Author: theieltsbridge

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:

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. 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

[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: 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

[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: 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
IELTS Cambridge 4 Test 1: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: 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: The plight of the rainforests has largely been ignored by the media.

Keywords for the question: plight of the rainforests, largely been ignored, by the media,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 1. First, the writer says in lines 1-2, “Adults and children are frequently confronted with statements about the alarming rate of loss of tropical rainforests. .. .”

Here, the alarming rate of loss of tropical rainforests = The plight of the rainforests,

Then, in lines 7-8, the writer says, “ . .. . In the face of the frequent and often vivid media coverage, . . . ..”

Here, frequent and often vivid media coverage = not been ignored at all by the media,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 2: Children only accept opinions on rainforests that they encounter in their classrooms.

Keywords for the question: children, only accept, opinions on rainforests, encounter, classrooms,

The answer can be found in paragraph no.1, lines 8-11, “ . .. it is likely that children will have formed ideas about rainforests – what and where they are, why they are important, what endangers them – independent of any formal tuition. .. . .”

Here, independent of any formal tuition = children do not need to form opinions only in their classrooms, they accept opinions which they conceive outside classrooms also,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 3: It has been suggested that children hold mistaken views about the ‘pure’ science that they study at school.

Keywords for the question: children hold, mistaken views, ‘pure’ science, study, at school,

The very first lines of paragraph no. 2 give us the answer. The writer says here, “Many studies have shown that children harbour misconceptions about ‘pure’, curriculum science. .. ..”

Here, children harbour misconceptions = children hold mistaken views, ‘pure’, curriculum science = ‘pure’ science that they study at school,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 4: The fact that children’s ideas about science form part of a larger framework of ideas means that it is easier to change them.

Keywords for the question: the fact, children’s ideas about science, form, part of, larger framework of ideas, means, easier, change,

In line 2-4 of the second paragraph, the writer says, “ . . . These misconceptions do not remain isolated but become incorporated into a multifaceted, but organised, conceptual framework, making it and the component ideas, some of which are erroneous, more robust but also accessible to modification. .. . .”

Here, These misconceptions = children’s ideas, become incorporated = form, multifaceted, but organised, conceptual framework = larger framework, accessible to modification = easier to change them,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 5: The study involved asking children a number of yes/no questions such as ‘Are there any rainforests in Africa’?

Keywords for the question: study involved, asking, children, yes/no questions,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 4. Here, in lines 2-3, the writer says, “Secondary school children were asked to complete a questionnaire containing five open-form questions. .. ..”

Here, complete a questionnaire = asking children questions, open-form questions = open-ended questions/ questions where the answers are always some information and not yes/no.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 6: Girls are more likely than boys to hold mistaken views about the rainforests’ destruction.

Keywords for the question: girls, more likely, than boys, hold mistaken views, about, rainforests’ destruction,

The views on reasons for rainforests’ destruction in explained in paragraph no. 7. However, we find no comparison between boys’ and girls’ views.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 7: The study reported here follows on from a series of studies that have looked at children’s understanding of rainforests.

Keywords for the question: study, follows on, from a series of studies, looked at, children’s understanding of rainforests,

In the final paragraph, look at lines 5-7, “ . .. . . One encouragement is that the results of similar studies about other environmental issues suggest that older children seem to acquire the ability to appreciate, value and evaluate conflicting views. .. . .”

Here, similar studies = a series of studies, older children seem to acquire the ability to appreciate, value and evaluate conflicting views = looked at children’s understanding of rainforests,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 8: A second study has been planned to investigate primary school children’s ideas about rainforests.

Keywords for the question: a second study, planned, to investigate, primary school children’s ideas, about rainforests,

There is no reference to a second study planned to investigate primary school children’s ideas about rainforests in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 9-13: Matching responses with questions

[In this type of question candidates are asked to match some questions with some responses given from the passage. This type of question generally appears in passage 3. Skimming first for the keywords and then scanning to match the information is the best option to find answers to these questions.]

Question no. 9: What was the children’s most frequent response when asked where the rainforests were?

Keywords for the question: children’s most frequent response, where the rainforests were,

The question about the geographical locations is found in paragraph no. 4, lines 5-7, “ . .. . The second question concerned the geographical location of rainforests. The commonest responses were continents or countries: Africa (given by 43% of children), South America (30%), Brazil (25%). . ..”

Here, The commonest responses = most frequent response, Africa (given by 43% of children) = most children thought that rainforests were found in Africa,

So, the answer is: M (Rainforests are found in Africa)

Question no. 10: What was the most common response to the question about the importance of the rainforests?

Keywords for the question: most common response, importance of the rainforests,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 5, in lines 1-2, “Responses to question three concerned the importance of rainforests. The dominant idea, raised by 64% of the pupils, was that rainforests provide animals with habitats. . …”

Here, The dominant idea = most common response, rainforests provide animals with habitats = Without rainforests some animals would have nowhere to live,

So, the answer is: E (Without rainforests some animals would have nowhere to live.)

Question no. 11: What did most children give as the reason for the loss of the rainforests?

Keywords for the question: most children, reason, loss of the rainforests,

Let’s have a look at paragraph no. 7. The writer says here, “The fourth question concerned the causes of the destruction of rainforests. Perhaps encouragingly, more than half of the pupils (59%) identified that it is human activities which are destroying rainforests, some personalising the responsibility by the use of terms such as ‘we are’. .. . . .”

Here, more than half of the pupils (59%) = most children, human activities which are destroying rainforests = People are responsible for the loss of the rainforests,

So, the answer is: G (People are responsible for the loss of the rainforests.)

Question no. 12: Why did most children think it important for the rainforests to be protected?

Keywords for the question: most children, think, important for the rainforests, to be protected,

Take a look at the beginning of paragraph no. 9. The writer says here, “In answer to the final question about the importance of rainforest conservation, the majority of children simply said that we need rainforests to survive. .. . .”

Here, the importance of rainforest conservation = important for the rainforests to be protected, majority of children = most children, we need rainforests to survive = Humans depend on the rainforests for their continuing existence,

So, the answer is: P (Humans depend on the rainforests for their continuing existence.)

Question no. 13: Which of the responses is cited as unexpectedly uncommon, given the amount of time spent on the issue by the newspapers and television?

Keywords for the question: unexpectedly uncommon, the amount of time spent on the issue, newspapers and television,

In paragraph no. 9, the author of the text says in lines 3-5, “ .. .. . Only a few of the pupils (6%) mentioned that rainforest destruction may contribute to global warming. This is surprising considering the high level of media coverage on this issue. .. . .”

Here, Only a few of the pupils (6%) & This is surprising = unexpectedly uncommon, rainforest destruction may contribute to global warming = As the rainforests are destroyed, the world gets warmer; the high level of media coverage on this issue = given the amount of time spent on the issue by the newspapers and television,

So, the answer is: J (As the rainforests are destroyed, the world gets warmer.)

Question no. 14: Multiple choice questions (Identifying the main purpose/aim/title of the passage)

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options that shows the main aim/purpose/title 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. 14: Which of the following is the most suitable title for Reading Passage 1?

Keywords for the question: most suitable title,

At the beginning of the passage, in paragraph no. 1, the writer expresses his concern about misconceptions that children may have about the destruction of rainforests around the world.

Then, in the following paragraphs, he shows some data regarding the knowledge and conceived ideas about the issue among children.

Finally, in the very last paragraphs, the writer restates that some of the ideas that children have about the loss of rainforests might have been wrong. Also, the writer proposes in the final lines, “ . .. . Environmental education offers an arena in which these skills can be developed, which is essential for these children as future decision-makers.” This suggests that the writer is proposing the inclusion of environmental education for children in the course design.

So, the answer is: B (Children’s ideas about the rainforests and the implications for course design.)

Reading Passage 2: What Do Whales Feel?

Questions 15-21: 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. 15:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Taste all poor nerves linked to there are undeveloped

Keywords for the question: taste, nerves, liked to, undeveloped

The answer to this question can be found in the final lines of the first paragraph. The writer says here, “ .. . .. .. Similarly, although at least some cetaceans have taste buds, the nerves serving these have degenerated or are rudimentary.”

Here, some cetaceans = all species, nerves serving these = nerves linked to their taste buds, degenerated = undeveloped, rudimentary = basic or poor,

So, the answer is: taste buds

Question no. 16:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Vision ___________ yes probably do not have stereoscopic vision

Keywords for the question: vision, probably, do not have, stereoscopic vision,

In paragraph no. 3, lines 5-7 say, “ .. .. .. . However, the position of the eyes so restricts the field of vision in baleen whales that they probably do not have stereoscopic vision.”

So, the answer is: baleen/ the baleen whales

Question no. 17:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Vision dolphins, porpoises, yes probably have stereoscopic vision __________ and __________

Keywords for the question: vision, dolphins, porpoises, probably, have, stereoscopic vision,

Have a look at the first few lines of paragraph no. 4, “On the other hand, the position of the eyes in most dolphins and porpoises suggests that they have stereoscopic vision forward and downward.”

So, the answer is: forward, downward (in either order)

Question no. 18:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Vision ____________ yes probably have stereoscopic vision forward and upward

Keywords for the question: vision, probably, have, stereoscopic vision, forward, upward,

In paragraph no. 4, lines 2-4 say, “ . . .. . Eye position in freshwater dolphins, which often swim on their side or upside down while feeding, suggests that what vision they have is stereoscopic forward and upward. .. . ..”

So, the answer is: (the) freshwater dolphin(s)

Question no. 19:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Vision bottlenose dolphins yes exceptional in __________ and good in air-water interface

Keywords for the question: vision, bottlenose dolphins, exceptional, good in, air-water interface,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4, in lines 4-7. Here, the writer says, “ . . . . By comparison, the bottlenose dolphin has extremely keen vision in water. Judging from the way it watches and tracks airborne flying fish, it can apparently see fairly well through the air-water interface as well. .. .. .”

Here, By comparison . .. . has extremely keen vision = exceptional vision, see fairly well through = good in,

So, the answer is: (the) water

Question no. 20:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Hearing most large baleen yes usually use ___________; repertoire limited

Keywords for the question: hearing, most large baleen, usually use, repertoire, limited,

In the final paragraph (paragraph no. 6), lines 5-6 say, “ . .. . . Large baleen whales primarily use the lower frequencies and are often limited in their repertoire. .. . … .”

Here, primarily use = usually use, limited in their repertoire = repertoire limited,

So, the answer is: (the) lower frequencies

Question no. 21:

SENSE SPECIES ABILITY COMMENTS
Hearing __________ whales and __________ whales yes song-like

Keywords for the question: hearing, song-like,

The answer can be found in the final paragraph (paragraph no. 6), in lines 6-7. The writer says here, “ . . . Notable exceptions are the nearly song-like choruses of bowhead whales in summer and the complex, haunting utterances of the humpback whales. .. . .”

Here, song-like choruses & haunting utterances = song-like ability,

So, the answer is: bowhead, humpback (in either order)

Questions 22-26: 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. 22: Which of the senses is described here as being involved in mating?

Keywords for the question: being involved in, mating,

The explanation of the sense of touch is given in paragraph no. 2. Here, in lines 5-7, the author of the text says, “ . .. . . This contact may help to maintain order within a group, and stroking or touching are part of the courtship ritual in most species. .. .. .”

Here, stroking or touching = sense of touch, courtship ritual = mating,

So, the answer is: (sense of) touch

Question no. 23: Which species swims upside down while eating?

Keywords for the question: swims, upside down, while eating,

In paragraph no. 4, lines 2-3 say, “ . .. .. Eye position in freshwater dolphins, which often swim on their side or upside down while feeding, .. .. .”

Here, feeding = eating,

So, the answer is: (the) freshwater dolphin(s)

Question no. 24: What can bottlenose dolphins follow from under the water?

Keywords for the question: bottlenose dolphins, follow from, under the water,

To find the answer to this question, we have to look at paragraph no. 4, in lines 4-7, “ . .. By comparison, the bottlenose dolphin has extremely keen vision in water. Judging from the way it watches and tracks airborne flying fish, it can apparently see fairly well through the air–water interface as well. .. . .”

