Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Reading Test 2: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Raising the Mary Rose

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There is some doubt about what caused the Mary Rose to sink.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Accounts of what happened to the ship vary: while witnesses agree that she was not hit by the French, some maintain that she was outdated, overladen and sailing too low in the water, others that she was mishandled by undisciplined crew.

   Explanation

   The statement says there is doubt about why the Mary Rose sank. The fourth sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Accounts of what happened to the ship vary: while witnesses agree that she was not hit by the French, some maintain that she was outdated, overladen and sailing too low in the water, others that she was mishandled by undisciplined crew.' The phrase 'Accounts of what happened to the ship vary' directly indicates that there are different explanations and therefore doubt about the cause of sinking. This makes the statement TRUE.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Mary Rose was the only ship to sink in the battle of 19 July 1545.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   On 19 July 1545, English and French fleets were engaged in a sea battle off the coast of southern England in the area of water called the Solent, between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

   Explanation

   The statement claims the Mary Rose was the *only* ship to sink in the battle. The first paragraph mentions the sea battle between English and French fleets and states that the Mary Rose sank. However, it does not provide information about whether any other ships sank during the same battle. The passage only focuses on the Mary Rose's fate. Therefore, there is no information in the passage to confirm or deny that the Mary Rose was the only ship that sank. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Most of one side of the Mary Rose lay undamaged under the sea.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The Mary Rose came to rest on the seabed, lying on her starboard (right) side at an angle of approximately 60 degrees.

   Explanation

   The statement says that most of one side of the Mary Rose remained undamaged. The second paragraph describes how the ship lay on the seabed on its starboard side (right side). It explains that the exposed port (left) side was eroded, but the starboard side filled with sand and mud. The fourth sentence of this paragraph explicitly states: 'Because of the way the ship sank, nearly all of the starboard half survived intact.' 'Nearly all' means most, and 'survived intact' means undamaged. This directly supports the statement, making it TRUE.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Alexander McKee knew that the wreck would contain many valuable historical objects.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Further excavations revealed stray pieces of timber and an iron gun.

   Explanation

   The statement claims Alexander McKee knew the wreck contained many valuable historical objects. The third sentence of the fifth paragraph describes the moment McKee and his team confirmed they had found the wreck: 'McKee and his team now knew for certain that they had found the wreck, but were as yet unaware that it also housed a treasure trove of beautifully preserved artefacts.' The phrase 'were as yet unaware' means they did not know at that time. This directly contradicts the statement that McKee knew the wreck would contain valuable objects. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

5. Question 5

   Matching features

   Question

   A search for the Mary Rose was launched.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   But in 1965, military historian and amateur diver Alexander McKee, in conjunction with the British Sub-Aqua Club, initiated a project called ‘Solent Ships’.

   Explanation

   The statement refers to the launch of a search for the Mary Rose. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'But in 1965, military historian and amateur diver Alexander McKee, in conjunction with the British Sub-Aqua Club, initiated a project called 'Solent Ships'.' The following sentence clarifies that this project was initiated with the hope of finding the Mary Rose. Therefore, 1965 is the date a search for the Mary Rose was launched, corresponding to option C.

6. Question 6

   Matching features

   Question

   One person’s exploration of the Mary Rose site stopped.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Deane continued diving on the site intermittently until 1840, recovering several more guns, two bows, various timbers, part of a pump and various other small finds.

   Explanation

   The statement asks when one person's exploration of the site stopped. The third paragraph discusses diver John Deane's exploration after the site was found in 1836. The final sentence of this paragraph says: 'Deane continued diving on the site intermittently until 1840, recovering several more guns...'. The phrase 'continued diving... until 1840' indicates that his exploration activities on the site ceased in that year. Therefore, 1840 (Option B) is the date John Deane's exploration stopped.

7. Question 7

   Matching features

   Question

   It was agreed that the hull of the Mary Rose should be raised.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   While the original aim was to raise the hull if at all feasible, the operation was not given the go-ahead until January 1982, when all the necessary information was available.

