Cambridge IELTS 13 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The coconut palm

1. Question 1

   Table completion

   Question

   timber for houses and the making of ______

   Answer

   furniture

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   This is an important source of timber for building houses, and is increasingly being used as a replacement for endangered hardwoods in the furniture construction industry.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the other use of the trunk's timber besides building houses. The passage states in the second paragraph that the trunk 'is increasingly being used as a replacement for endangered hardwoods in the furniture construction industry'. This indicates that 'furniture' making is another use. The answer 'furniture' is one word, which fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

2. Question 2

   Table completion

   Question

   stems provide sap, used as a drink or a source of ______

   Answer

   sugar

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The flower stems may be tapped for their sap to produce a drink, and the sap can also be reduced by boiling to produce a type of sugar used for cooking.

   Explanation

   The question note refers to the uses of the sap from the flower stems. The passage states in the second paragraph that the sap 'can also be reduced by boiling to produce a type of sugar used for cooking'. This shows that sugar is produced from the sap. The answer 'sugar' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

3. Question 3

   Table completion

   Question

   used for ______,

   Answer

   ropes

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The thick fibrous middle layer produces coconut fibre, ‘coir’, which has numerous uses and is particularly important in manufacturing ropes.

   Explanation

   The question note asks about the use of the fibrous middle layer, also called coir fibres. The third paragraph states: 'The thick fibrous middle layer produces coconut fibre, ‘coir’, which has numerous uses and is particularly important in manufacturing ropes'. This directly indicates that coir is used for manufacturing ropes. The answer 'ropes' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

4. Question 4

   Table completion

   Question

   a source of ______ (when halved) for …

   Answer

   charcoal

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   An important product obtained from the shell is charcoal, which is widely used in various industries as well as in the home as a cooking fuel.

   Explanation

   The question note refers to the inner layer (shell) as a source of something. The third paragraph states: 'The woody innermost layer, the shell...'. The following sentence says: 'An important product obtained from the shell is charcoal...'. This clearly identifies charcoal as a product from the shell. The answer 'charcoal' is one word, within the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

5. Question 5

   Table completion

   Question

   a source of … (when halved) for ______

   Answer

   bowls

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   When broken in half, the shells are also used as bowls in many parts of Asia.

   Explanation

   This note asks about the use of the shells when broken in half. The final sentence of the third paragraph states: 'When broken in half, the shells are also used as bowls in many parts of Asia'. This directly answers the question. The answer 'bowls' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

6. Question 6

   Table completion

   Question

   a drink a source of ______ for other plants

   Answer

   hormones

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Initially, the endosperm is a sweetish liquid, coconut water, which is enjoyed as a drink, but also provides the hormones which encourage other plants to grow more rapidly and produce higher yields.

   Explanation

   The question note asks what coconut water is a source of for other plants. The fourth paragraph states that coconut water 'is enjoyed as a drink, but also provides the hormones which encourage other plants to grow more rapidly and produce higher yields'. This indicates that coconut water provides 'hormones' for other plants. The answer 'hormones' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 7

   Table completion

   Question

   oil and milk for cooking and ______ glycerine (an ingredient in …)

   Answer

   cosmetics

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Dried coconut flesh, ‘copra’, is made into coconut oil and coconut milk, which are widely used in cooking in different parts of the world, as well as in cosmetics.

   Explanation

   The question note asks about the uses of oil and milk made from coconut flesh, besides cooking. The fourth paragraph states: 'Dried coconut flesh, ‘copra’, is made into coconut oil and coconut milk, which are widely used in cooking in different parts of the world, as well as in cosmetics'. This shows that cosmetics is another use. The answer 'cosmetics' is one word, within the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

8. Question 8

   Table completion

   Question

   oil and milk for cooking and … glycerine (an ingredient in ______)

   Answer

   dynamite

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   A derivative of coconut fat, glycerine, acquired strategic importance in a quite different sphere, as Alfred Nobel introduced the world to his nitroglycerine-based invention: dynamite.