Here, the way it watches and tracks = follow from under the water,

So, the answer is: airborne flying fish

Question no. 25: Which type of habitat is related to good visual ability?

Keywords for the question: habitat, related to, good visual ability,

Have a close look at these lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 5, “ .. . . For example, vision is obviously more useful to species inhabiting clear open waters than to those living in turbid rivers and flooded plains. .. .. .”

Here, vision is obviously more useful = related to good visual ability, inhabiting = habitat,

So, the answer is: clear (open) water(s)

Question no. 26: Which of the senses is best developed in cetaceans?

Keywords for the question: best developed, cetaceans,

The answer can be found in the final paragraph (paragraph no. 6). In lines 1-3, the writer says, “ … .. Although the senses of taste and smell appear to have deteriorated, and vision in water appears to be uncertain, such weaknesses are more than compensated for by cetaceans’ well-developed acoustic sense. .. . ..”

Here, well-developed = best developed,

So, the answer is: (the) acoustic sense

Reading Passage 3: Visual Symbols and the Blind

Questions 27-32: Multiple choice questions

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is 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. 27: In the first paragraph the writer makes the point that blind people

Keywords for the question: first paragraph, blind people,

The answer can be found in the first paragraph, in lines 1-3, “From a number of recent studies, it has become clear that blind people can appreciate the use of outlines and perspectives to describe the arrangement of objects and other surfaces in space. .. …”

Here, appreciate = recognise, use of outlines and perspectives = conventions such as perspective,

So, the answer is: C (can recognise conventions such as perspective.)

Question no. 28: The writer was surprised because the blind woman

Keywords for the question: writer, surprised, because, blind woman,

In the first paragraph, the author of the text says in lines 4-7, “ . .. . . This fact was drawn to my attention dramatically when a blind woman in one of my investigations decided on her own initiative to draw a wheel as it was spinning. To show this motion, she traced a curve inside the circle (Fig. 1). I was taken aback. .. . .”

Here, as it was spinning .. .. traced a curve inside the circle = included a symbol representing movement, I was taken aback = The writer was surprised,

So, the answer is: C (included a symbol representing movement.)

Question no. 29: From the experiment described in Part 1, the writer found that the blind subjects

Keywords for the question: experiment, Part 1, writer found, blind subjects,

In part 1, take a look at these lines from paragraph no. 5, “ . . .. the task I gave them involved some problem solving. Evidently, however, the blind not only figured out meanings for each line of motion, but as a group they generally came up with the same meaning at least as frequently as did sighted subjects.”

Here, as a group = the blind subjects, generally came up with the same meaning at least as frequently as did sighted subjects = had good understanding of symbols representing movement,

So, the answer is: A (had good understanding of symbols representing movement.)

Questions 30-32: 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. 30:

Lines 4-5 in paragraph no. 4 (Part 1) says, “ .. . Subjects assumed that spokes extending beyond the wheel’s perimeter signified that the wheel had its brakes on.. . .. .”

Here, spokes = lines,

So, the answer is: E (use of brakes)

Question no. 31:

Line no. 6 in paragraph no. 4 (Part 1) says, “ . .. . dashed spokes indicated the wheel was spinning quickly.”

Here, spokes = lines,

So, the answer is: C (rapid spinning)

Question no. 32:

In paragraph no. 4 of Part 1, take a look at line no. 2, “. .. . . Most guessed that the curved spokes indicated that the wheel was spinning steadily; .. ..”

Here, spokes = lines,

So, the answer is: A (steady spinning)

Questions 33-39: Completing summary with list of words:

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

Question no. 33 & 34: In the experiment described in Part 2, a set of word 33. _________ was used to investigate whether blind and sighted people perceived the symbolism in abstract 34. _________ in the same way.

Keywords for the question: experiment, Part 2, a set of word, used, to investigate, blind and sighted people, perceived, symbolism, abstract, same way,

The answers can be found in paragraph no. 1 and 2 of Part 2, “ . .. . . I have begun exploring how well blind people understand the symbolism behind shapes such as hearts that do not directly represent their meaning.

We gave a list of twenty pairs of words to sighted subjects and asked them to pick from each pair the term that best related to a circle and the term that best related to a square. . . .”

Here, how well blind people understand the symbolism = leaning on one side (selection of areas of research), twenty pairs of words = a set of word pairs,

Hearts, a circle, a square = shapes,

So, the answers are:
- pairs
- shapes
Question no. 35: Subjects were asked which word fitted best with a circle and which with a square. From the ________ volunteers, everyone thought a circle fitted ‘soft’ while a square fitted ‘hard’.

Keywords for the question: subjects, asked, which word fitted best, circle, square, volunteers, everyone thought, circle fitted ‘soft’, square fitted ‘hard’,

The writer says in paragraph no. 2 and in the beginning of paragraph no. 3 (Part 2) “We gave a list of twenty pairs of words to sighted subjects and asked them to pick from each pair the term that best related to a circle and the term that best related to a square. For example, we asked: What goes with soft? A circle or a square? Which shape goes with hard?

All our subjects deemed the circle soft and the square hard. .. . .”

Here, sighted subjects = sighted volunteers, All our subjects deemed the circle soft and the square hard = everyone thought a circle fitted ‘soft’ while a square fitted ‘hard’,

So, the answer is: sighted

Question no. 36 & 37: However, only 51% of the 36. ________ volunteers assigned a circle to 37. _________.

Keywords for the question: however, only 51% of, volunteers, assigned a circle to,

The answers can be found in lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 3 (Part 2), “All our subjects . . . . And only 51% linked deep to circle and shallow to square. .. . .”

Here, All our subjects = sighted volunteers, linked = assigned,

So, the answers are:
- sighted
- deep
Question no. 38 & 39: When the test was later repeated with 38. ________ volunteers, it was found that they made 39. ________ choices.

Keywords for the question: when, the test, later repeated, with, volunteers, found, they made, choices,

The answers can be found in paragraph no. 3 (Part 2) in lines 7-10. The writer says here, “. . .. When we tested four totally blind volunteers using the same list, we found that their choices closely resembled those made by the sighted subjects. . .. .. ”

Here, When we tested. .. . using the same list = When the test was repeated, their choices closely resembled those made by the sighted subjects = they made similar choices,

So, the answers are:
- blind
- similar
Question no. 40: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 40: Which of the following statements best summarises the writer’s general conclusion?

Keywords for the question: best, summarises, writer’s, general conclusion,

In the final lines of paragraph no. 3 (Part 2), the author of the text says, “ . . .. Thus, we concluded that the blind interpret abstract shapes as sighted people do.”

Here, interpret = comprehend, abstract shapes = visual metaphors, as sighted people do = in similar ways to sighted people,

So, the answer is: B (The blind comprehend visual metaphors in similar ways to sighted people.)
March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 3 Test 4: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS
Reading Passage 1: Matching statements with the correct location

[The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around different locations carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same nationality 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. 1: Manufacturers must sell cleaner cars.

Keywords for the question: manufacturers, must sell, cleaner cars,

Lines 2-3 of paragraph B say, “ . … . In Los Angeles, state regulations are forcing manufacturers to try to sell ever cleaner cars, . .. ..”

Here, state regulations are forcing = must,

So, the answer is: Los Angeles

Question no. 2: Authorities want to have power to enforce anti-pollution laws.

Keywords for the question: authorities, power, enforce, anti-pollution laws,

Again, in paragraph B, take a look at lines 4-5, where the author of the text writes, “ .. . Local authorities in London are campaigning to be allowed to enforce anti-pollution laws themselves; .. .. .”

Here, campaigning to be allowed = want to have power,

So, the answer is: London

Question no. 3: Drivers will be charged according to the roads they use.

Keywords for the question: drivers, charged, roads they use,

The answer to this question can be found in paragraph F in lines 3-4, “ . .. . Singapore is advancing in this direction, with a city-wide network of transmitters to collect information and charge drivers as they pass certain points. .. ..”

Here, charge drivers = drivers will be charged, they pass certain points = roads they use,

So, the answer is: Singapore

Question no. 4: Moving vehicles will be monitored for their exhaust emissions.

Keywords for the question: moving vehicles, monitored, exhaust emissions,

In paragraph D, the first lines say, “As part of a European Union environmental programme, a London council is resting an infra-red spectrometer from the University of Denver in Colorado. It gauges the pollution from a passing vehicle .. .. .”

Here, gauges = monitored, pollution = exhaust emissions,

So, the answer is: London

Question no. 5: Commuters are encouraged to share their vehicles with others.

Keywords for the question: commuters, encouraged, share, vehicles, others,

Paragraph E talks about sharing vehicles with others. Here, take a look at lines 2-4, “ . .. .  Los Angeles has some of the world’s cleanest cars – far better than those of Europe – but the total number of miles those cars drive continues to grow. One solution is car-pooling, an arrangement in which a number of people who share the same destination share the use of one car. .. ..”

Here, car-pooling = share vehicles with others,

So, the answer is: Los Angeles

Question 6-10: 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: According to British research, a mere twelve per cent of vehicles tested produced over fifty percent of total pollution produced by the sample group.

Keywords for the question: British research, twelve per cent, tested, produced, over fifty percent, pollution, by the sample group,

Have a close look at the first few lines in paragraph C, “When Britain’s Royal Automobile Club monitored the exhausts of 60,000 vehicles, it found that 12 per cent of them produced more than half the total pollution .. .. .”

Here, more than half = over fifty percent,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 7: It is currently possible to measure the pollution coming from individual vehicles whilst they are moving.

Keywords for the question: currently, possible, measure, pollution, individual vehicles, whilst, moving,

The first half of paragraph D says, “As part of a European Union environmental programme, a London council is resting an infra-red spectrometer from the University of Denver in Colorado. It gauges the pollution from a passing vehicle – .. .. ..”

Here, passing vehicle = individual vehicles whilst they are moving, gauges the pollution = measure the pollution,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 8: Residents of Los Angeles are now tending to reduce the yearly distances they travel by car.

Keywords for the question: Residents, Los Angeles, now, tending, reduce, yearly distances, travel by car,

In paragraph E, lines 2-3 say, “ .. .. Los Angeles has some of the world’s cleanest cars – far better than those of Europe – but the total number of miles those cars drive continues to grow. .. ..”

Here, total number of miles those cars drive = yearly distances they travel by car, continues to grow = tending NOT to reduce,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 9: Car-pooling has steadily become more popular in Los Angeles in recent years.

Keywords for the question: Car-pooling, steadily become, more popular, Los Angeles, recent years,

Lines 3-6 of paragraph E say, “ . . .. . One solution is car-pooling, an arrangement in which a number of people who share the same destination share the use of one car. However, the average number of people in o car on the freeway in Los Angeles, which is 1.0, has been falling steadily. …”

Here, has been falling steadily = has steadily become LESS poplar,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 10: Charging drivers for entering certain parts of the city has been successfully done in Cambridge, England.

Keywords for the question: charging drivers, entering certain parts of the city, successfully done, Cambridge, England,

In paragraph F, the final lines say, “ . . . .. Singapore is advancing in this direction, with a city-wide network of transmitters to collect information and charge drivers as they pass certain points. Such road-pricing, however, can be controversial. When the local government in Cambridge, England, considered introducing Singaporean techniques, it faced vocal and ultimately successful opposition.”

Here, successful opposition = has NOT been done successfully,

So, the answer is: NO

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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 11: How many pollutants currently exceed WHO guidelines in all megacities studied?

Keywords for the question: how many, pollutants, currently exceed, WHO guidelines, all megacities, studied,

The answer can be found in Part Two, in the first paragraph. In line no. 4, the writer says, “ . . . . -already exceeded the level the WHO deems healthy in at least one major pollutant. .. .”

Here, WHO deems healthy = WHO guidelines,

So, the answer is: A (one)

Question no. 12: Which pollutant is currently the subject of urgent research?

Keywords for the question: pollutant, currently, subject, urgent research,

In Part Two, the first and final lines of paragraph no. 2 say, “Of the six pollutants monitored by the WHO – carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulphur dioxide, lead and particulate matter – it is this last category that is attracting the most attention from health researchers. . .. .. . Research being conducted in two counties of Southern California is reaching similarly disturbing conclusions concerning this little- understood pollutant.

