Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The concept of intelligence

1. Question 1

   Matching information

   Question

   information about how non-scientists’ assumptions about intelligence influence their behavior towards others

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Job interviewers will make hiring decisions on the basis of their implicit theories of intelligence.

   Explanation

   The question asks for information about how non-scientists' assumptions (implicit theories) influence their behavior towards others. The correct answer is Section B. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section B comprises the second paragraph of the passage. This paragraph discusses how people's implicit theories 'drive the way in which people perceive and evaluate their own intelligence and that of others'. It provides examples of how these theories influence actions, such as 'Job interviewers will make hiring decisions...' and 'People will decide who to be friends with...'. The final sentence summarises how this knowledge is 'so often used by people to make judgments in the course of their everyday lives'. These examples illustrate how assumptions influence behaviour towards others.

2. Question 2

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to lack of clarity over the definition of intelligence

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Looked at in one way, everyone knows what intelligence is; looked at in another way, no one does.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the lack of clarity over the definition of intelligence. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section A comprises the first paragraph of the passage. The first two sentences of this paragraph directly address the difficulty in defining intelligence: 'Looked at in one way, everyone knows what intelligence is; looked at in another way, no one does.' and '...but no one knows for certain what it actually is.' This clearly indicates a lack of clarity or a known definition.

3. Question 3

   Matching information

   Question

   the point that a researcher’s implicit and explicit theories may be very different

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   If an investigation of implicit theories reveals little correspondence between the extant implicit and explicit theories, the implicit theories may be wrong.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the point that a researcher's implicit and explicit theories may be very different. The correct answer is Section D. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section D comprises the fourth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence discusses a situation where 'an investigation of implicit theories reveals little correspondence between the extant implicit and explicit theories'. 'Little correspondence' means they are very different. The third sentence then discusses the implication that 'the explicit theories are wrong and in need of correction or supplementation', highlighting that the difference can be significant.

4. Question 4

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Slow language development in children is likely to prove disappointing to their parents.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, parents’ implicit theories of their children’s language development will determine at what ages they will be willing to make various corrections in their children’s speech.

   Explanation

   Parents appear as an illustration of how private beliefs shape judgements: what they think about language development decides when they feel ready to correct a child's speech. Disappointment is never mentioned, and the writer does not say how a parent reacts when progress is slow. As the text gives no emotional response to slow development, the claim cannot be confirmed or rejected, so the answer is NOT GIVEN.

5. Question 5

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   People’s expectations of what children should gain from education are universal.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   How these expectations differ is in part a function of culture.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that expectations for what children should gain from education are universal (the same everywhere). The correct answer is NO. The third sentence of the fifth paragraph states that expectations for intellectual performances for children 'differ for children of different ages'. It then explicitly states in the fourth sentence: 'How these expectations differ is in part a function of culture.' and gives an example showing that expectations for children in Western schooling are 'almost certain to be different from those for children who do not participate in such schooling'. This directly contradicts the idea that expectations are universal.

6. Question 6

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Scholars may discuss theories without fully understanding each other.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Paragraph J

   Sentence in the passage

   Until scholars are able to discuss their implicit theories and thus their assumptions, they are likely to miss the point of what others are saying when discussing their explicit theories and their data.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that scholars may discuss theories without fully understanding each other. The correct answer is YES. The second sentence of the final paragraph states: 'Until scholars are able to discuss their implicit theories and thus their assumptions, they are likely to miss the point of what others are saying when discussing their explicit theories and their data.' Missing the point of what others are saying means not fully understanding them during discussion. The passage suggests this is likely if scholars don't acknowledge their underlying assumptions (implicit theories).

7. Question 7

   Matching features

   Question

   It is desirable for the same possibilities to be open to everyone.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   The Jeffersonian view is that people should have equal opportunities, but they do not necessarily avail themselves equally of these opportunities and are not necessarily equally rewarded for their accomplishments.

   Explanation

   The statement says it is desirable for everyone to have the same possibilities open to them. The correct answer is B. Jeffersonian. The first sentence of the eighth paragraph, describing the Jeffersonian view, states that 'people should have equal opportunities'. Equal opportunities mean the same possibilities are open to everyone. The fourth sentence reiterates this by saying the goal is 'to allow children the opportunities to make full use of the skills they have'.

8. Question 8

   Matching features

   Question

   No section of society should have preferential treatment at the expense of another.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph I

   Sentence in the passage

   In this view, we do not need or want any institutions that might lead to favoring one group over another.

