Author: theieltsbridge

Reading Passage 1: The Development of the London underground railway

1. ………………………… of London increased rapidly between 1800 and 1850

population – First paragraph, first line. In the first half (1800 – 1850) of the 1800s, London’s population grew at an astonishing rate.

• Building the railway would make it possible to move people to better housing in the……………….

Suburb – Second Paragraph, Fourth line. His idea was to relocate the poor workers who lived in the inner- city slums to newly constructed suburbs.

• A number of …………….agreed with Pearson’s idea

Businessmen –  Second Paragraph, Sixth line. Pearson’s ideas gained support amongst some businessmen and in.

• The company initially had problem getting the …………….needed for the project

Funding – Third Paragraph, Fourth line. The organization had difficulty in raising the funding for such a radical and expensive scheme.

• Negative articles about the project appeared in the………………

press –  Third Paragraph, Fifth line.  not least because of the critical (negative) articles printed by the press.

• With the completion of the brick arch, the tunnel was covered with ……..

soil – Fourth Paragraph, Last line. A two-metre-deep layer of soil was laid on the top of the tunnel and the road above rebuilt.

True/ False/Not given

       7. Other countries had built underground railways before the metropolitan line opened.

False – Fifth Paragraph, First line. The metropolitan line, which opened on 10 January 1863, was the world’s first underground railway.

• More people than predicted travelled on the metropolitan line on the first day.

Not Given – Fifth Paragraph, Second and third line.  On its first day, almost 40,000 passengers were carried between Paddington and Farringdon, the journey taking 18 minutes.
Explanation:- nowhere it is written that people were more than predicted (already thought).

• The use of ventilation shafts failed to prevent pollution in the tunnels.

True – Sixth Paragrah, Fifth line to last line. The line used specially designed locomotives that were fitted with water tanks in which steam could be condensed. However, smoke and fumes remained a problem, even though ventilation shafts were added to the tunnels.

Explanation:- Smoke and fumes remained (persisted) despite ventilation shafts in tunnel. It means shafts were failed to stop pollution in tunnels.

1. A different approach from the ‘cut and cover’ technique was required in London’s central area.

True – Seventh Paragraph, Second line to last line. The problem was partly that that the existing underground lines formed a circuit around the centre of London and extended to the suburbs, but did not cross the capital’s centre. The ‘cut and cover’ method of construction was not an option in this part of the capital. The only alternative was to tunnel deep underground.  

Explanation:- The ‘cut and cover’ method of construction was not an option means this method could not be used.

1. The windows on City & South London trains were at eye level.

False – Eighth Paragraph, Sixth line. The carriages were narrow and had tiny windows just  below the roof because it was thought that passengers would not want to look out at the tunnels walls.

Explanation:- Windows were just below the train’s roof. It means above the eye level.

1. The City & South London Railway was a financial success.

False  – Eighth Paragraph, Eighth line . Although the city & South London Railway was a great technical achievement, it did not make a profit.

Explanation:- Financial success means earning a lot of money. But it was not true.

1. Trains on the ‘Tuppenny Tube’ nearly always ran on time.

Not Given – Eighth Paragraph, last three lines. The Central London Railway, known as the ‘Tuppenny Tube’, began operation using new electric locomotives. It was very popular and soon afterwards new railways and extensions were added to growing tube networks.

Explanation:- There is nothing about time.

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

Which section contain the following information?

1. a mention of negative attitudes towards stadium building projects.

A – A paragraph’s second part full. Today, however, stadiums are regarded with growing scepticism. Construction costs can soar above 1 billion, and stadiums finished for major events such as the Olympic Games or the FIFA World Cup have notably fallen into disuse and disrepair. Vocabulary :- Scepticism – doubt as to the truth of something

Explanation:- The meaning of these lines is that billions are spent on making these stadium, which are used only for one big event, and after that, there is no use of them, and even, they are not repaired. These are negative points for stadiums.

1. figures demonstrating the environmental benefits of a certain stadium.

F – F Pragraph’s second part’s first line to fifth line. Freiburg Mage Solar Stadium in Germany is the first of new wave of stadiums as power plants, which also includes the Amsterdam Arena and the Kaohsiung Stadium. The latter, inaugurated in 2009, has         8,844 photovoltaic panels producing up to 1.14 GWh of electricity annually. This reduces the annual output of carbon dioxide by 660 tons and supplies up to 80 percent of the surrounding area when the stadium is not in use.

Explanation:- Environmental benefits: 1.14 GWh of electricity is produced annually from the solar system at Kaohsiung Stadium, which reduces 660 tons of carbon dioxide emission. Figures: 1.14 GHW & 660 tons.

1. examples of the wide range of facilities available at some new stadiums.

E – paragraph’s second part full paragraph and first line from third paragraph. There’s a growing trend for stadiums to be equipped with public spaces and services that serve a function beyond sport, such as hotels, retail outlets, conference centres, restaurants and bars, children’s playgrounds and green space. Creating mixed-use developments such as this reinforces compactness and multi – functionality, making more efficient use of land helping to regenerate urban spaces.

Explanation:- The wide range of facilities: hotels, retail outlets, conference centres, restaurants, bars, children’s playgrounds and green space.

1. reference to the disadvantages of the stadiums built during a certain era.

 D – D Paragraph’s second line to the last line. But some of the flexibility was lost at the beginning of the 20^th century, as stadiums were developed using new products such as steel and reinforced concrete, and made use of bright lights for night-time matches. Many such stadiums are situated in suburban areas, designed for sporting use only and surrounded by parking lots. These factors mean that they may not be as accessible to the general public

Explanation:- Certain era: 20^th century. Disadvantages:- 1. Due to the use of steel and concrete, the stadiums were not easy to change as intended. 2. Designed for sporting only so not accessible to the general public.

Complete the summary below.

Roman amphitheatres

1. The amphitheatre of Arles, for example, was converted first into a………………, then into a residential area

fortress – B paragraph’s first three line. The amphitheatre of Arles in Southwest France, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, is perhaps the best example of just how versatile stadium can be. Built by the Romans in 90 AD, it became a fortress with four towers after the fifth century,

1. and finally into an arena where spectators could watch……………… .

bullfights – B paragraph’s first part’s last three lines. With the growing interest in conservation during the 19^th century, it was converted back into an arena for the staging of bullfights, thereby returning the structure to its original use as a venue for public spectacles.

• Meanwhile, the arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, is famous today as a venue where………………..is performed.

opera –  B paragraph’s second part’s last two lines It has endured the centuries and is currently considered one of the world’s prime sites for opera

• The site of Lucca’s amphitheatre has also been used for many

purposes over the centuries, including the storage of…………………………..

salt – C paragraph from third line.  The site (centre of the Italian Town of Lucca) evolved in a similar way to Arles and was progressively filled with buildings from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, variously used as houses, a salt depot and a prison.

Explanation:- Depot = Storage

• It is now a market square with…………………….and homes incorporated into the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.

shops – C Paragraph’s last two line. Today, the ruins of the amphitheatre remain embedded in the various shops and residences surrounding the public square.

Choose TWO letters, A-E

     23&24 When comparing twentieth–century stadiums to ancient amphitheatre in Section D, which TWO negative features does the writer mention?

C –  They are in less convenient location. D paragraph’s last three line. Many such stadiums are situated in suburban areas, designed for sporting use only and surrounded       by parking lots. These factors mean that they may not be as accessible to the general public.

Explanation:- Because of stadiums surrounded by car parks, they might not accessible to the public. 

D – They are less versatile. D paragraph’s second & third line. But some of the flexibility was lost at the beginning of the 20th century, as stadiums were developed using new products such as steel and reinforced concrete,

Explanation:- The use of steel and concrete reduced the flexibility(Versatility) of changing the structure of stadiums. 

    25&26. Which TWO advantages of modern stadium design does the writer mention?  

B – bringing community life back into the city environment. E paragraph’s third part’s first two line.  This opens the space up to families and wider cross-section of society, instead of catering only to sportspeople and supporters.

Explanation:- for more clarification, please read the second part of the E paragraph. Rest is clear I think😉

E – providing a suitable site for the installation of renewable power generators. F paragraph’s first paragraph’s last three line. Stadiums are ideal for these purposes (power stations), because their canopies have large surface area for fitting photovoltaic panels (Solar Panels) and rise high enough (more than 40 metres) to make use of micro wind turbines.