   Explanation

   The statement is about the decision to raise the hull. The final sentence of the fifth paragraph discusses the decision: 'While the original aim was to raise the hull if at all feasible, the operation was not given the go-ahead until January 1982, when all the necessary information was available.' 'Given the go-ahead' is an idiomatic expression meaning that permission or agreement was given to proceed. This indicates that the decision to raise the hull was confirmed or agreed upon in January 1982. This corresponds to Option G.

8. Question 8

   Matching features

   Question

   The site of the Mary Rose was found by chance.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Then, on 16 June 1836, some fishermen in the Solent found that their equipment was caught on an underwater obstruction, which turned out to be the Mary Rose.

   Explanation

   The statement says the site was found by chance. The first sentence of the third paragraph states: 'Then, on 16 June 1836, some fishermen in the Solent found that their equipment was caught on an underwater obstruction, which turned out to be the Mary Rose.' The fishermen were not looking for the Mary Rose; they were fishing and their equipment got caught. This was an unexpected discovery, indicating it was found 'by chance'. This event happened in 1836, corresponding to option A.

9. Question 9

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   (lifting) frame

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The hull was attached to a lifting frame via a network of bolts and lifting wires.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the hull was attached to using bolts and wires. The third sentence of the sixth paragraph describes the first stage of raising the hull: 'The hull was attached to a lifting frame via a network of bolts and lifting wires.' This sentence directly provides the answer 'lifting frame'. According to the diagram and the text description of Stage 1, the hull is attached to the 'lifting frame'. 'Lifting frame' is two words, which fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit. 'Frame' is one word, which also fits.

10. Question 10

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    hydraulic jacks

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The problem of the hull being sucked back downwards into the mud was overcome by using 12 hydraulic jacks.

    Explanation

    The question asks what was used to slowly raise the hull and counter the mud's effect. The fourth sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'The problem of the hull being sucked back downwards into the mud was overcome by using 12 hydraulic jacks.' This directly identifies '12 hydraulic jacks' as the tools used to overcome the suction effect of the mud, which allowed the hull to be raised slowly (as described in the following sentence). 'Hydraulic jacks' are two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

11. Question 11

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    stabbing guides

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    In this stage, the lifting frame was fixed to a hook attached to a crane, and the hull was lifted completely clear of the seabed and transferred underwater into the lifting cradle.

    Explanation

    The question describes the second stage, where the hull is moved into the lifting cradle, requiring precise positioning. The seventh sentence of the sixth paragraph states how precise positioning was achieved during this stage: 'This required precise positioning to locate the legs into the 'stabbing guides' of the lifting cradle.' This indicates that the precise positioning used 'stabbing guides'. 'Stabbing guides' are two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

12. Question 12

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    (lifting) cradle

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The lifting cradle was designed to fit the hull using archaeological survey drawings, and was fitted with air bags to provide additional cushioning for the hull’s delicate timber framework.

    Explanation

    The question asks for the name of the structure designed to fit the hull and equipped with air bags. The ninth sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'The lifting cradle was designed to fit the hull using archaeological survey drawings, and was fitted with air bags to provide additional cushioning...'. This clearly identifies the 'lifting cradle' as the structure that fits the hull and has air bags. 'Lifting cradle' is two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit. 'Cradle' is one word, also fitting.

13. Question 13

    Diagram label completion

    Question

    ______

    Answer

    air bags

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The lifting cradle was designed to fit the hull using archaeological survey drawings, and was fitted with air bags to provide additional cushioning for the hull’s delicate timber framework.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the air bags were used for. The ninth sentence of the sixth paragraph, describing the lifting cradle, states it 'was fitted with air bags to provide additional cushioning for the hull's delicate timber framework.' This indicates the air bags provided 'cushioning'. 'Cushioning' is one word, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 What destroyed the civilisation of Easter Island?

1. Question 14

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Modern science - linguistic, archaeological and genetic evidence - has definitively proved the moai builders were Polynesians, but not how they moved their creations.

   Explanation

   Section A ends on a settled point: science has shown beyond doubt that Polynesians made the statues. Earlier guesses about Peruvians and aliens are dismissed. The heading about an undisputed answer fits this. Only how the statues were moved remains open, so the section is not about a disagreement.

