Author: theieltsbridge

Reading Passage 1:The concept of intelligence

Questions 1-3: IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 1: information about how non-scientists’ assumptions about intelligence influence their behaviour towards others

Keywords for the question: non-scientist’s assumptions, intelligence, influence, behaviour towards others,   

The answer is in paragraph B where the writer gives reference to the assumptions (theories) of non-scientists such as parents, people in job interviews and other general people. Let’s take a look at lines 4-7, “For example, parent’s implicit theories of their children’s language development will determine at what ages they will be willing to make various corrections in their children’s speech. More generally, parents’ implicit theories of intelligence will determine at what ages they believe their children are ready to perform various cognitive tasks.”

Here, behaviour with others is a kind of cognitive task.

So, the answer is: B

Question 2: a reference to lack of clarity over the definition of intelligence

Keywords for the question: lack of clarity, definition of intelligence,   

The first of paragraph A has the answer for this question. Take a close look. “. .. . no one knows what it actually is. This chapter addresses how people conceptualize intelligence, whatever it may actually be.”

Here, the lines suggest that our idea about the definition of intelligence will be clear reading this chapter.

So, the answer is: A

Question 3: the point that a researcher’s implicit and explicit theories may be very different

Keywords for the question: researcher’s, implicit, explicit, theories, may be, different,

The first lines of paragraph D indicate the answer. Here, the author states, “…implicit theories can be useful when an investigator suspects that existing explicit theories are wrong or misleading.” This means implicit theories may be right when explicit theories are wrong.  

So, the answer is: D   

Questions 4-6: In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches the claims of the writer – YES
The statement in the question contradicts the claims of the writer – NO
It is impossible to say what the writer thinks about 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 4: Slow language development in children is likely to prove disappointing to their parents.

Keywords for the question: slow language development, likely to prove, disappointing,  

We find the reference of ‘language development in children’ in paragraph B; but there is no mention of any slow or fast language learning.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 5: People’s expectations of what children should gain from education are universal.

Keywords for the question: expectations, what children should gain, education, universal  

The answer lies in paragraph E. Take a look at lines 2-6, “. … . .people have expectations for intellectual performances that differ for children of different ages. How these expectations differ is part a function of culture. For example, expectations for children who participate in Western-style schooling are almost certain to be different from those for children who do not participate in such schooling.” Here, these lines indicate that expectations of what children should achieve, learn or gain for education are not universal; it differs for their age and the culture in which they are brought up.”

So, the answer is: NO

Question 6: Scholars may discuss theories without fully understanding each other.

Keywords for the question: scholars, may discuss, without, understanding,  

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph J. In lines 4-6 the author says, “. .. … .Until scholars are able to discuss their implicit theories and thus their assumptions, they are likely to miss the point of what others are saying when discussing their explicit theories and their data.” So, it is noted here that scholars may consult with each other about the theories sometimes without fully understanding each other’s point.

So, the answer is: YES

Questions 7-13: (Matching statements with correct theory):

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around different names of people or person (theory) 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 7: It is desirable for the same possibilities to be open to everyone.

Keywords for the question: desirable, same possibilities, open to everyone,    

The answer in found in Section H, in the very opening line, “The Jeffersonian view is that people should have equal opportunities, …. ….”

Here, people should have = desirable, equal opportunities = same opportunities,

So, the answer is: B (Jeffersonian)

Question 8: No section of society should have preferential treatment at the expense of another.  

Keywords for the question: no section, preferential treatment, expense of another,   

The last line of Section I has the answer. The author writes, “. .. In this view, we do not need or want any institutions that might lead to favouring one group over another.”

Here, favouring one group over another = preferential treatment at the expense of another

So, the answer is: C (Jacksonian)

Question 9: People should only gain benefits on the basis of what they actually achieve.

Keywords for the question: should, gain benefits, what they actually achieve,    

The answer is found at the end of section H. Take a look at this line, “. .. . . .to allow children the opportunities to make full use of the skills they have.”

Here, allow children the opportunities = people should only gain benefits, skills they have = what they actually achieve,

So, the answer is: B (Jeffersonian)

Question 10: Variation in intelligence begins at birth.   

Keywords for the question: variation, intelligence, begins, birth,   

The answer can be traced in section G, in the very beginning. The writer says, “ . . .people are born with different levels of intelligence . .. . .”

Here, different levels = variation

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Question 11: The more intelligent people should be in positions of power.   

Keywords for the question: more intelligent people, positions of power,

The answer for this question is found in lines 4-7 of Section G, “.. . seem to have shared this belief when they wrote about the emergence of a cognitive (high-IQ) elite, which eventually would have to take responsibility for the largely irresponsible masses of non-elite (low IQ) people who cannot take care of themselves.”

Here, cognitive (high-IQ) elite = more intelligent people, eventually would have to take responsibility = should be in positions of power

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Question 12: Everyone can develop the same abilities.

Keywords for the question: everybody, develop, same abilities,    

The answer can be traced in the middle of Section I. “… . . people are essentially intersubstitutable except for specialized skills, all of which can be learned.”

So, the answer is: C (Jacksonian)

Question 13: People of low intelligence are likely to lead uncontrolled lives.   

Keywords for the question: low intelligence, likely to, lead, uncontrolled lives,   

The last few lines of Section G give us the answer. First the writer says in lines 6-7, “ . . .for the largely irresponsible masses of non-elite (low-IQ) people who cannot take care of themselves.”

Then in the last lines the author mentions, “.. .Left to themselves, the unintelligent would create, as they always have created, a kind of chaos.”

Here, chaos means disorder which is the result of irresponsible people’s lifestyle.

So, the answer is: A (Hamiltonian)

Reading Passage 2:Saving bugs to find new drugs

Questions 14-20 (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: mention of factors driving a renewed interest in natural medicinal compounds

Keywords for this question: factors, renewed interest, natural medicinal compounds   

The answer is found in the last lines of paragraph C. The writer mentions, “This realization, together with several looming health crises, such as antibiotic resistance, has put bioprospecting – the research for useful compounds in nature – firmly back on the map.

Here, firmly back on the map = renewed interest

Also, look at the phrase used in lines 2-3, “the development of new approaches focusing once again on natural products”.

So, the answer is: C

Question 15: how recent technological advances have made insect research easier

Keywords for this question: recent technological advances, insect research, easier,    

The answer for this question is in paragraph H, lines 2-4. The author writes, “ . .. . Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.”

The lines indicate that the research has become easier fortunately due to technological advancements in DNA research.

Here, “Fortunately, it is now possible” = recent technological advances

So, the answer is: H

Question 16: examples of animals which use medicinal substances from nature

Keywords for this question: animals, use, medicinal substances, nature,  

The answer can be found at the very beginning of the passage in paragraph A. Take a close look and you will find the mention of primates like “capuchin monkeys who use toxin-oozing millipedes to deter mosquitoes” and “chimpanzees who use noxious forest plants to rid themselves of intestinal parasites”.

So, the answer is: A

Question 17: reasons why it is challenging to use insects in drug research

Keywords for this question: reasons, challenging, use insects, drug research,  

Paragraph F talks about three prime reasons of the challenges associated with using insects in drug research (Look at the connectors used here like Firstly, Secondly and Thirdly). Also, the paragraph opens with a question about the little interest in bioprospecting, “Why is it that insects have received relatively little attention in bioprospecting?”

So, the answer is: F

Question 18: reference to how interest in drug research may benefit wildlife

Keywords for this question: reasons, interest in drug research, benefit, wildlife,   

Paragraph I is mainly a message from Zoologist Ross Piper who is optimistic about drug research which can be advantageous for wildlife and its conservation. Take a look at lines 4-7, “. .. I sincerely believe that all species, however small and seemingly insignificant, have a right to exist for their own sake. If we can shine a light on the darker recesses of nature’s medicine cabinet, exploring the useful chemistry of the most diverse animals on the planet, I believe we can make people think differently about the value of nature.”

These lines clearly shows the fact that higher research on drug research can benefit all species (wildlife).

So, the answer is: I

Question 19: a reason why nature-based medicines fell out of favour for a period

Keywords for this question: reason, nature-based medicines, fell out of favour,

In lines 3-6 of paragraph B give us the answer. The writer states here, “ . .. Then, for a while, modern pharmaceutical science moved its focus away from nature and into the laboratory, deigning chemical compounds from scratch. The main cause of this shift is that although there are plenty of promising chemical compounds in nature, finding them is far from easy.”

So, the answer is: B

Question 20: an example of an insect-derived medicine in use at the moment

Keywords for this question: insect-derived medicine, in use, at the moment,    

The answer can be found in lines 2-4 of paragraph E. “. .. For example, alloferon, an antimicrobial compound produced by blow fly larvae, is used as an antiviral and antitumor agent in South Korea and Russia.”

So, the answer is: E

Questions 21 and 22: (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 21 & 22: Which TWO of the following make insects interesting for drug research?

Keywords for these questions: TWO, make insects interesting, drug research,

The answers are found in paragraph G and H.

In paragraph G, the author writes in lines 3-4, “… . .. . The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.”

So, the lines match with option B.

In paragraph H, the author writes in lines 2-4, “. . .. Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.”

So, the lines match with option C.

So, the answers are:

21. B            (the variety of substances insects have developed to protect themselves)

22. C           (the potential to extract and make use of insect’s genetic codes)

Question 23-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary 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/words.]

Title of the summary: Research at Aberystwyth University

As the title of the summary is Aberystwyth University, we will find the answers in paragraph G.

Question 23: Ross Piper and fellow zoologists at Aberystwyth University are using their expertise in ___________ when undertaking bioprospecting with insects.

Keywords for this answer: Ross Piper and fellow zoologists, using their expertise, bioprospecting, insects,  

In paragraph G, look at the first lines, “My colleagues and I at Aberystwyth University in the UK have developed an approach in which we use our knowledge of ecology as a guide to target our efforts.”.

Here, My colleagues and I = Ross Piper and fellow zoologists, our knowledge of = their expertise in,

So, the answer is: ecology  

Question 24: They are especially interested in the compounds that insects produce to overpower and preserve their ___________.

Keywords for this answer: compounds, insects produce, to overpower and preserve,   

The answer is in lines 3-4 of paragraph G, “The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.”

Here, secrete powerful poison = compounds that insects produce, subduing = overpower, keeping it fresh = preserve,

So, the answer is: prey  

Question 25: They are also interested in compounds which insects use to protect themselves from pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in their ___________.

Keywords for this answer: compounds, insects use, to protect themselves, pathogenic bacteria and fungi,   

In lines 3-8 of paragraph G, the writer says, “ . ..  There are even more insects that are masters of exploiting filthy habitats, such as faeces and carcasses, where they are regularly challenged by thousands of micro-organisms. These insects have many antimicrobial compounds for dealing withpathogenic bacteria and fungi,  . ..”

Here, for dealing with = to protect themselves from,

The pathogenic bacteria and fungi are found in filthy habitats.

So, the answer is: habitats

Question 26: Piper hopes that these substances will be useful in the development of drugs such as _________.

Keywords for this answer: these substances, useful, development of drugs such as,

The last lines of paragraph G say, “. .. .suggesting that there is certainly potential to find many compounds that can serve as or inspire new antibiotics.”

Here, substances = compounds, in the development of = can serve or inspire,

So, the answer is: antibiotics  

Reading Passage 3:The power of play

N.B.: There are 11 paragraphs in this passage (After paragraph no. 6, there is a short description on a Scale of playfulness, which is attached to paragraph no. 6.).

Questions 27-31 (Matching researchers with statements)

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

Question 27: Play can be divided into a number of separate categories

Keywords for this question: divided into, a number of, separate categories,

The answer is in paragraph no. 4 in lines 2-3 where the author writes, “. .. . .Definitions range from discrete descriptions of various types of play such as physical, construction, language, or symbolic play (Miller & Almon 2009). . ..”.

So, the lines suggest that play can be divided into some categories like physical, construction, language, symbolic etc.

So, the answer is: B (Miller & Almon)

Question 28: Adults’ intended goals affect how they play with children

Keywords for this question: adult’s goals, affect, how, play with children,

In paragraph no. 8, we can see the reference of adults’ goal. In lines 3-4 the author says, “. . .The adults’ role in play varies as a function of their educational goals and the child’s developmental level (Hirsch-Pasek et al. 2009).”

Here, varies = affect

So, the answer is: G (Hirsch-Pasek et al.)

Question 29: Combining work with play may be the best way for children to learn

Keywords for this question: combining work with play, best way, to learn,

In paragraph no. 7 the writer mentions in lines 3-5, “. . .. Researcher Joan Goodman (1994) suggested that hybrid forms of work and play are not a detriment to learning; rather they can provide optimal contexts for learning.”

