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.)