Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The Context, Meaning and Scope of Tourism

1. Question 1

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Tourism in the mass form as we know it today is a distinctly twentieth-century phenomenon.

   Explanation

   Section B focuses on the emergence and growth of tourism as a large-scale phenomenon. The first sentence explicitly states that 'Tourism in the mass form as we know it today is a distinctly twentieth-century phenomenon.' The second sentence details the 'advent of mass tourism' starting in England, and the third sentence highlights the role of the 'commercial airline industry' and 'jet aircraft' in the 'rapid growth and expansion of international travel'. These points collectively describe the development of mass tourism, making heading ii the most appropriate summary.

2. Question 2

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Tourism today has grown significantly in both economic and social importance.

   Explanation

   Section C opens with the sentence, 'Tourism today has grown significantly in both economic and social importance,' which directly introduces the main themes. The paragraph then provides extensive details about the 'economic' importance, citing statistics on gross output, employment, national product, and capital investment (sentences 3-6). Finally, it concludes by reiterating the impact on 'the world economy' and 'society itself' (sentence 7). This clear focus on both economic and social aspects makes heading i the most suitable.

3. Question 3

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   However, the major problems of the travel and tourism industry that have hidden, or obscured, its economic impact are the diversity and fragmentation of the industry itself.

   Explanation

   Section D focuses on the challenges in accurately assessing the economic contribution of tourism. The first sentence directly states the 'major problems' that have 'hidden, or obscured, its economic impact'. It attributes this difficulty to the 'diversity and fragmentation' of the industry. The third sentence gives an example of how visitor spending is 'overlooked or underestimated'. The fifth sentence reinforces this difficulty by mentioning the lack of a 'reliable or credible tourism information base' needed to 'estimate the contribution it makes to regional, national and global economies'. These points clearly describe the difficulty in recognising and measuring the economic effects of tourism.

4. Question 4

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Once the exclusive province of the wealthy, travel and tourism have become an institutionalised way of life for most of the population.

   Explanation

   Section E focuses on the widespread significance of tourism across the globe. It starts by noting its shift from being exclusive to the wealthy to being common for 'most of the population' (sentence 0). Sentences 1, 2, and 3 provide numerous examples of tourism's impact in many different 'nations' and 'countries' around the 'world', highlighting its role as a major commodity in international trade, a principal source of income, and a leading employer in various regions. This global perspective and the discussion of its widespread importance aligns perfectly with heading vii, 'The world impact of tourism'.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The largest employment figures in the world are found in the travel and tourism industry.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The travel and tourism industry is the world’s largest employer the almost 130 million jobs, or almost 7 per cent of all employees.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that the travel and tourism industry has the largest employment figures globally. The passage, in the sixth sentence of the third paragraph, explicitly states: 'The travel and tourism industry is the world’s largest employer...'. This directly confirms the statement.

6. Question 6

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Tourism contributes over six per cent of the Australian gross national product.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   This industry is the world’s leading industrial contributor, producing over 6 per cent of the world’s national product and accounting for capital investment in excess of $422 billion m direct indirect and personal taxes each year.

   Explanation

   The statement asserts that tourism contributes over six per cent of Australia's gross national product. The passage, in the seventh sentence of the third paragraph, mentions that the industry produces 'over 6 per cent of the world’s national product'. However, it only provides a global figure and does not give any specific data for Australia's gross national product or tourism's contribution to it. Therefore, the information about Australia is not present in the passage.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Tourism has a social impact because it promotes recreation.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Thus, tourism has a profound impact both on the world economy and, because of the educative effect of travel and the effects on employment, on society itself.

