, then we’ll have a pretty good handle on how it works in general.”

Here, the mind = the brain, we’ll have a pretty good handle on how it works in general = we may get valuable information about the operation of the brain,

So, the answer is: D (may provide valuable information about the operation of the brain.)

Reading Passage 3 : The Birth of Scientific English

Questions 28-34: Summary completion

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

Question no. 28: In Europe, modem science emerged at the same time as the nation state. At first, the scientific language of choice remained _________.

Keywords for the question: Europe, modern science, emerged, same time, nation state, at first, scientific language of choice, remained,

The final lines of the first paragraph have the answer to this question. Here, the writer of the passage says in lines 12-18, “ . . .. .. Given the prominence of scientific English today, it may seem surprising that no one really knew how to write science in English before the 17th century. Before that, Latin was regarded as the lingua franca¹ for European intellectuals.”

Here, no one really knew how to write science in English before the 17th century = modem science emerged at the same time as the nation state, Before that = At first, lingua franca¹= scientific language of choice, (here, the number 1 with lingua franca means there’s a footnote at the end of the page to explain the phrase)

So, the answer is: Latin

Question no. 29: It allowed scientists to communicate with other socially privileged thinkers while protecting their work from unwanted exploitation. Sometimes the desire to protect ideas seems to have been stronger than the desire to communicate them, particularly in the case of mathematicians and __________.

Keywords for the question: allowed scientists, communicate, other socially privileged thinkers, protecting, work, unwanted exploitation, desire, protect ideas, seems to have been stronger, than, desire to communicate them, particularly, mathematicians,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 6 where the author says, “A second reason for writing in Latin may, perversely, have been a concern for secrecy. Open publication had dangers in putting into the public domain preliminary ideas which had not yet been fully exploited by their ‘author’. This growing concern about intellectual property rights was a feature of the period – it reflected both the humanist notion of the individual, rational scientist who invents and discovers through private intellectual labour, and the growing connection between original science and commercial exploitation. There was something of a social distinction between ‘scholars and gentlemen’ who understood Latin, and men of trade who lacked a classical education. And in the mid-17th century it was common practice for mathematicians to keep their discoveries and proofs secret, by writing them in cipher, in obscure languages, or in private messages deposited in a sealed box with the Royal Society. Some scientists might have felt more comfortable with Latin precisely because its audience, though in national, was socially restricted. Doctors clung the most keenly to Latin as an ‘insider language’.”

Here, keep their discoveries and proofs secret = the desire to protect ideas,

So, the answer is: doctors

Questions no. 30 & 31: In Britain, moreover, scientists worried that English had neither the 30. ____________ nor the 31. ____________ to express their ideas.

Keywords for the question: thinking, numbers, concepts, separate from, physical objects,

The answers to these questions are in paragraph no.7. Let’s have a look, “A third reason why the writing of original science in English was delayed may have been to do with the linguistic inadequacy of English in the early modern period. English was not well equipped to deal with the scientific argument. First, it lacked the necessary technical vocabulary. Second, it lacked the grammatical resources required to represent the world in an objective and impersonal way, and to discuss the relations, such as cause and effect, that might hold between complex and hypothetical entities.”

Here, First, it lacked & Second, it lacked = English had neither . .. .. nor . ….. ,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

technical vocabulary

grammatical resources

Question no. 32: This situation only changed after 1660 when scientists associated with the _____________ set about developing English.

Keywords for the question: earliest tribes, sufficiency, more important, than, quantity,

Let’s have a look at paragraph no. 8. Here, the writer says in the first few lines, “Fortunately, several members of the Royal Society possessed an interest in language and became engaged in various linguistic projects. Although a proposal in 1664 to establish a committee for improving the English language came to little, the society’s members did a great deal to foster the publication of science in English and to encourage the development of a suitable writing style. Many members of the Royal Society also published monographs in English. . . .. .”

Here, in 1664 = after 1600, improving the English language = developing English,

So, the answer is: Royal Society

Questions no. 33 & 34: An early scientific journal fostered a new kind of writing based on short descriptions of specific experiments. Although English was then overtaken by 33. ___________, it developed again in the 19th century as a direct result of the 34. ____________.

Keywords for the question: Indigenous Tasmanians, used, only four terms, indicate, numbers of objects,

The answer can be traced in the final paragraph as the writer explains here, “The 17th century was thus a formative period in the establishment of scientific English. In the following century, much of this momentum was lost as German established itself as the leading European language of science. It is estimated that by the end of the 18th century 401 German scientific journals had been established as opposed to 96 in France and 50 in England. However, in the 19th century, scientific English again enjoyed substantial lexical growth as the industrial revolution created the need for new technical vocabulary, and new, specialised, professional societies were instituted to promote and publish in the new disciplines.”

Here, much of this momentum was lost .. . .. . German established itself as the leading European language of science = English was overtaken by German, scientific English again enjoyed substantial lexical growth = it developed again,

So, the answers are:

German
industrial revolution

Questions 35-37: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 35: There was strong competition between scientists in Renaissance Europe.

Keywords for the question: strong competition, scientists, Renaissance Europe,

In the second paragraph, we find information about Renaissance in Europe and competition, “The European Renaissance (c. 14th-16th century) is sometimes called the ‘revival of learning’, a time of renewed interest in the ‘lost knowledge’ of classical times. At the same time, however, scholars also began to test and extend this knowledge. The emergent nation states of Europe developed competitive interests in world exploration and the development of trade. . .. .. “

Here, we find information about competitive interest in world exploration. However, there is NO INFORMATION about strong competition between scientists.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 36: The most important scientific development of the Renaissance period was the discovery of magnetism.

Keywords for the question: most important scientific development, Renaissance period, discovery of magnetism,

The answer can be found at the later part of paragraph no. 2 where the writer says, “ . .. .. . Such expansion, which was to take the English language west to America and east to India, was supported by scientific developments such as the discovery of magnetism (and hence the invention of the compass), improvements in cartography and – perhaps the most important scientific revolution of them all – the new theories of astronomy and the movement of the Earth in relation to the planets and stars, developed by Copernicus (1473-1543).”

Here, perhaps the most important scientific revolution of them all = The most important scientific development of the Renaissance period,

So, the most important scientific development of the Renaissance period was the new theories of astronomy and the movement of the Earth in relation to the planets and stars; NOT the discovery of magnetism.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 37: In 17th-century Britain, leading thinkers combined their interest in science with an interest in how to express ideas.

Keywords for the question: 17th century Britain, leading thinkers, combined, interest, science, an interest, how to express ideas,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 10 and at the beginning of the final paragraph. So, our answer should be here. Let’s have a look.

“In 1665 a new scientific journal, Philosophical Transactions, was inaugurated. Perhaps the first international English-language scientific journal, it encouraged a new genre of scientific writing, that of short, focused accounts of particular experiments.

The 17th century was thus a formative period in the establishment of scientific English. ….. …”

Here, it encouraged a new genre of scientific writing, that of short, focused accounts of particular experiments = leading thinkers combined their interests in science by writing in the new scientific journal (an interest in how to express ideas).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 38-40: Completing table: with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS

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

Science written in the first half of the 17th century
*Language used*	Latin	English
*Type of science*	Original	38 _____________
*Examples*	39 _____________	Encyclopaedias
*Target audience*	International scholars	40 ____________, but socially wider

Question no. 38:

Keywords for the question: English, type of science,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4. The writer says here, “Across Europe similar academies and societies arose, creating new national traditions of science. In the initial stages of the scientific revolution, most publications in the national languages were popular works, encyclopaedias, educational textbooks and translations. Original science was not done in English until the second half of the 17th century.

Here, national languages = English,

These lines suggest that although Original science used Latin in the first half of the 17th Century, popular science works were published in English. Original science used English in the second half of the 17th Century.

So, the answer is: popular

Question no. 39:

Keywords for the question: Latin, original, examples,

At the end of paragraph no. 4, the writer says, “ . ……. .. For example, Newton published his mathematical treatise, known as the Principia, in Latin, but published his later work on the properties of light – Opticks – in English.”

Here, For example = examples, his mathematical treatise = original work,

So, the answer is: Principia/ the Principia/ Newton’s Principia/ mathematical treatise

Question no. 40:

Keywords for the question: English, Encyclopedias, target audience, socially wider,

In paragraph no. 5, the author mentions, “ . .. . Latin was suitable for an international audience of scholars, whereas English reached a socially wider, but more local, audience. Hence, popular science was written in English.”

So, the answer is: local/ more local/ local audience

March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 5 Test 1 : ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: Johnson’s Dictionary

Questions 1-3: Choosing options from a list

[In this type of questions candidates are asked to choose some options (mostly THREE, FOUR or FIVE) for a question from a given list. The answer-finding process is similar to other questions – find the keywords in the text and look around it. This question doesn’t necessarily maintain any sequence.]

Which THREE of the following statements are true of Johnson’s Dictionary?

A. It avoided all scholarly words.
B. It was the only English dictionary in general use for 200 years.
C. It was famous because of the large number of people involved.
D. It focused mainly on language from contemporary texts.
E. There was a time limit for its completion.
F. It ignored work done by previous dictionary writers.
G. It took into account subtleties of meaning.
H. Its definitions were famous for their originality.

Keywords for the question: THREE, true, Johnson’s Dictionary,

Answers to questions 1-3 can all be found in paragraph no. 6. Let’s have a look there.

In the first few lines of paragraph no. 6, the writer says, “The work was immense; filling about .. . … . Johnson wrote the definitions of over 40,000 words, and illustrated their many meanings with some 114.000 quotations drawn from English writing on every subject, from the Elizabethans to his own time.”

Here, his own time = contemporary,

This line matches with –

D. It focused mainly on language from contemporary texts.

Also, in the same paragraph, look at lines 8-9, “ . .. He did not expect to achieve complete originality. Working to a deadline, he had to draw . .. . .. .”

Here, Working to a deadline = There was a time limit,

This line matches with –

E. There was a time limit for its completion.

Once again, in paragraph no. 6, take a look at these lines (13-16), “ . .. . Unlike his predecessors, Johnson treated English very practically, as a living language, with many different shades of meaning.

Here, many different shades of meaning = subtleties of meaning,

This line matches with –

G. It took into account subtleties of meaning.

So, the answers are: (in any order)

D, E, G

Questions 4-7: Summary completion

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

Question no. 4: In 1764 Dr Johnson accepted the contract to produce a dictionary. Having rented a garret, he took on a number of __________ who stood at a long central desk.

Keywords for the question: 1764, Dr Johnson, accepted, contract, to produce, dictionary, rented, garret, took on, a number of, who, stood, long central desk,

At the end of paragraph no. 4, the author writes, “ . . .. Johnson signed the contract for the Dictionary with the bookseller Robert Dosley at a breakfast held at the Golden Anchor Inn near Holbom Bar on 18 June 1764. He was to be paid £ 1.575 in instalments, and from this he took money to rent 17 Gough Square, in which he set up his ‘dictionary workshop’.”

Here, Johnson signed the contract for the Dictionary = Dr Johnson accepted the contract to produce a dictionary,

Then, at the beginning of paragraph no. 5, the author says, “James Boswell, his biographer described the garret where Johnson worked as ‘fitted up like a counting house’ with a long desk running down the middle at which the copying clerks would work standing up. . .. . .”

Here, work standing up = stood at,

So, the answer is: (copying) clerks

Question no. 5: Johnson did not have a _________ available to him, but eventually produced definitions of in excess of 40,000 words written down in 80 large notebooks.

Keywords for the question: did not have, eventually, produced, definitions, in excess of, 40000 words, written down, 80 large notebooks,

The answer can be found in paragraph no.6. At the beginning of the paragraph, the author mentions, “The work was immense; filling about eighty large notebooks (and without a library to hand). Johnson wrote the definitions of over 40,000 words, . .. .. .”

