Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Reading Test 4: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Research using twins

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There may be genetic causes for the differences in how young the skin of identical twins looks.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Any differences between them -one twin having younger looking skin, for example - must be due to environmental factors such as less time spent in the sun.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that genetic factors might cause differences in skin appearance among identical twins. However, the passage explicitly states in the third sentence of the first paragraph that 'Any differences between them - one twin having younger looking skin, for example - must be due to environmental factors such as less time spent in the sun.' This directly contradicts the idea of a genetic cause for such differences in identical twins. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Twins are at greater risk of developing certain illnesses than non-twins.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   If identical twins are more similar to each other with respect to an ailment than fraternal twins are, then vulnerability to the disease must be rooted at least in part in heredity.

   Explanation

   Twins appear in the passage as research subjects: identical ones share almost the same genes, and comparing them with fraternal pairs reveals how far heredity matters for a condition. Nothing is said about whether being a twin makes someone more likely to fall ill than a single-born person. Because the passage never compares twins with non-twins on health risk, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Bouchard advertised in newspapers for twins who had been separated at birth.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Over two decades 137 sets of twins eventually visited Thomas Bouchard's lab in what became known as the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that Thomas Bouchard recruited twins for his study by advertising in newspapers. The passage mentions Thomas Bouchard and his 'Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart' in the fourth paragraph. It states that 'Over two decades 137 sets of twins eventually visited Thomas Bouchard's lab'. While it confirms that Bouchard studied twins separated at birth, it does not specify the method he used to find or recruit these twins (e.g., through newspaper advertisements, word of mouth, other researchers, etc.). Therefore, the information about how Bouchard found the twins is not provided, and the statement is NOT GIVEN.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Epigenetic processes are different from both genetic and environmental processes.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Epigenetic processes are chemical reactions tied to neither nature nor nurture but representing what researchers have called a 'third component'.

   Explanation

   Epigenetic reactions are described as linked to neither nature nor nurture, but a separate 'third component'. Since nature means genes and nurture means environment, the statement that epigenetics differs from both genetic and environmental processes agrees with the text. TRUE.

5. Question 5

   Matching features

   Question

   invented a term used to distinguish two factors affecting human characteristics

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The idea of using twins to measure the influence of heredity dates back to 1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton first suggested the approach (and coined the phrase 'nature and nurture').

   Explanation

   The statement refers to someone who coined a term distinguishing two factors influencing human traits. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph states that Francis Galton 'first suggested the approach (and coined the phrase 'nature and nurture')' in 1875. The phrase 'nature and nurture' is used throughout the passage to refer to genetics and environment, the two main factors initially studied in twin research. Therefore, Francis Galton (Option A) is the correct match.

6. Question 6

   Matching features

   Question

   expressed the view that the study of epigenetics will increase our knowledge

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 12

   Sentence in the passage

   Having said that, Reed adds, the latest work in epigenetics promises to take our understanding even further.

   Explanation

   The statement is about a researcher who believes epigenetics will advance understanding. The twelfth paragraph features Danielle Reed. The first sentence of this paragraph states: 'Having said that, Reed adds, the latest work in epigenetics promises to take our understanding even further.' This sentence directly shows Danielle Reed's view that epigenetics will expand our knowledge. Therefore, Danielle Reed (Option C) is the correct match.

7. Question 7

   Matching features

   Question

   developed a mathematical method of measuring genetic influences

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The idea of using twins to measure the influence of heredity dates back to 1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton first suggested the approach (and coined the phrase 'nature and nurture').

   Explanation

   Galton is the scientist credited with proposing, in 1875, that twins could be used to measure heredity, and he also coined the phrase nature and nurture. His idea of quantifying inheritance is the origin of the measuring method in the statement. Bouchard collected data later, and Reed only comments on the work.

8. Question 8

   Matching features

   Question

   pioneered research into genetics using twins

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   But twin studies took a surprising twist in the 1980s, with the arrival of studies into identical twins who had been separated at birth and reunited as adults.