   Explanation

   The question note asks what glycerine (a derivative of coconut fat) is an ingredient in. The final sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'A derivative of coconut fat, glycerine, acquired strategic importance in a quite different sphere, as Alfred Nobel introduced the world to his nitroglycerine-based invention: dynamite'. This shows that glycerine is an ingredient in dynamite. The answer 'dynamite' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Coconut seeds need shade in order to germinate.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Literally cast onto desert island shores, with little more than sand to grow in and exposed to the full glare of the tropical sun, coconut seeds are able to germinate and root.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that coconut seeds need shade to germinate. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, describes how coconut seeds are able to germinate when they are 'exposed to the full glare of the tropical sun'. This directly contradicts the idea that they need shade. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Coconuts were probably transported to Asia from America in the 16th century.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    16th century trade and human migration patterns reveal that Arab traders and European sailors are likely to have moved coconuts from South and Southeast Asia to Africa and then across the Atlantic to the east coast of America.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests coconuts were transported from America to Asia in the 16th century. The passage, in the sixth paragraph, discusses the origin and dispersal of coconuts. It states: '16th century trade and human migration patterns reveal that Arab traders and European sailors are likely to have moved coconuts from South and Southeast Asia to Africa and then across the Atlantic to the east coast of America.' This shows movement *from* Asia *to* America, the opposite direction stated in the question. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Coconuts found on the west coast of America were a different type from those found on the east coast.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    But the origin of coconuts discovered along the west coast of America by 16th century sailors has been the subject of centuries of discussion.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the coconuts on the west coast of America were a different type from those on the east coast. The passage, in the sixth paragraph, discusses the debated origin of coconuts on the west coast of America (sentence 4). It contrasts this with the likely origin of those on the east coast (sentence 3). However, while it discusses the *origin* and *debate* surrounding the west coast coconuts, it never states whether the *type* of coconut found on the west coast was different from the *type* found on the east coast. This specific comparison of coconut types is not present in the text. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    All the coconuts found in Asia are cultivated varieties.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    In Asia, there is a large degree of coconut diversity and evidence of millennia of human use – but there are no relatives growing in the wild.

    Explanation

    The statement says that all coconuts found in Asia are cultivated varieties. The passage, in the sixth paragraph, discusses the origin of coconuts and mentions evidence in Asia: 'In Asia, there is a large degree of coconut diversity and evidence of millennia of human use – but there are no relatives growing in the wild.' The phrase 'no relatives growing in the wild' implies that the coconuts found there are not naturally wild plants, but rather those that have been used and presumably cultivated by humans for millennia, which aligns with them being cultivated varieties. This supports the idea that the coconuts found there are a result of human use rather than natural wild growth.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Coconuts are cultivated in different ways in America and the Pacific.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    These problems have led to the intriguing suggestion that coconuts originated on coral islands in the Pacific and were dispersed from there.

    Explanation

    The discussion of America and the Pacific concerns where coconuts originally came from: some say Asia, some say America, and one idea proposes Pacific coral islands. The passage compares the evidence for each origin, such as wild relatives and signs of human use, but never describes how coconuts are grown or farmed in either region. A claim about different cultivation methods is therefore not covered, which gives NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 How baby talk gives infant brains a boost

1. Question 14

   Matching features

   Question

   the importance of adults giving babies individual attention when talking to them

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘We also found that it really matters whether you use baby talk in a one-on-one context,’ she adds.

   Explanation

   The statement concerns the importance of adults giving babies individual attention. In paragraph D, the fifth sentence quotes Nairán Ramirez-Esparza as saying: '‘We also found that it really matters whether you use baby talk in a one-on-one context.’' The following sentence adds, 'The more parents use baby talk one-on-one, the more babies babble...'. This directly links the concept of 'one-on-one context' (individual attention) to positive outcomes for babies, attributing this finding to Ramirez-Esparza.

2. Question 15

   Matching features

   Question

   the connection between what babies hear and their own efforts to create speech

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   The results suggest that listening to baby talk prompts infant brains to start practicing their language skills.

   Explanation

   Section F describes the one study that watched babies' brains: infants heard syllables while a scanner recorded the area that controls the movements of speech. It concluded that listening prompts the brain to begin practising talking back. That joins what is heard to the baby's own attempts at speech, which is Kuhl's research. B is tempting because of babbling, but that work counts babbling and later vocabulary, not brain activity during listening.

3. Question 16

   Matching features

   Question

   the advantage for the baby of having two parents each speaking in a different way

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice,’ says VanDam.

   Explanation

   The statement asks about the benefit to the baby of having two parents speak differently. In paragraph C, Mark VanDam discusses his research comparing mothers' and fathers' baby talk. The final sentence of this paragraph quotes VanDam explaining the 'bridge hypothesis': '‘The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice,’ says VanDam.' This directly states the advantage ('wider repertoire') of hearing different types of speech from each parent.