   Explanation

   The statement says no section of society should have preferential treatment at the expense of another. The correct answer is C. Jacksonian. The third sentence of the ninth paragraph, describing the Jacksonian view, states: 'In this view, we do not need or want any institutions that might lead to favoring one group over another.' 'Favoring one group over another' is equivalent to preferential treatment at the expense of another group.

9. Question 9

   Matching features

   Question

   People should only gain benefits on the basis of what they actually achieve.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   People are rewarded for what they accomplish, if given equal opportunity.

   Explanation

   The statement says people should gain benefits based on what they achieve. The correct answer is B. Jeffersonian. The second sentence of the eighth paragraph, describing the Jeffersonian view, states: 'People are rewarded for what they accomplish, if given equal opportunity.' 'Rewarded' signifies gaining benefits, and 'what they accomplish' refers to their achievements. The third sentence reinforces this by contrasting rewards for 'Low achievers' and 'high achievers'.

10. Question 10

    Matching features

    Question

    Variation in intelligence begins at birth.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    The Hamiltonian view, which is similar to the Platonic view, is that people are born with different levels of intelligence and that those who are less intelligent need the good offices of the more intelligent to keep them in line, whether they are called government officials or, in Plato’s term, philosopher-kings.

    Explanation

    The statement says variation in intelligence begins at birth. The correct answer is A. Hamiltonian. The first sentence of the seventh paragraph, describing the Hamiltonian view, states: 'The Hamiltonian view... is that people are born with different levels of intelligence...'. This directly supports the idea that differences in intelligence exist from birth.

11. Question 11

    Matching features

    Question

    The more intelligent people should be in positions of power.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    The Hamiltonian view, which is similar to the Platonic view, is that people are born with different levels of intelligence and that those who are less intelligent need the good offices of the more intelligent to keep them in line, whether they are called government officials or, in Plato’s term, philosopher-kings.

    Explanation

    The statement says more intelligent people should be in positions of power. The correct answer is A. Hamiltonian. The first sentence of the seventh paragraph, describing the Hamiltonian view, states that 'those who are less intelligent need the good offices of the more intelligent to keep them in line, whether they are called government officials or, in Plato's term, philosopher-kings'. This suggests that the 'more intelligent' should hold positions like 'government officials' or 'philosopher-kings', which are positions of power. The second sentence, referencing Herrnstein and Murray's apparent shared belief, mentions a 'cognitive (high-IQ) elite' that 'would have to take responsibility' for others, further implying leadership or power roles for the most intelligent.

12. Question 12

    Matching features

    Question

    Everyone can develop the same abilities.

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph I

    Sentence in the passage

    In this view of democracy, people are essentially intersubstitutable except for specialized skills, all of which can be learned.

    Explanation

    The statement says everyone can develop the same abilities. The correct answer is C. Jacksonian. The second sentence of the ninth paragraph, describing the Jacksonian view, states: 'In this view of democracy, people are essentially intersubstitutable except for specialized skills, all of which can be learned.' The phrase 'all of which can be learned' implies that everyone has the potential to develop these skills (abilities), making them potentially 'intersubstitutable' in many roles. This aligns with the idea that everyone can develop the same abilities, excluding only inherited or innate differences which are denied in this view.

13. Question 13

    Matching features

    Question

    People of low intelligence are likely to lead uncontrolled lives.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Left to themselves, the unintelligent would create, as they always have created, a kind of chaos.

    Explanation

    The statement says people of low intelligence are likely to lead uncontrolled lives. The correct answer is A. Hamiltonian. The third sentence of the seventh paragraph, describing the Hamiltonian view, states: 'Left to themselves, the unintelligent would create, as they always have created, a kind of chaos.' 'Unintelligent' refers to people of low intelligence, and creating 'chaos' suggests living uncontrolled lives. This view implies that without guidance from the more intelligent, they would fall into disorder.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Saving bugs to find new drugs

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of factors driving a renewed interest in natural medicinal compounds.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   This realization, together with several looming health crises, such as antibiotic resistance, has put bioprospecting – the search for useful compounds in nature – firmly back on the map.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a mention of the factors driving a renewed interest in natural medicinal compounds. The correct answer is Section C. Section C corresponds to the third paragraph of the passage. The third sentence of this paragraph states, 'This realization, together with several looming health crises, such as antibiotic resistance, has put bioprospecting - the search for useful compounds in nature - firmly back on the map.' This sentence explicitly lists 'looming health crises, such as antibiotic resistance' as factors that have reignited interest in bioprospecting (searching for useful natural compounds).

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   how recent technological advances have made insect research easier

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.

