Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Stepwells

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Examples of ancient stepwells can be found all over the world.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Unique to the region, stepwells are often architecturally complex and vary widely in size and shape.

   Explanation

   Stepwells are described as unique to one region, mainly Gujarat and Rajasthan, with only a few in Delhi. So finding ancient examples all over the world contradicts the passage. The statement stretches a local feature of north-western India into a global one, which is why it is FALSE rather than not mentioned.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Stepwells had a range of functions, in addition to those related to water collection.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   However, the significance of this invention – the stepwell – goes beyond its utilitarian application.

   Explanation

   Water collection was only part of the story. The writer says the stepwell matters beyond its practical use, then lists social roles: villagers met, relaxed and worshipped there. These extra functions match the idea of a range of uses besides getting water, so TRUE is correct.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The few existing stepwells in Delhi are more attractive than those found elsewhere.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Most stepwells are found dotted around the desert areas of Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan (where they are known as baori), while a few also survive in Delhi.

   Explanation

   The statement makes a comparison about the attractiveness of stepwells in Delhi versus those elsewhere. The passage, in the second paragraph, mentions that 'a few also survive in Delhi'. However, it does not provide any information comparing their attractiveness or aesthetic qualities to stepwells in Gujarat or Rajasthan. Therefore, this information is not present in the passage.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   It took workers many years to build the stone steps characteristic of stepwells.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement comments on the time taken to build the steps of stepwells. The passage describes that stepwells comprise 'a series of stone steps descending from ground level to the water source' (paragraph 3) and details the construction materials and features like pillars and pavilions (paragraph 4). It also mentions the dates of construction for several specific stepwells (paragraphs 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). However, the passage does not provide any information about the duration or time scale involved in building the stone steps or the overall construction process, nor does it state whether it took 'many years'. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The number of steps above the water level in a stepwell altered during the course of a year.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   As their name suggests, stepwells comprise a series of stone steps descending from ground level to the water source (normally an underground aquifer) as it recedes following the rains.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests the number of steps above the water changes throughout the year. The passage, in the third paragraph, explains how stepwells work: the steps descend 'to the water source ... as it recedes following the rains.' It further clarifies, 'When the water level was high, the user needed only to descend a few steps to reach it; when it was low, several levels would have to be negotiated.' This clearly indicates that the water level fluctuates with the seasons ('following the rains'), and as the water level changes, the number of steps visible (above the water) or needed to reach the water level also changes. This confirms the statement.

6. Question 6

   Short-answer questions

   Question

   Which part of some stepwells provided shade for people?

   Answer

   pavilions

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Built from stone and supported by pillars, they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat.

   Explanation

   The question asks what part of some stepwells provided shade. The passage, in the fourth paragraph describing elaborate stepwells, states that 'they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat'. 'Sheltered from the heat' is a synonym for providing shade. Therefore, 'pavilions' is the correct answer. The answer is a single word and fits grammatically.

7. Question 7

   Short-answer questions

   Question

   What type of serious climatic event, which took place in southern Rajasthan, is mentioned in the article?

   Answer

   drought

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Their condition hasn’t been helped by recent dry spells: southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a serious climatic event in southern Rajasthan mentioned in the article. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, discusses the disuse of stepwells and mentions that their condition 'hasn’t been helped by recent dry spells' and then specifically states: 'southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.' A 'drought' is a serious climatic event. The answer 'drought' is a single word and fits the context.

8. Question 8

   Short-answer questions

   Question

   Who are frequent visitors to stepwells nowadays?

   Answer

   tourists

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 12

   Sentence in the passage

   Tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of northwestern India to gaze in wonder at these architectural marvels from 1,000 years ago, which serve as a reminder of both the ingenuity and artistry of ancient civilisations and of the value of water to human existence.

   Explanation

   The question asks who visits stepwells frequently today. The final paragraph discusses the current state of stepwells, stating that 'Tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of northwestern India'. 'Flock to' indicates frequent visits by a large group of people. Therefore, 'Tourists' is the correct answer. The answer is a single word and fits the question.

9. Question 9

   Table completion

   Question

   Restored in the 1990s Excellent condition, despite the ______ of 2001.

   Answer

   Earthquake

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived a devastating earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.

   Explanation

   The note for Rani Ki Vav mentions its excellent condition despite an event in 2001. The passage, in the seventh paragraph about Rani Ki Vav, states: 'Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived a devastating earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.' This indicates that the structure survived a significant event in 2001. The blank requires the name of this event. 'Earthquake' fits the description and the date provided. The answer is a single word and fits the word limit.

