Category: IELTS Reading

Reading Passage 1:  Matching statements with the correct location

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

Question no. 1: Manufacturers must sell cleaner cars.

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

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

Here, state regulations are forcing = must,

So, the answer is: Los Angeles

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: London

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Singapore

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

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

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

Here, gauges = monitored, pollution = exhaust emissions,

So, the answer is: London

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

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

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

Here, car-pooling = share vehicles with others,

So, the answer is: Los Angeles

Question 6-10: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 6: According to British research, a mere twelve per cent of vehicles tested produced over fifty percent of total pollution produced by the sample group.

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

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

Here, more than half = over fifty percent,

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

Here, successful opposition = has NOT been done successfully,

So, the answer is: NO

Question 11-13: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

Here, WHO deems healthy = WHO guidelines,

So, the answer is: A (one)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (particulate matter)

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 2: VOTES FOR WOMEN

Questions 14-15: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, cohesion and focus = clear purpose and direction,

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

Question no. 16: Choosing TWO options from given list

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers are:

D (1918)

E (1928)

Questions 17-19: Completing notes:

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

Question no. 17:

Three ways in which the WSPU raised money:

• the newspapers: mainly through selling 17. _________

Keywords for the question: three ways, WSPU, raised money, newspapers, mainly, selling,  

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

Here, returned a profit = raised money,

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

Question no. 18:

• merchandising activities: selling a large variety of goods produced in their 18. _________

Keywords for the question: merchandising activities, selling, large variety of goods, produced in,    

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

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

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

Question no. 19:

• additional fund-raising activities: for example, 19. _________

Keywords for the question: additional, fund-raising activities, for example,   

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

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

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

Questions 20-26: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers is: NO

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answers is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answers is: NO

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

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

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

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

So, the answers is: NO

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN   

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

Question no. 27: Multiple choice questions

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

The writer of the article finds the exhibition to be –

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (informative)

Reading Passage 3:Measuring Organisational Performance

Questions 28-30: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 28: The experiment was designed to –

Keywords for the question: experiment, designed to,  

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

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

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

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

Question no. 29: The four divisions

Keywords for the question: four divisions,   

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

Here, exactly the same way = identical patterns,

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

Question no. 30: Before the experiment

Keywords for the question: before, experiment,    

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

Here, several months = a number of months,

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

Questions 31-36: Summary completion

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

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

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

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

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

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

 So, the answer is: supervision  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: productivity

Question no. 33:

• supervision of all workers was ________

Keywords for the question: participative programme, supervision, all workers,   

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

So, the answer is: reduced

Question no. 34:

• supervisory staff were given training in ________

Keywords for the question: participative programme, supervisory staff, given, training,       

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

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

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

Question no. 35:

• work groups were found to be _________ by 30%.

Keywords for the question: hierarchically controlled programme, work groups, found to be, by 30%,    

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

So, the answer is: overstaffed

Question no. 36:

• the work force was _________ by 25%.

Keywords for the question: hierarchically controlled programme, work force, by 25%,     

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

So, the answer is: cut

Questions 37-40: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 37: Fig 1

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

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

Question no. 38: Fig 2

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

Here, the work got done = completion of work,

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

Question no. 39: Fig 3

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

Here, manager and assistant manager = supervisors,

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

Question no. 40: Fig 4

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

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

So, the answer is: F (Employees’ opinion as to extent of personal support from management) 

Reading Passage 1: THE DEPARTMENT OF ETHNOGRAPHY

Questions 1-6: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 1: The twentieth-century collections come mainly from mainstream societies such as the US and Europe.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7-12: Classifying groups

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

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

Question no. 7: Bolivian textiles

Keywords for the question: Bolivian textiles,

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

So, the answer is: TS (Technical series)

Question no. 8: Indian coracles

Keywords for the question: Indian coracles,

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

So, the answer is: AT (Artefact types)

Question no. 9: airport art

Keywords for the question: airport art,

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

So, the answer is: FA (Field Assemblages)

Question no. 10: Arctic kayaks

Keywords for the question: Arctic kayaks,

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

So, the answer is: AT (Artefact types)

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FA (Field Assemblages)

Question no. 12: tents from the Middle East

Keywords for the question: tents, the Middle East,

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

So, the answer is: SE (Social Experience)

