Reading Passage 1: A Remarkable Beetle
Questions 1-5: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:
In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:
The statement in the question matches with the claim of the writer in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the writer in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN
[TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]
Question no. 1: Bush flies are easier to control than buffalo flies.
Keywords for the question: Bush flies, easier, control, than, buffalo flies,
We can see the mention of bush flies and buffalo files in paragraph no. 2 in the last lines, “ . .. and avoiding the soft cattle dung in which bush flies and buffalo flies breed.”
However, there is NO comparison on the control of these two kinds of flies.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question no. 2: Four thousand species of dung beetle were initially brought to Australia by the CSIRO.
Keywords for the question: Four thousand species, dung beetle, initially brought, to Australia, by, CSIRO,
In the second paragraph, the writer says, “More than 4,000 species of these remarkable creatures have evolved and adapted to the world’s different climates and the dung of its many animals. .. ..”
Here, the author says that there are over 4000 species of dung beetles in the world.
Then, in paragraph no. 3, in lines 6-8, the author of the text says, “ . . .. Between 1968 and 1982, the CSIRO imported insects from about 50 different species of dung beetle, from Asia, Europe and Africa, aiming to match them to different climatic zones in Australia. … ..”
Here, imported = brought to,
This means only 50 species of dung beetles were imported to Australia by the CSIRO, not 4000 species.
So, the answer is: NO
Question no. 3: Dung beetles were brought to Australia by the CSIRO over a fourteen-year period.
Keywords for the question: Dung beetles, brought to Australia, by, CSIRO, over, fourteen-year period,
In paragraph no. 3, take a look at lines 6-8 again, “ . . . .. Between 1968 and 1982, the CSIRO imported insects from about 50 different species of dung beetle, from Asia, Europe and Africa, aiming to match them to different climatic zones in Australia. … ..”
Here, between 1968 and 1982 = fourteen-year period,
So, the answer is: YES
Question no. 4: At least twenty-six of the introduced species have become established in Australia.
Keywords for the question: at least, twenty-six, introduced species, become established, Australia,
Take a look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 3, “ . .. . Of the 26 species that are known to have become successfully integrated into the local environment, only one, an African species released in northern Australia, has reached its natural boundary.”
Here, have become successfully integrated into the local environment = have become established in Australia,
So, the answer is: YES
Question no. 5: The dung beetles cause an immediate improvement to the quality of a cow pasture.
Keywords for the question: dung beetles, cause, immediate improvement, quality, cow pasture,
First, have a close look at lines 1-2 n paragraph no. 4, “Introducing dung beetles into a pasture is a simple process: approximately 1,500 beetles are released, a handful at a time, into fresh cow pats in the cow pasture. .. . .”
Then, take a look at the final lines of the same paragraph, “ . .. .. In time they multiply and within three or four years the benefits to the pasture are obvious.”
Here, within three or four years the benefits to the pasture are obvious = pasture takes long time to improve,
So, the answer is: NO
Questions 6-8: Labeling a diagram
[In this type of question, candidates are asked to label a diagram by choosing types from a box using the information in the passage. Keywords are important to find answers correctly. Generally, this type of question maintains a sequence. However, we should not be surprised if the sequence is not maintained. Find the keywords in the passage and you are most likely to find the answers.]
Question no. 6:
Keywords for the question: 10-20 cm below cow-pat surface,
Take a look at lines 7-8 in paragraph no. 5, “ . .. .. South African beetles dig narrow tunnels of approximately 20 cm below the surface of the pat. .. … .”
Here, approximately 20 cm below the surface of the pat = 10-20 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).
So, the answer is: South African
Question no. 7:
Keywords for the question: 30 cm below cow-pat surface,
Again, in paragraph no. 5, take a look at lines 3-5 of paragraph no. 5, “ .. . . Some large species originating from France excavate tunnels to a depth of approximately 30 cm below the dung pat. . . ..”
Here, approximately 30 cm below the dung pat = 30 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).
So, the answer is: French
Question no. 8:
Keywords for the question: 0-10 cm below cow-pat surface,
Again, the answer can be found in paragraph no. 5. Look at line no. 6, “ . .. .. The shallowest tunnels belong to a much smaller Spanish species .. .. .”
