Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The story of silk

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   silkworm cocoon fell into emperor’s wife’s ______

   Answer

   tea

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   It just so happened that while she was sipping some tea, one of the cocoons that she had collected landed in the hot tea and started to unravel into a fine thread.

   Explanation

   The note states that, according to legend around 3000 BC, a silkworm cocoon fell into the emperor's wife's __________. The fifth sentence of the first paragraph describes the legend: 'It just so happened that while she was sipping some tea, one of the cocoons that she had collected landed in the hot tea and started to unravel into a fine thread.' This confirms that the cocoon fell into her 'tea'. The answer is one word, which fits the word limit.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   emperor’s wife invented a ______ to pull out silk fibres

   Answer

   reel

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   She also devised a special reel to draw the fibres from the cocoon into a single thread so that they would be strong enough to be woven into fabric.

   Explanation

   The note asks what the emperor's wife invented to pull out silk fibres. The eighth sentence of the first paragraph says: 'She also devised a special reel to draw the fibres from the cocoon into a single thread so that they would be strong enough to be woven into fabric.' The word 'devised' is a synonym for 'invented', and it states she invented a 'reel' for drawing out the fibres. This is a single word, fitting the word limit.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   Only ______ were allowed to produce silk

   Answer

   women

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Originally, silkworm farming was solely restricted to women, and it was they who were responsible for the growing, harvesting and weaving.

   Explanation

   The note states that originally only a specific group was allowed to produce silk. The first sentence of the second paragraph says: 'Originally, silkworm farming was solely restricted to women, and it was they who were responsible for the growing, harvesting and weaving.' This indicates that only 'women' were initially allowed to produce silk. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   Only ______ were allowed to wear silk

   Answer

   royalty

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Silk quickly grew into a symbol of status, and originally, only royalty were entitled to have clothes made of silk.

   Explanation

   The note states that initially only a specific group was allowed to wear silk. The second sentence of the second paragraph says: 'Silk quickly grew into a symbol of status, and originally, only royalty were entitled to have clothes made of silk.' This indicates that originally, only 'royalty' were allowed to wear silk. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   Silk used as a form of ______

   Answer

   currency

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Sometime during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), silk was so prized that it was also used as a unit of currency.

   Explanation

   The note mentions silk being used as a form of something, and the passage confirms this. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph states: 'Sometime during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), silk was so prized that it was also used as a unit of currency.' This directly matches the note's phrase 'used as a form of' and identifies 'currency' as the answer. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   e.g. evidence found of ______ made from silk around 168 AD

   Answer

   paper

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The earliest indication of silk paper being used was discovered in the tomb of a noble who is estimated to have died around 168 AD.

   Explanation

   The note gives an example of an item made from silk found around 168 AD. The last sentence of the second paragraph states: 'The earliest indication of silk paper being used was discovered in the tomb of a noble who is estimated to have died around 168 AD.' This sentence provides evidence found around 168 AD, matching the timeframe in the note. It states this evidence was of 'silk paper', confirming 'paper' as the item made from silk. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

7. Question 7

   Note completion

   Question

   Merchants use Silk Road to take silk westward and bring back ______ and precious metals

   Answer

   wool

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Demand for this exotic fabric eventually created the lucrative trade route now known as the Silk Road, taking silk westward and bringing gold, silver and wool to the East.

   Explanation

   The note describes the Silk Road trade, mentioning silk going westward and other items coming back. The first sentence of the third paragraph states: 'Demand for this exotic fabric eventually created the lucrative trade route now known as the Silk Road, taking silk westward and bringing gold, silver and wool to the East.' This sentence directly matches the description in the note, listing 'gold, silver and wool' as items brought back to the East. The note asks for something brought back along with 'precious metals' (gold and silver are precious metals), and 'wool' is the other item listed. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

8. Question 8

   Note completion

   Question

   550 AD: ______ hide silkworm eggs in canes and take them to Constantinople

   Answer

   monks

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   According to another legend, monks working for the Byzantine emperor Justinian smuggle silkworm eggs to Constantinople (Istanbul in modern-day Turkey) in 550 AD, concealed inside hollow bamboo walking canes.

