IELTS Cambridge 8 Test 1: ACADEMIC READING ANSWERS

Reading Passage 1:A Chronicle of Timekeeping

Questions 1-4: (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 1: a description of an early timekeeping invention affected by cold temperatures

Keywords for the question: early, timekeeping, affected by, cold temperatures,

In paragraph D, the author says in lines 3-7, “One of the first water clocks was a basin. . .. .. . Although these devices performed satisfactorily around the Mediterranean; they could not always be depended on in the cloudy and freezing weather of northern Europe.”

Here, early means one of the first, cold means freezing,

So, the answer is: D

Question 2: an explanation of the importance of geography in the development of the calendar in farming communities

Keywords for the question: importance of geography, development, calendar, farming communities

In paragraph B, the author mentions, “Before the invention of artificial light, the moon had greater social impact. And, for those living near the equator in particular, its waxing and waning was more conspicuous than the passing of the seasons. Hence, the calendars that were developed at the lower latitudes were influenced more by the lunar cycle than by the solar year. In more northern climes, however, where seasonal agriculture was practised, the solar year became more crucial.”

Here, the moon had greater social impact means the importance of geography, agriculture means farming,

So, the answer is: B

Question 3:  a description of the origins of the pendulum clock

Keywords for the question: origins, pendulum clock,   

We have to skim paragraphs for ‘pendulum clock’. In paragraph F we find the mention of ‘pendulum clock’. In this paragraph, the author says in lines 7-8, “By the 16th century, a pendulum clock had been devised, but the pendulum swung in a large arc and thus was not very efficient.”

The lines suggest that ‘pendulum clock’ originated (devised) in the 16th century.

So, the answer is: F    

Question 4:  details of the simultaneous efforts of different societies to calculate time using uniform hours

Keywords for the question: simultaneous efforts, different societies, calculate time, uniform hours,    

In paragraph E, the writer indicates in lines 3-7, “…. in the early14th century, a number of systems evolved.  The schemes that divided the day into 24 equal parts varied according to the start of the count: Italian hours began at sunset, Babylonian hours at sunrise, astronomical hours at midday and ‘great clock’ hours, used for some large public clocks in Germany, at midnight. Eventually these were superseded by ‘small clock’, or French, hours, which split the day into two 12-hour periods commencing at midnight.”

Here, these efforts all occurred at around the same time means simultaneously, based on 24 equal parts means uniform hours, in different countries means different societies,

So, the answer is: E

Questions 5-8: (Matching statements with correct nationality):

(The rules for finding answers to this sort of question are simple. Just find the keywords and read around different nationalities 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 5: They devised a civil calendar in which the months were equal in length.

Keywords for the question: civil calendar, months, equal in length,

In paragraph C, the writer describes in the beginning, “Centuries before the Roman Empire, the Egyptians had formulated a municipal calendar having 12 months of 30 days, with five days added to approximate the solar year.”

Here, devised means formulated, civil means municipal, the months were equal in length means 12 months of 30 days,

This means the Egyptians devised a civil calendar in which the months were equal.

So, the answer is: B (Egyptians)

Question 6:  They divided the day into two equal halves.

Keywords for the question: divided, two equal halves,    

In paragraph E, the writer indicates in the last lines, “Eventually, these were superseded by ‘small clock’, or French, hours, which split the day into two 12-hour periods commencing at midnight.”

Here, divided means split, two equal halves means two 12-hour periods,

So, it was the French, who divided the day into 12-hour periods.

So, the answer is: F (French)

Question 7:  They developed a new cabinet shape for a type of timekeeper.

Keywords for the question: new, cabinet shape, timekeeper,

In paragraph G, the writer explains that the anchor escapement was invented in England in 1670 allowed the pendulum to travel in a very small arc. “. . . . It was called the anchor escapement, which was lever-based device shaped like a ship’s anchor.” “…. and thus led to the development of a new floor-standing case design, which became known as the grandfather clock.”

Here, new floor-standing case design means cabinet shape,

So, it was the English who designed this cabinet shape for this kind of timekeeper.

So, the answer is: D (English)

Question 8: They created a calendar to organize public events and work schedules.

Keywords for the question: calendar, organize public events, work schedules,

In the first paragraph, in lines 2-3, the author says, “ .. . … the Babylonians began to measure time, introducing calendars to co-ordinate communal activities, to plan the shipment of goods and, in particular, to regulate planting and harvesting.”