   Explanation

   The statement describes someone who was a trailblazer in twin research. While Francis Galton first suggested the approach, the passage specifically credits Thomas Bouchard with pioneering modern twin studies, particularly those involving separated twins. The eleventh paragraph opens with Danielle Reed stating: 'Reed credits Thomas Bouchard's work for today's surge in twin studies.' She then adds, 'He was the trailblazer'. The fourth paragraph details Bouchard's significant Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, indicating his pioneering role in this specific, influential type of twin research. Therefore, Thomas Bouchard (Option B) is the correct match as the pioneer (trailblazer) of modern, large-scale twin studies, particularly separated twins.

9. Question 9

   Matching features

   Question

   carried out research into twins who had lived apart

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   But twin studies took a surprising twist in the 1980s, with the arrival of studies into identical twins who had been separated at birth and reunited as adults.

   Explanation

   The statement refers to research conducted on twins who were raised separately. The fourth paragraph discusses the 'surprising twist' in twin studies in the 1980s, mentioning 'studies into identical twins who had been separated at birth'. The following sentence explicitly states: 'Over two decades 137 sets of twins eventually visited Thomas Bouchard's lab in what became known as the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart.' This clearly identifies Thomas Bouchard (Option B) as the researcher who carried out this significant study involving twins raised apart.

10. Question 10

    Summary completion

    Question

    In epigenetic processes, ______ influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal … The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our … One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its …

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Epigenetic processes are chemical reactions tied to neither nature nor nurture but representing what researchers have called a 'third component'.

    Explanation

    The sentence describes what influences gene activity in epigenetic processes. The seventh paragraph begins by defining epigenetic processes: 'Epigenetic processes are chemical reactions...'. These chemical reactions are what influence how our genes are expressed. Therefore, 'chemicals' (Option D) is the correct word to fill the blank, as epigenetic processes involve chemical influences on gene activity.

11. Question 11

    Summary completion

    Question

    In epigenetic processes, … influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal ______ The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our … One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its …

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    These reactions influence how our genetic code is expressed: how each gene is strengthened or weakened, even turned on or off, to build our bones, brains and all the other parts of our bodies.

    Explanation

    The sentence provides examples of what gene activity influenced by epigenetic processes helps create. The second sentence of the seventh paragraph explains that epigenetic reactions influence how genes are expressed 'to build our bones, brains and all the other parts of our bodies.' Bones, brains, and other parts of the body are examples of internal organs and structures. Therefore, 'organs' (Option B) is the most fitting word to complete the phrase describing what the genes build.

12. Question 12

    Summary completion

    Question

    In epigenetic processes, … influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal … The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our ______ One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its …

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    One way the study of epigenetics is revolutionizing our understanding of biology is by revealing a mechanism by which the environment directly impacts on genes.

    Explanation

    The sentence states that the study of epigenetics is revealing how our genes can be affected by something. The first sentence of the ninth paragraph says: 'One way the study of epigenetics is revolutionizing our understanding of biology is by revealing a mechanism by which the environment directly impacts on genes.' This sentence directly answers how genes can be affected, stating it's through the 'environment'. Therefore, 'environment' (Option E) is the correct word for the blank.

13. Question 13

    Summary completion

    Question

    In epigenetic processes, … influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal … The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our … One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its ______

    Answer

    F

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    Studies of animals, for example, have shown that when a rat experiences stress during pregnancy, it can cause epigenetic changes in a fetus that lead to behavioral problems as the rodent grows up.

    Explanation

    The animal example involves a stressed pregnant rat, whose unborn young show epigenetic changes. When the young rat grows up, these changes lead to problems with how it acts. Behaviour fits the gap and is the only listed word that describes actions, unlike organs or code.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 An Introduction to Film Sound

1. Question 14

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the first paragraph, the writer makes a point that

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Though we might think of film as an essentially visual experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of film sound.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph begins by stating, 'Though we might think of film as an essentially visual experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the importance of film sound.' This directly addresses the common perception of film being only visual and immediately counters it by stressing the importance of sound. The following sentence adds that a meaningful sound track is 'just as much the responsibility of the director' as the image, highlighting its significant contribution to the film. This strongly supports option B, which suggests it would be wrong to overlook sound's contribution to film artistry.

