IELTS Cambridge 13 Test 2: GT Reading Module 

Section 1: Online roommate finder: Toronto

TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

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

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

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

Question no. 1: The room available has two beds.

Keywords for this question: two beds,       

In paragraph no. 1, take a look at the first line, “I have one room available in a large apartment located just off Queen and Bathurst in Toronto. The room is fully furnished with a double bed, desk, shelf and wardrobe.”

Here, a double bed = one bed with a space for two people, NOT two beds,

So, the answers are: FALSE

Question no. 2: The Australian in Sasha’s apartment is a musician.

Keywords for this question: the Australian, Sasha’s apartment, musician,

In paragraph no. 2, Sasha explains the Australian in lines 4-5, “ . .. …. The third room is occupied by Simon, who is from Australia. He works part-time in a music shop downtown and is a great drummer. . .. . .”

Here, is a great drummer = is a musician,

So, the answer is: TRUE       

Question no. 3: Sasha does all the cleaning in the apartment.

Keywords for this question: Sasha, does, all the cleaning,    

Lines 6-8 of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . . .. We both like keeping the place neat and tidy – I actually enjoy cleaning in my spare time and sometimes we do it together as a roommate team (we make it fun!) . .. ..”

Here, sometimes we do it together = she doesn’t do all the cleaning by herself; she takes help,

So, the answer is: FALSE                 

Question no. 4: Sasha likes being in the open air.

Keywords for this question: Sasha likes, being, open air,      

The final lines of paragraph no. 2 say, “ . .. . . I love watching movies, exploring, getting out of the city and into the outdoors, and listening to music.

Here, exploring, getting out of the city and into the outdoors = Sasha like being in the open air,

So, the answer is: TRUE                   

Question no. 5: The room available would be suitable for someone who likes to be quiet.

Keywords for this question: would be suitable, likes to be quiet,      

In the third paragraph the writer explains in lines 3-5, “ . . .. . The bedroom is a long way from the living room, so it shouldn’t disturb you if people come round and besides, we are certainly very respectful. … . ..”

Here, the lines suggest that no one is going to disturb and the room will be quiet.  

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question no. 6: Sasha thinks her apartment is in the best part of Toronto.

Keywords for this question: Sasha thinks, apartment, the best part of Toronto,     

In the final paragraph of the text, the writer says in lines, “ . .. . . . (it’s a great neighborhood – lots of character and plenty to do). . .. ..”

However, there is NO MENTION of whether it is the best part of Toronto or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN  

Question no. 7: Sasha has never had a roommate from Canada.

Keywords for this question: Sasha, never had, roommate, from Canada,    

Again, in the final paragraph of the text, the writer says, “ . .. . .. That said, we’re certainly interested in living with Canadians too! . .. . .”

However, this DOES NOT CLARIFY whether Sasha had never had a roommate from Canada or not.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Smartphone fitness apps    

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. 8: This app can be used for more than one sport.

Keywords for this question: can be used, more than one sport,       

In the description of ‘Impel’, the writer of the text says in lines 3-4, “ ….. .. If you’re ever not sure where to run or cycle you can find user-created routes on the app, or share your own. .. … .”

Here, run or cycle = more than one sport,

So, the answer is: C

Question no. 9: You have to pay if you want this app to suggest where you can go.

Keywords for this question: have to pay, if, want this app, to suggest, where, can go,     

In the description of ‘Fast Track’, the writer says in lines 5-6, “ .. … . .. If you can afford the ‘pro’ version, you can add possible routes, voice coaches, …. .. .. .”

Here, If you can afford the ‘pro’ version = you have to pay if you want, add possible routes = suggest where you can go,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 10: This app has well-presented visuals.

Keywords for this question: well-presented visuals,  

Again, in the description of ‘Fast Track’, the writer says in line no. 3, “ . .. ..  the free release gets you GPS tracking, a nicely designed map view, . .. … .”

Here, a nicely designed map view = well-presented visuals,

So, the answer is: D

Question no. 11: You do not have to pay for any of the features on this app.