   Explanation

   The statement claims tourism has a social impact because it promotes recreation. The passage, in the final sentence of the third paragraph, does state that tourism has a 'profound impact... on society itself'. It attributes this social impact to 'the educative effect of travel and the effects on employment'. While travel often involves recreation, the passage does not mention recreation as a reason for tourism's social impact. It lists 'educative effect' and 'employment' instead. Therefore, the specific reason (promoting recreation) given in the statement for the social impact is not mentioned.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Two main features of the travel and tourism industry make its economic significance difficult to ascertain.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   However, the major problems of the travel and tourism industry that have hidden, or obscured, its economic impact are the diversity and fragmentation of the industry itself.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that two main features make it difficult to determine tourism's economic significance. The passage, in the first sentence of the fourth paragraph, explicitly states: 'However, the major problems of the travel and tourism industry that have hidden, or obscured, its economic impact are the diversity and fragmentation of the industry itself.' This sentence identifies 'diversity' and 'fragmentation' as the two major problems (features) that hide or obscure (make it difficult to ascertain) the economic impact. This confirms the statement.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Visitor spending is always greater than the spending of residents in tourist areas.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Since many of these businesses also serve local residents, the impact of spending by visitors can easily be overlooked or underestimated.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that visitor spending is always greater than resident spending in tourist areas. The passage, in the third sentence of the fourth paragraph, mentions that many businesses in the industry 'also serve local residents' and because of this, the 'impact of spending by visitors can easily be overlooked or underestimated'. This sentence acknowledges that businesses serve both groups and that visitor spending can be underestimated, but it does not make any comparison about whether visitor spending is 'always greater' than resident spending. This specific comparison is not provided.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    It is easy to show statistically how tourism affects individual economies.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Moreover, in all nations this problem has made it difficult for the industry to develop any type of reliable or credible tourism information base in order to estimate the contribution it makes to regional, national and global economies.

    Explanation

    The statement claims it is easy to show statistically how tourism affects individual economies. The passage directly contradicts this. The fifth sentence of the fourth paragraph states that problems 'has made it difficult' to estimate tourism's contribution to 'regional, national and global economies'. The fifth sentence of the fifth paragraph says that because of problems affecting 'statistical measurement', it is 'not possible with any degree of certainty to provide precise, valid or reliable data' about economic impact. The final sentence of the fifth paragraph confirms 'similar difficulties arise when attempts are made to measure domestic tourism'. These phrases indicate that showing the economic effects statistically is difficult and uncertain, not easy. Therefore, the statement is false.

11. Question 11

    Sentence completion

    Question

    In Greece, tourism the most important ______

    Answer

    source of income/ industry

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, tourism is the major source of income in Bermuda, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and most Caribbean countries.

    Explanation

    The question asks what tourism is the most important in Greece. The passage, in the third sentence of the fifth paragraph, provides examples: 'For example, tourism is the major source of income in Bermuda, Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and most Caribbean countries.' This sentence states that tourism is the 'major source of income' in Greece. 'Source of income' fits grammatically into the blank and consists of three words, adhering to the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit.

12. Question 12

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The travel and tourism industry in Jamaica is the major ______

    Answer

    employer

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    In addition, Hawkins and Ritchie, quoting from data published by the American Express Company, suggest that the travel and tourism industry is the number one ranked employer in the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, France, (the former) West Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the travel and tourism industry is the major in Jamaica. The passage, in the fourth sentence of the fifth paragraph, lists countries where the industry is a leading employer: 'In addition, Hawkins and Ritchie, quoting from data published by the American Express Company, suggest that the travel and tourism industry is the number one ranked employer in the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, France, (the former) West Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States.' Jamaica is included in this list where the industry is the 'number one ranked employer'. 'Employer' fits grammatically and is a single word, well within the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit.

13. Question 13

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The problems associated with measuring international tourism are often reflected in the measurement of ______

    Answer

    domestic tourism

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    In many cases, similar difficulties arise when attempts are made to measure domestic tourism.

    Explanation

    The question states that problems in measuring international tourism are reflected in the measurement of something else. The passage, in the final sentence of the fifth paragraph, discusses measurement difficulties: 'In many cases, similar difficulties arise when attempts are made to measure domestic tourism.' This sentence directly connects the difficulties in measuring international tourism (implied by the preceding sentences discussing worldwide data problems) with 'similar difficulties' when measuring 'domestic tourism'. 'Domestic tourism' fits the blank and is two words, within the 'NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS' limit.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Autumn leaves

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   a description of the substance responsible for the red colouration of leaves

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The source of the red is widely known: it is created by anthocyanins, water-soluble plant pigments reflecting the red to blue range of the visible spectrum.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the section that describes the substance responsible for the red colour of leaves. Section C (the third paragraph of the passage) begins by stating: 'The source of the red is widely known: it is created by anthocyanins, water-soluble plant pigments reflecting the red to blue range of the visible spectrum.' This sentence directly identifies and describes 'anthocyanins' as the substance creating the red colour.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   the reason why trees drop their leaves in autumn