2. Question 15

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   ix

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   As trees became scarce and they could no longer construct wooden canoes for fishing, they ate birds.

   Explanation

   This section lists how the island's resources shrank: forests vanished, so no canoes could be built, people turned to birds, and eroded soil gave poorer harvests. Each step reduces the food available, which matches the heading about diminishing food resources. It does not deal with the statues or any rival theory.

3. Question 16

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The moai, he thinks, accelerated the self-destruction.

   Explanation

   Section C continues Jared Diamond's theory, specifically focusing on the role of the moai. The first sentence of the paragraph directly states, 'The moai, he thinks, accelerated the self-destruction'. Diamond's explanation further elaborates on how building and moving the statues required significant amounts of wood and people (fourth sentence), leading to more land clearance for food (fifth sentence). This directly supports heading viii, explaining 'How the statues made a situation worse'.

4. Question 17

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Archaeological excavations indicate that the Rapanui went to heroic efforts to protect the resources of their wind-lashed, infertile fields.

   Explanation

   Section D introduces the counter-theory by archaeologists Hunt and Lipo. Unlike Diamond's view, they argue that the Rapanui people were not to blame for the ecological catastrophe. The third sentence explicitly mentions 'heroic efforts to protect the resources'. The fourth sentence provides specific examples of these efforts: 'built thousands of circular stone windbreaks' and 'used broken volcanic rocks to keep the soil moist'. The final sentence summarises this by calling them 'pioneers of sustainable farming'. These points all describe 'innovative environment management practices', matching heading i.

5. Question 18

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   On that issue, Hunt and Lipo say, archaeological evidence backs up Rapanui folklore.

   Explanation

   Hunt and Lipo claim the statues were walked upright, and the passage says archaeology supports what Rapanui folklore has always maintained. A theory that backs a local belief is exactly this heading. The experiment with eighteen people and three ropes is the evidence offered for the theory.

6. Question 19

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   They would have prevented the reseeding of the slow-growing palm trees and thereby doomed Rapa Nui’s forest, even without the settlers’ campaign of deforestation.

   Explanation

   Rats ate the palm nuts, European diseases hit the people, and slave traders cut the population. All of these forces came from outside and were not caused by the islanders themselves. That is why the heading about destruction beyond the inhabitants' control fits, while the heading about two opposing views belongs to another section.

7. Question 20

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Hunt and Lipo’s vision, therefore, is one of an island populated by peaceful and ingenious moai builders and careful stewards of the land, rather than by reckless destroyers ruining their own environment and society.

   Explanation

   Section G concludes the passage by explicitly contrasting Hunt and Lipo's view with the previously discussed Diamond's theory. The first sentence presents Hunt and Lipo's perspective: 'peaceful and ingenious moai builders and careful stewards of the land', and directly contrasts it with the opposing view ('rather than by reckless destroyers ruining their own environment and society'). This highlights the existence of 'Two opposing views about the Rapanui people', matching heading vi.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   Diamond believes that the Polynesian settlers on Rapa Nui destroyed its forests, cutting down its trees for fuel and clearing land for ______ Twentieth-century discoveries of pollen prove that Rapu Nui had once been covered in palm forests, which had turned into grassland by the time the Europeans arrived on the island.

   Answer

   farming

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   When the islanders cleared the forests for firewood and farming, the forests didn’t grow back.

   Explanation

   Diamond says the settlers cut down trees for two purposes: burning as firewood and making space for crops. The summary already gives fuel, so the missing purpose is the second one. The single word needed is farming, taken straight from the passage.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   When the islanders were no longer able to build the ______ they needed to go fishing, they began using the island’s … as a food source, according to Diamond.

   Answer

   canoes

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   As trees became scarce and they could no longer construct wooden canoes for fishing, they ate birds.

   Explanation

   When trees were scarce, the islanders lacked timber for boats. The passage names wooden canoes as the thing they could no longer build for fishing. The summary wants one word that follows 'build the', and canoes is the exact noun in the text.

