Cambridge IELTS 16 academic reading test 2 answers with explanation
Reading Passage 1
The White Horse of Uffington
TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN
1.Most geoglyphs in England are located in a particular area of the country.
TRUE – First paragraph, second line. “There are 56 hill figures scattered around England, with the vast majority on the chalk downlands of the country’s southern counties.” Here, the writer said that there are 56 hill figures in England, and the vast (great quantity) number of these are located at a particular place (southern counties). The question statement matches the information given in the passage. Hence, the answer is TRUE. Geoglyphs = Hill figures.
2. There are more geoglyphs in the shape of a horse than any other creature.
NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. There is some information about the shapes of the geoglyphs in the first paragraph’s third line (The figures include giants, horses…), but no such information is given whether more geoglyphs are in the shape of a horse or not. Hence, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
3. A recent dating of the Uffington White Horse indicates that people were mistaken about its age.
TRUE – Second paragraph, second line. “The White Horse has recently been re-dated and shown to be even older than its previously assigned ancient pre-Roman Iron Age date.” Here, re-dated means that it was dated again, and shown is a synonym to indicate. The writer said that re-dating the White horse shows it is older than its previously assigned age. It means people were mistaken about its age. Hence, the answer is TRUE.
4. Historians have come to an agreement about the origins of the Long Man of Wilmington.
FALSE – Second paragraph, third line. “More controversial is the date of the enigmatic Long Man of Wilmington is Sussex. While many historians are convinced the figure is prehistoric, others believe that it was the work of an artistic monk from a nearby priory and was created between the 11th and 15th centuries.”
Agreement means they agree to the same thing. In the passage, it is given that historians have different viewpoints related to the origin of Long Man of Wilmington. Hence, they have different views, and the answer is FALSE.
5. Geoglyphs were created by people placing white chalk on the hillside.
FALSE – Third paragraph, first line. “The method of cutting these huge figures was simply to remove the overlying grass to reveal the gleaming white chalk below.” As per paragraph’s information, geoglyphs were created by removing grass to uncover already present chalk blow. But the question says that people were using chalk to make them. Thus, the answer is FALSE.
Gleaming = of a smooth surface reflecting light.
6. Many geoglyphs in England are no longer visible.
TRUE – Third paragraph, fourth line to 6th line. “One reason that the vast majority of hill figures have disappeared is that……….” Here, the writer discussed the reason for disappearance of hill figures. Hence, the answer is TRUE. Disappearance = not visible.
7. The shape of some geoglyphs has been altered over time.
TRUE – 3rd paragraph, 6th line. “Furthermore, Over hundreds of years the outline the outlines would sometimes change….” The writer said that “people not always cutting in exactly the same place, thus creating a different shape from the original geoglyph”. Hence, the answer is TRUE
Altered = Changed
8. The fame of the Uffington White Horse is due to its size.
NOT GIVEN – Although the writer talked about Uffington White Horse in 4th paragraph, nothing is said about its fame. Hence, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
Complete the notes below.
The Uffington White Horse
9. near an ancient road known as the ……….
Ridgeway – Fourth paragraph, third line. “The horse is situated 2.5 km from Uffington village on a steep slope close to the Late Bronze Age (c. 7th century BCE) hillfort of Uffington Castle and below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic track.” The track is similar to the road. Here, the Neolithic track is an ancient road. Hence, ridgeway is the answer.
10. first reference to White Horse Hill appears in ………. from the 1070s
documents – Sixth paragraph, first line. “The earliest evidence of a horse at Uffington is from the 1070s CE when ‘White Horse Hill’ is mentioned in documents from the nearby….”
Earliest = First. Mention = Reference.
11. according to analysis of the surrounding ………., the Horse is Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age
soil – Seventh paragraph, first line. “However,… testing was carried out…..on soil from two of the lower layers of the horse’s body, and from another cut near the base. The result was a date for the horse’s construction…….. a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age origin.”
In this paragraph, the writer explained that the testing done on soil near the horse provided the date of the horse’s construction.
12. was a representation of goddess Epona – associated with protection of horses and ……….
fertility – Eighth paragraph, fourth line.“Some researchers see the horse as representing the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who was worshipped as a protector of horses, and her associations with fertility.” Hence, goddess Epona was associated with fertility and the protection of horses.
13. was a representation of a Welsh goddess called ……….