Keywords for this question: do not have to pay, any of the features,      

Take a look at the first few lines of the description of ‘Pacer’. The writer says here, “Although they were previously split into ‘pro’ and ‘free’ versions, Pacer’s developer now generously includes all the features in one free app. That means you can spend no money,  . . . … ..”

Here, includes all the features in one free app = do not have to pay for any of the features on this app,

So, the answer is: A

Question no. 12: You can pay to download true stories on this app.

Keywords for this question: can pay, to download, true stories,       

The final lines in the description of ‘Beat2’ say, “ . .. . .. . Or if you fancy something different, the app also has In-App Purchases, including tales of past sporting heroes you can listen to while you run.”

Here, In-App Purchases = you can pay to download, tales of past sporting heroes = true stories,

So the answer is: B

Question no. 13: You can get ideas about where to go from other people on this app.

Keywords for this question: can get ideas, where to go, from other people,     

In the description of ‘Impel’, have a look at these lines, “ . . . .. . If you’re ever not sure where to run or cycle you can find user-created routes on the app,  . . .. . .”

Here, find user-created routes = get ideas about where to go from other people,

So the answer is: C

Question no. 14: This app gives you details of the energy you have used.

Keywords for this question: gives you details, energy, you have used,    

Right above the ‘GIFT VOUCHERS’ section, there’s a small note that says,

In the description of ‘Pacer’, take a look at the final line, “ . .. . .. . and examine details of your pace and calories burned.”

Here, details of your pace and calories burned = details of the energy you have used,

So the answer is: A

Section 2: Why you should delegate tasks to team members

Questions 15-20: Completing sentences with ONE WORD ONLY

In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum ONE WORD 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 15: Ensure team members are aware of any __________ there are regarding how the work should be presented.

Keywords for this question:ensure, aware, any, how the work, should be presented  

In the second paragraph, take a look at lines 1-2 and 4-5, “When you give someone a project task to do, make sure that they have all the information they require to actually get on and do it. . .. . .. …. It also means informing them of any expectations you have, such as delivering it as a spreadsheet rather than a Word document.”

Here, make sure = ensure, they have all the information = team members are aware, delivering it as a spreadsheet = how the work should presented,

So, the answer is: exceptions

Question 16: Make sure support is made available if any _________ exist as to the team member’s ability to do the work.

Keywords for this question:make sure, support, made available, if any, exist, team member’s ability,

In the third paragraph, the author says in lines 1-2, “If you have concerns that someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job (or they tell you this outright), make sure that you offer some help. . … . .”   

Here, you offer some help = support is made available, someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job = concerns exist as to the team member’s ability to do the work,

So, the answer is: concerns

Question 17: Ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, for example by providing a regular __________.

Keywords for this question:ask, to detail, how, work, developing, for example, providing a regular,  

Lines 1-2 of paragraph no. 4 say, “Once you have given the task to someone, let them get on with it. Tell them how you expect to be kept informed, like through a report once a week. . .. . .. . .”

Here, Tell them how you expect to be kept informed = ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, like = for example, through = by providing, once a week = regular,

So, the answer is: report

Question 18: Don’t delegate administrative tasks simply because they are __________.

Keywords for this question:don’t delegate, administrative tasks, simply because,

In the fifth paragraph, line no. 3 says, “ . .. . don’t delegate tasks such as dull administrative ones, just because you don’t want to do them… .. .”

So, the answer is: dull

Question 19: Managers can ask a team member to check on the achievement of __________ at fixed intervals.

Keywords for this question:managers, can ask, team member, to check, achievement, fixed intervals,  

In the sixth paragraph, lines 1-3 say, “One way to free up your time to spend on the more strategic and leadership parts of project management is to delegate things that are regular, like noting whether weekly targets have been met. .. .. .. .”

Here, weekly = at fixed intervals, whether.. .. . targets have been met = target achievement,

So, the answer is: targets

Question 20: If you _________ you risk delaying the whole project.

