Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Reading Test 4: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The History of Glass

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   Early humans used a material called ______ to make the sharp points of their …

   Answer

   obsidian

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Historians have discovered that a type of natural glass – obsidian – formed in places such as the mouth of a volcano as a result of the intense heat of an eruption melting sand – was first used as tips for spears.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the material early humans used for the sharp points of their spears. The second sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Historians have discovered that a type of natural glass - obsidian - formed in places such as the mouth of a volcano as a result of the intense heat of an eruption melting sand - was first used as tips for spears.' This directly answers the question, identifying 'obsidian' as the material. The answer 'obsidian' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   Early humans used a material called … to make the sharp points of their ______

   Answer

   spears

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Historians have discovered that a type of natural glass – obsidian – formed in places such as the mouth of a volcano as a result of the intense heat of an eruption melting sand – was first used as tips for spears.

   Explanation

   The question asks what early humans made the sharp points of, using obsidian. The second sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Historians have discovered that a type of natural glass - obsidian - formed in places such as the mouth of a volcano as a result of the intense heat of an eruption melting sand - was first used as tips for spears.' This sentence explicitly links obsidian to being used as 'tips for spears'. The answer 'spears' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The question is structured to require the object whose sharp points were made from obsidian.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   4000 BC: ______ made of stone were covered in a coating of man-made glass.

   Answer

   beads

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Archaeologists have even found evidence of man-made glass which dates back to 4000 BC; this took the form of glazes used for coating stone beads.

   Explanation

   The question asks what stone objects were covered in man-made glass around 4000 BC. The third sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Archaeologists have even found evidence of man-made glass which dates back to 4000 BC; this took the form of glazes used for coating stone beads.' This sentence directly mentions 'stone beads' being coated with 'glazes' (a form of man-made glass). The answer 'beads' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   First century BC: glass was coloured because of the ______ in the material.

   Answer

   impurities

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The glass made during this time was highly coloured due to the impurities of the raw material.

   Explanation

   The question asks why glass from the first century BC was coloured. The second sentence of the second paragraph states: 'The glass made during this time was highly coloured due to the impurities of the raw material.' This sentence clearly attributes the colouration to 'impurities'. The answer 'impurities' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   Until 476 AD: Only the ______ knew how to make glass.

   Answer

   Romans

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The secret of glass making was taken across Europe by the Romans during this century.

   Explanation

   The question asks who exclusively possessed the knowledge of glass making until 476 AD. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph mentions the Romans took the secret of glass making across Europe in the first century AD. The following sentence states: 'However, they guarded the skills and technology required to make glass very closely, and it was not until their empire collapsed in 476 AD that glass-making knowledge became widespread throughout Europe and the Middle East.' This implies that until their empire collapsed in 476 AD, the Romans kept this knowledge guarded and didn't share it widely, meaning they were effectively the only ones who 'knew how to make glass' in a widespread sense across Europe. The answer 'Romans' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   17th century: George Ravenscroft developed a process using ______ to avoid the occurrence of … in blown glass.

   Answer

   lead

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   He attempted to counter the effect of clouding that sometimes occurred in blown glass by introducing lead to the raw materials used in the process.

   Explanation

   The question asks what material George Ravenscroft used in a process to prevent clouding in blown glass. The second sentence of the third paragraph states: 'He attempted to counter the effect of clouding that sometimes occurred in blown glass by introducing lead to the raw materials used in the process.' This sentence clearly indicates that he introduced 'lead' for this purpose. The answer 'lead' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 7

   Note completion

   Question

   17th century: George Ravenscroft developed a process using … to avoid the occurrence of ______ in blown glass.

   Answer

   clouding

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   He attempted to counter the effect of clouding that sometimes occurred in blown glass by introducing lead to the raw materials used in the process.

