Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Crop-growing skyscrapers

1. Question 1

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Some food plants, including ______ are already grown indoors.

   Answer

   tomatoes

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The concept of indoor farming is not new, since hothouse production of tomatoes and other produce has been in vogue for some time.

   Explanation

   The first sentence of the second paragraph mentions: 'The concept of indoor farming is not new, since hothouse production of tomatoes and other produce has been in vogue for some time.' This indicates that 'tomatoes' are already grown indoors in a form of indoor farming (hothouse production). The blank requires a specific example of a food plant, and 'tomatoes' fits.

2. Question 2

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Vertical farms would be located in ______, meaning that there would be less need to take them long distances to customers.

   Answer

   urban centres/ centers

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Situated in the heart of urban centres, they would drastically reduce the amount of transportation required to bring food to consumers.

   Explanation

   The sixth sentence of the second paragraph states: 'Situated in the heart of urban centres, they would drastically reduce the amount of transportation required to bring food to consumers.' This directly matches the information required for the blank – the location ('urban centres') leads to reduced transportation needs.

3. Question 3

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Vertical farms could use methane from plants and animals to produce ______

   Answer

   energy

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Although the system would consume energy, it would return energy to the grid via methane generation from composting nonedible parts of plants.

   Explanation

   The sixth sentence of the fourth paragraph discusses the energy consumption of the system but adds: 'it would return energy to the grid via methane generation from composting nonedible parts of plants.' While the passage specifically mentions methane from plants, it implies this process is generating 'energy'. The question broadens this slightly to include animals, but the core concept of using methane to produce 'energy' is present.

4. Question 4

   Sentence completion

   Question

   The consumption of ______ would be cut because agricultural vehicles would be unnecessary.

   Answer

   fossil fuel

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   It would also dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, by cutting out the need for tractors, ploughs and shipping.

   Explanation

   The final sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'It would also dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, by cutting out the need for tractors, ploughs and shipping.' This directly explains that the need for agricultural vehicles (tractors, ploughs) and transportation (shipping) would be eliminated, leading to a reduction in 'fossil fuel' use.

5. Question 5

   Sentence completion

   Question

   The fact that vertical farms would need ______ light is a disadvantage.

   Answer

   artificial

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   A major drawback of vertical farming, however, is that the plants would require artificial light.

   Explanation

   The first sentence of the fifth paragraph explicitly states: 'A major drawback of vertical farming, however, is that the plants would require artificial light.' This identifies the need for 'artificial light' as a 'major drawback', which is synonymous with a disadvantage.

6. Question 6

   Sentence completion

   Question

   One form of vertical farming involves planting in ______ which are not fixed.

   Answer

   (stacked) trays

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   One variation on vertical farming that has been developed is to grow plants in stacked trays that move on rails.

   Explanation

   The first sentence of the seventh paragraph describes a variation: 'One variation on vertical farming that has been developed is to grow plants in stacked trays that move on rails.' This refers to 'trays' that 'move on rails', implying they are not fixed. The second sentence further supports this by mentioning 'Moving the trays'.

7. Question 7

   Sentence completion

   Question

   The most probable development is that food will be grown on ______ in towns and cities.

   Answer

   (urban) rooftops

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   While it is possible that much of our food will be grown in skyscrapers in future, most experts currently believe it is far more likely that we will simply use the space available on urban rooftops.

   Explanation

   The final sentence of the eighth paragraph discusses the future outlook: 'While it is possible that much of our food will be grown in skyscrapers in future, most experts currently believe it is far more likely that we will simply use the space available on urban rooftops.' This directly states that growing food on 'urban rooftops' is considered 'far more likely' by most experts than growing it in skyscrapers, making it the 'most probable development'.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Methods for predicting the Earth’s population have recently changed.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Applying the most conservative estimates to current demographic trends, the human population will increase by about three billion people by then.