2. Question 15

   Multiple choice

   Question

   One reason that the writer refers to Humphrey Bogart is to exemplify

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Often with film characterization the audience perceives little or no difference between the character and the actor.

   Explanation

   In the second paragraph, the writer discusses dialogue and characterization. The text states, 'Often with film characterization the audience perceives little or no difference between the character and the actor.' Immediately following this, Humphrey Bogart playing Sam Spade is given as an example: 'Thus, for example, the actor Humphrey Bogart is the character Sam Spade; film personality and life personality seem to merge.' This example directly illustrates the blurring lines between the actor's perceived personality and the character's personality in the audience's mind, making option A correct.

3. Question 16

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the third paragraph, the writer suggests that

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, in the highly successful science-fiction film 2001, little dialogue was evident, and most of it was banal and of little intrinsic interest.

   Explanation

   The third paragraph discusses the variation in the amount and use of dialogue in films. It uses the film '2001' as an example, noting that it had 'little dialogue' which was 'banal and of little intrinsic interest'. However, the very next sentence explains the 'purpose' of this seemingly dull dialogue: 'In this way the film-maker was able to portray... the 'inadequacy of human responses...''. This clearly illustrates that dialogue that might appear dull or uninteresting on the surface actually serves a specific thematic purpose within the film, supporting option B.

4. Question 17

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the writer suggest about Bringing Up

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   This use of dialogue underscores not only the dizzy quality of the character played by Katherine Hepburn, but also the absurdity of the film itself and thus its humor.

   Explanation

   The fourth paragraph discusses the film 'Bringing Up Baby'. It notes the 'practically non-stop dialogue delivered at breakneck speed'. The second sentence explicitly states the effect of this dialogue: 'This use of dialogue underscores not only the dizzy quality of the character... but also the absurdity of the film itself and thus its humor.' This shows how the specific 'nature' (speed, quantity, content) of the dialogue is used to 'emphasise key elements' like character traits, absurdity, and humor. The final sentence also attributes the film's 'pure escapism' largely to its 'frenetic dialogue', further connecting the dialogue style to a key effect of the film. Option D accurately captures this point.

5. Question 18

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer refers to the ‘click’ of a door to make the point that realistic sounds

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   However, if the 'click' of an opening door is part of an ominous action such as a burglary, the sound mixer may call attention to the 'click' with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the audience in a moment of suspense.

   Explanation

   The fifth paragraph discusses synchronous sound effects, giving the 'click' of a door as an example. It first notes how the 'click' contributes to realism and is often subconsciously noted. However, it then describes a scenario where this realistic sound is *modified*: 'if the 'click' of an opening door is part of an ominous action... the sound mixer may call attention to the 'click' with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the audience in a moment of suspense.' Increasing the volume of a normal sound is a modification (manipulation) used specifically to evoke a strong 'response' (suspense) from the audience. This directly supports option C.

6. Question 19

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Audiences are likely to be surprised if a film lacks background music.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   We are probably all familiar with background music in films, which has become so ubiquitous as to be noticeable in its absence.

   Explanation

   The statement says audiences are likely to be surprised if a film lacks background music. The seventh paragraph begins by stating that background music 'has become so ubiquitous as to be noticeable in its absence'. The word 'ubiquitous' means found everywhere or common, and being 'noticeable in its absence' implies that its lack is unusual and therefore likely to be noticed, which is consistent with being surprised. Thus, the statement is TRUE.

7. Question 20

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Background music may anticipate a development in a film.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   In addition, background music often foreshadows a change in mood.