So, the answer is: F (Joan Goodman)

Question 30: Certain elements of play are more significant than others

Keywords for this question: certain elements, more significant than others,

Paragraph no. 6 gives us the answer. Here, the writer says, “Rubin and colleagues did not assign greater weight to any one dimension in determining playfulness; however, other researchers have suggested that process orientation and a lack of obvious functional purpose may be the most important aspects of play (e.g. Pellegrini 2009).”

The lines suggest that though Rubin and his colleagues did not think that any one dimension (element) is not more significant than other, Pellegrini thought differently.

So, the answer is: E (Pellegirni)

Question 31: Activities can be classified on a scale of playfulness

Keywords for this question: activities, classified, scale of playfulness,

The answer is in paragraph no. 5 where the writer gives reference of the research conducted by Rubin and colleagues in 1983 (Rubin et.al. 1983), “Often, play is defined along a continnum as more or less playful using the following set of behavioral and dispositional criteria (e.g. Rubin et al. 1983):. . .” Then the wirter explains the scale of playfulness.

So, the answer is: C (Rubin at al.) 

Questions 32-36: (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

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

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

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

Question 32: Children need toys in order to play.

Keywords for this question: Children, toys,

The very first lines of paragraph no. 1 give us the answer, “Virtually every child, the world over, plays. The drive to play is so intense that children will do so in any circumstances, for instance when they have no real toys, or when parents do not actively encourage the behaviour. In the eyes of a young child, running, pretending and building is fun.”

The lines clearly suggest that children take running, pretending or building as play when they do not get a toy.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 33: It is a mistake to treat play and learning as separate types of activities.

Keywords for this question: mistake, treat, play and learning, separate, activities, 

The answer is in the last line of paragraph no. 2. “Our society has created a false dichotomy between play and learning.”

Here, false = mistake, dichotomy = separate,

So, the answer is: YES

Question 34: Play helps children to develop their artistic talents.

Keywords for this question: helps, children, develop, artistic talents,

As we have found the answer for question no. 33 at the end of paragraph no. 2 and the main keyword ‘definition’ for question no. 35 is found in paragraph no. 4, the answer for question no. 34 has to be found in paragraph no. 3 (This type of question maintains a sequence).

There is no information about ‘artistic talents’ in this paragraph.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 35: Researchers have agreed on a definition of play.

Keywords for this question: researchers, agreed, definition of play, 

In paragraph no. 4 we find the keyphrase ‘definition of play’. The first line gives us the answer, “Full consensus on a formal definition of play continues to elude the researchers and theorists who study it.”

Here, elude = make confused and avoid, consensus = agreement,

This means researchers are not in agreement on a definition of play.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 36: Work and play differ in terms of whether or not they have a target.

Keywords for this question: work and play, differ, have a target,   

We find the reference of ‘work and play’ in paragraph no. 7. Here, in lines 2-3 the writer says, “. . .Unlike play, work is typically not viewed as enjoyable and it is extrinsically motivated (i.e. it is goal-oriented).”

Here, goal-oriented = have a target,

Thus, the line suggests that work is different from play because it is mainly based on a target.

So, the answer is: YES 

Questions 37-40 (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary 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/words.]

Title of the summary: Guided play     

Question 37: In the simplest form of guided play, an adult contributes to the environment in which the child is playing. Alternatively, an adult can play with a child and develop the play, for instance by __________ the child to investigate different aspects of their game.

Keywords for this question: Alternatively, adult, play with child, develop, for instance, investigate,  

The answer is found in paragraph no. 9 in lines 2-5, “. .. In the more direct form of guided play, parents or other adults can support children’s play by joining in the fun as a co-player, raising thoughtful questions, commenting on children’s discoveries, or encouraging further exploration or new facets to the child’s activity.”

Here, further exploration means investigate

So, the answer is: encouraging

Question 38: Adults can help children to learn through play, and may make the activity rather structured, but it should still be based on the child’s __________ to play.

Keywords for this question: adults, help children, learn, make, activity, structured, should still be, based on,  

The last lines of paragraph no. 9 have the answer. Here, the author writes, “. . . .Although playful learning can be somewhat structured, it must also be child-centered (Nicolopolou et al. 2006). Play should stem from the child’s own desire.”

Here, stem from = based on,

So, the answer is: desire

Question 39 & 40: Play without the intervention of adults gives children real __________; with adults, play can be __________ at particular goals. However, all forms of play should be an opportunity for children to have fun.

Keywords for this question: without, intervention of adults, with adults, particular goals,

The answers are in the last paragraph. Here, in line no. 2 gives the answer for question no. 39. “Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy, …”

Here, free play = play without the intervention, true = real,

Again, in lines 2-3, we find the answer for question no. 40. “. ..while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences.”

Here, parents and educators = adults, learning experiences = particular goals,

So, the answers are:

39. autonomy

40. targeted

Reading Passage 1: Alexander Henderson (1831-1913)

Questions 1-8: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question 1: Henderson rarely visited the area around Press Estate when he was younger.

Keywords for the question: Henderson, rarely visited, around Press Estate, younger  

We find the keyword ‘Press Estate’ in paragraph no. 1. So, we should scan it carefully. In the last few lines of the paragraph, the writer says, “… .. .it owned Press Estate, 650 acres of……….. The family often stayed at Press Castle, the large … . . . .. . and Alexander spent much of his childhood in the area, .. . .”

The lines suggest that Alexander’s family was a merchant family and they owned a huge property in Scotland including the Press estate and he spent a good deal of time there. So, he often (opposite to the word ‘rarely’) visited the Press Estate.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 2: Henderson pursued a business career because it was what his family wanted.

Keywords for the question: pursued, business career, family wanted  

We find the answer in paragraph no. 2 of the passage. Take a look at lines 2-4, “. . . In 1849 he began a three-year apprenticeship to become an accountant. Although he never liked the prospect of a business career, he stayed with it to please his family.”

Here, he began a three-year apprenticeship to become an accountant = Henderson pursued a business career, he stayed with it to please his family = because it was what his family wanted

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 3: Henderson and Notman were surprised by the results of their 1865 experiment.

Keywords for the question: Henderson, Notman, surprised, results, 1865 experiment      

We find the reference to the 1865 experiments ‘with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light’ in paragraph no. 3. However, there is no mention of their surprise or astonishment about the experiment.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN       

Question 4: There are many similarities between Henderson’s early landscapes and those of Notman.

Keywords for the question: many similarities, early landscapes, Henderson, Notman

The answers can be found in lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 4. The writer says, “In spite of their friendship, their styles of photography were quite different. While Notman’s landscapes were noted for their bold realism, Henderson for the first 20 years of his career produced romantic images, showing the strong influence of the British landscape tradition.” The lines clearly show that the works of Henderson and Notman did not have many similarities.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 5: The studio that Henderson opened in 1866 was close to his home.

Keywords for the question: studio, opened, 1866, close, home

The mention of Henderson’s studio opening is found in the first lines of paragraph no. 5, “In 1866, he gave up his business to open a photographic studio, …” But the location of the studio is not mentioned here.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 6: Henderson gave up portraiture so that he could focus on taking photographs of scenery.

Keywords for the question: gave up, portraiture, focus, taking photographs,

The answer is in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 5, “From about 1870 he dropped portraiture to specialize in landscape photography and other views.”

Here, landscape photography and other views mean photography of scenery, dropped means gave up,

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7: When Henderson began work for the Intercolonial Railway, the Montreal to Halifax line had been finished.

Keywords for the question: Intercolonial Railway, Montreal to Halifax line, finished   

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 7 as we see the mention of ‘Intercolonial Railway’ in lines 6-7 of this paragraph. Let’s take a look at lines 5-8, “. .. .That same year, while in the lower St. Lawrence River region, he took some photographs of the construction of the Intercolonial Railway. This undertaking led in 1875 to a commission from the railway to record the principal structures along the almost-completed line connecting Montreal to Halifax.” The lines suggest that the Montreal to Halifax line was not yet completed at that time.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 8: Henderson’s last work as a photographer was with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Keywords for the question: last work, photographer, Canadian Pacific Railway  

The answer is in paragraph no. 8. The writer says, “In 1892 Henderson accepted a full-time position with the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) as manager of a photographic department . .. . . .. . . . . . .. … . That summer he made his second trip west, photographing extensively along the railway line as far as Victoria. He continued in this post until 1897, when he retired completely from photography.”

So, the job with the CPR was his last work, where he did his work of photography extensively.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 9-13: (Completing notes with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word/ no more than two words to complete notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 9:

Early Life:

• was born in Scotland in 1831 – father was a __________.

Keywords for this question: born, Scotland, 1831, father

The answer lies in paragraph no. 1, at the very beginning of the paragraph, “Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1831 and was the son of a successful merchant.”

So, the answer is: merchant

Questions 10 and 11:

Start of a photographic career:

• people bought Henderson’s photos because photography took up considerable time and the 10. ____________ was heavy

Keywords for this question: bought, because, time, heavy,

• the photographs Henderson sold were 11. _____________ or souvenirs

Keywords for this question:  photographs, souvenirs,

We can find answers to questions 10 and 11 in paragraph no. 5. Look at lines 6-10 of the paragraph. “There was sufficient demand for these types of scenes and others he took depicting the lumber trade, steamboats, and waterfalls to enable him to make a living. There was little competing hobby or amateur photography before the late 1880s because of the time-consuming techniques involved and the weight of the equipment. People wanted to buy photographs as souvenirs of a trip or as gifts, …..”

Here, the lines suggest that people bought Henderson’s photographs because of the little competition involved in this sort of hobby due to the time it took and the weight (heavy) of the equipment.

So, the answer to question no. 11 is: equipment

Again, in the next line, People liked to buy Henderson’s photos as souvenirs or as gifts.

So, the answer to question no. 12 is: gifts

Questions 12 and 13: Travelling as a professional photographer:

Question 12: took many trips along eastern rivers in a __________.

Keywords for this question: many trips, eastern rivers, in,   

We find the mention of ‘eastern rivers’ in paragraph no. 7. In lines 1-4 the writer says, “In the 1870s and 1880s Henderson travelled widely throughout Quebec and Ontario. . .. . . .. .He was especially fond of the wilderness and often travelled by canoe on the Blanche, du Lievre, and other noted eastern rivers.”

The lines suggest that Henderson made many trips (travelled widely) in a canoe.

So, the answer is: canoe

Question 13: worked for CPR in 1885 and photographed the _________ and the railway at Rogers Pass.  

Keywords for this question: worked, CPR, 1885, photographed, railway, Rogers Pass   

The last lines of paragraph no. 7 give us the answer. “In 1885 he went west along the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as far as Rogers Pass in British Columbia, where he took photographs of the mountains and the progress of construction.”

The lines propose that in 1885 Henderson worked for the CPR and took photographs of the mountains.

So, the answer is: mountains

Reading Passage 2:Back to the future of skyscraper design

Questions 14-18: (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]

Question 14: why some people avoided hospitals in the 19th century

Keywords for this question: people avoided, hospitals, 19th century,  

The answer lies in paragraph F in the first lines. Here, the writer says, “Much of the ingenuity present in 19th-century hospital and building design was driven by a panicked public clamouring for buildings that could protect against what was thought to be the lethal threat of miasmas – toxic air that spread disease.”

These lines suggest that 19th-century people were feeling panicked (terrified) people shouting (clamouring) for such hospital designs that could protect them from miasmas. This means they were avoiding hospitals at that time.

So, the answer is: F

Question 15: a suggestion that the popularity of tall buildings is linked to prestige

Keywords for this question: popularity, tall buildings, linked to prestige,  

The answer is in the last lines of paragraph C. The author writes, “. .. Short regards glass, steel and air-conditioned skyscrapers as symbols of status, rather than practical ways of meeting our requirements.”

Here, the suggestion made by Alan Short means the tall buildings (skyscrapers) symbolizes status (prestige).

So, the answer is: C

Question 16: a comparison between the circulation of air in a 19th-century building and modern standards

Keywords for this question: comparison, circulation of air, 19th century, modern standards,  

The answer can be found in the first lines of paragraph E. The writer says, “We discovered that 19th Century hospital wards could generate up to 24 air changes an hour – that’s similar to the performance of a modern-day, computer-controlled operating theatre.”

So, we can find a clear comparison of the circulation of air between 19th Century building and modern-day buildings.

So, the answer is: E

Question 17: how Short tested the circulation of air in a 19th-century building

Keywords for this question: how, Short tested, circulation of sir, 19th-century building, 

The second part of paragraph D is a description of how Short tested the circulation of air in Johns Hopkins Hospital building which was built in the 19^th Century. “ “We spent three years digitally modeling Billings’ final designs”, says Short. “We put pathogens in the airstreams, modeled for someone with tuberculosis (TB) coughing in the wards and we found the ventilation systems in the room would have kept other patients safe from harm.”

So, the answer is: D

Question 18: an implication that advertising led to the large increase in the use of air conditioning

Keywords for this question: advertising, large increase, air conditioning,  

The answer is the last lines of the second part of paragraph B. “ . .. . before the widespread introduction of air conditioning systems, which were ‘relentlessly and aggressively marketed’ by their inventors.”

