Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Reading Test 2: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The risks agriculture faces in developing countries

1. Question 1

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to characteristics that only apply to food production

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Two things distinguish food production from all other productive activities: first, every single person needs food each day and has a right to it; and second, it is hugely dependent on nature.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to characteristics that are unique to food production. Section A is the correct answer. Section A comprises the first paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph explicitly states, 'Two things distinguish food production from all other productive activities'. This sentence directly introduces the unique characteristics of food production, matching the question's requirement.

2. Question 2

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to challenges faced only by farmers in certain parts of the world

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   However, smallholder farmers in developing countries must in addition deal with adverse environments, both natural, in terms of soil quality, rainfall, etc., and human, in terms of infrastructure, financial systems, markets, knowledge and technology.

   Explanation

   The question asks for challenges faced specifically by farmers in certain parts of the world. The correct answer is Section B. Section B is the second paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph highlights that 'smallholder farmers in developing countries must in addition deal with adverse environments', listing several specific disadvantages they face beyond the general risks mentioned for farmers everywhere in the preceding sentence. This specifies challenges unique to farmers in 'developing countries'.

3. Question 3

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to difficulties in bringing about co-operation between farmers

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   One commentator, Giel Ton, warned that collective action does not come as a free good.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to difficulties in achieving co-operation between farmers. The correct answer is Section H. Section H is the eighth paragraph. While the start of the paragraph discusses the benefits of community-based action and co-operation ('collective action groups, co-operatives or producers' groups'), the fourth and fifth sentences introduce the difficulties. Giel Ton warns that 'collective action does not come as a free good' and that 'It takes time, effort and money to organise, build trust and to experiment.' These statements explicitly mention the challenges associated with organising and achieving co-operation among farmers.

4. Question 4

   Matching features

   Question

   Financial assistance from the government does not always go to the farmers who most need it.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   In fact, studies show that sixty percent of beneficiaries of subsidies are not poor, but rich landowners and non-farmer traders.’

   Explanation

   Rokeya Kabir criticises state subsidies, noting that sixty percent of those who receive them are not poor but wealthy landowners and traders. So government money often misses the people who need it most. Fan, by contrast, praises welfare programmes, and only some commentators questioned those.

5. Question 5

   Matching features

   Question

   Farmers can benefit from collaborating as a group.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   Some participating authors and commentators argued in favour of community-based and autonomous risk management strategies through collective action groups, co-operatives or producers’ groups.

   Explanation

   The statement says farmers can benefit from working together as a group. In paragraph H, the first sentence introduces the idea of community-based strategies and collective action groups. The third sentence quotes Sophia Murphy directly stating that 'collective action offers an important way for farmers to strengthen their political and economic bargaining power, and to reduce their business risks.' 'Collective action' is a form of group collaboration, and strengthening bargaining power and reducing business risks are clear benefits for farmers. Thus, Sophia Murphy is the correct match.

6. Question 6

   Matching features

   Question

   Financial assistance from the government can improve the standard of living of farmers.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Shenggen Fan, Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute, help up social safety nets and public welfare programmes in Ethiopia, Brazil and Mexico as valuable ways to address poverty among farming families and reduce their vulnerability to agriculture shocks.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests government financial assistance can improve farmers' standard of living. In paragraph E, Shenggen Fan is introduced. The first sentence (globally fifth paragraph, first sentence) describes how he 'held up social safety nets and public welfare programmes... as valuable ways to address poverty among farming families'. Social safety nets and welfare programmes are forms of financial assistance from the government, and addressing poverty directly relates to improving the standard of living. Therefore, Shenggen Fan is the correct match.

7. Question 7

   Matching features

   Question

   Farmers may be helped if there is financial input by the same individuals who buy from them.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph I

   Sentence in the passage

   Similarly, Sonali Bisht, founder and advisor to the Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education (INHERE), India, wrote that community-supported agriculture, where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription and guarantee producers a fair price, is a risk-sharing model worth more attention.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests farmers can be helped by financial input from their buyers. In paragraph I, Sonali Bisht is mentioned. The third sentence of this paragraph describes her view on 'community-supported agriculture'. This is explained as a system 'where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription and guarantee producers a fair price'. Consumers are the individuals who buy from farmers, and 'investing by subscription' is a form of financial input. This system is presented as a 'risk-sharing model worth more attention', implying it helps the farmers. Thus, Sonali Bisht is the correct match.