Here, attracting the most attention from health researchers = subject of urgent research,

So, the answer is: D (particulate matter)

Question no. 13:  Which of the following groups of people are the most severely affected by intense air pollution?

Keywords for the question: groups of people, most severely affected, intense air pollution,

In Part Two, lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 3 say, “ . . .. . . The old and ill, however, are the most vulnerable to the acute effects of heavily polluted stagnant air.

Here, most vulnerable = most severely affected, heavily polluted stagnant air = intense air pollution, So, the answer is: C (the old and ill)

Reading Passage 2: VOTES FOR WOMEN

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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 14: What is the main aspect of the suffragette movement’s work to which the exhibition at the Museum of London is devoted?

Keywords for the question: main aspect, suffragette movement’s work, exhibition, Museum of London, devoted,

We find reference to the Suffragette Movement in paragraph no. 1, “The suffragette movement, which campaigned for votes for women in the early twentieth century, is most commonly associated with the Pankhurst family and militant acts of varying degrees of violence. The Museum of

London has drawn on its archive collection to convey a fresh picture with its exhibition The Purple, White and Green: Suffragettes in London 1906-14.”

Then, in paragraph no. 2, the writer says, “The name is a reference to the colour scheme that the

Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) created to give the movement a uniform, nationwide image. By doing so, it became one of the first groups to project a corporate identity, . . .. ..”

Here, it became one of the first groups to project a corporate identity suggest that the main aspect was the success of the movement’s corporate image.

So, the answer is: C (the success of the movement’s corporate image)

Question no. 15: Why was the WSPU more successful than other suffrage groups?

Keywords for the question: why, WSPU, more successful, than, other suffrage groups,

The first few lines of paragraph no. 4 give us answer to this question as the writer says here, “With their slogan ‘Deeds not words’, and the introduction of the colour scheme, the WSPU soon brought the movement the cohesion and focus it had previously lacked. .. . ..”

Here, cohesion and focus = clear purpose and direction,

So, the answer is: D (It had a clear purpose and direction)

Question no. 16: 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 handy and previous reading of the text can come in use. Therefore, other questions should be done first before answering this question.]

In which TWO of the following years were laws passed allowing British women to vote?

Keywords for the question: TWO, years, laws, passed, allowing, British women, vote,

In lines 1-8 of the final paragraph, the author of the text writes, “Although the exhibition officially charts the years 1906 to 1914, graphic display boards outlining the bills of enfranchisement of 1918 and 1928, which gave the adult female populace of Britain the vote, show what was achieved. .. .. .”

Here, the bills of enfranchisement = laws that allows British women to vote,

So, the answers are:

D (1918)

E (1928)

Questions 17-19: Completing notes:

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

Question no. 17:

Three ways in which the WSPU raised money:
- the newspapers: mainly through selling 17. _________
Keywords for the question: three ways, WSPU, raised money, newspapers, mainly, selling,

Lines 1-8 in paragraph no. 6 mention, “Equally importantly for a rising political group, the newspaper returned a profit. This was partly because advertising space was bought in the paper by large department stores such as Selfridges, and jewellers such as Mappin & Webb.. .. . .”

Here, returned a profit = raised money,

So, the answer is: (selling) advertising (space)

Question no. 18:
- merchandising activities: selling a large variety of goods produced in their 18. _________
Keywords for the question: merchandising activities, selling, large variety of goods, produced in,

In paragraph no. 7 another way of raising money is mentioned in lines 1-10, “The creation of the colour scheme provided another money-making opportunity which the WSPU was quick to exploit. The group began to sell playing cards, board games, Christmas and greeting cards, and countless other goods, all in the purple, white and green colours. .. .. .”

Here, money-making opportunity = raised money, playing cards, board games, Christmas and greeting cards, and countless other goods = a large variety of goods,

So, the answer is: colour scheme / (three) colours / purple, white, (and) green

Question no. 19:
- additional fund-raising activities: for example, 19. _________
Keywords for the question: additional, fund-raising activities, for example,

Paragraph no. 8 has the answer to this question. The writer says here, in lines 1-10, “But the paper and merchandising activities alone did not provide sufficient funds for the WSPU to meet organisational costs, so numerous other fund-raising activities combined to fill the coffers of the ‘war chest’. The most notable of these was the Woman’s Exhibition, .. .. .”

Here, other fund-raising activities = additional fund-raising activities,

So, the answer is: (the) Woman’s Exhibition

Questions 20-26: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question matches with the 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.]

Questions 20: In 1903 women in Australia were still not allowed to vote.

Keywords for the question: 1903, women, Australia, still not allowed, vote,

Take a look at these lines from paragraph no. 3, “Formed in 1903 by the political campaigner Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia, the WSPU began an educated campaign to put women’s suffrage on the political agenda. New Zealand, Australia and parts of the United States had already enfranchised women, .. .. .”

Here, had already enfranchised women = women were already allowed to vote,

So, the answers is: NO

Questions 21: The main organs of communication for the WSPU were its two newspapers.

Keywords for the question: main organs, communication, WSPU, its two newspapers,

In paragraph no. 5 the writer says, “The newspapers produced by the WSPU, first Votes for

Women and later The Suffragette, played a vital role in this communication. Both were sold throughout the country and proved an invaluable way of informing members of meetings, marches, fund-raising events and the latest news and views on the movement.”

Here, played a vital role in this communication and an invaluable way = the main organs of communication,

So, the answers is: YES

Questions 22: The work of the WSPU was mainly confined to London and the south.

Keywords for the question: work of the WSPU, mainly, confined to, London and the south,

The final lines of paragraph no. 4 say, “ . . .. . the message had spread around the country, with members and branch officers stretching to as far away as Scotland.”

Here, as far away as Scotland = was NOT confined to London and the south,

So, the answers is: NO

Questions 23: The WSPU’s newspapers were mainly devoted to society news and gossip.

Keywords for the question: WSPU’s newspapers, mainly devoted to, society news and gossip,

Paragraph no. 5 talks about the contents of the WSPU’s newspapers, “The newspapers produced by the WSPU, first Votes for Women and later The Suffragette, played a vital role in this communication. Both were sold throughout the country and proved an invaluable way of informing members of meetings, marches, fund-raising events and the latest news and views on the movement.”

Here, the final lines of the paragraph suggest that the WSPU’s newspapers published news about meetings, marches, fund-raising events and other news on the movement.

So, the answers is: NO

Question no. 24: The Woman’s Exhibition in 1909 met with great opposition from Parliament.

Keywords for the question: Woman’s Exhibition, 1909, met with, great opposition, from Parliament,

Paragraph no. 8 talks about the Woman’s Exhibition in detail. However, whether it met opposition from Parliament is NOT MENTIONED in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 25: The Museum of London exhibition includes some of the goods sold by the movement.

Keywords for the question: The Museum of London exhibition, includes, some, goods, sold, by the movement,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 9. The writer says in lines 6-12, “ .. .. .. copies of The Suffragette, campaign banners and photographs are all on display, together with one of Mrs Pankhurst’s shoes and a number of purple, white and green trinkets.”

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 26: The opponents of the suffragettes made films opposing the movement.

Keywords for the question: opponents, suffragettes, made films, opposing, movement,

In paragraph no. 12 take a look at these lines, “ . . . . The programme begins with a short film devised by the ‘antis’ – those opposed to women having the vote-depicting a suffragette as a fierce harridan bullying her poor, abused husband. .. . .”

Here, the ‘antis’ = the opponents of suffragettes,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 27: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

The writer of the article finds the exhibition to be –

Keywords for the question: writer of the article, finds, exhibition, to be,

The final lines of the final paragraph say, “ .. … . it illustrates the intelligence employed by women who were at that time deemed by several politicians to have ‘brains too small to know how to vote’.”

Here, the best match for the question is option D.

So, the answer is: D (informative)

Reading Passage 3:Measuring Organisational Performance

Questions 28-30: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 28: The experiment was designed to –

Keywords for the question: experiment, designed to,

In the first paragraph, the author of the text provides ‘clear evidence’ that increase in productivity is important and it can be attained by supervision but it needs substantial cost. The author says here, “There is clear-cut evidence that, for a period of at least one year, supervision which increases the direct pressure for productivity can achieve significant increases in production. However, such short-term increases are obtained only at a substantial and serious cost to the organisation.”

Then, in the second paragraph, the author says, “To what extent can a manager make an impressive earnings record over a short period of one to three years by exploiting the company’s investment in the human organisation in his plant or division? To what extent will the quality of his organisation suffer if he does so? The following is a description of an important study conducted by the Institute for Social Research designed to answer these questions.”

Here, the author says that the study or experiment is designed to answer the questions which indicate whether increased productivity should be sought at any cost.

So, the answer is: A (establish whether increased productivity should be sought at any cost)

Question no. 29: The four divisions

Keywords for the question: four divisions,

In the third paragraph, the author writes, “The study covered 500 clerical employees in four parallel divisions. Each division was organised in exactly the same way, used the same technology, did exactly the same kind of work, and had employees of comparable aptitudes.”

Here, exactly the same way = identical patterns,

So, the answer is: C (had identical patterns of organisation)

Question no. 30: Before the experiment

Keywords for the question: before, experiment,

The first two lines of paragraph no. 6 say, “The experiment at the clerical level lasted for one year. Beforehand, several months were devoted to planning, and there was also a training period of approximately six months. .. .. .”

Here, several months = a number of months,

So, the answer is: C (the staff involved spent a number of months preparing for the study)

Questions 31-36: 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 for fill in the gaps.]

Question no. 31: This experiment involved an organisation comprising four divisions, which were divided into two programmes: the hierarchically controlled programme and the participative programme. For a period of one year a different method of _________ was used in each programme.

Keywords for the question: experiment, four divisions, two programmes, hierarchically controlled programme, participative programme, a period of one year, a different method, used, each programme,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 6 the author says, “The experiment at the clerical level lasted for one year. .. .. .”

Then, take a look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 7.The author of the text says here at the beginning, “Turning now to the heart of the study, in two divisions an attempt was made to change the  supervision so that the decision levels were pushed down and detailed supervision of the workers reduced. .. .. .”

These lines indicate that a different method of supervision was used in each programme for a period of one year.

So, the answer is: supervision

Question no. 32: Throughout this time ________ was calculated on a weekly basis.

Keywords for the question: throughout this time, calculated, weekly basis,

The answer is in paragraph no. 6. The writer says here in lines 2-3, “ . .. . . Productivity was measured continuously and computed weekly throughout the year. .. . .. .”

Here, measured = calculated, throughout the year = throughout this time,

So, the answer is: productivity

Question no. 33:
- supervision of all workers was ________
Keywords for the question: participative programme, supervision, all workers,

At the beginning of paragraph no. 7, the author says, “Turning now to the heart of the study, in two divisions an attempt was made to change the supervision so that the decision levels were pushed down and detailed supervision of the workers reduced. . . ..”

So, the answer is: reduced

Question no. 34:
- supervisory staff were given training in ________
Keywords for the question: participative programme, supervisory staff, given, training,

In lines 2-4 of paragraph no. 7, the writer says, “ . . .. . More general supervision of the clerks and their supervisors was introduced. In addition, the managers, assistant managers, supervisors and assistant supervisors of these two divisions were trained in group methods of leadership, .. .. .”

Here, supervisors and assistant supervisors = supervisory staff, were trained = were given training,

So, the answer is: (group methods of) leadership

Question no. 35:
- work groups were found to be _________ by 30%.
Keywords for the question: hierarchically controlled programme, work groups, found to be, by 30%,

Have a look at lines 5-6 of paragraph no. 8, “ . . . This showed that these divisions were overstaffed by about 30%. .. .. ..”

So, the answer is: overstaffed

Question no. 36:
- the work force was _________ by 25%.
Keywords for the question: hierarchically controlled programme, work force, by 25%,

Again, take a look at lines 6-7 of paragraph no. 8, “ . . . The general manager then ordered the managers of these two divisions to cut staff by 25%. .. .. .”

So, the answer is: cut

Questions 37-40: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 37: Fig 1

In the ‘Results of the Experiment’ section of the passage, take look at the first paragraph. In the first lines, the author explains, “Figure 1 shows the changes in salary costs per unit of work, which reflect the change in productivity that occurred in the divisions. .. .. .”