10. Question 23

    Summary completion

    Question

    When the islanders were no longer able to build the … they needed to go fishing, they began using the island’s ______ as a food source, according to Diamond.

    Answer

    birds

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    As trees became scarce and they could no longer construct wooden canoes for fishing, they ate birds.

    Explanation

    Without canoes, fishing stopped, so Diamond says the islanders switched to another food source: birds. The sentence says they ate them. Do not choose fish or rats, which appear elsewhere but are not what the islanders turned to in this part of his theory.

11. Question 24

    Summary completion

    Question

    Diamond also claims that the moai were built to show the power of the island’s chieftains, and that the methods of transporting the statues needed not only a great number of people, but also a great deal of ______

    Answer

    wood

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Diamond thinks they laid the moai on wooden sledges, hauled over log rails, but that required both a lot of wood and a lot of people.

    Explanation

    Diamond pictures statues on sledges pulled over log rails. That needed two resources: many workers and a lot of timber. The summary has already used people, so the remaining word is wood. Food for the workers is a further consequence, not the thing the method required.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    On what points do Hunt and Lipo disagree with Diamond?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    They also believe that moving the moai required few people and no wood, because they were walked upright.

    Explanation

    Diamond has the statues dragged on wooden sledges and rails, using many people and much timber. Hunt and Lipo say they were walked upright by a small team with ropes and no wood. So the clear point of disagreement is how the moai were transported, option B. Both sides agree Polynesians made them.

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    On what points do Hunt and Lipo disagree with Diamond?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    The moai, he thinks, accelerated the self-destruction.

    Explanation

    The question asks for points of disagreement between Hunt and Lipo and Diamond. Option C relates to 'the impact of the moai on Rapanui society'. In Section C (first sentence), Diamond believes the moai 'accelerated the self-destruction', suggesting a negative impact on society by exacerbating competition and resource depletion. Conversely, Section E (first sentence) states that 'Hunt and Lipo contend that moai-building was an activity that helped keep the peace between islanders', suggesting a positive or at least neutral impact. This fundamental difference in interpreting the social role and consequence of moai building is a clear point of disagreement, making option C correct.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Neuroaesthetics

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the second paragraph, the writer refers to a shape-matching test in order to illustrate

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   When asked to make simple perceptual decisions such as matching a shape to its rotated image, for example, people often choose a definitively wrong answer if they see others doing the same.

   Explanation

   The question asks why the writer mentions the shape-matching test in the second paragraph. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph describes the test: 'When asked to make simple perceptual decisions such as matching a shape to its rotated image, for example, people often choose a definitively wrong answer if they see others doing the same.' This directly shows how people are influenced by the choices (opinions/actions) of others, even to the point of being clearly incorrect. The following sentence then connects this 'mentality' to art appreciation, where there is no 'right or wrong answer', suggesting the influence is even stronger. Therefore, the test illustrates 'our tendency to be influenced by the opinions of others'.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   Angelina Hawley-Dolan’s findings indicate that people

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   In each set of trials, volunteers generally preferred the work of renowned artists, even when they believed it was by an animal or a child.

   Explanation

   The question asks what Angelina Hawley-Dolan's findings suggest. The third paragraph describes her experiment. The fourth sentence states that volunteers preferred works by renowned artists 'even when they believed it was by an animal or a child'. This means their preference wasn't based on who they thought the artist was. The final sentence of the paragraph concludes: 'It seems that the viewer can sense the artist's vision in paintings, even if they can't explain why.' Sensing the 'artist's vision' implies perceiving the artist's intention or purpose. Therefore, the findings indicate people can perceive the intention behind the art.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   Results of studies involving Robert Pepperell’s pieces suggest that people