4. Question 17

   Matching features

   Question

   the connection between the amount of baby talk babies hear and how much vocalising they do themselves

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The study found that the more baby talk parents used, the more their youngsters began to babble.

   Explanation

   The statement concerns the relationship between the quantity of baby talk a baby hears and their own vocal output. In paragraph D, the second sentence states: 'The study found that the more baby talk parents used, the more their youngsters began to babble.' The sixth sentence, attributed to Nairán Ramirez-Esparza, further reinforces this: '‘The more parents use baby talk one-on-one, the more babies babble...’'. This direct correlation between the amount of baby talk heard and the amount of babbling/vocalising done by the baby is presented as a finding of the study discussed by Ramirez-Esparza.

5. Question 18

   Summary completion

   Question

   Researchers at Washington State University used ______, together with specialised computer programs, to analyse how parents interacted with their babies during a normal day.

   Answer

   recording devices

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Mark VanDam of Washington State University at Spokane and colleagues equipped parents with recording devices and speech-recognition software to study the way they interacted with their youngsters during a normal day.

   Explanation

   The note asks what researchers at Washington State University used along with specialised computer programs. Paragraph C discusses research at Washington State University led by Mark VanDam. The second sentence states: 'Mark VanDam of Washington State University at Spokane and colleagues equipped parents with recording devices and speech-recognition software...'. 'Speech-recognition software' corresponds to 'specialised computer programs'. The word missing from the blank is 'recording devices'. This fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   The study revealed that ______ tended not to modify their ordinary speech patterns when interacting with their babies.

   Answer

   fathers / dads

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘But we found that dads aren’t doing the same thing.

   Explanation

   The note asks which group tended not to change their normal speech. Paragraph C, discussing the Washington State University study, notes that mothers acted as expected (implying they used baby talk), but the fourth sentence states: '‘But we found that dads aren’t doing the same thing.' The fifth sentence clarifies: 'Dads didn’t raise their pitch or fundamental frequency when they talked to kids.’' This shows that 'dads' (fathers) did not modify their speech patterns in the typical baby talk way. 'fathers' is one word and fits the blank.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to an idea known as the ______, they may use a more adult type of speech to prepare infants for the language they will hear outside the family home.

   Answer

   bridge hypothesis

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Their role may be rooted in what is called the bridge hypothesis, which dates back to 1975.

   Explanation

   The note describes a concept explaining why fathers might use a more adult type of speech. Paragraph C, after discussing fathers' speech patterns, introduces a concept in the sixth sentence: 'Their role may be rooted in what is called the bridge hypothesis, which dates back to 1975.' The following sentence explains that this hypothesis suggests fathers use less familial language to provide a 'bridge' to public speech. This explanation perfectly matches the description in the note. The name of the idea is 'bridge hypothesis'. This fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to the researchers, hearing baby talk from one parent and ‘normal’ language from the other expands the baby’s ______ of types of speech which they can practise.

   Answer

   repertoire

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice,’ says VanDam.

   Explanation

   The note asks what is expanded for the baby by hearing different speech types from each parent. The final sentence of Paragraph C quotes Mark VanDam again, summarising the bridge hypothesis: '‘The idea is that a kid gets to practice a certain kind of speech with mom and another kind of speech with dad, so the kid then has a wider repertoire of kinds of speech to practice...’'. The phrase 'wider repertoire of kinds of speech' directly corresponds to 'expands the baby’s __________ of types of speech'. The missing word is 'repertoire'. This is one word and fits the limit.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   Meanwhile, another study carried out by scientists from the University of Washington and the University of Connecticut recorded speech and sound using special ______ that the babies were equipped with.

   Answer

   (audio-recording) vests

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Scientists from the University of Washington and the University of Connecticut collected thousands of 30-second conversations between parents and their babies, fitting 26 children with audio-recording vests that captured language and sound during a typical eight-hour day.

   Explanation

   The note transitions to a new study by the University of Washington and the University of Connecticut and asks about the equipment used to record speech and sound. Paragraph D begins by describing this study. The first sentence says scientists from these universities 'fitted 26 children with audio-recording vests that captured language and sound during a typical eight-hour day.' The phrase 'audio-recording vests' directly matches 'special __________ that the babies were equipped with'. This is two words and fits the limit.