Here, ‘relentlessly and aggressively marketed’ means advertisements, widespread introduction means large increase

So, the answer is: B

Question 19-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary 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/words.]

Title of the summary: Ventilation in 19th-century hospital wards 

Question 19: Professor Alan Short examined the work of John Shaw Billings, who influenced the architectural ____________ of hospitals to ensure they had good ventilation.

Keywords for this answer: Alan short, examined, John Shaw Billings, influenced, architectural, ensure, ventilation,

The answer is in the first part of paragraph D where we find the reference of Alan Short putting his interest in the works of John Shaw Billings. “Short’s book highlights a developing and sophisticated art and science of ventilating buildings through the 19^th and earlier-20^th centuries, including the design of ingeniously ventilated hospitals. Of particular interest were those built to the designs of John Shaw Billings, including the first John Hopkins Hospital in the US city of Baltimore (1873-1889).”  So, the lines mean that Alan Short examined the works of John Shaw Billings, whose works influenced the designs of hospitals with great ventilation.

So, the answer is: design(s)

Question 20 and 21: He calculated that _________  in the air coming from patients suffering from _________ would not have harmed other patients.

Keywords for this answer: calculated, in the air, patients suffering from, would not have harmed, other patients, 

The answers are found in the second part of paragraph D, “We spent three years digitally modelling Billings’ final designs,” says Short. “We put pathogens in the airstreams, modeled for someone with tuberculosis (TB) coughing in the wards and we found the ventilation systems in the room would have kept other patients safe from harm.”

Here, digitally modelling means calculating,

So, the answers are:

• pathogens
• tuberculosis

Question 22: He also found that the air in _________ in hospitals could change as often as in a modern operating theatre.

Keywords for this answer: also found, the air, in hospitals, could change, as often as, modern operating theatre, 

The answer lies in the first part of paragraph E, “We discovered that 19^th-century hospital wards could generate up to 24 air changes an hour – that’s similar to the performance of a modern-day, computer-controlled operating theatre.”

Here, similar to = as often as

So, the answer is: wards

Question 23: He suggests that energy use could be reduced by locating more patients in ________ areas.

Keywords for this answer: suggests, energy use, could be reduced, locating, more patients, areas, 

The answer is found in the second part of paragraph E. “Communal wards appropriate for certain patients – older people with dementia, for example – would work just as well in today’s hospitals, at a fraction of the energy cost.”

Here, at a fraction of the energy cost = energy use could be reduced

So, the answer is: communal

Question 24 and 25: A major reason for improving ventilation in 19th-century hospitals was the demand from the __________ for protecting against bad air, known as __________.

Keywords for this answer: major reason, improving ventilation, 19th-century hospitals, demand from, for protecting against, bad air, known as, 

In paragraph F, look at the first lines, “Much of the ingenuity present in the 19th Century hospital and building design was driven by a panicked public clamouring for buildings that could protect against what was thought to be lethal threat of miasmas – toxic air that spread disease.”

Here, the lines suggest that the public demanded protection against miasmas.

So, the answers are:

• public
• miasmas

Question 26: These were blamed for the spread of disease for hundreds of years, including epidemics of ______________ in London and Paris in the middle of the 19th century.

Keywords for this answer: blamed, spread of disease, hundreds of years, epidemics of, in London and Paris, middle of the 19th century, 

The answer is in lines 3-5 of paragraph F, “Miasmas were feared as the principal agents of disease and epidemics for centuries, and were used to explain the spread of infection from the Middle Ages right through to the cholera outbreaks in London and Paris during in 1850s.”

Here, the lines suggest that London and Paris city suffered from the epidemics (outbreaks) of cholera.

So, the answer is: cholera

IELTS Cambridge 14 Test 2: ACADEMIC Reading Module

Reading Passage 3:Why companies should welcome disorder

Questions 27-34 (List of headings)

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

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

Question 27: Section A

The answer lies in paragraph no. 2 of Section A. “…. . .We are told that we ought to organise our company, our home life, our week, our day and even our sleep, all as a means to becoming more productive. Every week, countless seminars and workshops take place around the world to tell a paying public that they ought to structure their lives in order to achieve this.”

These lines suggest that people are increasingly expected to organise their companies.

So, the answer is: vi (What people are increasingly expected to do)

Question 28: Section B

The answer for this question is found in the first paragraph of Section B. Here, the writer complains that. . . “Ironically, however, the number of businesses that fail has also steadily increased. Work-related stress has increased. A large proportion of workers from all demographics claim to be dissatisfied with the way their work is structured and the way they are managed.”

So, the answer is: i (Complaints about the impact of a certain approach)

Question 29: Section C

The answer is in lines 2-4 of section C, where we find reference of some recommendations regarding business activities which was given in the first half of the 20th century. “… .Writing in the first half of the 20th century, he designed a number of principles to improve the efficiency of the work process, which have since become widespread in modern companies.”

So, the answer is: iii (Early recommendations concerning business activities)

Question 30: Section D

The first line of section D gives us the answer. The writer states, “New research suggests that this obsession with efficiency is misguided.” It means that the beliefs regarding efficiency are misguided or incorrect.

So, the answer is: ii (Fundamental beliefs that are in fact incorrect)

Question 31: Section E

This question’s answer can also be traced to the first line of section E. “What’s more, recent studies show that order actually has diminishing returns.” It means the order (organisation) brings problems. Also, take a look at the following lines. “Order does increase productivity to a certain extent, but eventually the usefulness of the process of organisation, and the benefit it yields, reduce until the point where any further increase in order reduces productivity.” So, it is clear that order does more damage than progress.

So, the answer is: ix (Evidence that a certain approach can have more disadvantages than advantages) 

Question 32: Section F

The answer is in the last lines of section F. “These environments can lead to new solutions that, under conventionally structured environments …….. would never be reached.”

Here, would never be reached = impossible

So, the answer is: vii (How to achieve outcomes that are currently impossible)

Question 33: Section G

The second and third paragraph talks about the approach which is taken of Oction, a large Danish manufacturer of hearing aids and the former chairman of General Electric.

So, the answer is: iv (Organisations that put a new approach into practice)

Question 34: Section H

The last lines of section H indicate the answer. Here, the writer says, “This research also shows that we should continually question whether or not our existing assumptions work.” It means there is no guarantee that any approach may work.

So, the answer is: viii (Neither approach guarantees continuous improvement) 

Questions 35-37 (Completing sentences/sentence completion with ONE WORD ONLY)

Here, candidates have to complete sentences by using ONE WORD ONLY from the passage. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.

Question 35: Numerous training sessions are aimed at people who feel they are not _________ enough.

Keywords for this question: numerous, training sessions, aimed at, people who feel,

The answer is in the second paragraph of Section A. Take a look at lines 2-5, “….We are told that we ought to organise our company, our home life, our week, our day and even our sleep, all as a means to becoming more productive. Every week, countless seminars and workshops take place around the world to tell a paying public that they ought to structure their lives in order to achieve this.”

The lines suggest that countless seminars and workshops (Numerous training sessions) are targeted at people who are not productive.

So, the answer is: productive

Question 36: Being organised appeals to people who regard themselves as ____________.

Keywords for this question: being organised, appeals, regard themselves,

The answer is in the first lines of paragraph no. 2 of Section A. “This rhetoric has also crept into the thinking of business leaders and entrepreneurs, much to the delight of self-proclaimed perfectionists with the need to get everything right.”

Here, self-proclaimed = regard themselves

So, the answer is: perfectionists

Question 37: Many people feel _________ with aspects of their work.

Keywords for this question: many people feel, aspects of work

The answer is in paragraph no. 1 of Section B. “A large proportion of workers from all demographics claim to be dissatisfied with the way their work is structured and the way they are managed.”

Here, A large proportion of workers = Many people

So, the answer is: dissatisfied

Questions 38- TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question 38: Both businesses and people aim at order without really considering its value.

Keywords for this question: businesses and people, aim at, order, without considering, value,   

The answer is found in the last lines of Section D. The writer says, “The result is that businesses and people spend time and money organising themselves for the sake of organising, rather than actually looking at the end goal and structure of such an effort.”

The lines mean that people and different businesses actually aim at order (organisation) rather than looking at the goals. So, they are not considering the real value of order but aiming at it for the sake of organising.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 39: Innovation is most successful if the people involved have distinct roles.

Keywords for this question: innovation, most successful, people involved, distinct roles,

We can find the answer to this question in Section F. Here, in the first lines, the writer says, “In fact, research shows that, when innovating, the best approach is to create an environment devoid of structure and hierarchy and enable everyone to engage as one organic group.”

Here, one organic group is an antonym for distinct roles.

So, the lines suggest that if people work together as one organic group, innovation is most successful, not if people have distinct roles.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 40: Google was inspired to adopt flexibility by the success of General Electric.

Keywords for this question: innovation, most successful, people involved, distinct roles,

In Section G, we find the mention of different companies that adopted flexibility. In paragraph no. 2 of Section G, the writer mentions, “Google and a number of other tech companies have embraced (at least in part) these kinds of flexible structures, . . . .” But, there is no mention of the fact that Google was or was not inspired to adopt flexibility by General Electric.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 1:The Importance of Children’s Play

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only ONE WORD to complete notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word/words.]

Questions 1 and 2 are under the title: Uses of children’s play

Question 1: building a ‘magical kingdom’ may help develop ____________.

Keywords for the question: magical kingdom, help develop

We find the keyword ‘magical kingdom’ in paragraph no. 1. So, we should scan it carefully. In the last lines of the paragraph, the writer says, “Although she isn’t aware of it, this fantasy is helping her take her first steps towards her capacity for creativity and……”

Here, helping her take her first steps towards her capacity = help develop

So, the answer is: creativity

Question 2: board games involve ___________ and turn-taking

Keywords for the question: board games, turn-taking  

We find the keyword ‘board game’ in paragraph no. 2, line no. 3. So, we should scan it carefully. The line says, “Later on, when they tire of this and settle down with a board game, she’s learning about the need to follow rules and take turns with a partner.”

Here, take turns with a partner = turn-taking  

So, the answer is: rules

Questions 3-6 are under the title: Recent changes affecting children’s play

Question 3: populations of ________ have grown

Keywords for the question: recent changes, populations, grown 

The question asks us to find out recent changes regarding populations. We find the answer in paragraph no. 5, lines 1-2. “But we live in changing times, and Whitebread is mindful of a worldwide decline in play, pointing out that over half the people in the world now live in cities.”

Here, we live in changing times = recent changes, over half the people = populations grown

So, the answer is: cities          

Opportunities for free play are limited due to:

Questions 4 and 5 : fear of _________

Keywords for the question: opportunities, limited, fear of

The answers can be found in lines 2-5 of paragraph no. 5. The writer says, “The opportunities for free play, …. . . .   .. . . .   .. . are becoming increasingly scarce.’ he says. Outdoor play is curtailed by perceptions of risk to do with traffic, as well asparents’ increased wish to protect their children from being the victims of crime.”

Here, becoming increasingly scarce = limited, perceptions of risk = fear, parents’ increased wish to protect their children = fear

So, the answers are (in any order):

traffic

crime

Question 6: increased __________ in school

Keywords for the question: increased, school

The answer is in lines 5-6 of paragraph 5. The writer says here, “…..and by the emphasis on ‘earlier is better’ which is leading to greater competition in academic learning and schools.”

Here, leading to greater = increased

So, the answer is: competition

International policies on children’s play:  

Question 7: it is difficult to find __________ to support new policies

Keywords for the question: difficult to find, support new policies  

The answer is found in paragraph no. 6. Here, the author says, “International bodies like the United Nations and the European Union have begun to develop policies. … ..” Then in the last line, “ . .. . But what they often lack is the evidence to base policies on.”

Here, what they often lack = it is difficult to find

So, the answer is: evidence

Question 8: research needs to study the impact of play on the rest of the child’s __________.  

Keywords for the question: research, need, study, rest of the child’s

The answer lies in lines 2-3 of paragraph no. 8. In the previous paragraph (paragraph no. 7) the writer talks about the need for research to study the impact. Then, in paragraph no. 8, they mention the reaction of Dr Jenny Gibson, “Dr Jenny Gibson agrees, pointing out. .. ., there is very little data on the impact it has on the child’s later life.”

Here, child’s later life = rest of the child’s life

So, the answer is: life

Questions 9-13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSEAnd the statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

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

Question 9: Children with good self-control are known to be likely to do well at school later on.

Keywords for this question: good self-control, likely, do well, school, later

The answer lies in paragraph no. 11, “In a study carried out by Baker with toddlers and young pre-schoolers, she found that children with greater self-control solved problems more quickly when exploring an unfamiliar set-up requiring scientific reasoning. ‘This sort of evidence makes us think that giving children the chance to play will make them more successful problem-solvers in the long run.”