   Explanation

   The question asks what problem George Ravenscroft tried to avoid in blown glass using lead. The second sentence of the third paragraph states: 'He attempted to counter the effect of clouding that sometimes occurred in blown glass by introducing lead to the raw materials used in the process.' This sentence explicitly names 'clouding' as the effect he attempted to counter. The answer 'clouding' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

8. Question 8

   Note completion

   Question

   Mid-19th century: British glass production developed after changes to laws concerning ______

   Answer

   taxes

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   In Britain, the modern glass industry only really started to develop after the repeal of the Excise Act in 1845.

   Explanation

   The question asks what laws British glass production developed after changes to in the mid-19th century. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph states that the industry developed after the repeal of the Excise Act in 1845 (mid-19th century). The following sentence explains what the Excise Act involved: 'Before that time, heavy taxes had been placed on the amount of glass melted in a glasshouse, and were levied continuously from 1745 to 1845.' This indicates that the laws concerned 'taxes'. The answer 'taxes' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   In 1887, HM Ashley had the fastest bottle-producing machine that existed at the time.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   From 1887 onwards, glass making developed from traditional mouth-blowing to a semi-automatic process, after factory-owner HM Ashley introduced a machine capable of producing 200 bottles per hour in Castleford, Yorkshire, England – more than three times quicker than any previous production method.

   Explanation

   The statement claims HM Ashley had the fastest bottle-producing machine in 1887. The first sentence of the fifth paragraph says: 'From 1887 onwards, glass making developed from traditional mouth-blowing to a semi-automatic process, after factory-owner HM Ashley introduced a machine capable of producing 200 bottles per hour in Castleford, Yorkshire, England - more than three times quicker than any previous production method.' The phrase 'more than three times quicker than any previous production method' confirms that Ashley's machine was the fastest method available at that time. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Michael Owens was hired by a large US company to design a fully-automated bottle manufacturing machine for them.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    Then in 1907, the first fully automated machine was developed in the USA by Michael Owens – founder of the Owens Bottle Machine Company (later the major manufacturers Owens-Illinois) – and installed in its factory.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Michael Owens was hired by a large US company to design a machine. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph says: 'Then in 1907, the first fully automated machine was developed in the USA by Michael Owens - founder of the Owens Bottle Machine Company (later the major manufacturers Owens-Illinois) - and installed in its factory.' This states that Michael Owens was the 'founder of the Owens Bottle Machine Company'. This contradicts the idea that he was 'hired by' a company; he founded his own company and developed the machine for it. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Nowadays, most glass is produced by large international manufacturers.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    It has become a modern, hi-tech industry operating in a fiercely competitive global market where quality, design and service levels are critical to maintaining market share.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that most glass is produced by large international manufacturers today. The sixth paragraph discusses the modern glass industry, mentioning it operates in a 'fiercely competitive global market' and that 'Modern glass plants are capable of making millions of glass containers'. This indicates large-scale production and global reach, suggesting the involvement of large or international companies. However, the passage does not state that 'most' glass is produced by them, nor does it specify the exact proportion or size of manufacturers. It only describes the characteristics of the modern market and plants. Therefore, the information to confirm whether 'most' glass is produced by large international manufacturers is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Concern for the environment is leading to an increased demand for glass containers.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Glass is an ideal material for recycling, and with growing consumer concern for green issues, glass bottles and jars are becoming ever more popular.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that environmental concern is increasing the demand for glass containers. The first sentence of the seventh paragraph states: 'Glass is an ideal material for recycling, and with growing consumer concern for green issues, glass bottles and jars are becoming ever more popular.' 'Growing consumer concern for green issues' is a direct paraphrase of 'Concern for the environment', and 'becoming ever more popular' indicates 'increased demand' for 'glass bottles and jars' (glass containers). This sentence directly supports the statement. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    It is more expensive to produce recycled glass than to manufacture new glass.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    As less energy is needed to melt recycled glass than to melt down raw materials, this also saves fuel and production costs.