Here, without = did not have, to hand = available,

So, the answer is: library

Question no. 6: On publication, the Dictionary was immediately hailed in many European countries as a landmark. According to his biographer, James Boswell, Johnson’s principal achievement was to bring ___________ to the English language.

Keywords for the question: immediately hailed, European countries, landmark, biographer, James Boswell, principal achievement, bring, to the English language,

In paragraph no. 7, the writer says, “After many vicissitudes the Dictionary was finally published on 15 April 1775. It was instantly recognised as a landmark throughout Europe. . . .. .”

Here, instantly recognised = immediately hailed, throughout Europe = in many European countries,

Then, at the end of paragraph no. 8, we find the comment of James Boswell, “ . .. .. It is the corner-stone of Standard English, an achievement which, in James Boswell’s words, ‘conferred stability on the language of his country’.”

Here, in James Boswell’s words = According to his biographer James Boswell, conferred = was to bring, on the language of his country = to the English language,

So, the answer is: stability

Question no. 7: As a reward for his hard work, he was granted a _________ by the king.

Keywords for the question: reward, for, hard work, granted, by the King,

In the last paragraph (paragraph no. 9), the author says, “The Dictionary, together with his other writing, made Johnson famous and so well esteemed that his friends were able to prevail upon King George III to offer him a pension. .. .”

Here, offer him = he was granted, King George III = the King,

So, the answer is: pension

Questions 8-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 8: The growing importance of the middle classes led to an increased demand for dictionaries.

Keywords for the question: growing importance, middle classes, led to, increased demand, dictionaries,

In paragraph no. 3, the first few lines say, “Beyond the practical need to make order out of chaos, the rise of dictionaries is associated with the rise of the English middle class, who were anxious to define and circumscribe the various worlds to conquer – lexical as well as social and commercial. .. .. .”

Here, rise of the English middle class = growing importance of the middle classes, associated with = led to, the rise of dictionaries = increased demand for dictionaries,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 9: Johnson has become more well known since his death.

Keywords for the question: Johnson, become, more well known, since, death,

In paragraph no. 3, lines 8-13 say, “ . .. . It is highly appropriate that Dr Samuel Johnson, the very model of an eighteenth-century literary man, as famous in his own time as in ours, should have published his dictionary at the very beginning of the heyday of the middle class.”

Here, as famous in his own time as in ours = Johnson was as well known in his time as after his death, not more, not less,

So, the question contradicts the information in the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 10: Johnson had been planning to write a dictionary for several years.

Keywords for the question: Johnson, planning to write, dictionary, several years,

Paragraph no. 4 talks about Johnson’s decision about writing a dictionary. However, it doesn’t mention anywhere whether he had been planning to write it for several years or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 11: Johnson set up an academy to help with the writing of his Dictionary.

Keywords for the question: Johnson, set up, academy, to help, writing of his Dictionary,

At the end of paragraph no. 4, the writer says, “… .. . He was to be paid £ 1,575 in instalments, and from this he took money to rent 17 Gough Square, in which he set up his ‘dictionary workshop’.”

Here, dictionary workshop = not an academy,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 12: Johnson only received payment for his Dictionary on its completion.

Keywords for the question: Johnson, only received, payment, for, Dictionary, on its completion,

Again, in the same lines, the author says, “ . .. . He was to be paid £ 1,575 in instalments, and from this he took money to rent 17 Gough Square, in which he set up his ‘dictionary workshop’.”

This means Dr Johnson had already taken money from the amount he was to be paid. So, he already received money before the completion of the Dictionary project.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 13: Not all of the assistants survived to see the publication of the Dictionary.

Keywords for the question: not, all, assistants, survived, to see, publication, Dictionary,

At the end of paragraph no. 5, the author says, “ . .. . He was also helped by six assistants, two of whom died whilst the Dictionary was still in preparation.”

Here, two of whom died whilst the Dictionary was still in preparation = two of the assistants died before the publication of the Dictionary, means two of them did not survive,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2: Nature or Nurture?

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. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question no. 14: a biological explanation of the teacher-subjects’ behaviour

Keywords for the question: biological explanation, teacher-subjects’ behaviour,

At the beginning of paragraph F, the writer provides a biological explanation of the behaviour displayed by the teacher-subjects, “One’s first inclination might be to argue that there must be some sort of built-in animal aggression instinct that was activated by the experiment, and that Milgram’s teacher- subjects were just following a genetic need to discharge this pent-up primal urge onto the pupil by administering the electrical shock. .. ..”

Here, some sort of built-in animal aggression instinct & teacher- subjects were just following a genetic need = biological explanation about the teacher-subjects’ behaviour,

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 15: the explanation Milgram gave the teacher-subjects for the experiment

Keywords for the question: explanation, Milgram gave, teacher-subjects, for, experiment,

The last half of paragraph A gives us the answer, “. .. .. . Specifically, Milgram told each volunteer ‘teacher-subject’ that the experiment was in the noble cause of education, and was designed to test whether or not punishing pupils for their mistakes would have a positive effect on the pupils’ ability to learn.”

Here, Milgram told each volunteer ‘teacher-subject’ = the explanation Milgram gave the teacher-subjects,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 16: the identity of the pupils

Keywords for the question: identity, pupils,

In paragraph B, we can find the identity of the pupils in line no. 6, “ . .. . The supposed ‘pupil‘ was in reality an actor hired by Milgram . . .. .”

Here, an actor = the identity of the pupils,

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 17: the expected statistical outcome

Keywords for the question: expected, statistical outcome,

The answer can be found in paragraph D. Take a close look at the last half of the paragraph, “ . .. . . The overwhelming consensus was that virtually all the teacher-subjects would refuse to obey the experimenter. The psychiatrists felt that ‘most subjects would not go beyond 150 volts’ and they further anticipated that only four per cent would go up to 300 volts. Furthermore, they thought that only a lunatic fringe of about one in 1.000 would give the highest shock of 450 volts.”

Here, consensus = expected statistical outcome,

Then the writer provides some figures about what people would do regarding providing electric shocks to test subjects.

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 18: the general aim of sociobiological study

Keywords for the question: general aim, sociobiological study,

The last few lines of paragraph I provides the answer, “ . .. Put another way, sociobiology is concerned with elucidating the biological basis of all behaviour.”

Here, is concerned with = general aim,

So, the answer is: I

Question no. 19: the way Milgram persuaded the teacher-subjects to continue

Keywords for the question: way, Milgram, persuaded, teacher-subjects, continue,

The answer lies in paragraph C. The writer says in lines 3-7, “ . .. .. . Many of the teacher-subjects balked at administering the higher levels of punishment, and turned to Milgram with questioning locks and/or complaints about continuing the experiment. In these situations, Milgram calmly explained that the teacher-subject was to ignore the pupil’s cries for mercy and carry on with the experiment. .. .. .”

Here, Milgram calmly explained = Milgram persuaded the teacher-subjects calmly,

So, the answer is: C

Questions 20-22: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 20: The teacher-subjects were told that they were testing whether –

Keywords for the question: teacher-subjects, were told, testing whether,

We can find the answer in lines 5-7 of paragraph A, “ . .. .. Milgram told each volunteer ‘teacher-subject’ that the experiment was in the noble cause of education, and was designed to test whether or not punishing pupils for their mistakes would have a positive effect on the pupils’ ability to learn.”

Here, punishing pupils for their mistakes = punishment, positive effect = helps, ability to learn = learning,

So, the answer is: B (punishment helps learning.)

Question no. 21: The teacher-subjects were instructed to –

Keywords for the question: teacher-subjects, were instructed,

The answer can be found in the last lines of paragraph B, “ . .. . Milgram told the teacher-subject to ignore the reactions of the pupil, and to administer whatever level of shock was called for, as per the rule governing the experimental situation of the moment.”

Here, to administer whatever level of shock was called for = give punishment, as per the rule = according to a rule,

So, the answer is: D (give punishment according to a rule.)

Question no. 22: Before the experiment took place the psychiatrists –

Keywords for the question: before, experiment took place, psychiatrists,

To find the answer to this question we have to look at two paragraphs. First, take a look at paragraph D where we find the mention of psychiatrists, “Prior to carrying out the experiment, Milgram explained his idea to a group of 39 psychiatrists and asked them to predict the average percentage of people in an ordinary population who would be willing to administer the highest shock level of 450 volts. The overwhelming consensus was that virtually all the teacher-subjects would refuse to obey the experimenter. . .. . .”

These lines suggest that the psychiatrists predicted that no teacher-subjects were willing to obey the experimenter.

However, in the following paragraph (paragraph E), the writer says at the beginning, “What were the actual results? Well, over 60 per cent of the teacher-subjects continued to obey Milgram up to the 450-volt limit! . .. .”

These lines suggest that a big number of the teacher-subjects actually continued to obey the experimenter (Milgram).

This means the psychiatrists underestimated the teacher-subjects’ willingness to comply with experimental procedure.

So, the answer is: C (underestimated the teacher-subjects’ willingness to comply with experimental procedure.)

Questions 23-26: 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 no. 23: Several of the subjects were psychology students at Yale University.

Keywords for the question: several, subjects, psychology students, Yale University,

In paragraph A, the writer talks about the teacher-subjects in lines 5-6, “ . .. Specifically, Milgram told each volunteer ‘teacher-subject’ that the experiment was in the noble cause of education, . .. . .”

Here, we have no clue about the identity of the teacher-subjects.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 24: Some people may believe that the teacher-subjects’ behaviour could be explained as a positive survival mechanism.

Keywords for the question: some people, may believe, teacher-subjects’ behaviour, could be explained, as, positive, survival mechanism,

To find the answer to this question, we have to travel all the way to paragraph F where we find about a claim made by someone, “ . .. . A modern hard-core sociobiologist might even go so far as to claim that this aggressive instinct evolved as an advantageous trait, having been of survival value to our ancestors in their struggle against the hardships of life on the plains and in the caves, ultimately finding its way into our genetic make-up as a remnant of our ancient animal ways.”

Here, aggressive instinct = teacher-subjects’ behaviour, an advantageous trait = a positive survival mechanism,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 25: In a sociological explanation, personal values are more powerful than authority.

Keywords for the question: sociological explanation, personal values, more powerful, than authority,

Have a close look at these lines from paragraph H, “Thus, in this explanation the subject merges his unique personality and personal and moral code with that of larger institutional structures, surrendering individual properties like loyalty, self-sacrifice and discipline to the service of malevolent systems of authority.”

Here, merges = as equal as, unique personality and personal and moral code = personal values,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 26: Milgram’s experiment solves an important question in sociobiology.

Keywords for the question: Milgram’s experiment, solves, important question, sociobiology,

The answer can be found in paragraph I in the first few lines, “Here we have two radically different explanations for why so many teacher-subjects were willing to forgo their sense of personal responsibility for the sake of an institutional authority figure. The problem for biologists, psychologists and anthropologists is to sort out which of these two polar explanations is more plausible. . .. ..”

This means biologists, psychologists and anthropologists are not sure about which explanation is more plausible or reasonable.

So, Milgram’s experiment did not solve the question in sociobiology.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 3: The Truth about the Environment

Questions 27-32: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 27: Environmentalists take a pessimistic view of the world for a number of reasons.

Keywords for the question: Environmentalists, pessimistic view, world, for, a number of reasons,

The answer can be found in the first paragraph, “For many environmentalists, the world seems to be getting worse. They have developed a hit-list of our main fears: that natural resources are running out; that the population is ever growing, leaving less and less to eat; that species are becoming extinct in vast numbers, and that the planet’s air and water are becoming ever more polluted.”

Here, the world seems to be getting worse = pessimistic view, main fears = a number of reasons,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 28: Data on the Earth’s natural resources has only been collected since 1972.