So, the lines clearly show that children with self-control do well in the long run (later on).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 10: The way a child plays may provide information about possible medical problems.

Keywords for this question: the way child plays, may provide info, possible medical problems

The answer lies in paragraph no. 13, where Dr Gibson says, “… Playful behaviour is also an important indicator of healthy social and emotional development. . .. . .. . . .give us important clues about their well-being and . .. .. . .. .useful in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.”

Here, the lines clearly show that the way a child’s plays can be used to identify medical problems (autism).

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 11: Playing with dolls was found to benefit girls’ writing more than boys’ writing.

Keywords for this question: playing with dolls, benefit, girls’ writing,

We find a reference to playing with dolls in paragraph 14 line 4. But there is no comparison between girls’ writing and boys’ writing.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 12: Children had problems thinking up ideas when they first created the story with Lego.

Keywords for this question: children, problems, thinking up ideas, first created, Lego  

The answer is lies in lines 3-5 of paragraph no. 15. “…. Children wrote longer and better-structured stories when they first played with dolls representing characters in the story. In the latest study, children first created their story with Lego, with similar results.”

The lines show the fact that children produced longer and better-structured stories when playing with dolls and Legos. They did not face any problems there. In the last lines of the same paragraph, the writer repeats the result. “With the Lego building.. .. .. ….  The whole year of the project.”

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 13: People nowadays regard children’s play as less significant than they did in the past.

Keywords for this question: nowadays, children’s play, less significant, did in the past  

The first line of the last paragraph gives us the answer. “Somehow the importance of play has been lost in recent decades. It’s regarded as something trivial, or even as something negative that contrasts with ‘work’.”

The lines suggest that nowadays (in recent decades) children’s play has become less significant (has been lost, …. Regarded as something trivial)

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 2:The growth of bike-sharing schemes around the world

Questions 14-18: Identifying information

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer questions 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to questions 1-3. And just like the List of Headings, only read the first two lines or the 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 description of how people misused a bike-sharing scheme

Keywords for this question: misused, bike-sharing

In paragraph E we find a reference to some problems the designers were facing in the project. Line line 4, the writer says, “The system, however, was prone to vandalism and theft.” Take a look at the statement made by Theo Molenaar too, “ ‘After every weekend there would always be a couple of bikes missing,’ Molenaar says, ‘I really have no idea what people did with them, . .. .”

So, the lines reveal the fact that people were misusing the scheme

So, the answer is: E

Question 15: an explanation of why a proposed bike-sharing scheme was turned down

Keywords for this question: proposed bike-sharing scheme, turned down

In lines 6-7 of paragraph C, the author says, “. . .. Nevertheless, the council unanimously rejected the plan, ‘They said that the bicycle belongs to the past. They saw a glorious future for the car,’. … .”

Here, rejected = was turned down, 

So, the answer is: C

Question 16: a reference to a person being unable to profit from their work

Keywords for this question: person being unable, profit

Take a look at the very last line of paragraph F. “… But financially I didn’t really benefit from it, because I never filed for a patent.”

Here, financially I didn’t really benefit from it = unable to profit, 

So, the answer is: F

Question 17: an explanation of the potential savings a bike-sharing scheme would bring

Keywords for this question: potential savings

In paragraph C, Schimmelpennink explained his idea to the city council. Take a close look at his explanation, “ . .. . It turned out that a white bicycle – per person, per kilometre – would cost the municipality only 10% of what it contributed to public transport  per person, per kilometre.’. .. .”

Here, would cost the municipality only 10% = potential savings, 

So, the answer is: C

Question 18: a reference to the problems a bike-sharing scheme was intended to solve

Keywords for this question: problems, intended to solve

In paragraph A, scan lines 3-5, “ . . .They believed the scheme, which was known as the Witte Fietsenplan, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism.”

Here, was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism = the problems . . .. intended to solve

So, the answer is: A

Questions 19-22 (Multiple choice questions – choosing two from five options)

[Generally, in multiple choice questions, candidates have to choose one answer from three or four options. However, in this type of MCQ, candidates have to choose two answers from five / six options. So, the best tip to find out the answer is to remember that the keywords/clues will be found in two cases/ places. Candidates need to be aware of this fact.]

Questions 19 and 20: Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999?

Keywords for this question: Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999

In paragraph D, look at lines 7-9, where the writer mentions people’s attitudes about the environment. “ ‘Times had changed,” he recalls. ‘People had become more environmentally conscious, and the Danish experiment had proved that bike-sharing was a real possibility. A new Witte Fietsenplan was launched in 1999 in Amsterdam.” So, this means the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999 started (launched) because people’s attitude towards the environment was positive. (Answer: D)

Again, the reference to the Amsterdam bike-sharing scheme of 1999 is in paragraph D. In the same paragraph we find that the Dutch Bank Postbankdeveloped a chip card for the project. But in the next paragraph (paragraph E) the writer says in lines 7-8 , “. . But the biggest blow came when Postbank decided to abolish the chip card, because it wasn’t profitable.. .. . .”  This means the partner (Postbank withdrew its support for the scheme). (Answer: B)

So, the answers are (in any order):

B (It failed when a partner in the scheme withdraw support.)

D (It was made possible by a change in people’s attitudes.)

Questions 21 and 22: Which TWO of the following statements are made in the text about Amsterdam today?

Keywords for this question: Amsterdam today

The answer lies in paragraph G because the paragraph starts with “In Amsterdam today. ..”.

First, take a look at lines 2-3, “. . . it is regarded as one of the two most cycle-friendly capitals in the world – … .” (Answer E)

Again, look at lines 6-7, “.. . People who travel on the underground don’t carry their bikes around. But often they need additional transport to reach their final destination.” The lines clearly explain that a bike-sharing scheme is very important for people who use underground tubes, because they need additional transport (bikes) to get to their expected destination. (Answer D)

So, the answers are (in any order):

D (A bike-sharing scheme would benefit residents who use public transport.)

E (The city has a reputation as a place that welcomes cyclists.)

Question 23-26: (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary 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/words.]

Title of the summary: The first urban bike-sharing scheme

Question 23: The first bike-sharing scheme was the idea of the Dutch group Provo. The people who belonged to this group were ______________.

Keywords for this answer: idea, Dutch group Provo, people, belonged to this group,

The answer is in the second and third lines of paragraph A. “.. .Provo, the organisation that came up with the idea, was a group of Dutch activists who wanted to change society.” .

So, the answer is: activists

Question 24: They were concerned about damage to the environment and about ___________, and believed that the bike-sharing scheme would draw attention to these issues.

Keywords for this answer: concerned about, damage to the environment,  

Lines 3-5 of paragraph A give us the answer. “…They believed the scheme, which . .. . .. . ., was an answer to the perceived threats of air pollution and consumerism.”

Here, threats of air pollution = damage to the environment

So, the answer is: consumerism

Question 25: As well as painting some bikes white, they handed out __________ that condemned the use of cars.

Keywords for this answer: painting, white, condemned, use of cars

The answer is in lines 5-7, “… . . In the centre of Amsterdam, they painted a small number of used bikes white. They also distributed leaflets describing the dangers of cars . . .. .. ..”

Here, distributed = handed out,    describing the dangers of cars = condemned the use of cars

So, the answer is: leaflets

Question 26: However, the scheme was not a great success; almost as quickly as Provo left the bikes around the city, the __________ took them away. According to ……..    . . ..    . .. .

Keywords for this answer: not a great success, Provo left the bikes around the city, took them away

The answer is in paragraph B, lines 4-6, “. . .. The police were opposed to Provo’s initiatives and almost as soon as soon as the white bikes were distributed around the city, they removed them.”

Here, left the bikes around the city = the white bikes were distributed around the city, took them away = removed them,

So, the answer is: police

Reading Passage 3:Motivational factors and the hospitality industry

Questions 27-31 (Matching names of people with their ideas or statements)

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

Question 27: Hotel managers need to know what would encourage good staff to remain.

Keywords for this question: hotel managers, need to know, encourage, staff, remain

The answer is in paragraph no. 9, first and last lines. Research done by Enz and Siguaw in 2000 concludes that, “. .. It is essential for hotel management to develop HRM practices that enable them to inspire and retain competent employees.” . .. .. . .. “This implies that it is beneficial for hotels managers to understand what practices are most favourable toincrease employee satisfaction and retention.”

Here, inspire = encourage, retention = staff to remain

So, the answer is: E (Enz and Siguaw)

Question 28: The actions of managers may make staff feel they shouldn’t move to a different employer.

Keywords for this question: actions, make staff feel, shouldn’t move, different employer

The answer is found in paragraph no. 5, in the very first lines. “Ng and Sorensen (2008) demonstrated that when managers provide recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company.”

Here, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company = staff feel they shouldn’t move to a different employer

So, the answer is: D (Ng and Sorensen)

Question 29: Little is done in the hospitality industry to help workers improve their skills.

Keywords for this question: little, done, hospitality, help workers, imporve skills

This answer can be traced in paragraph no. 4, at the very beginning. “Lucas also points out that ‘the substance of HRM practices does not appear to be designed to foster constructive relations with employees or to represent a management approach that enables developing and drawing out the full potential of people, . .. .”

The lines suggest that such HRM practices does very little (or nothing) to help the employees hone (sharpen or improve) their full potential (skills).

So, the answer is: B (Lucas)

Question 30: Staff are less likely to change jobs if cooperation is encouraged.

Keywords for this question: staff, less likely, change jobs, cooperation, encouraged

Again, the answer is found in paragraph no. 5, in the very first lines. “Ng and Sorensen (2008) demonstrated that when managers provide recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, employees feel more obligated to stay with the company.”

Here, recognition to employees, motivate employees to work together, and remove obstacles preventing effective performance, all these mean cooperation which are encourages by managers.

Also,employees feel more obligated to stay with the company = staff are less likely to change jobs

So, the answer is: D (Ng and Sorensen)

Question 31: Dissatisfaction with pay is not the only reason why hospitality workers change jobs.

Keywords for this question: Dissatisfaction, pay, not, only reason, hospitality workers change jobs 

In paragraph 9 (last lines) and paragraph 10 (first lines) we find the research result found by Maroudas et al. (et al.is a Latin phrase which means and others.).

In paragraph no. 9 the writer mentions the statement of Maroudas and others, “as achievement and recognition. When these factors are unfavourable, job dissatisfaction may result. Significantly, though, just fulfilling these needs does not result in satisfaction, but only in the reduction of dissatisfaction.”

Then, in paragraph no. 10, there is another remark by Maroudas and others. “Employees also have intrinsic motivation needs or motivators, which include such factors as achievement and recognition. Unlike extrinsic factors, motivator factors may ideally result in job satisfaction.”

These lines suggest that job dissatisfaction does not come only from pay, rather it may arise from other factors such as achievement and recognition.

So, the answer is: C (Maroudas et al.) 

Questions 32-35 (YES, NO, NOT GIVEN)

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

The statement in the question matches the claims of the writer – YESThe statement in the question contradicts the claims of the writer – NOIt is impossible to say what the writer thinks about 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 32: One reason for high staff turnover in the hospitality industry is poor morale.

Keywords for this question: high staff turnover, poor morale

The answer is found in paragraph no. 4, lines 4-7. The writer gives account of the research done by Maroudas and others (2008). The lines say, “In addition, or maybe as a result, high employee turnover has been a recurring problem throughout the hospitality industry. Among the many cited reasons are low compensation, inadequate benefits, poor working conditions and compromised employee morale and attitudes.”

So, the answer is: YES

Question 33: Research has shown that staff tend to dislike their workplace.

Keywords for this question: staff, have, tendency, dislike, workplace

The answer can be found in the beginning of paragraph no. 6. The writer gives account of the research done by Spector and others in 2000. “While it seems likely that employees’ reactions to their job characteristics could be affected by a predisposition to view their work environment negatively, no evidence exists to support this hypothesis.” So, the lines clarify the point that there is no proof (no evidence exists to support this hypothesis) that workers view their workplace negatively. The information contradicts with the given question.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 34: An improvement in working conditions and job security makes staff satisfied with their jobs.

Keywords for this question: improvement, working conditions, job security, satisfied

In paragraph 9, the writer gives reference to Herzberg (1966) who showed that when factors like working conditions and job security “… are unfavourable, job dissatisfaction may result.”. Then the writer provides the findings of Maroudas and other, 2008. “Significantly, though, just filling these needs does not result in satisfaction, but only . . ..  …” So, the lines are contradictory to question. Improving working conditions and job security does not make staff satisfied with their jobs.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 35: Staff should be allowed to choose when they take breaks during the working day.

Keywords for this question: should be allowed, choose, take breaks,

There is NO INFORMATION regarding taking breaks during the working days in this passage.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 36-40 (Completing summary with ONE WORD ONLY):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to ONE WORD ONLY to complete a summary 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/words.]