Reading Passage 3:To catch a king

• Charles II then formed a ……………………with the Scots, and in order to become King of Scots,

H – strategic alliance, First paragraph’s fifth line to ninth line. After his father was executed by the parliamentarians in 1649, the young Charles II sacrificed one of the very principles his father had died for and did a deal with the Scots,

Explanation:- Deal = an agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit. Alliance= a union or association formed for mutual benefit

• he abandoned an important……………………. that was held by his father

and had contributed to his father’s death.

J – religious conviction, First paragraph 7^th line to 11^th line. Charles II sacrificed one of the very principles his father had died for and did a deal with the Scots, thereby accepting Presbyterianism as the national religion in return for being crowned King of Scots.

Explanation:- Principle =  proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. Conviction = a firmly held belief or opinion. Presbyterianism =  part of the reformed Protestant religion.

Further explanation:- Charles II’s father had religious principles for what her died, but Charles II abandoned those principles by accepting Presbyterianism.

• The battle led to a………………..for the Parliamentarians and Charles had to flee for his life.

F – decisive victory, First paragraph’s 8^th line to 12^th line from the bottom.  After being comprehensively defeated on the meadows outside the city by the parliamentarian army, the 21-year-old king found himself the subject of a national manhunt

Explanation:- Parliamentarians comprehensively defeated the Charles and he had to flee. Charles’s defeat means parliamentarians’ victory.

• A…………………….was offered for Charles’s capture, but after six weeks spent in hiding,

B – large reward, First paragraph’s 7^th to 9^th line from bottom. with a huge sum offered for his capture.    

Explanation:- Huge sum = Large reward

• he eventually managed to reach the…………………….of continental Europe.

D – relative safety. First paragraph’s 3^rd  to 7^th line from bottom. Over the following six weeks he managed, through a series of heart-poundingly close escapes, to evade the Parliamentarians before seeking refuge in France.

Explanation:- Refuge = a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble.

Yes/No/Not given

     32.Charles chose Pepys for the task because he considered him to be trustworthy.

Not given – second paragraph’s first to sixth line. Years later, after his restoration as king,  the 50-year-old Charles II requested a meeting with the writer and diarist Samuel Pepys. His intention when asking Pepys to commit his story to paper was ensure that this most extraordinary episode was never forgotten.

Explanation:- These lines do not explain whether Pepys was trustworthy or not, and he just want to ensure him to write important episode of his life.    

• Charles’s personal recollection of the escape lacked sufficient detail.

No – Second paragraph’s 7^th  to 9^th line. Over two three-hour sittings, the king related to him in great detail his personal recollections of the six weeks he had spent as fugitive.

Explanation:- The king told him his personal recollections in a great detail.

• Charles indicated to Pepys that he had planned his escape before the battle.

No – second paragraph’s last four line. After the battle was so absolutely lost as to be beyond hope of recovery, I began to think of the best way of saving myself.

Explanation:- Charles decided to escape when he realized that winning the war was not possible for him.

• The inclusion of Charles’s account is a positive aspect of the book.

 Yes – third paragraph’s first line to fourth line. One of the joys of Spencer’s book, a result not least of its use of Charles II’s own narrative as well as those of his supporters, is just how close the reader gets to the action.

Explanation:- The book makes readers feel that they are spectators of the actions (events). In simple language, they feel that they are seeing those events happening in reality, which is joyous.

Choose the correct letter A,B,C and D

• What is the reviewer’s main purpose in the first paragraph?

B – to give an account of the circumstances leading to Charles II’s escape. first paragraph’s twelfth line to twenty-first line. His arrival in Edinburgh prompted the English Parliamentary army to invade Scotland in a pre-emptive strike. This was followed by a Scottish invasion of England. The two sides finally faced one another at Worcester in the west of England in 1651. After being comprehensively defeated on the meadows outside the city by the parliamentarian army the 21-year-old king found himself the subject of a national manhunt.

Explanation:- From his return to Scotland, he was attacked by the British, and then Charles II had to escape because he was defeated in the war. So, the paragraph tells all about the reasons why he had to run after the war.

• Why does the reviewer include examples of the fugitives’ behavior in the third paragraph?

C – to illustrate how the events of six weeks are brought to life. Third paragraph’s last seven line. Spencer draws out both the humour – such as the preposterous refusal of Charles’s friend Henry Wilmot to adopt disguise on the grounds that it was beneath his dignity – and the emotional tension when the secret of the king’s presence was cautiously revealed to his supporters.

Explanation:- The reviewer wants to illustrate how to make the story more realistic (brought to life) the book includes the behaviour of the king and his companions.

• What point does the reviewer makes about Charles II in the fourth paragraph?

A –He chose to celebrate what was essentially a defeat. Fourth paragraph’s eleventh line to last line. This makes it all the more interesting that Charles II himself loved the story ever after. As well as retelling it to anyone who would listen, causing eye-rolling among courtiers, he set in train a series of initiatives to memorialize it……. A series of enormous oil paintings depicting the episode were produced, including a two-metre-wide canvas of Boscobel Wood and a set of six similarly enormous paintings of the king on the run. In 1660, Charles II commissioned the artist John Michael Wright to paint a flying squadron of cherubs carrying an oak tree to the heavens on the ceilings of his bedchamber. It is hard to imagine many other kings marking the lowest point in their life so enthusiastically, or indeed pulling off such an escape in the first place.

Explanation:- Charles II got the episodes of his run painted in numerous ways. He was escaping for his life during that time, which was his life’s low point. Instead of hiding it, he depicted it in several artistic ways.  

• What does the reviewer say about Charles Spencer in the fifth paragraph?

B – He takes an unbiased approach to the subject matter, fifth paragraph’s fifth line to tenth line. He has even-handed sympathy for both the fugitive king and the fierce republican regime that hunted him, he succeeds in his desire to explore far more of the background of the story than previous books on the subject have done.

Explanation:- Even Handed – fair and impartial in treatment or judgment (Unbiased). Charles Spenser (the book writer) did not favour the king or his hunters (republican).

• When the reviewer says the book ‘doesn’t quite hit the mark’, she is making the point that

D – It fails to address whether Charles II’s experiences had a lasting influence on him. Sixth paragraph is first line to tenth line. The tantalizing question left, in the end, is that of what it all meant. Would Charles II have been a different king had these six weeks never happened? The days and nights spent in hiding must have affected him in some way. Did the need to assume disguises, to survive on wit and charm alone, to use trickery and subterfuge to escape from tight corners form him? This is the one area   where the book doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Explanation: – The book did not answer questions like whether this incident brought some changes in his life and character or not. So, this area is not discussed in the book.

Reading Passage 1: Roman tunnels

1. ………………………. to direct the tunneling

posts – First paragraph, 3^rd line. “They introduced the qanat method of tunnel construction, which consisted of placing posts over a hill in a straight line, to ensure that the tunnel kept to its route.” The meaning of “to ensure that the tunnel kept to its route” is that tunnel should go into the right direction.

2. water runs into a …………………….. used by local people

canal – First paragraph, 7^th line. “Once the tunnel was completed, it allowed water to flow from top of a hillside down towards a canal, which supplied water for human use.” Human use = local people.

3. vertical shafts to remove earth and for………………………..

ventilation – First paragraph, 6^th line. “The excavated soil was taken up to the surface using the shafts, which also provided ventilation.”

4. ………………………… made of wood or stone

lid – Second paragraph, 3^rd line. “The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them and were covered with a wooden or stone lid.”

5. ………………………… attached to plumb line

weight – Second paragraph, 5^th line. “Romans hung a plumb line from a rod placed across the top of each shaft and made sure that the weight at the end of it hung in the centre of the shaft.”

6. handholds and footholds used for…………………….

climbing – Second paragraph, 3^rd line.  “The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them.”

TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN

7. The counter-excavation method completely replaced the qanat method in the 6^th century BCE.

FALSE – Third paragraph’s first 3 lines. “It was used to cut through high mountains when the qanat method was not practical alternative.” It means when qanat method was not useful, then counter-excavation method was used. So counter-excavation method did not completely replaced qanat method. So FALSE.

8. Only experienced builders were employed to construct a tunnel using the counter-excavation method.

NOT GIVEN – In third paragraph, from 3^rd line to 5^th line, they talk about knowledge, skill, and planning needed for counter excavation. But not anywhere they said only experienced were employed to construct tunnels using counter-excavation method. So NOT GIVEN.

9. The information about a problem that occurred during the construction of the Saldae aqueduct system was found in ancient book.

