Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Reading Test 2: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Tea and the Industrial Revolution

1. Question 1

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Alan Macfarlane, professor of anthropological science at King’s College, Cambridge has, like other historians, spent decades wrestling with the enigma of the Industrial Revolution.

   Explanation

   Section A introduces the topic of the Industrial Revolution and highlights the central questions the author aims to address: where and when it happened. The first sentence mentions the "enigma of the Industrial Revolution". The second asks, "Why did this particular Big Bang... happen in Britain?", and the third asks, "And why did it strike at the end of the 18th century?". These questions directly relate to the 'time' (end of the 18th century) and 'place' (Britain) of the Industrial Revolution, which is the main theme of Heading iv.

2. Question 2

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘There are about 20 different factors and all of them need to be present before the revolution can happen,’ he says.

   Explanation

   Section B is about the requirements for industrialisation. Macfarlane likens them to a combination lock with about twenty factors, such as technology, labour and transport, which must all be present. Nothing here is about tea or population, so the heading about conditions fits and the other headings do not.

3. Question 3

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Tea and beer, two of the nation’s favourite drinks, fuelled the revolution.

   Explanation

   Section C introduces Macfarlane's specific theory about the missing factors for the Industrial Revolution. The second sentence directly states these are "Tea and beer, two of the nation's favourite drinks, fuelled the revolution." The third sentence explains *how* they fuelled it, primarily by preventing water-borne diseases due to boiling water and antiseptic properties. These 'tea and beer' are presented as the crucial 'two keys' to understanding Britain's industrial success, aligning perfectly with Heading vii.

4. Question 4

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Historians had alighted on one interesting factor around the mid-18th century that required explanation.

   Explanation

   Section D focuses on a demographic puzzle that required explanation: the sudden burst in population growth in Britain starting around 1740, specifically the halving of the infant mortality rate (sentences 2-4). The section then details the search for the reasons behind this increase, listing and dismissing several potential causes (sentences 5-17). The last sentence explicitly mentions "Efforts to explain this sudden reduction in child deaths appeared to draw a blank". This entire section is dedicated to investigating the causes of the population increase, which matches Heading i.

5. Question 5

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Some digging around in historical records revealed that there was a change in the incidence of water-borne disease at that time, especially dysentery.

   Explanation

   Section E connects the population burst discussed in Section D to disease control in dense urban areas. Macfarlane deduces that drinking habits must have played a role (fourth and fifth sentences). He then specifically discusses changes in drinking habits: initially drinking beer (sixth sentence) which provided protection, followed by a shift to water and gin due to a malt tax (eighth sentence), leading to rising mortality. The section ends asking what caused the subsequent drop (ninth and tenth sentences), setting up the discussion of tea. This section is clearly about the historical changes in what the British were drinking and their consequences, matching Heading vi.

6. Question 6

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   ix

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Macfarlane looked to Japan, which was also developing large cities about the same time, and also had no sanitation.

   Explanation

   Section F describes how Macfarlane turned to the case of Japan, another country with large cities but no sanitation, to find clues about why Britain's mortality rate dropped (first sentence). He notes that water-borne diseases were less prevalent in Japan (second sentence) and asks if the prevalence of tea there was the reason (third sentence). He then connects the history of tea in Britain with the date the mortality rate dropped (fourth sentence), concluding that tea was likely the key. The section clearly shows how comparing Britain's situation with Japan's led Macfarlane to identify tea as the crucial factor, which is the 'answer' he was seeking regarding the population puzzle. This directly matches Heading ix.

7. Question 7

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Macfarlane notes that even though 17th-century Japan had large cities, high literacy rates, even a futures market, it had turned its back on the essence of any work-based revolution by giving up labour-saving devices such as animals, afraid that they would put people out of work.

   Explanation

   Section G addresses the question of why Japan, despite having several necessary conditions and the protective effect of tea, did not industrialise. Macfarlane explains that Japan deliberately avoided 'labour-saving devices such as animals' because they were 'afraid that they would put people out of work' (second sentence). This highlights the 'fear of unemployment' as a factor that prevented Japan's 'Industrialisation', perfectly matching Heading ii.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   China’s transport system was not suitable for industry in the 18th century.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘After all, Holland had everything except coal while China also had many of these factors.