10. Question 10

    Table completion

    Question

    Steps on the ______ produce a geometric pattern Carved shrines.

    Answer

    Four sides/ 4 sides

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation.

    Explanation

    The note for Surya Kund mentions steps producing a geometric pattern. The passage, in the eighth paragraph about Surya Kund, describes it as displaying the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, 'including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation.' This directly matches the note's description. The blank asks what part has steps that form a geometric pattern. 'Four sides' or '4 sides' is the answer, which is one word and/or a number, fitting the word limit.

11. Question 11

    Table completion

    Question

    Looks more like a ______ than a well.

    Answer

    Tank

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well, but displays the hallmarks of stepwell architecture, including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation.

    Explanation

    The note for Surya Kund describes it as looking more like something else than a well. The passage, in the eighth paragraph about Surya Kund, explicitly states: 'It’s actually a tank (kund means reservoir or pond) rather than a well'. This directly answers the question. The blank requires a single word that describes what it looks like more than a well. 'Tank' fits the description and the word limit.

12. Question 12

    Table completion

    Question

    Old, deep and very dramatic Has ______ which provide a view to the steps.

    Answer

    verandas/ verandahs

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    On the fourth side, covered verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps.

    Explanation

    The note for Chand Baori mentions features that provide a view to the steps. The passage, in the tenth paragraph about Chand Baori, describes its structure and states: 'On the fourth side, covered verandas supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps.' 'Overlook the steps' means they provide a view to the steps. The blank requires the name of these features. 'Verandas' (or 'verandahs') is the correct answer. The answer is a single word and fits the word limit.

13. Question 13

    Table completion

    Question

    Has two ______ levels.

    Answer

    underwater

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Constructed in around 1700, it’s nine storeys deep, with the last two levels underwater.

    Explanation

    The note for Neemrana Ki Baori mentions it has two specific types of levels. The passage, in the eleventh paragraph about Neemrana Ki Baori, states: 'it’s nine storeys deep, with the last two levels underwater.' This directly matches the note and indicates the nature of the last two levels. The blank requires a word describing these levels. 'underwater' fits the description and the word limit.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 EUROPEAN TRANSPORT SYSTEMS 1990-2010

1. Question 14

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   For passenger transport, the determining factor is the spectacular growth in car use.

   Explanation

   Section A discusses the increasing requirement for transport despite technological advancements. It identifies two key factors. The second factor is the rapid increase in car use for passenger transport, describing it as 'spectacular growth' and noting an increase of three million cars annually between 1990 and 2010, with further substantial increases expected. This directly corresponds to Heading viii, which talks about 'The rapid growth of private transport' (cars are a form of private transport).

2. Question 15

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   In the last 20 years, as internal frontiers have been abolished, the EU has moved from a ‘stock’ economy to a ‘flow’ economy.

   Explanation

   Section B focuses on the reasons behind the growth in goods transport. It explains that this growth is largely due to changes in the European economy, specifically mentioning the shift from a 'stock' economy to a 'flow' economy since the abolition of internal frontiers. It also highlights the relocation of industries 'hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away' from assembly plants or users. These changes directly imply increased distances for goods transportation, matching Heading iii: 'Changes affecting the distances goods may be transported'.

3. Question 16

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   xi

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The strong economic growth expected in countries which are candidates for entry to the EU will also increase transport flows, in particular road haulage traffic.

   Explanation

   Section C discusses the impact of future EU member countries (referred to as 'candidate countries') on transport flows. It mentions their strong economic growth, increased exports and imports, and specifically details how their transport systems, despite favouring rail historically, have seen a significant shift towards road transport since the 1990s. This entire section is dedicated to describing 'Transport trends in countries awaiting EU admission', making Heading xi the correct answer.

4. Question 17

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   However, a new imperative-sustainable development – offers an opportunity for adapting the EU’s common transport policy.

   Explanation

   Section D introduces 'sustainable development' as a 'new imperative' and a crucial 'objective' agreed by the Gothenburg European Council. It states that achieving this is 'ambitious' and will take until 2020 for full achievement, ideally resulting in a sustainable transport system by 2040. This highlights 'sustainable development' as a 'fresh and important' goal that is 'long-term' (aiming for 2020/2040), perfectly aligning with Heading i.

5. Question 18

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   In 1998, energy consumption in the transport sector was to blame for 28% of emissions of CO2, the leading greenhouse gas.