False – Third paragraph’s last four lines. In these lines, they said that inscription was written on the side of 428-meter tunnel that describes how two teams of builders missed each other in the mountain. The problem is written on side of the cave not in any ancient book. So FALSE. (Inscription: written or carved on something)  

10. The mistake made by the builders of the Saldae aqueduct system was that the two parts of the tunnel failed to meet.

True –  Third paragraph’s second-last line. “Teams of builders missed each other in the mountain and how the later construction of a lateral link between both corridors corrected the initial error.” Clearly given. So TRUE. (Lateral – from a side or sides)

Answer the questions below

11. What type of mineral were the Dolaucothi mines in Wales built to extract?

gold – Fourth paragraph, 6^th line. “Traces of such tunnels used to mine gold can still be found at Dolaucothi mines in Wales.”

12. In addition to the patron, whose name might be carved onto a tunnel?

(the) architect(‘s) (name) – Last paragraph, 11^th line. “Most tunnels had inscriptions showing the names of patrons who ordered construction and sometimes the name of the architect.”

13. What part of Seleuceia Pieria was the Cevlik tunnel built to protect?

(the) harbour/ harbor – Last paragraph, 13^th line. “1.4- kilometer Cevlik tunnel in Turkey, built to divert the floodwater threatening the harbor of the ancient city of Seleuceia Pieria”

Reading Passage 2:Changes in reading habits

14. What is the writer’s main point in the first paragraph?

A – Our use of technology is having a hidden effect on us– First paragraph, lines 4 to 6. “The meaning of these lines is that neuronal circuit related to our reading ability is changing without everyone’s knowledge.” Unbeknown-without the knowledge of someone. Invisible is a synonym to hidden. Hence, there is a hidden effect.

15. What main point does Sherry Turkle make about innovation?

B – We should pay attention to what might be lost when innovation occurs– Third paragraph, line 2 to 5. “We do not err as a society when we innovate but when we ignore what we disrupt or diminish while innovating.” In these lines, the writer said that we make an err (mistake) when we do not pay attention to what we disrupt or diminish (make or become less) while innovating.

16. What point is the writer making in the fourth paragraph?

D – Some brain circuits adjust to whatever is required of them– Fourth paragraph, line 2 to 6. “It will adapt to that environment’s requirements” This paragraph is about reading circuit of the brain, and the writer explained that reading circuit changes according to the requirement. (Adapt- adjust modify)

17. According to Mark Edmundson, the attitude of college students

B – has influenced what they select to read– Fifth paragraph, line 3 to 5. “In these lines, Mark Edmundson said the students have attitude of no patience to read longer, denser, and more difficult text so they avoid (not select) classic literature of 19^th and 20^th century.”

Write the correct letter A-H

Studies on digital screen use

18. showing some……………. trends.

D – worrying. Sixth paragraph’s First two lines. Keyword -> Troubling = Worrying.

19. technique to find out how ………………….. each group’s understanding

H – thorough. 6^th paragraph, line 6 and 7. “Result indicated that who read on print were superior in their comprehension” Keyword – superior in their comprehension = thorough in understanding.  

20. finding the order of information …………………… to recall.

F – hard. 6^th paragraph, line 6 to 8. “Result indicated that students who read on print were superior in their comprehension to screen-reading peers, particularly in their ability to sequence detail and reconstruct the plot in chronological order.” In these lines, the writer said students who read on print were good at understanding and they can better detail information in chronological (following the order of events in which they occurred) order. So it means screen reading peers were not good at such capabilities and it was hard for them to recall order of information.

21. tending to read  ………………….. words and phrases in a text to save time.

B – isolated. 7^th paragraph line 3 to 4. “ Many readers now use a pattern when reading in which they sample the first line and the word-spot through rest of the text. When the reading brain skims like this, it reduces time allocated to deep reading processes.” Word-spotting = isolated words

22. superficial understanding of the ……………………… content of material

C – emotional. 7^th paragraph’s last 2 lines. “In other words, we don’t have time to grasp complexity, to understand another’s feelings.” Feelings = emotions.

YES/ NO/ NOT GIVEN

23. The medium we use to read can affect our choice of reading content.

Yes – Eighth paragraph, line 3 & 4. “It is about how all we have begun to read on various mediums and how that changes not only what we read, but also purposes for which we read.” What we read = choice of reading content. So the answer is YES.

24. Some age groups are more likely to lose the complex reading skills than others.

No – Eighth paragraph, line 4 & 5. “Nor is it only about the young. The subtle atrophy of critical analysis and empathy effects us all equally.” It effects us all equally, not some age groups. So the answer is NO. Atrophy = gradual decline in effectiveness or vigour. 

25. False information has become more widespread in today’s digital era.

Not Given – Eighth paragraph, line 5 to 8. In these lines, the writer said that due to a lot of information, we go to familiar (known) information which is unchecked and receive and require no analysis. It makes likely to influence by false information. But nowhere the writer talk about false information has become widespread. So the answer is NOT GIVEN.

26. We still have opportunities to rectify the problems that technology is presenting.

YES – Last paragraph’s line 3 & 4. “We possess both the science and the technology to identify and redress the changes how we read before they become entrenched.” It means we have science and technology to find and rectify (solve/ redress) problems that technology is presenting before they get permanent. Entrenched = firmly established.

Reading Passage 3:Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence

27. Section A

iii – The superiority of AI projections over those made by humans. Section A’s full first part and the second part’s first line. A section’s first part tells about fields in which AI is used to predict future. In the A section’s second part’s first line, it is clearly said that AI is almost always better at forecasting (predict/projection) than we are. So the answer is iii. 

28. Section B

vi – Widespread distrust of an AI innovation. B section’s first part, from line 6 to 9, and line 1 & 2 of the second part of B section. Watson is a supercomputer used for Oncology. If Watson gives opinion about treatment that doctors already know, then doctors do not see it with much value. If Watson recommends something opposite of expert’s opinion, doctors think Watson is not smart enough. It means they do not want to trust Watson in any way. So the answer is vi. 

29. Section C

ii – Reasons why we have more faith in human judgement than in AI. Section C, from line 1 to 5. In these lines, the writer explained that we trust in human more because we understand how others think and our trust on them was right so we feel safe. But we do not know much about AI, so we do not faith them. Thus, the answer is ii.   

30. Section D

i – An increasing divergence of attitudes towards AI. Section D’s 2^nd part’s 3^rd & 4^th line. “ As AI is represented more and more in media and entertainment, it could lead to society split between those who benefit and those who reject it.” Divergence (split) = Difference in opinions.

31. Section E

vii – Encouraging openness about how AI functions. Section E’s full second part. The first line of this part said showing more about how algorithms work and for what they work will improve the trust in AI. So answer is vii.

32. Section F

v – The advantages of involving users in AI processes. First line of F section. “Allowing people’s control over AI decision-making could also improve trust”. Advantage-> improve people’s trust.

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

33. What is the writer doing in Section A?

C  – highlighting the existence of a problem. Section A’s second part’s line 2 & 3. The problem is the lack of confidence in AI predictions. So the answer is C. 

34. According to Section C, why might some people be reluctant to accept AI?

B – its complexity makes them feel they are at a disadvantage. Section C’s first part’s last three lines. A sense of losing control is the disadvantage that the writer talked about. Complexity-> difficult to comprehend. Comprehend = understand.

35. What does the writer say about the media in Section C of the text?

A – It leads the public to be mistrustful of AI. Section C’s second part’s lines 3 to 5. “Embarrassing AI failures receive a disproportionate amount of media attention, emphasizing the massage that we cannot rely on technology.” Clearly give.   

YES/ NO/ NOT GIVEN

36. Subjective depictions of AI in sci-fi films make people change their opinion about automation.

NO – Section D’s first part’s lines 3 to 7. “In the last line of this part, it is said that optimists became more extreme in their enthusiasm for AI and skeptics became even more guarded.” It means people who favour AI start favoring more while who doubt AI became stronger in their opinion after watching AI film. So the answer is NO.

37. Portrayals of AI in media and entertainment are likely to become more positive.

NOT GIVEN – There is discussion related to media and entertainment in D section but nothing is discussed whether the media will portray AI positively or not.

38. Rejection of the possibilities of AI may have a negative effect on many people’s lives.

YES – Section D’s second part’s last 2 lines. “Refusing to accept the advantages offered by AI could place a large group of people at a serious disadvantage.” Clearly given. So, the answer is YES.

39. Familiarity with AI has very little impact on people’s attitude to the technology.

NO – Section E’s first part’s lines 2 to 4. “In these lines, the writer said that having previous experience with AI can significantly improve people’s opinion about technology.” The given lines contradict with the question. So the answer is NO.

40. AI applications which users are able to modify are more likely to gain consumer approval.

YES – Section F’s first part’s lines 3 & 4. “When people were allowed the freedom to slightly modify an algorithm, they felt more satisfied with its decision”. So the answer is YES.