Title of the summary: Fun at Work  

Question 36: Tews, Michel and Stafford carried out research on staff in an American chain of ____________.

Keywords for this question: Tews, Michel and Stafford, American chain

The answer can be found in paragraph no. 11 where we find the names Tews, Michel and Stafford. Look at lines 1-3, “For example, Tews, Michel, and Stafford (2013) conducted a study focusing on staff from a chain of themed restaurants in the United States.

So, the answer is: restaurants

Question 37: They discovered that activities designed for staff to have fun improved their ___________,

Keywords for this question: activities designed for staff, have fun, improved  

We can find the answer in paragraph no. 11. In line no.3 the writer says, “ It was found that fun activities had a favourable impact on performance . . .. .”

So, the answer is: performance

Question 38: and that management involvement led to lower staff ___________.

Keywords for this question: management involvement, lower  

Again, this answer can be found be in paragraph no. 11. In line no. 4, the author says, “. . .. and manager support for fun had a favourable impact in reducing turnover.” Here, reducing = lower

So, the answer is: turnover

Questions 39 and 40: They also found that the activities needed to fit with both the company’s ____________ and the _______________ of the staff.

Keywords for this question: activities, needed to fit with both, company’s

The answers are in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 11. The writer says, “Their findings support the view that fun may indeed have a beneficial effect, but the framing of that fun must be carefully aligned with both organizational goals and employee characteristics.”

Here, activities needed to fit with = must be carefully aligned with, company = organization, staff = employee.

So, the answers are:

• goals
• characteristics

Reading Passage 1:Case Study: Tourism New Zealand website

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a table on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

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

Question 1: allowed businesses to ______ information regularly.

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

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

Here, details = information

So, the answer is: update

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

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

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

Here, effect = impact

So, the answer is: environment                     

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

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

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

Here, rugby = sports

So, the answer is: captain                  

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

Keywords for this answer: interactive tour, various locations

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

Here, journey = tour,

A number of locations = various locations,

Chosen for = used in,

So, the answer is: films                      

Question 5: varied depending on the __________. 

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

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

Here, different = varied,

according to = depending on,

So, the answers are: season           

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The statement clearly contradicts the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

Keywords for this answer: started searching, geographical location

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

** Special answer-finding technique:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

It means that visitors like to engage in local culture.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

Keywords for this answer: like staying, small hotels

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

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So the answer is: TRUE

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

Questions 14-19: (List of headings)

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

Question 14: Paragraph A

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

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

Question 15: Paragraph B

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

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

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

Question 16: Paragraph C

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

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

Question 17: Paragraph D

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

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

Question 18: Paragraph E

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

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

Question 19: Paragraph F

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

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

Question 20-23: (Matching names of people with their ideas or statements)

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

Question 20: Peter Toohey

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

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

Question 21: Thomas Goetz

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

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

Question 22: John Eastwood

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

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

Question 23: Francoise Wemelsfelder

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

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: central feature, people cannot

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

So, the answer is: focus

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: pleasure

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

Keywords for this answer: characteristic, generally cope with it

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

So, the answer is: curiosity

Reading Passage 3:Artificial Artists

Questions 27-31:  (Multiple Choice Questions)

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

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

Question 27: What is the writer suggesting about computer-produced works in the first paragraph?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: fourth paragraph, Simon Colton

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: paintings of a chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question 34: Geraint Wiggins criticized Cope for not –

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, criticized, Cope

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

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

Question 35: Douglas Hofstadter claimed that EMI was –

Keywords for this answer: Douglas Hofstadter, claimed, EMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question 38: Moffat’s research may help explain people’s reactions to EMI.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1: The coconut palm

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a note or a table on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

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

Question 1: timber for houses and the making of  ______ 

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

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

So, the answer is:        furniture

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

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

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

So, the answer is:        sugar              

Question 3: used for  __________ etc.  

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

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

So, the answer is: ropes                     

Question 4: a source of ________

Keywords for this question: inner layer (shell)

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

So, the answer is: charcoal                

Question 5: (when halved) for _________ 

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

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

Here, when broken in half = when halved.

So, the answers are:     bowls

Question 6: a source of _______ for other plants.

Keywords for this question:  coconut water,

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

So, the answer is: hormones

Question 7: oil and milk for cooking and ________

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

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

So, the answer is: cosmetics

Question 8: glycerine (an ingredient in ________ )  

Keywords for this question: coconut flesh, glycerine, ingredient

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

So, the answer is: dynamite

Questions 9-13: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN)

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

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
or, The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

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

Question 9: Coconut seeds need shade in order to germinate.

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

So the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

Questions 14-17: (Matching references with researchers)

(In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or links to researchers in the passage. This question is similar to matching names with statements. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.)

Question 14: the importance of adults giving babies individual attention when talking to them

Keywords for this question:individual attention

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

Here,one-to-one context = individual attention

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C (Patricia Kuhl)

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (Mark VanDam)

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

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

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

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

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

(In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing no more than ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.)

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

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

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

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

Here, speech recognition software = specialised computer programs

So, the answer is: recording devices

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

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

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

So, the answer is: dads  

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

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

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

So, the answer is: bridge hypothesis

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: repertoire  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, boosted = larger

So, the answer is: vocabulary

Question 24-26 : (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.]

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F

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

Keywords for this answer: some parents do, before birth

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

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

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

*each other = baby to baby   

So, the answer is: E

Reading Passage 3:Whatever happened to the Harappan Civilisation?

Questions 27-31:  (Identifying information)

[This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.]

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

Keywords for this question: proposed explanations, decline

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

So, the answer is: H

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

Keywords for this question: description, features, urban design

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

Keywords for this question: discovery, errors, previous archeologists

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

Here, flawed = with errors or mistakes

So, the answer is: D

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

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing no more than ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer and candidates must maintain this condition. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.)

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

Keywords for this question: collection, snails

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

Here, gathered = collection

So, the answer is: shells

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

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

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

So, the answer is: lake  

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

Keywords for this question: less, evaporation, drought  

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

So, the answer is: rainfall

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

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

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

So, the answer is: grains

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

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

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

So, the answer is: pottery

Questions 37-40 (Matching references with researchers)

(In this type of question, candidates need to relate references which are given by or links to researchers in the passage. This question is similar to matching names with statements. The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the name of the person and read around it carefully. Then, give a quick look to check whether there is another statement or idea provided by the same person in the text. If there is, check the reference carefully and decide your answer. Remember, the questions may not follow any sequential order.)

Question 37: Finding further information about changes to environmental conditions in the region is vital.

Keywords for this question: changes to environmental conditions, vital

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (Cameron Petrie)

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

Keywords for this question: rough calculations, water shortage

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

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

So, the answer is: D (David Hodell)

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

Keywords for this question: decline, lacking

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

Here, relatively little = lacking; fall = decline

So, the answer is: A (Cameron Petrie)

Reading Passage 1:Bringing cinnamon to Europe

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a note on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

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

Question 1: added to ______ 

Keywords for these answers: Biblical times, added

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

*mixed with = added to

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

So, the answer is: oils

Question 2: used to show  _________ between people.

Keywords for this answer: used, show, between people

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

*token indicating = show, lovers and friends = people

So, the answer is: friendship                         

Question 3: used for its sweet smell at __________.  

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

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

*pleasant scent = sweet smell

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

So, the answer is: funerals                

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

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

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

*sign = indication

So, the answer is: wealth                   

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

Keywords for these answers: treatment, other health problems

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

*cure = treatment, various ailments = other health problems

So, the answer is:     indigestion    

Question 6: grown in _______.

Keywords for this answer:  Middle ages, grown

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

So, the answer is: India

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

Keywords for this answer:  merchants, bring, Mediterranean

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

So, the answer is:camels

Question 8: arrived in the Mediterranean at ________.  

Keywords for this answer: arrived in, Mediterranean

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

So, the answer is: Alexandria

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Venice

Questions 10-13 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

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

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

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

Question 10: The Portuguese had control over the cinnamon trade in Ceylon throughout the 16th century.

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

Questions 14-17: Identifying information

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

Question no. 14: a mention of negative attitudes towards stadium building projects

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

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

Here, regarded with growing scepticism = negative attitudes,

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

Questions 18-22: Summary completion

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

Title of the summary: Roman amphitheatres

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: fortress  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: bullfights  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: opera  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: salt

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

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

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

Here, residences = homes,

So, the answer is: shops

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

[In this kind of question candidates must choose two or three answers for each question from five or six options. The answers will not follow any sequential order as they are randomly spread in the text, so this question will be time-consuming. Skimming will come in handy and previous reading of the text can come in use. Therefore, other questions should be answered first before answering this question.]

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

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

Let’s have a look at Section D.

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

Here, designed for sporting use only = less versatile,

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

So, the answers are:

C (They are in less convenient locations.)

D (They are less versatile.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

B (bringing community life back into the city environment)

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

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

Questions 27-31:  (Multiple Choice Questions)

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

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

Question 27: In the first paragraph, the writer says that most managers –

Keywords for this question: first paragraph, most managers

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

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

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

Keywords for this question: third paragraph, Coach, anxious

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

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

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

Keywords for this question: Tesco’s Greener Living Programme  

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

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

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

Keywords for this question: suggest, Nike’s strategy

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

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

Question 31: What was original about the ME2?  

Keywords for this question: original about ME2

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

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

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

Questions 32-37 (Matching statements with the company)

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

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

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

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

Here, negative effects = harmful impacts

So, the answer is: D (iToys)

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

Keywords for this question: collaborating with another manufacturer

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

So, the answer is: C (Nike)

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B (Tesco)

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (Coach)

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

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

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

Here, irrelevant trend = unrelated product sector

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

So, the answer is: C (Nike)

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

Keywords for this question: successfully avoided, change customers less

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

So, the answer is: A (Coach)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, determine = identify

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

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

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

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

Here, undesired outcomes = negative aspect

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

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

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

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

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

Here, increasing disparity = increasing lack of connection

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

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

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

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete a table on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

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

Question 1: allowed businesses to ______ information regularly.

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

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

Here, details = information

So, the answer is: update

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

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

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

Here, effect = impact

So, the answer is: environment                     

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

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

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

Here, rugby = sports

So, the answer is: captain                  

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

Keywords for this answer: interactive tour, various locations

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

Here, journey = tour,

A number of locations = various locations,

Chosen for = used in,

So, the answer is: films                      

Question 5: varied depending on the __________. 

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

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

Here, different = varied,

according to = depending on,

So, the answers are: season           

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The statement clearly contradicts the text.

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

Keywords for this answer: started searching, geographical location

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

** Special answer-finding technique:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

It means that visitors like to engage in local culture.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

Keywords for this answer: like staying, small hotels

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

So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

Questions 14-19: (List of headings)

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

Question 14: Paragraph A

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

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

Question 15: Paragraph B

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

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

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

Question 16: Paragraph C

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

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

Question 17: Paragraph D

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

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

Question 18: Paragraph E

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

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

Question 19: Paragraph F

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

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

Question 20-23: (Matching names of people with their ideas or statements)

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

Question 20: Peter Toohey

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

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

Question 21: Thomas Goetz

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

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

Question 22: John Eastwood

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

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

Question 23: Francoise Wemelsfelder

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

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: central feature, people cannot

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

So, the answer is: focus

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: pleasure

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

Keywords for this answer: characteristic, generally cope with it

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

So, the answer is: curiosity

Reading Passage 3:Artificial Artists

Questions 27-31: (Multiple Choice Questions)

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

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

Question 27: What is the writer suggesting about computer-produced works in the first paragraph?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: fourth paragraph, Simon Colton

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

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

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

Keywords for this answer: paintings of a chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question 34: Geraint Wiggins criticized Cope for not –

Keywords for this answer: Geraint Wiggins, criticized, Cope

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

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

Question 35: Douglas Hofstadter claimed that EMI was –

Keywords for this answer: Douglas Hofstadter, claimed, EMI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question 38: Moffat’s research may help explain people’s reactions to EMI.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

Reading Passage 1:The History of Glass

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete some notes on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

1. obsidian

2. spears

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: beads                    

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

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

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

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

First century BC,

highly coloured = coloured and

due to = because

So, the answer is: impurities                         

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Romans                

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

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

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

Here, counter = to avoid

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

So, the answers are:

6. lead

7. clouding

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: taxes

Questions 9-13 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

Here, founder = owner

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

So the answer is: FALSE

Reading Passage 2:Bring back the big cats

Questions 14-18: (Multiple Choice Questions)

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

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

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

Keywords for this answer:  large predators, third paragraph

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

Keywords for this answer: British conservation, fourth paragraph

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

Title of the summary: Reintroducing the lynx to Britain

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E (humans)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (wild animals)

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F (farm animals)

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

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

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

Here, marries well = link efficiently

The aim = initiatives

Bringing back = return

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

So, the answer is: A (trees)

Questions 23-26: (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

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

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

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

Question 23: Britain could become the first European country to reintroduce the lynx.