    Explanation

    The statement claims it is more expensive to produce recycled glass than new glass. The fourth sentence of the seventh paragraph states: 'As less energy is needed to melt recycled glass than to melt down raw materials, this also saves fuel and production costs.' 'Saves fuel and production costs' means that it is cheaper to use recycled glass because less energy is needed, resulting in lower costs. This directly contradicts the statement that it is 'more expensive'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Bring back the big cats

1. Question 14

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What did the 2006 discovery of the animal bone reveal about the lynx?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Until this discovery, the lynx – a large spotted cat with tasselled ears – was presumed to have died out in Britain at least 6,000 years ago, before the inhabitants of these islands took up farming.

   Explanation

   The passage states in the first paragraph that before the 2006 discovery, the lynx was thought to have died out at least 6,000 years ago (sentence 4). However, the discovery of the bone dating from around 598 AD (sentences 3 and 4) suggests the lynx (identified with the 'llewyn') was present much later. The final sentence of the paragraph explicitly states that this evidence 'would bring forward the tassel-eared cat's estimated extinction date by roughly 5,000 years' (sentence 6). This means the lynx survived for approximately 5,000 years longer than previously believed, aligning with option D.

2. Question 15

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does the writer make about large predators in the third paragraph?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   One of the most striking findings of modern ecology is that ecosystems without large predators behave in completely different ways from those that retain them.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the writer's point regarding large predators in the third paragraph. The paragraph defines rewilding, emphasizing bringing back missing species, especially large predators. The fifth sentence of this paragraph states that large predators 'drive dynamic processes that... creating niches for hundreds of species that might otherwise struggle to survive.' Creating 'niches for hundreds of species' directly indicates that their presence can increase or support biodiversity. Option A aligns with this statement.

3. Question 16

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the writer suggest about British conservation in the fourth paragraph?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   It has tried to preserve the living world as if it were a jar of pickles, letting nothing in and nothing out, keeping nature in a state of arrested development.

   Explanation

   The fourth paragraph critiques British conservation efforts. The writer describes them as trying to preserve nature 'as if it were a jar of pickles' (sentence 2), keeping it in 'a state of arrested development'. This is contrasted with the reality that ecosystems are 'dynamic and ever-shifting relationships' (sentence 3), implying that the static, preservation-focused approach is fundamentally flawed or 'misguided'.

4. Question 17

   Multiple choice

   Question

   Protecting large areas of the sea from commercial fishing would result in

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   This policy would also greatly boost catches in the surrounding seas; the fishing industry’s insistence on scouring every inch of seabed, leaving no breeding reserves, could not be more damaging to its own interests.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the consequence of protecting large areas of the sea from commercial fishing, according to the passage. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph explicitly states that 'This policy would also greatly boost catches in the surrounding seas' and contrasts it with the current damaging practices of the fishing industry. 'Boosting catches' is a direct practical benefit for the fishing industry, making option A correct.

5. Question 18

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the author, what distinguishes rewilding from other environmental campaigns?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   One of the reasons why the enthusiasm for rewilding is spreading so quickly in Britain is that it helps to create a more inspiring vision than the green movement’s usual promise of ‘Follow us and the world will be slightly less awful than it would otherwise have been.’

   Explanation

   The sixth paragraph discusses what makes rewilding stand out. The second sentence states that the enthusiasm for rewilding is spreading because it 'helps to create a more inspiring vision' compared to the 'green movement's usual promise of \'Follow us and the world will be slightly less awful...\''. The phrase 'more inspiring vision' clearly relates to having a 'positive message' that is 'more appealing' than a less negative one.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   While there is no evidence that the lynx has ever put ______ in danger, it would reduce the numbers of certain … whose populations have increased enormously in recent decades.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   The lynx presents no threat to human beings: there is no known instance of one preying on people.