   Explanation

   Section E focuses specifically on the environmental impact of transport, particularly road transport. It provides statistics on CO2 emissions from the transport sector and predicts significant increases. Crucially, it identifies 'road transport' as the 'main culprit', accounting for a large majority (84%) of these emissions. This section is entirely dedicated to highlighting the negative environmental consequences ('environmental costs') primarily caused by road transport, directly matching Heading v.

6. Question 19

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   x

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   The first approach would consist of focusing on road transport solely through pricing.

   Explanation

   Section G describes the 'first approach' or option for addressing transport issues. It explicitly states that this approach 'would consist of focusing on road transport solely through pricing' and 'would not be accompanied by complementary measures in the other modes of transport'. This detailed description perfectly matches Heading x, which is 'Restricting road use through charging policies alone'.

7. Question 20

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph H

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   The second approach also concentrates on road transport pricing but is accompanied by measures to increase the efficiency of the other modes (better quality of services, logistics, technology).

   Explanation

   Section H describes the 'second approach'. It states that this approach 'also concentrates on road transport pricing' (like the first approach) but is explicitly 'accompanied by measures to increase the efficiency of the other modes'. Examples of these measures are given (better quality, logistics, technology). This combination of road pricing *and* improvements to other transport methods accurately matches Heading ii: 'Charging for roads and improving other transport methods'.

8. Question 21

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph I

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph I

   Sentence in the passage

   The third approach, which is not new, comprises a series of measures ranging from pricing to revitalising alternative modes of transport and targeting investment in the trans-European network.

   Explanation

   Section I presents the 'third approach', describing it as an 'integrated approach' comprising 'a series of measures ranging from pricing to revitalising alternative modes of transport and targeting investment'. It explicitly calls it 'far more ambitious' and aims to 'make a shift of balance' and 'achieve a marked break in the link between road transport growth and economic growth'. This holistic strategy, involving multiple types of measures and aiming for significant change, represents 'Taking all the steps necessary to change transport patterns', matching Heading iv.

9. Question 22

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The need for transport is growing, despite technological developments.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Although modern information technologies can reduce the demand for physical transport by facilitating teleworking and teleservices, the requirement for transport continues to increase.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that the need for transport is increasing despite technological advancements. Section A explicitly addresses this point in its second sentence: 'Although modern information technologies can reduce the demand for physical transport by facilitating teleworking and teleservices, the requirement for transport continues to increase.' This sentence directly confirms the statement, making it TRUE.

10. Question 23

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    To reduce production costs, some industries have been moved closer to their relevant consumers.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    This phenomenon has been emphasised by the relocation of some industries, particularly those which are labour intensive, to reduce production costs, even though the production site is hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away from the final assembly plant or away from users.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that industries have been moved *closer* to consumers to reduce costs. Section B discusses the relocation of industries 'to reduce production costs'. However, it immediately clarifies their new location: 'even though the production site is hundreds or even thousands of kilometres away from the final assembly plant or away from users.' 'Users' in this context are consumers. The passage explicitly states industries are moved *far away*, contradicting the idea of moving them closer to consumers. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 24

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Cars are prohibitively expensive in some EU candidate countries.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The statement is about the cost of cars in EU candidate countries. Section C discusses transport trends in 'countries which are candidates for entry to the EU'. It mentions the 'strong economic growth' and a sharp increase in road transport (cars) in these countries. However, the passage provides no information whatsoever about the *price* of cars in these countries or whether they are 'prohibitively expensive'. This specific information is not present in the text.

12. Question 25

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The Gothenburg European Council was set up 30 years ago.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    This objective, agreed by the Gothenburg European Council, has to be achieved by integrating environmental considerations into Community policies, and shifting the balance between modes of transport lies at the heart of its strategy.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the Gothenburg European Council was established 30 years ago. Section D mentions the 'Gothenburg European Council' as the body that agreed on the objective of sustainable development. However, the passage only states that this council agreed on the objective; it provides no information about *when* the Gothenburg European Council was set up. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 26

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    By the end of this decade, CO2 emissions from transport are predicted to reach 739 billion tonnes.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    According to the latest estimates, if nothing is done to reverse the traffic growth trend, CO2 emissions from transport can be expected to increase by around 50% to 1,113 billion tonnes by 2020，compared with the 739 billion tonnes recorded in 1990.