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   For many trees – evergreen conifers being an exception – the best strategy is to abandon photosynthesis* until the spring.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the section explaining why trees drop their leaves in autumn. Section B (the second paragraph) discusses what happens to leaves in the fall. It states: 'For many trees... the best strategy is to abandon photosynthesis* until the spring.' and 'So rather than maintaining the now redundant leaves throughout the winter, the tree saves its precious resources and discards them.' These sentences explain that trees drop their leaves to conserve resources and abandon photosynthesis during the winter.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   some evidence to confirm a theory about the purpose of the red leaves

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   One is straightforward: on many trees, the leaves that are the reddest are those on the side of the tree which gets most sun.

   Explanation

   The question asks for evidence supporting a theory about the purpose of red leaves. Section H (the eighth paragraph) begins by stating there are 'clues out there' about what is happening when leaves turn red. It then provides several pieces of observational evidence: reddest leaves are on the sunniest side, red is brighter on the upper side, intense red colours occur in dry, sunny days and cool nights (conditions matching susceptibility to excess light), and trees are redder further north (colder, more stressed, more sensitive chlorophyll). This paragraph provides empirical evidence related to the 'light screen' hypothesis discussed in earlier sections.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   an explanation of the function of chlorophyll

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Summer leaves are green because they are full of chlorophyll, the molecule that captures sunlight converts that energy into new building materials for the tree.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the section that explains the function of chlorophyll. Section B (the second paragraph) begins by stating: 'Summer leaves are green because they are full of chlorophyll, the molecule that captures sunlight converts that energy into new building materials for the tree.' This sentence provides a clear explanation of what chlorophyll is and its primary function in a leaf.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   a suggestion that the red colouration in leaves could serve as a warning signal

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   It has also been proposed that trees may produce vivid red colours to convince herbivorous insects that they are healthy and robust and would be easily able to mount chemical defences against infestation.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a suggestion that red colour in leaves acts as a warning signal. Section E (the fifth paragraph) introduces a proposal: 'It has also been proposed that trees may produce vivid red colours to convince herbivorous insects that they are healthy and robust and would be easily able to mount chemical defences against infestation.' This suggests that the colour is a 'warning signal' (an 'advertisement') to insects, warning them of the tree's strength and ability to defend itself.

6. Question 19

   Note completion

   Question

   The most vividly coloured red leaves are found on the side of the tree facing the ______

   Answer

   sun(light)

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   One is straightforward: on many trees, the leaves that are the reddest are those on the side of the tree which gets most sun.

   Explanation

   The question is part of a list of points supporting the 'light screen' hypothesis, asking where the reddest leaves are found in relation to the tree's orientation. The second sentence of the eighth paragraph (Section H) states: 'One is straightforward: on many trees, the leaves that are the reddest are those on the side of the tree which gets most sun.' This indicates that the reddest leaves face the side of the tree that receives the most sun. The word 'sun' correctly fills the blank and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 20

   Note completion

   Question

   The ______ surfaces of leaves contain the most red pigment.

   Answer

   upper

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   Not only that, but the red is brighter on the upper side of the leaf.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the location of the most red pigment on the leaf surface, according to the evidence presented. The third sentence of the eighth paragraph (Section H) provides another clue: 'Not only that, but the red is brighter on the upper side of the leaf.' Brighter colour implies more pigment. The word 'upper' identifies the side of the leaf with more red pigment, fitting the blank and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

8. Question 21

   Note completion

   Question

   Red leaves are most abundant when daytime weather conditions are ______ and sunny.