   Explanation

   The only thing said about forecasting population is that the figure of three billion extra people comes from the most conservative estimates applied to present demographic trends. Nothing in the text says that the way such predictions are made has altered, recently or at any other time. A statement about changing methods therefore goes beyond what is written, so the answer is NOT GIVEN rather than FALSE.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Human beings are responsible for some of the destruction to food-producing land.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Historically, some 15% of that has been laid waste by poor management practices.

   Explanation

   The fifth sentence of the first paragraph states that 'some 15% of that [suitable land] has been laid waste by poor management practices.' 'Poor management practices' are carried out by humans, indicating human responsibility for land destruction. Furthermore, the second sentence of the third paragraph explicitly says 'we despoiled most of the land we worked', confirming human responsibility ('we') for spoiling ('despoiled') land used for food production ('the land we worked'). Both sentences support the statement.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The crops produced in vertical farms will depend on the season.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 2

    Sentence in the passage

    If successfully implemented, proponents claim, vertical farms offer the promise of urban renewal, sustainable production of a safe and varied food supply (through year-round production of all crops), and the eventual repair of ecosystems that have been sacrificed for horizontal farming.

    Explanation

    The statement claims crops will depend on the season. However, the eighth sentence of the second paragraph mentions the promise of 'year-round production of all crops' in vertical farms. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph reiterates this: 'crops would be produced all year round, as they would be kept in artificially controlled, optimum growing conditions.' 'Year-round production' explicitly means production does NOT depend on the season, directly contradicting the statement.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Some damage to food crops is caused by climate change.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    However, more often than not now, due to a rapidly changing climate, that is not what happens.

    Explanation

    The fifth sentence of the third paragraph states that 'due to a rapidly changing climate', the desired good weather does 'not what happens'. The following sentence clarifies the consequence: 'Massive floods, long droughts, hurricanes and severe monsoons take their toll each year, destroying millions of tons of valuable crops.' This explicitly links 'rapidly changing climate' (climate change) to events that 'destroy millions of tons of valuable crops' (damage to food crops), confirming the statement.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Fertilisers will be needed for certain crops in vertical farms.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    All the food could be grown organically, eliminating the need for herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers.

    Explanation

    The statement claims fertilisers will be needed. However, the fourth sentence of the fourth paragraph, discussing the advantages of vertical farming, states: 'All the food could be grown organically, eliminating the need for herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers.' This directly contradicts the statement by saying that fertilisers will NOT be needed in vertical farms.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Vertical farming will make plants less likely to be affected by infectious diseases.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    The system would greatly reduce the incidence of many infectious diseases that are acquired at the agricultural interface.

    Explanation

    The fifth sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'The system would greatly reduce the incidence of many infectious diseases that are acquired at the agricultural interface.' This directly supports the statement that vertical farming ('the system') would make plants less likely to be affected by 'infectious diseases' by 'greatly reducing the incidence' of such diseases.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 The Falkirk Wheel

1. Question 14

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Falkirk Wheel has linked the Forth & Clyde Canal with the Union Canal for the first time in their history.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Historically, the two canals had been joined near the town of Falkirk by a sequence of 11 locks - enclosed sections of canal in which the water level could be raised or lowered - that stepped down across a distance of 1.5 km.

   Explanation

   Linking the two canals is not a first. Long before the Wheel opened, they were joined near Falkirk by a flight of eleven locks, and only in 1933 was that connection taken apart, which cut the link. The Wheel therefore restored an older connection instead of creating a new one, so the statement contradicts the text. 'For the first time in their history' is the phrase that makes it false.

2. Question 15

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There was some opposition to the design of the Falkirk Wheel at first.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The eventual winner was a plan for the huge rotating steel boat lift which was to become The Falkirk Wheel.

   Explanation

   Several things are reported about how the design was chosen: many ideas were submitted, from rolling eggs to monorails, and the rotating boat lift won. Nobody is described as objecting to the winning plan, whether at the start or later. Because the text is silent on any resistance or complaint, you cannot call the statement true or false, so NOT GIVEN is correct.

