Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Cork

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The cork oak has the thickest bark of any living tree.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The passage states that the cork oak tree has remarkable bark that grows up to 20 cm in thickness. However, it does not compare this thickness to that of other living trees or state that it is the thickest. Therefore, this information is not provided in the passage.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Scientists have developed a synthetic cork with the same cellular structures as natural cork.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Developed most probably as a defence against forest fires, the bark of the cork oak has a particular cellular structure – with about 40 million cells per cubic centimetre – that technology has never succeeded in replicating.

   Explanation

   The statement claims scientists have developed synthetic cork with the same cellular structure. The passage, in the second paragraph, explicitly states that the cork oak's bark has a 'particular cellular structure' that 'technology has never succeeded in replicating'. This directly contradicts the idea that scientists or technology have managed to create a synthetic version with the same structure. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Individual cork oak trees must be left for 25 years between the first and second harvest.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   From the planting of a cork sapling to the first harvest takes 25 years, and a gap of approximately a decade must separate harvests from an individual tree.

   Explanation

   The statement says there must be a 25-year gap between the first and second harvest from an individual tree. The passage, in the fourth paragraph, states: 'From the planting of a cork sapling to the first harvest takes 25 years, and a gap of approximately a decade must separate harvests from an individual tree.' This clearly indicates that the 25-year period is until the _first_ harvest, and subsequent harvests (including the second) are separated by 'approximately a decade' (which is about 10 years). This directly contradicts the 25-year period mentioned in the statement.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Cork bark should be stripped in dry atmospheric conditions.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   If the bark is stripped on a day when it’s too cold – or when the air is damp – the tree will be damaged.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests cork should be stripped in dry conditions. The passage, in the last sentence of the fourth paragraph, advises on the right conditions for harvesting: 'If the bark is stripped on a day when it's too cold - or when the air is damp - the tree will be damaged.' The phrase 'when the air is damp' indicates that damp or wet conditions are unsuitable because they can damage the tree. This implies that dry conditions are necessary or preferred to avoid damage, supporting the statement. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The only way to remove the bark from cork oak trees is by hand.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   No mechanical means of stripping cork bark has been invented, so the job is done by teams of highly skilled workers.

   Explanation

   The statement says the only way to remove the bark is by hand. The passage, in the second sentence of the fifth paragraph, states: 'No mechanical means of stripping cork bark has been invented, so the job is done by teams of highly skilled workers.' This explicitly confirms that mechanical methods have not been invented, and the task is performed manually ('by teams of highly skilled workers'), meaning it is done by hand. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   do not affect the ______ of the bottle contents

   Answer

   taste

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The tiniest concentrations – as little as three or four parts to a trillion – can spoil the taste of the product contained in the bottle.

   Explanation

   The question note lists advantages of aluminium screw caps. It asks what is not affected in the bottle contents. Paragraph 6 discusses the problems with cork stoppers, specifically mentioning TCA which 'can spoil the taste of the product contained in the bottle'. The passage then states that the result of this problem (spoiling the taste) is a move towards substitutes like aluminium screw caps. This implies that aluminium screw caps do not cause this spoiling effect on the taste. The answer 'taste' is the word used in the passage to describe what is affected by TCA, and it fits the context of the note, which is contrasting with the problem caused by cork. 'taste' is one word, fitting the limit.

7. Question 7

   Note completion

   Question

   are ______ to produce

   Answer

   cheaper

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   These substitutes are cheaper to manufacture and, in the case of screw caps, move convenient for the user.

   Explanation

   The note lists advantages of aluminium screw caps. The blank describes how they relate to production cost. The passage, in the last sentence of paragraph 6, states about substitutes like aluminium screw caps: 'These substitutes are cheaper to manufacture and, in the case of screw caps, move convenient for the user.' The word 'cheaper' directly answers the question about production cost and is a single word, fitting the limit. 'Manufacture' is synonymous with 'produce'.