   Explanation

   China appears only briefly, as a country that had many of the factors needed for industry. The passage never says anything about its transport system or whether it suited industry in the 1700s. Because the claim cannot be checked from the text, it is NOT GIVEN, not FALSE.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Tea and beer both helped to prevent dysentery in Britain.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The antiseptic properties of tannin, the active ingredient in tea, and of hops in beer – plus the fact that both are made with boiled water – allowed urban communities to flourish at close quarters without succumbing to water-borne diseases such as dysentery.

   Explanation

   The statement says that both tea and beer helped prevent dysentery. Section C, the third sentence, explains the benefits of tea and beer: "The antiseptic properties of tannin, the active ingredient in tea, and of hops in beer - plus the fact that both are made with boiled water - allowed urban communities to flourish at close quarters without succumbing to water-borne diseases such as dysentery." This sentence explicitly states that the properties of tea and beer, combined with being made with boiled water, prevented people from 'succumbing to water-borne diseases such as dysentery'. This directly confirms the statement.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Roy Porter disagrees with Professor Macfarlane’s findings.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Macfarlanes case has been strengthened by support from notable quarters – Roy Porter, the distinguished medical historian, recently wrote a favourable appraisal of his research.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Roy Porter disagrees with Macfarlane's findings. Section C, the fifth sentence, states, "Macfarlanes case has been strengthened by support from notable quarters - Roy Porter, the distinguished medical historian, recently wrote a favourable appraisal of his research." A 'favourable appraisal' means he evaluated it positively and agreed with it. This directly contradicts the statement that he disagrees. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    After 1740，there was a reduction in population in Britain.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Between about 1650 and 1740, the population in Britain was static.

    Explanation

    The statement says there was a reduction in population after 1740. Section D discusses the population trend. The third sentence states that the population was "static" between 1650 and 1740. The very next sentence clearly states, "But then there was a burst in population growth." This means the population *increased* after 1740, which is the opposite of a reduction. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    People in Britain used to make beer at home.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    He says, ‘We drank beer.

    Explanation

    The statement claims people in Britain made beer at home. Section E discusses beer drinking in Britain. It mentions that the British drank beer (sixth sentence) and that a tax was introduced on malt, 'the basic ingredient of beer' (eighth sentence). While the passage discusses the consumption and ingredients of beer, it provides no information about *where* the beer was made – whether in commercial breweries, pubs, or at home. Therefore, the information needed to confirm or deny the statement is not given.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The tax on malt indirectly caused a rise in the death rate.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    But in the late 17th century a tax was introduced on malt, the basic ingredient of beer.

    Explanation

    The statement says the tax on malt indirectly caused a rise in the death rate. Section E, the eighth sentence, states, "But in the late 17th century a tax was introduced on malt, the basic ingredient of beer." The following sentence says, "The poor turned to water and gin and in the 1720s the mortality rate began to rise again." This shows a direct causal chain: the tax on malt made beer expensive for the poor, they switched to less safe drinks (water and gin), and *as a result*, the mortality rate increased. The tax didn't directly kill people; it caused a change in behaviour (switching drinks) which then led to higher mortality. This is an indirect cause, confirming the statement as TRUE.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Gifted children and learning

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the influence of the domestic background on the gifted child.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, a very close positive relationship was found when children’s IQ scores were compared with their home educational provision (Freeman, 2010).

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the influence of the domestic background on gifted children. The correct answer is Section A. Section A corresponds to the first paragraph of the passage. The third sentence of this paragraph states that 'a very close positive relationship was found when children's IQ scores were compared with their home educational provision', directly linking home background to IQ (a measure of giftedness). The following sentence elaborates on what 'home educational provision' entails, mentioning 'verbal interactions with parents, number of books and activities in their home etc.', further detailing the domestic influence.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to what can be lost if learners are given too much guidance.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Conversely, teachers who have a tendency to ‘overdirect’ can diminish their gifted pupils’ learning autonomy.