3. Question 16

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Falkirk Wheel was initially put together at the location where its components were manufactured.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The various parts of The Falkirk Wheel were all constructed and assembled, like one giant toy building set, at Butterley Engineering's Steelworks in Derbyshire, some 400 km from Falkirk.

   Explanation

   The steelworks in Derbyshire is where the whole structure was first built and fitted together, the team matching pieces to within 10 mm. Only afterwards was it taken apart and carted to Falkirk. So the first assembly happened where the pieces were made, which is what the statement says. The later re-bolting in Scotland is a separate, second stage and does not change this.

4. Question 17

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Falkirk Wheel is the only boat lift in the world which has steel sections bolted together by hand.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Over 45,000 bolt holes were matched with their bolts, and each bolt was hand-tightened.

   Explanation

   Bolting rather than welding is described, as is the fact that every bolt was tightened by hand, but only for this Wheel. There is no comparison with any other boat lift anywhere, so we cannot tell whether it is the only one built this way. A claim of uniqueness needs explicit support, and none appears, which makes this NOT GIVEN.

5. Question 18

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The weight of the gondolas varies according to the size of boat being carried.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   These gondolas always weigh the same, whether or not they are carrying boats.

   Explanation

   Because of Archimedes' principle, a boat that floats into a gondola pushes out water equal to its own weight, so the total never changes. The passage says outright that the gondolas weigh the same with or without boats. Since a larger boat would not alter the weight, the idea that weight varies with boat size is the reverse of what is stated.

6. Question 19

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The construction of the Falkirk Wheel site took into account the presence of a nearby ancient monument.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   The Wheel could not be constructed to elevate boats over the full 35-metre difference between the two canals, owing to the presence of the historically important Antonine Wall, which was built by the Romans in the second century AD.

   Explanation

   Roman remains shaped the engineering: the Antonine Wall, built in the second century, stands between the two canals, so the Wheel could not lift boats the whole 35 metres. A pair of locks and a tunnel were added to get under it. Designing around a protected ancient structure shows that the site's builders took it into account, so the statement is true.

7. Question 20

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   gates

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Two hydraulic steel gates are raised, so as to seal the gondola off from the water in the canal basin.

   Explanation

   The label describes things that rise to shut water out of the canal basin, and the passage names exactly that as the first step once a boat is inside. The 'pair' in the label echoes 'two' in the text. Only a plural noun fits, and 'gates' is a single word from the passage, within the one-word limit.

8. Question 21

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   clamp

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   A hydraulic clamp, which prevents the arms of the Wheel moving while the gondola is docked, is removed, allowing the Wheel to turn.

   Explanation

   Before the Wheel can turn, something holding the arms still has to be removed. The text calls this a hydraulic clamp, and it exists to stop the arms moving while the gondola is docked. The label's 'is taken out, enabling Wheel to rotate' matches 'is removed, allowing the Wheel to turn', and the article 'A' before the gap suits the singular noun.

9. Question 22

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   axle

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   In the central machine room an array of ten hydraulic motors then begins to rotate the central axle.

   Explanation

   Ten hydraulic motors sit in the central machine room, and the passage says what they spin: the central axle, which in turn carries the outer arms round. The label 'Hydraulic motors drive ...' needs that object. 'Arms' is a tempting alternative, but those rotate because the axle connects to them; the thing the motors act on directly is the axle.

10. Question 23

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    cogs

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Two eight-metre-wide cogs orbit a fixed inner cog of the same width, connected by two smaller cogs travelling in the opposite direction to the outer cogs - so ensuring that the gondolas always remain level.

    Explanation

    Keeping the gondolas upright depends on a gearing system: two large cogs orbit a fixed inner one, and two smaller ones turn the other way. The label mentions 'different-sized' parts keeping the boat upright, which matches the mix of eight-metre cogs and smaller ones. The plural noun is needed after 'range of', so 'cogs' is the right form.