   Explanation

   The note specifies an event in 550 AD where a group hid silkworm eggs and took them to Constantinople. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'According to another legend, monks working for the Byzantine emperor Justinian smuggle silkworm eggs to Constantinople (Istanbul in modern-day Turkey) in 550 AD, concealed inside hollow bamboo walking canes.' This sentence explicitly mentions 'monks' as the group who smuggled the eggs in canes to Constantinople in 550 AD. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

9. Question 9

   Note completion

   Question

   20th century: ______ and other manmade fibres cause decline in silk production

   Answer

   nylon

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Then in the twentieth century, new manmade fibres, such as nylon, started to be used in what had traditionally been silk products, such as stockings and parachutes.

   Explanation

   The note refers to the 20th century and mentions a specific manmade fibre that contributed to the decline in silk production. The third sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'Then in the twentieth century, new manmade fibres, such as nylon, started to be used in what had traditionally been silk products, such as stockings and parachutes.' This sentence confirms that in the 'twentieth century', 'nylon' was a 'manmade fibre' that started replacing silk in products, leading to a decline in demand. The answer is one word, fitting the word limit.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Gold was the most valuable material transported along the Silk Road.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    It was named the Silk Road after its most precious commodity, which was considered to be worth more than gold.

    Explanation

    The statement claims gold was the most valuable material on the Silk Road. The second sentence of the third paragraph explicitly states: 'It was named the Silk Road after its most precious commodity, which was considered to be worth more than gold.' This clearly indicates that silk ('its most precious commodity') was considered to be worth more than gold, directly contradicting the statement that gold was the most valuable. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Most tradesmen only went along certain sections of the Silk Road.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    Few merchants travelled the entire route; goods were handled mostly by a series of middlemen.

    Explanation

    The statement says most tradesmen only travelled certain sections of the route. The last sentence of the third paragraph states: 'Few merchants travelled the entire route; goods were handled mostly by a series of middlemen.' The phrase 'Few merchants travelled the entire route' implies that the majority ('Most tradesmen') did *not* travel the whole way. The second part, 'goods were handled mostly by a series of middlemen,' further supports this, suggesting that the trade was broken up into stages handled by different people along the way, meaning individuals would likely only cover certain sections. This confirms the statement is TRUE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The Byzantines spread the practice of silk production across the West.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    The Byzantines were as secretive as the Chinese, however, and for many centuries the weaving and trading of silk fabric was a strict imperial monopoly.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the Byzantines spread silk production across the West. The passage explains how the secret reached the Byzantine Empire in the fourth paragraph. However, the fourth sentence of that paragraph states: 'The Byzantines were as secretive as the Chinese, however, and for many centuries the weaving and trading of silk fabric was a strict imperial monopoly.' This indicates they kept silk production to themselves, rather than spreading it. The first sentence of the fifth paragraph then clarifies how silk production spread westward: 'Silk production thus spread through Africa, Sicily and Spain as the Arabs swept, through these lands.' This shows the Arabs, not the Byzantines, were responsible for spreading the practice further west. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Silk yarn makes up the majority of silk currently exported from China.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    However, in more recent decades, China has gradually recaptured its position as the world’s biggest producer and exporter of raw silk and silk yarn.

    Explanation

    The statement claims silk yarn constitutes the majority of China's current silk exports. The seventh sentence of the sixth paragraph mentions that China is the 'biggest producer and exporter of raw silk and silk yarn' in recent decades. The final sentence gives figures for total world silk production and China's share, but it does not break down China's exports into categories like 'raw silk' and 'silk yarn'. While it confirms China exports both, the passage does not provide information about which one makes up the 'majority' of the export volume. Therefore, the specific information needed to verify or falsify the statement is NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Great Migrations

1. Question 14

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Local gulls and migrating arctic terns behave in the same way when offered food.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   An arctic tern, on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of South America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher's boat along the way.

   Explanation

   The statement says local gulls and migrating arctic terns behave the same way when offered food. The passage directly contradicts this in the second paragraph. It states that an arctic tern 'will take no notice' of food offered, while 'local gulls will dive voraciously for such handouts'. This shows they behave in completely different ways, making the statement false.