Keywords for the question: data, Earth’s natural resources, only, been collected, since 1972,

In the second paragraph, the writer says in the beginning, “But a quick look at the facts shows a different picture. First, energy and other natural resources have become more abundant, not less so, since the book The Limits to Growth’ was published in 1972 by a group of scientists. … .”

The lines suggest that a book was published in 1972. However, there is no information about when the data on the Earth’s natural resources were collected.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 29: The number of starving people in the world has increased in recent years.

Keywords for the question: number of starving people, world, increased, recent years,

In the second paragraph, the writer says in lines 3-5, “ … . Second, more food is now produced per head of the world’s population than at any time in history. Fewer people are starving. . .. . .”

Here, Fewer people are starving = the number of starving people …. has decreased in recent years,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 30: Extinct species are being replaced by new species.

Keywords for the question: extinct species, being replaced, new species,

Lines 4-6 in paragraph no. 2 says, “ .. . Third, although species are indeed becoming extinct, only about 0.7% of them are expected to disappear in the next 50 years, not 25-50%, as has so often been predicted.. . .. .”

Here, the writer confesses that species are becoming extinct. However, we find no information about their replacement with new species.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 31: Some pollution problems have been correctly linked to industrialisation.

Keywords for the question: some pollution problems, correctly linked, industrialisation,

Lines 4-6 in paragraph no. 2 says, 7-9, “ . .. . And finally, most forms of environmental pollution either appear to have been exaggerated, or are transient – associated with the early phases of industrialisation and therefore best cured not by restricting economic growth, but by accelerating it. .. .. .”

Here, most forms of environmental pollution = Some pollution problems, correctly linked = transient – associated, the early phases of industrialisation = industrialisation,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 32: It would be best to attempt to slow down economic growth.

Keywords for the question: best to attempt, slow down, economic growth,

In paragraph no. 5, take a look at the first few lines, “. .. . . Secondly, environmental groups need to be noticed by the mass media. They also need to keep the money rolling in. .. .. .”

Here, keep the money rolling in = continue economic growth as it is,

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 33-37: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 33: What aspect of scientific research does the writer express concern about in paragraph 4?

Keywords for the question: aspect, scientific research, concern about, paragraph 4,

The answer can be found in paragraph 4, “One is the lopsidedness built into scientific research. Scientific funding goes mainly to areas with many problems. That may be wise policy, but it will also create an impression that many more potential problems exist than is the case.”

Here, lopsidedness = leaning on one side (selection of areas of research)

So, the answer is: C (the selection of areas to research)

Question no. 34: The writer quotes from the Worldwide Fund for Nature to illustrate how –

Keywords for the question: writer, quotes, Worldwide Fund for Nature, illustrate, how,

The writer says in paragraph no. 5, “ . .. . In 1997, for example, the World Wide Fund for Nature issued a press release entitled: ‘Two thirds of the world’s forests lost forever’. The truth turns out to be nearer 20%.”

Here, Two thirds of the world’s forests = 66.66% of the world’s forests,

This means the World Wide Fund for Nature exaggerates or overstresses their claims.

So, the answer is: D (environmental groups can exaggerate their claims.)

Question no. 35: What is the writer’s main point about lobby groups in paragraph 6?

Keywords for the question: writer’s main point, lobby groups, paragraph 6,

The writer says in paragraph no. 6, “. .. .. A trade organisation arguing for, say, weaker pollution controls is instantly seen as self-interested. Yet a green organisation opposing such a weakening is seen as altruistic, even if an impartial view of the controls in question might suggest they are doing more harm than good.”

Here, the writer points out that some organisations get more criticism compared to some other.

So, the answer is: C (Some receive more criticism than others.)

Question no. 36: The writer suggests that newspapers print items that are intended to –

Keywords for the question: newspapers, print, items, intended to,

The answer can be found at the beginning of paragraph no. 7. The writer says here, “A third source of confusion is the attitude of the media. People are clearly more curious about bad news than good. Newspapers and broadcasters are there to provide what the public wants. .. ..”

Here, to provide = to print items, what the public wants = meet their readers’ expectations,

So, the answer is: B (meet their readers’ expectations.)

Question no. 37: What does the writer say about America’s waste problem?

Keywords for the question: America’s waste problem,

The answer is found in paragraph no. 8 where the writer says, “ .. . People worry that the endless rise in the amount of stuff everyone throws away will cause the world to run out of places to dispose of waste. Yet, even if America’s trash output continues to rise as it has done in the past, and even if the American population doubles by 2100, all the rubbish America produces through the entire 21st century will still take up only one-12,000th of the area of the entire United States.”

Here, the writer suggests that the trash problem in America is not as serious as it has been told.

So, the answer is: B (It is not as important as we have been led to believe.)

Questions 38-40: Completing summary with list of words

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

Question no. 38 & 39: The writer admits that global warming is a 38. __________ challenge, but says that it will not have a catastrophic impact on our future, if we deal with it in the 39. _______ way.

Keywords for the question: recent years, have been obliged to give up, lifestyle, but, continue to, depend mainly on, for food and clothes,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 2 in lines 10-13. The writer says here, “. . .. One form of pollution – the release of greenhouse gases that causes global warming – does appear to be a phenomenon that is going to extend well into our future, but its total impact is unlikely to pose a devastating problem. A bigger problem may well turn out to be an inappropriate response to it.”

Here, a phenomenon that is going to extend well into our future = long-term phenomenon,

A bigger problem may well turn out to be an inappropriate response to it = it will not have a catastrophic impact on our future, if we deal with it in the right way.

So, the answers are:
- E (long-term)
- D (right)
Question no. 40: If we try to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases, he believes that it would only have a minimal impact on rising temperatures. He feels it would be better to spend money on the more ___________ health problem of providing the world’s population with clean drinking water.

Keywords for the question: produce, particularly expensive,

In paragraph no. 11 the author says, “ . .. . Yet the cost of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, for the United States alone, will be higher than the cost of solving the world’s single, most pressing health problem: providing universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation. Such measures would avoid 2 million deaths every year, and prevent half a billion people from becoming seriously ill.”

Here, reducing carbon dioxide emissions = reduce the levels of greenhouse gases, single most pressing health problem = urgent health problem, universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation = providing the world’s population with clean drinking water,

So, the answer is: I (urgent)
March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 4 Test 4: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: How much higher? How much faster?

Questions 1-3: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 1: Modern official athletic records date from about 1900.

Keywords for the question: modern official athletic records, date, about 1900,

The very first lines of paragraph no. 1 give us the answer to this question. The author says here, “Since the early years of the twentieth century, when the International Athletic Federation began keeping records, . … .”

Here, Since the early years of the twentieth century = date from about 1900, began keeping records = records,

The lines are a clear match with the question.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 2: There was little improvement in athletic performance before the twentieth century.

Keywords for the question: little improvement, athletic performance, before, twentieth century,

In lines 5-12 of paragraph no. 1, the author says, “ . .. . there has been a steady improvement in how fast athletes run, how high they jump and how far they are able to hurl massive objects, themselves included, through space. .. .”

Here, there has been a steady improvement = there has been slow progress,

However, it doesn’t mean little improvement. Also, there is NO INFORMATION about ‘before twentieth century’.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 3: Performance has improved most greatly in events requiring an intensive burst of energy.

Keywords for the question: performance, improved, most greatly, events, requiring, intensive burst of energy,

In paragraph no. 1, in lines 12-17, the author says, “ . . .. For the so-called power events – that require a relatively brief, explosive release of energy, like the 100-metre sprint and the long jump – times and distances have improved ten to twenty percent. .. . .”

Here, explosive release of energy = intensive burst of energy,

times and distances have improved = performance HAS NOT improved,

ten to twenty percent = most greatly,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 4: Improvements in athletic performance can be fully explained by genetics.

Keywords for the question: improvements, athletic performance, can be fully explained, by genetics,

In the second paragraph, take a look at the first few lines, “No one theory can explain improvements in performance, but the most important factor has been genetics. .. ..”

The lines suggest that genetics can explain a lot about athletic performance, but it CANNOT fully explain it.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 5: The parents of top athletes have often been successful athletes themselves.

Keywords for the question: parents of top athletes, often been successful athletes themselves,

Paragraph B talks about ‘parents’. However, there is NO INFORMATION about the performance of parents of top athletes.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 6: The growing international importance of athletics means that gifted athletes can be recognised at a younger age.

Keywords for the question: growing international importance, athletics, means, gifted athletes, can be recognised, at a younger age,

Lines 8-13 of paragraph no. 2 mention, “ . . . but with increasing global participation in athletics – and greater rewards to tempt athletes – it is more likely that individuals possessing the unique complement of genes for athletic performance can be identified early. .. .. .”

Here, with increasing global participation in athletics = growing international importance of athletics means, individuals possessing the unique complement of genes = gifted athletes, can be identified early = can be recognised at a younger age,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7-10: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY:

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum two words 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 no. 7: According to Professor Yessis, American runners are relying for their current success on _________.

Keywords for the question: Professor Yessis, American runners, relying for their current success on,

In paragraph no. 3, we find Professor Yessis’ comments on American runners. Here, in lines 8-10, the author says, “ . .. . . Yesis believes that U.S. runners, despite their impressive achievements, are ‘running on their genetics’. .. ..”

Here, U.S. runners = American runners, their impressive achievements = their current success, running on = relying on,

So, the answer is: genetics

Question no. 8: Yessis describes a training approach from the former Soviet Union that aims to develop an athlete’s ________.

Keywords for the question: Yessis, describes, a training approach, from, former Soviet Union, aims to develop, an athlete’s,

To locate the answer, we have to take a close look at the end of paragraph no. 3 and the beginning of paragraph no. 4.

First, the writer says in lines 10-15 of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . By applying more scientific methods, ‘they’re going to go much faster’. These methods include strength training that duplicates what they are doing in their running events as well as plyometrics, a technique pioneered in the former Soviet Union.”

Here, plyometrics, a technique pioneered in the former Soviet Union = a training approach from the former Soviet Union,

focuses on increasing = aims to develop,

Then, in lines 1-4 of paragraph no. 4, the writer says, “Whereas most exercises are designed to build up strength or endurance, plyometrics focuses on increasing power – the rate at which an athlete can expend energy. .. . ..”

So, the answer is: power

Question no. 9: Yessis links an inadequate diet to __________.

Keywords for the question: Yessis, links, inadequate diet, to,

The answer to this question can be found in lines 2-7 of paragraph no. 5, “ . .. . . ‘Many athletes are not getting the best nutrition, even through supplements,’ Yessis insists. Each activity has its own nutritional needs. Few coaches, for instance, understand how deficiencies in trace minerals can lead to injuries.”

Here, Yessis insists = Yessis links, deficiencies in trace minerals = an inadequate diet,

So, the answer is: injuries

Question no. 10: Yessis claims that the key to setting new records is better ___________.

Keywords for the question: Yessis, claims, key to setting new records, better,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 6. Here, in lines 4-10, the writer says, “ . .. . Yessis asserts, ‘they would be breaking records left and right.’ He will not predict by how much, however: ‘Exactly what the limits are it’s hard to say, but there will be increases even if only by hundredths of a second, as long as our training continues to improve.’

Here, Yessis asserts = Yessis links,

continues to improve = better,

they would be breaking records left and right & there will be increases even if only by hundredths of a second = setting new records,

So, the answer is: training

Question 11-13: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 11: Biomechanics films are proving particularly useful because they enable trainers to –

Keywords for the question: Biomechanics films, proving, particularly useful, because, enables, trainers,

In paragraph no. 7, lines 3-9 say, “. . .. . A biomechanic films an athlete in action and then digitizes her performance, recording the motion of every joint and limb in three dimensions. By applying Newton’s law to these motions, ‘we can say that this athlete’s run is not fast enough; that this one is not using his arms strongly enough during take-off,’ .. ..”