Keywords for this answer: first European country, reintroduce

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

Questions 27-33 (List of headings):

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

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

Question 27: Paragraph A

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

So, the answer is: iv

Question 28: Paragraph B

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

So, the answer is: ii

Question 29: Paragraph C

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

So, the answer is: vi

Question 30: Paragraph D

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

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

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

So, the answer is: viii  

Question 31: Paragraph E

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

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

It means that boards are not looking far enough.

So, the answer is: vii

Question 32: Paragraph F

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

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

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

So, the answer is: i

Question 33: Paragraph G

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

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

So, the answer is: iii

Questions 34-37 (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

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

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

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

Question 34: Close scrutiny of the behaviour of boards has increased since the economic downturn.

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

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

Here,

*the role = behaviour

*extensively picked over = close scrutiny increased

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only word to complete the sentence. For this type of question, first skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 38: Before 2008, non-executive directors were at a disadvantage because of their lack of _________.

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

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

So, the answer is: information

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

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

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

Here, concentrate too much = place too much emphasis

So, the answer is: financial

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: investors/shareholders  

Reading Passage 1 :Flying tortoises

Questions 1-7 (List of headings):

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

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

Question 1: Paragraph A

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

These lines suggest that tortoises were populating the islands.

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

Question 2: Paragraph B

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

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

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

Question 3: Paragraph C

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

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

Question 4: Paragraph D

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

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

Question 5: Paragraph E

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

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

Question 6: Paragraph F

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

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

Question 7: Paragraph G

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

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

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 8: 17th Century: small numbers taken onto ships used by _____________.

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

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

So, the answer is: pirates

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

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

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

*Kept for = act as

*To produce = processed 

So the answer for Q 9 is: food

The answer for Q 10 is: oil

Question 11: Hunted by  _________ on the islands

Keywords for this answer: hunted

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

So, the answer is: settlers

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

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

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

So the answer for Q 12 is: species

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

So the answer for Q 13 is: eggs

Reading Passage 2 :The Intersection of Health Sciences and Geography

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

Questions 14-19: (Identifying Information)

This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first, answer questions 20- 26. After finishing with these questions, come to questions 14-19. And just like the List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.

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

Keywords for this answer: not all diseases, totally eliminated

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

So, the answer is: D

Question 15: examples of physical conditions caused by human behaviour

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

So, the answer is: F

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

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

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

So, the answer is: G

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 20: Certain diseases have disappeared thanks to better ________ and healthcare.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: vaccinations

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

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

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

So, the answer is: antibiotics

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

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

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

So, the answer is: mosquitos

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

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

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

So, the answer is: factories

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

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

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

So, the answer is: forests

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

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

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

So, the answer is: polio

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

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

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

So, the answer is: mountain

Reading Passage 3 :Music and the emotions

The headline of the passage: Music and the emotions

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

(In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each answer. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: dopamine

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

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

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

Here, we find some direct matches such as:

*Two regions = two of the parts

*Linked with = associated with

*Experience = feeling

So, the answer is: pleasure / of pleasure

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

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

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

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

*observed = found

*neurons = dopamine neurons

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

So, the answer is: caudate

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

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

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

So, the answer is: anticipatory phase

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

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

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

So, the answer is: food

Questions 32-36 (Multiple Choice Questions)

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

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

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

Keywords for this question: emphasise, first paragraph

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: C

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B

Question 36: According to Leonard Meyer, what causes the listener’s emotional response to music?

A. the way that the music evokes poignant memories in the listener
B. the association of certain musical chords with certain feelings
C. the listener’s sympathy with the composer’s intentions
D. the internal structure of the musical composition

Keywords for this question: Leonard Meyer, causes, listener’s emotional response

In paragraph 6, lines 4-5 says, “…. .—Meyer argued that the emotions we find in music come from the unfolding events of the music itself. This “embodied meaning” arises from the patterns the symphony invokes and then ignores.” Here, the word ‘embodied’ means the internal part.

So, the answer is: D

Questions 37-40 (Completing sentences with the correct ending)

[For this type of question, candidates need to match the beginning and end of sentences. Candidates need to look for keywords in the sentence beginnings and find the relative paragraphs and then sentences in the passage. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question type.]

Question 37: The Montreal researchers discovered that _____.

Keywords for this question: Montreal researchers, discovered

In lines 3-4 of paragraph 3, the writer says, “—were at their most active around 15 seconds before the participants’ favourite moments in the music.” This means that Montreal researchers have found that dopamine neuron becomes more active prior to (around 15 seconds before) the participants’ favourite moments in the music.

So, the answer is: F     neuron activity increases prior to key points in a musical piece.

Question 38: Many studies have demonstrated that _____.

Keywords for this question: Many studies, demonstrated

In paragraph 4, lines 6-7 says, “Numerous studies, after all, have demonstrated that dopamine neurons quickly adapt to predictable rewards. If we know what’s going to happen next, then we don’t get excited.” It means neurons’ activity goes down if the result becomes known to the listener.

So, the answer is: B    neuron activity decreases if outcomes become predictable.

Question 39: Meyer’s analysis of Beethoven’s music shows that _____.

Keywords for this question: Meyer’s analysis, Beethoven’s music

Line 7 and the last lines of paragraph 5 suggest that music of emotion, for example, Beethoven’s music makes a delay in giving what his listeners want to hear. Look closely at the lines: “……and then, in an ingenious tonal dance, carefully holds off repeating it.” And, “…… Beethoven saves that chord for the end.”

So, the answer is: E    emotive music delays giving listeners what they expect to hear.

Question 40: Earlier theories of music suggested that _____.

Keywords for this question: Earlier theories, suggested

In the final paragraph, we find a reference of music from past time. Look at line 2-3 where the writer says, “While the earlier theories of music focused on the way a sound can refer to the real world of images and experiences—……”. Here, real world of images and experiences matches with actual pictures and events.

So, the answer is: C    emotive music can bring to mind actual pictures and events.

Reading Passage 1:The Risks agriculture faces in developing countries

Question 1-3 (identifying information):

This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the other questions first. For this passage, first, answer question 4- 13. After finishing with these questions, come to question 1-3. And just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph.

Question 1: a reference to characteristics that only apply to food production.

Keywords for the answer: characteristics, only apply, food production

In Paragraph A, line 1, the writer says, “Two things distinguish food production form all other productive activities.”

Here, the word distinguish is a verb and it refers to differentiate one thing from the other. The rest of the paragraph is about food only. So, by placing the word distinguish here, the writer means that these two things only apply to food production.

Also, in the question, the word ‘characteristics’ is in plural form, which means there is more than one characteristic = two things.

So, the answer is: A

Question 2: a reference to challenges faced only by farmers in certain parts of the world.

Keywords for the answer: challenges, only, farmers in certain parts of the world

In Paragraph B, the very first line deals with the challenges the farmers have to face all round the world = “Farmers everywhere face major risks, including …. . .”.

Now, many candidates will think it says farming problems of the whole world. Don’t let the line fool you. Go through the next lines. Here, line 3 says, “However, smallholder farmers in developing countries must, in addition, deal with adverse environments, both natural .. .. . ..”.

Here, Developing countries = certain parts of the world.

So, the answer is: B

Question 3: a reference to difficulties in bringing about co-operation between farmers

Keywords for the answer: difficulties, co-operation between farmers.

*** This question will make you read all the paragraphs, but you will find the answer in paragraph H. That’s why I’ve instructed you not to touch this type of question at the beginning of your test.

In paragraph H, lines 7-8 have a reference to Giel Ton who warns, “…that collective action does not come as a free good. It takes time, effort …… .” This line is a clear match with the difficulties of Collective actions (co-operation between farmers).

So, the answer is: H

Questions 4-9 (matching statements with list of people):

This question asks you to match the given statements with the list of people in the box below the question. Here, there are names of six agriculturists who have made different statements in the passage. First, find the main keyword of the question from the passage and then match other supporting keywords. Then, you can decide which person has made the selected statement. Read the instructions for the questions carefully. You may get confused sometimes if you don’t read the instructions.

Question 4: Financial assistance from the government does not always go to the farmers who most need it.

Keywords for the answer: financial assistance, does not always go to the farmers

If you skim paragraphs A, B, C, and D, you can’t find the main keyword financial assistance there. But, paragraph E, line 7 has a word ‘subsidies’ which is synonymous with financial assistance. It also says in lines 10 and 11, “In fact, studies show that sixty percent of beneficiaries of subsidies are not poor, but rich… .. . .” The underlined part of the sentence matches with “does not always go to the farmers”. Here, farmers are not rich.

The statement is made by Rokeya Kabir, Executive Director of Bangladesh Nari Progati Shangha.

So, the answer is: D

Question 5: Farmers can benefit from collaborating as a group.

Keywords for the answer: benefit, collaborate, as a group

The main keyword collaborating is synonymous to collective action and this phrase first appears in Paragraph H. So, it’s clear that the answer is in para H. Here lines 6 & 7 say, “collective action offers an important way for farmers to strengthen their political and economic bargaining power.” Here, the word strengthen can be replaced with benefit.

The statement is made by Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

So, the answer is: B

Question 6: Financial assistance from the government can improve the standard of living of farmers.

Keywords for the answer: financial assistance, standard of living, farmers.

The opening sentence of paragraph E, from where we found the answer of question 4, mentions the statement of Shennge Fan, who believes “…safety nets and public welfare programmes” are “…valuable ways to address poverty among farming families and reduce their vulnerability to agriculture shocks”. “Public welfare programmes” are actually those programmes which supply financial assistance. And “address poverty” and “reduce their vulnerability to agriculture shocks” means to “improve the standard of living”.

The statement is made by Shennge Fan, Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute.

So, the answer is: C

Question 7: Farmers may be helped if there is financial input by the same individuals who buy from them.

Keywords for the answer: may be helped, financial input, same individuals, buy

Skim to Paragraph I and you find these synonyms or some synonymous phrases. In line 8, there is a phrase “worth more attention” which is synonymous with “farmers may be helped”. Also, the part of the sentence in line 7 “consumers invest in local farmers….”   matches with “financial input by the same individuals who buy from them”.

The statement is made by Sonali Bisht, founder, and advisor of INHERE, India.

So, the answer is: G

Question 8: Governments can help to reduce variation in prices.

Keywords for the answer: governments, reduce, variation in prices

There is a statement in paragraph D that deals with the reduction of variation in prices. Just focus on the words and phrases in the last three lines of paragraph D.

• There is a word ‘government’.
• The word ‘Mitigate’ means ‘reduce’.
• ‘Wild swings in food prices’ means ‘variation in prices’.

The statement is made by Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy.

So, the answer is: B

Question 9: Improvements to infrastructure can have a major impact on risk for farmers.

Keywords for the answer: improvements to infrastructure, major impact, risk for farmers

Skim to paragraph D where you’ve just found the previous answer to question 8. In lines 3, 4, 5 and 6, you find talks about improvements of infrastructures like roads, water, and food storage facilities, etc. Also, here are other phrases that match the question. Take a look:

• Major impact on risk for farmers = governments can significantly reduce risk for farmers (line 4),

The statement is made by Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

So, the answer is: A

Questions 10-13 (Multiple choice questions for two answers):

This set of questions asks you to find TWO answers to the same question. So, the main keyword/keywords will be the same.

Remember, you just need to find the two answers and put them in boxes 10 and 11 of the answer sheet but you need not follow any sequence for that. Do the same for questions 12 and 13.

Questions 10 and 11: Which TWO problems are mentioned which affect farmers with small farms in developing countries?

Keywords for the answer: problems, affect farmers with small farms, developing countries

In paragraph B line 3, you can find the mention of smallholder farmers which means farmers with small farms. There is also a clear mention of developing countries.

Now, in lines 3 and 4 you will find the phrase ‘adverse environment’ which matches with answer D = the effects of changing weather patterns.

Also in the opening of paragraph G, the writer states, “… climate change and its consequences for small-scale agriculture”. Here, ‘Small-scale agriculture’ matches with ‘farmers with small farms’.

So, the identifiable first problem is climate change and its consequences, which are a match with “the effects of changing weather patterns”. Answer: D

Now, in paragraph I, the author talks about “the presence of intermediary purchasers” (line 2). “Purchasers” means “buyers”. Those people “… taking advantage of farmers’ vulnerability, dictate prices.” It’s the reason as farmers are bound to sell their goods to these intermediary buyers and these are the buyers who play with prices or dictate prices. Answer: E

So, the answers are: D & E (put answers in boxes 10 and 11 in any order)

Questions 12 and 13: Which TWO actions are recommended for improving conditions for farmers?

Keywords for the answer: recommended, improving, conditions for farmers

In paragraph H, as we’ve already read that collective actions can be beneficial for farmers. So, this matches with answer C where organizing co-operation …. is mentioned.