10. Question 23

    Summary completion

    Question

    When they studies the babies again at age two, the found that those who had heard a lot of baby talk in infancy had a much larger ______ Than those who had not.

    Answer

    vocabulary

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    And when researchers saw the same babies at age two, they found that frequent baby talk had dramatically boosted vocabulary, regardless of socioeconomic status.

    Explanation

    The note continues describing the University of Washington/Connecticut study, focusing on findings when the babies were two years old. The third sentence of Paragraph D states: 'And when researchers saw the same babies at age two, they found that frequent baby talk had dramatically boosted vocabulary, regardless of socioeconomic status.' This shows that babies exposed to frequent baby talk had a larger 'vocabulary'. The word 'vocabulary' completes the sentence and fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

11. Question 24

    Matching information

    Question

    a reference to a change which occurs in babies’ brain activity before the end of their first year.

    Answer

    F

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘Finding activation in motor areas the baby brain is engaged in trying to talk back right from the start, and suggests that seven-month-olds’ brains are already trying to figure out how to make interesting finding was that while the seven-month-olds responded to all speech sounds regardless of language, the brains of the older infants worked harder at the motor activations of non-native sounds compared to native sounds.

    Explanation

    Section F describes a brain-scanner study with babies of seven months and eleven and a half months. The younger group responded to all speech sounds, while the older babies' brains worked harder on non-native sounds. Both ages are under one year, and this shift in brain activity is what the question wants.

12. Question 25

    Matching information

    Question

    an example of what some parents do for their baby’s benefit before birth

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    Most babies start developing their hearing while still in the womb, prompting some hopeful parents to play classical music to their pregnant bellies.

    Explanation

    The question asks for an example of something parents do for their baby's benefit before birth. Section A corresponds to the first two paragraphs. The second sentence of the first paragraph states: 'Most babies start developing their hearing while still in the womb, prompting some hopeful parents to play classical music to their pregnant bellies.' Playing classical music to a pregnant belly is an action taken by parents specifically for the baby's benefit ('prompting some hopeful parents') before birth ('while still in the womb', 'pregnant bellies').

13. Question 26

    Matching information

    Question

    a mention of babies’ preference for the sounds that other babies make

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    Researchers from McGill University and Université du Québec à Montréal found that babies seem to like listening to each other rather than to adults – which may be why baby talk is such a universal tool among parents.

    Explanation

    The question asks for a mention of babies preferring sounds made by other babies. Section E corresponds to the fifth paragraph. The second sentence states: 'Researchers from McGill University and Université du Québec à Montréal found that babies seem to like listening to each other rather than to adults...'. The sixth sentence, describing the experiment, provides evidence for this preference: 'They found that the ‘infant’ sounds held babies’ attention nearly 40 percent longer.' This section explicitly discusses and provides evidence for babies preferring sounds from other infants.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Whatever happened to the Harappan Civilisation?

1. Question 27

   Matching information

   Question

   proposed explanations for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Some have claimed that major glacier-fed rivers changed their course, dramatically affecting the water supply and agriculture; or that the cities could not cope with an increasing population, they exhausted their resource base, the trading economy broke down or they succumbed to invasion and conflict; and yet others that climate change caused an environmental change that affected food and water provision.

   Explanation

   The question asks which section contains proposed explanations for the decline of the Harappan Civilisation. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure, Section C corresponds to the third paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph lists several potential reasons for the civilisation's decline: 'Some have claimed that major glacier-fed rivers changed their course... or that the cities could not cope with an increasing population, they exhausted their resource base, the trading economy broke down or they succumbed to invasion and conflict; and yet others that climate change caused an environmental change...'. These are all proposed explanations.

2. Question 28

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to a present-day application of some archaeological research findings

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘By investigating responses to environmental pressures and threats, we can learn from the past to engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as the management and administration of water supply, the balance of urban and rural development, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the future.’

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to a present-day application of archaeological research findings. The correct answer is Section H. According to the passage's structure, Section H corresponds to the eighth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence discusses how investigating past societies' responses to environmental change ('archaeological research findings') can help 'engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as the management and administration of water supply, the balance of urban and rural development, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the future.' This describes a present-day application and benefit of the research.