11. Question 24

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    aqueduct

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    When the gondola reaches the top, the boat passes straight onto the aqueduct situated 24 metres above the canal basin.

    Explanation

    At the top of its turn, the boat does not stop or descend; it moves straight onto a raised channel 24 metres above the basin. The text names this structure an aqueduct. The label's 'moves directly onto' mirrors 'passes straight onto', and the gap needs a noun for the place the boat reaches.

12. Question 25

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    wall

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Boats travel under this wall via a tunnel, then through the locks, and finally on to the Union Canal.

    Explanation

    The Roman construction that blocks a full lift is the Antonine Wall, which boats pass under via a tunnel. The label says 'tunnel beneath Roman ...', so a structure built by the Romans is wanted. The earlier sentence names the wall as being of Roman origin, and the following one repeats it as 'this wall', which gives the one-word answer.

13. Question 26

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    locks

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    The remaining 11 metres of lift needed to reach the Union Canal is achieved by means of a pair of locks.

    Explanation

    After the Wheel's 24 metres, eleven metres of height remain, and these are covered by a pair of locks that take boats up to the Union Canal. The label says 'raise boat 11 m', matching 'remaining 11 metres of lift', and the plural verb 'raise' calls for a plural noun, which is why 'locks' fits and not 'lock'.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Reducing the Effects of Climate Change

1. Question 27

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of a geo-engineering project based on an earlier natural phenomenon

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The idea is modelled on historic volcanic explosions, such as that of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, which led to a short-term cooling of global temperatures by 0.5 °C. Scientists have also scrutinised whether it's possible to preserve the ice sheets of Greenland with reinforced high-tension cables, preventing icebergs from moving into the sea.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a mention of a geo-engineering project based on a natural phenomenon. The correct answer is Section D. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph of the passage. The third sentence in this paragraph describes the idea of releasing aerosol sprays into the stratosphere and explicitly states that 'The idea is modelled on historic volcanic explosions, such as that of Mount Pinatubo...'. This directly links a proposed geo-engineering project (releasing aerosols) to a past natural event (volcanic explosion) that had a similar cooling effect.

2. Question 28

   Matching information

   Question

   an example of a successful use of geo-engineering

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   For decades, MayDay parades in Moscow have taken place under clear blue skies, aircraft having deposited dry ice, silver iodide and cement powder to disperse clouds.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an example of a successful use of geo-engineering. The correct answer is Section B. Section B corresponds to the second paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph provides a specific example: 'For decades, MayDay parades in Moscow have taken place under clear blue skies, aircraft having deposited dry ice, silver iodide and cement powder to disperse clouds.' This describes a real-world instance where cloud dispersal (a form of geo-engineering) has been used successfully for a specific purpose (clear skies for parades).

3. Question 29

   Matching information

   Question

   a common definition of geo-engineering

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Consequently, an increasing number of scientists are beginning to explore the alternative of geo-engineering — a term which generally refers to the intentional large-scale manipulation of the environment.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a common definition of geo-engineering. The correct answer is Section A. Section A corresponds to the first paragraph of the passage. The fourth sentence introduces the term geo-engineering and immediately provides a definition: 'Consequently, an increasing number of scientists are beginning to explore the alternative of geo-engineering — a term which generally refers to the intentional large-scale manipulation of the environment.' This phrase gives a general definition of the term.

4. Question 30

   Table completion

   Question

   to create a ______ that would reduce the amount of light reaching Earth

   Answer

   sunshade

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   His scheme would employ up to 16 trillion minute spacecraft, each weighing about one gram, to form a transparent, sunlight-refracting sunshade in an orbit 1.5 million km above the Earth.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the large number of tiny spacecraft would create to reduce light. The note is about Professor Roger Angel's scheme. The passage, in the second paragraph, describes Angel's idea: 'His scheme would employ up to 16 trillion minute spacecraft... to form a transparent, sunlight-refracting sunshade...'. The word 'sunshade' fits the blank and describes the purpose of the spacecraft in reducing light. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit, and is a noun required by the grammar.