   Explanation

   The statement claims background music can anticipate a development in a film. The seventh paragraph explicitly states, 'In addition, background music often foreshadows a change in mood.' It then provides an example: 'dissonant music may be used... to indicate an approaching (but not yet visible) menace or disaster.' 'Foreshadows' and 'indicate an approaching' directly mean to anticipate or signal a future development ('change in mood', 'menace or disaster'). This confirms the statement is TRUE.

8. Question 21

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Background music has more effect on some people than on others.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that background music has varying effects on different individuals. The passage discusses the general purposes and effects of background music on the audience (adding emotion, rhythm, tone, foreshadowing, linking scenes). However, it does not compare the degree of impact or effect that background music has on different members of the audience or different groups of people. There is no information in the passage to confirm or contradict the idea that some people are more affected than others. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 22

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Background music may help the audience to make certain connections within the film.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Background music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests background music helps audiences make connections within a film. The eighth paragraph states, 'Background music may aid viewer understanding by linking scenes.' It elaborates by explaining how a repeated musical theme can 'remind the audience of salient motifs or ideas', which is a way of helping the audience connect different parts or ideas in the film. This directly supports the idea that background music aids in making connections, making the statement TRUE.

10. Question 23

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Audiences tend to be aware of how the background music is affecting them.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Usually not meant to be noticeable, it often provides a tone or an emotional attitude toward the story and /or the characters depicted.

    Explanation

    The statement claims audiences are typically aware of how background music affects them. However, the seventh paragraph notes that background music is 'Usually not meant to be noticeable'. Furthermore, the final paragraph states that the effects of sound (including music) 'are often largely subtle and often are noted by only our subconscious minds'. This indicates that the effect of background music is often not consciously perceived or understood by the audience, directly contradicting the idea that they 'tend to be aware' of its effect. Thus, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 24

    Matching sentence endings

    Question

    The audience’s response to different parts of a film can be controlled

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 1

    Sentence in the passage

    These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases which in turn create desired effects.

    Explanation

    The statement stem is 'The audience's response to different parts of a film can be controlled'. The first paragraph introduces the three components of the sound track: human voice, sound effects, and music (sentence 3). It then states, 'These three tracks must be mixed and balanced so as to produce the necessary emphases which in turn create desired effects' (sentence 4). 'Desired effects' directly relate to controlling the audience's response. Option C, 'if voice, sound and music are combined appropriately,' matches this point, as 'mixed and balanced' implies appropriate combination.

12. Question 25

    Matching sentence endings

    Question

    The feelings and motivations of characters become clear

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 2

    Sentence in the passage

    As is the case with stage drama, dialogue serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as well.

    Explanation

    The statement stem is 'The feelings and motivations of characters become clear'. The second paragraph begins the discussion on dialogue. The second sentence in this paragraph states, 'As is the case with stage drama, dialogue serves to tell the story and expresses feelings and motivations of characters as well.' This directly links dialogue to the expression of character feelings and motivations. Option A, 'when the audience listens to the dialogue,' accurately completes the sentence based on this information.

13. Question 26

    Matching sentence endings

    Question

    A character seems to be a real person rather than an actor

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    When voice textures fit the performer's physiognomy and gestures, a whole and very realistic persona emerges.

    Explanation

    The statement stem is 'A character seems to be a real person rather than an actor'. The third paragraph begins by stating, 'When voice textures fit the performer's physiognomy and gestures, a whole and very realistic persona emerges.' 'Voice textures' refers to the voice, 'physiognomy' refers to appearance, and 'gestures' refers to moves. When these 'fit' or are consistent ('a whole... persona emerges'), the result is 'realistic'. The next sentence clarifies what this 'realistic persona' means: 'The viewer sees not an actor working at his craft, but another human being struggling with life.' This is precisely the feeling of seeing a real person rather than an actor. Option E combines these elements (appearance, voice, moves) and the idea of consistency ('fit') to match the passage's description of how a character becomes realistic.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 ‘This Marvellous Invention’

1. Question 27

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Of all mankind’s manifold creations, language must take pride of place.