   Explanation

   The summary states there's no evidence the lynx has put '__________.. in danger'. The first sentence of the seventh paragraph says, 'The lynx presents no threat to human beings: there is no known instance of one preying on people.' This directly matches the idea that humans are not put in danger by the lynx. Therefore, 'humans' is the correct option.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   While there is no evidence that the lynx has ever put … in danger, it would reduce the numbers of certain ______ whose populations have increased enormously in recent decades.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   It is a specialist predator of roe deer, a species that has exploded in Britain in recent decades, holding back, by intensive browsing, attempts to re-establish forests.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that the lynx 'would reduce the numbers of certain __________.. whose populations have increased enormously in recent decades.' The second sentence of the seventh paragraph mentions the lynx is a predator of 'roe deer, a species that has exploded in Britain in recent decades' (sentence 2). The third sentence adds that it preys on 'sika deer: an exotic species that is almost impossible for human beings to control' (sentence 3). Roe deer and sika deer are specific examples of 'wild animals'. Their populations have increased ('exploded') or are hard to control, fitting the description in the summary. Option D, 'wild animals', is the best fit as a general category for these examples.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   It would present only a minimal threat to ______, provided these were kept away from lynx habitats.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   The lynx requires deep cover, and as such presents little risk to sheep and other livestock, which are supposed, as a condition of farm subsidies, to be kept out of the woods.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states the lynx would be 'only a minimal threat to __________.., provided these were kept away from lynx habitats.' The fifth sentence of the seventh paragraph says the lynx 'presents little risk to sheep and other livestock, which are supposed... to be kept out of the woods.' Sheep and livestock are examples of 'farm animals'. The condition of keeping them out of woods (lynx habitats) is also mentioned. Therefore, 'farm animals' is the correct option.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   Furthermore, the reintroduction programme would also link efficiently with initiatives to return native ______ to certain areas of the country.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   The attempt to reintroduce this predator marries well with the aim of bringing forests back to parts of our bare and barren uplands.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states the reintroduction programme links with initiatives to return native '__________ to certain areas of the country.' The fourth sentence of the seventh paragraph says 'The attempt to reintroduce this predator marries well with the aim of bringing forests back to parts of our bare and barren uplands.' Bringing forests back involves returning native 'trees'. The following sentence adds that the lynx 'requires deep cover', reinforcing the link between lynx habitat and forests/trees. Option A, 'trees', fits this context.

10. Question 23

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Britain could become the first European country to reintroduce the lynx.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    There is nothing extraordinary about these proposals, seen from the perspective of anywhere else in Europe.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Britain could be the *first* European country to reintroduce the lynx. The eighth paragraph discusses reintroductions in Europe. The fourth sentence explicitly states, 'The lynx has now been reintroduced to the Jura Mountains, the Alps, the Vosges in eastern France and the Harz mountains in Germany, and has re-established itself in many more places.' This lists several other European locations where reintroductions have *already* happened, proving that Britain would not be the first. Therefore, the statement is contradicted by the passage.

11. Question 24

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The large growth in the European lynx population since 1970 has exceeded conservationists’ expectations.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The statement claims the growth in the European lynx population since 1970 has exceeded conservationists' expectations. The passage does state that the European population has 'tripled since 1970 to roughly 10,000' (sentence 5 of paragraph 8), indicating large growth. However, it provides no information about what conservationists' expectations were for this growth. Without knowing their expectations, it's impossible to determine if the actual growth exceeded them. Therefore, the information needed to verify or refute the statement is not present.

12. Question 25

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Changes in agricultural practices have extended the habitat of the lynx in Europe.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    As with wolves, bears, beavers, boar, bison, moose and many other species, the lynx has been able to spread as farming has left the hills and people discover that it is more lucrative to protect charismatic wildlife than to hunt it, as tourists will pay for the chance to see it.

    Explanation

    The writer explains that lynx numbers across Europe have tripled since 1970, partly because farming has left the hills. Fewer farms in upland areas leave room for the animal to spread, so a change in agricultural practice has widened its habitat. The statement matches the writer's claim, giving YES.