8. Question 8

   Note completion

   Question

   are ______ to use

   Answer

   convenient

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   These substitutes are cheaper to manufacture and, in the case of screw caps, move convenient for the user.

   Explanation

   The note lists advantages of aluminium screw caps. The blank describes how they relate to the user. The passage, in the last sentence of paragraph 6, states: 'These substitutes are cheaper to manufacture and, in the case of screw caps, move convenient for the user.' The word 'convenient' directly describes an advantage for the user and is a single word, fitting the limit.

9. Question 9

   Note completion

   Question

   suit the ______ of quality products

   Answer

   image

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Firstly, its traditional image is more in keeping with that of the type of high quality goods with which it has long been associated.

   Explanation

   The note lists advantages of cork bottle stoppers. The blank describes how they relate to quality products. The passage, in the second sentence of paragraph 7 (discussing advantages of cork stoppers), states: 'Firstly, its traditional image is more in keeping with that of the type of high quality goods with which it has long been associated.' The word 'image' fits the blank and describes how cork stoppers are suitable for 'high quality goods' ('quality products'). 'image' is a single word, fitting the limit.

10. Question 10

    Note completion

    Question

    made from a ______ material

    Answer

    sustainable

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Secondly – and very importantly – cork is a sustainable product that can be recycled without difficulty.

    Explanation

    The note lists advantages of cork bottle stoppers. The blank describes the type of material cork is made from. The passage, in the third sentence of paragraph 7, states: 'Secondly - and very importantly - cork is a sustainable product that can be recycled without difficulty.' The word 'sustainable' describes the material cork is, and it fits the blank. 'sustainable' is one word, fitting the limit.

11. Question 11

    Note completion

    Question

    easily ______

    Answer

    recycled

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Secondly – and very importantly – cork is a sustainable product that can be recycled without difficulty.

    Explanation

    The note lists advantages of cork bottle stoppers. The blank describes an action related to cork. The passage, in the third sentence of paragraph 7, states: 'Secondly - and very importantly - cork is a sustainable product that can be recycled without difficulty.' The phrase 'can be recycled without difficulty' means it is easily recycled. The word 'recycled' directly answers the question and is a single word, fitting the limit.

12. Question 12

    Note completion

    Question

    cork forests aid ______

    Answer

    biodiversity

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Moreover, cork forests are a resource which support local biodiversity, and prevent desertification in the regions where they are planted.

    Explanation

    The note lists advantages related to cork forests. The blank asks what cork forests aid. The passage, in the fourth sentence of paragraph 7, states: 'Moreover, cork forests are a resource which support local biodiversity, and prevent desertification in the regions where they are planted.' The word 'biodiversity' is directly mentioned as something that cork forests 'support' (aid). 'biodiversity' is one word, fitting the limit.

13. Question 13

    Note completion

    Question

    cork forests stop ______ happening

    Answer

    desertification

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Moreover, cork forests are a resource which support local biodiversity, and prevent desertification in the regions where they are planted.

    Explanation

    The note lists advantages related to cork forests. The blank asks what cork forests stop from happening. The passage, in the fourth sentence of paragraph 7, states: 'Moreover, cork forests are a resource which support local biodiversity, and prevent desertification in the regions where they are planted.' The word 'desertification' is directly mentioned as something that cork forests 'prevent' (stop from happening). 'desertification' is one word, fitting the limit.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 COLLECTING AS A HOBBY

1. Question 14

   Sentence completion

   Question

   The writer mentions collecting ______ as an example of collecting in order to make money.

   Answer

   antiques

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   They’ll look for, say, antiques that they can buy cheaply and expect to be able to sell at a profit.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an example of collecting mentioned by the writer that is done in order to make money. The second paragraph discusses the 'instrumental reason for collecting; that is, collecting as a means to an end' (making money). The second sentence of this paragraph provides an example: 'They'll look for, say, antiques that they can buy cheaply and expect to be able to sell at a profit.' Thus, 'antiques' is the example given for collecting with the goal of making a profit. The answer 'antiques' is one word, fitting the word limit.