Here, The shallowest tunnels = 0-10 cm below cow-pat surface, (matches with the scale in the picture).
So, the answer is: Spanish
Questions 9-13: Completing table with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER
[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps in a table with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]
Question no. 9:
Keywords for the question: Spanish, 1.25 cm, preferred climate,
Lines 3-4 of paragraph no. 6 give us the answer to this question, “ . . . .. the large French species (2.5 cms long) is matched with smaller (half this size), temperate-climate Spanish species.. .. . .”
Here, half this size = 1.25cm, temperate-climate = preferred climate,
So, the answer is: temperate
Question no. 10:
Keywords for the question: Spanish, start of active period,
In paragraph no. 6 of the text, the writer says in lines 4-7, “ … … . The former are slow to recover from the winter cold and produce only one or two generations of offspring from late spring until autumn. The latter, which multiply rapidly in early spring, produce two to five generations annually.”
In the previous lines, the writer provides information about French species in the beginning of paragraph no. 6, and then we find information about Spanish species.
Now, in lines 4-7, the former indicates French species (according to English grammar), and the latter indicates Spanish species.
Therefore, The latter = Spanish species, multiply = active period of giving birth,
So, the answer is: early spring
Question no. 11:
Keywords for the question: Spanish, Number of generations per year,
Take a look at lines 6-7 of paragraph no. 6 where the writer says, “ . .. The latter, which multiply rapidly in early spring, produce two to five generations annually.” . . .”
Here, produce = give birth to generations, annually = per year,
So, the answer is: 2-5 / two to five
Question no. 12:
Keywords for the question: South-African ball roller, preferred climate,
In paragraph no. 6, the author mentions in line no. 7, “ .. . .. The South African ball-rolling species, being a subtropical beetle,
So, the answer is: sub-tropical
Question no. 13:
Keywords for the question: South-African ball roller, Complementary species,
In paragraph no. 6, look at lines 7-9, “ .. .. .. The South African ball-rolling species, being a subtropical beetle, prefers the climate of northern and coastal New South Wales where it commonly works with the South African tunnelling species.. .. . .”
Here, it commonly works with = complementary species,
So, the answer is: (South African) tunnelling
Reading Passage 2: Questions 14-18: List of headings
[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections, which are marked with alphabets A, B, C, and so forth. Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections. So, some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task. Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph that will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the task.
Tips to answer this question: Don’t read the list of headings first. Have a quick look at the questions, and go straight to the first question and start reading the paragraph associated with it. Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the sentences. That’s all. Read quickly, and don’t stop until you finish each sentence.]
Question no. 14: Section A
In Section A, the first lines say, “The role of governments in environmental management is difficult but inescapable. … .”
Here, the lines suggest that the role of governments to manage the environment is a difficult job but governments cannot deny it.
Then, in the next lines, we find how different governments manage the environment.
So, the answer is: v (Governments and management of the environment)
Question no. 15: Section B
In lines 1-3 of section B, the author of the text explains, “No activity affects more of the earth’s surface than farming. It shapes a third of the planet’s land area, not counting Antarctica, and the proportion is rising. World food output per head has risen by 4 per cent between the 1970s and 1980s .. … ..”
Here, the lines clearly show the relationship between farming and food output.
So, the answer is: vii (Farming and food output)
Question no. 16: Section C
The last lines of section B indicate to modern farming methods, “ . … . Higher yields have been achieved by increased irrigation, better crop breeding, and a doubling in the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in the 1970s and 1980s.”
Then, here in section C the writer talks about the effect or impact of this modern farming. The writer says in the beginning, “All these activities may have damaging environmental impacts. .. ..”
Here, All these activities = modern farming (as mentioned in the final lines of section B),
So, the answer is: ii (The environmental impact of modern farming)
Question no. 17: Section D
Lines 1-3 in section D say, “Government policies have frequently compounded the environmental damage that farming can cause. In the rich countries, subsidies for growing crops and price supports for farm output drive up the price of land. .. . .”
These lines clearly show the effects of government policy taken in rich countries.