In paragraph I, lines 7 and 8 there is a mention of “….community-supported agriculture, where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription and guarantee producers a fair price, ….” So, this matches with answer D where we find phrases like encouraging consumers and financial stakes.

So, the answers are: C & D (put answers in boxes 12 and 13 in any order)

The headline of Passage 2: The Lost City

Question 14-20 (List of headings/ Matching Headlines):

In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C, and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.

TIPS: Read the first two lines, and occasionally, the last line of each heading. In most cases, the answers are found here. Do it for all the paragraphs. Do not read too much. If you still don’t find the answers, only then, read the remaining texts.

Question 14: Paragraph A

In paragraph A, the answer is found in line 4 and line 6, at the end of the paragraph. Line 4 states, “…… His goal was to locate…..”. Line 6 states, “….. and Bingham’s plan was to… …” Both these lines have words like goal and plan which indicates that there was an aim of the trip.

So, the answer is: iv            The aim of the trip

Question 15: Paragraph B

In paragraph B, you can find the answer in line 2 and 3, where the writer says, “ ….. a track had recently been blasted down….” Again, you read further and in line 4, the writer also says, “Almost all previous travelers had left the river at Ollantaytambo and taken a high pass across the mountains to rejoin the river………. … .. . but also therefore never passing through the area around Machu Picchu.”

It means that before Bingham’s expedition using the recent track, previous travelers had no idea that the recent route existed.

So, the answer is: vi            A new route

Question 16: Paragraph C

In paragraph C, the last lines contain the answer. In lines 5 and 6 the writer says, “……. And Bingham also seems to have been less than keen on …… “ It means for the time being Bingham also lost his interest in the expedition.

So, the answer is: viii          Bingham’s lack of enthusiasm

Question 17: Paragraph D

As for paragraph D, the answer can be gathered both from the first and last lines. In line 1, the author says, “….. Bingham writes about the approach in vivid style.” Line 7 and 8 says, “… It seemed like unbelievable dream….” Both in vivid style and unbelievable dream suggest that the description of Bingham was dramatic.

So, the answer is: v              A dramatic description

Question 18: Paragraph E

The answer to paragraph E lies in lines 2 and 3 where he says, “ ….. His journey entries of the time reveal a much more gradual appreciation of his achievement.” This means he wrote more than what he saw. Also in line 5 and 6, the writer says, “….. rejoined his companions, to whom he seems to have said little about his discovery.” So, Bingham writes in his notebook many things but doesn’t tell his companions much.

So, the answer is: i               Different accounts of the same journey

Question 19: Paragraph F

In paragraph F, lines 2 and 3, it is written, “…. . . When he came to write the National Geographic magazine article that broke the story to the world in April 1913, …” These lines suggest that Bingham wrote an article on Machu Picchu.

So, the answer is: vii           Bingham publishes his theory

Question 20: Paragraph G

In paragraph G, line 5 says, “ … An idea which has gained wide acceptance over the past few years…..”. Here, wide acceptance means that the idea became a common belief.

 So, the answer is: iii            A common belief

Question 21-24 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

Question 21: Bingham went to South America in search of an Inca City.

Keywords for the answer: went, South America, search, Inca city

In paragraph A line 1, the writer says, “…  . .. Hiram Bingham arrived in South America….”.

In line 3, the writer also says, “…. . .exploration of the remote hinterland to the west of Cusco, the old capital of the Inca .. ..”

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 22: Bingham chose a particular route down the Urubamba valley because it was the most common route used by travelers.

Keywords for the answer: chose, particular route, down the Urubamba valley, the most common route

In paragraph B, you can find the answer in lines 2 and 3, where the writer says, “ ….. a track had recently been blasted down….” Again, you read further and in line 4, the writer also says, “Almost all previous travelers had left the river at Ollantaytambo and taken a high pass across the mountains to rejoin the river………. … .. . but also therefore never passing through the area around Machu Picchu.”

It clearly means that before Bingham’s expedition using the recent track, previous travelers had no idea that the recent route existed.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 23: Bingham understood the significance of Machu Picchu as soon as he saw it.

Keywords for the answer: understood, significance, Machu Picchu, as soon as, saw

In paragraph E, lines 6 and 7, the writer says, “… . .. At this stage, Bingham didn’t realize the extent or the importance of the site….”

The text clearly contradicts/doesn’t match the question.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 24: Bingham returned to Machu Picchu in order to find evidence to support this theory.

Keywords for the answer: returned, in order to, find, evidence

The previous answer was from paragraph E. So, you need not go back. Just skim the next paragraphs. You will find no information regarding Bingham’s return to Machu Picchu.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 25-26: (Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY)

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one word to complete the sentence. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.

Question 25: The track that took Bingham down the Urubamba valley had been created for the transportation of ……………………  .

Keywords for the answer: the track, down the Urubamba valley, for transportation

The answer is in paragraph B. Here, you can find in line 2 and 3, “…. .. a track had recently been blasted down… .. .. to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle.”

It means that the recent route which Bingham used to reach Machu Picchu was made to transport rubber.

So, the answer is: rubber

Question 26: Bingham found out about the ruins of Machu Picchu from a ……………………  in the Urubamba valley.

Keywords for the answer: ruins of Machu Picchu, the Urubamba valley, from a

This answer lies in paragraph C line 1 there is a mention of the word valley. In lines 3 and 4, the writer says,

“. . . .. . . up the nearby hill to see some ruins that a local farmer, Melchor Arteaga, had told them about … . .. . ”.

So, it was a local farmer who told Bingham’s team about the ruins.

So, the answer is: farmer

The headline of Passage 3: The Benefits of Being Bilingual

Question 27-31 (Matching tables; tests and findings)

In this type of question, the candidates have to fill in the blanks in two tables where some tests and their findings are mentioned. There is a condition of writing the answer which is NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS. As these questions have gaps to fill in, you need to focus the words before and after the gaps. This will help you find the answers easily. Synonyms are important because the answers cannot be found as it is in the questions.

Question 27: Observing the _________ of Russian-English bilingual people when asked to select certain objects.

Keywords for the answer:  Observing, Russian–English, when asked, select certain objects

In paragraph B, the keyword Russian-English is in line 10. So, the answer should be somewhere around it. Line 9 mentions a word ‘studying’ which is synonymous to ‘Observing’. The rest of the paragraph indicates selecting certain words like ‘stamp’ or ‘marka’. So, they will be studying eye movements (found in lines 9 and 10).

So, the answer is: eye movements

Question 28: Bilingual people engage both languages simultaneously: a mechanism known as __________.

Keywords for the answer: both languages, simultaneously, mechanism, known as

In paragraph B, where we found the previous question’s answer, there are a few words that match the keywords for this answer. Here, in lines 6 and 7, it says that the word ‘recognition’ is ‘… . . not limited to a single language; auditory input activates corresponding words regardless of the language to which they belong.’ This is synonymous to “Bilingual people engage both languages simultaneously”. Also, mechanism = phenomenon and known as = called.  

So, the answer is: language co-activation

Question 29: A test called the _______, focusing on naming colours.

Keywords for the answer: test, called, naming colours

In paragraph C, line 7 mentions the name of a test which is ‘Stroop Task’. The following line has a phrase ‘to name the colour’.

So, the answer is: Stroop Task

Question 30: Bilingual people are more able to handle tasks involving a skill called ________.

Keywords for the answer: more able to handle, a skill called

In paragraph C, lines 6 and 7, the author states, “…. .. .. bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management.”

This means that bilingual people are better (more able) to perform (handle) those tasks which require (involving) a special skill and that is conflict management.

So, the answer is: conflict management

Question 30: When changing strategies, bilingual people have superior ________.

Keywords for the answer: changing strategies, have superior

In paragraph C, lines 14 and 15, the writer talks about switching between two tasks. This has a close relationship with the phrase-‘changing strategies’ in question. Then the writer says that when bilingual people do such tasks, they reflect better cognitive control (line 17).

So, the answer is: cognitive control

Question 32-36(YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):

In this type of question, candidates have to find out whether:

The statement in the question matches with the account in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts the account in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN

Answers to these questions will follow a sequential order. So, if you find, for example, the answer to question 33, it means that the answer to question 32 is just before that.

Question 32: Attitudes towards bilingualism have changed in recent years.

Keywords for the answer: attitudes, have changed, recent years

Start reading from the very beginning of the passage. In paragraph 1, lines 2 and 3, the writer talks about the negative attitudes towards speaking two languages (….. In the past, such children were considered ….. . .. .) Then, in lines 4-7, the writer says that the advancement in technology has helped to show that children who speak two or more languages have several clear benefits (last line). This means that the attitudes have changed.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 33: Bilingual people are better than monolingual people at guessing correctly what words are before they are finished.

Keywords for the answer: better than, at guessing correctly, what words, before, finished

Paragraph B talks about the use of words while paragraph C talks about guessing words. But none of them shows any comparison on who is better at guessing correctly a word. There is no clear indication of the statement in question 33.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 34: Bilingual people consistently name images faster than monolingual people.

Keywords for the answer: consistently, name images, faster

In paragraph C, lines 2 and 3, the writer says a completely opposite thing. “…. .For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly.” This line directly contradicts the statement in question 34.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 35: Bilingual people’s brains process single sounds more efficiently than monolingual people in all situations.

Keywords for the answer: brains process single sounds, more efficiently, in all situations

In paragraph D, the author mentions “… When monolingual and bilingual adolescents listen to simple speech sounds without any intervening background noise, they show highly similar brain stem responses”. So, there is a proof of one situation, when there is no intervening background noise, at the time of the brain processing of both monolingual and bilingual people is “almost the same”. The given statement is only correct in the presence of background noise, but not in all situations.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 36: Fewer bilingual people than monolingual people suffer from brain disease in old age.

Keywords for the answer: Fewer, suffer, brain disease, old age

Paragraph F is the only place where the writer mentions old age in terms of issues related to brain disease. But nowhere in the paragraph has the writer said anything about a comparison on who suffers from brain disease more- bilingual or monolingual.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 37-40 (identifying information):

This question asks you to find information from the passage and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the answer sheet. Just like List of Headings, only read the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part of the paragraph. You might as well find some answers quickly now, as you have already read the passage to find other questions and got a thorough idea about it.

Question 37: An example of how bilingual and monolingual people’s brains respond differently to a certain type of non-verbal auditory input

Keywords for the answer: example, brains, respond, differently, type of non-verbal auditory input

In paragraph D, we find some information about brain responses. Actually, we already found it when answering question 35. There is a mention of ‘simple sound’ which can be a close match to non-verbal auditory input.

So, the answer is: D

Question 38: A demonstration of how a bilingual upbringing has benefits even before we learn to speak

Keywords for the answer: demonstration, a bilingual upbringing, benefit, before we learn to speak

In paragraph G, lines 1 to 3, we find phrases like “very early” which matches with even before we learn to speak, “seven-month-old babies growing” which matches with upbringing. In the last lines, there is a phrase ‘imparts advantages’ which matches with benefits.

So, the answer is: G

Question 39: A description of the process by which people identify words that they hear

Keywords for the answer: description, process, identify words that they hear

We have already read paragraph B, where the writer talks about how bilinguals identify words (in lines 2 and 3). So, further reading may not be necessary. Just check again the lines.

So, the answer is: B

Question 40: Reference to some negative consequences of being bilingual

Keywords for the answer: negative consequences, being bilingual

This is also an easy answer to find out because we have already covered it while reading paragraph C, line 2 and 3. The writer says, “For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly.”

So, the answer is: C

Reading Passage 2:Collecting as a hobby

This passage mainly deals with the different forms of collecting as a hobby and its psychological aspects. It secondarily deals with the purpose of collecting as a hobby. 

Question 14 – 21: Fill in the blanks in a sentence. (Choose ONE WORD ONLY)

1. The writer mentions collecting _____ as an example of collecting in order to make
   money.

Key words for the question: collecting, make money

The question asks to find which things are collected for making money.

If you scan first sentence of paragraph 2, you will see that the author mentioning- “There are the people who collect because they want to make money – this could be called an instrumental reason for collecting; that is, collecting as a means to an end.”

Here, Because = in order to

So, that’s our first clue matching with the question.

Now, you will look for the next sentence to find out the example – “They’ll look for, say, antiques that they can buy cheaply and expect to be able to sell at a profit.”

Here, the word “,say,” has something special. When you find the word “SAY” in the middle of a sentence with two commas, you can be sure that this particular word is indicating an example or instance.

So, the answer is: antiques.

1. Collectors may get a feeling of _________ from buying and selling items.

Key words for the question: collectors, feeling, buying and sellingIn paragraph 2, you will find a sentence stating buying and selling items, that is: “But there may well be a psychological element, too – buying cheap and selling dear can give the collector a sense of triumph”.

Here, a sense of = a feeling of.

So, the answer is: triumph.