5. Question 31

   Table completion

   Question

   place ______ in the sea

   Answer

   iron

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The majority of geo-engineering projects so far carried out — which include planting forests in deserts and depositing iron in the ocean to stimulate the growth of algae - have focused on achieving a general cooling of the Earth.

   Explanation

   The question asks what is placed in the sea according to one geo-engineering project aimed at encouraging algae. The third paragraph discusses geo-engineering projects focused on cooling. The first sentence mentions projects 'which include ... depositing iron in the ocean to stimulate the growth of algae'. This directly matches the procedure ('place... in the sea' / 'depositing... in the ocean') and the aim ('encourage... to form' / 'stimulate the growth of algae'). The substance placed in the sea is 'iron', which is one word.

6. Question 32

   Table completion

   Question

   to encourage ______ to form

   Answer

   algae

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The majority of geo-engineering projects so far carried out — which include planting forests in deserts and depositing iron in the ocean to stimulate the growth of algae - have focused on achieving a general cooling of the Earth.

   Explanation

   This question asks what is encouraged to form by placing iron in the sea. As explained for question 31, the first sentence of the third paragraph mentions 'depositing iron in the ocean to stimulate the growth of algae'. The blank requires the noun that is encouraged to grow or form, which is 'algae'. This is one word and fits the context.

7. Question 33

   Table completion

   Question

   to create ______ that would reduce the amount of light reaching Earth

   Answer

   clouds

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   This would involve using sulphur or hydrogen sulphide aerosols so that sulphur dioxide would form clouds, which would, in turn, lead to a global dimming.

   Explanation

   The question asks what would be created by releasing aerosol sprays into the stratosphere to reduce light. The fourth paragraph discusses this concept. The second sentence states that releasing sulphur or hydrogen sulphide aerosols would mean 'sulphur dioxide would form clouds, which would, in turn, lead to a global dimming.' 'Global dimming' implies reducing light. The substance created is 'clouds', which is one word and fits the blank as a plural noun.

8. Question 34

   Table completion

   Question

   fix strong ______ to Greenland ice sheets

   Answer

   cables

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The idea is modelled on historic volcanic explosions, such as that of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, which led to a short-term cooling of global temperatures by 0.5 °C. Scientists have also scrutinised whether it's possible to preserve the ice sheets of Greenland with reinforced high-tension cables, preventing icebergs from moving into the sea.

   Explanation

   The question asks what strong items would be fixed to Greenland ice sheets to prevent icebergs moving into the sea. The fourth paragraph also mentions scrutinising 'whether it’s possible to preserve the ice sheets of Greenland with reinforced high-tension cables, preventing icebergs from moving into the sea'. This matches the procedure ('fix strong... to Greenland ice sheets' / 'preserve the ice sheets of Greenland with reinforced high-tension...'). The item used is 'cables', specifically 'reinforced high-tension cables'. 'Cables' is one word and fits the blank as a plural noun.

9. Question 35

   Table completion

   Question

   to allow the ______ to reflect radiation

   Answer

   snow

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Whereas the -regions native evergreen pines shade the snow an absorb radiation, birches would shed their leaves in winter, thus enabling radiation to be reflected by the snow.

   Explanation

   Birch trees are suggested because they lose their leaves in winter. Evergreen pines keep their needles and shade the ground, so the surface absorbs heat. Bare birches let the sunlight hit the snow, which sends the radiation back. The missing noun is therefore snow, one word as required.

10. Question 36

    Table completion

    Question

    change the direction of ______

    Answer

    rivers

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Re-routing Russian rivers to increase cold water flow to ice-forming areas could also be used to slow down warming, say some climate scientists.

