Overview
|
The Reading module lasts
60 minutes. The reading passages and the questions will be given to you on a
Question Paper. You can write on the Question Paper, but you can't take it from
the room.
You will write your answers on the Answer Sheet. Unlike the Listening module, you will have no time to transfer your answers. You will have only 60 minutes to read the passages, answer the questions, and mark your answers.
The Reading modules on the Academic and the General Training versions of the IELTS are different.
You will write your answers on the Answer Sheet. Unlike the Listening module, you will have no time to transfer your answers. You will have only 60 minutes to read the passages, answer the questions, and mark your answers.
The Reading modules on the Academic and the General Training versions of the IELTS are different.
Reading Module: Academic Reading
|
Time
|
Tasks
|
Topics
|
Sources
|
60
minutes |
Read three
passages and answer 40 questions |
General interest
topics written for a general audience |
Journals,
magazines, books, newspapers |
Reading Module: General Reading
|
Time
|
Tasks
|
Topics
|
Sources
|
60
minutes |
Read three
passages and answer 40 questions |
Basic social English
Training topics General interest |
Notices, flyers,
timetables, documents, newspaper articles, instructions, manuals |
Question
Types
|
There are many types of
questions used in the Reading module. You should be familiar with these types.
Multiple-choice
questions
Short-answer questions Completing sentences Completing notes, summary, tables, flowcharts Labeling a diagram Choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text |
Locating information
Identifying points of view Identifying writer's claims Classifying information Matching lists or phrases |
You will have a chance
to practice the tasks of these different question types in Target 5.
Reading
Tips
|
BEFORE YOU TAKE THE TEST
1. Read as much as you can in English.
2. Keep a notebook of the words you learn.
3. Try to write these words in a sentence and put these sentences into a paragraph.
4. Learn words in context-not from a word list.
5. Know the types of questions found on the IELTS test.
6. Know the type of information sought on the IELTS test.
7. Know how to make predictions.
8. Know how to skim and scan, to look quickly for information.
1. Read as much as you can in English.
2. Keep a notebook of the words you learn.
3. Try to write these words in a sentence and put these sentences into a paragraph.
4. Learn words in context-not from a word list.
5. Know the types of questions found on the IELTS test.
6. Know the type of information sought on the IELTS test.
7. Know how to make predictions.
8. Know how to skim and scan, to look quickly for information.
DURING THE TEST
1. Read the title and any headings first. Make predictions about the topic.
2. Look over the questions quickly. Make predictions about content and organization.
3. Read the passage at a normal speed. Ron't get stuck on parts you don't understand.
4. When you answer the questions, don't spend too much time on the ones you don't feel sure about. Make a guess and go on.
5. After you have answered all the questions, you can go back and check the ones you aren't sure about.
6. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on each passage.
1. Read the title and any headings first. Make predictions about the topic.
2. Look over the questions quickly. Make predictions about content and organization.
3. Read the passage at a normal speed. Ron't get stuck on parts you don't understand.
4. When you answer the questions, don't spend too much time on the ones you don't feel sure about. Make a guess and go on.
5. After you have answered all the questions, you can go back and check the ones you aren't sure about.
6. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on each passage.
IELTS READING SKILLS
In order to understand a reading passage, you need to
understand the context of a passage. You need to have a clue about the topic.
When you pick up a paper to read, you scan the headlines and choose an arti¬cle
that interests you. The clues in the newspaper (headlines, graphics, photos)
catch your eye and give you a context.
A passage on the IELTS is given to you; you did not choose to read it. There are few clues. You do not know what it is about. It may or may not interest you. Yet in order to understand it, you need some clues to help you understand the passage. Without the clues, you will not understand it very well. To score welt on the IELTS, you should determine what you know and what you need to know.
When you look at a passage, you must make some predictions about the passage.
What is the passage about? What is the main idea? Who are the characters? When are things taking place? Where is it happening? Why is it important?
You wanr to know who, what, when, where, and why.
In this section you will learn how the following can give you the answers to: Who? What? When? Where? and Why?
Using the first paragraph
Using the topic sentences Using specific details
Using the questions and answers
A passage on the IELTS is given to you; you did not choose to read it. There are few clues. You do not know what it is about. It may or may not interest you. Yet in order to understand it, you need some clues to help you understand the passage. Without the clues, you will not understand it very well. To score welt on the IELTS, you should determine what you know and what you need to know.
When you look at a passage, you must make some predictions about the passage.
What is the passage about? What is the main idea? Who are the characters? When are things taking place? Where is it happening? Why is it important?
You wanr to know who, what, when, where, and why.
In this section you will learn how the following can give you the answers to: Who? What? When? Where? and Why?
Using the first paragraph
Using the topic sentences Using specific details
Using the questions and answers
IELTS Reading - Target #1
Using the First Paragraph to Make Predictions
The first paragraphs of
a passage can help you make predictions about the context of a passage.
The
first paragraph often contains
the topic sentence (a summary of the main idea of the passage)
a definition of the topic
the author's opinion
clues to the organization of the passage
a definition of the topic
the author's opinion
clues to the organization of the passage
If
you understand the first paragraph, you will understand the topic, the author's
opinion (if any), and where to look for information within the passage.
Read
this first paragraph of a passage on the illness, obsessive-compulsive
disorder.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCR) is
clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder. This disorder affects up to 4
percent of adults and children. People who suffer from this debilitat¬ing
disorder have distressing and obsessive thoughts, which usually cause them to
perform repetitive behaviors' such as counting silently or washing their hands.
Though OCR suffer¬ers understand that their obsessions are unrealistic, they
find it stressful to put these intru¬sive thoughts out of their minds. Those
who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder develop strict behavioral'
patterns that become extremely time-consuming and begin to interfere with daily
routines. Many people with OCR delay seeking treatment because they are ashamed
of their own thoughts and behavior.
Topic Sentence
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder.
Definition of Topic
People who suffer from this debilitating disorder have distressing and obsessive thoughts, which usually cause them to perform repetitive behaviors.
Author's Opinion
None given.
Organizational Clues
The author may discuss
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder.
Definition of Topic
People who suffer from this debilitating disorder have distressing and obsessive thoughts, which usually cause them to perform repetitive behaviors.
Author's Opinion
None given.
Organizational Clues
The author may discuss
•
Obsessive behavior,
• Stress of sufferers, and/or
• Treatment
• Stress of sufferers, and/or
• Treatment
PRACTICE
1
|
|
1. The spread of wildfire is a natural phenomenon that occurs
throughout the world and is especially common in forested areas of North
America, Australia, and Europe. Locations that receive plenty of rainfall but
also experience periods of intense heat or drought are particularly susceptible
to wildfires. As plant matter dries out, it becomes brittle and highly
flammable. In this way, many wildfires are seasonal, ignited by natural causes,
most specifically lightning. However, human carelessness and vandalism also
account for thousands of wildfires around the globe each year. To gain a clear
understanding of how wildfires spread, it is necessary to analyze what it takes
to both create and control these fires.
2. The term "bird brain" has long been a common means of
expressing doubts about a person's intelligence. In reality, birds may actually
be a great deal more intelligent than humans have given them credit for. For a
long time, scientists considered birds to be of lesser intelligence because the
cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that humans and other animals use for
intelligence, is relatively small in size. Now scientists understand that birds
actually use a different part of their brain, the hyperstriatum, for
intelligence. Observations of different species of birds, both in the wild and
in captivity, have shown a great deal of evidence of high levels of avian
intelligence.
3. In 1834, a little girl was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
She would grow up to become one of the richest women in the world. Per name was
Petty Green, but she was known to many as the Witch of Wall Street.
Answer
Key
|
1. Topic Sentence.
The spread of wildfire is a natural phenomenon that occurs throughout the world
and is especially common in forested areas of North America, Australia, and
Europe.
Definition of Topic. Locations that receive plenty of rainfall but also experience periods of intense heat or drought are particularly susceptible to wildfires.
Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• How wildfires start
• How to control wildfires
• Wildfires as a global problem
Definition of Topic. Locations that receive plenty of rainfall but also experience periods of intense heat or drought are particularly susceptible to wildfires.
Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• How wildfires start
• How to control wildfires
• Wildfires as a global problem
2. Topic Sentence.
In reality, birds may actually be a great deaf more intelligent than humans
have given them credit for.