2. Question 15

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Collectors may get a feeling of ______ from buying and selling items.

   Answer

   triumph

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   But there may well be a psychological element, too – buying cheap and selling dear can give the collector a sense of triumph.

   Explanation

   The question asks what feeling collectors might get from buying and selling items. The third sentence of the second paragraph, which discusses collecting for profit, states: 'But there may well be a psychological element, too - buying cheap and selling dear can give the collector a sense of triumph.' This directly answers the question by stating that buying and selling items can give a 'sense of triumph'. The answer 'triumph' is one word, fitting the word limit.

3. Question 16

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Collectors’ clubs provide opportunities to share ______

   Answer

   information

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Many collectors collect to develop their social life, attending meetings of a group of collectors and exchanging information on items.

   Explanation

   The question asks what collectors' clubs provide opportunities to share. The third paragraph discusses collecting to develop social life. The first sentence states: 'Many collectors collect to develop their social life, attending meetings of a group of collectors and exchanging information on items.' This sentence directly links attending meetings of a group (collectors' clubs) with 'exchanging information'. The answer 'information' is one word, fitting the word limit.

4. Question 17

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Collectors’ clubs offer ______ with people who have similar interests.

   Answer

   contact/meetings

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   This is a variant on joining a bridge club or a gym, and similarly brings them into contact with like-minded people.

   Explanation

   The question asks what collectors' clubs offer with people who have similar interests. The second sentence of the third paragraph compares joining a collectors' group to joining a club or gym, stating it 'similarly brings them into contact with like-minded people.' 'Like-minded people' is a synonym for 'people who have similar interests'. The sentence explicitly states that these groups bring collectors into 'contact' with such people. The answer 'contact' is one word, fitting the word limit.

5. Question 18

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Collecting sometimes involves a life-long ______ for a special item.

   Answer

   hunt/desire

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this.

   Explanation

   The question states that collecting can involve a life-long something for a special item. The fourth paragraph discusses the motive of finding 'something special, or a particular example'. The second sentence of this paragraph says: 'Some may spend their whole lives in a hunt for this.' 'Spend their whole lives' is synonymous with 'life-long', and 'a hunt for this' refers back to finding the special item. Therefore, 'hunt' is the word from the passage that fits the blank. The answer 'hunt' is one word, fitting the word limit.

6. Question 19

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Searching for something particular may prevent people from feeling their life is completely ______

   Answer

   aimless/empty

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Psychologically, this can give a purpose to a life that otherwise feels aimless.

   Explanation

   The question asks what searching for something particular may prevent people from feeling about their life. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph discusses the psychological aspect of searching for a special item: 'Psychologically, this can give a purpose to a life that otherwise feels aimless.' Searching for the item ('this') can give purpose to a life that 'otherwise feels aimless'. This means searching prevents the feeling of being 'aimless'. The answer 'aimless' is one word, fitting the word limit.

7. Question 20

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Stamp collecting may be ______ because it provides facts about different countries.

   Answer

   educational

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   If you think about collecting postage stamps, another potential reason for it – or, perhaps, a result of collecting – is its educational value.

   Explanation

   The writer links stamps to learning: they open a window on other countries, and on the animals and people pictured. The sentence in the question says stamp collecting may be useful for providing facts, so the adjective is educational. The earlier word 'instrumental' refers to collecting for money, so it does not fit.

8. Question 21

   Sentence completion

   Question

   ______ tends to be mostly a male hobby.

   Answer

   Trainspotting

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   In the past – and nowadays, too, though to a lesser extent – a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men, was trainspotting.

   Explanation

   The question asks which hobby tends to be mostly male. The sixth paragraph discusses 'trainspotting'. The first sentence states: 'In the past - and nowadays, too, though to a lesser extent - a popular form of collecting, particularly among boys and men, was trainspotting.' This sentence explicitly states that trainspotting is a form of collecting 'particularly among boys and men', indicating it is mostly a male hobby. The answer 'Trainspotting' is one word, fitting the word limit.