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The longer they took to answer these questions, the more highly they rated the piece under scrutiny, and the greater their neural activity.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the suggestions from studies using Robert Pepperell's work. The fourth paragraph describes this research. The third sentence notes that 'The longer they took to answer these questions [about power and familiarity], the more highly they rated the piece'. This indicates a positive response related to the effort involved in processing the image. The fourth sentence provides the interpretation: 'It would seem that the brain sees these images as puzzles, and the harder it is to decipher the meaning, the more rewarding is the moment of recognition.' This 'rewarding moment of recognition' after deciphering meaning directly equates to finding satisfaction in working out what the painting represents.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What do the experiments described in the fifth paragraph suggest about the paintings of Mondrian?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Mondrian's works are deceptively simple, but eye-tracking studies confirm that they are meticulously composed, and that simpiy rotating a piece radically changes the way we view it.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the experiments in the fifth paragraph suggest about Mondrian's paintings. The second sentence of this paragraph states, 'Mondrian's works are deceptively simple, but eye-tracking studies confirm that they are meticulously composed...'. The phrase 'deceptively simple' means they appear simple but are not truly simple. The phrase 'meticulously composed' means they are put together very carefully and precisely. This directly supports the idea that they are 'more carefully put together than they appear'.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   Neurological studies of the brain, for example, demonstrate the impact which Impressionist paintings have on our ______ Alex Forsythe of the University of Liverpool believes many artists give their works the precise degree of … which most appeals to the viewer’s brain.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The blurred imagery of Impressionist paintings seems to stimulate the brain's amygdala, for instance.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence discusses the impact of Impressionist paintings on 'our __________'. The first paragraph of the passage mentions that the blurred imagery of Impressionist paintings stimulates the brain's amygdala. The passage then explains that the amygdala 'plays a crucial role in our feelings'. Since feelings and emotions are synonymous, the impact described is on our emotions.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   Neurological studies of the brain, for example, demonstrate the impact which Impressionist paintings have on our … Alex Forsythe of the University of Liverpool believes many artists give their works the precise degree of ______ which most appeals to the viewer’s brain.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   In another experiment, Alex Forsythe of the University of Liverpool analysed the visual intricacy of different pieces of art, and her results suggest that many artists use a key level of detail to please the brain.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence refers to Alex Forsythe's belief about artists giving their works a 'precise degree of __________'. The seventh paragraph describes Forsythe's work. The first sentence states she 'analysed the visual intricacy of different pieces of art' and suggests artists 'use a key level of detail'. The second sentence explains that 'Too little and the work is boring, but too much results in a kind of 'perceptual overload''. 'Visual intricacy' and 'level of detail' are synonyms for 'complexity'. The idea that there's a 'key level' that avoids being boring or causing overload matches the concept of a 'precise degree' that 'most appeals'.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   She also observes that pleasing works of art often contain certain repeated ______ which occur frequently in the natural world.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   What's more, appealing pieces both abstract and representational, show signs of 'fractals' - repeated motifs recurring in different scales, fractals are common throughout nature, for example in the shapes of mountain peaks or the branches of trees.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states Forsythe observes that pleasing works 'often contain certain repeated __________ which occur frequently in the natural world'. The seventh paragraph, continuing Forsythe's work, mentions that 'appealing pieces... show signs of 'fractals' - repeated motifs recurring in different scales'. It then notes that fractals 'are common throughout nature, for example in the shapes of mountain peaks or the branches of trees'. 'Repeated motifs' or 'patterns' that occur frequently in nature (like mountain shapes or tree branches) can be described as 'repeated images' that are common in the natural world. Although 'patterns' is close, 'images' fits the examples given (mountain peaks, tree branches) and is among the options.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Forsythe’s findings contradicted previous beliefs on the function of ‘fractals’ in art.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   What's more, appealing pieces both abstract and representational, show signs of 'fractals' - repeated motifs recurring in different scales, fractals are common throughout nature, for example in the shapes of mountain peaks or the branches of trees.

   Explanation

   Forsythe's work is reported in full: she found that pleasing pieces, abstract or representational, contain fractals, repeated motifs at different scales that also appear in nature. The writer then suggests why our visual system might like them. Whether anyone had earlier believed something different about what fractals do in art is never mentioned, so the writer's view on any contradiction cannot be known. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Certain ideas regarding the link between ‘mirror neurons’ and art appreciation require further verification.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   This may be down to our brain's 'mirror neurons', which are known to mimic others' actions.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that ideas linking mirror neurons and art appreciation need more testing. The eighth paragraph discusses the brain processing movement when seeing handwritten letters and considers whether Pollock's works feel dynamic because the brain reconstructs the artist's actions, possibly due to 'mirror neurons'. The third sentence of this paragraph states, 'The hypothesis will need to be thoroughly tested, however.' This hypothesis links mirror neurons (mentioned in the preceding sentence as possibly being responsible) to the perception of dynamism in art (like Pollock's). Therefore, the passage explicitly states that this idea requires further verification ('thoroughly tested').