Definition of Topic. For a tong time, scientists considered birds to be of lesser intelligence because the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that humans and other animals use for intelligence, is relatively small in size.
Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• Misunderstandings about the intelligence of birds . The anatomy of a bird's brain
• Evidence of avian intelligence
Definition of Topic. For a tong time, scientists considered birds to be of lesser intelligence because the cerebral cortex, the part of the brain that humans and other animals use for intelligence, is relatively small in size.
Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• Misunderstandings about the intelligence of birds . The anatomy of a bird's brain
• Evidence of avian intelligence
3. Topic Sentence.
She would grow up to become one of the richest women in the world.
Definition of Topic. Per name was Petty Green, but she was known to many as the Witch of Wall Street. Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• Petty Green's early years
• How Petty Green got rich
• Why Petty Green had a nickname
Definition of Topic. Per name was Petty Green, but she was known to many as the Witch of Wall Street. Author's Opinion. None given.
Organizational Clues. Author may discuss
• Petty Green's early years
• How Petty Green got rich
• Why Petty Green had a nickname
IELTS Reading - Target #2
Using the Topic Sentence to Make Predictions
Every paragraph has a
key sentence called a topic sentence. This topic sentence explains what a
paragraph about. It is the general idea of a paragraph. If you understand the
general idea, you can look for the specific details which support the idea.
Read
the second paragraph of the passage on OCR. The first sentence happens to be
the topic sentence.
OCR sufferers experience worries that are both
unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal
stress. Fear of dirt and contamination are very common obsessive thoughts. The
obsession with orderliness and symmetry is also common. In other cases,
persistent thoughts are centered on doubts, such as whether or not a door is
locked or a stove is turned off. Impulses, such as the urge to swear in public
or to pull a fire alarm, are other types of OCR symptoms. In order to be
diagnosed with OCR, a sufferer must exhibit obsessions and/or compulsions that
take up a considerable amount of time (at least one hour per day).
Topic Sentence
OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.
Questions to Ask Yourself
OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.
Questions to Ask Yourself
•
What are unreasonable worries?
• What are excessive worries?
• What are excessive worries?
Read these paragraphs.
Underline the topic sentence. Ask one or two questions about the Topic
sentence.
|
1. To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers perform
certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety. These
compulsions can be either mental or behavioral in nature. Common rituals
include excessive checking, washing, counting, and praying. Over time, OCR
sufferers attach strict rules to their compulsions. For example, a woman who is
obsessed with cleanliness might wash her hands three times before having a meal
in order to get the thought of the dirty dishes or silverware out of her mind.
However, in many cases, the compulsions aren't related to the obsession at all.
A man obsessed with the image of dead animals might count silently up to 500 or
touch a specific chair over and over in order to block the images. Holding onto
objects that would normally be discarded, such as newspapers and empty
containers, is another common compulsion.
2. OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and
continue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment. A child's upbringing does
not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder, though stress can make the
symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly
and point to a number of different genetic factors. While studies show that OCR
and its related anxiety disorders are often passed down through families, the
specific symptoms for each family member are rarely the same. For example, a
mother who is obsessed with order may have a son who can't stop thinking about
a single word or number.
3. Research on OCR sufferers has found certain physiological trends.
In particular, many studies show an overactivity of blood circulation in
certain areas of the brain. As a result of this increase in blood flow, the
serotoninergic system, which regulates emotions, is unable to function
effectively. Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less serotonin
than the average person. This type of abnormality is also observed in Tourette
syndrome and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. People who developed tics
as children are found to be more susceptible to OCR as well. Many reports of
OCR point to infections that can trigger the disorder, namely streptococcal
infections. It is believed that a case of childhood strep throat can elicit a
response from the immune system that produces certain neuropsychlatric
disorders, such as OCR.
Answer
Key
|
1. Topic Sentence.
To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers perform certain
repet-itive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety.
Questions to Ask Yourself
• What types of rituals do they perform?
• How does this help them?
Questions to Ask Yourself
• What types of rituals do they perform?
• How does this help them?
2. Topic Sentence. A child's. upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder, though stress can make the symptoms stronger.
Questions to Ask Yourself
• the disorder present at birth?
• Are there outside factors involved?
• What leads parents to seek treatment?
3. Topic Sentence. Research on OCR sufferers has found certain physiological trends.
Questions to Ask Yourself
• What part of the body does it affect?
• What are some common trends?
• What can parents look for?
IELTS Reading - Target #3
Looking for Specific Details
When you read, you first
want to know the general idea. Next you read for specific ideas. The author
suplies specific details to support his or her ideas. Knowing where to look for
these supporting statements will p you answer questions on the IELTS.
When you identified the topic sentences in Practice 2, you found the general idea of the paragraph. en you asked your questions about the topic sentence, you expected the specific details would be the answers.
When you identified the topic sentences in Practice 2, you found the general idea of the paragraph. en you asked your questions about the topic sentence, you expected the specific details would be the answers.
Read
the second paragraph of a passage. The specific details follow the topic
sentence.
OCR sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and
excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress. Fear of dirt
and contamination are very common obsessive thoughts. The obsession with
orderliness and symmetry is also common. In other cases, persistent thoughts
are centered on doubts, such as whether or not a door is locked or a stove is
turned off. Impulses, such as the urge to swear in public or to pull a fire
alarm, are other types of OCR symptoms. In order to be diagnosed with OCD, a
sufferer must exhibit obsessions and/or compulsions that take up a considerable
amount of time (at least one hour per day).
Topic Sentence
OCD sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.
Questions to Ask Yourself
OCD sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that act as a constant source of internal stress.
Questions to Ask Yourself
•
What are unreasonable worries?
• What are excessive worries?
• What are excessive worries?
Supporting Details
•
Fear of dirt and contamination
• The obsession with orderliness and symmetry
• Persistent doubts
• Impulses
• The obsession with orderliness and symmetry
• Persistent doubts
• Impulses
PRACTICE
3
|
|
Read these paragraphs
again. Pay attention to the topic sentence. Underline the details that
support the topic sentence.
|
1. To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers
perform certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their
anxiety. These compulsions can be either mental or behavioral in nature. Common
rituals include excessive checking, washing, counting, and praying. Over time,
OCR sufferers attach strict rules to their compulsions. For example, a woman
who is obsessed with cleanliness might wash her hands three times before having
a meal in order to get the thought of the dirty dishes or silverware out of her
mind. However, in many cases, the compulsions aren't related to the obsession
at all. A man obsessed with the image of dead animals might count silently up
to 500 or touch a specific chair over and over in order to block the images.
Holding onto objects that would normally be discarded, such as newspapers and
empty containers, is another common compulsion.
2. OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and
continue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment. A child's upbringing does
not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder, though stress can make the
symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly
and point to a number of different genetic factors. While studies show that OCR
and its related anxiety disorders are often passed down through families, the
specific symptoms for each family member are rarely the same. For example, a
mother who is obsessed with order may have a son who can't stop thinking about
a single word or number.
3. Research on OCR sufferers has found certain physiological trends.
In particular, many studies show an overactivity of blood circulation in
certain areas of the brain. As a result of this increase in blood flow, the
serotoninergic system, which regulates emotions, is unable to function effectively.
Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less serotonin than the average
person. This type of abnormality is also observed in Tourette syndrome and
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. People who developed tics as children
are found to be more susceptible to OCR as well. Many reports of OCR point to
infections that can trigger the disorder, namely streptococcal infections. It
is believed that a case of childhood strep throat can elicit a response from
the immune system that produces certain neuropsychlatric disorders, such as
OCR.
Answer
Key
|
1. Supporting Details
• Compulsions can be mental or physical
• Examples include: checking, hand washing, disturbing images
• Compulsions and obsessions may or may not be related
• Compulsions can be mental or physical
• Examples include: checking, hand washing, disturbing images
• Compulsions and obsessions may or may not be related
2. Supporting Details
• Most cases are genetic
• Stress can add to the problem
• Many members of the family may have OCR
3. Supporting Details
• Over activity of blood in the brain
• Less serotonin
• Linked to other disorders such as Tourette Syndrome and ADHD
IELTS Reading - Target #4
Analyzing the Questions and Answers
You made predictions
about the content based on the first paragraph, the topic sentences, and the
specific tails. Now let's look at how the questions or statements in your
Reading test booklet can help you narrow these predictions and choose the
correct answer.