   Answer

   dry

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   It has also been recognised for decades that the best conditions for intense red colours are dry, sunny days and cool nights, conditions that nicely match those that make leaves susceptible to excess light.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the specific daytime weather conditions that favour abundant red leaves, in addition to being sunny. The fourth sentence of the eighth paragraph (Section H) states: 'It has also been recognised for decades that the best conditions for intense red colours are dry, sunny days and cool nights...'. This sentence lists 'dry' days as a condition for intense red colour. The word 'dry' completes the phrase 'dry and sunny' in the question and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 22

   Note completion

   Question

   The intensity of the red colour of leaves increases as you go further ______

   Answer

   north

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   And finally, trees such as maples usually get much redder the more north you travel in the northern hemisphere.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the geographical direction in which the intensity of red colour in leaves increases. The fifth sentence of the eighth paragraph (Section H) states: 'And finally, trees such as maples usually get much redder the more north you travel in the northern hemisphere.' This indicates that travelling further 'north' correlates with trees getting much redder. The word 'north' correctly fills the blank and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

10. Question 23

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    It is likely that the red pigments help to protect the leaf from freezing temperatures.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Some theories about anthocyanins have argued that they might act as a chemical defence against attacks by insects or fungi, or that they might attract fruit-eating birds or increase a leafs tolerance to freezing.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that red pigments likely protect leaves from freezing. The fourth paragraph (Section D) mentions that 'Some theories about anthocyanins have argued... that they might... increase a leafs tolerance to freezing.' However, the very next sentence states, 'However there are problems with each of these theories...'. While a theory suggested protection against freezing, the passage immediately points out problems with this and other theories mentioned in that sentence, implying this theory is not considered likely or supported. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 24

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The ‘light screen’ hypothesis would initially seem to contradict what is known about chlorophyll.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    It sounds paradoxical, because the idea behind this hypothesis is that the red pigment is made in autumn leaves to protect chlorophyll, the light-absorbing chemical, from too much light.

    Explanation

    The statement says the 'light screen' hypothesis seems to contradict what is known about chlorophyll. The sixth paragraph (Section F) introduces the 'light screen' hypothesis and immediately comments on it: 'It sounds paradoxical, because the idea behind this hypothesis is that the red pigment is made in autumn leaves to protect chlorophyll... from too much light.' It then asks rhetorically, 'Why does chlorophyll need protection when it is the natural world’s supreme light absorber?' The use of 'paradoxical' and the question highlight that the idea of protecting a 'supreme light absorber' from light seems contradictory to chlorophyll's known function. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

12. Question 25

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Leaves which turn colours other than red are more likely to be damaged by sunlight.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Paragraph I

    Sentence in the passage

    What is still not fully understood, however, is why some trees resort to producing red pigments while others don’t bother, and simply reveal their orange or yellow hues.

    Explanation

    The statement claims leaves that turn orange or yellow are more likely to be damaged by sunlight than red leaves. The final paragraph (Section I) discusses trees that turn orange or yellow instead of red. It mentions that it's not fully understood why some trees don't produce red pigments and asks if these trees 'have other means at their disposal to prevent overexposure to light in autumn?'. While the passage raises the question of how these trees cope with potential light damage without turning red, it does not provide information comparing the likelihood of damage between red and non-red leaves. We know red leaves are thought to be protected, but we don't know if the others are consequently more likely to be damaged. Therefore, this specific comparison is NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice

    Question

    For which of the following questions does the writer offer an explanation?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    As chlorophyll is depleted, other colours that have been dominated by it throughout the summer begin to be revealed.

    Explanation

    The question asks which phenomenon the writer explains. Option A (why conifers remain green) is mentioned in Section B, but only as an exception; no explanation is given. Option B (how leaves turn orange and yellow) is explained in Section B: 'As chlorophyll is depleted, other colours... begin to be revealed. This unmasking explains the autumn colours of yellow and orange...'. Option C (how insects choose trees) is mentioned as a theory in Section E, but the writer explicitly states there is 'lack of proof to support it', meaning it's not explained. Option D (why anthocyanins are restricted to certain trees) is raised as something 'not fully understood' in Section I. Thus, only the process for orange and yellow colours is explained.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Beyond the blue horizon

1. Question 27

   Summary completion

   Question

   A 3,000-year-old burial ground of a seafaring people called the Lapita has been found on an abandoned ______ on the Pacific island of Efate.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   An agricultural worker, digging in the grounds of a derelict plantation, scraped open a grave – the first of dozens in a burial ground some 3,000 years old.

   Explanation

   The summary states that the burial ground was found on an abandoned '__________' on the island of Efate. The third sentence of the first paragraph mentions the discovery was made by an agricultural worker 'digging in the grounds of a derelict plantation'. 'Derelict' is a synonym for abandoned, making 'plantation' the correct fit for the blank.