Here, we can say that this athlete’s run is not fast enough; that this one is not using his arms strongly enough during take-off = highlight areas for improvement in athletes,

So, the answer is: A (highlight areas for improvement in athletes.)

Question no. 12: Biomechanics specialists used theoretical models to –

Keywords for the question: Biomechanics specialists, used, theoretical models,

In paragraph no. 8, lines 2-14 state, “. .. . . For example, during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, a relatively unknown high jumper named Dick Fosbury won the gold by going over the bar backwards, in complete contradiction of all the received high-jumping wisdom, a move instantly dubbed the Fosbury flop. Fosbury himself did not know what he was doing. That understanding took the later analysis of biomechanics specialists, who put their minds to comprehending something that was too complex and unorthodox ever to have been invented through their own mathematical simulations. .. . .”

Here, the later analysis of biomechanics specialists . .. . invented through their own mathematical simulations = Biomechanics specialists used theoretical models,

These lines suggest that biomechanics specialists used their own theoretical models to explain the Fosbury flop.

So, the answer is: D (explain the Fosbury flop.)

Question no. 13:  John S. Raglin believes our current knowledge of athletics is –

Keywords for the question: John S. Raglin, believes, our current knowledge, athletics,

In the final paragraph (paragraph no. 9), we find about John S. Raglin. Here, in lines 9-10, Raglin says, “ . .. .. and our understanding in many cases is fundamental. .. . .”

Here, our understanding = our current knowledge, fundamental = basic, So, the answer is: B (basic.)

Reading Passage 2: THE NATURE AND AIMS OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Questions 14-19: 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- YESThe statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the writer in the text- NOThe statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

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

Question no. 14: Archaeology involves creativity as well as careful investigative work.

Keywords for the question: Archaeology, involves, creativity, careful investigative work,

Take a look at the very first lines of the first paragraph. The writer says here, “Archaeology is partly the discovery of the treasures of the past, partly the careful work of the scientific analyst, partly the exercise of the creative imagination. .. .. .”

Here, careful work of the scientific analyst = careful investigative work, exercise of the creative imagination = creativity,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 15: Archaeologists must be able to translate texts from ancient languages.

Keywords for the question: Archaeologists, must be able, translate, texts, ancient languages,

This passage doesn’t contain any information about the ability of archaeologists to translate texts from ancient languages.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 16: Movies give a realistic picture of the work of archaeologists.

Keywords for the question: Movies, give, realistic picture, work of archaeologists,

In lines 2-6 of paragraph no. 2, the author of the passage says, “ .. . . The rich mixture of danger and detective work has also made it the perfect vehicle for fiction writers and film-makers, from Agatha Christie with Murder in Mesopotamia to Stephen Spielberg with Indiana Jones. However, far from reality such portrayals are, they capture the essential truth that archaeology is an exciting quest – the quest for knowledge about ourselves and our past.”

Here, Stephen Spielberg with Indiana Jones = movies, far from reality = unrealistic picture,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 17: Anthropologists define culture in more than one way.

Keywords for the question: Anthropologists, define, culture, more than one way,

Lines 2-4 in paragraph no. 4 say, “. . . . Culture in this sense includes what the anthropologist, Edward Tylor, summarised in 1871 as ‘knowledge, belief, art, morals, custom and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society’. .. . .”

Here, summarised = defined,

knowledge, belief, art, morals, custom and any other capabilities and habits = definition of culture in more than one way,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 18: Archaeology is a more demanding field of study than anthropology.

Keywords for the question: Archaeology, more demanding field of study, than, anthropology,

This passage talks in details about both archaeology and anthropology. However, we do not find any information about the comparison of importance to study the subjects.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 19: The history of Europe has been documented since 3,000 BC.

Keywords for the question: history of Europe, documented, since, 3,000 BC,

Paragraph no. 8 has the answer to this question. The writer says here, in lines 5-7, “ . .. . Conventional historical sources begin only with the introduction of written records around 3,000 BC in western Asia, and much later in most other parts of the world.”

Here, introduction of written records = documented since 3000 BC, western Asia = NOT Europe,

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 20-23: Choosing TWO options from given list

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

Questions 20-21: The list below gives some statements about anthropology.

Which TWO statements are mentioned by the writer of the text?

Keywords for the question: anthropology,

First, read these lines from paragraph no. 4, “ . . . . Anthropology is thus a broad discipline – so broad that it is generally broken down into three smaller disciplines: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology and archaeology.”

Here, generally broken down into three smaller disciplines = subdivided for study purposes,

And then, take a look at the first few lines of paragraph no. 5, “Physical anthropology, or biological anthropology as it is also called, concerns the study of human biological or physical characteristics and how they evolved. . .. .”

Here, human biological or physical characteristics and how they evolved = human evolutionary patterns,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

D (It is subdivided for study purposes),

E (It studies human evolutionary patterns),

Questions 22-23: The list below gives some of the tasks of an archaeologist.

Which TWO of these tasks are mentioned by the writer of the text?

Keywords for the question: some of the tasks of an archaeologist,

The answers can be found in lines 5-7 of paragraph no. 7. The writer of the passage says here, “. .. .. but with the specific purpose of learning how such societies use material culture – how they make their tools and weapons, why they build their settlements where they do, and so on. .. . .”

Here, how they make their tools and weapons, why they build their settlements where they do = deducing reasons for the shape of domestic buildings,

And, purpose of learning how such societies use material culture = deducing reasons for the shape of domestic buildings,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

C (deducing reasons for the shape of domestic buildings),

D (investigating the way different cultures make and use objects),

Questions 24-27: Summary completion

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

Question no. 24: Much of the work of archaeologists can be done using written records but they find __________ equally valuable.

Keywords for the question: much of the work, archaeologists, can be done, using, written records, but, find, equally valuable,

The answer can be traced in lines 4-5 of paragraph no. 9, as the writer explains, “. .. . the distinction between history and pre-history is a convenient dividing line that recognises the importance of the written word, but in no way lessens the importance of the useful information contained in oral histories.”

Here, recognises the importance of the written word = Much of the work of archaeologists can be done using written records, in no way lessens the importance = equally valuable,

So, the answer is: oral histories

Questions no. 25 & 26: The writer describes archaeology as both a 25. _________ and a 26. _________.

Keywords for the question: writer, describes, archaeology, as, both,

In the first few lines of the final paragraph (paragraph no. 10), the author of the text says, “Since the aim of archaeology is the understanding of humankind, it is a humanistic study, and since it deals with the human past, it is a historical discipline. .. .”

Here, the aim of archaeology = the writer describes archaeology,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

humanistic study,

historical discipline,

Question no. 27: However, as archaeologists do not try to influence human behaviour, the writer compares their style of working to that of a _________.

Keywords for the question: However, as, archaeology, do not try to influence, human behaviour, writer, compares, their style of working, to,

In lines 4-6 of the final paragraph (paragraph no. 10), the writer explains, “ . .. . The objects the archaeologists discover, on the other hand, tell us nothing directly in themselves. In this respect, the practice of the archaeologist is rather like that of the scientist, who collects data, conducts experiments, formulates a hypothesis, tests the hypothesis against more data, . .. ..”

Here, The objects the archaeologists discover . . .. . tell us nothing directly in themselves = archaeologists do not try to influence human behaviour, rather like = the writer compares,

So, the answer is: scientist

Reading Passage 3: The Problem of Scarce Resources

Questions 28-31: 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 to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question no. 28: Section A

In Section A, the author of the text says in lines 1-4, “The problem of how health-care resources should be allocated or apportioned, so that they are distributed in both, the most just and most efficient way, is not a new one. Every health system in an economically developed society is faced with the need to decide (either formally or informally). .. ..”

Here, faced with the need to decide = a problem, Every health system in an economically developed society = every economically developed country,

So, the answer is: iv (A problem shared by every economically developed country)

Question no. 29: Section C

The first half of Section C has the answer to this question. Here, the writer talks about ‘basic human rights’ and their connection to health-care. Let’s take a look at lines 4-7, “ . .. . Like education, political and legal processes and institutions, public order, communication, transport and money supply, health-care came to be seen as one of the fundamental social facilities necessary for people to exercise their other rights as autonomous human beings. .. .. .”

Here, Like = the connection, one of the fundamental social facilities = one of the human rights, their other rights = other human rights,

So, the answer is: i (The connection between health-care and other human rights)

Question no. 30: Section D

In Section D, lines 4-7 say, “ . . .. It is also accepted that this right generates an obligation or duty for the state to ensure that adequate health-care resources are provided out of the public purse. The state has no obligation to provide a health-care system itself, but to ensure that such a system is provided. .. .. .”

Here, an obligation or duty for the state = the role of the state, ensure = role,

So, the answer is: iii (The role of the state in health-care)

Question no. 31: Section E

Take a look at the first few lines of paragraph no. 1 in Section E. The author of the text says here in lines 2-4, “ .. .. . people were demanding that their fundamental right to health-care be satisfied by the state. The second set of more specific changes that have led to the present concern about the distribution of health-care resources .. .. .”

Here, people were demanding & more specific changes = recent changes,

Then, in lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 2, the author says, “As a consequence, during the 1980s a kind of doomsday scenario (analogous to similar doomsday extrapolations about energy needs and fossil fuels or about population increases) was projected by health administrators, economists and politicians. .. ..”

Here, As a consequence = the impact,

So, the answer is: v (The impact of recent change)

Questions 32-35: Classifying groups

[This type of question asks candidates to classify information from the given reading text. Candidates are given some groups from the text, and a list of options, which are listed as A, B, C etc. They must match the correct groups with the correct options.

N.B.: This question type doesn’t follow any sequence. So, they should be answered after all other questions in the passage.]

Question no. 32: the realisation that the resources of the national health systems were limited

Keywords for the question: realisation, resources, national health systems, were limited,

Question no. 33: a sharp rise in the cost of health-care

Keywords for the question: sharp rise, cost, health-care,

For these two questions, we need to go Section E.

Here, in the first paragraph, the writer says, “Just at the time when it became obvious that health-care resources could not possibly meet the demands being made upon them, people were demanding that their fundamental right to health-care be satisfied by the state. The second set of more specific changes that have led to the present concern about the n of health-care resources stems from the dramatic rise in health costs in most OECD countries, accompanied by large-scale demographic and social changes which have meant, to take one example, that elderly people are now major (and relatively very expensive) consumers of health-care resources. Thus in OECD countries as a whole, health costs increased from 3.8% of GDP in 1960 to 7% of GDP in 1980,

Here, Just at the time = between 1950 and 1980 (as indicated in the last line of this paragraph), it became obvious = the realisation, could not possibly meet the demands = were limited,

Then, at the end of the paragraph,

health costs increased from 3.8% of GDP in 1960 to 7% of GDP = a sharp rise in the cost of health-care ,

So, the answers are:
- B (between 1950 and 1980)
- B (between 1950 and 1980)
Question no. 34: a belief that all the health-care resources the community needed would be produced by economic growth

Keywords for the question: belief, all the health-care resources, community, needed, would be produced, economic growth,

The writer says in lines 4-7 of Section B, “ .. . . . Thus, in the 1950s and 1960s, there emerged an awareness in Western societies that resources for the provision of fossil fuel energy were finite and exhaustible and that the capacity of nature or the environment to sustain economic development and population was also finite. . .. ..” And then, in the last few lines, “ . .. it was assumed without question that all the basic health needs of any community could be satisfied, at least in principle; the ‘invisible hand’ of economic progress would provide.”