Keywords for this question:if, you risk, delaying, whole project,

Take a close look at the final paragraph, “So in summary, be clear, supportive, and don’t micromanage. Don’t become the problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to leave people alone to get on with their jobs. .. . .. ..”

Here, Don’t become the problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to leave people alone to get on with their jobs means you risk delaying the whole project.

So, the answer is: micromanage

Choosing the right format for you CV

Questions 21-27: Completing notes

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

Title of the note: CV formats  

Question 21:

Chronological
– very common
– gives _________ in most cases

Keywords for this question: chronological, very common, gives, most cases,     

In the ‘Chronological’ section, the author of the text says in lines 2-3, “It provides flexibility because it works in almost all circumstances, .. .. .”

Here, in almost all circumstances = in most cases,

So, the answer is: flexibility  

Question 22:

– perhaps inappropriate if there are periods where _________ is not easy to explain

Keywords for this question: chronological, perhaps, inappropriate if, periods where, not easy to explain,     

In the ‘Chronological’ section, the author of the text says in lines 2-3, “ . .. . . . the exception being if you have blocks of unemployment that are difficult to account for. .. .. .”

Here, the exception = perhaps inappropriate, difficult to account for = not easy to explain,

 So, the answer is: unemployment   

Question 23:

Functional
– appropriate for people who intend to follow a new _________ in their career

Keywords for this question:functional, appropriate for people, intend to follow, new, their career,   

Lines 3-4 in the ‘Functional’ section say, “It also suits those who want to go in a different direction work-wise and change industry. … .. ..” 

Here, suits = appropriate for, who want to go in a different = who intend to follow a new, work-wise = career,

So, the answer is: direction   

Question 24:

– can create _________ in recruiters, so is best used with caution

Keywords for this question: Functional, can create, recruiters, best used with caution,

Again, in the ‘Functional’ section, the writer says in the second paragraph, “Because this format is often used to cover a patchy employment history, some interviewers may view such CVs with suspicion, so be very careful should you choose it.”

Here, interviewers = recruiters, be very careful should you choose it = best used with caution,

So, the answer is: suspicion   

Question 25:

Achievement
– focuses mainly on what the person has achieved
– may be advisable if the person has no __________ in the area

Keywords for this question: achievement, focuses mainly on, what the person has achieved, may be advisable, if, person has no,    

In the ‘Achievement’ section, the writer says in lines 2-3, “This can help show your suitability for a role if you lack direct experience of it.”

Here, This can help = may be advisable, if you lack = if the person has no,

So, the answer is: experience    

Question 26:

Non-traditional
– enables use of attractive __________ to present data

Keywords for this question: non-traditional, enables, use of attractive, present data,    

In the ‘Non-traditional’ section, lines 2-3 say, “. . . . You can present information through graphics, which can be more visually engaging and turn out to be an unusual but winning option. . .. ..” 

Here, more visually engaging = attractive,

So, the answer is: graphics    

Question 27:

– suits applications for jobs in marketing or ___________

Keywords for this question: non-traditional, suits, applications, jobs in marketing, or,   

Again, in the ‘Non-traditional’ section, the final few lines say, “. . .. a highly creative CV format is only really appropriate for creative and artistic sectors, such as those involving promoting products, though it would also work for the media too.”

Here, promoting products = marketing, though = or,

So, the answer is: media

Section 3: DINOSAURS AND THE SECRETS THEY STILL HOLD   

Questions 28-32: 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.]

Title of the summary: The discovery of Tongtianlong

Question 28: This species of dinosaur has only recently been found in an area of China. Scientists believe that it was bird-like in appearance and probably no bigger than a ___________.  

Keywords for this question: this species, only recently been found, an area of China, Scientists believe, was bird-like, probably, no bigger than,

Have a look at the first paragraph as the writer explains here in lines 1-5, “I was recently part of a team of palaeontologists that discovered a new dinosaur. Living in what is now China, the species would have resembled a strange bird. It was about the size of a sheep and covered in feathers, .. .. .. .”