8. Question 8

   Matching features

   Question

   Governments can help to reduce variation in prices.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Sophia Murphy, senior advisor to the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, suggested that the procurement and holding of stocks by governments can also help mitigate wild swings in food prices by alleviating uncertainties about market supply.

   Explanation

   Sophia Murphy suggests that governments buying and holding stocks of food can calm price swings, because traders feel less unsure about supply. Smoothing wild changes in price is the same as reducing variation. Nwanze talks about roads and storage, which cut losses rather than price changes.

9. Question 9

   Matching features

   Question

   Improvements to infrastructure can have a major impact on risk for farmers.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   In his essay, Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, argued that governments can significantly reduce risks for farmers by providing basic services like roads to get produce more efficiently to markets, or water and food storage facilities to reduce losses.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that improving infrastructure can significantly reduce risks for farmers. In paragraph D, Kanayo F. Nwanze is introduced. The second sentence of this paragraph states that he 'argued that governments can significantly reduce risks for farmers by providing basic services like roads to get produce more efficiently to markets, or water and food storage facilities to reduce losses.' Roads and storage facilities are forms of infrastructure. He explicitly links providing these improvements to significantly reducing risks for farmers, supporting the statement. Therefore, Kanayo F. Nwanze is the correct match.

10. Question 10

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO problems are mentioned which affect farmers with small farms in developing countries?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Many essayists mentioned climate change and its consequences for small-scale agriculture.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two problems specifically affecting smallholder farmers in developing countries. Option D, 'the effects of changing weather patterns', is one such problem. Paragraph G discusses climate change and its consequences for small-scale agriculture. It notes that climate change increases 'the magnitude and frequency of extreme weather events, which increase smallholder vulnerability' (sentence 2 of paragraph G). It also mentions that the 'growing unpredictability of weather patterns increases farmers' difficulty' (sentence 3 of paragraph G). These are direct effects of changing weather patterns impacting smallholder farmers. Note that Questions 10 and 11 require selecting two options from the same list.

11. Question 11

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO problems are mentioned which affect farmers with small farms in developing countries?

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Paragraph I

    Sentence in the passage

    Some participants explained that market price volatility is often worsened by the presence of intermediary purchasers who, taking advantage of farmers’ vulnerability, dictate prices.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two problems specifically affecting smallholder farmers in developing countries. Option E, 'having to sell their goods to intermediary buyers', is another such problem. Paragraph I explains that 'market price volatility is often worsened by the presence of intermediary purchasers who, taking advantage of farmers' vulnerability, dictate prices' (sentence 1 of paragraph I). While this paragraph doesn't explicitly limit this issue only to smallholder farmers in developing countries, the preceding discussion focuses heavily on the challenges faced by these vulnerable farmers. The act of intermediaries taking 'advantage of farmers' vulnerability' strongly implies this is a problem relevant to those in less powerful positions, such as smallholder farmers in developing countries. Note that Questions 10 and 11 require selecting two options from the same list.

12. Question 12

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO actions are recommended for improving conditions for farmers?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    Others, like Marcel Vernooij and Marcel Beukeboom, suggested that in order to ‘apply what we already know’, all stakeholders, including business, government, scientists and civil society, must work together, starting at the beginning of the value chain.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two recommended actions to improve conditions for farmers. Option C, 'organising co-operation between a wide range of interested parties', is one recommendation. In paragraph H, the last sentence quotes Marcel Vernooij and Marcel Beukeboom suggesting that 'all stakeholders, including business, government, scientists and civil society, must work together'. 'All stakeholders' represents a wide range of interested parties, and 'work together' is a form of co-operation. This is presented as a way to 'apply what we already know' to improve conditions, which aligns with improving conditions for farmers. Note that Questions 12 and 13 require selecting two options from the same list.