Reading Passage 2: Secrets of the Forest 

Questions 13-15: List of headings 

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

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

Question no. 13: Section A 

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

Here, searched out = discovered, 

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

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

Question no. 14: Section B

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

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

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

Question no. 15: Section D

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

Here, tied = linked, 

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

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

Questions 16-21: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 16: The reason for the simplicity of the Indian way of life is that Amazonia has always been unable to support a more complex society.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES 

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN 

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO 

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES 

Questions 22-25: Multiple choice questions 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading Passage 3: HIGHS & LOWS

Questions 26-28: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question no. 27: The number of daylight hours –

Keywords for the question: number, daylight hours,       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions 29- 34: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

The statement in the question agrees with the information in the passage – TRUEThe statement in the question contradicts with the information in the passage – FALSEIf there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN

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

Question no. 29: Seasonal Affective Disorder is disrupting children’s education in Russia.

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: FALSE

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

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

Here, the answer is given in a reverse meaning.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Questions 35-37: Choosing from list of factors

[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of factors with a question. Candidates must find out three/four or five factors that match the questions. Most of the time, the answers can be found in one or two paragraphs.

TIPS: Both skimming and scanning are needed for this kind of question. You need to skim the passage to find out the paragraph where the answers can be found. Then you can scan it to find all the answers. The answers can be written in any order.]

Questions no. 35-37: According to the text which THREE of the following conditions have been scientifically proved to have a psychological effect on humans?

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

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

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

So, this is a match with option E.

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

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

So, this is a match with option B.

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

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

So, this is a match with option D.

So, the answers are: (in any order)

B (rainy weather)

D (high serotonin levels)

E (sunny weather)

Questions 38-40: Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings

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

Question no. 38: It has been established that social tension increases significantly in the United States during ________.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B (hot weather)

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (daylight)

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

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

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

Here, cycle of the seasons = changing weather,

So, the answer is: F (time cues)

Reading Passage 1: A Remarkable Beetle

Questions 1-5: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 1: Bush flies are easier to control than buffalo flies.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

Here, imported = brought to,

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

Questions 6-8: Labeling a diagram

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to label a diagram by choosing types from a box using the information in the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]

Question no. 6:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: South African

Question no. 7:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: French

Question no. 8:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: Spanish

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

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

Question no. 9:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: temperate

Question no. 10:

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: early spring

Question no. 11:

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

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

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

So, the answer is: 2-5 / two to five

Question no. 12:

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

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

So, the answer is: sub-tropical

Question no. 13:  

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

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

Here, it commonly works with = complementary species,

So, the answer is: (South African) tunnelling

Reading Passage 2: Questions 14-18: List of headings

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

Tips to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question no. 14: Section A   

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

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

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

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

Question no. 15: Section B  

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

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

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

Question no. 16: Section C

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

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

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

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

Question no. 17: Section D

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

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

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

Question no. 18: Section F

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

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

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

Questions 19-23: Completing table

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

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

Question no. 19:

Keywords for the question: agricultural practice, deforestation,

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

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

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

Question no. 20:

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

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

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

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

Question no. 21:

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

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

So, the answer is: F (Soil erosion)

Question no. 22:

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

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

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

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

Questions 23-27: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: D (farm diversification)   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: most suitable title, 

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

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

Reading Passage 3: THE CONCEPT OF ROLE THEORY

Questions 29-35: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:

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

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

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

Question no. 29: It would be a good idea to specify the role definitions of soldiers more clearly.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

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

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

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

Here, uniform = dress,

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

Here, lessen = reduce; not eliminate,  

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

Question no. 36: A new headmaster of a school who enlarges his office and puts in expensive carpeting is using the office as a _________.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: role sign  

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

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

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

Here, role change = graduation ceremony,

So, the answer is: ritual

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

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

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

Here, office signs = the wig which judges wear,

So, the answer is: role sign

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: role set 

Question 40: Multiple choice questions

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

Question no. 40: This text is taken from

Keywords for the question: text, taken from,

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

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

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

Reading Passage 1: THE ROCKET – FROM EAST TO WEST

Questions 1-4: List of headings

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

Tips to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question no. 1: Paragraph B 

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

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

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

Question no. 2: Paragraph C

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

Here, the lines clearly explain the reaction principle. 