   Explanation

   The question asks what can be lost if learners are given too much guidance. The correct answer is Section D. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence in this paragraph states that teachers who 'overdirect' can diminish 'learning autonomy'. The fourth sentence reinforces this point, saying 'Too much dependence on the teachers risks loss of autonomy and motivation to discover'. Both sentences clearly link excessive guidance ('overdirect', 'too much dependence') to the loss of 'autonomy' and 'motivation'.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the damaging effects of anxiety.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Fear, for example, can limit the development of curiosity, which is a strong force in scientific advance, because it motivates problem-solving behaviour.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the damaging effects of anxiety. The correct answer is Section F. Section F corresponds to the sixth paragraph of the passage. The third sentence in this paragraph explicitly states: 'Fear, for example, can limit the development of curiosity...'. While the question uses 'anxiety' and the passage uses 'Fear', fear is a form of anxiety, and the sentence describes its negative ('damaging') effect on curiosity, which is important for learning and scientific advance.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of classroom techniques which favour socially-disadvantaged children.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   There are quite a number of new methods which can help, such as child- initiated learning, ability-peer tutoring, etc. Such practices have been found to be particularly useful for bright children from deprived areas.

   Explanation

   The question asks for examples of classroom techniques favouring socially-disadvantaged children. The correct answer is Section D. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph. The eighth sentence lists 'child- initiated learning, ability-peer tutoring, etc.' as 'new methods which can help'. The following sentence states: 'Such practices have been found to be particularly useful for bright children from deprived areas.' 'Deprived areas' is a common term for socially-disadvantaged areas, directly linking these classroom techniques to benefiting this group.

5. Question 18

   Matching features

   Question

   Less time can be spent on exercises with gifted pupils who produce accurate work.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   If they merely make fewer errors, then we can shorten the practice’.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that less practice time is needed for gifted pupils who make few errors. The correct answer is B. Shore and Kanevsky. In the third paragraph, Shore and Kanevsky are quoted discussing adjustments for gifted children: 'If they merely make fewer errors, then we can shorten the practice'. 'Fewer errors' corresponds to 'produce accurate work', and 'shorten the practice' means 'less time can be spent on exercises'. This directly matches the statement to Shore and Kanevsky.

6. Question 19

   Matching features

   Question

   Self-reliance is a valuable tool that helps gifted students reach their goals.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Research with creative scientists by Simonton (1988) brought him to the conclusion that above a certain high level, characteristics such as independence seemed to contribute more to reaching the highest levels of expertise than intellectual skills, due to the great demands of effort and time needed for learning and practice.

   Explanation

   The statement talks about self-reliance helping gifted students reach goals (highest levels of expertise). The correct answer is D. Simonton. In the fifth paragraph, Simonton's research with creative scientists is discussed. It states that Simonton concluded 'above a certain high level, characteristics such as independence seemed to contribute more to reaching the highest levels of expertise than intellectual skills'. 'Independence' is a key aspect of self-reliance, and 'reaching the highest levels of expertise' is analogous to 'reaching their goals'. This finding from Simonton directly supports the statement.

7. Question 20

   Matching features

   Question

   Gifted children know how to channel their feelings to assist their learning.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   In Boekaerts’ (1991) review of emotion the learning of very high IQ and highly achieving children, she found emotional forces in harness.

   Explanation

   The statement is about gifted children using their feelings to help their learning. The correct answer is E. Boekaerts. The sixth paragraph mentions Boekaerts' review of emotion in the learning of highly achieving children. It states she found 'emotional forces in harness'. This phrase implies that the emotions were controlled and used effectively. The following sentence elaborates, describing how these children used feelings like curiosity and desire ('control their environment, improve their learning efficiency') to enhance their learning. This indicates they knew how to 'channel their feelings to assist their learning'.

8. Question 21

   Matching features

   Question

   The very gifted child benefits from appropriate support from close relatives.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, a very close positive relationship was found when children’s IQ scores were compared with their home educational provision (Freeman, 2010).

   Explanation

   The statement links appropriate support from close relatives to benefiting gifted children. The correct answer is A. Freeman. The first paragraph mentions Freeman's research (2010), which found 'a very close positive relationship' between children's IQ scores and their 'home educational provision'. The following sentence details this 'educational backup' (support), explicitly mentioning 'verbal interactions with parents' and 'number of books and activities in their home', which are aspects of support from close relatives ('parents'). This shows gifted children ('higher... IQ scores, especially over IQ 130') benefit from this home support.

9. Question 22

   Matching features

   Question

   Really successful students have learnt a considerable amount about their subject.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   But scientific progress is not all theoretical, knowledge is a so vital to outstanding performance: individuals who know a great deal about a specific domain will achieve at a higher level than those who do not (Elshout, 1995).