2. Question 15

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Experts’ definitions of migration tend to vary according to their area of study.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   But migration is a complex issue, and biologists define it differently, depending in part on what sorts of animals they study.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that experts' definitions of migration vary based on their area of study. The passage supports this in the fourth paragraph, stating, 'But migration is a complex issue, and biologists define it differently, depending in part on what sorts of animals they study.' It then provides examples: Joe Berger, who studies large mammals, has a 'simple, practical definition suited to his beasts', while Hugh Dingle, an evolutionary biologist studying insects, has a 'more intricate' definition.

3. Question 16

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Very few experts agree that the movement of aphids can be considered migration.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   So can the movement of aphids when, having depleted the young leaves on one food plant, their offspring then fly onward to a different host plant, with no one aphid ever returning to where it started.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that very few experts agree that aphid movement is migration. The passage discusses aphid movement in the fifth paragraph and mentions that Dingle, an evolutionary biologist who studies insects, has a definition that accounts for aphid migration in the sixth paragraph. While the passage presents aphid movement as an example of migration according to Dingle's perspective, it does not provide any information about the level of agreement among experts regarding whether aphid movement constitutes migration. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

4. Question 17

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Aphids’ journeys are affected by changes in the light that they perceive.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   They allow for the fact that, for example, aphids will become sensitive to blue light (from the sky) when it's time for takeoff on their big journey, and sensitive to yellow light (reflected from tender young leaves) when it's appropriate to land.

   Explanation

   The statement says that aphids' journeys are affected by changes in the light they perceive. The passage confirms this in the sixth paragraph, stating that Dingle's definition 'allow[s] for the fact that, for example, aphids will become sensitive to blue light (from the sky) when it's time for takeoff on their big journey, and sensitive to yellow light (reflected from tender young leaves) when it's appropriate to land.' This explicitly links changes in light perception (blue vs. yellow light sensitivity) to different stages or actions in the aphids' journey (takeoff vs. landing), making the statement true.

5. Question 18

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Dingles aim is to distinguish between the migratory behaviours of different species.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The value of his definition, Dingle argues, is that it focuses attention on what the phenomenon of wildebeest migration shares with the phenomenon of the aphids, and therefore helps guide researchers towards understanding how evolution has produced them all.

   Explanation

   The statement claims Dingle's aim is to distinguish between the migratory behaviours of different species. The passage says the opposite. In the final sentence of the sixth paragraph, it states, 'The value of his definition, Dingle argues, is that it focuses attention on what the phenomenon of wildebeest migration shares with the phenomenon of the aphids...'. This shows his definition aims to find commonalities and shared characteristics across different species' migrations, not to distinguish between them. Therefore, the statement is false.

6. Question 19

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   According to Dingle, migratory routes are likely to

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   They are prolonged movements that carry animals outside familiar habitats; they tend to be linear, not zigzaggy; they involve special behaviours concerning preparation (such as overfeeding) and arrival; they demand special allocations of energy.

   Explanation

   The sentence stem asks about migratory routes according to Dingle. In the first paragraph, listing Dingle's characteristics of migration, the passage states, 'they tend to be linear, not zigzaggy'. Option G, 'follow a straight line,' is a direct paraphrase of 'tend to be linear, not zigzaggy'. Therefore, according to Dingle, migratory routes are likely to follow a straight line.

7. Question 20

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   To prepare for migration, animals are likely to

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   They are prolonged movements that carry animals outside familiar habitats; they tend to be linear, not zigzaggy; they involve special behaviours concerning preparation (such as overfeeding) and arrival; they demand special allocations of energy.

   Explanation

   The sentence stem asks about preparation for migration. The first paragraph, detailing Dingle's characteristics, mentions that migrations 'involve special behaviours concerning preparation (such as overfeeding)'. 'Overfeeding' means eating more than immediately necessary, which corresponds to option C, 'eat more than they need for immediate purposes'. The sixth paragraph provides an example: 'Birds will fatten themselves with heavy feeding in advance of a long migrational flight,' which supports the idea of overfeeding as preparation.