To help you answer the questions in your Reading test booklet, take a few seconds to look over the questions or statements. Sometimes the questions are before the passage; sometimes they come after the passage. Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? and Why? By looking for the answers to these general questions, you will discover what you know and what you need to know. When you read the passage, you can test the predictions you made.
As you look at the question or statement and answer options,. look for the key words. Key words may give you a clue to the context. They may help you predict what the passage is about. Look at these typical IELTS comprehension questions.
Questions 1-8
Complete the summary of the reading passage below.
Choose your answers from the box below and write them in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. There are more words than spaces so you will not use them all.
To help you answer the questions in your Reading test booklet, take a few seconds to look over the questions or statements. Sometimes the questions are before the passage; sometimes they come after the passage. Ask yourself: Who? What? When? Where? and Why? By looking for the answers to these general questions, you will discover what you know and what you need to know. When you read the passage, you can test the predictions you made.
As you look at the question or statement and answer options,. look for the key words. Key words may give you a clue to the context. They may help you predict what the passage is about. Look at these typical IELTS comprehension questions.
Questions 1-8
Complete the summary of the reading passage below.
Choose your answers from the box below and write them in boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet. There are more words than spaces so you will not use them all.
checking
doctor
upbringing
inherited reduce
cause
treatment throw away unreasonable obsession control compulsive diagnosis counting |
||
1 .......... thoughts, doubts, and fears that they cannot 2 .......... OCR sufferers develop certain ways of acting in order to 3 .......... their fears. For example, being afraid of dirt is a common 4 .........., which may lead to excessive hand washing. Or, an OCR sufferer who worries about a locked door may engage in excessive 5 .......... Some OCR sufferers keep things that other people would 6 .......... Research shows that OCR may be a disorder that is 7 .......... though members of the same family don't always show the same symptoms. It is also possible that certain infections may 8 .......... the disorder. |
First identify the key
words. (These with red background.) Then look for these words in the passage.
You will know where to look because you have made predictions using topic
sentences and specific details.
Notice the words close to the circled words in the passage. Do they help you complete the summary above?
Notice the words close to the circled words in the passage. Do they help you complete the summary above?
PRACTICE
4
|
|
Identify the key words
in these questions and circle them in the questions and in the reading
passage on the next page. Notice the words close to the circled words in the
passage. Do they help you complete the questoils below?
|
Questions 9-16
Do the following statements agree with the information in the reading passage?
In boxes 9-16 write
TRUE
if the statement is true according to the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage
9 OCR often results from the way a child is raised.
10 Stress can have an effect on OCR.
11 OCR sufferers are deficient in serotonin.
12 Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins after the age of 17.
13 Many OCR patients prefer psychotherapy to medication.
14 OCR is very difficult to treat.
15 Many OCR sufferers keep their problem a secret.
16 Antibiotics can be used to treat OCR.
You should spend 20 minutes on Questions 9-16, which are based on the reading passage below.
10 Stress can have an effect on OCR.
11 OCR sufferers are deficient in serotonin.
12 Obsessive-compulsive disorder usually begins after the age of 17.
13 Many OCR patients prefer psychotherapy to medication.
14 OCR is very difficult to treat.
15 Many OCR sufferers keep their problem a secret.
16 Antibiotics can be used to treat OCR.
You should spend 20 minutes on Questions 9-16, which are based on the reading passage below.
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCR) is clinically diagnosed as an anxiety disorder and affects up to
4 percent of adults and children. People who suffer from this debilitating
disorder have distressing and obsessive thoughts, which usually cause them to
perform repetitive behaviors such as counting silently or washing their hands.
Though OCR sufferers understand that their obsessions are unrealistic, they find
it stressful to put these intrusive thoughts out of their minds. Those who
suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder develop strict behavioral patterns
that become extremely time-consuming and begin to interfere with daily
routines. Many people with OCR delay seeking treatment because they are ashamed
of their own thoughts and behavior.
OCD
sufferers experience worries that are both unreasonable and excessive and that
act as a constant source of internal stress. Fear of dirt and contamination are
very common obsessive thoughts. The obsession with orderliness and symmetry is
also common. In other cases, persistent thoughts are centered on doubts, such
as whether or not a door is locked or a stove is turned off. Impulses, such as
the urge to swear in public or to pull a fire alarm, are other types of OCR
symptoms. to order to be diagnosed with OCR, a sufferer must exhibit obsessions
and/or compulsions that take up a considerable amount of time (at least one
hour per day).
To
combat excessive thoughts and impulses, most OCR sufferers perform certain
repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety. These
compulsions can be either mental or behavioral in nature. Common rituals
include excessive checking, washing, counting, and praying. Over time, OCR
sufferers attach strict rules to their compulsions. For example, a woman who is
obsessed with cleanliness might wash her hands three times before having a meal
in order to get the thought of the dirty dishes or silverware out of her mind.
However, in many cases, the compulsions aren't related to the obsession at all.
A man obsessed with the image of dead animals might count silently up to 500 or
touch a specific chair over and over in order to block the images. Holding onto
objects that would normally be discarded, such as newspapers and empty
con-tainers, is another common compulsion.
OCR
symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and continue indefinitely
until a person seeks treatment. A child's upbringing does not seem to be part
of the cause of the disorder, though stress can make the symptoms stronger. The
underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly and point to a number of
different genetic factors. While studies show that OCR and its related anxiety
disorders are often passed down through families, the specific symptoms for
each family member are rarely the same. For example, a mother who is obsessed
with order may have a son who can't stop thinking about a single word or
number.
Research
on OCR sufferers has found certain physiological trends. In particular, many
studies show an overactivity of blood circulation in certain areas of the
brain. As a result of this increase in blood flow, the serotoninergic system,
which regulates emotions, is unable to function effectively. Studies have also
shown that OCR sufferers have less serotonin than the average person. This type
of abnormality is also observed in Tourette syndrome and Attention Reficit
Hyperactive Disorder. People who developed tics as children are found to be
more susceptible to OCR as well. Many reports of OCR point to infections that
can trigger the disorder, namely streptococcal infections. It is believed that
a case of childhood strep throat can elicit a response from the immune system
that produces certain neuropsychiatric disorders, such as OCR.
Because
OCR sufferers tend to be so secretive about their symptoms, they often put off
treatment for many years. The average OCR sufferer waits about 17 years before
receiving medical attention. As with many anxiety disorders, early diagnosis
and proper medication can lessen many of the symptoms and allow people to live
fairly normal lives. Most treatment plans for OCR involve a combination of
medication and psychotherapy. Both cognitive and behavioral therapies are used
to teach patients about their disorder and work through the anxiety. Serotonin
reuptake inhibitors are prescribed to increase the brain's concentration of
serotonin. This medication successfully reduces the symptoms in many OCR
sufferers in a short amount of time. For cases when OCR is linked to
streptococcal infection, antibiotic therapy is sometimes all that is needed.
Answer
Key
|
Key Words in Statements 9-16: (Answers may vary.) child, stress, serotonin, age 17,
psychotherapy, medication, treat, secret, antibiotics
2. unreasonable. Paragraph 1 states that, "OCR sufferers understand that their obsessions are unrealistic."
3. control. Paragraph 1 states that "they find it stressful to put these intrusive thoughts out of their minds.
4. reduce. The first sentence of paragraph 3 states: "To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, OCR sufferers perform certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety."
5. obsession. Paragraph 2 states that "Fear of dirt and contamination are very common obsessive thoughts."
6. checking. Paragraph 3 states that "Common rituals include excessive checking."
7. throw away. The last sentence in paragraph 3 states that, "Holding onto objects that would normally discarded, such as newspapers and containers, is another common compulsion."
8. inherited. Paragraph 4 states that "a number of different genetic factors" have been found as underlying causes of the disease.
9. cause. Paragraph 5 gives an example of an illness (steep throat) that is thought to be the cause behind some OCR cases.
10. False. Paragraph 4 states: "A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder though stress can make the symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly, and point to a number of different genetic factors."
11. True. Paragraph 4 states: "A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder though stress can make the symptoms stronger."
12. True. Paragraph 5 states: "Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less seeotonin than average person."
13. False. Paragraph 4 states: "OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and continue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment."
14. Not Given. Paragraph 6 mentions both psychotherapy and medication but does not discuss which o patients prefer.
15. False. Paragraph 6 discusses different treatment options, and states that, "early diagnosis and pro medication can lessen many of the symptoms and allow people to live fairly normal lives."