2. Question 28

   Summary completion

   Question

   The cemetery, which is a significant ______, was uncovered accidentally by an agricultural worker.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   An important archaeological discovery on the island of Efate in the Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu has revealed traces of an ancient seafaring people, the distant ancestors of today’s Polynesians.

   Explanation

   The summary states the cemetery is a significant '__________'. The first sentence of the passage describes the finding on Efate as 'An important archaeological discovery'. The final sentence of the first paragraph also highlights its significance by stating it is 'the oldest cemetery ever found in the Pacific islands'. This confirms that it is a notable finding in the field of archaeology, making 'archaeological discovery' the appropriate phrase.

3. Question 29

   Summary completion

   Question

   They took many things with them on their voyages including ______ and tools.

   Answer

   I

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   They were also pioneers who carried with them everything they would need to build new lives – their livestock, taro seedlings and stone tools.

   Explanation

   The summary mentions that the Lapita took '__________ and tools' with them on their voyages. The third sentence of the second paragraph lists what the Lapita carried: 'their livestock, taro seedlings and stone tools'. 'Livestock' refers to animals kept for use or profit, such as cattle, sheep, and poultry. Therefore, 'animals' (as represented by 'livestock' in the passage) fits the context alongside 'tools'.

4. Question 30

   Summary completion

   Question

   Spriggs believes the ______ which was found at the site is very important since it confirms that the … found inside are Lapita.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Other items included a Lapita burial urn with modeled birds arranged on the rim as though peering down at the human remains sealed inside.

   Explanation

   The summary states that Spriggs believes the '__________' found at the site is important because it confirms the remains are Lapita. The third sentence of the third paragraph mentions a 'Lapita burial urn' and describes its contents ('human remains'). The fourth sentence quotes Matthew Spriggs saying the discovery is important because it 'conclusively identifies the remains as Lapita'. The context links the importance of identifying the remains specifically to the items found in the burial site, making the 'burial urn' the correct answer.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   Spriggs believes the … which was found at the site is very important since it confirms that the ______ found inside are Lapita.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Other items included a Lapita burial urn with modeled birds arranged on the rim as though peering down at the human remains sealed inside.

   Explanation

   The summary states the burial urn is important because it confirms the '__________' found inside are Lapita. The third sentence of the third paragraph mentions the 'Lapita burial urn' contained 'human remains'. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph discusses 'DNA teased from these human remains'. 'Human remains' typically consist of bones. Therefore, 'bones' is the most appropriate word from the options to describe what was found inside the burial urn and identified as Lapita.

6. Question 32

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the writer, there are difficulties explaining how the Lapita accomplished their journeys because

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   There is one stubborn question for which archaeology has yet to provide any answers: how did the Lapita accomplish the ancient equivalent of a moon landing, many times over?

   Explanation

   The question asks why it's difficult to explain how the Lapita made their journeys. The fifth paragraph addresses this directly. The first sentence introduces the 'stubborn question' of how they accomplished their voyages, noting that 'archaeology has yet to provide any answers'. The second sentence states that no canoes or rigging have been found (lack of archaeological evidence). The third sentence adds that later 'oral histories and traditions' are unreliable because they 'turn into myths long before they reach as far back in time as the Lapita'. This implies that historical accounts from this period are unreliable. Option C encapsulates this difficulty: little information (archaeological or historical) from that distant period is accurate or available.

7. Question 33

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the sixth paragraph, what was extraordinary about the Lapita?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The real adventure didn’t begin, however, until their Lapita descendants sailed out of sight of land, with empty horizons on every side.

   Explanation

   The writer compares the Lapita's feat to a moon landing. The real adventure began only when they sailed out of sight of land, with empty horizons around them. That is option A. Option D is true of earlier mariners and option C is not presented as the special point.

8. Question 34

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does ‘This’ refer to in the seventh paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘They could sail out for days into the unknown and assess the area, secure in the knowledge that if they didn’t find anything, they could turn about and catch a swift ride back on the trade winds.