Here, in the 1950s and 1960s = between 1945 and 1950,

there emerged an awareness & it was assumed without question that = a belief,

Western societies = the community,

the ‘invisible hand’ of economic progress would provide = would be produced by economic growth,

So, the answer is: A (between 1945 and 1950)

Question no. 35: an acceptance of the role of the state in guaranteeing the provision of health-care

Keywords for the question: acceptance, role of the state, guaranteeing, provision of health-care,

In Section D, take a look at these lines at the beginning, “ . .. . by the late 1970s, it was recognised in most societies that people have a right to health-care (though there has been considerable resistance in the United States to the idea that there is a formal right to health-care). .. . ..”

Here, by the late 1970s = between 1950 and 1980, it was recognised = an acceptance, people have a right to health-care = the role of the state to guarantee the provision of health-care,

So, the answer is: B (between 1950 and 1980)

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

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

Question no. 36: Personal liberty and independence have never been regarded as directly linked to health-care.

Keywords for the question: personal liberty, independence, never been regarded, directly linked, health-care,

Let’s have a close look at Section C. Here, the author of the passage says in lines 7-9, “ . .. . People are not in a position to exercise personal liberty and to be self-determining if they are poverty-stricken, or deprived of basic education, or do not live within a context of law and order. .. .. .”

Here, People are not in a position = NO direct link to health-care, to be self-determining = independence,

The lines suggest that personal liberty and independence have never been considered as directly linked to health-care.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 37: Health-care came to be seen as a right at about the same time that the limits of health-care resources became evident.

Keywords for the question: health-care, came to be seen, a right, about the same time, limits of health-care resources, became evident,

The answer to this question can be traced in Section E, in the very first lines, “Just at the time when it became obvious that health-care resources could not possibly meet the demands being made upon them, people were demanding that their fundamental right to health-care be satisfied by the state. .. .”

Here, Just at the time = at about the same time, became obvious = became evident, health-care resources could not possibly meet the demands = the limits of health-care resources, people were demanding that their fundamental right to health-care = Health-care came to be seen as a right,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 38: In OECD countries population changes have had an impact on health-care costs in recent years.

Keywords for the question: OECD countries, population changes, had an impact, health-care costs, recent years,

Again, in Section E, lines 3-6 say, “ . . .. The second set of more specific changes that have led to the present concern about the distribution of health-care resources stems from the dramatic rise in health costs in most OECD countries, accompanied by large-scale demographic and social changes . . … ..”

Here, dramatic rise in health costs in most OECD countries = an impact on health-care costs, large-scale demographic = population changes,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 39: OECD governments have consistently underestimated the level of health-care provision needed.

Keywords for the question: OECD governments, consistently, underestimated, level of health-care provision, needed,

The information CANNOT BE FOUND in this passage (in Section E).

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 40: In most economically developed countries the elderly will have to make special provision for their health-care in the future.

Keywords for the question: most economically developed countries, elderly, will have to make, special provision, their health-care, future,

The information CANNOT BE FOUND in this passage (in Section E).

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 4 Test 3: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1: Micro-Enterprise Credit for Street Youth

Questions 1-4: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 1: The quotations in the box at the beginning of the article

Keywords for the question: quotations in the box, beginning of the article,

Let’s take a look at the first quotation in the box at the beginning of the article.

“I am from a large, poor family and for many years we have done without breakfast. Ever since I joined the Street Kids International program I have been able to buy my family sugar and buns for breakfast. I have also bought myself decent second-hand clothes and shoes.” – Doreen Soko

Here, Doreen Soko, a Participant in the Youth Skills Enterprise Initiative Program in Zambia, expresses his/her opinion that the S.K.I. program has helped his/her family to survive by fulfilling the basic human rights.

Let’s take a look at the second quotation now.

‘We’ve had business experience. Now I’m confident to expand what we’ve been doing.

I’ve learnt cash management, and the way of keeping money so we save for re-investment. Now business is a part of our lives. As well, we didn’t know each other before – now we’ve made new friends.’ – Fan Kaoma

Here, another participant, Fan Kaoma, says that she got training about expanding her business and cash management from S.K.I.

Therefore, these two quotations are examples of the effects of S.K.I.

So, the answer is: A (exemplify the effects of S.K.I.)

Question no. 2: The main purpose of S.K.I. is to

Keywords for the question: main purpose, S.K.I.,

In the ‘Introduction’ section, the writer mentions in the first paragraph, “Although small-scale business training and credit programs have become more common throughout the world, relatively little attention has been paid to the need to direct such opportunities to young people. .. .”

Then, in the second paragraph, the author writes, “Over the past nine years, Street Kids International (S.K.I.) has been working with partner organisations in Africa, Latin America and India to support the economic lives of street children. .. .”

Here, small-scale business training and credit programs = business training and loans,

to support the economic lives of street children = to provide support by giving business training and loans,

So, the answer is: D (give business training and loans to street children.)

Question no. 3: Which of the following is mentioned by the writer as a reason why children end up living on the streets?

Keywords for the question: reason, children, end up, living, on the streets,

In the ‘Background’ section, the writer mentions in the first paragraph, “Typically, children do not end up on the streets due to a single cause, but to a combination of factors: a dearth of adequately funded schools, the demand for income at home, family breakdown and violence.

Here, a dearth of adequately funded schools = poverty,

So, the answer is: C (poverty)

Question no. 4: In order to become more independent, street children may

Keywords for the question: to become more independent, street children, may,

In the ‘Background’ section, the writer mentions in the last lines of second paragraph, “ . .. . . Many children may choose entrepreneurship because it allows them a degree of independence, is less exploitative than many forms of paid employment, and is flexible enough to allow them to participate in other activities such as education and domestic tasks.”

Here, may choose entrepreneurship = may set up their own businesses,

So, the answer is: C (set up their own businesses.)

Question 5-9: Completing table: NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

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

Question no. 5 & 6:

Country	Organisations Involved	Type of Project	Support Provided
5. __________ and __________	• S.K.I.	courier service	• provision of 6. ________

Keywords for the question: S.K.I., courier service, provision of,

In the ‘Street Business Partnerships’ section, the writer mentions in the first bullet point,

The S.K.I. Bicycle Courier Service first started in Sudan. Participants in this enterprise were supplied with bicycles, which they used to deliver parcels and messages, and which they were required to pay for gradually from their wages. A similar program was taken up in Bangalore, India.

Here, similar program = Courier Service, this enterprise were supplied with = support provided with provision of,

So, the answers are:

Sudan, India (in any order)
bicycles

Question no. 7:

Country	Organisations Involved	Type of Project	Support Provided
Dominican Republic	• S.K.I. • Y.W.C.A.	7. __________	• loans • storage facilities • savings plans

Keywords for the question: Dominican Republic, S.K.I., Y.W.C.A., loans, storage facilities, savings plans,

In the ‘Street Business Partnerships’ section, the writer mentions in the second bullet point,

Another successful project, The Shoe Shine Collective, was a partnership program with the W.C.A. in the Dominican Republic. In this project, participants were lent money to purchase shoe shine boxes. They were also given a safe place to store their equipment, and facilities for individual savings plans.

Here, lent money = loans, a safe place to store their equipment = storage facilities, facilities for individual savings plans = savings plans,

So, the answer is: Shoe Shine (Collective)

Question no. 8:

Country	Organisations Involved	Type of Project	Support Provided
Zambia	• S.K.I. • The Red Cross • Y.W.C.A.	setting up small businesses	• business training • 8. ______ training • access to credit

Keywords for the question: Zambia, S.K.I, The Red Cross, Y.W.C.A., setting up small businesses, business training, access to credit,

In the ‘Street Business Partnerships’ section, the writer mentions in the third bullet point,

The Youth Skills Enterprise Initiative in Zambia is a joint program with the Red Cross Society and the W.C.A. Street youths are supported to start their own small business through business training, life skills training and access to credit.

Here, start their own small business = setting up small businesses,

So, the answer is: life skills

Questions 9-12: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

Question no. 9: Any street child can set up their own small business if given enough support.

Keywords for the question: any street child, can set up, own small business, if given, enough support,

In the ‘Lessons learned’ section, the writer mentions at the beginning of the first bullet point,

Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone, nor for every street child.

Therefore, the line contradicts the question directly.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 10: In some cases, the families of street children may need financial support from S.K.I.

Keywords for the question: some cases, families of street children, may need, financial support, from S.K.I.,

The passage does not provide any information regarding supporting the families of street children financially from S.K.I.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 11: Only one fixed loan should be given to each child.

Keywords for the question: only one fixed loan, should be given, to each child,

At the beginning of bullet point no. 5 in the ‘Lessons learned’ section, the author points out,

Small loans are provided initially for purchasing fixed assets such as bicycles, shoe shine kits and basic building materials for a market stall.

Here, Small loans = more than one loan,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 12: The children have to pay back slightly more money than they borrowed.

Keywords for the question: children, have to pay back, slightly, more money, than they borrowed,

In the final bullet point of the ‘Lessons learned’ section, the writer says,

All S.K.I. programs have charged interest on the loans, primarily to get the entrepreneurs used to the concept of paying interest on borrowed money.

Here, interest on the loans / paying interest on borrowed money = pay back slightly more money than they borrowed,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 13: Multiple choice questions

Question no. 13: The writers conclude that money should only be lent to street children.

Keywords for the question: conclude, money, should only be lent to, street children,

The answer lies in the ‘Conclusion’ section, in the very last lines, “ .. . . we believe that credit must be extended in association with other types of support that help participants develop critical life skills as well as productive businesses.”

Here, in association with other types of support that help participants = as part of a wider program of aid,

So, the answer is: A (as part of a wider program of aid.)

Reading Passage 2: Volcanoes – earth-shattering news

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 no. 14: Section A

Section A contains 4 paragraphs. In the second paragraph, the writer explains in lines 2-5, “ . .. . Vulcanism, the name given to volcanic processes, really has shaped the world. Eruptions have rifted continents, raised mountain chains, constructed islands and shaped the topography of the earth. The entire ocean floor has a basement of volcanic basalt.”

Here, volcanic processes, really has shaped the world = the features of our planet is a result of volcanic processes,

So, the answer is: iii (Volcanoes and the features of our planet)

Question no. 15: Section B

Section B has two paragraphs. In the second paragraph the author of the text explains why and how volcanoes erupt. “ . .. . The flow, thought to be in the form of convection currents, is powerful enough to fracture the ‘eggshell’ of the crust into plates, and keep them bumping and grinding against each other, or even overlapping, at the rate of a few centimetres a year. These fracture zones, where the collisions occur, are where earthquakes happen. And, very often, volcanoes.”

These highlighted lines explain why volcanoes erupt.

So, the answer is: i (Causes of volcanic eruption)

Question no. 16: Section C

In section C, the writer says in the first paragraph, “ . .. . Every eruption is different, but put at its simplest, where there are weaknesses, rocks deep in the mantle, heated to 1,350°C, will start to expand and rise.”

Then, in the next three paragraphs, the writer explains different types of volcanic eruption.

The first type of eruption – “Sometimes it is slow: . .. .”

The second type of eruption – “Sometimes – as in Northern Ireland, Wales and the Karoo in South Africa – the magma rose faster, .. .”

Another type – “Sometimes the magma moves very swiftly indeed. .. .”

One other type – “The biggest eruptions are deep on the mid-ocean floor, .. .”

So, the answer is: iv (Different types of volcanic eruption)

Question no. 17: Section D

Section D starts with this sentence, “But volcanoes are not very predictable. .. .”

Here, not very predictable = unpredictability,

So, the answer is: vi (The unpredictability of volcanic eruptions)

Questions 18-21: Short answer to open questions (NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS)

[In this kind of question candidates have to answer some questions, only with some conditions like NO MORE THAN THREE/TWO WORDS and/or A NUMBER or, ONE WORD ONLY. Each question has keywords which will lead to the answer. This question type generally follows a sequence.]

Question no. 18: What are the sections of the earth’s crust, often associated with volcanic activity, called?