16. True. Paragraph 6 begins with this sentence: "Because OCR sufferers tend to be so secretive a their symptoms, they often put off treatment foe many years."
17. True. The final sentence in Paragraph 6 indicates that antibiotics can be used in special cases of OCD "Foe cases when OCR is linked to streptococcal infection, antibiotic therapy is sometimes all that needed."
2. unreasonable. Paragraph 1 states that, "OCR sufferers understand that their obsessions are unrealistic."
3. control. Paragraph 1 states that "they find it stressful to put these intrusive thoughts out of their minds.
4. reduce. The first sentence of paragraph 3 states: "To combat excessive thoughts and impulses, OCR sufferers perform certain repetitive rituals that they believe will relieve their anxiety."
5. obsession. Paragraph 2 states that "Fear of dirt and contamination are very common obsessive thoughts."
6. checking. Paragraph 3 states that "Common rituals include excessive checking."
7. throw away. The last sentence in paragraph 3 states that, "Holding onto objects that would normally discarded, such as newspapers and containers, is another common compulsion."
8. inherited. Paragraph 4 states that "a number of different genetic factors" have been found as underlying causes of the disease.
9. cause. Paragraph 5 gives an example of an illness (steep throat) that is thought to be the cause behind some OCR cases.
10. False. Paragraph 4 states: "A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder though stress can make the symptoms stronger. The underlying causes of OCR have been researched greatly, and point to a number of different genetic factors."
11. True. Paragraph 4 states: "A child's upbringing does not seem to be part of the cause of the disorder though stress can make the symptoms stronger."
12. True. Paragraph 5 states: "Studies have also shown that OCR sufferers have less seeotonin than average person."
13. False. Paragraph 4 states: "OCR symptoms generally begin between the age of 10 and 24 and continue indefinitely until a person seeks treatment."
14. Not Given. Paragraph 6 mentions both psychotherapy and medication but does not discuss which o patients prefer.
15. False. Paragraph 6 discusses different treatment options, and states that, "early diagnosis and pro medication can lessen many of the symptoms and allow people to live fairly normal lives."
16. True. Paragraph 6 begins with this sentence: "Because OCR sufferers tend to be so secretive a their symptoms, they often put off treatment foe many years."
17. True. The final sentence in Paragraph 6 indicates that antibiotics can be used in special cases of OCD "Foe cases when OCR is linked to streptococcal infection, antibiotic therapy is sometimes all that needed."
IELTS Reading - Target #5
Identifying the TasksThere are many types of questions on the IELTS Reading Test. It is important to know what the question is asking you to do.
Question types:
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Completing sentences
Completing notes, summary, tables, flowcharts
Labeling a diagram
Choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text
Choosing three or four answers from a list
Yes, No, True, False, or Not Given questions
Classifying information
Matching lists or phrases
The
questions for the practice reading passages on the next page are labeled. Be
familiar with the question types so you can quickly complete the task and
answer the question correctly.Short-answer questions
Completing sentences
Completing notes, summary, tables, flowcharts
Labeling a diagram
Choosing headings for paragraphs or sections of a text
Choosing three or four answers from a list
Yes, No, True, False, or Not Given questions
Classifying information
Matching lists or phrases
Answer
Key
|
Topic Sentence.
The South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, more commonly referred to as the
ZuluKingdom, is named after the Zulu people who have inhabited the area since
the late 1400s.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Who are the Zulu people?
What is the history behind this clan?
What are they known for?
Supporting Details
Large South African ethnic group
Region explored by Europeans
Zulu wear traditional jewelry/jewellry and clothing
Beadwork is important to the culture
Analyzing the Questions
1. Where?
2. Where?
3. Who?
4. Where?
5. When?
6. How many?
7. Who? Where? Key Words: British
8. What? Key Words: Henry Frances Flan
9. What? Key Words: precious stones
10. What? Why? Key Words: daily lives
11. What? Why? Key Words: gourds
Questions to Ask Yourself
Who are the Zulu people?
What is the history behind this clan?
What are they known for?
Supporting Details
Large South African ethnic group
Region explored by Europeans
Zulu wear traditional jewelry/jewellry and clothing
Beadwork is important to the culture
Analyzing the Questions
1. Where?
2. Where?
3. Who?
4. Where?
5. When?
6. How many?
7. Who? Where? Key Words: British
8. What? Key Words: Henry Frances Flan
9. What? Key Words: precious stones
10. What? Why? Key Words: daily lives
11. What? Why? Key Words: gourds
READ MORE BELOW...................
IELTS Reading Passage 1
Read the passage and
answer the questions. Use your predicting skills. Note the type of questions:
Zulu Beadwork
The
South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, more commonly referred to as the Zulu
Kingdom, is named after the Zulu people who have inhabited the area since the
late 1400s. KwaZulu translates to mean "Place of Heaven."
"Natal" was the name the Portuguese explorers gave this region when
they arrived in 1497. At that time, only a few Zulu clans occupied the area. By
the late 1700s, the AmaZulu clan, meaning "People of Heaven,"
constituted a significant nation. Today the Zulu clan represents the largest
ethnic group in South Africa, with at least 11 million people in the kingdom.
The Zulu people are known around the world for their elaborate glass beadwork,
which they wear not only in their traditional costumes but as part of their
everyday apparel. It is possible to learn much about the culture of the Zulu
clan through their beadwork.
The
glass bead trade in the province of KwaZulu-Natal is believed to be a fairly
recent industry. In 1824, an Englishman named Henry Francis Fynn brought glass
beads to the region to sell to the African people. Though the British are not
considered the first to introduce glass beads, they were a main source through
which the Zulu people could access the merchandise they needed. Glass beads had
already been manufactured by the Egyptians centuries earlier around the same
time when glass was discovered. Some research points to the idea that Egyptians
tried to fool South Africans with glass by passing it off as jewels similar in
value to gold or ivory. Phoenician mariners brought cargoes of these beads to
Africa along with other wares. Before the Europeans arrived, many Arab traders
brought glass beads down to the southern countries via camelback. During
colonization', the Europeans facilitated and monopolized the glass bead market,
and the Zulu nation became even more closely tied to this art form.
The
Zulu people were not fooled into believing that glass beads were precious
stones but, rather, used the beads to establish certain codes and rituals in
their society. In the African tradition, kings were known to wear beaded
regalia so heavy that they required the help of attendants to get out of their
thrones. Zulu beadwork is involved in every realm of society, from religion and
politics to family and marriage. Among the Zulu women, the craft of beadwork is
used as an educational tool as well as a source of recreation and fashion.
Personal adornment items include jewelry, skirts, neckbands, and aprons.
Besides clothing and accessories, there are many other beaded objects in the
Zulu culture, such as bead-covered gourds, which are carried around by women who
are having fertility problems. Most importantly, however, Zulu beadwork is a
source of communication. In the Zulu tradition, beads are a part of the
language with certain words and symbols that can be easily read. A finished
product is considered by many artists and collectors to be extremely poetic.
The
code behind Zulu beadwork is relatively basic and extremely resistant to
change. A simple triangle is the geometric shape used in almost all beaded
items. A triangle with the apex pointing downward signifies an unmarried man,
while one with the tip pointing upward is worn by an unmarried woman. Married
women wear items with two triangles that form a diamond shape, and married men
signify their marital status with two triangles that form an hourglass shape. Colors
are also significant, though slightly more complicated since each color can
have a negative and a positive meaning. Educated by their older sisters, young
Zulu girls quickly learn how to send the appropriate messages to a courting
male. Similarly, males learn how to interpret the messages and how to wear
certain beads that express their interest in marriage.
Matching
|
Questions 1-3
Match each definition in List A with the term it defines in List B.
Write the correct letter A - E in boxes 1 - 3 on your answer sheet. There are more terms than definitions, so you will not use them all.
Match each definition in List A with the term it defines in List B.
Write the correct letter A - E in boxes 1 - 3 on your answer sheet. There are more terms than definitions, so you will not use them all.
|
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|
Short-Answer
Questions
|
Questions 4-6
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Write your answers is boxes 4-6 on your answer sheet.
Answer the questions below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
Write your answers is boxes 4-6 on your answer sheet.