Rhiannon –Eighth paragraph, ninth line. “It is possible that the carving represents a goddess in native mythology, such as Rhiannon, described in later Welsh mythology as a beautiful woman dressed in gold and riding a white horse.”
Here, the writer said that the carving represents a goddess (Welsh goddess) like Rhiannon. Hence, the answer is Rhiannon.
Reading Passage 2
I contain multitudes
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D
14. What point does the writer make about microbes in the first paragraph?
D – They will continue to exist for longer than the human race. First paragraph’s first line. “Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us.” Here, the writer says that the microbes will outlive us. Outlive = live longer than.
15. In the second paragraph, the writer is impressed by the fact that
C – the average individual has more microbial cells than human ones. Second paragraph, third line. “What is amazing is that while the number of human cells in the average person is about 30 trillion, the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion.” From this line, it is clear that humans have more microbial cells (39 trillion) than human cells (30 trillion).
16. What is the writer doing in the fifth paragraph?
A – explaining how a discovery was made Fifth paragraph, third line. “Using microscopes of his own design that could magnify up to 270 times, he examined a drop of water from a nearby lake and found it teeming with tiny creatures he called ‘animalcules’.” Here, the writer briefly tells about a discovery (how animalcules were discovered).
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-H.
We should be more tolerant of microbes.
17. Many have a beneficial effect, and only a relatively small number lead to ………. .
G – Sixth paragraph, first line. “Yong’s book is in many ways a plea for microbial tolerance, pointing out that while fewer than one hundred species of bacteria bring disease, many thousands more play a vital role in maintaining our health.” Here, it is said that many thousands of microbial play an important (vital) role in maintaining our health, and less than one hundred cause disease. Disease = illness. Hence, the answer is G.
18. In fact, we should accept that our relationship with microbes is one based on ………. .
B – Sixth paragraph, sixth line. “Instead we should realize we have a symbiotic relationship, that can be mutually beneficial or mutually destructive.” The writer said that we have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. Symbiotic (symbiosis) means interaction between two different organisms to the advantage of both. It is similar to partnership (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is B.
19. Our poor ………., our overuse of antibiotics,
H – Seventh paragraph, fifth line. “Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance…..” The writer said that we have unhealthy and low-fiber diets (poor diets). Diet = nutrition (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is H.
20. and our excessive focus on ………. are upsetting the bacterial balance
E – Seventh paragraph, fifth line. “Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance…..” Obsession = Excessive focus. Hygiene = cleanliness (word given in the box). Hence, the answer is E.
YES / NO / NOT GIVEN
21. It is possible that using antibacterial products in the home fails to have the desired effect.
YES – Eighth paragraph, first line. “There are studies indicating that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay.” Here, it is given that the excess use of antibacterial products fails because they kill those bacteria that keep more dangerous bacteria away from us. It means antibacterial products kill beneficial bacteria instead of dangerous ones, which we actually want to kill. Hence, the answer is YES.
22. It is a good idea to ensure that children come into contact with as few bacteria as possible.
NO – Eighth paragraph, third line. “Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later.” Here, the writer said that it is good to expose children to different bacteria as it protects them from allergies. Hence, the information in the passage contradicts the statement, and the answer is NO.
23. Yong’s book contains more case studies than are necessary.
Not Given – There is no such information given in the passage. There is a reference about Yong’s book and its case studies in the last paragraph, but there is no information about how many case studies Yong’s book has.
24. The case study about bacteria that prevent squid from being attacked may have limited appeal.
YES – Last paragraph, first line to 4th line. “Among the less appealing case studies……..Another is about squid that carry luminescent bacteria ….” “Among the less appealing case studies …” Less appeal = limited appeal. Hence, the answer is YES.
25. Efforts to control dengue fever have been surprisingly successful.
NOT GIVEN – The writer talk about dengue fever in last paragraph’s 6th & 7th line, but there is no such information about success of dengue control efforts. Hence, NOT GIVEN.
26. Microbes that reduce the risk of infection have already been put inside the walls of some hospital wards.
NO – Last paragraph, eighth line. “In the future, our ability to manipulate microbes means we could construct buildings with useful microbes built into their wall to fight off infections.” The writer said that we could construct walls with microbes built into them in the future. Thus, microbes are not already put inside the walls. Hence, the answer is NO.