Reading Passage 1:Roman shipbuilding and navigation

1. The Romans’ shipbuilding skills were passed on to the Greeks and the Egyptians.

FALSE – First paragraph, third line. “The Romans were not traditionally sailors but mostly land-based people, who learned to build ships from the people that they conquered, namely the Greeks and the Egyptians.” Here, the writer said that the Romans learned to build ships from the Greeks and the Egyptians. The question statement contradicts the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is FALSE.

2. Skilled craftsmen were needed for the mortise and tenon method of fixing planks.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. Some information is given in the second paragraph related to fixing mortise and tenon, in fifth line. However, there is no information on whether skilled craftsmen were needed for this work or not. So, NOT GIVEN.

3. The later practice used by Mediterranean shipbuilders involved building the hull before the frame.

FALSE – Second paragraph, seventh line. “Mediterranean shipbuilders shifted to another shipbuilding method, still in use today, which consisted of building the frame first and then proceeding with the hull ….” Here, the writer said that Mediterranean shipbuilders build the frame first and then the hull. The question statement contradicts the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is FALSE.

4. The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea Mare Nostrum because they dominated its use.

TRUE – Third paragraph, second-last line. “Eventually, Rome’s navy became the largest and most powerful in the Mediterranean, and the Romans had control over what they therefore called Mare Nostrum meaning ‘our sea’.” Here, ‘dominated‘ means ‘had control’. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

5. Most rowers on ships were people from the Roman army.

TRUE – Fourth paragraph, fourth line from end. “It is worth noting that contrary to popular perception, rowers were not slaves but mostly Roman citizens enrolled in the military.” Here, the writer said that rowers were Roman people who were in the military (army). The question statement matches the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

Complete the summary below.

Warships and merchant ships

6. Warships were designed so that they were ………. and moved quickly.

Lightweight – Third paragraph, first line. “Warships were built to be lightweight and very speedy.” ‘Speedy’ means warships can ‘move quickly’. ‘Designed’ is similar to ‘built’. Hence, the answer is lightweight.

7. A battering ram made of ………. was included in the design for attacking and damaging the timber and oars of enemy ships.

Bronze – Third paragraph, fourth line. “They had a bronze battering ram, which was used to pierce the timber hulls or break the oars of enemy vessels.” Here, bronze battering ram means that battering ram is made of bronze.

8. Warships, such as the ‘trireme’, had rowers on three different ………. .

Levels – Fourth paragraph, first line. “The ‘trireme’ was the dominant warship from the 7^th to 4^th century BCE. It had rowers in the top, middle and lower levels,…” Here, it is given that trireme is a warship, and it had rowers on three (top, middle and lower) different levels.

9. Unlike warships, merchant ships had a broad ………. that lay far below the surface of the sea.

Hull – Fifth paragraph, second line. “They had a wider hull, …… Unlike warships, their V-shaped hull was deep underwater, …..” Here, ‘they’ referred to ‘merchant ships’ (read the first line of this paragraph). ‘Wider’ is a synonym for ‘broad’. ‘Deep’ gives a hint that it is ‘far’. ‘Underwater’ means it is ‘below the surface of the sea’. Hence, the answer is hull.

10. They had both square and ………. sails.

Triangular – Fifth paragraph, fifth line. “They had from one to three masts with large square sails and a small triangular sail at the bow.” Here, it is clear that the two shapes of sail are square and triangular. Hence, the answer is triangular.

11. On merchant ships and warships, ………. was used to ensure rowers moved their oars in and out of the water at the same time.

Music – Fifth paragraph, second-last line. “In order to assist them, music would be played on an instrument, and oars would then keep time with this.” Here, it is given that oars keep time (move in and out at the same time) with the music.

12. Quantities of agricultural goods such as ………. were transported by merchant ships to two main ports in Italy.

Grain – Sixth paragraph, first line. “The cargo on merchant ships included raw materials …… and agricultural products (e.g. grain from Egypt’s Nile valley).” Here, ‘goods’ are similar to ‘products’. Hence, the answer is grain.

13. The ships were pulled to the shore by ………. .

Towboats – Sixth paragraph, third-last line. “Large merchant ships would approach the destination port and just like today, be intercepted by a number of towboats that would drag them to the quay.” Here, ‘quay’ means ‘shore’. ‘Drag’ means ‘pull’. Hence, towboats are used to pull the ships to the shore.

Reading Passage 2:Climate change reveals ancient artefacts in Norway’s glaciers

14. an explanation for weapons being left behind in the mountains

D – D paragraph, third line. “Hunters would have easily misplaced arrows and they often discarded broken bows rather than take them all the way home.” So, hunters did not take weapons to their home and left them in the mountains.

15. a reference to the physical difficulties involved in an archaeological expedition

C – C paragraph’s 2^nd part’s first line. “The slow but steady movement of glaciers tends to destroy anything at their bases, so the team focused on stationary patches of ice, mostly above 1,400 metres.

C paragraph’s 3^rd part’s first line. “Fieldwork is hard work- hiking with all our equipment, often camping on permafrost.”

 In the above-given lines, the writer talked about physical difficulties. Hence, these are the physical difficulties faced by archaeologists.

16. an explanation of why less food may have been available

F – F paragraph’s 2^nd part’s last three lines. “A colder turn in the Scandinavian climate would likely have meant widespread crop failures, …” Hence, less food may have been available because of crop failure due to cold climate.

17. a reference to the possibility of future archaeological discoveries

H – H paragraph, second-last line. “That means archaeologists could be extracting some of those artefacts from retreating ice in years to come.” Here, the writer said that in the coming years, archaeologists could find some artefacts.

18. examples of items that would have been traded

G – G paragraph, from fifth line. “And growing Norwegian …… would have created a booming demand for hides to fight off the cold, as well as antlers to make useful things like combs.” Here, the writer gives examples of two things that would have been traded. Hide = skin of an animal. Antler = horns of an adult deer.

19. a reference to the pressure archaeologists are under to work quickly

B – B paragraph’s 2^nd part’s first 2 lines. “With climate change shrinking ice cover around the world, glacial archaeologists need to race the clock to find newly revealed artefacts, preserve them and study them.” ‘Race the clock’ means they have to do ‘hurry’.

Complete the summary below.

Interesting finds at an archaeological site

20. They have little protection against ………. , which means that they decay relatively quickly.

Microorganisms/ micro-organisms – B paragraph, second line. “This is because unless they’re protected from the microorganisms that cause decay, they tend not to last long.” For more understanding, read the first line of this paragraph also. Hence, the answer is microorganisms.

21. In the past, there were trade routes through these mountains and ………. gathered there in the summer months

Reindeer – C paragraph, fourth line. “Reindeer once congregated on these icy patches in the later summer months …….. In addition, trade routes threaded through the mountain passes ….” Congregated means gathered. Reindeer gathered on icy patches during the summer months. Hence, the answer is reindeer.

22. gathered there in the summer months to avoid being attacked by ………. on lower grounds.

Insects – C paragraph, fourth line. “Reindeer once congregated on these icy patches in the later summer months to escape biting insects, ….” Here, the writer said reindeer gathered there to save themselves from insects. ‘Biting insects’ means ‘insects that bite’. ‘Escape’ means ‘to avoid’. Hence, the answer is insects.

Questions 23 and 24

Choose TWO letters, A–E.

Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the discoveries of Barrett’s team?

B – Hunters went into the mountains even during periods of extreme cold. F paragraph, sixth line. “But it turned out that hunters kept regularly venturing into the mountains even when the climate turned cold, …” Hence, hunters regularly went to mountains during cold climate.

C – The number of artefacts from certain time periods was relatively low. E paragraph, forth line. “They found that some periods had produced lots of artefacts, which indicates that people had been pretty active in the mountains during those times. But there were few or no signs of activity during other periods.” Here, the writer said that some periods had produced lots of artefacts which mean people were more active during those periods. However, there were some periods when people were less active means those periods had produced fewer artefacts.

Questions 25 and 26

Choose TWO letters, A–E.

Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the Viking Age?

A – Hunters at this time benefitted from an increased demand for goods. G paragraph, fifth line. “And growing Norwegian towns, along with export markets, would have created a booming demand for hides to fight off the cold, as well as antlers to make useful things like combs. Business must have been good for hunters.” The writer said that the booming (increased) demand for goods necessarily (must) benefitted the hunters.

C – Vikings did not rely on ships alone to transport goods. G paragraph, third line. “Although we usually think of ships when we think of Scadinavian expansion, these recent discoveries show that plenty of goods travelled on overland routes, ..” Here, the writer said that the latest discoveries show that a lot of goods were transported on overland (by land) routes. Hence, they did not rely only on ships.