    Explanation

    The statement predicts that CO2 emissions from transport will reach 739 billion tonnes by the end of 'this decade' (implying around 2020, given the context of the passage). Section E provides predictions for CO2 emissions 'by 2020'. It states that emissions are expected to 'increase by around 50% to 1,113 billion tonnes by 2020'. It clarifies that 739 billion tonnes was the figure recorded in '1990', not the predicted figure for 2020. The predicted figure for 2020 is 1,113 billion tonnes. Therefore, the statement is FALSE because it gives the 1990 figure as the predicted 2020 figure.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 The psychology of innovation

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The example of the ‘million-dollar quartet’ underlines the writer’s point about

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Presley, Cash, Perkins and Lewis instinctively understood Phillips’s ambition and believed in it.

   Explanation

   The example of the 'million-dollar quartet' in the third paragraph is used to illustrate the importance of a shared objective. The passage states that Presley, Cash, Perkins, and Lewis 'instinctively understood Phillips’s ambition and believed in it' (sentence 6), which is why they were successful together. In contrast, Roy Orbison, though a better singer, 'wasn’t inspired by the goal' (sentence 7) and achieved little success with Sun. This comparison highlights how a shared objective (Phillips's ambition) was key to the quartet's successful collaboration, aligning with option C.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   James Watson suggests that he and Francis Crick won the race to discover the DNA code because they

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   He said he and Crick had succeeded because they were aware that they weren’t the most intelligent of the scientists pursuing the answer.

   Explanation

   The question asks why Watson and Crick succeeded, according to Watson himself, in discovering the DNA code. The passage quotes Watson saying they 'had succeeded because they were aware that they weren’t the most intelligent of the scientists pursuing the answer' (sentence 6 of paragraph 6). He contrasts this with Rosalind Franklin, who was smarter but rarely sought advice. This suggests their success came from recognising they weren't the smartest and therefore likely collaborated or sought help, demonstrating awareness of their own limitations compared to the very top competitors. Option A accurately reflects this sentiment.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer mentions competitions on breakfast cereal packets as an example of how to

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Cialdini cites scores of research papers and historical events that prove that even something as simple as writing deepens every individual’s engagement in the project.

   Explanation

   The writer introduces the breakfast cereal competitions in the eighth paragraph. The preceding sentence states that 'even something as simple as writing deepens every individual’s engagement in the project' (sentence 2). The final sentence of the paragraph explicitly links writing to belief: 'The very act of writing makes us more likely to believe it' (sentence 4). The competition required writing about why one liked the product, which aligns with the idea of strengthening belief or 'commitment' to that idea (liking the product). Therefore, option D is the best fit.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the last paragraph, the writer suggests that it is important for employees to

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 11

   Sentence in the passage

   Cialdini says: ‘Leaders should encourage everyone to contribute and simultaneously assure all concerned that every recommendation is important to making the right decision and will be given full attention.’

   Explanation

   The final paragraph discusses leadership and creating an innovative culture. The passage quotes Cialdini stating that leaders should 'encourage everyone to contribute and simultaneously assure all concerned that every recommendation is important to making the right decision and will be given full attention' (sentence 2). This directly supports the idea that employees need to 'feel that their contributions are valued' and taken seriously, aligning with option B.

5. Question 31

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   Employees whose values match those of their employers are more likely to

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Research shows that the fit between an employee’s values and a company’s values makes a difference to what contribution they make and whether, two years after they join, they’re still at the company.

   Explanation

   The statement stem is 'Employees whose values match those of their employers are more likely to'. The passage, in the second paragraph, states: 'Research shows that the fit between an employee’s values and a company’s values makes a difference to... whether, two years after they join, they’re still at the company' (sentence 2). Being 'still at the company' after two years is a direct indicator of remaining in their jobs. Option G, 'remain in their jobs', is the most accurate completion.

6. Question 32

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   At times of change, people tend to

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The value fit matters, says Cialdini, because innovation is, in part, a process of change, and under that pressure we, as a species, behave differently, ‘When things change, we are hard-wired to play it safe.’

   Explanation

   The statement stem is 'At times of change, people tend to'. The fourth paragraph quotes Cialdini saying, 'When things change, we are hard-wired to play it safe' (sentence 1). To 'play it safe' means to avoid risk. Therefore, option E, 'avoid risk', is the correct completion.

7. Question 33

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   If people are aware of what they might lose, they will often

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Studies show that we invariably take more gambles when threatened with a loss than when offered a reward.