Keywords for the question: sections of the earth’s crust, , often associated with volcanic activity, called

The answer can be traced in Section C, in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says in lines 4-5, “ . .. .. and you can see the rough outlines of what are called tectonic plates – the plates which make up the earth’s crust and mantle. … .”

Here, make up the earth’s crust and mantle = the earth’s crust, often associated with volcanic activity,

So, the answer is: (the) (tectonic) plates

Question no. 19: What is the name given to molten rock from the mantle?

Keywords for the question: name given to, molten rock, mantle,

The answer lies in Section C, paragraph no. 2. The writer says here in the beginning, “vast bubbles of magma – molten rock from the mantle – . .. .”

Here, – molten rock from the mantle – is an explanation of the word right before.

So, the answer is: magma

Question no. 20: What is the earthquake zone on the Pacific Ocean called?

Keywords for the question: earthquake zone, the Pacific Ocean, called,

The answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 4 of Section C. Here, in lines 5-6, the writer says, “ . . . The most dramatic of these is the Pacific ‘ring of fire’ where there have been the most violent explosions – .. . .”

Here, Pacific = the Pacific Ocean, where there have been the most violent explosions = the earthquake zone,

So, the answer is: ring of fire

Question no. 21: For how many years did Mount Pinatubo remain inactive?

Keywords for the question: how many years, Mount Pinatubo, remain inactive,

Take a close look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 1 in Section D, “ . .. In the case of Mount Pinatubo, this took 600 years. .. . .”

Here, the line suggests that Mount Pinatubo remained inactive for 600 years/ it took 600 years for Mount Pinatubo to become active.

So, the answer is: (for) 600 (years)

Questions 22-26: 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. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords from the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Question no. 22: Volcanic eruptions have shaped the earth’s land surface. They may also have produced the world’s atmosphere and __________.

Keywords for the question: Volcanic eruptions, shaped the earth’s land surface, may also have produced, world’s atmosphere,

In Section A, paragraph no. 3 says, “Volcanoes have not only made the continents, they are also thought to have made the world’s first stable atmosphere and provided all the water for the oceans, rivers and ice-caps. .. .. .”

Here, made the continents = shaped the earth’s surface, also thought to have made = may also have produced, world’s first stable atmosphere = world’s atmosphere,

So, the answer is: (the) water

Question no. 23: Eruptions occur when molten rocks from the earth’s mantle rise and expand. When they become liquid, they move more quickly through cracks in the surface. There are different types of eruption. Sometimes the _________ moves slowly and forms outcrops of granite on the earth’s surface. When it moves more quickly it may flow out in thick horizontal sheets.

Keywords for the question: different types of eruptions, sometimes, moves slowly, forms outcrops, granite, earth’s surface,

The different types of volcanic eruption have discussed in section C. Here, in the second paragraph, the writer says in the first lines, “Sometimes it is slow: vast bubbles of magma – molten rock from the mantle – inch towards the surface, cooling slowly, . .. .”

Here, Sometimes it is slow = sometimes the magma/ molten rock moves slowly,

So, the answer is: magma/ molten rock

Question no. 24: Examples of this type of eruption can be found in Northern Ireland, Wales, South Africa and _________.

Keywords for the question: examples, this type of eruption, Northern Ireland, Wales, South Africa,

The previous question’s answer (question no. 23) talks about the slow volcanic eruption (Section C, beginning of paragraph no. 2).

Then, in lines 2-5, the writer gives example to such eruptions in countries like Northern Ireland, Wales, South Africa. After that, the writer says in lines 6-8, the author says, “ .. . .. In the Deccan plateau in western India, there are more than two million cubic kilometres of lava, some of it 2,400 metres thick, formed over 500,000 years of slurping eruption.”

So, the answer is: (western) India

Questions no. 25: A third type of eruption occurs when the lava emerges very quickly and _________ violently.

Keywords for the question: third type of eruption, occurs when, lava, emerges, very quickly, violently,

In Section C, the author of the text provides description of a third type of volcanic eruption in paragraph no. 3. Here, the author says, “Sometimes the magma moves very swiftly indeed. It does not have time to cool as it surges upwards. The gases trapped inside the boiling rock expand suddenly, the lava glows with heat, it begins to froth, and it explodes with tremendous force. .. ..”

Here, the magma moves very swiftly = the lava emerges very quickly, with tremendous force = violently,

So, the answer is: explodes

Questions no. 26: This happens because the magma moves so suddenly that ________ are emitted.

Keywords for the question: this happens because, magma, moves so suddenly, are emitted,

In section C, take a look again at lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . The gases trapped inside the boiling rock expand suddenly, the lava glows with heat, it begins to froth, and it explodes with tremendous force. .. ..”

Here, The gases trapped . … expand suddenly . … it explodes = the gases .. . . are emitted,

So, the answer is: (the) gases / trapped gases

Reading Passage 3: Obtaining Linguistic Data

Questions 27-31: Identifying information

Question no. 27: the effect of recording on the way people talk

Keywords for the question: effect, recording, the way people talk,

Paragraph D talks about the effect of recording. It starts with, “Today, researchers often tape-record informants. . ..”

Then in lines 8-10, the writer says, “ . .. . People talk abnormally when they know they are being recorded, .. . .”

Here, People talk abnormally when they know they are being recorded = effect of recording on the way people talk,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 28: the importance of taking notes on body language

Keywords for the question: importance, taking notes, body language,

In the first few lines of paragraph E, the writer says, “An audio tape recording does not solve all the linguist’s problems, however. Speech is often unclear and ambiguous. Where possible, therefore, the recording has to be supplemented by the observer’s written comments on the non-verbal behaviour of the participants, and about the context in general. .. .”

Here, written comments = taking notes, non-verbal behaviour of the participants = body language,

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 29: the fact that language is influenced by social situation

Keywords for the question: language, influenced by, social situation,

In paragraph C, take a look at lines 10-14, “ . .. . The topic of conversation and the characteristics of the social setting (e.g. the level of formality) are also highly relevant, as are the personal qualities of the informants (e.g. their fluency and consistency). .. .”

Here, social setting = social situations, also highly relevant = language is influenced by. .. .,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 30: how informants can be helped to be less self-conscious

Keywords for the question: how, informants, can be helped, be less self-conscious,

The last half part of paragraph D talks about helping informants to be less self-conscious. Here, the writer says in lines 14-21, “ . . .. Some recordings are made without the speakers being aware of the fact – a procedure that obtains very natural data, though ethical objections must be anticipated. Alternatively, attempts can be made to make the speaker forget about the recording, such as keeping the tape recorder out of sight, or using radio microphones. .. .”

Here, Some recordings are made without the speakers being aware of the fact & make the speaker forget about the recording = recordings taken by making informants less self-conscious,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 31: various methods that can be used to generate specific data

Keywords for the question: various methods, can be used, generate specific data,

Take a close look at paragraph F, where the writer talks about a number of methods that can be used to generate specific data.
“Linguists also make great use of structured sessions, in which they systematically ask their informants for utterances that describe certain actions, objects or behaviours. With a bilingual informant, or through use of an interpreter, it is possible to use translation techniques (‘How do you say table in your language?’). A large number of points can be covered in a short time, using interview worksheets and questionnaires. Often, the researcher wishes to obtain information about just a single variable, in which case a restricted set of questions may be used: a particular feature of pronunciation, for example, can be elicited by asking the informant to say a restricted set of words. There are also several direct methods of elicitation, such as asking informants to fill in the blanks in a substitution frame (e.g. I_see a car), or feeding them the wrong stimulus for correction (‘Is it possible to say / no can see?’).”

Here, structured sessions, translation techniques, interview worksheets and questionnaires, a restricted set of questions, several direct methods of elicitation, all these are various methods to obtain specific information.

So, the answer is: F

Questions 32-36: Completing table: NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

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

Question no. 32:

METHODS OF OBTAINING LINGUISTIC DATA	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
32. ___________ as informant	convenient	method of enquiry not objective enough

Keywords for the question: as informant, convenient, method of enquiry, not objective enough,

In paragraph B, the author of the text says in lines 8-19, “ . .. . Often, when studying their mother tongue, linguists act as their own informants, judging the ambiguity, acceptability, or other properties of utterances against their own intuitions. The convenience of this approach makes it widely used, and it is considered the norm in the generative approach to linguistics. But a linguist’s personal judgements are often uncertain, or disagree with the judgements of other linguists, at which point recourse is needed to more objective methods of enquiry, using non-linguists as informants.”

However, The convenience of this approach = the method is convenient, needed to more objective methods of enquiry = method of enquiry not objective enough,

So, the answer is: (the) linguist acts/ linguists act

Question no. 33:

METHODS OF OBTAINING LINGUISTIC DATA	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
non-linguist as informant	necessary with 33. ____________ and child speech,	the number of factors to be considered

Keywords for the question: non-linguist as informant, necessary with, child speech, number of factors, to be considered,

The answer can be found at the end of paragraph B. Here, the author says, “ . .. . But a linguist’s personal judgements are often uncertain, or disagree with the judgements of other linguists, at which point recourse is needed to more objective methods of enquiry, using non-linguists as informants.

The latter procedure is unavoidable when working on foreign languages, or child speech.”

Here, unavoidable = necessary,

So, the answer is: foreign languages

Question no. 34:

METHODS OF OBTAINING LINGUISTIC DATA	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
recording an informant	allows linguists’ claims to be checked	34. _________ of sound

Keywords for the question: research, agent technology, more costly, research, neural networks,

Paragraph D talks about recording informants.

First, the author says in lines 1-3, “Today, researchers often tape-record informants. This enables the linguist’s claims about the language to be checked, .. . .”

Then, have a look at lines 7-9, “. . . . People talk abnormally when they know they are being recorded, and sound quality can be poor. . .. .”

So, the answer is: (the) (poor) quality

Questions no. 35 & 36:

METHODS OF OBTAINING LINGUISTIC DATA	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
videoing an informant	allows speakers’ 35. ___________ to be observed	36. _________ might miss certain things

Keywords for the questions: videoing, informant, allows speakers’, to be observed, might miss, certain things,

Both the answers can be found in paragraph E. Here, in lines 1-14, the author says, “An audio tape recording does not solve all the linguist’s problems, however. Speech is often unclear and ambiguous. Where possible, therefore, the recording has to be supplemented by the observer’s written comments on the non-verbal behaviour of the participants, and about the context in general, A facial expression, for example, can dramatically alter the meaning of what is said. Video recordings avoid these problems to a large extent, but even they have limitations (the camera cannot be everywhere), and transcriptions always benefit from any additional commentary provided by an observer.”

Here, participants = speakers, even they have limitations & cannot be everywhere = might miss certain things,

So, the lines suggest that videoing solve the problems of observing the speakers’ non-verbal behaviour but camera / video recording have the chance to miss certain things as it cannot be everywhere.

So, the answers are:

non-verbal behaviour / behavior / facial expression(s)
(video) camera / (video) recording

Questions 37-40: Summary completion: NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS

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

Question no. 37: A linguist can use a corpus to comment objectively on ___________.

Keywords for the question: a linguist, can use, corpus, comment objectively on,

To find the answer to this question, let’s go to paragraph G. Here, the writer says in the first few lines, “A representative sample of language, compiled for the purpose of linguistic analysis, is known as a corpus. A corpus enables the linguist to make unbiased statements about frequency of usage, .. . .”

Here, A corpus enables the linguist to = A linguist can use a corpus to, make unbiased statements = comment objectively,

So, the answer is: usage frequency/ frequency of usage

Question no. 38: Some corpora include a wide range of language while others are used to focus on a ___________.

Keywords for the question: some corpora, include, wide range of language, while others, used to focus on,

Again, in paragraph G, in lines 7-12, the writer says, “ . . .. Some corpora attempt to cover the language as a whole, taking extracts from many kinds of text; others are extremely selective, providing a collection of material that deals only with a particular linguistic feature. .. .”