13. Question 13

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO actions are recommended for improving conditions for farmers?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph I

    Sentence in the passage

    Similarly, Sonali Bisht, founder and advisor to the Institute of Himalayan Environmental Research and Education (INHERE), India, wrote that community-supported agriculture, where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription and guarantee producers a fair price, is a risk-sharing model worth more attention.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two recommended actions to improve conditions for farmers. Option D, 'encouraging consumers to take a financial stake in farming', is another recommendation. In paragraph I, Sonali Bisht discusses 'community-supported agriculture', describing it as a system 'where consumers invest in local farmers by subscription'. This is a direct example of consumers taking a financial stake. She calls this a 'risk-sharing model worth more attention' (sentence 3 of paragraph I), and states that such direct systems 'not only encourage small-scale agriculture' (sentence 4 of paragraph I), implying an improvement in conditions for small-scale farmers. Note that Questions 12 and 13 require selecting two options from the same list.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 The Lost City

1. Question 14

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   When the US explorer and academic Hiram Bingham arrived in South America in 1911, he was ready for what was to be the greatest achievement of his life: the exploration of the remote hinterland to the west of Cusco, the old capital of the Inca empire in the Andes mountains of Peru.

   Explanation

   Section A introduces Hiram Bingham and his arrival in South America in 1911. The first two sentences clearly state his purpose: to explore the area west of Cusco and specifically to 'locate the remains of a city called Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilisation'. The third sentence details his plan for achieving this goal by descending the Urubamba river valley. This entire section outlines the objective and initial strategy of Bingham's journey, which aligns perfectly with Heading iv, 'The aim of the trip'.

2. Question 15

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   When Bingham and his team set off down the Urubamba in late July, they had an advantage over travelers who had preceded them: a track had recently been blasted down the valley canyon to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle.

   Explanation

   Section B focuses on the route taken by Bingham and his team. It contrasts their path with that of 'almost all previous travelers'. The section explains that earlier travelers took a different route (leaving the river at Ollantaytambo and taking a high pass) to 'cut a substantial corner'. Bingham's team, however, used a 'track had recently been blasted down the valley canyon'. This highlights that Bingham used a route that was different and recent compared to the common one, making 'A new route' the most appropriate heading.

3. Question 16

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The morning was dull and damp, and Bingham also seems to have been less than keen on the prospect of climbing the hill.

   Explanation

   Section C describes the specific day Bingham discovered Machu Picchu. It details the slow start and how his companions were uninterested in seeing the ruins. The crucial sentences are the fourth and fifth, which explicitly mention Bingham's own feelings: 'Bingham also seems to have been less than keen on the prospect of climbing the hill' and that he made the ascent 'without having the least expectation that he would find anything at the top'. These phrases directly show Bingham's lack of enthusiasm or low expectations for this specific exploration, which corresponds to Heading viii.

4. Question 17

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Bingham writes about the approach in vivid style in his book.

   Explanation

   Section D describes Bingham's ascent to Machu Picchu and his first impressions, specifically highlighting how he writes about this in his book. The first sentence explicitly states: 'Bingham writes about the approach in vivid style in his book.' The following sentences provide examples of this 'vivid' or 'dramatic' writing, mentioning potential dangers (snakes) and his emotional reaction ('It seemed like an unbelievable dream … the sight held me spellbound …'). This focus on his expressive and exciting account of the discovery directly matches Heading v, 'A dramatic description'.

5. Question 18

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   We should remember, however, that Lost City of the Incas is a work of hindsight, not written until 1948, many years after his journey.

   Explanation

   Section E contrasts Bingham's account of the discovery in his later book, Lost City of the Incas, with his immediate reaction as recorded in his journal entries. The section explicitly states that the book was a 'work of hindsight' and his 'journal entries of the time reveal a much more gradual appreciation'. It shows that his initial reaction was subdued compared to the 'dramatic' account in the book. This comparison between two different accounts (the book and the journal) of the same event (the discovery) perfectly matches Heading i.

6. Question 19

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   However, soon after returning it occurred to him that he could make a name for himself from this discovery.

   Explanation

   Section F describes what happened after Bingham returned from his trip. It focuses on his decision to publish his discovery and, more importantly, the theory he developed about Machu Picchu's significance. The second sentence mentions writing the 'National Geographic magazine article that broke the story to the world'. The third sentence details his 'big idea' or theory: that Machu Picchu was possibly both the birthplace and the last city of the Incas. The section then explains he tried to prove this theory for years. This clearly covers the publication of his findings and accompanying theory, making Heading vii the best match.

7. Question 20

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   One question that has perplexed visitors, historians and archaeologists alike ever since Bingham, is why the site seems to have been abandoned before the Spanish Conquest.