So, the answer is: iv (The effects of government policy in rich countries)
Question no. 18: Section F
The first lines of section F say, “A result of the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations is likely to be a reduction of 36 per cent in the average levels of farm subsidies paid by the rich countries in 1986-1990. .. .”
Here, the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations = the new international trade agreement, likely to be a reduction = probable effects,
So, the answer is: i (The probable effects of the new international trade agreement)
Questions 19-23: Completing table
[In this type of question candidates need to fill in the gaps from a list that is given with the table. Skimming and scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-type.]
| Agricultural practice | Environmental damage that may result |
| · 19 | · Deforestation |
| · 20 | · Degraded water supply |
| · More intensive farming | · 21 |
| · Expansion of monoculture | · 22 |
Question no. 19:
Keywords for the question: agricultural practice, deforestation,
In section C, the writer explains in lines 1-2, “ . .. . . All these activities may have damaging environmental impacts. For example, land clearing for agriculture is the largest single cause of deforestation; .. .. .”
Here, may have damaging environmental impacts = Environmental damage that may result, land clearing for agriculture = Clearing land for cultivation,
So, the answer is: G (Clearing land for cultivation)
Question no. 20:
Keywords for the question: agricultural practice, degraded water supply,
Again, in section C, lines 2-3 say, “ . .. . chemical fertilisers and pesticides may contaminate water supplies; .. …”
Here, chemical fertilisers and pesticides = Increased use of chemical inputs, contaminate water supplies = degraded water supply,
So, the answer is: C (Increased use of chemical inputs)
Question no. 21:
Keywords for the question: more intensive farming, environmental damage, may result,
Again, in Section C, lines 3-4 say, “ . .. . .. more intensive farming and the abandonment of fallow periods tend to exacerbate soil erosion; … … .”
So, the answer is: F (Soil erosion)
Question no. 22:
Keywords for the question: expansion of monoculture, environmental damage, may result,
Once more, take a look at lines 4-7 of Section C, “ . . .. . and the spread of mono-Culture and use of high-yielding varieties of crops have been accompanied by the disappearance of old varieties of food plants which might have provided some insurance against pests or diseases in future. .. . ..”
Here, the spread of mono-Culture = expansion of monoculture, disappearance of old varieties of food plants = Disappearance of old plant varieties,
So, the answer is: B (Disappearance of old plant varieties)
Questions 23-27: Multiple choice questions
[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]
Question no. 23: Research completed in 1982 found that in the United States soil erosion –
Keywords for the question: research completed in 1982, found, United States, soil erosion,
In lines 8-10 of Section C, the author of the text mentions, “ .. .. .. The United States, where the most careful measurements have been done, discovered in 1982 that about one-fifth of its farmland is losing topsoil at a rate likely to diminish the soil’s productivity. .. .. .”
Here, about one-fifth = 20 percent, losing topsoil = soil erosion, likely to diminish the soil’s productivity = causing significant damage,
So, the answer is: C (was causing significant damage to 20 percent of farmland)
Question no. 24: By the mid-1980s, farmers in Denmark –
Keywords for the question: by, mid-1980s, farmers, Denmark,
In Section D, in the first paragraph, line no. 6 says, “ . .. . . Fertiliser use doubled in Denmark in the period 1960-1985 .. .. …”
Here, Fertiliser use doubled in Denmark = Denmark used twice as much fertilizer, 1960-1985 = By the mid-1980s … .. .. as they had in1960
So, the answer is: B (used twice as much fertiliser as they had in 1960)
Question no. 25: Which one of the following increased in New Zealand after 1984?
Keywords for the question: increased, New Zealand, after 1984,
In section D, in the second paragraph, lines 3-7 say, “ . . .. . A study of the environmental effects, conducted in 1993, found that the end of fertiliser subsidies had been followed by a fall in fertiliser use (a fall compounded by the decline in world commodity prices, which cut farm incomes). The removal of subsidies also stopped land-clearing and over-stocking, which in the past had been the principal causes of erosion. Farms began to diversify. .. .. .”