   Explanation

   The statement stem is 'If people are aware of what they might lose, they will often'. The fourth paragraph discusses how managers should frame opportunities. It states, 'Studies show that we invariably take more gambles when threatened with a loss than when offered a reward' (sentence 3). To 'take more gambles' is synonymous with 'take chances'. Thus, option A, 'take chances', correctly completes the sentence.

8. Question 34

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   People working under a dominant boss are liable to

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   The wrong kind of leadership will lead to what Cialdini calls ‘captainitis, the regrettable tendency of team members to opt out of team responsibilities that are properly theirs’.

   Explanation

   The statement stem is 'People working under a dominant boss are liable to'. The ninth paragraph describes 'captainitis,' which occurs under overbearing leadership. Cialdini defines captainitis as 'the regrettable tendency of team members to opt out of team responsibilities that are properly theirs' (sentence 2). To 'opt out of team responsibilities' means to 'ignore their duties'. Therefore, option F, 'ignore their duties', is the correct completion.

9. Question 35

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   Employees working in organisations with few rules are more likely to

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 10

   Sentence in the passage

   At the other end of the scale is the 1980s Memphis design collective, a group of young designers for whom ‘the only rule was that there were no rule’.

   Explanation

   The statement stem is 'Employees working in organisations with few rules are more likely to'. The tenth paragraph describes the Memphis design collective, where 'the only rule was that there were no rule' (sentence 1). The passage then states that 'This environment encouraged a free interchange of ideas' (sentence 2). A 'free interchange of ideas' means employees are more likely to 'share their ideas'. Therefore, option B is the correct completion.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The physical surroundings in which a person works play a key role in determining their creativity.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 1

    Sentence in the passage

    There are, nevertheless, people working in luxurious, state-of-the-art centres designed to stimulate innovation who find that their environment doesn’t make them feel at all creative.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that physical surroundings play a key role in creativity. The first paragraph contradicts this by stating that people in 'luxurious, state-of-the-art centres designed to stimulate innovation... find that their environment doesn’t make them feel at all creative' (sentence 2). It also mentions people with limited resources ('don’t have a budget, or much space') who 'innovate successfully' (sentence 3). This suggests that physical surroundings are not a key factor and that creativity can flourish regardless of the environment, indicating the statement is NO.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Most people have the potential to be creative.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 2

    Sentence in the passage

    Studies at Harvard Business School show that, although some individuals may be more creative than others, almost every individual can be creative in the right circumstances.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that most people have the potential to be creative. The second paragraph explicitly states, 'Studies at Harvard Business School show that, although some individuals may be more creative than others, almost every individual can be creative in the right circumstances' (sentence 3). The phrase 'almost every individual' strongly supports the idea that 'most people' have the potential for creativity, provided the conditions are suitable. This aligns with the statement, so the answer is YES.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Teams work best when their members are of equally matched intelligence.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘It’s been scientifically proven that three people will be better than one at solving problems, even if that one person is the smartest person in the field.’

    Explanation

    The statement claims that teams work best when members have equally matched intelligence. The passage discusses that teams are better than individuals at problem-solving (paragraph 6) and uses the Watson and Crick example to show that not being the smartest can be an advantage. It highlights the importance of seeking advice (paragraph 6) and social proof (paragraph 7). However, it does not discuss or claim that equal intelligence among team members is necessary or optimal for team performance or innovation. Therefore, this specific claim is NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is easier for smaller companies to be innovative.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    It’s easy for a company to be pulled in conflicting directions as the marketing, product development, and finance departments each get different feedback from different sets of people.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that smaller companies find it easier to be innovative. The passage discusses challenges to innovation within companies, such as conflicting feedback between departments and the disappearance of 'small ‘pockets of innovation’' (paragraph 4), and the importance of collaborative exchanges. It also mentions the Memphis design collective (paragraph 10), which seems to have been a smaller group, but it doesn't make a general comparison about the ease of innovation between large and small companies. Therefore, the passage does not provide information to support or contradict this claim, making the answer NOT GIVEN.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    A manager’s approval of an idea is more persuasive than that of a colleague.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Cialdini is not alone in advocating this strategy.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that a manager's approval is more persuasive than a colleague's. However, the passage directly contradicts this in the seventh paragraph. It states, 'Research shows that peer power, used horizontally not vertically, is much more powerful than any boss’s speech' (sentence 5). 'Peer power' refers to the influence of colleagues, while 'any boss’s speech' refers to the manager's influence. The passage explicitly says peer power is 'much more powerful', indicating that a colleague's approval is *more* persuasive than a manager's, which is the opposite of the statement. Therefore, the answer is NO.