   Explanation

   Section A argues for the supreme importance of language. The first sentence states that language 'must take pride of place' among all human creations. The subsequent sentences compare it to other inventions like the wheel and agriculture, stating they are less significant because language is what 'made us human' and everything achieved 'depends on language'. The final sentence reinforces this by stating that without language, humans could not have achieved their current powerful position. This section directly supports the idea that language is the most important invention, matching heading vi.

2. Question 28

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Language is mankind s greatest invention - except, of course, that it was never invented.

   Explanation

   Section B calls language humanity's greatest invention, then points out it was never invented. Two ideas that seem to clash sit side by side, which the writer even calls a paradox. This matches the heading about apparently incompatible characteristics of language.

3. Question 29

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   How else could this instrument make so much out of barely three dozen measly morsels of sound?

   Explanation

   Section C focuses on how language generates vast meaning from a limited set of sounds. The second sentence asks how language 'make so much out of barely three dozen measly morsels of sound'. The third sentence describes these sounds ('p, f, b', etc.) as individually 'meaningless'. However, the final sentence explains that when arranged 'in some very special orders', there is 'nothing that these meaningless streams of air cannot do', listing examples from expressing boredom to explaining the universe. This process, transforming limited meaningless sounds into a huge range of meaning through organisation, is exactly what heading ii describes.

4. Question 30

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The most extraordinary thing about language, however, is that one doesn’t have to be a genius to set its wheels in motion.

   Explanation

   Section D highlights the accessibility and ease of using language for everyone. The first sentence states that one 'doesn't have to be a genius' to use language. The second sentence expands on this, explaining that the 'language machine allows just about everybody' to combine sounds to create meaning, giving examples from 'pre-modern foragers' to 'post-modern philosophers', and noting this happens 'apparently without the slightest exertion'. This focus on how nearly *everyone* across different times and places can use language without difficulty corresponds directly to heading vii, 'The universal ability to use language'.

5. Question 31

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Often, it is only the estrangement of foreign tongues, with their many exotic and outlandish features, that brings home the wonder of languages design.

   Explanation

   Section E turns to foreign languages, with their long and exotic words, such as the Turkish example. The writer says it is the strangeness of other tongues that makes us notice how well language is designed. That is why the heading about differences highlighting impressiveness fits.

6. Question 32

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   The technology is so fine-tuned then that even a non-sound, when carefully placed in a particular position, has been invested with a specific function.

   Explanation

   The Sumerian word has no sound for 'it', yet an empty slot still carries meaning. The writer calls it a very particular kind of nothing, a non-sound with a function. So the heading about silence being meaningful is right, and the one about long words belongs to the Turkish section.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   The wheel is one invention that has had a major impact on ______ aspects of life, but no impact has been as … as that of language.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Other inventions -the wheel, agriculture, sliced bread - may have transformed our material existence, but the advent of language is what made us human.

   Explanation

   The summary discusses the impact of the wheel. The first paragraph of the passage, second sentence, mentions the wheel along with other inventions like agriculture and sliced bread and states they 'may have transformed our material existence'. The blank in the summary refers to the 'aspects of life' impacted by the wheel. 'Material existence' aligns with 'material aspects of life'. Therefore, 'material' is the correct option.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   The wheel is one invention that has had a major impact on … aspects of life, but no impact has been as ______ as that of language.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Of all mankind’s manifold creations, language must take pride of place.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence contrasts the impact of the wheel with that of language, stating 'no impact has been as __________ as that of language'. The first paragraph establishes language's supreme importance. The first sentence says language 'must take pride of place'. The third sentence states that compared to language, 'all other inventions pale in significance'. This implies language's impact is far greater and more essential than other inventions. Option G, 'fundamental', captures this idea of being more essential or basic than others. Option D, 'admired', might be true but doesn't reflect the comparative scale of impact mentioned in the passage. Option B, 'complex', and Option A, 'difficult', relate to characteristics, not impact. Option C, 'original', and Option F, 'easy', are irrelevant here.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   Language is very ______, yet composed of just a small number of sounds.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: ‘this marvellous invention of composing out of twenty-five or thirty sounds that infinite variety of expressions which, whilst having in themselves no likeness to what is in our mind, allow us to disclose to others its whole secret, and to make known to those who cannot penetrate it all that we imagine, and all the various stirrings of our soul’ This was how, in 1660, the renowned French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near Versailles distilled the essence of language, and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that language is 'very __________' but made of 'just a small number of sounds'. The second sentence of the second paragraph describes language as a 'tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity'. 'Extraordinary sophistication' means very complex. Section C further elaborates on making 'so much out of barely three dozen measly morsels of sound'. This contrasts the limited number of sounds with the complex outcome. Option B, 'complex', directly matches 'extraordinary sophistication' and fits the contrast with the small number of sounds.