8. Question 21

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   During migration, animals are unlikely to

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   And one more: migrating animals maintain an intense attentiveness to the greater mission, which keeps them undistracted by temptations and undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals aside.

   Explanation

   The sentence stem asks what animals are unlikely to do during migration. The first paragraph's final characteristic states that migrating animals are 'undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals aside'. Being 'undeterred by challenges' means they are not discouraged by difficulties. Option A, 'be discouraged by difficulties,' directly reflects this. The example of the arctic tern ignoring the fish in the second paragraph illustrates this point – it is not discouraged by the temptation to stop and eat.

9. Question 22

   Matching sentence endings

   Question

   Arctic terns illustrate migrating animals’ ability to

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   An arctic tern, on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of South America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher's boat along the way.

   Explanation

   The sentence stem asks what arctic terns illustrate about migrating animals' ability. The second paragraph uses the arctic tern as an example. It notes that the tern 'will take no notice of a nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher's boat along the way' while local gulls 'dive voraciously'. It then explicitly states, 'The arctic tern resists distraction'. This behaviour clearly illustrates migrating animals' ability to 'ignore distractions', matching option E.

10. Question 23

    Summary completion

    Question

    Pronghorns rely on their eyesight and ______ to avoid predators.

    Answer

    speed

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Pronghorn, dependent on distance vision and speed to keep safe from predators, traverse high, open shoulders of land, where they can see and run.

    Explanation

    The note asks what pronghorns rely on along with their eyesight to avoid predators. The passage states in the seventh paragraph, 'Pronghorn, dependent on distance vision and speed to keep safe from predators...'. 'Distance vision' is related to eyesight. The blank follows 'eyesight and', and the passage lists 'distance vision and speed' as what they are 'dependent on' to avoid predators ('keep safe from predators'). Therefore, the word needed is 'speed'. This is ONE WORD ONLY, fitting the word limit.

11. Question 24

    Summary completion

    Question

    One particular population’s summer habitat is a national park, and their winter home is on the ______ where they go to avoid the danger presented by the snow at that time of year.

    Answer

    plains

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    One population, which spends the summer in the mountainous Grand Teton National Park of the western USA, follows a narrow route from its summer range in the mountains, across a river, and down onto the plains.

    Explanation

    The note describes a pronghorn population whose summer home is a national park and asks about their winter home. The passage, in the seventh paragraph, states this population 'spends the summer in the mountainous Grand Teton National Park' and follows a route 'down onto the plains'. The next sentence says, 'Here they wait out the frozen months, feeding mainly on sagebrush blown clear of snow.' 'Frozen months' implies winter. The 'sagebrush blown clear of snow' indicates they are avoiding deep snow by being on the plains. Thus, their winter home is on the 'plains'. This is ONE WORD ONLY, fitting the word limit.

12. Question 25

    Summary completion

    Question

    However, their route between these two areas contains three ______ One problem is the construction of new homes in a narrow … of land on the pronghorns’ route.

    Answer

    bottlenecks

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    These pronghorn are notable for the invariance of their migration route and the severity of its constriction at three bottlenecks.

    Explanation

    The note mentions the pronghorns' route between their summer and winter homes and states it contains three specific features. The passage in the seventh paragraph says, 'These pronghorn are notable for... the severity of its constriction at three bottlenecks.' The term 'bottlenecks' is used to describe the constrictions or narrow points on their route. The following sentence explains the critical importance of passing through these 'three'. Therefore, the word needed is 'bottlenecks'. This is ONE WORD ONLY, fitting the word limit.

13. Question 26

    Summary completion

    Question

    However, their route between these two areas contains three … One problem is the construction of new homes in a narrow ______ of land on the pronghorns’ route.

    Answer

    corridor/ passageway

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    At one of the bottlenecks, forested hills rise to form a V, leaving a corridor of open ground only about 150 metres wide, filled with private homes.