So, the answer is: C (Changes in productivity)

Question no. 38: Fig 2

Again, the ‘Results of the Experiment’ section of the passage, lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 4 say, “For example, Figure 2 shows that when more general supervision and increased participation were provided, the employees’ feeling of responsibility to see that the work got done increased.. . … ..”

Here, the work got done = completion of work,

So, the answer is: D (Employees’ feelings of responsibility towards completion of work)

Question no. 39: Fig 3

The first lines of the final paragraph say, “As Figure 3 shows, the employees in the participative programme at the end of the year felt that their manager and assistant manager were ‘closer to them’ than at the beginning of the year.

Here, manager and assistant manager = supervisors,

So, the answer is: G (Employees feel closer to their supervisors)

Question no. 40: Fig 4

In the final paragraph, lines 3-5 say, “ . .. . . Moreover, as Figure 4 shows, employees in the participative programme felt that their supervisors were more likely to ‘pull’ for them, or for the company and them, and not be solely interested in the company, while in the hierarchically controlled programme, the opposite trend occurred.”

Here, supervisors were more likely to ‘pull’ for them = extent of personal support from management,

So, the answer is: F (Employees’ opinion as to extent of personal support from management)
March 12, 2024
IELTS Cambridge 3 Test 3: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1: THE DEPARTMENT OF ETHNOGRAPHY

Questions 1-6: 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. 1: The twentieth-century collections come mainly from mainstream societies such as the US and Europe.

Keywords for the question: twentieth-century collections, mainly from, mainstream societies, the US and Europe,

Let’s have a look at the first few lines of paragraph no. 1 where the author of text writes, “The Department of Ethnography was created as a separate deportment within the British Museum in 1946, offer 140 years of gradual development from the original Department of Antiquities. It is concerned with the people of Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Pacific and parts of Europe. . . …”

Here, the lines clearly suggest that the collections do not only come from the US and Europe, it also contains collections from Africa, Asia, the Pacific etc.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 2: The Department of Ethnography focuses mainly on modern societies.

Keywords for the question: Department of Ethnography, focuses, mainly, modern societies,

Lines 8-13 of the first paragraph say, “ .. .. . While this includes complex kingdoms, as in Africa, and ancient empires, such as those of the Americas, the primary focus of attention in the twentieth century has been on small-scale societies. .. .. .”

Here, the primary focus of attention = focuses mainly, small-scale societies = NOT modern societies,

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 3: The Department concentrates on collecting single unrelated objects of great value.

Keywords for the question: the Department, concentrates, collecting, single, unrelated objects, great value,

In lines 13-20 of the first paragraph, the writer says, “ . . .. .. Through its collections, the Department’s specific interest is to document how objects are created and used, and to understand their importance and significance to those who produce them. Such objects can include both the extraordinary and the mundane, the beautiful and the banal.”

Here, the mundane = dull or boring (less value), the banal = ordinary (less value),

This means the Department concentrates on collecting objects of both great and less value.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 4: The textile collection of the Department of Ethnography is the largest in the world.

Keywords for the question: the textile collection, Department of Ethnography, largest in the world,

We do not find any information regarding the size of the textile collection made by the Department of Ethnography.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 5: Traditional societies are highly inventive in terms of technology.

Keywords for the question: traditional societies, highly inventive, technology,

The answer can be traced in paragraph no. 4, in lines 10-12, “ . . .. In fact, traditional practices draw on a continuing wealth of technological ingenuity. . . .. “

Here, traditional practices = traditional works in societies, wealth of technological ingenuity = highly inventive in terms of technology,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 6: Many small-scale societies have survived and adapted in spite of predictions to the contrary.

Keywords for the question: many small-scale societies, survived, adapted, in spite of, predictions, contrary,

In paragraph no. 5, the first half part says, “With the Independence of much of Asia and Africa after 1945, it was assumed that economic progress would rapidly lead to the disappearance or assimilation of many small-scale societies. Therefore, it was felt that the Museum should acquire materials representing people whose art or material culture, ritual or political structures were on the point of irrevocable change. This attitude altered with the realisation that marginal communities can survive and adapt in spite of partial integration into a notoriously fickle world economy. .. … .”

Here, altered = presented a contrasting picture, marginal communities can survive and adapt = small-scale societies have survived and adapted,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7-12: 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. 7: Bolivian textiles

Keywords for the question: Bolivian textiles,

Lines 6-10 of paragraph no. 3 say, “ . .. .. The material collected includes great technical series – for instance, of textiles from Bolivia, Guatemala, Indonesia and areas of West Africa – or of artefact types such as boats.

So, the answer is: TS (Technical series)

Question no. 8: Indian coracles

Keywords for the question: Indian coracles,

Lines 11- 13 of paragraph no. 3 mention, “ .. .. . or of artefact types such as boats. The latter include working examples of coracles from India, .. .. .”

So, the answer is: AT (Artefact types)

Question no. 9: airport art

Keywords for the question: airport art,

Lines 15-21 of paragraph no. 3 say, “ .. .. . The field assemblages, such as those from the Sudan, Madagascar and Yemen, include a whole range of material culture representative of one people. This might cover the necessities of life of an African herdsman or on Arabian farmer, ritual objects, or even on occasion airport art. . …. … .”

So, the answer is: FA (Field Assemblages)

Question no. 10: Arctic kayaks

Keywords for the question: Arctic kayaks,

Lines 11- 15 of paragraph no. 3 mention, “ .. .. . or of artefact types such as boats. The latter include working examples of coracles from India, reed boars from Lake Titicaca in the Andes, kayaks from the Arctic, and dug-out canoes from several countries. .. .. .”

So, the answer is: AT (Artefact types)

Question no. 11: necessities of life of an Arabian farmer

Keywords for the question: necessities, life, an Arabian farmer,

Lines 15-21 of paragraph no. 3 say, “ .. .. . The field assemblages, such as those from the Sudan, Madagascar and Yemen, include a whole range of material culture representative of one people. This might cover the necessities of life of an African herdsman or an Arabian farmer, ritual objects, or even on occasion airport art. . …. … .”

So, the answer is: FA (Field Assemblages)

Question no. 12: tents from the Middle East

Keywords for the question: tents, the Middle East,

Lines 22-27 of paragraph no. 3 say, “ . .. . . Again, a series of acquisitions might represent a decade’s fieldwork documenting social experience as expressed in the varieties of clothing and jewellery styles, tents and camel trappings from various Middle Eastern countries, .. .. .”

So, the answer is: SE (Social Experience)

Reading Passage 2: Secrets of the Forest

Questions 13-15: 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. 13: Section A

The answer lies in the very first lines of Section A where the author of the text writes, “In 1942 Allan R Holmberg, a doctoral student in anthropology from Yale University, USA, ventured deep into the jungle of Bolivian Amazonia and searched out an isolated band of Siriono Indian … … .”

Here, searched out = discovered,

So, this means Allan R Holmberg was the first person to research on the Indian Amazons.

So, the answer is: v (Early research among the Indian Amazons)

Question no. 14: Section B

Lines 5-7 of Section B say, “. .. . The apparent simplicity of Indian ways of life has been judged an evolutionary adaptation to forest ecology, living proof that Amazonia could not – and cannot – sustain a more complex society. .. ..”

Here, could not – and cannot – sustain a more complex society = unable to sustain complex societies,

So, the answer is: i (Amazonia as unable to sustain complex societies)

Question no. 15: Section D

The final lines of Section D give us the answer to this question. Here, the writer says, “ . .. . The archaeological evidence shows that the natural history of Amazonia is to a surprising extent tied to the activities of its prehistoric inhabitants.”

Here, tied = linked,

This means there is a link or connection between Amazonian natural history and its prehistoric inhabitants.

So, the answer is: vi (The influence of prehistoric inhabitants on Amazonian natural history)

Questions 16-21: 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: The reason for the simplicity of the Indian way of life is that Amazonia has always been unable to support a more complex society.

Keywords for the question: reason, simplicity, Indian way of life, Amazonia, always been unable, support, more complex society,

The answer can be found in Section B, in lines 5-6, “ . . . . The apparent simplicity of Indian ways of life has been judged an evolutionary adaptation to forest ecology, .. .. .”

This means the simplicity of the Indian way of life is the evolutionary adaptation to forest ecology, NOT the inability to support a more complex society.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 17: There is a crucial popular misconception about the human history of Amazonia.

Keywords for the question: crucial, popular misconception, human history, Amazonia,

The first three lines of Section C mention, “The popular conception of Amazonia and its native residents would be enormously consequential if it were true. But the human history of Amazonia in the past 11,000 years betrays that view as myth. .. ..”

Here, betrays that view as myth = crucial popular misconception,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 18: There are lessons to be learned from similar ecosystems in other parts of the world.

Keywords for the question: lessons, to be learned, similar ecosystems, other parts of the world,

In this passage, there is no mention of any lessons to be learned from similar ecosystems in other parts of the world.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 19: Most ecologists were aware that the areas of Amazonia they were working in had been shaped by human settlement.

Keywords for the question: most ecologists, aware, areas of Amazonia, working, had been shaped by, human settlement,

Take a look at lines 1-3 of Section D, “ . .. . Ecologists have assumed that tropical ecosystems were shaped entirely by natural forces and they have focused their research on habitats they believe have escaped human influence. .. .. .”

The lines suggest that ecologists guessed that the areas of Amazonia they were working in had been shaped by natural forces, NOT by human settlement.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 20: The indigenous Amazonian Indians are necessary to the well-being of the forest.

Keywords for the question: indigenous Amazonian Indians, necessary, well-being of the forest,

The answer to this question can be found in the final lines of Section D where the writer says, “ . .. . . The archaeological evidence shows that the natural history of Amazonia is to a surprising extent tied to the activities of its prehistoric inhabitants.”

Here, prehistoric inhabitants = indigenous Amazonian Indians, tied to = linked, or, necessary to,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 21: It would be possible for certain parts of Amazonia to support a higher population.

Keywords for the question: would be possible, certain parts of Amazonia, support, higher population,

In Section F, lines 6-7 say, “ .. .. . Archaeology makes clear that with judicious management selected parts of the region could support more people than anyone thought before. .. ..”

Here, selected parts = certain parts, support more people = support a higher population,

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 22-25: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 22: In 1942 the US anthropology student concluded that the Siriono –

Keywords for the question: 1942, US anthropology student, concluded, Siriono,

Take a look at the first three lines of Section A, “In 1942 Allan R Holmberg, a doctoral student in anthropology from Yale University, USA, ventured deep into the jungle of Bolivian Amazonia and searched out an isolated band of Siriono Indians. The Siriono, Holmberg later wrote, led a ‘strikingly backward’ existence. .. ..”

Here, Holmberg later wrote = the US anthropology student concluded, ‘strikingly backward’ = extremely primitive,

So, the answer is: C (were an extremely primitive society)

Question no. 23: The author believes recent discoveries of the remains of complex societies in Amazonia –

Keywords for the question: author, believes, recent discoveries, remains of complex societies, Amazonia,

In Section C, lines 3-6 say, “ . . . . Evidence gathered in recent years from anthropology and archaeology indicates that the region has supported a series of indigenous cultures for eleven thousand years; an extensive network of complex societies – some with populations perhaps as large as 100,000 – thrived there for more than 1,000 years before the arrival of Europeans. .. ..”

Here, a series of indigenous cultures for eleven thousand years = early indigenous communities,

So, the answer is: A (are evidence of early indigenous communities)

Question no. 24: The assumption that the tropical ecosystem of Amazonia has been created solely by natural forces –

Keywords for the question: assumption, tropical ecosystem of Amazonia, been created, solely, by natural forces,

In Section D, lines 2-5 say, “ .. .. Ecologists have assumed that tropical ecosystems were shaped entirely by natural forces and they have focused their research on habitats they believe have escaped human influence. But as the University of Florida ecologist, Peter Feinsinger, has noted, an approach that leaves people out of the equation is no longer tenable. .. .. .”