   Explanation

   The question asks how recent technological advances have made insect research easier. The correct answer is Section H. Section H corresponds to the eighth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph states, 'Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect's DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.' This describes a technological advance (genetic manipulation) that helps overcome the problem of obtaining sufficient quantities of useful compounds from small insects, thus making the research process easier.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of animals which use medicinal substances from nature

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   You only have to look at other primates – such as the capuchin monkeys who rub themselves with toxin-oozing millipedes to deter mosquitoes, or the chimpanzees who use noxious forest plants to rid themselves of intestinal parasites – to realise that our ancient ancestors too probably had a basic grasp of medicine.

   Explanation

   The question asks for examples of animals which use medicinal substances from nature. The correct answer is Section A. Section A corresponds to the first paragraph of the passage. The third sentence of this paragraph provides examples of other primates using natural substances for medicinal purposes: 'You only have to look at other primates - such as the capuchin monkeys who rub themselves with toxin-oozing millipedes to deter mosquitoes, or the chimpanzees who use noxious forest plants to rid themselves of intestinal parasites - to realise that our ancient ancestors too probably had a basic grasp of medicine.' This gives specific examples of animals using substances from nature for health benefits.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   reasons why it is challenging to use insects in drug research

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Firstly, there are so many insects that, without some manner of targeted approach, investigating this huge variety of species is a daunting task.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the reasons why it is challenging to use insects in drug research. The correct answer is Section F. Section F corresponds to the sixth paragraph of the passage. This entire paragraph is dedicated to explaining the difficulties: 'Firstly, there are so many insects...', 'Secondly, insects are generally very small...', and 'Thirdly... Many insect species are infrequently encountered and very difficult to rear in captivity...' These points detail the challenges related to the sheer number of species, the small size of insects and their glands, and the difficulty in finding or raising enough of certain species to get sufficient material for research.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to how interest in drug research may benefit wildlife

   Answer

   I

   Location

   Paragraph I

   Sentence in the passage

   As much as I’d love to help develop a groundbreaking insect-derived medicine, my main motivation for looking at insects in this way is conservation.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to how interest in drug research may benefit wildlife. The correct answer is Section I. Section I corresponds to the ninth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence states the author's main motivation: 'As much as I'd love to help develop a groundbreaking insect-derived medicine, my main motivation for looking at insects in this way is conservation.' The fourth sentence explains how highlighting the potential of nature's chemistry ('nature's medicine cabinet') can 'make people think differently about the value of nature', implying a benefit for conservation and wildlife protection by changing perceptions.

6. Question 19

   Matching information

   Question

   a reason why nature-based medicines fell out of favour for a period

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   The main cause of this shift is that although there are plenty of promising chemical compounds in nature, finding them is far from easy.

   Explanation

   Paragraph B explains why science turned away from natural remedies for a time: good compounds exist in nature, but finding them is hard. Getting enough of the organism, isolating the compounds and producing them in bulk were all big hurdles, so labs designed chemicals from scratch instead.

7. Question 20

   Matching information

   Question

   an example of an insect-derived medicine in use at the moment

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, alloferon, an antimicrobial compound produced by blow fly larvae, is used as an antiviral and antitumor agent in South Korea and Russia.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an example of an insect-derived medicine that is currently in use. The correct answer is Section E. Section E corresponds to the fifth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence provides a specific example: 'For example, alloferon, an antimicrobial compound produced by blow fly larvae, is used as an antiviral and antitumor agent in South Korea and Russia.' This sentence names a compound derived from an insect ('blow fly larvae') and states where and how it 'is used', indicating it is currently in use.

8. Question 21

   Multiple choice (several answers)

   Question

   Which TWO of the following make insects interesting for drug research?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Consequently, they have a bewildering array of interactions with other organisms, something which has driven the evolution of an enormous range of very interesting compounds for defensive and offensive purposes.

   Explanation

   The question asks which two factors make insects interesting for drug research. This explanation is for option B: 'the variety of substances insects have developed to protect themselves'. Paragraph D, the second sentence, states that insects have evolved 'an enormous range of very interesting compounds for defensive and offensive purposes' due to their interactions with other organisms. Paragraph G, the fourth sentence, specifically mentions that insects in filthy habitats 'have many antimicrobial compounds for dealing with pathogenic bacteria and fungi'. These points highlight the diverse protective substances insects produce, making them interesting candidates for drug research.

9. Question 22

   Multiple choice (several answers)

   Question

   Which TWO of the following make insects interesting for drug research?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   Fortunately, it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect’s DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.