Reading Passage 3:Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat

27. The Cambridge scientists’ discovery of the ‘thermometer molecule’ caused surprise among other scientists.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. There is some information related to the discovery of the thermometer molecule by Cambridge scientists in paragraph A, but there is no such information whether it caused surprise among other scientists or not. Hence, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

28. The target for agricultural production by 2050 could be missed.

TRUE – D paragraph, fourth line. “It is estimated that agricultural yields will need to double by 2050, but climate change is a major threat to achieving this.” Here, it is given that the target for 2050 could not be achieved due to climate change. It means it could be missed. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

29. Wheat and rice suffer from a rise in temperatures.

TRUE – D paragraph, fifth line. “Key crops such as wheat and rice are sensitive to high temperatures. Thermal stress reduces crop yields by around 10% of every one degree increase in temperature.” Sensitive means wheat and rice are affected by high temperatures. Hence, the answer is TRUE.

30. It may be possible to develop crops that require less water.

NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is not given.

31. Plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade.

FALSE – E paragraph, second line. “During the day, sunlight activates the molecules, slowing down growth. If a plant finds itself in shade, phytochromes are quickly inactivated – enabling it to grow faster to find sunlight again.” Here, it is given that sunlight slows the growth of a plant, and in the shade, the plant grows faster to find sunlight. The question statement contradicts the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is FALSE.

32. Phytochromes change their state at the same speed day and night.

FALSE – E paragraph’s 1^st part’s second-last line. “’Light-driven changes to phytochrome activity occur very fast, in less than a second,’ says Wigge. At night, however, it’s a different story. Instead of a rapid deactivation following sundown, the molecules gradually change from their active to inactive state.” Here, the writer said that during the day, the state of phytochromes changes very fast. However, at night, it changes gradually (slowly). The question statement contradicts the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is FALSE.

Which section contains the following information?

33. mention of specialists who can make use of the research findings

H – H paragraph, seventh line. “’Cambridge is uniquely well-positioned………. Into the field” In these lines they talk about outstanding collaborators (specialists) who work on more applied aspects of plant biology. Outstanding collaborators can help this new knowledge (research findings) into the fields. So “H” is the right answer.

34. a reference to a potential benefit of the research findings

D – D paragraph, 8th line. “’Discovering the molecules that allow plants to sense temperature has the potential to accelerate the breeding of crops resilient to thermal stress and climate change.” Here, the writer said that molecules have the potential to speed up the breeding of crops. It is the potential (having the capacity to do something in the future) benefit of the research.

35. scientific support for a traditional saying

G – G paragraph, third line. “In fact, the discovery of the dual role of phytochromes provides the science behind a well-known rhyme long used to predict the coming season: oak before ash we’ll have a splash, ash before oak we’re in for a soak.” Here, ‘well-known’ means ‘famous’, and it is said that this rhyme was used earlier (means it is traditional) to predict the season. The writer said that certain discovery gives the science behind this rhyme. Hence, it provides scientific support to this traditional rhyme.

36. a reference to people traditionally making plans based on plant behavior

C – C paragraph, first line. “Farmers and gardeners have known for hundreds of years how responsive plants are to temperature: warm winters cause many trees and flowers to bud early, something humans have long used to predict weather and harvest times for the coming year.” Here, the writer said that farmers and gardeners know about plants’ behavior to temperature, and they used this knowledge to predict weather and harvest times (plan).

37. a reference to where the research has been reported

A – A paragraph’s 2^nd part’s first line. “The new findings, published in the journal Science, show that phytochromes  ….” Hence, the research (new findings) has been reported in the journal Science.

Complete the sentences below.

38. Daffodils are likely to flower early in response to ………. weather.

Warm (winter) – G paragraph, first line. “Other species, such as daffodils, have considerable temperature sensitivity, and can flower months in advance during a warm winter.” Here, the writer said that daffodils flower early during a warm winter. Hence, the answer is warm (winter).

39. If ash trees come into leaf before oak trees, the weather in ………. will probably be wet.

Summer – G paragraph, eighth line. “A warmer spring, and consequently a higher likeliness of a hot summer will result in oak leafing before ash. …….. a colder summer is likely to be a rain-soaked one.” The meaning of above lines is that warmer spring > hot summer > oak leafing before ash. The opposite of it: ash leafing before oak > colder spring > colder summer (rain-soaked). ‘Rain-Soaked’ means ‘wet’. Hence, the answer is summer.

40. The research was carried out using a particular species of ………. .

Mustard plant(s) / mustard – H paragraph, second line. “The work was done in a model system, using a mustard plant called Arabidopsis, …” In the first line of this paragraph, the writer started discussing the research, and later in this line, it is said that the work was done using a mustard plant. Hence, the answer is mustard.

 

Reading Passage 1:The White Horse of Uffington

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gleaming = of a smooth surface reflecting light.

6. Many geoglyphs in England are no longer visible.

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

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

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

Altered = Changed

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

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

Complete the notes below.

The Uffington White Horse

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

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

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

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

Earliest = First.  Mention = Reference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 2:I contain multitudes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We should be more tolerant of microbes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 3:How to make wise decisions

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

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

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

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

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

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

30. What is described in the fifth paragraph?

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

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

The characteristics of wise reasoning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 1:Why we need to protect polar bears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Complete the table

Reasons why polar bears should be protected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 2:The Step Pyramid of Djoser

14. Paragraph A

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

15. Paragraph B

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

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

16. Paragraph C

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

17. Paragraph D

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

18. Paragraph E

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

19. Paragraph F

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

20. Paragraph G

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

Complete the notes below

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which TWO points does the writer make about King Djoser?

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

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

Reading Passage 3:The future of work

27. The first paragraph tells us about

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

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

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

29. What did Pachidi observe at the telecommunications company?

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

30. In his recently published research, Ewan McGaughey

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

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

The ‘algorithmication’ of jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 1:The return of the huarango

Questions 1-5: Completing notes:

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

Title of the note: The importance of the huarango tree

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: water

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: diet

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: drought

Question no. 4: prevents _____ of the soil

Keywords for the question: prevents, of the soil,

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

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

So, the answer is: erosion  

Question no. 5: prevents land from becoming a _______

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

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

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

So, the answer is: desert

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

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

Title of the table: Traditional uses of the huarango tree

 Question no. 6:

Part of tree	Traditional use
_____________	fuel

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

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

Here, charcoal for cooking and heating = fuel,

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

Question no. 7:

Part of tree	Traditional use
________ and _______	medicine

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

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

Here, herbal remedies = medicine,

So, the answer is: (in either order)

leaves (and) bark

Question no. 8:

Part of tree	Traditional use
____________	construction

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

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

Here, build houses = construction,  

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

Question 9-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

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

Questions 14-19: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 20-26: Completing notes

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

The title of the summary: Silbo Gomero

Question no. 20:

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

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

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

Here, recoded into whistles = represented into different sounds,   

So, the answer is: words

Question no. 21:

pitch of whistle is controlled using silbador’s ___________

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

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

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

So, the answer is: finger

Question no. 22:

________ is changed with a cupped hand

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

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

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

So, the answer is: direction

Question no. 23:

in everyday use for the transmission of brief ___________

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

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

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

So, the answer is: commands

Question no. 24:

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: fires

Question no. 25:

future under threat because of new ________

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

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

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

So, the answer is: technology

Question no. 26:

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: award

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

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

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

Title of the summary: Big businesses

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (moral standards)

Questions no. 28, 29, 30, 31:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

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

Questions 32-34: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

The public = ordinary people,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions 35-39: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

Question no. 40: Multiple choice questions

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

What would be the best subheading for this passage?

Keywords for the question: best subheading,   

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

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

Reading Passage 1:Henry Moore (1898-1986)

Questions 1-7: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 8-13: Completing notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: resignation

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: materials

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: miners

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: family

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: collectors

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: income

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

Questions 14-20: List of headings

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

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

Question no. 14: Section A

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question no. 15: Section B

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

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

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

Question no. 16: Section C

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

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

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

Question no. 17: Section D

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

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

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

Question no. 18: Section E

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

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

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

Question no. 19: Section F

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

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

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

Question no. 20: Section G

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

Here, funding = finance,

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

Questions 21-26: Summary completion

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

The headline of the summary: How the Desolenator works

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: wheels

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: film   

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: filter

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: waste

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: performance

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: servicing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions 32-37: Completing summary with list of words

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (links)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F (variations)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B (events)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C (warnings)

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: G (horror)

Questions 37-40: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 1: Could urban engineers learn from dance?