Here, Ecologists have assumed = the assumption, were shaped entirely by natural forces = created solely by natural forces, no longer tenable = to be incorrect by recent research,

So, the answer is: B (has been shown to be incorrect by recent research)

Questions no. 25: The application of our new insights into the Amazonian past would –

Keywords for the question: application, our new insights, Amazonian past, would,

In Section F, the author of the text writes in lines 5-8, “ . .. .. The new understanding of the pre-history of Amazonia, however, points toward a middle ground. Archaeology makes clear that with judicious management selected parts of the region could support more people than anyone thought before. The long buried past, it seems, offers hope for the future.”

Here, The new understanding = our new insights, the pre-history of Amazonia = the Amazonian past, with judicious management selected parts of the region could support more people than anyone thought before = change present policies on development in the region,

So, the answer is: C (change present policies on development in the region)

Reading Passage 3: HIGHS & LOWS

Questions 26-28: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Questions no. 26: Why did the divers perform less well in colder conditions?

Keywords for the question: why, divers, perform, less well, colder conditions,

In paragraph no. 3, first take a look at lines 2-5, “Researchers compared divers working in icy cold water at 5°C with others in water at 20°C (about swimming pool temperature). .. .. .”

Then, have a look at the last few lines in the same paragraph, “ . . … This suggests that the low temperature did not slow down mental functioning directly, but the feeling of cold distracted the divers from their tasks.”

Here, feeling of cold distracted the divers from their tasks = they were less able to concentrate,

So, the answer is: A (They were less able to concentrate)

Question no. 27: The number of daylight hours –

Keywords for the question: number, daylight hours,

Then in lines 18-26 f paragraph no. 4, the writer says, “ . .. . Research shows that melatonin plays an important part in the seasonal behaviour of certain animals. For example, food consumption of stags increases during the winter, reaching a peak in February/ March. It falls again to a low point in May, then rises to a peak in September, before dropping to another minimum in November. .. . .”

Here, food consumption = feeding habits, stags = animals,

So, the answer is: B (influences animal feeding habits)

Question no. 28: Human irritability may be influenced by –

Keywords for the question: importance, taking notes, body language,

The last few lines of paragraph no. 5 give answer to this question. The writer says here, “ .. . . However, the belief that rain and murky weather make people more unhappy is borne out by a study in Belgium, which showed that a telephone counselling service gets more telephone calls from people with suicidal feelings when it rains.”

Here, rain and murky weather = certain weather phenomena, suicidal feelings = human irritability,

So, the answer is: B (reaction to certain weather phenomena)

Questions 29- 34: 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. 29: Seasonal Affective Disorder is disrupting children’s education in Russia.

Keywords for the question: Seasonal Affective Disorder, disrupting, children’s education, Russia,

We find about ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ and ‘Russian scientists’ in paragraph no. 1. However, there is NO information about disruption of children’s education due to Seasonal Affective Disorder in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 30: Serotonin is an essential cause of human aggression.

Keywords for the question: Serotonin, essential cause, human aggression,

In paragraph no. 6, lines 8-15 say, “ . . . . positive charge increases the levels of serotonin (a chemical involved in sending signals in the nervous system). High levels of serotonin in certain areas of the nervous system make people more active and reactive and, possibly, more aggressive. . . .”

Here, the word ‘possibly’ suggests that serotonin is a possible cause, NOT an essential cause, of human aggression.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 31: Scientific evidence links ‘happy associations with weather’ to human mood.

Keywords for the question: Scientific evidence, links, ‘happy associations with weather’, human mood,

Take a close look at paragraph no. 4. Here, in lines 11-15 say, “ . . . . temperature in the restaurant was the same. A link between weather and mood is made believable by the evidence for a connection between behaviour and the length of the daylight hours. .. .. .”

The lines suggest that scientific evidence links ‘happy or sad associations with weather’ to human mood.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question no. 32: A link between depression and the time of year has been established.

Keywords for the question: link between, depression, time of year, established,

In paragraph no. 5, the author of the text says in lines 11-20, “ . .. . People’s moods too, have been shown to react to the length of the day- light hours. Sceptics might say that longer exposure to sunshine puts people in a better mood because they associate it with the happy feelings of holidays and freedom from responsibility. However, the belief that rain and murky weather make people more unhappy is borne out by a study in Belgium, which showed .. . ..”

However, rain and murky weather = the time of year, make people more unhappy = depression, borne out by a study = has been established,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 33: Melatonin levels increase at certain times of the year.

Keywords for the question: Melatonin levels, increase, certain times,

The answer can be found in end of paragraph no. 4. Here, the author says in lines 18-19, “ . .. . The amount of melatonin falls with greater exposure to daylight. . .. .”

Here, The amount of melatonin = Melatonin levels, falls with greater exposure to daylight = increases with shorter exposure to daylight,

Here, the answer is given in a reverse meaning.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 34: Positively charged ions can influence eating habits.

Keywords for the question: positively charged ions, influence, eating habits,

There is NO information about the influence of positively charged ions on eating habits.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 35-37: 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 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. 35-37: According to the text which THREE of the following conditions have been scientifically proved to have a psychological effect on humans?

Keywords for the questions: THREE, conditions, scientifically proved, have, psychological effect, humans,

In paragraph no. 4, the writer says in the first 4 lines, “Psychologists have conducted studies showing that people become less sceptical and more optimistic when the weather is sunny. However, this apparently does not .. .. .”

Here, Psychologists have conducted studies = scientifically proved, people become less sceptical and more optimistic = psychological effect on humans, the weather is sunny = sunny weather,

So, this is a match with option E.

Then, in paragraph no. 5, lines 17-20 say, “ … .. . freedom from responsibility. However, the belief that rain and murky weather make people more unhappy is borne out by a study in Belgium, which showed that . .. .”

Here, rain and murky weather = rainy weather, make people more unhappy = psychological effect on humans, borne out by a study = scientifically proved,

So, this is a match with option B.

Also, in paragraph no. 6, lines 9-15 say, “ .. . .. positive charge increases the levels of serotonin (a chemical involved in sending signals in the nervous system). High levels of serotonin in certain areas of the nervous system make people more active and reactive and, possibly, more aggressive. When certain winds are .. . ..”

Here, High levels of serotonin = high serotonin levels, make people more active and reactive .. . . more aggressive = psychological effect on humans,

So, this is a match with option D.

So, the answers are: (in any order)

B (rainy weather)

D (high serotonin levels)

E (sunny weather)

Questions 38-40: 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. 38: It has been established that social tension increases significantly in the United States during ________.

Keywords for the question: established, social tension, increases, significantly, United States, during,

Take a look at paragraph no. 2, lines 6-10, where the writer says, “ .. .. . when the weather is colder. Research in the United States has shown a relation- ship between temperature and street riots. The frequency of riots rises dramatically as the weather gets warmer, .. … .”

Here, The frequency of riots = social tension, rises dramatically = increases significantly, weather gets warmer = hot weather,

So, the answer is: B (hot weather)

Question no. 39: Research has shown that a hamster’s bodyweight increases according to its exposure to _________.

Keywords for the question: research, hamster’s bodyweight, increases, according to, exposure to,

In paragraph no. 5, the first 6 lines say, “In the laboratory, hamsters put on more weight when the nights are getting shorter and their melatonin levels are falling. On the other hand, if they are given injections of melatonin, they will stop eating altogether. . . .. ..”

Here, put on more weight = bodyweight increases, nights are getting shorter = daylight,

So, the answer is: A (daylight)

Question no. 40: Animals cope with changing weather and food availability because they are influenced by _________.

Keywords for the question: animals, cope with, changing weather, food availability, because, influenced by,

In paragraph no. 5, lines 6-11 say, “ .. . . It seems that time cues provided by the changing lengths of day and night trigger changes in animals’ behaviour – changes that are needed to cope with the cycle of the seasons. .. ..”

Here, cycle of the seasons = changing weather,

So, the answer is: F (time cues)

March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 3 Test 2: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1: A Remarkable Beetle

Questions 1-5: 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. 1: Bush flies are easier to control than buffalo flies.

Keywords for the question: Bush flies, easier, control, than, buffalo flies,

We can see the mention of bush flies and buffalo files in paragraph no. 2 in the last lines, “ . .. and avoiding the soft cattle dung in which bush flies and buffalo flies breed.”

However, there is NO comparison on the control of these two kinds of flies.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 2: Four thousand species of dung beetle were initially brought to Australia by the CSIRO.

Keywords for the question: Four thousand species, dung beetle, initially brought, to Australia, by, CSIRO,

In the second paragraph, the writer says, “More than 4,000 species of these remarkable creatures have evolved and adapted to the world’s different climates and the dung of its many animals. .. ..”

Here, the author says that there are over 4000 species of dung beetles in the world.

Then, in paragraph no. 3, in lines 6-8, the author of the text says, “ . . .. Between 1968 and 1982, the CSIRO imported insects from about 50 different species of dung beetle, from Asia, Europe and Africa, aiming to match them to different climatic zones in Australia. … ..”

Here, imported = brought to,

This means only 50 species of dung beetles were imported to Australia by the CSIRO, not 4000 species.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 3: Dung beetles were brought to Australia by the CSIRO over a fourteen-year period.

Keywords for the question: Dung beetles, brought to Australia, by, CSIRO, over, fourteen-year period,

In paragraph no. 3, take a look at lines 6-8 again, “ . . . .. Between 1968 and 1982, the CSIRO imported insects from about 50 different species of dung beetle, from Asia, Europe and Africa, aiming to match them to different climatic zones in Australia. … ..”

Here, between 1968 and 1982 = fourteen-year period,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 4: At least twenty-six of the introduced species have become established in Australia.

Keywords for the question: at least, twenty-six, introduced species, become established, Australia,

Take a look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . Of the 26 species that are known to have become successfully integrated into the local environment, only one, an African species released in northern Australia, has reached its natural boundary.”

Here, have become successfully integrated into the local environment = have become established in Australia,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 5: The dung beetles cause an immediate improvement to the quality of a cow pasture.

Keywords for the question: dung beetles, cause, immediate improvement, quality, cow pasture,

First, have a close look at lines 1-2 n paragraph no. 4, “Introducing dung beetles into a pasture is a simple process: approximately 1,500 beetles are released, a handful at a time, into fresh cow pats in the cow pasture. .. . .”

Then, take a look at the final lines of the same paragraph, “ . .. .. In time they multiply and within three or four years the benefits to the pasture are obvious.”

Here, within three or four years the benefits to the pasture are obvious = pasture takes long time to improve,

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 6-8: Labeling a diagram

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to label a diagram by choosing types from a box using the information in 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. 6:

Keywords for the question: 10-20 cm below cow-pat surface,

Take a look at lines 7-8 in paragraph no. 5, “ . .. .. South African beetles dig narrow tunnels of approximately 20 cm below the surface of the pat. .. … .”

Here, approximately 20 cm below the surface of the pat = 10-20 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).

So, the answer is: South African

Question no. 7:

Keywords for the question: 30 cm below cow-pat surface,

Again, in paragraph no. 5, take a look at lines 3-5 of paragraph no. 5, “ .. . . Some large species originating from France excavate tunnels to a depth of approximately 30 cm below the dung pat. . . ..”

Here, approximately 30 cm below the dung pat = 30 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).

So, the answer is: French

Question no. 8:

Keywords for the question: 0-10 cm below cow-pat surface,

Again, the answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. Look at line no. 6, “ . .. .. The shallowest tunnels belong to a much smaller Spanish species .. .. .”

Here, The shallowest tunnels = 0-10 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).

So, the answer is: Spanish

Questions 9-13: Completing table with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER

[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps in a table with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

Question no. 9:

Keywords for the question: Spanish, 1.25 cm, preferred climate,

Lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 6 give us the answer to this question, “ . . . .. the large French species (2.5 cms long) is matched with smaller (half this size), temperate-climate Spanish species.. .. . .”

Here, half this size = 1.25cm, temperate-climate = preferred climate,

So, the answer is: temperate

Question no. 10:

Keywords for the question: Spanish, start of active period,

In paragraph no. 6 of the text, the writer says in lines 4-7, “ … … . The former are slow to recover from the winter cold and produce only one or two generations of offspring from late spring until autumn. The latter, which multiply rapidly in early spring, produce two to five generations annually.”