Here, organize public events means co-ordinate communal activities,

So, the answer is: A (Babylonians)

Questions 9-13: (Labeling a diagram)

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

Title of the diagram: How the 1670 lever-based device worked

How the 1670 lever-based device worked

The title indicates that all the answers can be found in Paragraph G.

Questions 9-11:

• escapement (resembling _____________)
• the __________
• the __________

Keywords for the question: escapement, resembling,  

In paragraph G, the writer says in lines 2-3, “.. . . . It was called the anchor escapement, which was a lever-based device shaped like a ship’s anchor.. . .”

So, the answer to question no. 9 is: (ship’s) anchor

Again, in the same paragraph, in lines 3-4, “The motion of a pendulum rocks this device (escapement) so that it catches and releases each tooth of the escape wheel …  …  . .”

So, the answer for question no. 10 is: (escape) wheel (the big second bracket indicates the whole shape)

And the answer for question no. 11 is: tooth (each of the pointy edge which looks like tooth)

Question 12 & 13: a _________ which beats each __________

Keywords for the question: beats each,      

Once again, in paragraph G, the writer says, “Moreover, this invention allowed the use of a long pendulum which could beat once a second and thus led to the development of a new floor-standing case design.”

Here, beat once means beats each

So, the answer to question no. 12 is: (long) pendulum

So, the answer for question no. 13 is: second   

Reading Passage 2: Air traffic control in the USA

Questions 14-17 (List of headings):

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

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

Question 14: Paragraph A

In the first lines of paragraph A the writer says, “An accident that occurred in the skies over the Grand Canyon in 1956 resulted in the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to regulate and oversee the operation of aircraft in the skies over the United States.”

Here, the lines suggest that the accident (disaster) in 1956 resulted (prompts) in the establishment of FAA.

So, the answer is: ii (Aviation disaster prompts action)

Question 15: Paragraph C

In paragraph C, take a look at lines 3-5 where the author says, “.. .. .. It was only after the creation of the FAA that full-scale regulation of America’s airspace took place, and this was fortuitous, for the advent of the jet engine suddenly resulted in a large number of very fast planes… .”

Here, fortuitous means chance, accidental or coincidental.

So, the answer is: iii (Two coincidental developments)

Question 16: Paragraph D   

Take a close look at lines no. 3 and read this sentence, “. . .This is a very incomplete part of the picture.”

The line suggests that the role of ATC, as in many people’s thoughts, is a very incomplete picture/ oversimplified view.

So, the answer is: v (An oversimplified view)

Question 17: Paragraph E

In paragraph E, the writer details about setting a controlled airspace which is commonly known as altitude zones: “In general, from 365m above the ground and higher, the entire country is blanketed by controlled airspace. In certain areas, mainly near airports, controlled airspace extends down to 215m above the ground . . . … .  In this way, the recreational pilot who simply wishes to go flying for a while without all the restrictions composed by the FAA has only to stay in uncontrolled airspace, below 365m, . .. ..”

Here, the lines clearly indicate that the writer is discussing here about setting altitude zones.

So, the answer is: iv (Setting altitude zones)

Question 18: Paragraph F   

It is very easy to find out what the writer discusses in Paragraph F if we study the first few lines, “In good meteorological conditions, flying would be permitted under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), which suggests a strong reliance on visual cues to maintain an acceptable level of safety. Poor visibility necessitated a set of Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR)…”

Here, meteorological conditions = weather conditions,

So, the answer is: viii (Setting rules to weather conditions)

Question 19: Paragraph G

The first 3-4 lines of paragraph G indicates that the writer categorises open airspace in this paragraph. “Controlled airspace is divided into several types, designated by letters of the alphabet. Uncontrolled airspace is designated Class F, while controlled airspace below 5,490m above sea level and not in the vicinity of an airport is Class E. All airspace above 5,490m is designated Class A. .. . ..”

Here, Class F, Class E, and Class A are the different airspace categories.

So, the answer is: vii (Defining airspace categories)

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

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

Question 20: The FAA was created as a result of the introduction of the jet engine.

Keywords for this question: FAA, created, jet engine

The first lines of paragraph A give us the answer to this question. The writer says here, “An accident that occurred in the skies over the Grand Canyon in 1956 resulted in the establishment of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).”