    Explanation

    The note asks about a problem on the pronghorns' route involving the construction of new homes in a narrow area of land. The passage, describing one of the bottlenecks in the seventh paragraph, states, 'forested hills rise to form a V, leaving a corridor of open ground only about 150 metres wide, filled with private homes.' This sentence directly links 'private homes' (new homes) being built in a 'narrow ... of open ground' which is called a 'corridor'. Therefore, the word needed is 'corridor'. This is ONE WORD ONLY, fitting the word limit.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Preface to ‘How the other half thinks: Adventures in mathematical reasoning’

1. Question 27

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to books that assume a lack of mathematical knowledge

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The reader must remain a tantalized spectator rather than an involved participant, since the appropriate language for describing the details in much of science is mathematics, whether the subject is expanding universe, subatomic particles, or chromosomes.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to books that assume the reader lacks mathematical knowledge. The correct answer is Section D. According to the passage's structure, Section D comprises the sixth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph states: 'The reader must remain a tantalized spectator rather than an involved participant, since the appropriate language for describing the details in much of science is mathematics...'. This implies that books explaining science to non-scientists have to omit the mathematics, thus assuming the reader cannot follow it.

2. Question 28

   Matching information

   Question

   the way in which this is not a typical book about mathematics

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   In that respect, this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public.

   Explanation

   The question asks how this book differs from typical mathematics books. The correct answer is Section B. According to the passage's structure, Section B comprises the third and fourth paragraphs of the passage. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph explicitly states: 'In that respect, this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public.' The preceding paragraph explains the author's purpose (revealing reasoning behind discoveries), and the following sentences describe what other books focus on (lives of mathematicians, applications, procedures assuming algebra knowledge), highlighting the difference.

3. Question 29

   Matching information

   Question

   personal examples of being helped by mathematics

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   A physician wrote, ‘The discipline of analytical thought processes [in mathematics] prepared me extremely well for medical school.

   Explanation

   The question asks for personal examples of how mathematics has been helpful. The correct answer is Section G. According to the passage's structure, Section G comprises the tenth and eleventh paragraphs of the passage. These two paragraphs provide testimonials from a physician and a lawyer who explain how studying mathematics helped them in their respective professional fields.

4. Question 30

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of people who each had abilities that seemed incompatible

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   To illustrate our human potential, I cite a structural engineer who is an artist, an electrical engineer who is an opera singer, an opera singer who published mathematical research, and a mathematician who publishes short stories.

   Explanation

   The question asks for examples of people with seemingly incompatible abilities. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure, Section C comprises the fifth paragraph of the passage. The fourth sentence of this paragraph provides examples: 'I cite a structural engineer who is an artist, an electrical engineer who is an opera singer, an opera singer who published mathematical research, and a mathematician who publishes short stories.' These combinations of abilities (engineering/art, engineering/opera, opera/mathematics, mathematics/writing) can seem incompatible.

5. Question 31

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of different focuses of books about mathematics

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   In that respect, this book differs from most books on mathematics written for the general public.

   Explanation

   Section B is the one that sorts books about mathematics by what they concentrate on. After stating his own aim, the author says this book differs from most others for the general reader, then lists them: some tell the lives of colourful mathematicians, some describe applications, and some teach procedures that need algebra. Section D is a distractor, because it concerns science books that leave the mathematics out, not books about mathematics.

6. Question 32

   Matching information

   Question

   a contrast between reading this book and reading other kinds of publication

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   You will turn these pages much more slowly than when reading a novel or a newspaper.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a contrast in how this book is read compared to other publications. The correct answer is Section E. According to the passage's structure, Section E comprises the seventh paragraph of the passage. The third sentence of this paragraph states: 'You will turn these pages much more slowly than when reading a novel or a newspaper.' This directly contrasts the pace of reading this book with that of other common publications like novels or newspapers.

7. Question 33

   Matching information

   Question

   a claim that the whole of the book is accessible to everybody

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Anyone can understand every step in the reasoning.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a claim that the entire book is accessible to everyone. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure, Section A comprises the first two paragraphs of the passage. The sixth sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Anyone can understand every step in the reasoning.' This claim is made about the reasoning in 'Each of the eight chapters' (mentioned in the previous sentence), implying the whole book is accessible.