Questions 1-6: Identifying information

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

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

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

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

Here, appear counter-intuitive = appear to reverse,  

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

So, the answer is: E

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

Questions 7-13: Summary completion

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

Title of the summary: Guard rails

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

• safety
• traffic

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: carriageway  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: mobile  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: dangerous

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

Keywords for the question: guard rails, separate,  

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

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

So, the answer is: communities 

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: healthy

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

Questions 14-17: Identifying information

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

Questions 18-22: Summary completion

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

Title of the summary: The woolly mammoth revival project

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

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

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

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

Here, pinpointing = identifying,

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

So, the answer is: genetic traits

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

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

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

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

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

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

reducing = minimise,

So, the answer to question 19 is: heat loss

Again, smaller = of a reduced size,

So, the answer to question 20 is: ears  

And, extra = more,

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: (carbon) emissions    

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B (Michael Archer)   

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C (Beth Shapiro)

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (Ben Novak)

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C (Beth Shapiro)

Reading Passage 3: Having a laugh    

Questions 27-31: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: suggest about, Charley Douglass,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: happened, San Diego study,     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions 32-36: Completing summary with list of words

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

Title of the summary: The benefits of humour

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F (emotion)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: H (amusing)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C (boring)

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

• D (anxiety)
• E (stimulating)

Questions 37-40: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Here, as expected = as predicted,

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

Here, the traditional view = established notions,

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

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1:Nutmeg – a valuable spice

Questions 1-4: Completing notes:

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

Title of the note: The nutmeg tree and fruit

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

Keywords for the question: leaves, shape,

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

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

So, the answer is: oval

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: husk

Question no. 3 & 4:

• the ________ is used to produce the spice nutmeg

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

• seed
• mace

Questions 5-7: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 8-13: Completing table: ONE WORD ONLY

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Arabs  

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

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

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

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

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

So, the name of the disease was the plague.

So, the answer is: plague  

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: lime  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Run  

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

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

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

Here, smuggled = secretly taken,

So, the answer is: Mauritius  

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

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

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

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

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

Questions 14-19: Identifying information

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

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

Here, Automation = driverless vehicles,  

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: G

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

Questions 19-22: Summary completion:

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

Title of the summary: The impact of driverless cars

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: human error

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, reduce = drop, vehicle = car,

So, the answer is: ownership

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: mileage

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: TWO benefits, automated vehicles,    

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

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

And,

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

So, the answers are:

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

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

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

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

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

Here, hurdles = challenges,

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

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

So, the answers are:

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

Reading Passage 3:  What is exploration?

Questions 27-32: Multiple choice questions

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

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

Keywords for the question: visitors to New York

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, we all have this enquiring instinct = an urge that is common to everyone,

So, the answer is: C (They act on an urge that is common to everyone.)

Question no. 29: The writer refers to a description of Egdon Heath to suggest that –

Keywords for the question: Egdon Heath,

We find the reference of Egdon Heath in paragraph no. 3. In the first few lines, the writer says, “Thomas Hardy set some of his novels in Egdon Heath, a fictional area of uncultivated land, and used the landscape to suggest the desires and fears of his characters. . . .”

Here, desires and fears of his characters = people’s emotional states,

This means it was Hardy’s aim to study the emotional states of the characters of his novels, setting a fictional area.  

So, the answer is: C (Hardy’s aim was to investigate people’s emotional states.)

Question no. 30: In the fourth paragraph, the writer refers to ‘a golden age’ to suggest that –

Keywords for the question: fourth paragraph, a golden age,

Lines 2-5 of paragraph no. 4 say, “ . .. . . But that still left me with another problem: the word ‘explorer’ has become associated with a past era. We think back to a golden age, as if exploration peaked somehow in the 19th Century – as if the process of discovery is now on the decline, . . .. ..”

Here, the phrase ‘as if’ has been used to signify that our thought about exploration (the process of discovery) being in decline is a wrong idea.   

So, the answer is: D (we are wrong to think that exploration is no longer necessary.)

Question no. 31: In the sixth paragraph, when discussing the definition of exploration, the writer argues that –

Keywords for the question: sixth paragraph, definition of exploration, writer argues,

In the first few lines of paragraph no. 6, the writer says, “Each definition is slightly different – and tends to reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer. It was the same whoever I asked: the prominent historian would say exploration was thing of the past, the cutting-edge scientist would say it was of present. And so on. They each set their own particular criteria;  . . ..”

Here, reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer & set their own criteria = relate exploration to their own professional interests,

So, the answer is: A (people tend to relate exploration to their own professional interests.)

Question no. 32: In the last paragraph, the writer explains that he is interested in –

Keywords for the question: last paragraph, interested in,  

The writer expresses his interest in the last lines, “. . .. However, this is to disregard the role the human mind has in conveying remote places; and this is what interests me: how a fresh interpretation, even of a well-travelled route, can give its readers new insights.”   

Here, well-travelled route = places that may be familiar,

So, the answer is: B (the human ability to cast new light on places that may be familiar.)

Questions 33-37: Matching statements with list of people:

[In this type of question, candidates need to relate statements that are given by or link to people in the passage. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.]

All the answers in this question set can be found in paragraph no. 2 and 5, as the names of explorers, have been included in this paragraph only.

Question no. 33: He referred to the relevance of the form of transportation used.

Keywords for the question: relevance, form of transportation used,   

The answer can be found in paragraph 5, in lines 7-9, “. . .. Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed Arabia’s empty quarters in 1946, and belongs to an era of unmechanised travel now lost to the rest of us, told me, “If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.’. . .. .”

Here, the explorer provides a reference to camel which was the form of transportation used.  

So, the answer is: E (Wilfred Thesiger)

Question no. 34: He described feelings on coming back home after a long journey.  

Keywords for the question: feelings, coming back home, after, long journey,     

In paragraph no. 2, the writer says in lines 4-8, “ . .. . Explorer and travel writer Peter Fleming talks of the moment when the explorer returns to the existence he has left behind with his loved ones. The traveller ‘who has for weeks or months seen himself only as a puny and irrelevant alien crawling laboriously over a country in which he has no roots and no background, suddenly encounters his other self, a relatively solid figure, with a place in the minds of certain people.”

Here, returns to the existence he has left behind with his loved ones = coming back home, for weeks or months = long journey,

This means Peter Fleming refers to the feelings of an explorer coming back home after a long time.  

So, the answer is: A (Peter Fleming)

Question no. 35: He worked for the benefit of specific groups of people.

Keywords for the question: worked, benefit of specific group,

In paragraph no. 5, read the lines 5-6, “ . … Then Robin Handbury-Tenison, a campaigner on behalf of remote so-called ‘tribal’ peoples, said, . . .. .”

Here, on behalf of ….. ‘tribal people’ = done for another person’s benefit or support of ‘tribal’ people, 

So, the answer is: D (Robin Handbury-Tenison)

Question no. 36: He did not consider learning about oneself an essential part of exploration.  

Keywords for the question: did not consider, learning about oneself, essential part of exploration,    

Lines 7-10 of paragraph no. 5 state, “ . . . Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed Arabia’s empty quarters in 1946, and belongs to an era of unmechanised travel now lost to the rest of us, told me, “If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.’ To him, exploration meant bringing back information from a remote place regardless of any great self-discovery.”

Here, regardless of any great self-discovery = did not consider learning about oneself,

So, the answer is: E (Wilfred Thesiger)

Question no. 37: He defined exploration as being both unique and of value to others.

Keywords for the question: defined exploration, both, unique, of value to others,     

The answer lies in the first lines of paragraph no. 5. The writer states here, “ . .. . Ran Fiennes, dubbed the ‘greatest living explorer’, said, ‘An explorer is someone who has done something that no human has done before – and also done something scientifically useful. . . .”

Here, something that no human has done before = unique, something scientifically useful = of value to others,  

So, the answer is: B (Ran Fiennes)

Questions 38-40: Summary completion:

[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.]

Title of the summary: The writer’s own bias

Question no. 38: The writer has experience of a large number of ______, .. . . . .

Keywords for the question: the writer, experience, large number of,     

The final paragraph of this passage starts with this statement, “I’d best declare my own bias. . ..” So, the answers for questions 38-40 should be here.

The writer says in lines 1-2, “ . .. . I’ve done a great many expeditions and each one was unique. .. ..”

Here, a great many = a large number of,

So, the answer is:  (unique) expeditions

Question no. 39: . .. . . and was the first stranger that certain previously ______ people had encountered.