Here, extracts from many kinds of text = a wide range of language, deals only with = focus on,

So, the answer is: particular linguistic feature

Question no. 39: The length of time the process takes will affect the __________ of the corpus.

Keywords for the question: length of time, process takes, will affect, of the corpus,

Again, take a look at lines 12-17 in paragraph G, the author says, “ . .. . The size of the corpus depends on practical factors, such as the time available to collect, process and store the data: it can take up to several hours to provide an accurate transcription of a few minutes of speech.

Here, the time available to collect, process and store the data = The length of time the process takes,

So, the answer is: size

Question no. 40: No corpus can ever cover the whole language and so linguists often find themselves relying on the additional information that can be gained from the _________ of those who speak the language concerned.

Keywords for the question: no corpus, can ever cover, whole language, so, linguists, often find themselves, relying on, additional information, can be gained from, those who speak, the language concerned,

The answer can be found in paragraph G, in the last few lines, “ . . .. .. An important principle is that all corpora, whatever their size, are inevitably limited in their coverage, and always need to be supplemented by data derived from the intuitions of native speakers of the language, through either introspection or experimentation.”

Here, all corpora, whatever their size, are inevitably limited in their coverage = No corpus can ever cover the whole language, always need to be supplemented by data = relying on the additional information, native speakers of the language = those who speak the language concerned,

So, the answer is: intuitions

March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 4 Test 2: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1: Lost of Words

Questions 1-4: Summary completion:

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

Question no. 1: There are currently approximately 6,800 languages in the world. This great variety of languages came about largely as a result of geographical _________.

Keywords for the question: approximately 6,800 languages, great variety of languages, largely, as a result, geographical,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 2 and 3.

First, in paragraph no. 2 the author of the text says, “ .. .. Half of the world’s 6,800 languages are likely to vanish within two generations – .. . .. .. ‘At the moment, we are heading for about three or four languages dominating the world,’ . .. …. ‘It’s a mass extinction, and whether we will ever rebound from this loss is difficult to know.’ .”

Then, in paragraph no. 3, the author says again, “Isolation breeds linguistic diversity: as a result, the world is peppered with languages spoken by only a few people. . .. ..”

Here, breeds = came about largely as a result of, great variety of languages = linguistic diversity,

So, the answer is: isolation

Question no. 2: But in today’s world, factors such as government initiatives and __________ are contributing to a huge decrease in the number of languages.

Keywords for the question: today’s world, government initiatives, contributing, huge decrease, numbers of languages,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “The change is not voluntary. Quite often, governments try to kill off a minority language by banning its use in public or discouraging its use in schools all to promote national unity. . .. .. Salikoko Mufwene, who chairs the Linguistics department at the University of Chicago, argues that the deadliest weapon is not government policy but economic globalisation. ‘Native Americans have not lost pride in their language, but they have had to adapt to socio-economic pressures,’ he says .. .. ..”

Here, the author says that there are two factors that contribute to decreasing the number of languages. One is ‘government policy’ and the other is ‘economic globalisation’ or ‘socio-economic pressures’.

So, the answer is: (economic) globalization / globalisation / socio-economic pressures

Question no. 3: One factor which may help to ensure that some endangered languages do not die out completely is people’s increasing appreciation of their _________.

Keywords for the question: one factor, may help, ensure, endangered languages, do not die out completely, people’s increasing appreciation of,

In paragraph no. 7, the writer says, “So despite linguists’ best efforts, many languages will disappear over the next century. But a growing interest in cultural identity may prevent the direst predictions from coming true. . . . .”

Here, a growing interest = people’s increasing appreciation, may prevent the direst predictions from coming true = may help to ensure that some endangered languages do not die out completely,

So, the answer is: cultural identity

Question no. 4: This has been encouraged through programmes of language classes for children and through ‘apprentice’ schemes, in which the endangered language is used as the medium of instruction to teach people a ___________. Some speakers of endangered languages have even produced writing systems in order to help secure the survival of their mother tongue.

Keywords for the question: encouraged, programmes of language classes, children, ‘apprentice’ schemes, endangered language, used, as, medium of instruction, teach people,

The answer can be found in lines 14-29 of paragraph no. 7 as the author writes here, “ .. . .. . In New Zealand, classes for children have slowed the erosion of Maori and rekindled interest in the language. A similar approach in Hawaii has produced about 8,000 new speakers of Polynesian languages in the past few years. In California, ‘apprentice’ programmes have provided life support to several indigenous languages. Volunteer ‘apprentices’ pair up with one of the last living speakers of a Native American tongue to learn a traditional skill such as basket weaving, with instruction exclusively in the endangered language. .. . . ..”

Here, ‘apprentice’ programmes = ‘apprentice’ schemes, Native American tongue to learn = the endangered language is used as the medium of instruction to teach people,

So, the answer is: traditional skill

Questions 5-9: Matching statements with a list of people

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

Question no. 5: Endangered languages cannot be saved unless people learn to speak more than one language.

Keywords for the question: endangered languages, cannot be saved, unless, people learn, speak, more than one language,

The answer can be found in lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 7, in the comments made by Doug Whalen, “ .. . .. ‘The key to fostering diversity is for people to learn their ancestral tongue, as well as the dominant language,’ says Doug Whalen, founder, and president of the Endangered Language Fund in New Haven, Connecticut. ‘Most of these languages will not survive without a large degree of bilingualism,’ he says. . .. . ”

Here, Most of these languages will not survive without a large degree of bilingualism = Endangered languages cannot be saved unless people learn to speak more than one language,

So, the answer is: E (Doug Whalen)

Question no. 6: Saving languages from extinction is not in itself a satisfactory goal.

Keywords for the question: saving languages, from extinction, not, satisfactory goal,

Take a look at the last lines of paragraph no. 7, “ . .. .. But Mufwene says that preventing a language dying out is not the same as giving it new life by using it every day. ‘Preserving a language is more like preserving fruits in a jar,’ he says.”

Here, preventing a language dying out is not the same as giving it new life / Preserving a language is more like preserving fruits in a jar = saving languages from extinction is not in itself a satisfactory goal,

So, the answer is: B (Salikoko Mufwene)

Question no. 7: The way we think may be determined by our language.

Keywords for the question: the way we think, may be determined, by our language,

Take a look at the last lines of paragraph no. 6, “ .. . . Pagel says, and this could affect our thoughts and perceptions. ‘The patterns and connections we make among various concepts may be structured by the linguistic habits of our community.’”

Here, The patterns and connections we make among various concepts = The way we think, may be structured = may be determined, by the linguistic habits of our community = by our language,

So, the answer is: D (Mark Pagel)

Question no. 8: Young people often reject the established way of life in their community.

Keywords for the question: young people, often reject, established way of life, their community,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4. Look at these lines, “ . .. .. It begins with a crisis of confidence, when a small community finds itself alongside a larger, wealthier society, says Nicholas Ostler, of Britain’s Foundation for Endangered Languages, in Bath. ‘People lose faith in their culture,’ he says. ‘When the next generation reaches their teens, they might not want to be induced into the old traditions.’”

Here, When the next generation reaches their teens, they might not want to be induced into the old traditions = Young people often reject the established way of life in their community,

So, the answer is: C (Nicholas Ostler)

Question no. 9: A change of language may mean a loss of traditional culture.

Keywords for the question: a change of language, may mean, loss of traditional culture,

The first lines of paragraph no. 6 give us the answer to this question, “ . . . ..  Language is also intimately bound up with culture, so it may be difficult to preserve one without the other. ‘If a person shifts from Navajo to English, they lose something,’ Mufwene says. .. . .”

Here, Language is also intimately bound up with culture, so it may be difficult to preserve one without the other = A change of language may mean a loss of traditional culture,

So, the answer is: B (Salikoko Mufwene)

Questions 10-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 10: The Navajo language will die out because it currently has too few speakers.

Keywords for the question: Navajo language, will die out, because, currently has, too few speakers,

In the first paragraph of the text, the writer says, “In the Native American Navajo nation, which sprawls across four states in the American south-west, the native language is dying. Most of its speakers are middle-aged or elderly. Although many students take classes in Navajo, the schools are run in English. Street signs, supermarket goods and even their own newspaper are all in English. Not surprisingly, linguists doubt that any native speakers of Navajo will remain in a hundred years’ time.”

Here, the writer suggests that the Navajo language will die out NOT because of few speakers, but because of reliance in English.

Also, in lines 8-10 of paragraph no. 3, the writer says, “ . ..  Navajo is considered endangered despite having 150,000 speakers. . . .”

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 11: A large number of native speakers fails to guarantee the survival of a language.

Keywords for the question: A large number of native speakers, fails to guarantee, survival of a language,

Take a look at in lines 8-10 of paragraph no. 3 where the writer says, “ . ..  Navajo is considered endangered despite having 150,000 speakers. What makes a language endangered is not just the number of speakers, but how old they are. . . .”

Here, the writer conveys the message that a large number of speakers (150,000 Navajo speakers) is not a guarantee for a language’s survival.

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 12: National governments could do more to protect endangered languages.

Keywords for the question: national governments, could do more, protect endangered languages,

We find a reference to ‘governments’ in paragraph no. 5, “The change is not always voluntary. Quite often, governments try to kill off a minority language by banning its use in public or discouraging its use in schools, all to promote national unity. . ..”

However, there is NO MENTION of any suggestion for national governments to do more to protect endangered languages.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 13:  The loss of linguistic diversity is inevitable.

Keywords for the question: loss of linguistic diversity, inevitable,

In paragraph no. 7, look at the first few lines and last few lines, “So despite linguists’ best efforts, many languages will disappear over the next century. . .. . . .. . . . … ‘Most of these languages will not survive without a large degree of bilingualism .. . .   . . .. .   … But Mufwene says that preventing a language dying out is not the same as giving it new life by using it every day. ‘Preserving a language is more like preserving fruits in a jar,’ he says.”

Here, many languages will disappear over the next century / Most of these languages will not survive without a large degree of bilingualism = loss of linguistic diversity is inevitable,

So, the answer is: YES

Reading Passage 2: ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN AUSTRALIA

Questions 14-15: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 14: Traditionally, how have Australian doctors differed from doctors in many Western countries?

Keywords for the question: traditionally, how, Australian doctors, differed, Western countries,

In paragraph no. 1 the author states in the first lines, “.. .. . Australia has been unusual in the Western world in having a very conservative attitude to natural or alternative therapies, according to Dr Paul Laver, a lecturer in Public Health at the University of Sydney.”

Here, having a very conservative attitude to natural or alternative therapies = have been reluctant to accept alternative therapists,

So, the answer is: C (They have been reluctant to accept alternative therapists.)

Question no. 15: In 1990, Americans –

Keywords for the question: 1990, Americans,

In lines 8-9 of paragraph no. 1, the author says, “ . .. . Americans made more visits to alternative therapist than to orthodox doctors in 1990, . .. ..”

Here, made more visits to alternative therapist than to orthodox doctors = consulted alternative therapists more often than doctors,

So, the answer is: B (consulted alternative therapists more often than doctors.)

Questions 16-23: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 16: Australians have been turning to alternative therapies in increasing numbers over the past 20 years.

Keywords for the question: Australians, turning to, alternative therapies, increasing numbers, over, past 20 years,

The answer to this question can be found in lines 1-2 in paragraph no. 2, “Disenchantment with orthodox medicine has seen the popularity of alternative therapies in Australia climb steadily during the past 20 years. .. .”

Here, popularity of alternative therapies = Australians have been turning to alternative therapies in increasing numbers, climb steadily = increasing slowly,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 17: Between 1983 and 1990 the numbers of patients visiting alternative therapists rose to include a further 8% of the population.