10. Question 36

    Summary completion

    Question

    Language appears to be ______ to use.

    Answer

    F

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    The language machine allows just about everybody from pre-modern foragers in the subtropical savannah, to post-modern philosophers in the suburban sprawl - to tie these meaningless sounds together into an infinite variety of subtle senses, and all apparently without the slightest exertion.

    Explanation

    The summary sentence contrasts the apparent ease of using language with its often overlooked sophistication. Section D discusses how language is used universally and 'apparently without the slightest exertion' (second sentence). The third sentence refers to this as 'this deceptive ease' and explains that because it runs so 'smoothly', its underlying complexity ('resourcefulness and expertise') is rarely considered or 'taken for granted' (third and fourth sentences). This 'deceptive ease' and 'smoothly' operation corresponds to language appearing 'easy' to use. Option F, 'easy', fits this description and the contrast presented in the summary.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Human beings might have achieved their present position without language.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    Without language, we could never have embarked on our ascent to unparalleled power over all other animals, and even over nature itself.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that humans could have reached their current position of power without language. The final sentence of the first paragraph directly contradicts this: 'Without language, we could never have embarked on our ascent to unparalleled power...'. This means language was essential for achieving their present position. Therefore, the answer is NO.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The Port-Royal grammarians did justice to the nature of language.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    In its own right it is a tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious simplicity: ‘this marvellous invention of composing out of twenty-five or thirty sounds that infinite variety of expressions which, whilst having in themselves no likeness to what is in our mind, allow us to disclose to others its whole secret, and to make known to those who cannot penetrate it all that we imagine, and all the various stirrings of our soul’ This was how, in 1660, the renowned French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near Versailles distilled the essence of language, and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.

    Explanation

    The statement asks if the Port-Royal grammarians accurately represented the nature of language. The second sentence of the second paragraph quotes the grammarians' description of language and then states, 'and no one since has celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.' This phrase, 'celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement,' implies that their description accurately and effectively captured the greatness or true nature of language's accomplishment. This supports the idea that they 'did justice' to its nature. Therefore, the answer is YES.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    A complex idea can be explained more clearly in a sentence than in a single word.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The passage discusses how some languages can express what English takes a whole sentence to say in a single word (Section E). It gives an example of a long Turkish word and notes its compactness (Section F). While it describes *how* meaning is packed into single words or sentences, the passage does not make a claim or express a view about *whether* a complex idea is explained *more clearly* in one format compared to the other. The focus is on the *ability* to express meaning, not the comparative clarity. Therefore, the information needed to answer YES or NO is not present.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The Sumerians were responsible for starting the recording of events.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    And if that sounds like some one-off freak, then consider Sumerian, the language spoken on the banks of the Euphrates some 5,000 years ago by the people who invented writing and thus enabled the documentation of history.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the Sumerians were responsible for starting the recording of events. The first sentence of Section F, introducing Sumerian, states it was spoken 'by the people who invented writing and thus enabled the documentation of history'. 'Documentation of history' is equivalent to the 'recording of events'. Since the Sumerians invented writing and *thus* enabled this, they were responsible for its beginning. Therefore, the answer is YES.