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that having learned a lot about their subject contributes to success. The correct answer is C. Elshout. The fifth paragraph cites Elshout (1995) as stating that 'knowledge is also vital to outstanding performance: individuals who know a great deal about a specific domain will achieve at a higher level than those who do not'. 'Outstanding performance' and 'achieve at a higher level' relate to being 'really successful students'. 'Know a great deal about a specific domain' means 'learnt a considerable amount about their subject'. This directly links accumulated knowledge to higher achievement, referencing Elshout.

10. Question 23

    Sentence completion

    Question

    One study found a strong connection between children’s IQ and the availability of ______ and ………………. at home.

    Answer

    books and activities

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    The higher the children’s IQ scores, especially over IQ 130, the better the quality of their educational backup, measured in terms of reported verbal interactions with parents, number of books and activities in their home etc. Because IQ tests are decidedly influenced by what the child has learned, they are to some extent measures of current achievement based on age-norms; that is, how well the children have learned to manipulate their knowledge and know-how within the terms of the test.

    Explanation

    The sentence states that a study found a connection between children's IQ and something available at home. The first paragraph discusses a study by Freeman linking IQ and 'home educational provision'. The fourth sentence elaborates on this provision, listing 'reported verbal interactions with parents, number of books and activities in their home etc.' as contributing factors. The blank refers to availability at home, and 'books and activities' are mentioned as part of this. The phrase 'books and activities' is two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit, and accurately completes the sentence based on the passage's details about home educational provision.

11. Question 24

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Children of average ability seem to need more direction from teachers because they do not have ______

    Answer

    internal regulation/ self-regulation

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    To be at their most effective in their self-regulation, all children can be helped to identify their own ways of learning – metacognition – which will include strategies of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and choice of what to learn.

    Explanation

    The sentence compares average-ability children to highly able children and mentions their need for teacher direction. The second paragraph compares 'intellectually highly able' children with 'more average-ability or older pupils'. It states that for the latter group, 'external regulation by the teacher often compensates for lack of internal regulation'. This directly implies that average-ability children need teacher direction ('external regulation') because they lack 'internal regulation'. The phrase 'internal regulation' consists of two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit. The alternative 'self-regulation' is also possible as it is used interchangeably with 'internal regulation' and follows the word limit.

12. Question 25

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Meta-cognition involves children understanding their own learning strategies, as well as developing ______

    Answer

    emotional awareness

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    Emotional awareness is also part of metacognition, so children should be helped to be aware of their feelings around the area to be learned, feelings of curiosity or confidence, for example.

    Explanation

    The sentence describes meta-cognition and asks what else it involves besides understanding learning strategies. The second paragraph defines metacognition as children identifying their own ways of learning, which includes strategies. The fifth sentence of this paragraph states: 'Emotional awareness is also part of metacognition'. This directly answers what else metacognition involves. 'Emotional awareness' is two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit.

13. Question 26

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Teachers who rely on what is known as ______ often produce sets of impressive grades in class tests.

    Answer

    spoon-feeding

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Although ‘spoon-feeding’ can produce extremely high examination results, these are not always followed by equally impressive life successes.

    Explanation

    The sentence asks for a term describing a teaching method that results in high test grades. The fourth paragraph discusses teacher support and mentions that 'spoon-feeding' can 'produce extremely high examination results'. 'Extremely high examination results' are equivalent to 'impressive grades in class tests'. The method is explicitly named as 'spoon-feeding'. This is a single word, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Museums of fine art and their public

1. Question 27

   Summary completion

   Question

   But they do not go to museums to read original manuscripts of novels, perhaps because the availability of novels has depended on ______ for so long, and also because with novels, the … are the most important thing.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   This might be explained by the fact that the novel has evolved precisely because of technological developments that made it possible to print out huge numbers of texts, whereas oil paintings have always been produced as unique objects.

   Explanation

   The gap needs a reason novels are not read in manuscript form. The writer says novels developed because technology allowed huge numbers of copies to be printed. That is mass production, so B fits. Basic technology (I) is too general; the passage points to printing in large quantities.