In the previous lines, the writer provides information about French species in the beginning of paragraph no. 6, and then we find information about Spanish species.

Now, in lines 4-7, the former indicates French species (according to English grammar), and the latter indicates Spanish species.

Therefore, The latter = Spanish species, multiply = active period of giving birth,

So, the answer is: early spring

Question no. 11:

Keywords for the question: Spanish, Number of generations per year,

Take a look at lines 6-7 of paragraph no. 6 where the writer says, “ . .. The latter, which multiply rapidly in early spring, produce two to five generations annually.” . . .”

Here, produce = give birth to generations, annually = per year,

So, the answer is: 2-5 / two to five

Question no. 12:

Keywords for the question: South-African ball roller, preferred climate,

In paragraph no. 6, the author mentions in line no. 7, “ .. . .. The South African ball-rolling species, being a subtropical beetle,

So, the answer is: sub-tropical

Question no. 13:

Keywords for the question: South-African ball roller, Complementary species,

In paragraph no. 6, look at lines 7-9, “ .. .. .. The South African ball-rolling species, being a subtropical beetle, prefers the climate of northern and coastal New South Wales where it commonly works with the South African tunnelling species.. .. . .”

Here, it commonly works with = complementary species,

So, the answer is: (South African) tunnelling

Reading Passage 2: 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 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. 14: Section A

In Section A, the first lines say, “The role of governments in environmental management is difficult but inescapable. … .”

Here, the lines suggest that the role of governments to manage the environment is a difficult job but governments cannot deny it.

Then, in the next lines, we find how different governments manage the environment.

So, the answer is: v (Governments and management of the environment)

Question no. 15: Section B

In lines 1-3 of section B, the author of the text explains, “No activity affects more of the earth’s surface than farming. It shapes a third of the planet’s land area, not counting Antarctica, and the proportion is rising. World food output per head has risen by 4 per cent between the 1970s and 1980s .. … ..”

Here, the lines clearly show the relationship between farming and food output.

So, the answer is: vii (Farming and food output)

Question no. 16: Section C

The last lines of section B indicate to modern farming methods, “ . … . Higher yields have been achieved by increased irrigation, better crop breeding, and a doubling in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in the 1970s and 1980s.”

Then, here in section C the writer talks about the effect or impact of this modern farming. The writer says in the beginning, “All these activities may have damaging environmental impacts. .. ..”

Here, All these activities = modern farming (as mentioned in the final lines of section B),

So, the answer is: ii (The environmental impact of modern farming)

Question no. 17: Section D

Lines 1-3 in section D say, “Government policies have frequently compounded the environmental damage that farming can cause. In the rich countries, subsidies for growing crops and price supports for farm output drive up the price of land. .. . .”

These lines clearly show the effects of government policy taken in rich countries.

So, the answer is: iv (The effects of government policy in rich countries)

Question no. 18: Section F

The first lines of section F say, “A result of the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations is likely to be a reduction of 36 per cent in the average levels of farm subsidies paid by the rich countries in 1986-1990. .. .”

Here, the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations = the new international trade agreement, likely to be a reduction = probable effects,

So, the answer is: i (The probable effects of the new international trade agreement)

Questions 19-23: Completing table

[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps from a list that is given with the table. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]

Agricultural practice	Environmental damage that may result
· 19	· Deforestation
· 20	· Degraded water supply
· More intensive farming	· 21
· Expansion of monoculture	· 22

Question no. 19:

Keywords for the question: agricultural practice, deforestation,

In section C, the writer explains in lines 1-2, “ . .. . . All these activities may have damaging environmental impacts. For example, land clearing for agriculture is the largest single cause of deforestation; .. .. .”

Here, may have damaging environmental impacts = Environmental damage that may result, land clearing for agriculture = Clearing land for cultivation,

So, the answer is: G (Clearing land for cultivation)

Question no. 20:

Keywords for the question: agricultural practice, degraded water supply,

Again, in section C, lines 2-3 say, “ . .. . chemical fertilisers and pesticides may contaminate water supplies; .. …”

Here, chemical fertilisers and pesticides = Increased use of chemical inputs, contaminate water supplies = degraded water supply,

So, the answer is: C (Increased use of chemical inputs)

Question no. 21:

Keywords for the question: more intensive farming, environmental damage, may result,

Again, in Section C, lines 3-4 say, “ . .. . .. more intensive farming and the abandonment of fallow periods tend to exacerbate soil erosion; … … .”

So, the answer is: F (Soil erosion)

Question no. 22:

Keywords for the question: expansion of monoculture, environmental damage, may result,

Once more, take a look at lines 4-7 of Section C, “ . . .. . and the spread of mono-Culture and use of high-yielding varieties of crops have been accompanied by the disappearance of old varieties of food plants which might have provided some insurance against pests or diseases in future. .. . ..”

Here, the spread of mono-Culture = expansion of monoculture, disappearance of old varieties of food plants = Disappearance of old plant varieties,

So, the answer is: B (Disappearance of old plant varieties)

Questions 23-27: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 23: Research completed in 1982 found that in the United States soil erosion –

Keywords for the question: research completed in 1982, found, United States, soil erosion,

In lines 8-10 of Section C, the author of the text mentions, “ .. .. .. The United States, where the most careful measurements have been done, discovered in 1982 that about one-fifth of its farmland is losing topsoil at a rate likely to diminish the soil’s productivity. .. .. .”

Here, about one-fifth = 20 percent, losing topsoil = soil erosion, likely to diminish the soil’s productivity = causing significant damage,

So, the answer is: C (was causing significant damage to 20 percent of farmland)

Question no. 24: By the mid-1980s, farmers in Denmark –

Keywords for the question: by, mid-1980s, farmers, Denmark,

In Section D, in the first paragraph, line no. 6 says, “ . .. . . Fertiliser use doubled in Denmark in the period 1960-1985 .. .. …”

Here, Fertiliser use doubled in Denmark = Denmark used twice as much fertilizer, 1960-1985 = By the mid-1980s … .. .. as they had in1960

So, the answer is: B (used twice as much fertiliser as they had in 1960)

Question no. 25: Which one of the following increased in New Zealand after 1984?

Keywords for the question: increased, New Zealand, after 1984,

In section D, in the second paragraph, lines 3-7 say, “ . . .. . A study of the environmental effects, conducted in 1993, found that the end of fertiliser subsidies had been followed by a fall in fertiliser use (a fall compounded by the decline in world commodity prices, which cut farm incomes). The removal of subsidies also stopped land-clearing and over-stocking, which in the past had been the principal causes of erosion. Farms began to diversify. .. .. .”

Here, Farms began to diversify = farm diversification, in 1993 = after 1984,

So, the answer is: D (farm diversification)

Question no. 26: The writer refers to some rich countries as being ‘less enlightened’ than New Zealand because –

Keywords for the question: some rich countries, being, ‘less enlightened’, than New Zealand, because,

In section D, in the third paragraph, the first few lines say, “In less enlightened countries, and in the European Union, the trend has been to reduce rather than eliminate subsidies, and to introduce new payments to encourage farmers to treat their land in environmentally friendlier ways, or to leave it follow. It may sound strange but such payments need to be higher than the existing incentives for farmers to grow food crops.

Here, reduce rather than eliminate subsidies = their policies do not recognise the long term benefit of ending subsidies,

So, the answer is: C (their policies do not recognise the long term benefit of ending subsidies)

Question no. 27: The writer believes that the Uruguay Round agreements on trade will

Keywords for the question: Uruguay Round Agreements, trade, will,

The first lines of Section F say “A result of the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations is likely to be a reduction of 36 per cent in the average levels of farm subsidies paid by the rich countries in 1986-1990. .. … .”

Then, in lines 9-11, the writer says, “ . . .. . And more farmers in poor countries will have the money and the incentive to manage their land in ways that are sustainable in the long run. That is important. .. .. .”

Here, the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations = the Uruguay Round agreements on trade, likely to = will, in ways that are sustainable in the long run = encourage more sustainable farming in the long term,

So, the answer is: A (encourage more sustainable farming practices in the long term)

Question no. 28: Multiple choice questions (Identifying the main purpose/aim/title of the passage)

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options that shows the main aim/purpose/title 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.]

From the list below choose the most suitable title for Reading Passage 2.

A. Environmental management
B. Increasing the world’s food supply
C. Soil erosion
D. Fertilisers and pesticides – the way forward
E. Farm subsidies

Keywords for the question: most suitable title,

Clearly, the questions that we answered and our reading of the text indicate that environmental management is the key topic of the text.

We also find other option like B, C, D, E in the text too but they are found in one or two sections. The overall idea is Environmental management. So, the answer is: A (Environmental management)

Reading Passage 3: THE CONCEPT OF ROLE THEORY

Questions 29-35: 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. 29: It would be a good idea to specify the role definitions of soldiers more clearly.

Keywords for the question: great idea, specify, role definitions of soldiers, more clearly,

In the ‘Role definition’ section of the text, we find about ‘soldiers’ in paragraph no. 5 in lines 5-7, “ . .. . . In very significant cases of role change, e.g. from a soldier in the ranks to officer, from bachelor to married man, the change of role has to have a very obvious sign, hence rituals. .. ..”

However, there is no mention of specifying the role definitions of soldiers more clearly.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 30: Accountants may be similar to one another because they have the same type of job.

Keywords for the question: accountants, may be similar, one another, because, same type of job,

The answer can again be found in paragraph no. 2 of the ‘Role definition’ section. The author of the text says in lines 3-5, “Hence, there is some likelihood that all accountants will be alike or that all blondes are similar – they are forced that way by the expectations of their role..”

Here, all accountants will be alike = Accountants may be similar to one another, there is some likelihood = may,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 31: It is probably a good idea to keep dress as a role sign even nowadays.

Keywords for the question: probably, good idea, keep, dress, role sign, even, nowadays,

Again, in the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 4, take a look at lines 2-4, “ . . .. The current trend towards blurring these role signs in dress is probably democratic, but it also makes some people very insecure. .. . ..”

Here, The current trend = nowadays, blurring these role signs in dress = not keeping role signs in dress, makes some people very insecure = probably not a good idea,

The lines mean (in a reverse way) that keeping role signs in dress is a good idea.

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 32: The decline in emphasis on marriage rituals should be reversed.

Keywords for the question: decline, emphasis, marriage rituals, should be reversed,

In the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 5, take a look at lines 7-9, “ . . .. .. It is interesting to observe, for instance, some decline in the emphasis given to marriage rituals. This could be taken as an indication that there is no longer such a big change in role from single to married person, and therefore no need for a public change in sign.”

Here, in these lines, we find about the decline in the emphasis on marriage rituals. However, we do not find any information about reversing the decline.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 33: Today furniture operates as a role sign in the same way as dress has always done.

Keywords for the question: today, furniture, operates, role sign, same way, as dress, always done,

In the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 6, take a look at lines 1-2, “In organisations, office signs and furniture are often used as role signs. These and other perquisites of status are often frowned upon, but they may serve a purpose as a kind of uniform in a democratic society; .. .. .”

Here, uniform = dress,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 34: It is a good idea to remove role ambiguity.

Keywords for the question: good idea, remove, role ambiguity,

Let’s read the first paragraph of the ‘Role ambiguity’ section. Here, lines 4-5 mention, “ . .. .. If his occupation of the role is unclear, or if it differs from that of the others in the role set, there will be a degree of role ambiguity. Is this bad? Not necessarily,. . . .

Here, not necessarily = having role ambiguity is not a bad idea,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 35: Job descriptions eliminate role ambiguity for managers.

Keywords for the question: job descriptions, eliminate, role ambiguity, managers,

Have a look at the first paragraph of the ‘Role ambiguity’ section. Here, line no. 7 say, “ . .. The virtue of job descriptions is that they lessen this role ambiguity.”

Here, lessen = reduce; not eliminate,

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 36-39: Completing sentences with ONE OR TWO WORDS

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. 36: A new headmaster of a school who enlarges his office and puts in expensive carpeting is using the office as a _________.