Here, Farms began to diversify = farm diversification, in 1993 = after 1984,
So, the answer is: D (farm diversification)
Question no. 26: The writer refers to some rich countries as being ‘less enlightened’ than New Zealand because –
Keywords for the question: some rich countries, being, ‘less enlightened’, than New Zealand, because,
In section D, in the third paragraph, the first few lines say, “In less enlightened countries, and in the European Union, the trend has been to reduce rather than eliminate subsidies, and to introduce new payments to encourage farmers to treat their land in environmentally friendlier ways, or to leave it follow. It may sound strange but such payments need to be higher than the existing incentives for farmers to grow food crops.
Here, reduce rather than eliminate subsidies = their policies do not recognise the long term benefit of ending subsidies,
So, the answer is: C (their policies do not recognise the long term benefit of ending subsidies)
Question no. 27: The writer believes that the Uruguay Round agreements on trade will
Keywords for the question: Uruguay Round Agreements, trade, will,
The first lines of Section F say “A result of the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations is likely to be a reduction of 36 per cent in the average levels of farm subsidies paid by the rich countries in 1986-1990. .. … .”
Then, in lines 9-11, the writer says, “ . . .. . And more farmers in poor countries will have the money and the incentive to manage their land in ways that are sustainable in the long run. That is important. .. .. .”
Here, the Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations = the Uruguay Round agreements on trade, likely to = will, in ways that are sustainable in the long run = encourage more sustainable farming in the long term,
So, the answer is: A (encourage more sustainable farming practices in the long term)
Question no. 28: Multiple choice questions (Identifying the main purpose/aim/title of the passage)
[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options that shows the main aim/purpose/title using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is found as the last question so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about the title.]
From the list below choose the most suitable title for Reading Passage 2.
A. Environmental management
B. Increasing the world’s food supply
C. Soil erosion
D. Fertilisers and pesticides – the way forward
E. Farm subsidies
Keywords for the question: most suitable title,
Clearly, the questions that we answered and our reading of the text indicate that environmental management is the key topic of the text.
We also find other option like B, C, D, E in the text too but they are found in one or two sections. The overall idea is Environmental management. So, the answer is: A (Environmental management)
Reading Passage 3: THE CONCEPT OF ROLE THEORY
Questions 29-35: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN:
In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out whether:
The statement in the question matches with the claim of the writer in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the writer in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the account in the text- NOT GIVEN
[TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement into three independent pieces and make your way through with the answer.]
Question no. 29: It would be a good idea to specify the role definitions of soldiers more clearly.
Keywords for the question: great idea, specify, role definitions of soldiers, more clearly,
In the ‘Role definition’ section of the text, we find about ‘soldiers’ in paragraph no. 5 in lines 5-7, “ . .. . . In very significant cases of role change, e.g. from a soldier in the ranks to officer, from bachelor to married man, the change of role has to have a very obvious sign, hence rituals. .. ..”
However, there is no mention of specifying the role definitions of soldiers more clearly.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question no. 30: Accountants may be similar to one another because they have the same type of job.
Keywords for the question: accountants, may be similar, one another, because, same type of job,
The answer can again be found in paragraph no. 2 of the ‘Role definition’ section. The author of the text says in lines 3-5, “Hence, there is some likelihood that all accountants will be alike or that all blondes are similar – they are forced that way by the expectations of their role..”
Here, all accountants will be alike = Accountants may be similar to one another, there is some likelihood = may,
So, the answer is: YES
Question no. 31: It is probably a good idea to keep dress as a role sign even nowadays.
Keywords for the question: probably, good idea, keep, dress, role sign, even, nowadays,
Again, in the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 4, take a look at lines 2-4, “ . . .. The current trend towards blurring these role signs in dress is probably democratic, but it also makes some people very insecure. .. . ..”
Here, The current trend = nowadays, blurring these role signs in dress = not keeping role signs in dress, makes some people very insecure = probably not a good idea,
The lines mean (in a reverse way) that keeping role signs in dress is a good idea.
So, the answer is: YES
Question no. 32: The decline in emphasis on marriage rituals should be reversed.
Keywords for the question: decline, emphasis, marriage rituals, should be reversed,
In the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 5, take a look at lines 7-9, “ . . .. .. It is interesting to observe, for instance, some decline in the emphasis given to marriage rituals. This could be taken as an indication that there is no longer such a big change in role from single to married person, and therefore no need for a public change in sign.”