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

Question no. 3: Paragraph D

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

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

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

Question no. 4: Paragraph E  

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

Here, as a weapon of war = military use,

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

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

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

Questions 5-6: Multiple choice questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: greatest progress, rocket technology,

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

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

Here, Since then = from the late nineteenth century,

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

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

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

Questions 7-10: Classifying groups

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

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

Question no. 7: black powder   

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

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

So, the answer is: A (the Chinese)

Question no. 8: rocket-propelled arrows for fighting

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

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

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

So, the answer is: A (the Chinese)

Question no. 9: rockets as war weapons

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

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

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

So, the answer is: B (the Indians)

Question no. 10: the rocket launcher

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E (the Americans)

Questions 11-14: Matching drawings with names

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

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

Here are the drawings:

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

Keywords for the question: Chinese, basket of fire,  

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

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

So, the answer is: B

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: E

Question no. 13: The Indian rocket

Keywords for the question: Indian rocket,  

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

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

So, the answer is: F

Question no. 14: The British barrage rocket

Keywords for the question: British barrage rocket,

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

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

---

Reading Passage 2: Risks of Cigarette Smoke

Questions 15-17: Multiple choice questions

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

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

Keywords for the question: leukaemia, pneumonia,   

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

Here, smoking is associated = smoking is linked,

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: intake, carbon monoxide,   

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

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

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

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

Keywords for the question: intake, nicotine, encourages,   

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

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

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

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

Questions 18-21: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

 Question no. 18: Thirty per cent of deaths in the United States are caused by smoking-related diseases.

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NO  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES   

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Questions 22-24: Completing/Matching sentences with correct endings:

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

Question no. 22: Passive smoking …

Keywords for the question: passive smoking,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Question no. 24: The American Medical Association …

Keywords for the question: American Medical Association,

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

Here, a strong opponent of smoking = opposes smoking,

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

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

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

Questions 25-28: Classifying statements

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

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

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

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

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

This is a finding of the UCSF study.

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

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

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

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

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

This is an opinion of the UCSF study.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Reading Passage 3: THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Questions 29-33: List of headings:

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

Tips to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]

Question no. 29: Paragraph C

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

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

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

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

Clearly, the paragraph explains the inductive method. 

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

Question no. 30: Paragraph D

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

Here, Hypotheses provide = the role of hypothesis,

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

Question no. 31: Paragraph E

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

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

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

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

Question no. 32: Paragraph F

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

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

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

Question no. 33: Paragraph G

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

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

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

Questions 34-35: Identifying information

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

Question no. 34 & 35: In which TWO paragraphs in Reading Passage 3 does the writer give advice directly to the reader?

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

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

This is a piece of direct advice to the reader.

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

This is another direct piece of advice to the reader.

So, the answers are: (in any order)

• B
• F

Questions 36-39: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, the answer is: YES

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

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

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

Here,

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

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

So, the answer is: NO

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

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

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

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Here,

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

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

So, the answer is: YES  

Question no. 40: Choosing the main purpose

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

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

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

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

So, the best match is: D (to help Ph.D students by explaining different conceptions of the research process)

Questions-Do the dangers of chemicals in food production and preservation outweigh the advantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Answer: Today, most foods sold in small stores and supermarkets contain chemicals to improve production and ensure the food lasts longer. However, there are concerns that these may have negative consequences. The risks associated with this, in my opinion, outweigh the benefits.

Chemicals are added to food for a variety of reasons. First, it is to improve the product\’s appearance, which is accomplished through colorings, which encourage people to purchase food that would otherwise not look appealing to eat. Another reason is to preserve the food. So much of the food we eat would not last that long if it were not for the chemicals they contain, so again this is an advantage to the companies that sell food as their products have a longer shelf life.

Therefore, this evidence shows that the main benefits are to the companies and not the customer. Although companies claim these food additives are safe and have research to support this, the study is possibly biased as it comes from their own companies or people with connections to these companies. It is common to read reports these days in the press about possible links to various health issues such as cancer. Food additives have also been linked to problems such as hyperactivity in children.

To conclude, although there are benefits to placing chemicals in food, I believe that these principally help the companies but could be a danger to the public. It is unlikely that this practice can be stopped, so food must be clearly labeled, and I hope that organic products will become more readily available at reasonable prices.