Keywords for the question: between 1983 and 1990, numbers of patients, visiting alternative therapists, rose, include, further 8% of, population,

Lines 2-5 in paragraph no. 2 gives us the answer to this question, “ .. . . In a 1983 national health survey, 1.9% of people said they had contacted a chiropractor, naturopath, osteopath, acupuncturist or herbalist in the two weeks prior to the survey. By 1990, this figure had risen to 2.6% of the population. .. . .”

The lines suggest that between 1983 and 1990 the numbers of patients visiting alternative therapists rose to include a further 0.7% of the population, not 8%.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 18: The 1990 survey related to 550,000 consultations with alternative therapists.

Keywords for the question: 1990 survey, related to 550,000 consultations, alternative therapists,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 2. The author says here in lines 5-7, “ .. .. The 550,000 consultations with alternative therapists reported in the 1990 survey represented about an eighth of the total number of consultations with medically qualified personnel covered by the survey, . .. .”

Here, all the numbers/ figures in the paragraph match with the question.

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 19: In the past, Australians had a higher opinion of doctors than they do today.

Keywords for the question: in the past, Australians, had, higher opinion of doctors, than, today,

Paragraph no. 2 has the answer to this question. Here, the author mentions in the final lines, “ . .. .. ‘A better educated and less accepting public has become disillusion with the experts in general and increasingly skeptical about science and empirically based knowledge,’ they said. ‘The high standing of professionals, including doctors, has been eroded as a consequence.’ . …”

These lines indirectly mean that Australian people had a higher opinion about doctors previously but nowadays the rate of high opinion has lowered.

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 20: Some Australian doctors are retraining in alternative therapies.

Keywords for the question: some Australian doctors, retraining in, alternative therapies,

In paragraph no. 3, take a look at the first lines, “Rather than resisting or criticizing this trend, increasing numbers of Australian doctors, particularly younger ones, are forming group practices with alternative therapists or taking courses themselves, particularly in acupuncture and herbalism. .. . .”

Here, increasing numbers of Australian doctors = Some Australian doctors,

are forming group practices with alternative therapists or taking courses themselves = are retraining in alternative therapies,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 21: Alternative therapists earn higher salaries than doctors.

Keywords for the question: alternative therapists, earn, higher salaries, than doctors,

In paragraph no. 3, the writer says in line no. 4, “ . .. . Part of the incentive was financial, .. . .”

However, there is no comparison of the number of earnings between alternative therapists and orthodox doctors.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 22: The 1993 Sydney survey involved 289 patients who visited alternative therapists for acupuncture treatment.

Keywords for the question: 1993 Sydney survey, involved, 289 patients, visited, alternative therapists, acupuncture treatment,

The first lines of paragraph no. 4 say, “In 1993, Dr Laver and his colleagues published a survey of 289 Sydney people who attended eight alternative therapists’ practices in Sydney. These practices offered a wide range of alternative therapies from 25 therapists. .. .. .”

Here, a wide range of alternative therapies = more than one kind of therapies,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 23: All the patients in the 1993 Sydney survey had long-term medical complaints.

Keywords for the question: all the patients, 1993 Sydney survey, had, long-term medical complaints,

Once again, in paragraph no. 4, lines 3-4 say, “ . . .. .. Those surveyed had experience chronic illnesses .. ..”

Here, Those surveyed = all the patients in the 1993 Sydney survey, chronic illnesses = long-term medical complaints,

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 24-26: Labeling a diagram:

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

Question no. 24:

Keywords for the question: medical complaints, patients, visiting therapists, musculo-skeletal, digestive,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. Here, take a look at lines 1-4 as the writer mentions here, “ .. . . According to the Australian Journal of Public Health, 18% of patients visiting alternative therapists do so because they suffer from musculo-skeletal complaints; 12% suffer from digestive problems, which is only 1% more than those suffering from emotional problems. . ..”

Here, if we compare the graph with the information in the passage, we shall find out that the rate for emotional problems is 11%.

So, the answer is: emotional / emotional problems

Question no. 25 & 26:

Keywords for the question: Keywords for the question: medical complaints, patients, visiting therapists, respiratory, candida, general health maintenance,

Again, the answers can be found in paragraph no. 5. In this paragraph, the author writes in lines 4-7, “ . .. .. Those suffering from respiratory complaints represent 7% of their patients, and candida sufferers represent an equal percentage. Headache sufferers and those complaining of general ill health represent 6% and 5% of patients respectively, and a further 4% see therapists for general health maintenance.”

Here, Headache sufferers and those complaining of general ill health represent 6% and 5% of patients respectively gives us the answers for questions 25 and 26.

So, the answers are:

25. headache / headaches

26.general ill health

Reading Passage 3: PLAY IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS

Questions 27-32: Identifying information

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

Question no. 27: the way play causes unusual connections in the brain which are beneficial

Keywords for the question: the way, play causes, unusual connections, brain, beneficial,

Paragraph H talks about the unusual connection. Here, in lines 6-10, the author of the text says, “ . .. . Siviy studied how bouts of play affected the brain’s levels of a particular chemical associated with the stimulation and growth of nerve cells. He was surprised by the extent of the activation. ‘Play just lights everything up,’ he says. By allowing link-ups between brain areas that might not normally communicate with each other, play may enhance creativity.”

Here, might not normally communicate with each other = unusual connections,

So, the answer is: H

Question no. 28: insights from recording how much time young animals spend playing

Keywords for the question: insights, recording, how much time, young animals spend, playing,

Take a close look at the first lines of paragraph F. “According to Byers, the timing of the playful stage in young animals provides an important clue to what’s going on. . . …”

Here, timing of the playful stage in young animals = recording how much time young animals spend playing,

And then, in the next few lines, the author provides insights on the matter.

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 29: a description of the physical hazards that can accompany play

Keywords for the question: description, physical hazards, can accompany, play,

In lines 4-7 of paragraph A, the author says, “ . .. . For a start, play can even cost animals their lives. Eighty per cent of deaths among juvenile fur seals occur because playing pups fail to spot predators approaching. It is also extremely expensive in terms of energy. Playful young animals use around two or three per cent of their energy cavorting, and in children that figure can be closer to fifteen per cent.

Here, cost animals their lives = physical hazards, extremely expensive in terms of energy = physical hazards,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 30: a description of the mental activities which are exercised and developed during play

Keywords for the question: description, mental activities, exercised, developed, during play,

The answer can again be found in paragraph H. The author of the text says in lines 1-2, “Not only is more of the brain involved in play than was suspected, but it also seems to activate higher cognitive processes. ‘There’s enormous cognitive involvement in play,’ says Bekoff. .. .. .”

Here, more of the brain involved & activate higher cognitive processes = description of the mental activities, in play = exercised and developed during play,

Then, there’s a description of the mental activities that happens during play.

So, the answer is: H

Question no. 31: the possible effects that a reduction in play opportunities will have on humans

Keywords for the question: possible effects, reduction, play opportunities, will have, on humans,

The final lines in paragraph F say, “ . . . With schooling beginning earlier and becoming increasingly exam-orientated, play is likely to get even less of a look-in. Who knows what the result of that will be?”

Here, schooling beginning earlier and becoming increasingly exam-orientated = reduction in play opportunities,

So, the answer is: I

Question no. 32: the classes of animals for which play is important

Keywords for the question: classes of animals, for which, play, important,

Let’s read paragraph B. Here, lines 3-4 mention, “ . .. .. Playfulness, it seems, is common only among mammals, although a few of the larger-brained birds also indulge. . . .”

Here, mammals & larger-brained birds = classes of animals for which play is important,

So, the answer is: B

Questions 33-35: Choosing from list of factors

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of factors with a question. Candidates must find out three/four or five factors that match with the questions. Most of the time, the answers can be found in one or two paragraphs.

TIPS: Both skimming and scanning are needed for this kind of question. You need to skim the passage to find out the paragraph where the answers can be found. Then you can scan it to find all the answers. The answers can be written in any order.]

Questions no. 33-35: The list below gives some ways of regarding play.

Which THREE ways are mentioned by the writer of the text?

Keywords for the question: some ways of regarding play,

The answer can be traced in different lines of paragraph B.

First, have a close look at line no. 2, where the writer says, “ . .. The latest idea suggests that play has evolved to build big brains.. .. .”

Here, play has evolved to build big brains = an activity assisting organ growth,

Then, in lines 6-7 the writer says, “ . . .. . A popular explanation of play has been that it helps juveniles develop the skills they will need to hunt, mate and socialise as adults. .. .”

Here, helps juveniles develop the skills they will need to hunt, mate and socialise as adults = a rehearsal for later adult activities,

And finally, in lines 7-8, the writer says, “ . .. .. Another has been that it allows young animals to get in shape for adult life by improving their respiratory endurance. .. .”

Here, allows young animals to get in shape for adult life by improving their respiratory endurance = an activity intended to build up strength for adulthood,

So, the answers are: (in any order)

A (a rehearsal for later adult activities)

C (an activity intended to build up strength for adulthood)

F (an activity assisting organ growth)

Questions 36-40: Matching statements with list of people

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

Question no. 36: Robert Barton

Keywords for the question: Robert Barton,

In paragraph E, the writer says in lines 5-8, “ . . . .. Robert Barton of Durham University believes that, because large brains are more sensitive to developmental stimuli than smaller brains, they require more play to help mould them for adulthood. ‘I concluded it’s to do with learning, and with the importance of environmental data to the brain during development,’ he says.”

Here, environmental data to the brain during development = input concerning physical surroundings,

So, the answer is: B (Play provides input concerning physical surroundings.)

Question no. 37: Marc Bekoff

Keywords for the question: Marc Bekoff,

At the end of paragraph G, the writer says, “ . .. Bekoff likens it to a behavioural kaleidoscope, with animals at play jumping rapidly between activities. ‘They use behaviour from a lot of different contexts – predation, aggression, reproduction,’ he says. ‘Their developing brain is getting all sorts of stimulation.’ ”

Here, a lot of different contexts – predation, aggression, reproduction = A wide range of activities are combined,

So, the answer is: G (A wide range of activities are combined during play.)

Question no. 38: John Byers

Keywords for the question: John Byers,

The answer can be found in paragraph C. The writer says here in lines 2-5, “. . .. ‘If the function of play was to get into shape,’ says Byers, ‘the optimum time for playing would depend on when it was most advantageous for the young of a particular species to do so. But it doesn’t work like that.’ Across species, play tends to peak about halfway through the suckling stage and then decline.”

Here, play tends to peak about halfway through the suckling stage and then decline = Play is not a form of fitness training for the future,

So, the answer is: E (Play is not a form of fitness training for the future.)

Question no. 39: Sergio Pellis

Keywords for the question: Sergio Pellis,

In paragraph E, the first lines state, “Earlier this year, Sergio Pellis of Lethbridge University, Canada, reported that there is a strong positive link between brain size and playfulness among mammals in general. Comparing measurements for fifteen orders of mammal, he and his team found larger brains (for a given body size) are linked to greater playfulness. … ..”

Here, larger brains (for a given body size) are linked to greater playfulness = There is a tendency for mammals with smaller brains to play less,

So, the answer is: D (There is a tendency for mammals with smaller brains to play less.)

Question no. 40: Stephen Siviy

Keywords for the question: Stephen Siviy,

Here, play affected the brain’s levels of a particular chemical associated with the stimulation and growth of nerve cells = There is a link between a specific substance in the brain and playing,In paragraph H, the writer of the text says in lines 6-8, “ . .. .  Siviy studied how bouts of play affected the brain’s levels of a particular chemical associated with the stimulation and growth of nerve cells. He was surprised by the extent of the activation. .. ..”

So, the answer is: A (There is a link between a specific substance in the brain and playing.)

March 12, 2024

Month: March 2024

Title of the flow-chart: How a calorie-restriction mimetic works

Title of the summary: THE TRANSPORT REVOLUTION