Here, in these lines, we find about the decline in the emphasis on marriage rituals. However, we do not find any information about reversing the decline.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question no. 33: Today furniture operates as a role sign in the same way as dress has always done.
Keywords for the question: today, furniture, operates, role sign, same way, as dress, always done,
In the ‘Role definition’ section, in paragraph no. 6, take a look at lines 1-2, “In organisations, office signs and furniture are often used as role signs. These and other perquisites of status are often frowned upon, but they may serve a purpose as a kind of uniform in a democratic society; .. .. .”
Here, uniform = dress,
So, the answer is: YES
Question no. 34: It is a good idea to remove role ambiguity.
Keywords for the question: good idea, remove, role ambiguity,
Let’s read the first paragraph of the ‘Role ambiguity’ section. Here, lines 4-5 mention, “ . .. .. If his occupation of the role is unclear, or if it differs from that of the others in the role set, there will be a degree of role ambiguity. Is this bad? Not necessarily,. . . .
Here, not necessarily = having role ambiguity is not a bad idea,
So, the answer is: NO
Question no. 35: Job descriptions eliminate role ambiguity for managers.
Keywords for the question: job descriptions, eliminate, role ambiguity, managers,
Have a look at the first paragraph of the ‘Role ambiguity’ section. Here, line no. 7 say, “ . .. The virtue of job descriptions is that they lessen this role ambiguity.”
Here, lessen = reduce; not eliminate,
So, the answer is: NO
Questions 36-39: Completing sentences with ONE OR TWO WORDS
In this type of question, candidates are asked to write maximum two words to complete sentences on the given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find the exact word.
[TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special characters of text etc.]
Question no. 36: A new headmaster of a school who enlarges his office and puts in expensive carpeting is using the office as a _________.
Keywords for the question: new headmaster, school, enlarges, office, puts in, expensive carpeting, using the office, as,
In the ‘Role definition’ section, have a close look at lines 1-2, “Place is another role sign. Managers often behave very differently outside the office. and in it, even to the same person … . ..”
Here, enlarges his office and puts in expensive carpeting = using the office as a role sign,
So, the answer is: role sign
Question no. 37: The graduation ceremony in many universities is an important ________.
Keywords for the question: graduation ceremony, many universities, an important,
In the ‘Role definition’ section, have a close look at lines 5-7, “ . .. .. In very significant cases of role change, e.g. from a soldier in the ranks to officer, from bachelor to married man, the change of role has to have a very obvious sign, hence rituals. .. ..”
Here, role change = graduation ceremony,
So, the answer is: ritual
Question no. 38: The wig which judges wear in UK courts is a ________.
Keywords for the question: wig, judges wear, UK courts, is,
Again, in the ‘Role definition’ section, lines 1-3 of paragraph no. 6 say, “ . . . In organisations, office signs and furniture are often used as role signs. These and other perquisites of status are often frowned upon, but they may serve a purpose as a kind of uniform in a democratic society;. .. . ..”
Here, office signs = the wig which judges wear,
So, the answer is: role sign
Question no. 39: The parents of students in a school are part of the headmaster’s _________.
Keywords for the question: parents of students, school, part of the headmaster’s,
In the ‘Role ambiguity’ section, the first three lines of paragraph no. 1 state, “Role ambiguity results when there is some uncertainty in the minds, either of the focal person or of the members of his role set, as to precisely what his role is at any given time. … ..”
Here, the members of his role set = The parents of students . .. . are part of the headmaster’s role set,
So, the answer is: role set
Question 40: Multiple choice questions
[This type of question asks you to choose a suitable answer from the options using the knowledge you gained from the passage. Generally, this question is set found as the last question set in most passages so you should not worry much about it. Finding all the answers for previous questions gives you a good idea about these questions.]
Question no. 40: This text is taken from
| Keywords for the question: text, taken from, |
| A. a guide for new managers in a company. B. a textbook analysis of behaviour in organisations. C. a critical study of the importance of role signs in modern society. D. a newspaper article about role changes. |
Answering all the questions from the passage clearly indicates that this text is an analysis of the significance or importance of role signs in the present world.
So, the answer is: C (a critical study of the importance of role signs in modern society.)