Keywords for the question: was, first stranger, certain, previously, people had encountered,    

In the final paragraph, look at lines 2-3, “ . .. I’ve lived for months alone with isolated groups of people all around the world, even two ‘uncontacted tribes’. . …”

Here, the word ‘uncontacted’ gives us the hint that the writer was the first person ever contact with people of two tribes who remain isolated from the world.

So, the answer is: uncontacted / isolated

Question no. 40: He believes there is no need for further exploration of Earth’s ______, except to answer specific questions such as how buffalo eat.

Keywords for the question: believes, no need, further exploration, Earth’s,    

Lines 7-8 of the final paragraph says, “ . .. .We know how the land surface of our planet lies; exploration of it is now down to the details – the habits of microbes, say, or the grazing behaviour of buffalo. . .”

Here, We know how = there is no need for further exploration,

So, the answer is: (land) surface

Reading Passage 1:The secret of staying young

Questions 1-8: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete a note on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.]

Title: Ysabel Giraldo’s research

Question 1: Focused on a total of _________ different age groups of ants, analysing

Keywords for the question: focused, total, age groups, ants    

The answer is in paragraph no. 3 in the very beginning in lines 1-2, “In the lab, P. dentata worker ants typically live for around 140 days. Giraldo focused on ants at four age ranges: 20 to 22 days, 45 to 47 days, 95 to 97 days and 120 to 122 days.”

So, the answer is: four / 4

Behaviour:

Question 2:

• how well ants looked after their ___________

Keywords for the question: how well, ants, looked, after    

The answer is in the first line of paragraph no. 4, “Giraldo watched how well the ants took care of the young of the colony,  .. . ..”

Here, took care = looked after

So, the answer is: young

Question 3:

• their ability to locate ___________ using a scent trail

Keywords for the question: ability, locate, using, scent trail,

The answer is found in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 4, “.. ..She compared how well 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants followed the telltale scent that the insects usually leave to mark a trail to food.”

Here, mark = locate, how well = their ability,

So, the answer is: food          

Question 4:

• the effect that _______ had on them

Keywords for the question: effect, had on them,  

The answer can be found in lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 4, “She tested how ants responded to light . .. .”

Here, how ants responded = the effect ..…. had on them

So, the answer is: light           

Question 5:

• how _________ they attacked prey

Keywords for the question: how, attacked, prey,

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph no. 4, “.. ..And when it came to reacting to prey, the older ants attacked the poor fruit fly just as aggressively as the young ones did, .. ….”

Here, attacked the poor fruit fly = attacked prey,

So, the answer is: aggressively          

Brains:

Question 6:

• comparison between age and the ___________ of dying cells in the brains of ants

Keywords for the question: comparison, age and, dying cells, brains of ants,   

Paragraph no. 5 talks about the research on ants’ brains. Here, in lines 1-3, the author says, “Then Giraldo compared the brains of 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants, identifying any cells that were close to death. She saw no major differences with age, nor was there any difference in the location of the dying cells,  .. ..”

So, the comparison was between ants’ age and location.

So, the answer is: location     

Question 7:

• condition of synaptic complexes (areas in which _______ meet) in the brain’s ‘mushroom bodies’

Keywords for the question: synaptic complexes, mushroom bodies,  

The answer is found in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 5. The author says here, “Ants and other insects have structures in their brains called mushroom bodies, which are important for processing information, learning and memory. She also wanted to see if ageing affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures – regions where neurons come together.”

Here, synaptic complexes mean the region of ant’s brain where neurons come together or meet.

So, the answer is: neurons    

Question 8:

• level of two ________ in the brain associated with ageing

Keywords for the question: level of two, associated with ageing,  

The answer is in lines 7-9 where the author talks about two chemicals. “.. .What was more, the old ants didn’t experience any drop in the levels of either serotonin or dopamine – brain chemicals whose decline often coincides with ageing.”

Here, serotonin and dopamine are the two chemicals, coincides with ageing = associated with ageing,

So, the answer is: chemicals  

Questions 9-13: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this  – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 9: Pheidole dentata ants are the only known animals which remain active for almost their whole lives.

Keywords for the question: Pheidole dentata, only known animals, remain active, almost, whole lives,

The answer lies in the first lines of paragraph no. 2, where the author mentions ‘naked mole rats’. “Naked mole rats can live for almost 30 years and stay fit for nearly their entire lives.”

So, Pheidole dentata ants are not the only known animals which remain active for almost their whole lives.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10: Ysabel Giraldo was the first person to study Pheidole dentata ants using precise data about the insects’ ages.

Keywords for the question: first person, study, Pheidole dentata, using, precise data, ages,    

The answer is in paragraph no. 3 in lines 2-4, “. … . ..Unlike all previous studies, which only estimated how old the ants were, her work tracked the ants from the time the pupae became adults, so she knew their exact ages.”

Unlike all previous studies means the research works done by previous scientists did not use data about insects’ age, and naturally Ysabel Giraldo was the first to do so.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 11: The ants in Giraldo’s experiments behaved as she had predicted that they would.

Keywords for the question: ants in Giraldo’s experiments, behaved, predicted, they would,   

In paragraph no. 5, the answer lies in lines 6-7, “She also wanted to see if ageing affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures – regions where neurons come together. Again, the answer was no.” Previously, in the same paragraph, lines 1-3 suggest that Giraldo wanted to identify any cells that were close to death but she saw no major differences with age.

This means the experiments did not show results as she expected.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 12: The recent studies of bees used different methods of measuring age-related decline.

Keywords for the question: recent studies, bees, different methods, measuring age-related decline,    

In paragraph no. 6 we can see the reference of ‘bees’. But we do not find clear information on whether the recent studies of bees used several methods of measuring age-related decline.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13: Pheidole dentata ants kept in laboratory conditions tend to live longer lives.

Keywords for the question: Pheidole dentata ants, kept in laboratory, live longer,

The answer is in paragraph no. 7. In the first lines the writer states, “Out in the wild, the ants probably don’t live for a full 140 days thanks to predator, disease and just being in an environment that’s much harsher than the comforts of the lab.”

These lines suggest that ants kept in laboratory conditions live longer than ants living in the wild.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:Why zoos are good

Questions 14-17 (Identifying information):

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: a reference to how quickly animal species can die out

Keywords for this question: quickly, animal species, die out   

The first few lines of paragraph B give us the answer, “Colossal numbers of species are becoming extinct across the world, and many more are increasingly threatened and therefore risk extinction. Moreover, some of these collapses have been sudden, dramatic and unexpected.”

So, the answer is: B

Question 15: reasons why it is preferable to study animals in captivity rather than in the wild

Keywords for this question: preferable, study animals, captivity, rather than, wild,     

Again, lines 3-4 of paragraph E give us the answer to this question. The author says, “Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations.”

Here, there is less risk and fewer variables = reasons why it is preferable

So, the answer is: E

Question 16: mention of two ways of learning about animals other than visiting them in zoos

Keywords for this question: two ways of learning, animals, other than visiting zoo,     

The answer can be found in paragraph C. In lines 2-3, we find the first way, “… .. television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive,. .” whereas lines 3-4 give us the second way, “ . . .and many natural history specimens are on display in museums, . ..  . .”

So, the two ways are television documentaries and natural history specimens.

So, the answer is: C

Question 17: reasons why animals in zoos may be healthier than those in the wild

Keywords for this question: animals in zoos, may be, healthier,    

In paragraph A, lines 3-4 indicate us the answer to this question. “ . .. Animals in good zoos get a varied and high-quality diet with all the supplements required, and any illnesses they might have will be treated.”

So, the reasons are getting healthy diet and good treatment.

So, the answer is: A

Questions 18-22: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSEIf there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 18: An animal is likely to live longer in a zoo than in the wild.

Keywords for this question: likely to, live longer, zoo, than in the wild,    

The first lines of paragraph A says, “…. it is perfectly possible for many species of animals living in zoos or wildlife parks to have a quality of life as high as, or higher than, in the wild.”

Here, a quality of life .. . . . higher than, in the wild = likely to live longer

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 19: There are some species in zoos which can no longer be found in the wild.

Keywords for this question: some species, zoos, no longer be found, wild,  

In paragraph B, look at line 6, “A good number of species only exist in captivity, . . .. .”

Here, only exist in captivity means that the animals cannot be found in the wild any more.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 20: Improvements in the quality of TV wildlife documentaries have resulted in increased numbers of zoo visitors.

Keywords for this question: improvements, quality of TV wildlife documentaries, resulted, increased, zoo visitors,     

We find the mention of ‘TV wildlife documentaries’ in paragraph C in lines 2-3, “While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, . .. ..” But we do not find any statement about the results of TV documentaries.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 21: Zoos have always excelled at transmitting information about animals to the public.