4 Which country does the Zulu clan reside in?
5 When did the Portuguese arrive in KwaZulu-Natal?
6 How many members of the Zulu Kingdom are there?
5 When did the Portuguese arrive in KwaZulu-Natal?
6 How many members of the Zulu Kingdom are there?
True-False-Not
Given Questions
|
Questions 7-11
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
In boxes 7-11 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
In boxes 7-11 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
if the statement is true according to the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage
FALSE if the statement contradicts the passage
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this in the passage
7 The British were the first people to sell glass beads in Africa.
8 Henry Frances Flynn made a lot of money selling glass beads to the Zulu people.
9 The Zulu people believed that glass beads were precious stones.
10 The Zulu people use glass beads in many aspects of their daily lives.
11 Zulu women believe that bead-covered gourds can help them have babies.
8 Henry Frances Flynn made a lot of money selling glass beads to the Zulu people.
9 The Zulu people believed that glass beads were precious stones.
10 The Zulu people use glass beads in many aspects of their daily lives.
11 Zulu women believe that bead-covered gourds can help them have babies.
Answer
Key
|
1. (E) Paragraph 1 states:
"KwaZulu translates to mean "Place of Heaven."
2. (B) Paragraph 1 states: ""Natal' was the name the Portuguese explorers gave this region when they arrived in 1497"
3. (C) Paragraph 1 states: "By the late 1700s, the AmaZulu clan, meaning "People of Heaven,' constituted a significant nation."
4. South Africa. The first sentence of Paragraph 1 states that KwaZulu-Natal is a South African province.
5. 1497. Paragraph 1 states: "Portuguese explorers ..: arrived in 1497."
6. 11 million. Midway through paragraph 1 the passage states: "Today the Zulu clan represents the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with at least 11 million people in the kingdom."
7. False. Paragraph 2 talks about how the Egyptians were the first to bring beads to the area, though the British later facilitated the trade.
8. Not Given. Paragraph 2 states that Henry Frances Flynn brought glass beads to the region, but it doesn't state anywhere that he earned a lot of money doing this.
9. False. Paragraph 3 states: "The Zulu people were not fooled into believing that glass beads were precious stones but, rather, used the beads to establish certain codes and rituals in their society."
10. True. Paragraphs 3 discusses how beads are used for adornment, education, recreation, and communication.
11. True. Paragraph 3 discusses how bead-covered gourds are carried around by women who are having fertility problems. "Fertility problems" means difficulty becoming and staying pregnant.
2. (B) Paragraph 1 states: ""Natal' was the name the Portuguese explorers gave this region when they arrived in 1497"
3. (C) Paragraph 1 states: "By the late 1700s, the AmaZulu clan, meaning "People of Heaven,' constituted a significant nation."
4. South Africa. The first sentence of Paragraph 1 states that KwaZulu-Natal is a South African province.
5. 1497. Paragraph 1 states: "Portuguese explorers ..: arrived in 1497."
6. 11 million. Midway through paragraph 1 the passage states: "Today the Zulu clan represents the largest ethnic group in South Africa, with at least 11 million people in the kingdom."
7. False. Paragraph 2 talks about how the Egyptians were the first to bring beads to the area, though the British later facilitated the trade.
8. Not Given. Paragraph 2 states that Henry Frances Flynn brought glass beads to the region, but it doesn't state anywhere that he earned a lot of money doing this.
9. False. Paragraph 3 states: "The Zulu people were not fooled into believing that glass beads were precious stones but, rather, used the beads to establish certain codes and rituals in their society."
10. True. Paragraphs 3 discusses how beads are used for adornment, education, recreation, and communication.
11. True. Paragraph 3 discusses how bead-covered gourds are carried around by women who are having fertility problems. "Fertility problems" means difficulty becoming and staying pregnant.
IELTS Reading Passage 2
Read the passage and
answer the questions. Use your predicting skills. Note the type of questions.
Choosing
Headings
|
Questions 1-5
The following reading passage has five sections A-E.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings on the next page.
Write the correct number i-viii in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet. There are more headings than sections, so you will not use them all.
The following reading passage has five sections A-E.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings on the next page.
Write the correct number i-viii in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet. There are more headings than sections, so you will not use them all.
|
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|
Colorblindness
A Myths related to the causes and symptoms of
"colorblindness" abound throughout the world. The term itself is
misleading, since it is extremely rare for anyone to have a complete lack of
color perception. By look ing into the myths related to color blindness, one
can learn many facts about the structure and genetics o the human eye. It is a
myth that colorblind people see the world as if it were a black and white
movie. There are very few cases of complete colorblindness. Those who have a
complete lack of color perception are referred to as monochromatics, and
usually have a serious problem with their overall vision as well as an
inability to see colors. The fact is that in most cases of colorblindness,
there are only certain shades that a person cannot distinguish between. These
people are said to be dichromatic. They may not be able to tell the difference
between red and green, or orange and yellow. A person with normal color vision
has what is called trichromatic vision. The difference between the three levels
of color perception have to do with the cones in the human eye. A normal human
eye has three cones located inside the retina: the red cone, the green cone,
and the yellow cone. Each cone contains a specific pigment whose function is to
absorb the light of these colors and the combinations of them. People with
trichromatic vision have all three cones in working order. When one of the
three cones does not function properly, dichromatic vision occurs.
B Some people believe that only men can be colorblind. This is also
a myth, though it is not completely untrue. In an average population, 8% of males
exhibit some form of colorblindness, while only 0.5% of women do. While there
may be some truth to the idea that more men have trouble matching their
clothing than women, the reason that color vision deficiency is predominant in
males has nothing to do with fashion. The fact is that the gene for color
blindness is located on the X chromosome, which men only have one of. Females
have two X chromosomes, and if one carries the defective gene, the other one
naturally compensates. Therefore, the only way for a female to inherit
colorblindness is for both of her X chromosomes to carry the defective gene.
This is why the incidence of color deficiency is sometimes more prevalent in
extremely small societies that have a limited gene pool.
C It is true that all babies are born colorblind. A baby's cones do
not begin to differentiate between many different colors until he is
approximately four months old. This is why many of the modern toys for very
young babies consist of black and white patterns or primary colors, rather than
traditional soft pastels. However, some current research points to the
importance of developing an infant's color visual system. In 2004, Japanese
researcher Yoichi Sugita of the Neuroscience Research Institute performed an
experiment that would suggest that color vision deficiency isn't entirely
genetic. In his experiment, he subjected a group of baby monkeys to
monochromatic lighting for one year. He later compared their vision to normal
monkey who had experienced the colorful world outdoors. It was found that the
test monkeys were unable to perform the color-matching tasks that the normal
monkeys could. Nevertheless, most cases of colorblindness are attributed to
genetic factors that are present at birth.
D Part of the reason there are so many inconsistencies related to
colorblindness, or "color vision deficiency" as it is called in the
medical world, is that it is difficult to know exactly which colors each human
can see. Children are taught from a very young age that an apple is red. Naming
colors allows children to associate a certain shade with a certain name,
regardless of a color vision deficiency. Someone who never takes a color test
can go through life thinking that what they see as red is called green.
Children are generally tested for colorblindness at about four years of age.
The Ishihara Test is the most common, though it is highly criticized' because
it requires that children have the ability to recognize numerals. In the
Ishihara Test, a number made up of colored dots is hidden inside a series of
dots of a different shade. Those with normal vision can distinguish the number
from the background, while those with color vision deficiency will only see the
dots.
E While many of the myths related to colorblindness have been
busted by modern science, there are still a few remaining beliefs that require
more research in order to be labeled as folklore. For example, there is a
long-standing belief that colorblindness can aid military soldiers because it
gives them the ability to see through camouflage. Another belief is that
everyone becomes colorblind in an emergency situation. The basis of this idea
is that a catastrophic event can overwhelm the brain, causing it to utilize
only those receptors needed to perform vital tasks. In general, identifying
color is not considered an essential task in a life or death situation.
Multiple-Choice
Questions
|
Questions 6-8
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your Answer Sheet.
6 People who see color normally are called
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D. Write your answers in boxes 6-8 on your Answer Sheet.
6 People who see color normally are called
A monochromatic.
B dichromatic.
C tichromatic.
D colorblind.
B dichromatic.
C tichromatic.
D colorblind.
7
Children usually begin to see a variety of colors by the age of
A one month.
B four months.
C one year.
D four years.
B four months.
C one year.
D four years.
8
Children who take the Ishihara Test must be able to
A distinguish letters.