2. Question 28

   Summary completion

   Question

   But they do not go to museums to read original manuscripts of novels, perhaps because the availability of novels has depended on … for so long, and also because with novels, the ______ are the most important thing.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   With novels, the reader attends mainly to the meaning of words rather than the way they are printed on the page, whereas the ‘reader’ of a painting must attend just as closely to the material form of marks and shapes in the picture as to any ideas they may signify.

   Explanation

   The last sentence of the second paragraph differentiates how novels and paintings are 'read'. It states: "With novels, the reader attends mainly to the meaning of words rather than the way they are printed on the page...". The 'meaning of words' in a novel refers to the concepts, themes, and narratives, which can be described as the 'underlying ideas' (option H).

3. Question 29

   Summary completion

   Question

   However, in historical times artists such as Leonardo were happy to instruct ______ to produce copies of their work and these days new methods of reproduction allow excellent replication of surface relief features as well as colour and …

   Answer

   L

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The seven surviving versions of Mona Lisa bear witness to the fact that in the 16th century, artists seemed perfectly content to assign the reproduction of their creations to their workshop apprentices as regular ‘bread and butter’ work.

   Explanation

   The second sentence of the third paragraph states that "artists seemed perfectly content to assign the reproduction of their creations to their workshop apprentices...". 'Workshop apprentices' are people who worked under the artist, essentially their 'assistants' (option L).

4. Question 30

   Summary completion

   Question

   However, in historical times artists such as Leonardo were happy to instruct … to produce copies of their work and these days new methods of reproduction allow excellent replication of surface relief features as well as colour and ______

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   And today the task of reproducing pictures is incomparably more simple and reliable, with reprographic techniques that allow the production of high-quality prints made exactly to the original scale, with faithful colour values, and even with duplication of the surface relief of the painting.

   Explanation

   The last sentence of the third paragraph describes modern reproduction techniques: "allow the production of high-quality prints made exactly to the original scale, with faithful colour values, and even with duplication of the surface relief of the painting." The sentence lists features that can be replicated: 'original scale', 'faithful colour values', and 'surface relief'. The blank is preceded by "colour and...", and 'original scale' is synonymous with 'size' (option G).

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   It is regrettable that museums still promote the superiority of original works of art, since this may not be in the interests of the ______

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Unfortunately, this seems to place severe limitations on the kind of experience offered to visitors.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that promoting original works' superiority is regrettable and may not be in the interests of the "__________". Paragraph 5 begins by stating that this approach "places severe limitations on the kind of experience offered to visitors." The final paragraph refers multiple times to the "museum public" and how they experience art more rewardingly (second sentence), suggesting that a different approach (like high-fidelity reproductions) would benefit the "public" (third sentence). This consistently links the negative impact of the museum's current approach to the 'visitors' or the 'public' (option D).

6. Question 32

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer mentions London’s National Gallery to illustrate

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   In a society that judges the personal status of the individual so much by their material worth, it is therefore difficult not to be impressed by one’s own relative ‘worthlessness’ in such an environment.

   Explanation

   The gallery is used as an example of a place where every picture is worth more than the visitor owns. The writer concludes that people feel their own worthlessness there. So the point is how a museum affects the way visitors see themselves, which is option C, not a national cost or a conflict of values.

7. Question 33

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer says that today, viewers may be unwilling to criticise a because

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Evidently, nothing the viewer thinks about the work is going to alter that value, and so today’s viewer is deterred from trying to extend that spontaneous, immediate, self-reliant kind of reading which would originally have met the work.

   Explanation

   The second sentence of the seventh paragraph explains that the enormous monetary value assigned to the original work by powerful institutions leads to the conclusion: "Evidently, nothing the viewer thinks about the work is going to alter that value, and so today's viewer is deterred from trying to extend that spontaneous, immediate, self-reliant kind of reading which would originally have met the work." The phrase 'nothing the viewer thinks about the work is going to alter that value' implies that the viewer's thoughts or reactions (which could include criticism) are seen as having no impact or 'significance' (option D) in the face of the established value. This deters them from forming or expressing their own critical 'reading'.

8. Question 34

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the writer, the ‘displacement effect’ on the visitor is caused by

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   The visitor may then be struck by the strangeness of seeing such diverse paintings, drawings and sculptures brought together in an environment for which they were not originally created.