This means the FAA was created as a result of an accident, not as a result of the introduction of the jet engine.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 21: Air Traffic Control started after the Grand Canyon crash in 1956.

Keywords for this question: ATC, started, after Grand Canyon crash, 1956,

Paragraph B starts with this line, “Rudimentary air traffic control (ATC) existed well before the Grand Canyon disaster.”

The line clearly contradicts the question.  

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 22: Beacons and flashing lights are still used by ATC today.   

Keywords for this question: Beacons, flashing lights, still used,

In this passage, we find no mention of whether beacons and flashing lights are still used by ATC today. Beacons and flashing lights are referred to in paragraph B, but whether this system has been abandoned completely or is still used is not mentioned anywhere. 

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 23: Some improvements were made in radio communication during World War II.    

Keywords for this question: improvements, radio communication, World War II,

In paragraph C, the writer describes in lines 1-3 “In the 1940s, ATC centres could and did take advantage of the newly developed radar and improved radio communication brought about by the Second World War.”

The lines mean that there had been some improvements in radio communication during World War II.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 24: Class F airspace is airspace which is below 365m and not near airports.

Keywords for this question: Class F, below 365m, not near airports,

First, take a look at these lines from Paragraph E, “Elsewhere, in uncontrolled airspace, pilots are bound by fewer regulations. In this way, the recreational pilot who simply wishes to go flying for a while without all the restrictions composed by the FAA has only to stay in uncontrolled airspace, below 365m.”

The last paragraph details the categorisation of different airspace. Here in line no. 2 the writer says, “Uncontrolled airspace is designated Class F.”

So, this is clear that uncontrolled airspace is Class F which is below 365m and it is elsewhere, not in airports.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 25: All aircraft in Class E airspace must use IFR.

Keywords for this question: All, Class E, must use IFR,

In the last paragraph, Paragraph G, the writer says in lines 9-10, “The difference between Class E and A airspace is that in Class A, all operations are IFR . .  …”

This means that aircraft in Class A airspace must use IFR, not Class E.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 26: A pilot entering Class C airspace is flying over an average-sized city.

Keywords for this question: Class C, an average-sized city,

In the last paragraph, the writer states that in lines 13-15, “Three other types of airspace, Classes D, C and B, govern the vicinity of airports. These correspond roughly to small municipal, medium-sized metropolitan and major metropolitan airports respectively.” This means that Class C airspace indicates to medium-sized metropolitan airport areas.

Here, city = metropolitan and average-sized = medium-sized

So, the answer is: TRUE

Reading Passage 3:Telepathy

Questions 27-30 (Completing sentences/sentence completion)

[Here, candidates have to complete sentences by matching one part of the sentence with the other. Candidates need to check the keywords from the question parts and try to match those keywords with the information given in the passage.]

Question 27: Researchers with differing attitudes towards telepathy agree on   

Keywords for this question: differing attitudes, agree on,

The author mentions in lines 1-5 of paragraph no. 2, “Some researchers say the results constitute compelling evidence that telepathy is genuine. Other parapsychologists believe the field is on the brink of collapse, having tried to produce definitive scientific proof and failed. Sceptics and advocates alike do concur on one issue, however: that the most impressive evidence so far has come from the so-called ‘ganzfeld experiments’, a German term that means ‘whole field’.”

Here, Researchers with differing attitudes = Sceptics and advocates, agree on = concur on,

So, the answer is: E (the significance of the ganzfeld experiments.)

Question 28: Reports of experiences during meditation indicated  

Keywords for this question: experiences, during, meditation,   

The answer is found in paragraph no. 2. Here in lines 5-10, the author says, “. . . . Reports of telepathic experiences had by people during meditation led parapsychologists to suspect that telepathy might involve ‘signals’ passing between people that were so faint that they were usually swamped by normal brain activity. In this case, such signals might be more easily detected by those experiencing meditation-like tranquility in a relaxing ‘whole- field’ of light, sound and warmth.”

The lines suggest that a suitable environment such as tranquility in a relaxing ‘whole- field’ of light, sound and warmth needs to be created for telepathy.

So, the answer is: B (the need to create a suitable environment for telepathy.)

Question 29: Attitudes to parapsychology would alter drastically with

Keywords for this question: Attitudes to parapsychology, alter drastically,

The answer lies in the first few lines of the final paragraph. Here, in lines 4-6 the writer says, “While physicists have demonstrated entanglement with specially prepared atoms, no-one knows if it also exists between atoms making up human minds. Answering such questions would transform parapsychology.”  