B write their names.
C read numbers.
D name colors.
B write their names.
C read numbers.
D name colors.
Completing
a Summery
|
Questions 9-12
Complete the summary using words from the box below.
Write your answers in boxes 9-12 on your Answer Sheet There are more answers than spaces, so you will not use them all.
Complete the summary using words from the box below.
Write your answers in boxes 9-12 on your Answer Sheet There are more answers than spaces, so you will not use them all.
It is a common 9 ....................
that only men suffer
from colorblindness. On average 10 .................... than ten percent of men have this problem. Women have two 11 .................... For this reason it is 12 .................... for a woman to suffer from colorblindness. |
||||||||||
|
Answer
Key
|
Note: Alternative spellings:.
colour blindness, colour, colourful
1. iii. What is Colorblindness? Paragraph A discusses what people think color blindness is, and what it really is. In the middle of the paragraph it states, The fact is that in most cases of colorblindness, there are only certain shades that a person cannot distinguish between. These people are said to be dichromatic."
2. viii. Colorblindness and the Sexes. Paragraph B discusses the fact that men are more prone to colorblindness than women, and states the genetic reasons why this is the case.
3. vii. Developing the Ability to See Color. Paragraph C discusses the fact that babies are alt born colorblind and that they do not develop the ability to see colors until they are a few months old. This paragraph also discusses the possibility that infants may require a colorful environment in order to develop proper color vision.
4. ii. diagnosing Colorblindness. Paragraph R discusses the reasons why colorblindness is difficult to diagnose. It also discusses the Ishihara Test, which distinguishes those who are colorblind from those who have normal color vision.
5. v. Unsolved Myths. Paragraph E mentions two beliefs about colorblindness that haven't been proven as myths: that colorblindness can aid military soldiers and that everyone is colorblind in an emergency.
6. (C) The second to the last sentence of Paragraph A states that: "People with trichromatic vision have all three cones in working order."
7. (B) The second sentence in Paragraph C states that: "A baby's cones do not begin to differentiate between many different colors until he is approximately four months old."
8. (C) Paragraph R states the main downfall of the Ishihara Test: "The Ishihara Test is the most common, though it is highly criticized because it requires that children have the ability to recognize numerals."
9. myth. Paragraph B introduces the idea that although color vision deficiency is predominant in males, it is still possible for females to be colorblind.
10. a little less. Paragraph B states: "In an average population, 8% of males exhibit some form of colorblindness.
11. X chromosomes. Paragraph B states: "Females have two X chromosomes."
12. less likely. Paragraph B explains that it is less likely for women to be colorblind, because if one of their X chromosomes "carries the defective gene, the other one naturally compensates." "Compensate" means to make up for another's weakness.
1. iii. What is Colorblindness? Paragraph A discusses what people think color blindness is, and what it really is. In the middle of the paragraph it states, The fact is that in most cases of colorblindness, there are only certain shades that a person cannot distinguish between. These people are said to be dichromatic."
2. viii. Colorblindness and the Sexes. Paragraph B discusses the fact that men are more prone to colorblindness than women, and states the genetic reasons why this is the case.
3. vii. Developing the Ability to See Color. Paragraph C discusses the fact that babies are alt born colorblind and that they do not develop the ability to see colors until they are a few months old. This paragraph also discusses the possibility that infants may require a colorful environment in order to develop proper color vision.
4. ii. diagnosing Colorblindness. Paragraph R discusses the reasons why colorblindness is difficult to diagnose. It also discusses the Ishihara Test, which distinguishes those who are colorblind from those who have normal color vision.
5. v. Unsolved Myths. Paragraph E mentions two beliefs about colorblindness that haven't been proven as myths: that colorblindness can aid military soldiers and that everyone is colorblind in an emergency.
6. (C) The second to the last sentence of Paragraph A states that: "People with trichromatic vision have all three cones in working order."
7. (B) The second sentence in Paragraph C states that: "A baby's cones do not begin to differentiate between many different colors until he is approximately four months old."
8. (C) Paragraph R states the main downfall of the Ishihara Test: "The Ishihara Test is the most common, though it is highly criticized because it requires that children have the ability to recognize numerals."
9. myth. Paragraph B introduces the idea that although color vision deficiency is predominant in males, it is still possible for females to be colorblind.
10. a little less. Paragraph B states: "In an average population, 8% of males exhibit some form of colorblindness.
11. X chromosomes. Paragraph B states: "Females have two X chromosomes."
12. less likely. Paragraph B explains that it is less likely for women to be colorblind, because if one of their X chromosomes "carries the defective gene, the other one naturally compensates." "Compensate" means to make up for another's weakness.
IELTS Reading Passage 3
Read the passage and
answer the questions. Use your predicting skills. Note the type of questions.
Antarctic Penguins
Though
penguins are assumed to be native to the South Pole, only four of the seventeen
species have evolved the survival adaptations necessary to live and breed in
the Antarctic year round. The physical features of the Adelie, Chinstrap,
Gentoo, and Emperor penguins equip them to withstand the harshest living
conditions in the world. Besides these four species, there are a number of
others, including the yellow feathered Macaroni penguin and the King penguin
that visit the Antarctic regularly but migrate to warmer waters to breed.
Penguins that live in Antarctica year round have a thermoregulation system and
a survival sense that allows them to live comfortably both on the ice and in
the water.
In
the dark days of winter, when the Antarctic sees virtually no sunlight, the
penguins that remain on the ice sheet sleep most of the day. To retain heat,
penguins huddle in communities of up to 6,000 of their own species. When it's
time to create a nest, most penguins build up a pile of rocks on top of the ice
to place their eggs. The Emperor penguin, however, doesn't bother with a nest
at all. The female Emperor lays just one egg and gives it to the male to
protect while she goes off for weeks to feed. The male balances the egg on top
of his feet, covering it with a small fold of skin called a brood patch. In the
huddle, the male penguins rotate regularly so that none of the penguins have to
stay on the outside of the circle exposed to the wind and cold for long periods
of time. When it's time to take a turn on the outer edge of the pack, the
penguins tuck their feathers in and shiver. The movement provides enough warmth
until they can head back into the inner core and rest in the warmth. In order
to reduce the cold of the ice, penguins often put their weight on their heels
and tails. Antarctic penguins also have complex nasal passages that prevent 80
percent of their heat from leaving the body. When the sun is out, the black
dorsal plumage attracts its rays and penguins can stay warm enough to waddle or
slide about alone.
Antarctic
penguins spend about 75 percent of their lives in the water. A number of
survival adaptations allow them to swim through water as cold as -2 degrees
Celsius. In order to stay warm in these temperatures, penguins have to keep
moving. Though penguins don't fly in the air, they are often said to fly
through water. Instead of stopping each time they come up for air, they use a
technique called "porpoising," in which they leap up for a quick
breath while swiftly moving forward: Unlike most birds that have hollow bones
for flight, penguins have evolved hard solid bones that keep them low in the
water. Antarctic penguins also have unique feathers that work similarly to a
waterproof diving suit. Tufts of down trap a layer of air within the feathers, preventing
the water from penetrating the penguin's skin. The pres¬sure of a deep dive
releases this air, and a penguin has to rearrange the feathers through a
process called "preening." Penguins also have an amazing circulatory
system, which in extremely cold waters diverts blood from the flippers and legs
to the heart.
While
the harsh climate of the Antarctic doesn't threaten the survival of Antarctic
penguins, overheating can be a concern, and therefore, global warming is a
threat to them. Temperate species have certain physical features such as fewer
feathers and less blubber to keep them cool on a hot day. African penguins have
bald patches on their legs and face where excess heat can be released. The
blood vessels in the penguin's skin dilate when the body begins to overheat,
and the heat rises to the surface of the body. Penguins who are built for cold
winters of the Antarctic have other survival techniques for a warm day, such as
moving to shaded areas, or holding their fins out away from their bodies.
Classifying
Information
|
Questions 1-5
Classify the following facts as applying to
Classify the following facts as applying to
A Antarctic penguins
B Temperature-area penguins
B Temperature-area penguins
Write the appropriate
letter, A or B, in boxes i-5 on your answer sheet.
1 stand in large groups to keep warm
2 spend about three quarters of its time in the water
3 have feathers that keep cold water away from its skin
4 have areas of skin without feathers
5 have less blubber.