   Explanation

   The question asks what 'This' refers to in the seventh paragraph. The sentence containing 'This' is 'This is what would have made the whole thing work.' It follows the preceding sentence which states, 'They could sail out for days into the unknown and assess the area, secure in the knowledge that if they didn’t find anything, they could turn about and catch a swift ride back on the trade winds.' 'This' refers to the ability and confidence that they could return home safely using the prevailing trade winds if their exploration was unsuccessful. This 'secure knowledge' or belief in their ability to return home is what made the risky voyages into the unknown feasible ('made the whole thing work'). Option D best captures this idea.

9. Question 35

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the eighth paragraph, how was the geography of the region significant?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   For returning explorers, successful or not, the geography of their own archipelagoes would have provided a safety net.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the significance of the region's geography according to the eighth paragraph. The first sentence states, 'For returning explorers...the geography of their own archipelagoes would have provided a safety net.' The last sentence uses Vanuatu as an example, describing its geography ('scores of intervisible islands') as 'forming a backstop for mariners riding the trade winds home'. A 'safety net' or 'backstop' consisting of a chain of visible islands serves as a guide and reassurance for navigators returning home, preventing them from getting lost. This is a form of navigational aid. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is now clear that the Lapita could sail into a prevailing wind.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    All this presupposes one essential detail, says Atholl Anderson, professor of prehistory at the Australian National University: the Lapita had mastered the advanced art of sailing against the wind.

    Explanation

    The statement claims it is 'now clear' that the Lapita could sail against the prevailing wind. The ninth paragraph directly addresses this. Atholl Anderson states (in the second sentence) that 'there’s no proof they could do any such thing' (sail against the wind). He notes there has been an *assumption* they could, but 'nobody has any idea what their canoes looked like or how they were rigged'. This contradicts the idea that it is 'now clear'. Therefore, the answer is NO.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Extreme climate conditions may have played a role in Lapita migration.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    El Nino, the same climate disruption that affects the Pacific today, may have helped scatter the Lapita, Anderson suggests.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests extreme climate conditions may have influenced Lapita migration. The tenth paragraph discusses an alternative theory proposed by Atholl Anderson. The second sentence states that 'El Nino... may have helped scatter the Lapita, Anderson suggests.' The third sentence supports this by mentioning evidence of 'unusually frequent El Ninos around the time of the Lapita expansion'. The fourth sentence explains how these El Ninos ('extreme climate conditions') could have affected migration by changing wind direction and potentially leading to 'long unplanned voyages'. This directly supports the idea that extreme climate conditions played a role. Therefore, the answer is YES.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The Lapita learnt to predict the duration of El Ninos.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    By reversing the regular east-to-west flow of the trade winds for weeks at a time, these super El Ninos might have taken the Lapita on long unplanned voyages.

    Explanation

    Anderson links El Nino to the Lapita, but only as a source of accidental drift: strong, frequent El Ninos reversed the trade winds and may have carried them off on long voyages they had not planned. Nothing suggests the Lapita could foresee how long such a climate event would last, or learnt anything about it at all. The passage treats El Nino as a matter of chance, so the writer gives no view on prediction. That makes the statement NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It remains unclear why the Lapita halted their expansion across the Pacific.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    However they did it, the Lapita spread themselves a third of the way across the Pacific, then called it quits for reasons known only to them.

    Explanation

    The statement says it remains unclear why the Lapita stopped expanding. The first sentence of the eleventh paragraph states that the Lapita 'spread themselves a third of the way across the Pacific, then called it quits for reasons known only to them.' The phrase 'for reasons known only to them' explicitly indicates that the cause of their halt is unknown. The second sentence offers a *possible* reason ('perhaps they were too thinly stretched') but the primary statement confirms the lack of clarity. Therefore, the answer is YES.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is likely that the majority of Lapita settled on Fiji.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    They probably never numbered more than a few thousand in total, and in their rapid migration eastward they encountered hundreds of islands – more than 300 in Fiji alone.

    Explanation

    The statement claims it is likely that the majority of Lapita settled on Fiji. The last sentence of the eleventh paragraph mentions that the Lapita 'encountered hundreds of islands – more than 300 in Fiji alone.' While this indicates a large number of islands were encountered in Fiji, it does not state that the majority of the Lapita population actually settled there. The passage gives no information about where the majority of the Lapita ultimately settled. Therefore, the answer is NOT GIVEN.