9. Question 22

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The number of people buying dolls has grown over the centuries.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Similarly, people who collect dolls may go beyond simply enlarging their collection, and develop an interest in the way that dolls are made, or the materials that are used.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that the number of people buying dolls has increased over the centuries. The passage mentions dolls in the seventh paragraph, discussing what people who collect dolls might study (how they are made, materials used, how they reflect notions of what children like). It mentions the materials used for dolls have changed over the centuries (wood, wax, porcelain, plastics). However, the passage does not provide any information about the number of people who collect or buy dolls, or whether this number has grown or changed over time. Therefore, this information is not given.

10. Question 23

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Sixteenth century European dolls were normally made of wax and porcelain.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    These have changed over the centuries from the wood that was standard in 16th century Europe, through the wax and porcelain of later centuries, to the plastics of today’s dolls.

    Explanation

    The statement says that 16th-century European dolls were normally made of wax and porcelain. The second sentence of the seventh paragraph, discussing the materials used for dolls, states: 'These have changed over the centuries from the wood that was standard in 16th century Europe, through the wax and porcelain of later centuries, to the plastics of today's dolls.' This sentence explicitly states that 'wood' was 'standard in 16th century Europe', while 'wax and porcelain' were materials used in 'later centuries'. This directly contradicts the statement. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 24

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Arranging a stamp collection by the size of the stamps is less common than other methods.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Stamps collectors, for instance, arrange their stamps in albums, usually very neatly, organising their collection according to certain commonplace principles – perhaps by country in alphabetical order, or grouping stamps by what they depict – people, birds, maps, and so on.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that arranging stamp collections by size is less common than other methods. The eighth paragraph discusses collecting as a way to feel control, using stamp collectors as an example. The second sentence mentions how stamp collectors arrange their collections: 'organising their collection according to certain commonplace principles - perhaps by country in alphabetical order, or grouping stamps by what they depict - people, birds, maps, and so on.' The passage lists arranging by country or by what is depicted as 'commonplace principles'. It does not mention arranging by size at all, nor does it compare the frequency of different methods of arrangement. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 25

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Someone who collects unusual objects may want others to think he or she is also unusual.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    Someone who decides to collect something as unexpected as dos collars, for instance, may be conveying their belief that they must be interesting themselves.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that someone collecting unusual objects might want others to perceive them as unusual too. The ninth paragraph discusses collecting to show individualism. The second sentence gives an example: 'Someone who decides to collect something as unexpected as dos collars, for instance, may be conveying their belief that they must be interesting themselves.' Collecting 'unusual objects' is synonymous with collecting something 'as unexpected as dog collars'. Wanting others to think he or she is 'unusual' or 'interesting' is conveyed by 'conveying their belief that they must be interesting themselves'. The passage supports the idea that collecting something unusual can be a way of implying one's own interesting nature. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

13. Question 26

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Collecting gives a feeling that other hobbies are unlikely to inspire.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    More than most other hobbies, collecting can be totally engrossing, and can give a strong sense of personal fulfilment.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that collecting inspires a feeling that other hobbies are unlikely to inspire. The final paragraph discusses the pleasure and passion in collecting. The second sentence states: 'More than most other hobbies, collecting can be totally engrossing, and can give a strong sense of personal fulfilment.' The phrase 'More than most other hobbies' indicates that collecting offers something to a greater degree than typical hobbies, specifically mentioning being 'totally engrossing' and giving a 'strong sense of personal fulfilment'. This supports the idea that collecting inspires feelings (being engrossed, fulfilled) that are less likely to be inspired by other hobbies. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 What’s the purpose of gaining knowledge?

1. Question 27

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section A

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   But what would the founders of these two institutions have thought of a course called ‘Arson for Profit’?

   Explanation

   Section A introduces the university and its wide range of subjects. The last three sentences specifically discuss a course called 'Arson for Profit', with the writer expressing surprise ('But what would the founders... have thought of a course called 'Arson for Profit'?') and emphasis ('I kid you not: we have it on the books.'). This name is clearly presented as unusual or unexpected among the typical university offerings, which aligns perfectly with heading vi: 'A surprising course title'.