Keywords for the question: new headmaster, school, enlarges, office, puts in, expensive carpeting, using the office, as,

In the ‘Role definition’ section, have a close look at lines 1-2, “Place is another role sign. Managers often behave very differently outside the office. and in it, even to the same person … . ..”

Here, enlarges his office and puts in expensive carpeting = using the office as a role sign,

So, the answer is: role sign

Question no. 37: The graduation ceremony in many universities is an important ________.

Keywords for the question: graduation ceremony, many universities, an important,

In the ‘Role definition’ section, have a close look at lines 5-7, “ . .. .. In very significant cases of role change, e.g. from a soldier in the ranks to officer, from bachelor to married man, the change of role has to have a very obvious sign, hence rituals. .. ..”

Here, role change = graduation ceremony,

So, the answer is: ritual

Question no. 38: The wig which judges wear in UK courts is a ________.

Keywords for the question: wig, judges wear, UK courts, is,

Again, in the ‘Role definition’ section, lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 6 say, “ . . . In organisations, office signs and furniture are often used as role signs. These and other perquisites of status are often frowned upon, but they may serve a purpose as a kind of uniform in a democratic society;. .. . ..”

Here, office signs = the wig which judges wear,

So, the answer is: role sign

Question no. 39: The parents of students in a school are part of the headmaster’s _________.

Keywords for the question: parents of students, school, part of the headmaster’s,

In the ‘Role ambiguity’ section, the first three lines of paragraph no. 1 state, “Role ambiguity results when there is some uncertainty in the minds, either of the focal person or of the members of his role set, as to precisely what his role is at any given time. … ..”

Here, the members of his role set = The parents of students . .. . are part of the headmaster’s role set,

So, the answer is: role set

Question 40: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 40: This text is taken from

Keywords for the question: text, taken from,

A. a guide for new managers in a company.
B. a textbook analysis of behaviour in organisations.
C. a critical study of the importance of role signs in modern society.
D. a newspaper article about role changes.

Answering all the questions from the passage clearly indicates that this text is an analysis of the significance or importance of role signs in the present world.

So, the answer is: C (a critical study of the importance of role signs in modern society.)

March 12, 2024

IELTS Cambridge 3 Test 1: ACADEMIC READING Answers
Reading Passage 1: THE ROCKET – FROM EAST TO WEST

Questions 1-4: 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. 1: Paragraph B

The answer can be found in lines 1-5 of paragraph B. The writer says here, “The concept of the rocket, or rather the mechanism behind the idea of propelling an object into the air, has been around for well over two thousand years. However, it wasn’t until the discovery of the reaction principle, which was the key to space travel and so represents one of the great milestones in the history of scientific thought, that rocket technology was able to develop. . .. .”

Here, the bold lines suggest that until the discovery of the reaction principle, the two thousand year old concept of rocket remained undeveloped.

So, the answer is: iv (Undeveloped of centuries)

Question no. 2: Paragraph C

The answer can be found in the first half of paragraph C, “A simple analogy can help us to understand how a rocket operates. It is much like a machine gun mounted on the rear of a boat. In reaction to the backward discharge of bullets, the gun, and hence the boat, move forwards. A rocket motor’s ‘bullets’ are minute, high-speed particles produced by burning propellants in a suitable chamber. The reaction to the ejection of these small particles causes the rocket to move forwards.. .. . .”

Here, the lines clearly explain the reaction principle.

So, the answer is: i (How the reaction principle works)

Question no. 3: Paragraph D

The very first lines of paragraph D give us the answer. The writer says here, “The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of ‘black powder’. Most historians of technology credit the Chinese with its discovery. . .. ..”

Here, Most historians of technology credit the Chinese with its discovery = the first rockets were built by the Chinese,

So, the answer is: v (The first rockets)

Question no. 4: Paragraph E

In the first lines of paragraph E, the writer says, “It was not until the eighteenth century that Europe became seriously interested in the possibilities of using the rocket itself as a weapon of war . .. ..”

Here, as a weapon of war = military use,

Then, in lines 5-6, the writer says again, “ . .. but from far-away India, whose leaders had built up a corps of rocketeers and used rockets successfully against the British in the late eighteenth century. .. ..”

Here, used rockets successfully against the British = rockets for military use,

So, the answer is: vii (Rockets for military use)

Questions 5-6: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 5: The greatest outcome of the discovery of the reaction principle was that –

Keywords for the question: greatest outcome, discovery, reaction principle,

The answer can be found in paragraph A. Here, in lines 2-3, the writer says, “ . .. . However, it wasn’t until the discovery of the reaction principle, which was the key to space travel. .. ..”

Here, the key = greatest outcome/ became a reality,

So, the answer is: B (space travel became a reality)

Question no. 6: According to the text, the greatest progress in rocket technology was made –

Keywords for the question: greatest progress, rocket technology,

The answer can be located in paragraph F. Before that, in paragraph E, we find information about the progress made in rocket technology until mid-nineteenth century.

Then, in paragraph F, the first lines say, “Since then, there have been huge developments in rocket technology, . . . .”

Here, Since then = from the late nineteenth century,

And, then, look at the final lines of the paragraph, “ . .. . Who knows what it will be like in the future?

Here, what it will be like in the future indicates to the present and future development,

So, the answer is: D (from the late nineteenth century to the present day)

Questions 7-10: 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. 7: black powder

Keywords for the question: black powder, first invented by,

In paragraph D, the writer says in the beginning, “The invention of rockets is linked inextricably with the invention of ‘black powder’. Most historians of technology credit the Chinese with its discovery. . .. ..”

So, the answer is: A (the Chinese)

Question no. 8: rocket-propelled arrows for fighting

Keywords for the question: rocket-propelled arrows, first invented by,

In paragraph D, lines 7-9 say, “. . .. . By the thirteenth century, powder propelled fire arrows had become rather common. The Chinese relied on this type of technological development to produce incendiary projectiles of many sorts, … .. .”

Here, powder propelled fire arrows .. . .. projectiles = rocket-propelled arrows,

So, the answer is: A (the Chinese)

Question no. 9: rockets as war weapons

Keywords for the question: rockets, war weapons, first invented by,

In paragraph E, lines 4-6 say, “ . .. . The incentive for the more aggressive use of rockets came not from within the European continent but from far-away India, whose leaders had built up a corps of rocketeers and used rockets successfully against the British in the late eighteenth century. . .. .”

Here, used rockets successfully against the British = rockets as war weapons,

So, the answer is: B (the Indians)

Question no. 10: the rocket launcher

Keywords for the question: rocket launcher, first invented by,

In paragraph E, lines 14-15 say, “ . . .. . The Americans developed a rocket, complete with its own launcher, to use against the Mexicans in the mid-nineteenth century. .. ..”

Here, rocket, complete with its own launcher = the rocket launcher,

So, the answer is: E (the Americans)

Questions 11-14: Matching drawings with names

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

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

Here are the drawings:

Question no. 11: The Chinese ‘basket of fire’

Keywords for the question: Chinese, basket of fire,

Let’s have a look at paragraph D. The writer says here in lines 10-13, “ .. .. . One such weapon was the ‘basket of fire’ or, as directly translated from Chinese, the ‘arrows like flying leopards’. The 0.7 metre-long arrows, each with a long tube of gunpowder attached near the point of each arrow, could be fired from a long, octagonal-shaped basket at the same time. .. . . .”

Here, picture B matches with 0.7 metre-long arrows and long, octagonal-shaped basket.

So, the answer is: B

Question no. 12: The Arab ‘egg which moves and burns’

Keywords for the question: Arab, egg, moves and burns,

Take a look at the end of paragraph D. The writer says here, “ . … … .. At a similar time, the Arabs had developed the ‘egg which moves and burns’. This ‘egg’ was apparently full of gunpowder and stabilised by a 1.5m tail. It was fired using two rockets attached to either side of this tail.”

Here, picture E matches with a 1.5m tail and two rockets attached to either side of this tail.

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 13: The Indian rocket

Keywords for the question: Indian rocket,

In paragraph E, the author of the text says in lines 7-9, “ .. .. . The Indian rockets used against the British were described by a British Captain serving in India as ‘an iron envelope about 200 millimetres long and 40 millimetres in diameter with sharp points at the top and a 3m-long bamboo guiding stick’.. .. . .”

Here, picture F matches with sharp points at the top and a 3m-long bamboo guiding stick’.

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 14: The British barrage rocket

Keywords for the question: British barrage rocket,

Again, in paragraph E, lines 9-14 say, “ .. .. . In the early nineteenth century the British began to experiment with incendiary barrage rockets. The British rocket differed from the Indian version in that it was completely encased in a stout, iron cylinder, terminating in a conical head, measuring one metre in diameter and having a stick almost five metres long and constructed in such a way that it could be firmly attached to the body of the rocket.. .. . .”

Here, picture G matches with encased in a stout, iron cylinder, one metre in diameter and a stick almost five metres long. So, the answer is: G

Reading Passage 2: Risks of Cigarette Smoke

Questions 15-17: 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 15: According to information in the text, leukaemia and pneumonia –

Keywords for the question: leukaemia, pneumonia,

In paragraph no. 2, lines 1-5 say, “In addition to being responsible for more than 85 per cent of lung cancers, smoking is associated with cancers of, amongst others, the mouth, stomach and kidneys, and is thought to cause about 14 per cent of leukemia and cervical cancers. In 1990, smoking caused more than 84,000 deaths, mainly resulting from such problems as pneumonia, bronchitis and influenza. .. ..”

Here, smoking is associated = smoking is linked,

14 per cent of leukemia, 84,000 deaths and mainly resulting from = strongly linked,

So, these lines clearly suggest that cigarette smoking is directly and strongly linked to diseases such as leukaemia and pneumonia.

So, the answer is: B (are strongly linked to cigarette smoking)

Question no. 16: According to information in the text, intake of carbon monoxide –

Keywords for the question: intake, carbon monoxide,

Take a look at paragraph no. 7 where you can see the mention of carbon monoxide. Here, the writer says, “ . . .. . Carbon monoxide, for example, competes with oxygen in red blood cells and interferes with the blood’s ability to deliver life-giving oxygen to the heart. .. .. .”

Here, interferes = inhibits, the blood’s ability to deliver life-giving oxygen to the heart = the flow of oxygen to the heart,

So, the answer is: A (inhibits the flow of oxygen to the heart)

Question no. 17: According to information in the text, intake of nicotine encourages

Keywords for the question: intake, nicotine, encourages,

Again, in paragraph no. 7, the writer says in lines 4-6, “ . .. . .. Nicotine and other toxins in cigarette smoke

activate small blood cells called platelets, which increases the likelihood of blood clots, thereby affecting blood circulation throughout the body.”

Here, increases the likelihood of blood clots = encourages the formation of blood clots,

So, the answer is: C (formation of blood clots)

Questions 18-21: 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. 18: Thirty per cent of deaths in the United States are caused by smoking-related diseases.

Keywords for the question: Thirty per cent, deaths, United States, caused by, smoking-related diseases,

In paragraph no. 2, the writer says in lines 5-7, “ .. .. .. Smoking, it is believed, is responsible for 30 per cent of all deaths from cancer and clearly represents the most important preventable cause of cancer in countries like the United States today.”

Here, the lines suggest that 30% of deaths in the world (not US alone) are caused by smoking-related diseases.

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 19: If one partner in a marriage smokes, the other is likely to take up smoking.

Keywords for the question: if, one partner, marriage, smokes, other, likely to, take up, smoking,

In paragraph no. 4, the writer mentions in lines 1-3, “As an illustration of the health risks, in the case of a married couple where one partner is a smoker and one a non-smoker, the latter is believed to have a 30 per cent higher risk of death from heart disease because of passive smoking. .. .. .”

Here, the lines suggest that if one partner in a marriage smokes, the other is at risk of death from heart disease because of passive-smoking. The lines don’t mention whether the other partner is likely to take up smoking.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 20: Teenagers whose parents smoke are at risk of getting lung cancer at some time during their lives.

Keywords for the question: Teenagers, parents, smoke, at risk, getting lung cancer, some time during their lives,

The final lines of paragraph no. 4 say, “ . .. . It has been calculated that 17 per cent of cases of lung cancer can be attributed to high levels of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke during childhood and adolescence.”