Here, transform = alter drastically

The lines suggest that attitudes to parapsychology would completely change if any results can be found on whether specially prepared atoms are making up human minds or not.

So, the answer is: A (the discovery of a mechanism for telepathy.)

Question 30: Recent autoganzfeld trials suggest that success rates will improve with  

Keywords for this question: Recent autoganzfeld trials, success rates, improve with,

In the final paragraph, in lines 8-13, the answer can be found. Here, the author writes, “Some work has begun already, with researchers trying to identify people who are particularly successful in autoganzfeld trials. Early results show that creative and artistic people do much better than average: in one study at the University of Edinburgh, musicians achieved a hit-rate of 56 percent. Perhaps more tests like these will eventually give the researchers the evidence they are seeking and strengthen the case for the existence of telepathy.”

Here, hit rate = success rate, creative and artistic people or musicians = careful selection of subjects,

So, the answer is: F (a more careful selection of subjects.)

Questions 31-40: (Completing table)

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to complete different gaps in a table with NO MORE THAN THREE 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.]

Here is the table with the title: Telepathy Experiments

Question 31, 32 & 33:

Description:

Involved a person acting as a 31. ________ who picked out one 32. ________ from a random selection of four, and a 33. _________ , who then tried to identify it.

Keywords for this question: Ganzfeld studies 1982, person acting as,

In paragraph 3, in the paragraph where the writer explains the early Ganzfeld experiments in 1982, in lines 3-6, the writer says, “In early ganzfeld experiments, the telepathy test involved identification of a picture chosen from a random selection of four taken from a large image bank. The idea was that a person acting as a ‘sender’ would attempt to beam the image over to the ‘receiver’ relaxing in the sealed room.”

The lines indicate that the 1982 Ganzfeld studies involved a person, who acted as a ‘sender’, picked out one picture from a random selection of four pictures, and a receiver tried to identify it.

So, the answers are:

• sender
• picture/image
• receiver

Question 34 & 35:

Flaw:

Positive results could be produced by factors such as 34. __________  or 35. __________ .

Keywords for this question: flaw, positive results could be produced, factors,    

In lines 4-6 of paragraph 4, the writer explains the flaw of the experiments, “ . . .. . . . there were many other ways of getting positive results. These ranged from ‘sensory leakage’ – where clues about the pictures accidentally reach the receiver – to outright fraud.”

Here, sensory leakage and outright fraud are the factors the range is explained here using the prepositions ‘from’ and ‘to’.

So, the answers are:

• sensory leakage
• (outright) fraud

Question 36 & 37:

Description:

• ________ were used for key tasks to limit the amount of 37. _________ in carrying out the tests.

Keywords for this question: Autoganzfeld studies 1987, key tasks, limit the amount of,    

In paragraph 5, the writer says in the beginning, “After this, many researchers switched to autoganzfeld tests – an automated variant of the technique which used computers to perform many of the key tasks such as random selection of images. By minimising human involvement, the idea was to minimise the risk of flawed results.”

Here, limit = minimise,

So, they used computers to limit the amount of human involvement.

So, the answers are:

• computers
• human involvement

Question 38:

Results:

The results were then subjected to ________.

Keywords for this question: results, subjected to,

The answer lies in lines 4-6 of paragraph 5, the writer says, “In 1987, results from hundreds of autoganzfeld tests were studied by Honorton in a ‘meta-analysis’, a statistical technique for finding the overall results from a set of studies.”

Here, tests were studied by Honorton in = the results were then subjected to,

So, the answer is: meta-analysis

Question 39 & 40:

Flaw:

• ________ between different test results was put down to the fact that sample groups were not 40. ________ (as with most ganzfeld studies)

Keywords for this question: different test results, put down, sample groups were not,   

In paragraph 6, the writer says in lines 1-6, “Yet some parapsychologists remain disturbed by the lack of consistency between individual ganzfeld tests. Defenders of telepathy point out that demanding impressive evidence from every study ignores one basic statistical fact: it takes large samples to detect small effects. If, as current results suggest, telepathy produces hit-rates only marginally above the 25 percent expected by chance, it’s unlikely to be detected by a typical ganzfeld study involving around 40 people: the group is just not big enough.”

Here, different test results = individual ganzfeld tests,

So, the answer is:

• lack of consistency
• big enough