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    People’s taste in paintings depends entirely on the current artistic trends of the period.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    While the fashions of the time might shape what is currently popular, works that are best adapted to our visual system may be the most likely to linger once the trends of previous generations have been forgotten.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that people's taste in paintings depends *entirely* on current trends. The eighth paragraph discusses factors influencing the longevity of artwork. The final sentence says, 'While the fashions of the time might shape what is currently popular, works that are best adapted to our visual system may be the most likely to linger once the trends of previous generations have been forgotten.' This sentence explicitly states that trends *might shape* popularity, but suggests another factor – how well adapted the work is to our visual system – determines what lasts beyond trends. This directly contradicts the idea that taste depends *entirely* on trends, indicating it is only one factor, and not the determining one for long-term appreciation. Therefore, the answer is NO.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Scientists should seek to define the precise rules which govern people’s reactions to works of art.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    It would, however, be foolish to reduce art appreciation to a set of scientific laws.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests scientists should aim to define precise rules for art appreciation. The final paragraph offers concluding thoughts on neuroaesthetics. The second sentence states, 'It would, however, be foolish to reduce art appreciation to a set of scientific laws.' This directly opposes the idea that art appreciation should be reduced to precise scientific rules, which is what 'define the precise rules which govern people's reactions' implies. Therefore, the writer suggests it is foolish to seek such a definition, making the answer NO.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Art appreciation should always involve taking into consideration the cultural context in which an artist worked.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    We shouldn't underestimate the importance of the style of a particular artist, their place in history and the artistic environment of their time.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that considering the cultural context is always part of art appreciation. The final paragraph discusses factors important in art appreciation beyond just neurological responses. The third sentence states, 'We shouldn't underestimate the importance of the style of a particular artist, their place in history and the artistic environment of their time.' 'Their place in history and the artistic environment of their time' directly refer to the cultural and historical context in which the artist worked. The phrase 'We shouldn't underestimate the importance of' suggests that these factors *are* important and should be considered, supporting the idea that taking them into account is necessary (or at least highly important, implying 'always' in this context).

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is easier to find meaning in the field of science than in that of art.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    In some ways, it's not so different to science, where we are constantly looking for systems and decoding meaning so that we can view and appreciate the world in a new way.

    Explanation

    The writer ends by saying that art is like science in some ways, since both involve decoding meaning. That is a similarity, not a ranking. Nothing says that meaning is easier to find in science than in art, so the writer's view is not stated and the answer is NOT GIVEN.

14. Question 40

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What would be the most appropriate subtitle for the article?

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 1

    Sentence in the passage

    An emerging discipline called neuroaesthetics is seeking to bring scientific objectivity to the study of art, and has already given us a better understanding of many masterpieces.

    Explanation

    The article introduces 'neuroaesthetics', a discipline bringing scientific objectivity to art study (paragraph 1). It immediately questions if this approach can illuminate 'abstract twentieth-century pieces' (paragraph 2). The subsequent paragraphs describe various studies (Hawley-Dolan, Pepperell, Mondrian analysis, Vartanian, Forsythe, mirror neurons) which use scientific methods (eye-tracking, neural activity measurement, controlled experiments, analysis of intricacy) to examine how the brain processes and responds to different kinds of art, with a significant focus on abstract or ambiguous art (Mondrian, Pollock, Pepperell's ambiguous works, Miro's abstract art). The article provides 'scientific insights' (from neuroaesthetics research) into 'how the brain responds' (neural activity, processing patterns, visual system adaptation, perception) to art, particularly 'abstract art'. Option A accurately captures the main theme and scope.