2. Question 28

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section B

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   But wouldn’t this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?

   Explanation

   Section B describes a fire science course for investigators, then asks whether it would suit people who want to commit arson. The worry is that the wrong kind of student might sign up to learn the tricks. That matches the heading about attracting the wrong kind of student, not one about money or commitment.

3. Question 29

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section C

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   There are endless ways I could have approached this assignment, but I took my cue from the title of the course: ‘Principles of Marketing’.

   Explanation

   Section C describes the author's experience speaking to a marketing class titled 'Principles of Marketing'. The author immediately focuses on the word 'principles', noting that it can mean codified rules (like in games) or ethical standards ('principled in the sense of being ethical'). The subsequent discussion revolves around whether marketing, based on its title, is meant to be understood in the sense of having rules or being ethical. This entire section is built around the ambiguity and dual meaning of the word 'principles' within the course title, directly matching heading ii: 'A course title with two meanings'.

4. Question 30

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section D

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   I made the suggestion, which may sound downright crazy in light of the evidence, that perhaps marketing is by definition principled.

   Explanation

   Section D starts with the author presenting a 'crazy' suggestion about marketing being 'by definition principled'. The author then immediately explains the source of this idea: 'My inspiration for this judgement is the philosopher Immanuel Kant, who argued that any body of knowledge consists of an end (or purpose) and a means.' This shows the author is taking a philosophical theory (Kant's argument about means and ends in knowledge) and applying it to the context of marketing, which is presented as potentially 'unexpected' given the common perception of marketing as unprincipled. This fits heading iv: 'Applying a theory in an unexpected context'.

5. Question 31

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section E

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Let us apply both the terms ‘means’ and ‘end’ to marketing.

   Explanation

   Section E directly applies Kant's theory of 'means' and 'end' to marketing. The author discusses two common attitudes which he dismisses, arguing that neither fully grasps the 'significance of the end to the means'. He then explicitly states: 'A field of knowledge or a professional endeavor is defined by both the means and the end; hence both deserve scrutiny.' and 'Students need to study both how to achieve X, and also what X is.' This clearly emphasizes that both the 'means' (how to market) and the 'end' (the purpose of marketing) are crucial and equally important to understand. This directly corresponds to heading iii: 'The equal importance of two key issues' (means and ends).

6. Question 32

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section F

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   But we would not call that firefighting.

   Explanation

   Section F returns to the 'Arson for Profit' example, stating that while the knowledge ('means') might be the same as firefighting, if the 'end' is personal profit via destruction, it's called 'arson', not 'firefighting'. It then applies the same logic to marketing: using the 'principles of marketing' in an 'unprincipled way' is called 'fraud', not 'marketing'. Finally, it uses Kant's example of a doctor and a poisoner, highlighting that the same knowledge ('means') leads to different outcomes (healing vs. killing) with different names ('medicine' vs. 'murder'). The section repeatedly emphasizes that the name given to an activity depends on its ethical 'end' or 'outcome', despite potentially using the same knowledge or 'means'. This directly matches heading vii: 'Different names for different outcomes'.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   This is a university course intended for students who are undergraduates and who are studying ______ The expectation is that they will become … specialising in arson.

   Answer

   fire science

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Any undergraduates who have met the academic requirements can sign up for the course in our program in ‘fire science’.

   Explanation

   The note states the course is for undergraduates studying a particular subject. Section A, the last sentence, mentions who can sign up for the 'Arson for Profit' course: 'Any undergraduates who have met the academic requirements can sign up for the course in our program in 'fire science'. This directly indicates that the undergraduates taking the course are studying 'fire science'. The answer 'fire science' is two words, which is within the word limit.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   This is a university course intended for students who are undergraduates and who are studying … The expectation is that they will become ______ specialising in arson.

   Answer

   investigators

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators, who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.