Keywords for this question: zoos, always excelled, transmitting information, about animals, 

In paragraph D, in lines 1-3, the author mentions, “. . ..there is also the education that can take place in zoos through signs, talks and presentations which directly communicate information to visitors about the animals they are seeing and their place in the world. This was an area where zoos used to be lacking. .. ”

The lines suggest that zoos have played a major part in transmitting information through signs, talks and presentations. But zoos had a lacking in it before. So, zoos did not always excel at transmitting information.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 22: Studying animals in zoos is less stressful for the animals than studying them in the wild.

Keywords for this question: studying animals, in zoos, less stressful, than studying, the wild,

Paragraph E talks about the role of zoos in research. But we do not find any information regarding stress in studying animals in the zoos or in the wild.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 23-26: (Choosing the TWO best answers)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked TWO best possible answers for one question. Candidates need to write the correct LETTERS for the answers.  Here, the techniques for Multiple Choice Questions are applicable.]

Question 23 & 24: Which TWO of the following are stated about zoo staff in the text? 

Keywords for these questions: TWO, zoo staff,

In paragraph D, take a look at lines 5-7 carefully. “… .. Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves, .. .. .”

Here, to educate conservation workers = teach people,  send their animal keepers abroad = travel to overseas locations,

So, the answers are:

B             (Some travel to overseas locations to join teams in zoos.)

D             (Some teach people who are involved with conservation projects.)

Question 25 & 26: Which TWO of these beliefs about zoos does the writer mention in the text? 

Keywords for these questions: TWO, beliefs,  

The answer lies in lines 3-6 of paragraph F. Here, the writer says, “. . .They are vital not just in terms of protecting animals, but as a means of learning about them to aid those still in the wild, as well as educating and informing the general population about these animals and their world so that they can assist or at least accept  the need to be more environmentally conscious.”

Here, protecting animals =raise animals which can later be released into the wild, more environmentally conscious = public awareness,

Other options talk about children overcoming their fear (A), employment opportunities (C) and income generation (D), which cannot be found.

So, the answers are:

B             (They can increase public awareness of environmental issues.)

E              (They can raise animals which can later be released into the wild.)

Reading Passage 3:The passage is without a title; about Marine debris or Ocean trash

Questions 27-33 (TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the information in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]

Question 27: Rochman and her colleagues were the first people to research the problem of marine debris.

Keywords for this question: first people, research, problem, marine debris, 

The answer can be found tracing lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 2. The writer says here, “… . Plenty of studies have sounded alarm bells about the state of marine debris; . .. ..”

This means scientists before Chelsea Rochman and her team have already alarmed the world about the problems of marine debris.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 28: The creatures most in danger from ocean trash are certain seabirds.

Keywords for this question: most in danger, ocean trash, certain seabirds,

We find the mention of ‘seabirds’ in paragraph no. 3 in line no. 2 as an example of what a study on marine debris could show. But we cannot find any such information which shows us of the most affected creatures.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 29: The studies Rochman has reviewed have already proved that populations of some birds will soon become extinct.

Keywords for this question: studies, Rochman, already proved, populations, birds, will, soon, extinct,

In lines 2-4 of paragraph no. 3, the author states, “…. . . For example, a study could show that certain seabirds eat plastic bags, and go on to warn that whole bird populations are at risk of dying out. ‘But the truth was that nobody had yet tested those perceived threats,’ Rochman says. ‘There wasn’t a lot of information’.”

Here, the lines suggest that there wasn’t enough information to prove that populations of some birds would become extinct.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 30: Rochman analysed papers on the different kinds of danger caused by ocean trash.

Keywords for this question: analysed, papers, danger, ocean trash,

The answer lies in paragraph no. 4, “Rochman and her colleagues examined more than a hundred papers on the impacts of marine debris that were published through 2013. Within each paper, they asked what threats scientists had studied – 366 perceived threats in all. .. . . .”

These lines suggest that Rochman analysed 100+ papers on different angles of problems caused by ocean trash (marine debris).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 31: Most of the research analysed by Rochman and her colleagues was badly designed.

Keywords for this question: most of, research, badly, designed,

In paragraph no. 4, we have found that Rochman analysed 100+ papers. Then in paragraph no. 5 the writer states, “In 83 percent of cases, the perceived dangers of ocean trash were proven true. In the remaining cases, the working group found the studies had weaknesses in design and content which affected the validity of their conclusions – they lacked a control group, for example, or used faulty statistics.”

These lines indicate that 83 cases out of 100+ cases proved to be correct. IN the remaining cases there were faults.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 32: One study examined by Rochman was expecting to find that mussels were harmed by eating plastic.

Keywords for this question: expecting, find, mussels, harmed by eating plastic,  

The answer for this question can be found in paragraph no. 6 in the beginning. “Strikingly, Rochman says, only one well-designed study failed to find the effect it was looking for, an investigation of mussels ingesting microscopic plastic bits. The plastic moved from the mussels’ stomachs to their bloodstreams, scientists found, and stayed there for weeks – but did not seem to stress out the shellfish.”

Here, the lines suggest that Rochman was hoping to find that mussels were getting affected by taking plastic but the study showed that its plastic did not stress (harm) the shellfish (mussels).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 33: Some mussels choose to eat plastic in preference to their natural diet.

Keywords for this question: mussels, choose to eat, plastic, preference, natural diet,   

There is no such information that shows that some mussels take plastic as a choice of their regular food.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Questions 34-39: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete a note on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.]

Title: Findings related to marine debris

Studies of marine debris found the biggest threats were:

• plastic (not metal or wood)

Question 34: bits of debris that were __________ (harmful to animals)

Keywords for this question: bits of debris, harmful to animals,  

We find the mention of ‘metal or wood’ and ‘animals’ in paragraph no. 8. Here, lines 2-3 says, “.. . Most of the dangers also involved large pieces of debris – animals getting entangled in trash, for example, or eating it and severely injuring themselves.”

Here, bits of debris = pieces of debris,

So, the answer is: large

Question 35: There was little research into ___________ e.g. from synthetic fibres.

Keywords for this question: little research, synthetic fibres,   

The answer is in paragraph no. 9 in the opening. “But a lot of ocean debris is ‘microplastic’, or pieces smaller than five millimetres. These may be ingredients used in cosmetics and toiletries, fibres shed by synthetic clothing in the wash, or eroded. .. . . . .. . .. . . . Rochman’s group found little research on the effects of these tiny bits. . . .”

So, little research was done on microplastic.

So, the answer is: microplastic

Drawbacks of the studies examined:

Question 36: most of them focused on individual animals, not entire ____________

Keywords for this question: most of, focused, individual animals, not entire,    

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 10. “.. . . . Many studies have looked at how plastic affects an individual animal, or that animal’s tissues or cells, rather than whole populations.”

So, the answer is: populations

Question 37: the __________ of plastic used in the lab did not always reflect those in the ocean

Keywords for this question: plastic, used in the lab, did not, always, reflect, ocean,   

In lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 10, the writer mentions, “……. . And in the lab, scientists often use higher concentrations of plastic than what is really in the ocean.”

Here, did not always reflect those in the ocean = than what’s really in the ocean

So, the answer is: concentrations

• there was insufficient information on
• numbers of animals which could be affected

Question 38: the impact of a reduction in numbers on the __________ of that species

Keywords for this question: reduction in numbers, species,

In the last lines of paragraph no. 10, the author says, “. . .. – or how deaths in one species could affect that animal’s predators, or the rest of the ecosystem.”

Here, deaths in one species = reduction in numbers

So, the answer is: predators

• the impact on the ecosystem

Question 39: Rochman says more information is needed on the possible impact of future __________ (e.g., involving oil)

Keywords for this question: possible impact, future, involving oil,  

The first lines of paragraph no. 11 give us the answer. “ ‘We need to be asking more ecologically relevant questions,’ Rochman say, Usually, scientists don’t know exactly how disasters such as a tanker accidentally spilling its whole cargo of oil and polluting huge areas of the ocean will affect the environment until after they’ve happened. ”

Here, affect = impact

So, the answer is: disasters

Question 40: Choosing the title

[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable title for the whole passage from three or four options. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]

What would be the best title for this passage?

A. Assessing the threat of marine debris

B. Marine debris: who is to blame?

C. A new solution to the problem of marine debris

D. Marine debris: the need for international action

Here, we must make decision on which title goes best with the passage. Our reading of the passage for the questions 27-39 clearly indicates that the passage is about the research and its results and further suggestions on evaluating or assessing the threats of ocean trash or marine debris.

So, the answer is: A