    Explanation

    The question asks what would have its direction changed to bring cold water to ice-forming areas. The last sentence of the fourth paragraph mentions another geo-engineering idea: 'Re-routing Russian rivers to increase cold water flow to ice-forming areas could also be used to slow down warming...'. 'Re-routing' means changing the direction. The items being re-routed are 'Russian rivers', specifically 'rivers'. 'Rivers' is one word and fits the blank as a plural noun.

11. Question 37

    Matching features

    Question

    The effects of geo-engineering may not be long-lasting.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    And Dr Phil Rasch of the US-based Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is equally guarded about the role of geo-engineering: 'I think all of us agree that if we were to end geo-engineering on a given day, then the planet would return to its pre-engineered condition very rapidly, and probably within ten to twenty years.

    Explanation

    The question asks which scientist suggests that the effects of geo-engineering may not be long-lasting. The options are Roger Angel, Phil Rasch, Dan Lunt, and Martin Sommerkorn. The fifth paragraph quotes Dr Phil Rasch: 'I think all of us agree that if we were to end geo-engineering on a given day, then the planet would return to its pre-engineered condition very rapidly, and probably within ten to twenty years.' This statement directly implies that the effects are temporary and would reverse quickly, meaning they are not long-lasting. Therefore, Phil Rasch is the correct match (Option B).

12. Question 38

    Matching features

    Question

    Geo-engineering is a topic worth exploring.

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    According to Dr Martin Sommerkorn, climate change advisor for the World Wildlife Fund’s International Arctic Programme, ‘Human-induced climate change has brought humanity to a position where we shouldn’t exclude thinking thoroughly about this topic and its possibilities.’

    Explanation

    The question asks which scientist suggests that geo-engineering is a topic worth exploring. The eighth paragraph quotes Dr Martin Sommerkorn of the World Wildlife Fund. He states: 'Human-induced climate change has brought humanity to a position where we shouldn’t exclude thinking thoroughly about this topic and its possibilities.' The phrase 'shouldn’t exclude thinking thoroughly about this topic and its possibilities' directly indicates that he believes the topic is worth exploring seriously. Therefore, Martin Sommerkorn is the correct match (Option D).

13. Question 39

    Matching features

    Question

    It may be necessary to limit the effectiveness of geo-engineering projects.

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    To avoid such a scenario,” Hunt says, “Angel’s project would have to operate at half strength; all of which reinforces his view that the best option is to avoid the need for geo-engineering altogether.”

    Explanation

    The question asks which scientist suggests it might be necessary to limit the effectiveness of geo-engineering projects. The seventh paragraph discusses Dr Dan Lunt's studies on geo-engineering impacts. He warns of the risk of 'overshoot' (paragraph 7, sentence 0), where temperatures return to pre-industrial levels, but with unwanted side effects (paragraph 7, sentence 1). To avoid this, the third sentence quotes Lunt saying about Angel's sunshade project: 'Angel’s project would have to operate at half strength'. Operating 'at half strength' is a clear suggestion to limit the effectiveness of the project to avoid negative consequences. Therefore, Dan Lunt is the correct match (Option C).

14. Question 40

    Matching features

    Question

    Research into non-fossil-based fuels cannot be replaced by geo-engineering.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    Angel says that his plan is ‘no substitute for developing renewable energy: the only permanent solution'.

    Explanation

    The question asks which scientist suggests that geo-engineering cannot replace research into non-fossil-based fuels (renewable energy). The fifth paragraph quotes Professor Roger Angel regarding his plan. The third sentence states: 'Angel says that his plan is ‘no substitute for developing renewable energy: the only permanent solution’'. 'Renewable energy' refers to non-fossil-based fuels. Angel explicitly states his geo-engineering plan is 'no substitute' for this, meaning it cannot replace it. Therefore, Roger Angel is the correct match (Option A).