2 spend about three quarters of its time in the water
3 have feathers that keep cold water away from its skin
4 have areas of skin without feathers
5 have less blubber.
Completing
Sentences
|
Questions 6-9
Complete each of the following sentences with information from the reading passage. Write your answers in boxes 6-9 on your Answer Sheet. Write No MORE THAN THREE words for each answer.
Complete each of the following sentences with information from the reading passage. Write your answers in boxes 6-9 on your Answer Sheet. Write No MORE THAN THREE words for each answer.
6 Most penguins use .......................... to build their
nests.
7 While the male emperor penguin takes care of the egg, the female goes away to .......................... .
8 A .......................... is a piece of skin that the male emperor penguin uses to protect the egg.
9 Penguins protect their feet from the cold of the ice by standing on their ..........................
7 While the male emperor penguin takes care of the egg, the female goes away to .......................... .
8 A .......................... is a piece of skin that the male emperor penguin uses to protect the egg.
9 Penguins protect their feet from the cold of the ice by standing on their ..........................
Choosing
Answers from a List
|
Questions 10-13
The article mentions many facts about penguins.
Which four of the following features are things that enable them to survive in very cold water?
Write the appropriate letters A-H in boxes 10-13 on your Answer Sheet.
The article mentions many facts about penguins.
Which four of the following features are things that enable them to survive in very cold water?
Write the appropriate letters A-H in boxes 10-13 on your Answer Sheet.
A They move through the water very quickly.
B They hold their flippers away from their bodies. C They choose shady areas.
C When necessary, their blood moves away from the flippers and toward the heart.
D They breathe while still moving.
E The blood vessels in their skin dilate.
F They waddle and slide.
G Their feathers hold in a layer of air near the skin.
B They hold their flippers away from their bodies. C They choose shady areas.
C When necessary, their blood moves away from the flippers and toward the heart.
D They breathe while still moving.
E The blood vessels in their skin dilate.
F They waddle and slide.
G Their feathers hold in a layer of air near the skin.
Answer
Key
|
1. (A) Paragraph 2
discusses how Antarctic penguins "huddle in communities" to keep
warm.
2. (A) The first sentence of Paragraph 3 states: "Antarctic penguins spend about 75 percent of their lives in the water."
3. (B) Paragraph 3 discusses the unique feathers of Antarctic penguins that that work similarly to a waterproof diving suit: "Tufts of down trap a layer of air within the feathers, preventing the water from penetrating the penguin's skin."
4. (A) Paragraph 4 states: "Temperate species have certain physical features such as fewer feathers and less blubber to keep them cool on a hot day."
5. (B) Paragraph 4 discusses the bald patches of a temperate species called African penguins.
6. rocks. Paragraph 2 states: "When it's time to create a nest, most penguins build up a pile of rocks on top of the ice to place their eggs."
7. feed/eat. Paragraph 2 discusses the Emperor penguin's gender roles: "The female Emperor lays just one egg and gives it to the male to protect while she goes off for weeks to feed."
8. brood patch. Paragraph-2 explains how the male Emperor penguin takes care of the egg: "The male balances the egg on top of his feet, covering it with a small fold of skin called a brood patch."
9. heels and tails. Toward the end of paragraph 2 the text states: "In order to reduce the cold of the ice, penguins often put their weight on their heels and tails."
10. (A) Paragraph 3 states that penguins have to keep moving to stay warm. Their swimming is compared to flight.
11. (R)The last sentence in Paragraph 3 describes the penguin's circulatory system: "Penguins also have an amazing circulatory system, which in extremely cold waters diverts blood from the flippers and legs to the heart."
12. (E) Paragraph 3 describes "porpoising" which penguins do in order to be able to breathe without having to stop swimming.
13. (H) Paragraph 3 describes how feathers keep Antarctic penguins dry: "Tufts of down trap a layer of air within the feathers, preventing the water from penetrating the penguin's skin." Choice (B), (C), and (F) are incorrect because these are all of examples of how penguins stay cool.
2. (A) The first sentence of Paragraph 3 states: "Antarctic penguins spend about 75 percent of their lives in the water."
3. (B) Paragraph 3 discusses the unique feathers of Antarctic penguins that that work similarly to a waterproof diving suit: "Tufts of down trap a layer of air within the feathers, preventing the water from penetrating the penguin's skin."
4. (A) Paragraph 4 states: "Temperate species have certain physical features such as fewer feathers and less blubber to keep them cool on a hot day."
5. (B) Paragraph 4 discusses the bald patches of a temperate species called African penguins.
6. rocks. Paragraph 2 states: "When it's time to create a nest, most penguins build up a pile of rocks on top of the ice to place their eggs."
7. feed/eat. Paragraph 2 discusses the Emperor penguin's gender roles: "The female Emperor lays just one egg and gives it to the male to protect while she goes off for weeks to feed."
8. brood patch. Paragraph-2 explains how the male Emperor penguin takes care of the egg: "The male balances the egg on top of his feet, covering it with a small fold of skin called a brood patch."
9. heels and tails. Toward the end of paragraph 2 the text states: "In order to reduce the cold of the ice, penguins often put their weight on their heels and tails."
10. (A) Paragraph 3 states that penguins have to keep moving to stay warm. Their swimming is compared to flight.
11. (R)The last sentence in Paragraph 3 describes the penguin's circulatory system: "Penguins also have an amazing circulatory system, which in extremely cold waters diverts blood from the flippers and legs to the heart."
12. (E) Paragraph 3 describes "porpoising" which penguins do in order to be able to breathe without having to stop swimming.
13. (H) Paragraph 3 describes how feathers keep Antarctic penguins dry: "Tufts of down trap a layer of air within the feathers, preventing the water from penetrating the penguin's skin." Choice (B), (C), and (F) are incorrect because these are all of examples of how penguins stay cool.
IELTS Academic Reading #1
Light pollution
Light Pollution is a threat to Wildlife, Safety and the Starry Sky |
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Question 1-5
The first six paragraphs of Reading Passage 1 are lettered A-F.
Choose the most suitable headings for paragraphs A-F from the list of headings below.
NB There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all.
The first six paragraphs of Reading Passage 1 are lettered A-F.
Choose the most suitable headings for paragraphs A-F from the list of headings below.
NB There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use them all.
List of Headings
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i Why lights are needed
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vii Seen from above
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ii Lighting discourages law breakers
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viii More light than is necessary
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iii The environmental dangers
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ix Approaching the city
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iv People at risk from bright lights
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v Illuminating space
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vi A problem lights do not solve
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Example
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Answer
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Paragraph A
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ix (Approaching the
city)
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1 Paragraph B
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....................
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2 Paragraph C
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....................
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3 Paragraph D
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....................
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4 Paragraph E
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....................
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5 Paragraph F
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....................
|
Question 6-9
Complete each of the following statements with words taken from the passage.
Write ONE or TWO WORDS for each answer.
Complete each of the following statements with words taken from the passage.
Write ONE or TWO WORDS for each answer.
6 According to a recent study, well-lit streets
do not .................... or make neighbourhoods safer to live in.
7 Inefficient lighting increases .................... because most electricity is produced from coal, gas or oil. 8 Efficient lights .................... from going into areas where it is not needed. 9 In dealing with light pollution .................... is at least as important as passing new laws. |
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Questions 10-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
|
if the statement agrees with the information.
|
|
FALSE
|
if the statement contradicts the information.
|
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NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
10 One group of scientists find their observations are made more
difficult by bright lights.
11 It is expensive to reduce light pollution.
12 Many countries are now making light pollution
illegal.
13 Old types of light often cause more pollution than more modern
ones.
Answers:
Example
|
Answer
|
Paragraph A
|
ix (Approaching the
city)
|
1 Paragraph B
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viii
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2 Paragraph C
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vii
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3 Paragraph D
|
vi
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4 Paragraph E
|
iv
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5 Paragraph F
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iii
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Question 6-9
Complete each of the following statements with words taken from the passage.
Write ONE or TWO WORDS for each answer.
Complete each of the following statements with words taken from the passage.
Write ONE or TWO WORDS for each answer.
6 According to a recent study, well-lit streets
do not deter crime or make neighbourhoods safer to live in.