You can watch a video on YouTube on how to find the answers for the two questions above. Follow this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwI28glBvVo&feature=youtu.be

1. Collectors’ clubs provide opportunities to share ____________

Key words for the question: collectors’ clubs, share

In the opening sentence of paragraph 3, the author states “a group of collectors” – “attending meetings of a group of collectors and exchanging information on items.”

We can understand from the lines that these groups as “collectors’ clubs”. It’s saying that they can exchange information on items while attending those clubs. But the question requires one word only, so we choose the most important word from the sentence – “information”.
Here,  a group of = a club and exchange = share

So, the answer is: information.

1. Collectors’ clubs offer _______ with people who have similar interests.

Key words for the question: Collectors’ clubs, similar interests.

Again, in this question we find “collectors’ clubs” as in the question above. Therefore, we must stay at paragraph 3 to find the answer. In the second sentence, we see a phrase “like–minded people”.

The phrase like-minded means “people who have the same/similar interests”. And those clubs bring them into “contact” with other collectors, so the answer simply is “contact”. “Attending meetings” in clubs is one
way in which collectors come into contact socially.

Here, in the sentence, bring means offer and people who have similar interests means like – minded people.

So, the answer is: contact/meetings.

1. Collecting sometimes involves a life-long ______ for a special item.
   Key words for the question: collecting, life – long, special item.​

The first clue of the question is given in paragraph 3.

As the questions in IELTS Reading frequently follow the text’s order, you should look at the following sentences and find the similar words to the question you are practicing. The final sentence of paragraph 3 states   another purpose of collecting – which is “the desire to find something special” (Here, the word special means special item). But there is no mention of anything similar to “life-long”. Therefore you must continue reading to find the accurate answer. Interestingly, in the very next sentence, the author says “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this” (“the whole lives = life – long”). Now, we can understand that the writer means to say “Collectors sometimes have a life-long desire/ spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item.” So, the answer can be both “desire” or “hunt”.
Here, the phrase ‘whole lives’ means life- long

So, the answer is: hunt / desire.

1. Searching for something particular may prevent people from feeling their life is completely ______.

Key words for the question: searching, prevent, their life.

Have a look at paragraph 4. Here, the author states, “Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this. Psychologically, this can give a purpose to a life that otherwise feels aimless.”

Scanning the sentence two times, you will understand that “This” means “spend their whole lives in a hunt for a special item”. We can also understand that “a hunt” means “searching for”.

So, the author is claiming that if they are not looking for a special item, they will feel “aimless”. Then, in the following lines, we are again told (in paragraph 4 line 7-8), if the collector finds that special item, they may then “feel empty”, because the search has ended with the finding of the special item.

So, the answer is: aimless / empty.

• Stamp collecting may be _____ because it provides facts about different countries.

Key words for the question: stamp collecting, facts, different countries.

The main or primary key word for this question is “stamp collecting”, so we have to find that part of the passage which contains information about such type of collecting – which is paragraph 5. In this paragraph, the author mentions, “If you think about collecting postage stamps another potential reason for it – or, perhaps, a result of collecting – is its educational value. Stamp collecting opens a window to other countries, and to the plants, animals, or famous people shown on their stamps.”

The writer is clearly of the opinion that stamp collecting has some educational value as it “opens a window to other countries” with things described or shown on their stamps.

So, the answer is: educational.

• _______ tends to be mostly a male hobby.

Key words for the question: male hobby.

This question has a gender related word, which is “male”. This is our keyword.  In paragraph 7, the author talks about “trainspotting” as “a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men”. The opening lines say, “In the past – and nowadays, too, though to a lesser extent – a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men, was trainspotting.”

Here, boys and men means male.

So, the answer is: trainspotting.

Question 22-26           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of questions maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• The number of people buying dolls has grown over the centuries.

Key words for the question: the number of, buying dolls, grown.

As, in this question, the primary or main keyword is doll, we have to find every part of the text about “dolls”. Paragraph 8 talks about this topic. But it is about the things which interest doll collectors, but there is no information about the number of people buying dolls. No numeric data is given here.

So, the answer is: Not given.

NB: Sometimes, it can be difficult for you to be sure about this answer (NOT GIVEN). If you are not sure enough, you can skip this question and go to the next one. As you know, these questions are arranged in order, if you find out clues for the answer of next question, then you can be sure that the following sentences has no information about the answer for this question.)

• Sixteenth century European dolls were normally made of wax and porcelain.

Key words for the question: 16th century, made of, wax and porcelain.

In the same paragraph (paragraph 8) about dolls, the writer also says in the second sentence: “These have changed over the centuries from the wood that was standard in 16th century Europe, through the wax and porcelain of later centuries, to the plastics of today’s dolls.” So, it can be gathered from the lines, in 16th century, European dolls were often made of wood. And the wax and porcelain dolls were popular in later centuries, which indicates the 17th century and the ones after.

Here, materials that are used means made of

So, the answer is: False.

• Arranging a stamp collection by the size of the stamps is less common than other methods.

Key words for the question: arranging, by the size, less common.

Paragraph 9 should be focused, which contains information about arranging a stamp collection. In this paragraph, the author only states the reason behind some collectors’ liking to arrange their collection and the types of arrangement. But, you can find no reference to what kind of arrangement is more or less common.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• Someone who collects unusual objects may want others to think he or she is also unusual.

Key words for the question: unusual objects, think.

In paragraph 10, the author says “One reason, conscious or not, for what someone chooses to collect is to show the collector’s individualism”, and gives an example by stating, “Someone who decides to collect something unexpected as dog collars,” (which means unusual objects), they may be passing on their belief (which means they want others to think) that they are interesting as well.

Here, unusual means unexpected

So, the answer is: True.

• Collecting gives a feeling that other hobbies are unlikely to inspire.

Key words for the question: other hobbies, inspire

In the final paragraph, the writer says, “More than most other hobbies, collecting can be totally engrossing, and can give a strong sense of personal fulfillment.” This means collecting needs all your attention and makes you completely satisfied, while most other hobbies could not do the same (more than most other hobbies).

Here, give a sense means give a feeling and inspire means fulfill.

So, the answer is: True.

Reading Passage 3:What’s the Purpose of Gaining Knowledge?

Question 27-32           List of Headings/ Matching Headlines

In this kind of question, time is a crucial matter. It will take a lot of your important time. You must not waste too much time in other easy question. This will help you to save some extra time which may come beneficial to you. As questions like these target the whole paragraph, we may need some time to get used to at first. You need not panic. Practicing them regularly will surely upgrade your skills. Skills like skimming and scanning will come handy here. Speculating some answers may also help. Most importantly, you need to apply some techniques like avoiding reading the whole paragraph and focusing on key sentences. Read the first lines and, in some cases, the last line. Don’t read the whole paragraph!

• Section A

This section discusses the university founders’ passion to a wide variety of courses and majors. So, we must focus on headings related to those contents – they are ii, vi and vii (headings about the title, there is no heading about the other contents). In section A, the author writes “But what would the founders of these two institutions have thought of a course called Arson for Profit’?”. The author also says: “I kid you not…” to make clear that this course title is not a mere joke. We may have doubts about the existence of the course, but the writer confirms that it does exist. Since this is only one unexpected title, it cannot match with vii (different names) and the author states nothing related to its meanings, so it cannot be ii (with two meanings). The answer is vi because it says A surprising course title.

So, the answer is: vi

• Section B

Section B deals with targeting students of the course because the first sentence says: “the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. After that the author throws a question: “But wouldn’t this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?” The author asks this question to show the possibility of attracting the wrong kind of students. The course might attract those students who might be interested in starting fires, not fighting fires.

So, the answer is: viii

• Section C

Section C talks about the author and his life-story about the title of the course. There are only two outstanding headings that could be related to a title – ii and vii. We have already a confirmed answer-vi for Section A. As in this section, the author only states one confusing title that could be recognized by his students in two different ways, as it deals with the two meanings of ‘principles’. So, the answer has to be “a course title with two meanings”.

So, the answer is: ii

• Section D

Section D is a very small paragraph and you can cross out some answers straightaway because you know they are wrong for sure. As an example, in this section, the author does not talk about any commitment, so the answer heading ‘i’ is wrong– “Courses that require a high level of commitment”. Continue to do the same for other answers. Thus, only heading iv – “Applying a theory in an unexpected context” will remain. Here, the writer provides a reference to the idea of the philosopher Kant that any body of knowledge is principled. The author states in the first line that this idea sounds “downright crazy in the light of the evidence”, which is a clear match with “an unexpected context” in the heading when applied to an immoral practice like marketing.

So, the answer is: iv

• Section E

In this section, the writer states two important terms in marketing, means and end, in the very first line. So, there are two important matters which are discussed in this section. In the last lines, he supposes that “A field of knowledge or a professional endeavor is defined by both the means and the end; hence both deserve scrutiny”, which means that both terms are equally important. Therefore, the answer is “the equal importance of two key issues”.

So, the answer is: iii

• Section F

In the last lines final section, the author gives the example of a doctor and a poisoner/murderer. Both may gather the same body of knowledge, but they use that knowledge for completely different purposes/ends, and so we give different names: we say that the doctor is practicing medicine and we say that the other is practicing murder. The author does not talk about anything related to “financial benefits” (heading v) and “a high level of commitment” (heading i). Therefore, the most suitable heading for this section is “Different names for different outcomes” (vii).

So, the answer is: vii

Question 33-36           Summary Completion (using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS)

In this question type, you are given a short text with some blank spaces. You have to fill in the blanks with one or two words taken directly from the passage. To practice this question type effectively, look at the words or phrases just before and after the blank spaces carefully. This may give you some idea about where to look for the answers in the passage.

• […] undergraduates and who are studying ____

In the final sentence of the first section, the author mentions: “Any undergraduates who have met the academic requirements can sign up for the course in our program in ‘fire science’.” So, it can be said that students who can sign up for the course are undergraduates and those who are studying ‘fire science’. (in this question you can write no more than two words).

So, the answer is: fire science.

• […] that they will become ____

The opening lines of the second section says: “Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators”. We can see here that expectation means prospective, which means they are studying to be arson investigators in the future. The answer is investigators.

Here, expectation = prospective and will be = in the future

So, the answer is: investigators.

• […] cases of arson and find ____ of criminal intent

In this question, the clause “The course will help them” means students can learn something from the course, so we need to look at this reference in section B, lines 1-3: “…. who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.” Here, “A fire was deliberately set” can be taken as an example of criminal intent, that is: the arsonist deliberately intended to start a fire. Then the course can help them to detect whether it is done deliberately or not, who did it, and find a chain of evidence. So, the answer has to be “evidence”.

Here, find means to detect or establish

So, the answer is: evidence.

• […] leading to successful ____ in the courts.

The answer required for this question is just after an adjective (successful) and in front of an adverb of place (in the courts). Therefore, we can understand that the answer has to be a noun. In section B, the author states the court in this phrase in lines 3-4: “establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law”. Here, “effective” means “successful”, and “in a court of law” means “in the courts”. So, the answer is “prosecution”.

So, the answer is: prosecution.

Question 37-40           TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Note: This type of question maintains a sequence. For instance, if you find answer to question 2 in the first few lines of Paragraph 2, look for answer to question 1 in paragraph 1.

• It is difficult to attract students onto courses that do not focus on a career.

If this statement is true, you must find a sentence in the text conveying the same idea. If this statement is false, you need to point out what is wrong with it and find a sentence in the passage given to correct it. However, there is no reference like that in the passage. In the passage, we can’t find any sentence telling us about difficulties in attracting students onto such courses.

So, the answer is: Not given.

• The ‘Arson for Profit’ course would be useful for people intending to set fire to buildings.

Hence, we have already learned from our previous reading of the passage that “use the very same knowledge” means they can use what they have learned from this course (= this course would be useful for them). Moreover, “destructive, dangerous, reckless activity” can include “set fire to buildings.” Therefore, the answer is Yes. Further in section F, the author once again states the “Arson for Profit” course and mentions: “As we have seen, someone could use the very same knowledge of means to achieve a much less noble end, such as personal profit via destructive, dangerous, reckless activity”.

So, the answer is: Yes.

• Fire science courses are too academic to help people to be good at the job of firefighting.

Look at section B where the author speaks about the knowledge learned on the course to its usefulness for students who want to become firefighters. They will be capable of doing the job in a professional and expert way: “…. programs in fire science: they are highly welcome as part of the increasing professionalization of this and many other occupations”. The course surely helps the students. Here, To be good at the job of means professionalization.

So, the answer is: No.

• The writer’s fire science students provided a detailed definition of the purpose of their studies.

Take a look at section F where the author asks the students about the purpose of the course, “When I ask fire science students to articulate the end, or purpose, of their field, they eventually generalize to something like, ‘The safety and welfare of society,’ which seems right.” Here, they only “generalize”, which means “to make a flat/general statement or form a general opinion”. Their opinion is only general or flat, not detailed or particularly clear. Here, provide a detailed definition of means to articulate.

So, the answer is: No.