   Explanation

   The note mentions the expected future profession of students specialising in arson. Section B, the first sentence, states: 'Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators...'. This clearly identifies that the students are expected to become 'investigators'. The blank requires a plural noun, and 'investigators' fits grammatically and matches the passage. The answer 'investigators' is one word, within the word limit.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   The course will help them to detect cases of arson and find ______ of criminal intent, leading to successful … in the courts.

   Answer

   evidence

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators, who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.

   Explanation

   The note describes what the course helps students find, leading to successful prosecution. The first sentence of Section B outlines what prospective arson investigators learn: 'detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.' The phrase 'establishing a chain of evidence' means finding evidence. This matches the blank which asks what they find that leads to prosecution. The answer 'evidence' is one word, within the word limit.

10. Question 36

    Summary completion

    Question

    The course will help them to detect cases of arson and find … of criminal intent, leading to successful ______ in the courts.

    Answer

    prosecution

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    Naturally, the course is intended for prospective arson investigators, who can learn all the tricks of the trade for detecting whether a fire was deliberately set, discovering who did it, and establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law.

    Explanation

    The note ends by describing the outcome of finding evidence, which happens 'in the courts'. The first sentence of Section B describes what the course teaches: 'establishing a chain of evidence for effective prosecution in a court of law'. 'Prosecution' is the term used for the legal process in court, which is the 'successful' outcome of finding evidence. The answer 'prosecution' is one word, within the word limit.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is difficult to attract students onto courses that do not focus on a career.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The passage discusses the purpose of different university courses and how they relate to professions (e.g., resort management, fire science, marketing). It also touches on the motivation of students in Section E, stating that some students come to the marketing program with 'his or her own plans' that 'need not even concern the acquisition of marketing expertise as such'. However, the passage does not provide any information about whether it is generally *difficult to attract students* to courses that are *not* career-focused, or if such courses even exist at this university. This specific claim is not present in the text.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The ‘Arson for Profit’ course would be useful for people intending to set fire to buildings.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    But wouldn’t this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?

    Explanation

    The statement claims the 'Arson for Profit' course would be useful for people who want to start fires deliberately. In Section B, the author poses the rhetorical question: 'But wouldn't this also be the perfect course for prospective arsonists to sign up for?'. He follows this by noting that 'it's not unknown for a firefighter to torch a building' and that this knowledge can be used for 'dishonest and illegal behavior'. Section F explicitly states that 'someone could use the very same knowledge of means' from the fire science field 'to achieve a much less noble end such as personal profit via destructive, dangerous, reckless activity'. This confirms that the knowledge gained from the course (the 'means') *could* be used by arsonists, making the course useful for their criminal intent, even if not intended for them. Therefore, the answer is YES.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Fire science courses are too academic to help people to be good at the job of firefighting.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    My point is not to criticize academic programs in fire science: they are highly welcome as part of the increasing professionalization of this and many other occupations.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that fire science courses are too theoretical or 'academic' to be practical for actual firefighting jobs. However, the author explicitly states in Section B: 'My point is not to criticize academic programs in fire science: they are highly welcome as part of the increasing professionalization of this and many other occupations.' Professionalization implies making a job more effective and skilled, which contradicts the idea that the academic courses are unhelpful for the job itself. The author welcomes them as contributing to making the occupation more professional. Therefore, the statement is contradicted, and the answer is NO.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The writer’s fire science students provided a detailed definition of the purpose of their studies.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    When I ask fire science students to articulate the end, or purpose, of their field, they eventually generalize to something like, ‘The safety and welfare of society,’ which seems right.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the writer's fire science students gave a 'detailed definition' of their field's purpose. Section F describes the author asking fire science students this question. The author states: 'When I ask fire science students to articulate the end, or purpose, of their field, they eventually generalize to something like, 'The safety and welfare of society,' which seems right.' The phrases 'eventually generalize to something like' and the relatively broad nature of 'The safety and welfare of society' suggest a general, non-detailed response, not a 'detailed definition'. This contradicts the statement. Therefore, the answer is NO.