3. Question 29

   Matching information

   Question

   a difference between the Harappan Civilisation and another culture of the same period

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   But their lack of self-imagery – at a time when the Egyptians were carving and painting representations of themselves all over their temples – is only part of the mystery.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a difference between the Harappan Civilisation and another culture from the same period. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure, Section A corresponds to the first paragraph. The third sentence highlights a difference: 'But their lack of self-imagery – at a time when the Egyptians were carving and painting representations of themselves all over their temples – is only part of the mystery.' This contrasts the Harappans' lack of self-depictions with the Egyptians' practice of creating such images during the same era.

4. Question 30

   Matching information

   Question

   a description of some features of Harappan urban design

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘As populations increased, cities were built that had great baths, craft workshops, palaces and halls laid out in distinct sectors.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a description of features of Harappan urban design. The correct answer is Section B. Section B corresponds to the second paragraph. The second and third sentences describe the layout and features of the Harappan cities: 'As populations increased, cities were built that had great baths, craft workshops, palaces and halls laid out in distinct sectors. Houses were arranged in blocks, with wide main streets and narrow alleyways, and many had their own wells and drainage systems.' This provides details of their urban planning and infrastructure.

5. Question 31

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to the discovery of errors made by previous archaeologists

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   When they carried out a survey of how the larger area was settled in relation to sources of water, they found inaccuracies in the published geographic locations of ancient settlements ranging from several hundred metres to many kilometres.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the discovery of errors made by previous archaeologists. The correct answer is Section D. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph. The second sentence states: 'When they carried out a survey of how the larger area was settled in relation to sources of water, they found inaccuracies in the published geographic locations of ancient settlements ranging from several hundred metres to many kilometres.' Finding 'inaccuracies in the published geographic locations' refers to errors made in previous archaeological surveys and publications.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   By collecting the ______ of snails and analysing them, they discovered evidence of a change in water levels in a … in the region.

   Answer

   shells

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   The researchers gathered shells of Melanoides tuberculate snails from the sediments of an ancient lake and used geochemical analysis as a means of tracing the climate history of the region.

   Explanation

   The note summarises the research by Dixit and Hodell on climate change. It asks what part of snails they collected. The second sentence of paragraph E states: 'The researchers gathered shells of Melanoides tuberculate snails from the sediments of an ancient lake and used geochemical analysis as a means of tracing the climate history of the region.' This indicates they collected 'shells'. The blank requires a noun, and 'shells' fits the grammatical structure. It is one word, adhering to the limit.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   By collecting the … of snails and analysing them, they discovered evidence of a change in water levels in a ______ in the region.

   Answer

   lake

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   The researchers gathered shells of Melanoides tuberculate snails from the sediments of an ancient lake and used geochemical analysis as a means of tracing the climate history of the region.

   Explanation

   The note continues to describe Dixit and Hodell's research, stating they found evidence of changed water levels in a specific location in the region. The second sentence of paragraph E mentions they gathered shells 'from the sediments of an ancient lake'. This indicates the location was a 'lake'. The blank requires a noun, and 'lake' fits. It is one word, adhering to the limit.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   This occurred when there was less ______ than evaporation, and suggests that there was an extended period of drought.

   Answer

   rainfall

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘But we have observed that there was an abrupt change about 4,100 years ago, when the amount of evaporation from the lake exceeded the rainfall – indicative of a drought.’

   Explanation

   The note explains what caused the change in water levels found by Dixit and Hodell – when something was less than evaporation. The fourth sentence of paragraph E states: 'But we have observed that there was an abrupt change about 4,100 years ago, when the amount of evaporation from the lake exceeded the rainfall – indicative of a drought.' This directly matches the structure 'when the amount of evaporation... exceeded the rainfall'. Therefore, 'rainfall' is the word that was less than evaporation. The blank requires a noun, and 'rainfall' fits. It is one word, adhering to the limit.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   Petrie and Singh’s team are using archaeological records to look at ______ from five millennia ago, in order to know whether people had adapted their agricultural practices to changing climatic conditions.

   Answer

   grains

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   They are analysing grains cultivated at the time, and trying to work out whether they were grown under extreme conditions of water stress, and whether they were adjusting the combinations of crops they were growing for different weather systems.

   Explanation

   The note shifts focus to Petrie and Singh's team's current research, stating they are looking at archaeological records to understand how people adapted their agricultural practices. It asks what specific items from five millennia ago they are looking at. The second sentence of paragraph G says: 'They are analysing grains cultivated at the time, and trying to work out whether they were grown under extreme conditions of water stress, and whether they were adjusting the combinations of crops they were growing for different weather systems.' This shows they are analysing 'grains' to understand agricultural practices. The blank requires a noun, and 'grains' fits. It is one word, adhering to the limit.