13. Question 26

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It has become apparent that species reintroduction has commercial advantages.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    As with wolves, bears, beavers, boar, bison, moose and many other species, the lynx has been able to spread as farming has left the hills and people discover that it is more lucrative to protect charismatic wildlife than to hunt it, as tourists will pay for the chance to see it.

    Explanation

    Reintroduced wildlife can earn money: people find it more lucrative to protect charismatic species than to hunt them, because tourists pay to see them. The writer presents this as something now discovered, so commercial benefit is clearly claimed. The answer is YES.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 UK companies need more effective boards of directors

1. Question 27

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Governments, regulators, central banks and auditors have all been in the frame.

   Explanation

   Section A discusses the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis and the search for who was responsible. The fourth sentence explicitly states, 'Governments, regulators, central banks and auditors have all been in the frame.' The fifth sentence then highlights the widely publicised failures of bank directors and management. This directly aligns with Heading iv, which talks about 'Many external bodies being held responsible for problems'. The section identifies several different groups ('external bodies') and implies they are considered culpable ('in the frame', 'failures have been extensively picked over').

2. Question 28

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   The knock-on effect of this scrutiny has been to make the governance of companies in general an issue of intense public debate and has significantly increased the pressures on, and the responsibilities of, directors.

   Explanation

   Section B describes what followed the public debate on governance: directors now face more pressure, more meetings and heavier reading. The company is effectively under a microscope, and the effects fall on how it functions. That is the heading about the impact of close examination, not one about external blame.

3. Question 29

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Often, board business is devolved to committees in order to cope with the workload, which may be more efficient but can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues.

   Explanation

   Section C discusses the practice of devolving board business to committees to manage the workload (first sentence). It explicitly states that this 'can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues' (first sentence). This directly describes 'A risk that not all directors' (the 'board as a whole' being less involved) 'take part in solving major problems' ('fully addressing some of the most important issues'). The third sentence reinforces this by saying 'Process may take the place of discussion... so that boxes are ticked rather than issues tackled,' implying that complex problems might not be properly dealt with by the full board.

4. Question 30

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   A radical solution, which may work for some very large companies whose businesses are extensive and complex, is the professional board, whose members would work up to three or four days a week, supported by their own dedicated staff and advisers.

   Explanation

   Section D introduces 'A radical solution' (first sentence) which is the concept of a 'professional board' whose members would work more extensively. It describes this as a way the board could operate differently and contrasts it with the classic model mentioned earlier. This clearly represents 'A proposal to change the way the board operates'. The rest of the section discusses the implications, risks, and suitability of this proposed change.

5. Question 31

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   One of the main criticisms of boards and their directors is that they do not focus sufficiently on longer-term matters of strategy, sustainability and governance, but instead concentrate too much on short-term financial metrics.

   Explanation

   Section E explicitly states that one of the main criticisms of boards is that they 'do not focus sufficiently on longer-term matters of strategy, sustainability and governance, but instead concentrate too much on short-term financial metrics' (first sentence). It discusses how 'The tyranny of quarterly reporting can distort board decision-making' (third sentence) and how management is incentivised to meet 'financial goals' (sixth sentence). This entire section details how boards and management are driven by short-term considerations, which is the core idea of 'Boards not looking far enough ahead' (i.e., beyond the short term).

6. Question 32

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Compensation for chief executives has become a combat zone where pitched battles between investors, management and board members are fought, often behind closed doors but increasingly frequently in the full glare of press attention.

   Explanation

   Section F is about the argument over chief executive pay, described as a combat zone between investors, management and board members. Shareholders vote down pay policies and a committee chair resigns over a bonus. All of this concerns disputes about senior managers' money, matching heading i.

7. Question 33

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Boards of companies in all sectors will need to widen their perspective to encompass these issues and this may involve a realignment of corporate goals.