   Explanation

   The question asks which two factors make insects interesting for drug research. This explanation is for option C: 'the potential to extract and make use of insects' genetic codes'. Paragraph H, the second sentence, describes a recent technological possibility: 'it is now possible to snip out the stretches of the insect's DNA that carry the codes for the interesting compounds and insert them into cell lines that allow larger quantities to be produced.' This ability to use the genetic code (DNA) to produce useful compounds makes insects an interesting source, as it helps overcome the issue of obtaining small quantities from tiny insects.

10. Question 23

    Summary completion

    Question

    Ross Piper and fellow zoologists at Aberystwyth University are using their expertise in ______ when undertaking bioprospecting with insects.

    Answer

    ecology

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    My colleagues and I at Aberystwyth University in the UK have developed an approach in which we use our knowledge of ecology as a guide to target our efforts.

    Explanation

    The note asks about the expertise used by researchers at Aberystwyth University when bioprospecting with insects. The first sentence of paragraph G, which discusses the work at Aberystwyth University, states: 'My colleagues and I at Aberystwyth University in the UK have developed an approach in which we use our knowledge of ecology as a guide to target our efforts.' This directly indicates that they use their knowledge of 'ecology' as a guide in their research. The blank requires a noun, and 'ecology' fits the context and word limit.

11. Question 24

    Summary completion

    Question

    They are especially interested in the compounds that insects produce to overpower and preserve their ______ They are also interested in compounds which insects use to protect themselves from pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in their … Piper hopes that these substances will be useful in the development of drugs such as …

    Answer

    prey

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.

    Explanation

    The note mentions that the researchers are interested in compounds insects produce to overpower and preserve something. The second sentence of paragraph G states: 'The creatures that particularly interest us are the many insects that secrete powerful poison for subduing prey and keeping it fresh for future consumption.' This shows that the compounds are used for subduing ('overpower') and keeping 'prey' fresh ('preserve'). The blank requires a noun, and 'prey' fits the context and word limit.

12. Question 25

    Summary completion

    Question

    They are especially interested in the compounds that insects produce to overpower and preserve their … They are also interested in compounds which insects use to protect themselves from pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in their ______ Piper hopes that these substances will be useful in the development of drugs such as …

    Answer

    habitats

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    There are even more insects that are masters of exploiting filthy habitats, such as faeces and carcasses, where they are regularly challenged by thousands of micro-organisms.

    Explanation

    The note asks about the location where insects use compounds to protect themselves from bacteria and fungi. The third sentence of paragraph G mentions 'filthy habitats, such as faeces and carcasses, where they are regularly challenged by thousands of micro-organisms'. The following sentence states that 'These insects have many antimicrobial compounds for dealing with pathogenic bacteria and fungi'. This links the use of compounds for protection against bacteria and fungi to their 'habitats'. The blank requires a noun, and 'habitats' fits the context and word limit.

13. Question 26

    Summary completion

    Question

    They are especially interested in the compounds that insects produce to overpower and preserve their … They are also interested in compounds which insects use to protect themselves from pathogenic bacteria and fungi found in their … Piper hopes that these substances will be useful in the development of drugs such as ______

    Answer

    antibiotics

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    These insects have many antimicrobial compounds for dealing with pathogenic bacteria and fungi, suggesting that there is certainly potential to find many compounds that can serve as or inspire new antibiotics.

    Explanation

    The note concludes by asking what kind of drugs Piper hopes these substances will be useful in developing. The fourth sentence of paragraph G, immediately following the mention of antimicrobial compounds used against bacteria and fungi, states that these compounds suggest 'there is certainly potential to find many compounds that can serve as or inspire new antibiotics.' This explicitly links the insect compounds to the development of 'antibiotics'. The blank requires a noun, and 'antibiotics' fits the context and word limit.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 The power of play

1. Question 27

   Matching features

   Question

   Play can be divided into a number of separate categories.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Definitions range from discrete descriptions of various types of play such as physical, construction, language, or symbolic play (Miler & Almon 2009), to lists of broad criteria, based on observations and attitudes, that are meant to capture the essence of all play behaviors (e.g. Rubin et al.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that play can be split into different types. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph explicitly mentions 'discrete descriptions of various types of play such as physical, construction, language, or symbolic play (Miler & Almon 2009)'. This clearly indicates that Miller & Almon are associated with the idea of dividing play into separate categories. Therefore, Option B is the correct answer.

2. Question 28

   Matching features

   Question

   Adults’ intended goals affect how they play with children.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   The adult’s role in play varies as a function of their educational goals and the child’s developmental level (Hirsch-Pasek et al.

   Explanation

   Hirsch-Pasek and colleagues are cited for the point that the adult's part in play changes with the educational goals they hold, as well as the child's stage of development. Rubin and Goodman are named elsewhere, but for criteria of play and hybrid work-play, not for the adult's aims.