Here, discovered a new dinosaur = This species of dinosaur has only recently been found, the species would have resembled a strange bird = Scientists believe that it was bird-like in appearance, was about the size of a = probably no bigger than a,

So, the answer is: sheep

Questions 29 & 30: It is thought to have eaten 29. ___________ and it used its 30. ___________ to get through their hard exterior.

Keywords for this question: thought to have eaten, used its, get through, hard exterior, 

Again, in the first paragraph, the writer says in lines 5-7, “ . . .. .. . .. It was about the size of a sheep and covered in feathers, with a sharp beak that it probably used to crack open shellfish. . .. . . .. .”

Here, with a sharp beak that it probably used to crack openshellfish means that the animal was thought to have eaten shellfish and used its beak to get through the shellfishes’ hard exterior.

So, the answers are:

29. shellfish
30. beak

Questions 31 & 32: The fossil of Tongtianlong was found surrounded by 31. _________ under the ground where the foundations of a new 32. _________ were being dug.

Keywords for this question: fossil of Tongtianlong, found, surrounded by, under the ground, foundations of, new, were being dug,   

Lines 7-15 of the first paragraph say, “ . .. .. . It was given the formal scientific name Tongtianlong, but we called it ‘Mud Dragon’ because its skeleton was discovered in rock that had hardened from ancient mud. It seems that the creature got trapped in the mud and died. Then its fossil remains were found a few months ago when workmen were excavating a site in order to build a school.”

Here, its skeleton was discovered in = the fossil was found surrounded by, when workmen were excavating a site in order to build a school = where the foundations of a new school were being dug.

So, the answers are:

31. rock
32. school

Questions 33-37: 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 33: What does the writer suggest about finding new dinosaurs?

Keywords for this question: writer suggest, finding, new dinosaurs,

The answer can be found in the second paragraph, in lines 1-9, where the writer talks about the commonness or frequency of finding new dinosaurs, “It is every dinosaur-obsessed child’s dearest wish to discover and name a completely new species. In fact what my colleagues and I did wasn’t that unusual. New dinosaurs are appearing everywhere these days – about 50 each year. And this pace shows no signs of slowing, as different areas continue to open up to fossil hunters and a fresh generation of scientists comes of age. . .. . … .. .”

Here, New dinosaurs are appearing everywhere these days – about 50 each year = It is becoming relatively common to dig one up,

So, the answer is: D (It is becoming relatively common to dig one up.)

Question 34: In the fourth paragraph, what does the writer suggest about palaeontologists?

Keywords for this question: fourth paragraph, writer suggest, palaeontologists,    

In the fourth paragraph, the writer of the article says, “Some discoveries in the 1970s, like the agile and strangely bird-like Deinonychus, proved that dinosaurs were far more dynamic and intelligent than previously thought. Some palaeontologists even proposed that they were warm-blooded creatures like modern birds with a constant high body temperature that they controlled internally, rather than from warming themselves by lying in the sun. A few decades later opinions are still mixed. The problem is that dinosaurs can’t be observed. Palaeontologists must rely on studying fossils. Some results are convincing: we know from studying their bones that dinosaurs had rapid growth rates, just like modern, warm-blooded animals. Other palaeontologists, however, use the same fossils to suggest that dinosaurs were somewhere between cold-blooded reptiles and warm-blooded birds. More studies are needed to provide more clarity.”

Here, the writer suggests that whatever the theories about the description of dinosaurs are, all the theories provided by palaeontologists are based on evidence that can be taken to understand or interpreted in different ways.

Here, opinions are still mixed = the theories are based on evidence of dinosaur fossils that can be interpreted in different ways.

So, the answer is: B (Their theories are based on evidence that can be interpreted in different ways.)