   Explanation

   The closing section widens the picture to ethics and trust in business, and warns that boards in every sector must broaden their outlook, possibly changing corporate goals. A call for deep change across all areas of business fits heading iii better than the narrower headings about boards or pay.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Close scrutiny of the behaviour of boards has increased since the economic downturn.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   The knock-on effect of this scrutiny has been to make the governance of companies in general an issue of intense public debate and has significantly increased the pressures on, and the responsibilities of, directors.

   Explanation

   After the 2008 crash, the way companies are run became a matter of intense public debate, and directors faced greater pressure. Close attention to board behaviour has therefore grown since the downturn, which agrees with the writer's claim, so the answer is YES.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Banks have been mismanaged to a greater extent than other businesses.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   The role of bank directors and management and their widely publicised failures have been extensively picked over and examined in reports, inquiries and commentaries.

   Explanation

   Bank directors are said to have been examined at length, and part-time directors at banks lacked information. But the writer never compares banks with other businesses or says they were managed worse. Without a comparison, we cannot say what the writer thinks, so the answer is NOT GIVEN.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Board meetings normally continue for as long as necessary to debate matters in full.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    Agendas can become overloaded and this can mean the time for constructive debate must necessarily be restricted in favour of getting through the business.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that board meetings normally continue until matters are debated in full. The passage explicitly contradicts this in the fifth sentence of Section B: 'Agendas can become overloaded and this can mean the time for constructive debate must necessarily be restricted in favour of getting through the business.' This indicates that debate time is limited ('restricted') because of overloaded agendas, preventing matters from being debated 'in full'. Therefore, the statement is false.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Using a committee structure would ensure that board members are fully informed about significant issues.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Often, board business is devolved to committees in order to cope with the workload, which may be more efficient but can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that using a committee structure *would ensure* that board members are fully informed about significant issues. The first sentence of Section C discusses using committees to cope with workload and states this 'may be more efficient but can mean that the board as a whole is less involved in fully addressing some of the most important issues'. This directly contradicts the idea that committees *ensure* full information or involvement for the *entire* board on significant issues. The passage suggests the opposite risk.

12. Question 38

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Before 2008, non-executive directors were at a disadvantage because of their lack of ______

    Answer

    information

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    However, more professional and better-informed boards would have been particularly appropriate for banks where the executives had access to information that part-time non-executive directors lacked, leaving the latter unable to comprehend or anticipate the 2008 crash.

    Explanation

    The question asks what non-executive directors lacked before 2008, putting them at a disadvantage. The fourth sentence of Section D, discussing why professional boards would have been appropriate for banks, states: 'However, more professional and better-informed boards would have been particularly appropriate for banks where the executives had access to information that part-time non-executive directors lacked, leaving the latter unable to comprehend or anticipate the 2008 crash.' This directly identifies that non-executive directors 'lacked' 'information'. The answer 'information' is one word, fitting the limit.

13. Question 39

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Boards tend to place too much emphasis on ______ considerations that are only of short-term relevance.

    Answer

    financial

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    One of the main criticisms of boards and their directors is that they do not focus sufficiently on longer-term matters of strategy, sustainability and governance, but instead concentrate too much on short-term financial metrics.

    Explanation

    The question states that boards focus too much on considerations that are only of short-term relevance. The first sentence of Section E mentions that a main criticism is that boards 'do not focus sufficiently on longer-term matters... but instead concentrate too much on short-term financial metrics.' The third sentence refers to 'short-term financial gain' related to quarterly reporting. Both sentences use the word 'financial' in relation to 'short-term' considerations. Therefore, the answer is 'financial'. This is one word, fitting the limit.

14. Question 40

    Sentence completion

    Question

    On certain matters, such as pay, the board may have to accept the views of ______

    Answer

    shareholders/investors

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    Their powers to vote down executive remuneration policies increased when binding votes came into force.

    Explanation

    On pay, shareholders use their muscle to pressure boards, and they can now vote down executive remuneration policies. Because those votes are binding, the board must accept what investors decide. The gap needs the people with that power, which the passage calls shareholders.