10. Question 36

    Summary completion

    Question

    They are also examining objects including ______, so as to find out about links between inhabitants of different parts of the region and whether these changed over time.

    Answer

    pottery

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    They are also looking at whether the types of pottery used, and other aspects of their material culture, were distinctive to specific regions or were more similar across larger areas.

    Explanation

    The note continues describing Petrie and Singh's research, mentioning they are also examining other objects to understand connections between people in different areas. It asks what these objects include. The third sentence of paragraph G says: 'They are also looking at whether the types of pottery used, and other aspects of their material culture, were distinctive to specific regions or were more similar across larger areas.' This indicates they are examining 'types of pottery used'. The blank requires a noun, and 'pottery' fits the context. It is one word, adhering to the limit.

11. Question 37

    Matching features

    Question

    Finding further information about changes to environmental conditions in the region is vital.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘Considering the vast area of the Harappan Civilisation with its variable weather systems,’ explains Singh, ‘it is essential that we obtain more climate data from areas close to the two great cities at Mohenjodaro and Harappa and also from the Indian Punjab.’

    Explanation

    The task is to match the statement about the vital need for more information on environmental changes to the correct researcher. The third sentence of paragraph F quotes Ravindanath Singh: '‘Considering the vast area of the Harappan Civilisation with its variable weather systems,’ explains Singh, ‘it is essential that we obtain more climate data from areas close to the two great cities...'. The phrase 'essential that we obtain more climate data' directly expresses the idea that finding further information about environmental/climate conditions ('climate data') is vital ('essential'). Therefore, Ravindanath Singh (Option B) is the correct match.

12. Question 38

    Matching features

    Question

    Examining previous patterns of behaviour may have long-term benefits.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘By investigating responses to environmental pressures and threats, we can learn from the past to engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as the management and administration of water supply, the balance of urban and rural development, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the future.’

    Explanation

    The task is to match the statement about the long-term benefits of examining past behaviour patterns to the correct researcher. The second sentence of paragraph H quotes Cameron Petrie: '‘By investigating responses to environmental pressures and threats, we can learn from the past to engage with the public, and the relevant governmental and administrative bodies, to be more proactive in issues such as the management and administration of water supply, the balance of urban and rural development, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the future.’' Learning 'from the past' and being 'more proactive in issues... in the future' indicates that examining previous patterns ('investigating responses') has long-term benefits. Therefore, Cameron Petrie (Option A) is the correct match.

13. Question 39

    Matching features

    Question

    Rough calculations indicate the approximate length of a period of water shortage.

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    Hodell adds: ‘We estimate that the weakening of the Indian summer monsoon climate lasted about 200 years before recovering to the previous conditions, which we still see today.’

    Explanation

    The task is to match the statement about estimating the length of a water shortage period to the correct researcher. The fifth sentence of paragraph E quotes David Hodell: 'Hodell adds: ‘We estimate that the weakening of the Indian summer monsoon climate lasted about 200 years before recovering to the previous conditions, which we still see today.’' 'Estimate' and 'about 200 years' align with 'Rough calculations indicate the approximate length', and 'weakening of the Indian summer monsoon climate' led to the drought/water shortage. Therefore, David Hodell (Option D) is the correct match.

14. Question 40

    Matching features

    Question

    Information about the decline of the Harappan Civilisation has been lacking.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘It is unlikely that there was a single cause for the decline of the civilisation.

    Explanation

    The task is to match the statement that information about the civilisation's decline has been lacking to the correct researcher. Paragraph C discusses explanations for the decline. The second, third, and fourth sentences quote Cameron Petrie: '‘There is plenty of archaeological evidence to tell us about the rise of the Harappan Civilisation, but relatively little about its fall,’ explains archaeologist Dr Cameron Petrie... ‘But the fact is, until now, we have had little solid evidence from the area for most of the key elements,’ said Petrie. ‘A lot of the archaeological debate has really only been well-argued speculation.’' Petrie explicitly states there is 'relatively little' and 'little solid evidence' about the 'fall' (decline) of the civilisation, confirming that information has been lacking. Therefore, Cameron Petrie (Option A) is the correct match.