   Explanation

   Section G starts by stating a perplexing question: why was the site abandoned before the Spanish Conquest? It then presents a popular answer to this question: 'An idea which has gained wide acceptance over the past few years is that Machu Picchu was a moya, a country estate...'. This idea, now widely accepted, explains the purpose and abandonment of the site. This description of a widely accepted theory about Machu Picchu's function and abandonment aligns with Heading iii, 'A common belief', referring to this currently accepted explanation.

8. Question 21

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Bingham went to South America in search of an Inca city.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   His goal was to locate the remains of a city called Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilisation.

   Explanation

   The statement says Bingham went to South America looking for an Inca city. The first paragraph states, 'His goal was to locate the remains of a city called Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilisation.' This sentence explicitly confirms that Bingham's objective was to find an Inca city (Vitcos). Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

9. Question 22

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Bingham chose a particular route down the Urubamba valley because it was the most common route used by travellers.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   When Bingham and his team set off down the Urubamba in late July, they had an advantage over travelers who had preceded them: a track had recently been blasted down the valley canyon to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle.

   Explanation

   Bingham did not follow the usual path. Earlier travellers mostly left the river and crossed a high pass, but he stayed in the canyon because a track had recently been blasted there for mules carrying rubber. His reason was the new track, not popularity, so the statement is FALSE.

10. Question 23

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Bingham understood the significance of Machu Picchu as soon as he saw it.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    At this stage, Bingham didn’t realise the extent or the importance of the site, nor did he realise what use he could make of the discovery.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Bingham immediately understood the significance of Machu Picchu upon seeing it. Section E discusses Bingham's reaction at the time of the discovery, contrasting it with his later book. The final sentence of Section E states, 'At this stage, Bingham didn't realise the extent or the importance of the site, nor did he realise what use he could make of the discovery.' This sentence directly contradicts the idea that he understood its significance immediately. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 24

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Bingham returned to Machu Picchu in order to find evidence to support his theory.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The statement says Bingham returned to Machu Picchu specifically to find evidence for his theory. Section F discusses Bingham developing his theory about Machu Picchu's significance (birthplace/last city) after returning and making 'desperate attempts to prove this belief for nearly 40 years'. However, the passage does not explicitly state that he *returned to the physical site* of Machu Picchu to conduct these attempts. It only says he made attempts to prove his belief, which could have involved research, analysis of artifacts already collected, or other means. Therefore, the passage does not contain information confirming or denying that he physically returned to the site for this purpose, making the statement NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 25

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The track that took Bingham down the Urubamba valley had been created for the transportation of ______

    Answer

    rubber

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    When Bingham and his team set off down the Urubamba in late July, they had an advantage over travelers who had preceded them: a track had recently been blasted down the valley canyon to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle.

    Explanation

    The question asks what product the track down the Urubamba valley was created for transporting. Section B, describing the route, states: 'a track had recently been blasted down the valley canyon to enable rubber to be brought up by mules from the jungle'. This sentence directly answers the question, indicating the track was created for the transportation of 'rubber'. The answer 'rubber' is a single word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

13. Question 26

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Bingham found out about the ruins of Machu Picchu from a ______ it the Urubamba valley.

    Answer

    farmer

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    His companions showed no interest in accompanying him up the nearby hill to see some ruins that a local farmer, Melchor Arteaga, had told them about the night before.

    Explanation

    The question asks who told Bingham about the ruins of Machu Picchu. Section C describes the day of the discovery. The third sentence states: 'His companions showed no interest in accompanying him up the nearby hill to see some ruins that a local farmer, Melchor Arteaga, had told them about the night before.' This sentence clearly identifies the person who told them about the ruins as a 'local farmer'. The answer 'farmer' is a single word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 The Benefits of Being Bilingual

1. Question 27

   Table completion

   Question

   Observing the ______ of Russian-English bilingual people when asked to select certain objects

   Answer

   eye movements

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Some of the most compelling evidence for this phenomenon, called ‘language co-activation’, comes from studying eye movements.

   Explanation

   The question asks what was observed in Russian-English bilingual people when selecting objects. Paragraph B discusses 'language co-activation' and states, 'Some of the most compelling evidence for this phenomenon, called 'language co-activation', comes from studying eye movements.' The following sentence gives the example of a Russian-English bilingual person. Therefore, 'eye movements' were observed. The answer 'eye movements' consists of two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

2. Question 28

   Table completion

   Question

   Bilingual people engage both languages simultaneously: a mechanism known as ______

   Answer

   language co-activation

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Some of the most compelling evidence for this phenomenon, called ‘language co-activation’, comes from studying eye movements.