   Explanation

   The first sentence of the eighth paragraph introduces the 'displacement effect': the "strangeness of seeing such diverse paintings, drawings and sculptures brought together in an environment for which they were not originally created." The second sentence explicitly states, "This 'displacement effect' is further heightened by the sheer volume of exhibits." Both the 'diverse paintings, drawings and sculptures' (variety) and the 'sheer volume of exhibits' (way they are arranged in a collection) contribute to this effect. Option A captures both the variety ('diverse works') and how they are brought together ('the way they are arranged' in terms of volume and setting).

9. Question 35

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer says that unlike other forms of art, a painting does not

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   A fundamental difference between paintings and other art forms is that there is no prescribed time over which a painting is viewed.

   Explanation

   The ninth paragraph discusses time as a factor in appreciating art. The second sentence highlights a "fundamental difference between paintings and other art forms": "there is no prescribed time over which a painting is viewed." The fourth sentence expands on this: "Similarly novels and poems are read in a prescribed temporal sequence, whereas a picture has no clear place at which to start viewing, or at which to finish." This explicitly states that a painting lacks a specific beginning or end point for viewing, unlike novels, poems, opera, or theatre. Option D directly reflects this point.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Art history should focus on discovering the meaning of art using a range of media.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    Consequently, the dominant critical approach becomes that of the art historian, a specialised academic approach devoted to ‘discovering the meaning’ of art within the cultural context of its time.

    Explanation

    The statement says art history *should* focus on discovering meaning using a range of media. The tenth paragraph discusses the dominant critical approach of the art historian, stating it is "devoted to 'discovering the meaning' of art within the cultural context of its time." This confirms that discovering meaning is a focus. However, the passage does not mention whether this focus should or should not use 'a range of media'. It only describes what the current dominant approach is. Therefore, whether art history *should* focus on meaning using a range of media is not addressed.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The approach of art historians conflicts with that of art museums.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    This is in perfect harmony with the museum s function, since the approach is dedicated to seeking out and conserving ‘authentic’, original, readings of the exhibits.

    Explanation

    The writer says the art historian's search for original meanings is in perfect harmony with what museums do, since both aim to conserve authentic readings. The statement says the two conflict, which is the opposite of the writer's view, so the answer is NO.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    People should be encouraged to give their opinions openly on works of art.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    The museum public, like any other audience, experience art more rewardingly when given the confidence to express their views.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests people should be encouraged to give opinions openly. The eleventh paragraph states in its second sentence: "The museum public, like any other audience, experience art more rewardingly when given the confidence to express their views." This implies that allowing people to express their views enhances their experience, supporting the idea that they should be encouraged to do so. The tenth paragraph also notes the absence of "spontaneous, participators criticism" in art history compared to literature criticism, implying its desirability. Therefore, the passage supports the idea that open expression of opinions ('express their views', 'spontaneous, participators criticism') should be encouraged for a more rewarding experience. The statement is TRUE.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Reproductions of fine art should only be sold to the public if they are of high quality.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    And today the task of reproducing pictures is incomparably more simple and reliable, with reprographic techniques that allow the production of high-quality prints made exactly to the original scale, with faithful colour values, and even with duplication of the surface relief of the painting.

    Explanation

    The statement claims reproductions should only be sold if they are high quality. The passage mentions the existence of "high-quality prints" (third paragraph) and suggests using "high-fidelity reproductions" (eleventh paragraph) to make art accessible. However, it does not state any condition about reproductions *only* being sold if they are high quality. It discusses the *possibility* and *desirability* of high-quality reproductions but does not impose a restriction on what *should* or should *not* be sold. Therefore, the information to confirm or deny this specific condition is not present.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    In the future, those with power are likely to encourage more people to enjoy art.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Unfortunately, that may be too much to ask from those who seek to maintain and control the art establishment.

    Explanation

    The statement predicts that powerful people will likely encourage broader enjoyment of art in the future. The final sentence of the passage states, regarding the idea of making art more accessible through reproductions (which would presumably increase enjoyment for more people): "Unfortunately, that may be too much to ask from those who seek to maintain and control the art establishment." The phrase 'those who seek to maintain and control the art establishment' refers to those with power in the art world. The statement that this idea is "too much to ask" from them suggests they are unlikely to support, let alone encourage, greater public access and enjoyment if it challenges their control. This directly contradicts the statement, making it FALSE.