Here, high levels of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke during childhood and adolescence = children and teenagers whose parents smoke are at risk of getting lung cancer,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 21: Opponents of smoking financed the UCSF study.

Keywords for the question: opponents, smoking, financed UCSF study,

The passage doesn’t say anything about who financed the UCSF study.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 22-24: 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. 22: Passive smoking …

Keywords for the question: passive smoking,

The first lines of paragraph no. 5 say, “A more recent study by researchers at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) has shown that second-hand cigarette smoke does more harm to non-smokers than to smokers. .. ..”

Here, second-hand cigarette smoke = passive smoking, does more harm to non-smokers than to smokers = is more harmful to non-smokers than to smokers,

So, the answer is: E (is more harmful to non-smokers than to smokers)

Question no. 23: Compared with a non-smoker, a smoker …

Keywords for the question: compared, non-smoker, a smoker,

In paragraph no. 5, the final lines say, “ . . . .. Leaving aside the philosophical question of whether anyone should have to breathe someone else’s cigarette smoke, the report suggests that the smoke experienced by many people in their daily lives is enough to produce substantial adverse effects on a person’s heart and lungs.”

Here, the lines suggest that the smoke experienced by many people (active smoking) may cause substantial adverse effects (various cancers) on person’s heart and lungs.

Here, the best match is option G. (Let me know if you think the answer can be a different one)

So, the answer is: G (is more likely to be at risk of contracting various cancers)

Question no. 24: The American Medical Association …

Keywords for the question: American Medical Association,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 6, in lines 3-4, “ . .. ..  The American Medical Association represents about half of all US doctors and is a strong opponent of smoking. .. ..”

Here, a strong opponent of smoking = opposes smoking,

Also, in the previous lines, the writer says, “The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (AMA), was based on the researchers’ own earlier research but also includes a review of studies over the past few years. . .. ..”

Here, The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association = The American Medical Association publishes research on the subject,

So, the answer is: H (opposes smoking and publishes research on the subject)

Questions 25-28: Classifying statements

[In this kind of questions, candidates are asked to classify different statements to different options and write the correct letters corresponding to the answers.]

Question no. 25: Smokers’ cardiovascular systems adapt to the intake of environmental smoke.

Keywords for the question: smokers’ cardiovascular systems, adapt to, intake, environmental smoke,

Have a close look at these lines of paragraph no. 7, “The report, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (AMA), .. . . The study suggests that people who smoke cigarettes are continually damaging their cardiovascular system, which adapts in order to compensate for the effects of smoking. . .. .. .”

Here, The report = finding of the UCSF study (as we can find out in paragraph no. 6), people who smoke cigarettes = smokers, their cardiovascular system = smokers’ cardiovascular system, adapts in order to compensate for the effects of smoking = adapt to the intake of environmental smoke,

This is a finding of the UCSF study.

So, the answer is: A (a finding of the UCSF study)

Question no. 26: There is a philosophical question as to whether people should have to inhale others’ smoke.

Keywords for the question: philosophical question, whether, people, should have to, inhale, others’ smoke,

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 6, in the beginning, “ . . . . A more recent study by researchers at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) has shown that second-hand cigarette smoke does more harm to non-smokers than to smokers. Leaving aside the philosophical question of whether anyone should have to breathe someone else’s cigarette smoke, .. … .”

Here, whether anyone should have to breathe someone else’s cigarette smoke = whether people should have to inhale others’ smoke,

This is an opinion of the UCSF study.

So, the answer is: B (an opinion of the UCSF study)

Question no. 27: Smoke-free public places offer the best solution.

Keywords for the question: Smoke-free public places, offer, best solution,

In the final para, the writer says, “ . . .. The UCSF researchers maintain that the simplest and most cost-effective action is to establish smoke-free work places, schools and public places.”

Here, The UCSF researchers maintain = an opinion of the UCSF study,

the simplest and most cost-effective action = the best solution,

smoke-free work places, schools and public places = Smoke-free public places,

So, the answer is: B (an opinion of the UCSF study)

Question no. 28: The intake of side-stream smoke is more harmful than smoke exhaled by a smoker.

Keywords for the question: intake of side-stream smoke, more harmful, exhaled by, smoker,

In paragraph no. 3, we learn about the EPA report. Then, at the end of paragraph no. 4, the writer provides the finding of the EPA report, “ . .. .. It has been calculated that 17 per cent of cases of lung cancer can be attributed to high levels of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke during childhood and adolescence.”

Here, It has been calculated = the finding of the EPA report,

high levels of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke = The intake of side-stream smoke,

17 per cent of cases of lung cancer = more harmful than smoke exhaled by a smoker,

So, the answer is: C (a finding of the EPA report)

Reading Passage 3: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Questions 29-33: List of headings:

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

Tips 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. 29: Paragraph C

Keywords for the question: experiment, Part 1, writer found, blind subjects,

Have a look at the first and last lines of Paragraph C.

The first lines say, “The myth of scientific method is that it is inductive: .. .. ..”

Then the last lines say, “ .. .. . However, the starting point of induction is an impossible one.”

Clearly, the paragraph explains the inductive method.

So, the answer is: iv (Explaining the inductive method)

Question no. 30: Paragraph D

In paragraph D, we find what role hypothesis plays in scientific research. Have a look at lines 9-11, “ . .. . Hypotheses provide the initiative and incentive for the inquiry and influence the method. .. .. .”

Here, Hypotheses provide = the role of hypothesis,

So, the answer is: vii (The role of hypotheses in scientific research)

Question no. 31: Paragraph E

First, take a look at the first few lines of paragraph E, “Hypotheses arise by guesswork, or by inspiration, but having been formulated they can and must be tested rigorously, using the appropriate methodology. .. ..”

Here, they can and must be tested rigorously indicates to the testing of hypotheses.

Then, in lines 11-13, the writer says again, “ .. .. . may be retained until such time as some further test shows it not to be correct. .. .. .”

So, the answer is: iii (The testing of hypotheses)

Question no. 32: Paragraph F

Look at the beginning of paragraph F, “So don’t worry if you have some idea of what your results will tell you before you even begin to collect data; .. .. ..”

Here, what your results will tell you before you even begin to collect data = Anticipating results before data is collected,

So, the answer is: v (Anticipating results before data is collected)

Question no. 33: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, the final lines say, “ . .. . ‘scientific method’ may more usefully be thought of as a way of writing up research rather than as a way of carrying it out.”

Here, more usefully be thought of as a way of writing up research = How research is done and how it is reported,

So, the answer is: vi (How research is done and how it is reported)

Questions 34-35: 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. 34 & 35: In which TWO paragraphs in Reading Passage 3 does the writer give advice directly to the reader?

Keywords for the question: TWO paragraphs, give advice, directly, to the reader,

First, in paragraph B, the writer says in the beginning, “It is essential that you, . .. ..”

This is a piece of direct advice to the reader.

Then, in paragraph F, the writer says again in the beginning, “So don’t worry … . …”

This is another direct piece of advice to the reader.

So, the answers are: (in any order)
- B
- F
Questions 36-39: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 36: Popper says that the scientific method is hypothetico-deductive.

Keywords for the question: Popper, scientific method, hypothetico-deductive,

In paragraph A, have a look at lines 5-8, “ .. . … position taken by Karl Popper in The Logic of Scientific Discovery (1972, 3rd edition) that the nature of scientific method is hypothetico-deductive .. .. ..”

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 37: If a prediction based on a hypothesis is fulfilled, then the hypothesis is confirmed as true.

Keywords for the question: if, prediction, hypothesis, fulfilled, is confirmed, as true,

Lines 9-13 in paragraph E say, “ . .. .. If the predictions turn out to be correct then your hypothesis has been supported and may be retained until such time as some further test shows it not to be correct. .. … ..”

Here,

If the predictions turn out to be correct = If a prediction based on a hypothesis is fulfilled,

may be retained until such time as some further test shows it not to be correct = the hypothesis is confirmed as true until some further tests shows it as incorrect,

So, the answer is: NO

Question no. 38: Many people carry out research in a mistaken way.

Keywords for the question: many people, carry out, research, mistaken way,

There is no mention of ‘many people carrying out research in a wrong or mistaken way’ in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question no. 39: The ‘scientific method’ is more a way of describing research than a way of doing it.

Keywords for the question: ‘scientific method’, more, way of describing, research, than, way of doing,

The answers can be found in the final lines of paragraph G, “ .. .. From this point of view, ‘scientific method’ may more usefully be thought of as a way of writing up research rather than as a way of carrying it out.”

Here,

may more usefully be thought of as a way of writing up research = The ‘scientific method’ is more a way of describing research,

than a way of doing it = than as a way of carrying it out,

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 40: Choosing the main purpose

[This type of question asks you to choose ‘the main purpose’ 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 for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]

Question no. 40: Which of the following statements best describes the writer’s main purpose in Reading Passage 3?

Keywords for the question: best, describes, writer’s main purpose,

All the different paragraphs in this passage explain different conceptions ‘scientific method’ of research.

So, the best match is: D (to help Ph.D students by explaining different conceptions of the research process)
March 12, 2024
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Introduction – Birthdays
Birthdays
1. How do children in your country celebrate birthdays?
  Children celebrate birthdays in various ways. Some invite friends for cake-cutting at home, while older children host parties at venues. Additionally, some opt for charitable celebrations, contributing to donations.
2. How did you mark your most recent birthday?
  For my last birthday, I treated my friends to dinner at Rangla Punjab, a renowned restaurant in the outskirts of my hometown.
3. What types of birthday gifts do you prefer receiving?
  I appreciate gifts such as clothes, books, and flowers, viewing them as expressions of love. Consequently, I happily accept whatever thoughtful gesture someone brings me.
4. Have there been differences in how you celebrated your birthday in the past compared to now?
  During my younger years, my mother used to prepare snacks and bake a cake at home for my birthday celebrations. I would invite friends over. However, as I’ve grown older, I now prefer taking my friends out for lunch or dinner instead.
March 12, 2024
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Introduction – Punctuality
Punctuality
1. Do you don a watch?
  (Similar to above) Do you believe everyone should wear a watch?
  Yes, I wear a watch, and I advocate for everyone to do the same or keep track of the time. While many people now check the time on their cell phones, the crucial aspect is being punctual and not squandering time.
2. Is punctuality important in your country? (e.g., for meetings, work, classes)
  Yes, punctuality is of utmost importance in India for meetings, work, and classes. Time holds great value, as unlike money, once gone, it doesn’t return.
3. Do you prioritize being on time?
  (Similar to above) Is being on time significant to you?
  Yes, being on time holds immense importance for me. I make sure never to be late for my classes, appointments, or meetings, recognizing that time is more valuable than any material possession or money.
4. How do you react when others are late?
  When others are occasionally late, it may be due to a genuine problem. However, if someone consistently arrives late, it’s a habit I do not appreciate or endorse.
5. How do you ensure punctuality for yourself?
  I usually remember appointments and meetings, but at times, I set reminders on my phone to ensure punctuality.
6. Why are some people consistently late?
  Consistent lateness in some people stems from poor planning and ineffective time management. It may also reflect a lack of appreciation for the value of time.
7. Do you consider punctuality important?
  Yes, punctuality is crucial. It not only saves our time but also respects the time of others. Time is the most precious commodity.
8. What do you do while waiting for someone?
  If I am waiting for someone, I may pass the time by playing games on my phone, reading the news, or chatting with friends.
9. Do you think people nowadays are as punctual as in the past?
  I believe people are as punctual nowadays as they were in the past. However, factors like modern traffic conditions can occasionally hinder individuals from reaching their destinations on time despite their intentions to be punctual for work, meetings, or appointments.
March 12, 2024

SENSE	SPECIES	ABILITY	COMMENTS
Taste	all	poor	nerves linked to there are undeveloped

SENSE	SPECIES	ABILITY	COMMENTS
Vision	___________	yes	probably do not have stereoscopic vision

SENSE	SPECIES	ABILITY	COMMENTS
Vision	dolphins, porpoises,	yes	probably have stereoscopic vision __________ and __________

SENSE	SPECIES	ABILITY	COMMENTS
Vision	____________	yes	probably have stereoscopic vision forward and upward