Question 35: When describing the theory of how dinosaurs began to fly, the writer is

Keywords for this question: describing, theory of how dinosaurs began to fly,       

Take a look at lines 17-26 of paragraph no. 5, “. … .. These feathers were probably for display: to attract mates or scare off rivals. They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. Such creatures were too large to fly. Flight may actually have come about by accident when smaller winged dinosaurs began jumping between trees or leaping in the air, and suddenly found that their wings had aerodynamic properties. This is one of the most stimulating new notions about dinosaurs and a fascinating area for further investigation.”

Here, Such creatures were too large to fly. Flight may actually have come about by accident = theory of how dinosaurs began to fly,

This is one of the most stimulating new notions about dinosaurs and a fascinating area for further investigation = the writer feels it is exciting that the different possibilities in future research regarding flight of dinosaurs,

So, the answer is: C (excited by the different possibilities it holds for future research.)

Question 36: One significance of melanosomes is that they

Keywords for this question: one significance, melanosomes,     

We find discussion about melanosomes in paragraph no. 6. Here, take a look at these lines, “ . …. .. If you look at modern bird feathers under a microscope, you can see tiny blobs called melanosomes. These structures contain melanin, one of the main colour-producing pigments in animals. Some are round, others are egg-shaped, etc. And that’s important, because different shapes contain different colour pigments. So if you can identify the shape, you can identify the colour. A few years ago, some palaeontologists realised that you could find melanosomes in particularly well-preserved fossil feathers. They discovered that different dinosaurs had different melanosomes, which meant they had a variety of colours. Dinosaurs, therefore, probably came in a rainbow of colours – yet another thing that links them to modern birds.”

Here, yet another thing that links them to modern birds = provide further evidence of where modern birds evolved from,

So, the answer is: A (provide further evidence of where birds evolved from.)

Question 37: Which of the following best summarises the writer’s point in the final paragraph?

Keywords for this question: best summarises, writer’s point, final paragraph,       

The answer lies in these lines, “ . . .. .  Although palaeontologists still like to argue about what part the asteroid played in the dinosaurs’ extinction, there really isn’t much of a mystery left. The asteroid did it and did it quickly. There are few signs that dinosaurs were struggling before the impact. None survived except a few birds and some small furry mammals. They found themselves in an empty world, and as the planet started to recover, they evolved into new creatures, including the first apes, and so the long journey began to the beginning of humankind.”

Here, the lines suggest that when the asteroid hit the earth, most of the dinosaurs died instantly. The few remaining dinosaurs could not cope with the new and evolved earth’s climate and environment. So, they got extinct eventually.

So, the answer is: D (The effects of the asteroid strike killed most dinosaurs.)

Questions 38 – 40: Matching statements with list of animals

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

Question 38: It may have used its feathers to frighten off members of the same species.

Keywords for this question: may have used, feathers, to frighten off, members of the same species,      

Have a close look at paragraph no. 5 where the writer mentions ‘Ornithomimosaur’. Here, in lines 16-19,the writer mentions, “ . … . These feathers were probably for display: to attract mates or scare off rivals. They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. .. . . .”

Here, scare off rivals = frighten off members of the same species,

So, the answer is: D (Ornithomimosaur)

Question 39: This species resembles a large flightless bird that exists today.

Keywords for this question: resembles, a large flightless bird, exists today,

Again, the answer remains in paragraph no. 5 in lines 18-19, “ …. . .. . They appeared in species such as the ostrich-like Ornithomimosaur. . ….”

Here, ostrich-like = like an ostrich (a modern, large, flightless bird)

So, the answer is: D (Ornithomimosaur)

Question 40: Finding this species made scientists revise their opinion of the brain power of dinosaurs.

Keywords for this question: finding this species, made scientists revise, opinion, brain power of dinosaurs,   

In paragraph no. 4, take a look at the first few lines, “Some discoveries in the 1970s, like the agile and strangely bird-like Deinonychus, proved that dinosaurs were far more dynamic and intelligent than previously thought. . ….. ..”

Here, inside the shell = in the fake shell,

So, the answer is: C (Deinonychus)