7 Inefficient lighting increases (air) pollution because most electricity is produced from coal, gas or oil. 8 Efficient lights block light from going into areas where it is not needed. 9 In dealing with light pollution education is at least as important as passing new laws. |
Questions 10-13
10 One group of scientists find their observations are made more difficult by bright lights. YES
10 One group of scientists find their observations are made more difficult by bright lights. YES
11 It is expensive to reduce light pollution. NO
12 Many countries are now making light pollution
illegal. NOT GIVEN
13 Old types of light often cause more pollution than more modern
ones. YES
IELTS
Academic Reading #2
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Questions 1-3
The list below gives some characteristics of addiction.
Which THREE of the following are mentioned as characteristics of addiction to television?
The list below gives some characteristics of addiction.
Which THREE of the following are mentioned as characteristics of addiction to television?
A harmful physical effects
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B loss of control over time
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C destruction of relationships
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D reduced intellectual performance
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E discomfort when attempting to give up
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F dishonesty about the extent of the addiction
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Questions 4-8
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
YES
|
if the statement agrees with the information.
|
|
NO
|
if the statement contradicts the information.
|
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NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
4 One purpose of the research is to help people to manage their
lives better.
5 Watching television has reduced the amount of time people spend
sleeping.
6 People's brains show less activity while watching television than
when reading.
7 There is a relationship between the length of time spent watching
TV and economic status.
8 Pleasure increases in proportion to the length of time spent
watching TV.
Questions 9-13
Classify the following feelings or mental states as generally occurring:
Classify the following feelings or mental states as generally occurring:
A before watching television.
B while watching television.
C after watching television.
D both while and after watching television.
9 reduced anxiety and stress.
10 increased fatigue.
11 higher levels of concentration.
12 less mental activity.
13 worry about time wasted.
Answers:
Questions 1-3
The list below gives some characteristics of addiction.
Which THREE of the following are mentioned as characteristics of addiction to television?
Questions 1-3
The list below gives some characteristics of addiction.
Which THREE of the following are mentioned as characteristics of addiction to television?
A harmful physical effects
|
|
x
|
B loss of control over time
|
C destruction of relationships
|
|
x
|
D reduced intellectual performance
|
x
|
E discomfort when attempting to give up
|
F dishonesty about the extent of the addiction
|
Questions 4-8
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 2?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
YES
|
if the statement agrees with the information.
|
|
NO
|
if the statement contradicts the information.
|
|
NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
4 One purpose of the research is to help people to manage their
lives better. YES
5 Watching television has reduced the amount of time people spend
sleeping. NOT GIVEN
6 People's brains show less activity while watching television than
when reading. YES
7 There is a relationship between the length of time spent watching
TV and economic status. NOT GIVEN
8 Pleasure increases in proportion to the length of time spent
watching TV. NO
Questions 9-13
Classify the following feelings or mental states as generally occurring:
Classify the following feelings or mental states as generally occurring:
A before watching television.
B while watching television.
C after watching television.
D both while and after watching television.
9 reduced anxiety and stress. B
10 increased fatigue. C
11 higher levels of concentration. A
12 less mental activity. D
13 worry about time wasted. D
IELTS Academic Reading #3
The
US City and the Natural Environment
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You should spend about 20
minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on IELTS Reading Passage 1.
Questions 1-7
Reading Passage 1 has seven sections, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
Questions 1-7
Reading Passage 1 has seven sections, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
|
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||||
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||||
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||||
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|
Questions 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
|
if the statement agrees with the information
|
|
FALSE
|
if the statement contradicts the information
|
|
NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
8 In the nineteenth century, water was brought into the desert to
create productive farming land.
9 Women were often the strongest campaigners for environmental
reform.
10 Reducing urban air and water pollution in the early twentieth
century was extremely expensive.
11 The introduction of the car led to increased suburban
development.
12 Suburban lifestyles in many western nations fail to take account
of environmental protection.
13 Many governments in the developed world are trying to halt the
spread of the suburbs.
You should spend about 20
minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on IELTS Reading Passage 1.
Questions 1-7
Reading Passage 1 has seven sections, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
Reading Passage 1 has seven sections, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
|
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|
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|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
Questions 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
|
if the statement agrees with the information
|
|
FALSE
|
if the statement contradicts the information
|
|
NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
8 In the nineteenth century, water was brought into the desert to
create productive farming land. FALSE
9 Women were often the strongest campaigners for environmental
reform. TRUE
10 Reducing urban air and water pollution in the early twentieth
century was extremely expensive. NOT GIVEN
11 The introduction of the car led to increased suburban
development. TRUE
12 Suburban lifestyles in many western nations fail to take account
of environmental protection. TRUE
13 Many governments in the developed world are trying to halt the
spread of the suburbs. NOT GIVEN
IELTS
Academic Reading #4
Investigating
Children’s Language
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Questions 1-5
Reading Passage 1 has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Which paragraphs contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Reading Passage 1 has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Which paragraphs contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
1 the possibility of carrying out research on children before they
start talking
2 the difficulties in deducing theories from systematic
experiments
3 the differences between analysing children’s and adults’
language
4 the ability to record children without them seeing the
researcher
5 the drawbacks of recording children in an environment they
know
Questions 6-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
|
if the statement agrees with the information
|
|
FALSE
|
if the statement contradicts the information
|
|
NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
6 In the 19th century, researchers studied their own children’s
language.
7 Attempts to elicit very young children’s opinions about language
are likely to fail.
8 Radio microphones are used because they enable researchers to
communicate with a number of children in different rooms.
9 Many children enjoy the interaction with the
researcher.
Question 10-14
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet.
Ways of investigating children’s language
One method of carrying out research is to record children’s spontaneous language use. This can be done in their homes, where, however, it may be difficult to ensure that the recording is of acceptable 10 ..................... Another venue which is often used is a 11 ...................., where the researcher can avoid distracting the child. A drawback of this method is that it does not allow children to demonstrate their comprehension.
An alternative approach is to use methodology from the field of 12 ..................... In this case, a number of children are asked to carry out a 13 ...................., and the results are subjected to a 14 .....................
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet.
Ways of investigating children’s language
One method of carrying out research is to record children’s spontaneous language use. This can be done in their homes, where, however, it may be difficult to ensure that the recording is of acceptable 10 ..................... Another venue which is often used is a 11 ...................., where the researcher can avoid distracting the child. A drawback of this method is that it does not allow children to demonstrate their comprehension.
An alternative approach is to use methodology from the field of 12 ..................... In this case, a number of children are asked to carry out a 13 ...................., and the results are subjected to a 14 .....................
Answers:
Questions 1-5
Reading Passage 1 has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Which paragraphs contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Reading Passage 1 has eight paragraphs, A-H.
Which paragraphs contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-H in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
1 the possibility of carrying out research on children before they
start talking C
2 the difficulties in deducing theories from systematic
experiments H
3 the differences between analysing children’s and adults’
language B
4 the ability to record children without them seeing the
researcher C
5 the drawbacks of recording children in an environment they
know E
Questions 6-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet, write
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE
|
if the statement agrees with the information
|
|
FALSE
|
if the statement contradicts the information
|
|
NOT GIVEN
|
if there is no information on this
|
6 In the 19th century, researchers studied their own children’s
language. TRUE
7 Attempts to elicit very young children’s opinions about language
are likely to fail. TRUE
8 Radio microphones are used because they enable researchers to
communicate with a number of children in different rooms. FALSE
9 Many children enjoy the interaction with the
researcher. NOT
GIVEN
Question 10-14
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet.
Ways of investigating children’s language
One method of carrying out research is to record children’s spontaneous language use. This can be done in their homes, where, however, it may be difficult to ensure that the recording is of acceptable 10 acoustic quality. Another venue which is often used is a 11 research centre/center, where the researcher can avoid distracting the child. A drawback of this method is that it does not allow children to demonstrate their comprehension.
An alternative approach is to use methodology from the field of 12 experimental psychology. In this case, a number of children are asked to carry out a 13 (relevant) task, and the results are subjected to a 14 statistical analysis.
Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet.
Ways of investigating children’s language
One method of carrying out research is to record children’s spontaneous language use. This can be done in their homes, where, however, it may be difficult to ensure that the recording is of acceptable 10 acoustic quality. Another venue which is often used is a 11 research centre/center, where the researcher can avoid distracting the child. A drawback of this method is that it does not allow children to demonstrate their comprehension.
An alternative approach is to use methodology from the field of 12 experimental psychology. In this case, a number of children are asked to carry out a 13 (relevant) task, and the results are subjected to a 14 statistical analysis.
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