   Explanation

   The question describes the simultaneous engagement of both languages by bilingual people and asks for the name of this mechanism. Paragraph B, after explaining how both languages are active at the same time when a bilingual person uses one language, states: 'Some of the most compelling evidence for this phenomenon, called 'language co-activation', comes from studying eye movements.' This directly names the phenomenon as 'language co-activation'. This phrase consists of two words, fitting the word limit.

3. Question 29

   Table completion

   Question

   A test called the ______, focusing on naming colours

   Answer

   Stroop Task

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   In the classic Stroop Task, people see a word and are asked to name the colour of the word’s font.

   Explanation

   The question refers to a specific test that focuses on naming colours. Paragraph C discusses how bilingual people are better at conflict management. The fifth sentence introduces a test: 'In the classic Stroop Task, people see a word and are asked to name the colour of the word's font.' This test, the 'Stroop Task', involves naming colours. The answer 'Stroop Task' consists of two words, adhering to the word limit.

4. Question 30

   Table completion

   Question

   Bilingual people are more able to handle tasks involving a skill called ______

   Answer

   conflict management

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   For this reason, bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management.

   Explanation

   The question states that bilingual people are better at handling tasks involving a specific skill and asks for the name of that skill. Paragraph C explains that the 'constant juggling of two languages creates a need to control how much a person accesses a language at any given time.' It then says, 'For this reason, bilingual people often perform better on tasks that require conflict management.' This directly identifies the skill as 'conflict management'. The phrase 'conflict management' consists of two words, within the limit.

5. Question 31

   Table completion

   Question

   When changing strategies, bilingual people have superior ______

   Answer

   cognitive control

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Bilinguals are also better at switching between two tasks; for example, when bilinguals have to switch from categorizing objects by colour (red or green) to categorizing them by shape (circle or triangle), they do so more quickly than monolingual people, reflecting better cognitive control when having to make rapid changes of strategy.

   Explanation

   The question refers to bilingual people changing strategies and asks what superior ability they possess. Paragraph C concludes by discussing switching between tasks, using the example of categorizing objects by colour then shape. It states that bilinguals 'do so more quickly than monolingual people, reflecting better cognitive control when having to make rapid changes of strategy.' 'Changes of strategy' in the passage aligns with 'changing strategies' in the question. The passage explicitly links this ability to 'better cognitive control'. 'Cognitive control' is two words, fitting the limit.

6. Question 32

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Attitudes towards bilingualism have changed in recent years.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   In the past, such children were considered to be at a disadvantage compared with their monolingual peers.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that attitudes towards bilingualism have changed recently. The first paragraph explicitly addresses this. The second sentence states, 'In the past, such children were considered to be at a disadvantage'. The third sentence then introduces a shift: 'Over the past few decades, however... thereby identifying several clear benefits of being bilingual.' The use of 'In the past' contrasted with 'Over the past few decades, however' clearly indicates a change in perspective from viewing bilingualism as a 'disadvantage' to identifying 'benefits'. This confirms that attitudes have changed in recent years. Therefore, the answer is YES.