Reading Passage 3
How to make wise decisions
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D
27. What point does the writer make in the first paragraph?
B – A basic assumption about wisdom may be wrong. First paragraph’s first line from end. “Although the truly wise may seem few ……, given the right context” Here, the writer discussed that wisdom is not something they assumed of; in fact, it is something else. The meaning of the lines is that wisdom seems to be possessed by a few people (assumption), but in reality, most of us have ability to make wise decision. Hence, the assumption related to wisdom may be wrong.
28. What does Igor Grossmann suggest about the ability to make wise decisions?
C – The importance of certain influences on it was underestimated. Second paragraph’s first line. “It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined,’ says Associate Professor Igor Grossmann…” Igor Grossmann said that certain factors are more powerful than previously imagined. Hence, their importance was underestimated.
29. According to the third paragraph, Grossmann claims that the level of wisdom an individual shows
B – will be different in different circumstances. Third paragraph’s fifth line. “Some situations are more likely to promote wisdom than others.” Thus, it is clearly given that wisdom changes according to situation. Situation = circumstance. It is claimed by Grossmann.
30. What is described in the fifth paragraph?
D – a recommended strategy that can help people to reason wisely. Fifth paragraph’s 3rd line to the end of this paragraph. “Research suggests that when……….related to wise decisions.” In these lines, the writer described about a research that suggests that if we see the situation like an observer, then we make judgments more broadly. So the strategy is to act as a third person (observer), not first person to make wise decision.
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-J, below.
The characteristics of wise reasoning
31. It is important to have a certain degree of ………. regarding the extent of our knowledge,
D (modesty) – Fourth paragraph, second line. “One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our knowledge…” Limit = Extent. Humility = Modesty. Hence, a certain degree of humility is required.
32. and to take into account ………. which may not be the same as our own.
A (opinion) – Fourth paragraph’s last line. “along with compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs” belief = Opinion. Integration of different attitudes and belief means we should include different opinions of others.
33. We should also be able to take a broad ………. of any situation.
C (view)– Fifth paragraph’s 3rd line. “and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand.” Perspective = view (word given in the box). Wider = Broad. The meaning of these lines is that we should take wider view of situation.
34. Grossmann also believes that it is better to regard scenarios with ………. .
F (objectivity)– Fifth paragraph’s first line to 3rd line, “Grossmann and his colleagues have also found……giving advice to a friend.” To know this question’s answer, you must know the meaning of “Objectivity”. Objective = of a person or judgment not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. So it is better to regard scenarios with objectivity; it can be done by looking at scenario from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend. Therefore, F is the answer.
35. By avoiding the first-person perspective, we focus more on ………. and on other moral ideals, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making.
G (fairness) – Fifth paragraph’s 4th line. “when we adopt a third person, ’Observer’ viewpoint we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality.” Impartiality = Fairness. By reading these lines and available options, we find G (Fairness) is the best option that fits in this blank.
TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
36. Students participating in the job prospects experiment could choose one of two perspectives to take.
FALSE – Seventh paragraph’s 4th line. “Participants in the group assigned………. in the control group.” Participants were assigned with perspective, not they could choose the role. They could only imagine their career. Hence, FALSE.
37. Participants in the couples experiment were aware that they were taking part in a study about wise reasoning.
NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage. There is a discussion about a study on couples in the eighth paragraph, but there is no information on whether the couples were aware or not about the experiment.
38. In the couples experiments, the length of the couples’ relationships had an impact on the results.
NOT GIVEN – There is no such information given in the passage.
39. In both experiments, the participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint tended to make wiser decisions.
TRUE – Seventh and eighth paragraph’s fourth line. Here, both experiments mean an experiment on students and an experiment on couples. The fourth line of the seventh paragraph “Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role displayed more wisdom-related reasoning ….”
Fourth line of the eighth paragraph “Couples in the ‘other’s eyes’ condition were significantly more likely to rely on wise reasoning …” Detached viewpoint = other’s viewpoint = distant observer. Hence, participants who viewed the situation from other’s viewpoints make wiser decisions in both experiments.
40. Grossmann believes that a person’s wisdom is determined by their intelligence to only a very limited extent.
TRUE – Last paragraph, first line. “We might associate wisdom with intelligence or particular personality traits, but research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallized intelligence ….” Small positive relationship = limited extent. Hence, the answer is TRUE.