8. Question 34

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to different categories of intended readers of this book

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   As I wrote, I kept in mind two types of readers: those who enjoyed mathematics until they were turned off by an unpleasant episode, usually around fifth grade, and mathematics aficionados, who will find much that is new throughout the book.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the different types of readers the book is intended for. The correct answer is Section F. According to the passage's structure, Section F comprises the eighth and ninth paragraphs of the passage. The first sentence of the eighth paragraph explicitly states: 'As I wrote, I kept in mind two types of readers: those who enjoyed mathematics until they were turned off... and mathematics aficionados...'. The ninth paragraph mentions another group: 'This book also serves readers who simply want to sharpen their analytical skills.' These describe the intended audience.

9. Question 35

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Some areas of both music and mathematics are suitable for someone who is a ______

   Answer

   beginner

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Occasionally, in some difficult musical compositions, there are beautiful, but easy parts - parts so simple a beginner could play them.

   Explanation

   The author compares hard music with advanced mathematics. Both contain parts so simple that someone just starting out could manage them. The word that fits the gap is beginner, used for the musician who can play the easy sections.

10. Question 36

    Sentence completion

    Question

    It is sometimes possible to understand advanced mathematics using no more than a limited knowledge of ______

    Answer

    arithmetic

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    Instead they may involve, at most, a little arithmetic, such as ‘the sum of two odd numbers is even’, and common sense.

    Explanation

    The question states that understanding advanced mathematics is possible with limited knowledge of something. The fourth sentence of the first paragraph says that some discoveries in advanced mathematics 'may involve, at most, a little arithmetic... and common sense.' This means a 'limited knowledge' ('at most, a little') of 'arithmetic' is sufficient. The word 'arithmetic' fits the blank and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

11. Question 37

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The writer intends to show that mathematics requires ______ thinking, as well as analytical skills.

    Answer

    intuitive

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    As the chapters will illustrate, mathematics is not restricted to the analytical and numerical; intuition plays a significant role.

    Explanation

    The question asks what type of thinking, besides analytical skills, the writer wants to show is required in mathematics. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'mathematics is not restricted to the analytical and numerical; intuition plays a significant role.' The word 'intuition' is a noun, but the blank requires an adjective to modify 'thinking'. The adjective form of 'intuition' is 'intuitive'. While 'intuitive' isn't directly in the text modifying 'thinking', the idea is clearly presented that 'intuition' is a significant part alongside analytical aspects. The structure of the sentence in the question uses 'thinking' which allows 'intuitive' as a ONE WORD ONLY answer derived conceptually from 'intuition plays a significant role'. The blank requires an adjective.

12. Question 38

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Some books written by ______ have had to leave out the mathematics that is central to their theories.

    Answer

    scientists

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Other scientists have written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have necessarily had to omit the mathematics, although it provides the foundation of their theories.

    Explanation

    The question asks what kind of authors have written books that omit central mathematics. The first sentence of the sixth paragraph begins: 'Other scientists have written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have necessarily had to omit the mathematics...'. This directly identifies 'scientists' as the authors who have had to leave out mathematics. The word 'scientists' fits the blank and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

13. Question 39

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The writer advises non-mathematical readers to perform ______ while reading

    Answer

    experiments

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    It may help to have a pencil and paper ready to check claims and carry out experiments.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the writer advises non-mathematical readers to do while reading. The fourth sentence of the seventh paragraph gives advice: 'It may help to have a pencil and paper ready to check claims and carry out experiments.' 'Carry out experiments' means to perform experiments. The word 'experiments' fits the blank, is a noun, and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

14. Question 40

    Sentence completion

    Question

    A lawyer found that studying ______ helped even more than other areas of mathematics in the study of law.

    Answer

    theorems

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    I attribute much of my success there to having learned, through the study of mathematics, and, in particular, theorems, how to analyze complicated principles.

    Explanation

    The question asks what specific area of mathematics a lawyer found particularly helpful for studying law. In the eleventh paragraph, a lawyer is quoted saying: 'I attribute much of my success there to having learned, through the study of mathematics, and, in particular, theorems, how to analyze complicated principles.' This indicates that 'theorems' were particularly helpful ('even more than other areas' is implied by 'in particular'). The word 'theorems' fits the blank, is a noun, and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.