7. Question 33

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Bilingual people are better than monolingual people at guessing correctly what words are before they are finished.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement concerns the ability to guess words before they are finished and whether bilinguals are better at this than monolinguals. Paragraph B discusses how the brain starts guessing words ('begins to guess what that word might be') before the word is fully heard, and how this activation applies to both languages for bilinguals. However, the passage does not compare the accuracy or speed of this 'guessing' process between bilingual and monolingual people. It focuses on the fact that bilinguals activate words in both languages, but not on whether they are inherently better at the *correct* guessing part before completion. Therefore, this specific comparison is not made, and the information is NOT GIVEN.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Bilingual people consistently name images faster than monolingual people.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly, and can increase ‘tip-of-the-tongue states’, when you can almost, but not quite, bring a word to mind.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that bilingual people consistently name images faster than monolingual people. Paragraph C discusses potential difficulties of bilingualism. The second sentence states, 'For instance, knowing more than one language can cause speakers to name pictures more slowly...'. This directly contradicts the statement that bilingual people name images *faster*. Therefore, the answer is NO.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Bilingual people’s brains process single sounds more efficiently than monolingual People in all situations.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   When monolingual and bilingual adolescents listen to simple speech sounds without any intervening background noise, they show highly similar brain stem responses.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that bilingual brains process single sounds more efficiently than monolingual brains in *all* situations. Paragraph D compares how monolingual and bilingual adolescents process sounds. The second sentence states that when listening to simple speech sounds *without any intervening background noise*, they show 'highly similar brain stem responses'. This means they are not more efficient in *this* specific situation. The third sentence mentions better processing only 'in the presence of background noise'. Since they are not more efficient in situations *without* background noise, the statement that they are more efficient in *all* situations is false. Therefore, the answer is NO.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Fewer bilingual people than monolingual people suffer from brain disease in old age.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    In a study of over 200 patients with Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease, bilingual patients reported showing initial symptoms of the disease an average of five years later than monolingual patients.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that fewer bilingual people *suffer* from brain disease (like Alzheimer's) in old age compared to monolinguals. Paragraph F discusses the effects of bilingualism on aging and brain health, specifically mentioning Alzheimer's disease. It states that bilingual patients reported showing initial *symptoms* later than monolingual patients. It also mentions that bilinguals' brains *had more physical signs of disease* than monolinguals matched for symptom severity. The passage discusses when symptoms appear and the physical state of the brain once affected, but it does not provide data or claims about the *incidence* or *prevalence* (how many people suffer from/get) brain disease in the bilingual vs. monolingual populations. Therefore, whether fewer bilingual people *suffer* from the disease is not mentioned. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

11. Question 37

    Matching information

    Question

    an example of how bilingual and monolingual people’s brains respond differently to a certain type of non-verbal auditory input

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    When monolingual and bilingual adolescents listen to simple speech sounds without any intervening background noise, they show highly similar brain stem responses.

    Explanation

    The question asks for an example of different brain responses to auditory input between bilinguals and monolinguals. The correct answer is Section D. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph of the passage. This paragraph describes a study comparing monolingual and bilingual adolescents listening to speech sounds. It explicitly states that their brain responses are 'highly similar' without noise, but 'considerably larger' for bilinguals *in the presence of background noise*. This provides a specific example of different neural responses depending on the conditions, which qualifies as responding differently to auditory input.

12. Question 38

    Matching information

    Question

    a demonstration of how a bilingual upbringing has benefits even before we learn to speak

    Answer

    G

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    In one study, researchers taught seven-month-old babies growing up in monolingual or bilingual homes that when they heard a tinkling sound, a puppet appeared on one side of a screen.

    Explanation

    The question asks for a demonstration of benefits from a bilingual upbringing before learning to speak. The correct answer is Section G. Section G corresponds to the seventh paragraph. This paragraph begins by stating that benefits 'seem to start very early' and describes a study on 'seven-month-old babies' (who are pre-verbal). The study involved teaching them a rule and then changing it. The paragraph concludes by saying, 'only the bilingual babies were able to successfully learn the new rule', demonstrating a cognitive advantage at this very young age. This serves as a demonstration of benefits before language acquisition.

13. Question 39

    Matching information

    Question

    a description of the process by which people identify words that they hear

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    When we hear a word, we don’t hear the entire word all at once: the sounds arrive in sequential order.

    Explanation

    The question asks for a description of how people identify spoken words. The correct answer is Section B. Section B corresponds to the second paragraph. This paragraph describes the word recognition process, explaining that sounds arrive sequentially, the brain guesses the word before it's finished, and gives an example with the word 'can'. It then explains how this process works for bilingual people (language co-activation). This entire paragraph provides a detailed description of the process of identifying spoken words.

14. Question 40

    Matching information

    Question

    reference to some negative consequences of being bilingual

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Having to deal with this persistent linguistic competition can result in difficulties, however.

    Explanation

    The question asks for a reference to negative consequences of bilingualism. The correct answer is Section C. Section C corresponds to the third paragraph. This paragraph begins with the sentence, 'Having to deal with this persistent linguistic competition can result in difficulties, however.' This introduces potential negative consequences. The following sentence provides specific examples: naming pictures more slowly and experiencing more 'tip-of-the-tongue states'. These are clearly presented as difficulties or negative consequences. The rest of the paragraph focuses on advantages in conflict management, but these initial sentences address negative aspects.