3. Question 29

   Matching features

   Question

   Combining work with play may be the best way for children to learn.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Researcher Joan Goodman (1994) suggested that hybrid forms of work and play are not a detriment to learning; rather, they can provide optimal contexts for learning.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that mixing work and play could be the most effective way for children to learn. The third sentence of the eighth paragraph states: 'Researcher Joan Goodman (1994) suggested that hybrid forms of work and play are not a detriment to learning; rather, they can provide optimal contexts for learning.' The phrase 'optimal contexts for learning' strongly supports the idea that combining work and play ('hybrid forms') is the 'best way' or most effective method for learning. This idea is attributed to Joan Goodman. Therefore, Option F is the correct answer.

4. Question 30

   Matching features

   Question

   Certain elements of play are more significant than others.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Rubin and colleagues did not assign greater weight to any one dimension in determining playfulness; however, other researchers have suggested that process orientation and a lack of obvious functional purpose may be the most important aspects of play (e.g. Pellegrini 2009).

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that not all characteristics of play are equally important; some are more significant. The second sentence of the seventh paragraph first notes that Rubin and colleagues did not prioritize any single element but then adds: 'however, other researchers have suggested that process orientation and a lack of obvious functional purpose may be the most important aspects of play (e.g. Pellegrini 2009).' This sentence directly contrasts Rubin's view with that of 'other researchers', including Pellegrini, who believe certain aspects ('process orientation' and 'lack of obvious functional purpose') are 'most important'. This supports the idea that 'Certain elements...are more significant than others'. Pellegrini is cited as an example of these 'other researchers'. Therefore, Option E is the correct answer.

5. Question 31

   Matching features

   Question

   Activities can be classified on a scale of playfulness.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Often, play is defined along a continuum as more or less playful using the following set of behavioral and dispositional criteria (e.g. Rubin et al.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that activities can be placed on a range or scale based on how playful they are. The fifth sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'Often, play is defined along a continuum as more or less playful using the following set of behavioral and dispositional criteria (e.g. Rubin et al. 1983).' A 'continuum' represents a scale. The first sentence of the seventh paragraph further explains this view: 'According to this view, children's playful behaviors can range in degree from 0% to 100% playful.' Both sentences, linked to the concept of a continuum/scale of playfulness, cite Rubin et al. Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

6. Question 32

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Children need toys in order to play.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The drive to play is so intense that children will do so in any circumstances, for instance when they have no real toys, or when parents do not actively encourage the behavior.

   Explanation

   The statement says children need toys to play. The second sentence of the first paragraph states: 'The drive to play is so intense that children will do so in any circumstances, for instance when they have no real toys...'. This example directly contradicts the idea that children need toys to play, as they can play even without them. Therefore, the answer is NO.

7. Question 33

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   It is a mistake to treat play and learning as separate types of activities.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Our society has created a false dichotomy between play and learning

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that viewing play and learning as distinct activities is incorrect. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph states: 'Our society has created a false dichotomy between play and learning'. A 'false dichotomy' means an incorrect division into two separate parts. This directly supports the idea that it is a mistake to treat play and learning as separate. Additionally, the first sentence of the third paragraph states, 'Through play, children learn...', reinforcing the close link. Therefore, the answer is YES.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Play helps children to develop their artistic talents.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Through play, children learn to regulate their behavior, lay the foundations for later learning in science and mathematics, figure out the complex negotiations of social relationships, build a repertoire of creative problem-solving skills, and so much more.

   Explanation

   Creativity gets one brief mention: play lets children build a repertoire of creative problem-solving skills. That concerns solving problems, not painting, music or any artistic gift, and the writer never says play brings out artistic ability. The listed benefits are social, cognitive, physical and emotional, so artistic talent falls outside what is claimed, and the answer is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Researchers have agreed on a definition of play.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Full consensus on a formal definition of play continues to elude the researchers and theorists who study it.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that researchers have reached an agreement on the definition of play. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'Full consensus on a formal definition of play continues to elude the researchers and theorists who study it.' The phrase 'continues to elude' means that consensus (agreement) has not been reached. This directly contradicts the statement. Therefore, the answer is NO.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Work and play differ in terms of whether or not they have a target.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Unlike play, work is typically not viewed as enjoyable and it is extrinsically motivated (i.e. it is goal oriented).

    Explanation

    The statement claims a difference between work and play is whether they have a target (or goal). The second sentence of the eighth paragraph states: 'Unlike play, work is typically not viewed as enjoyable and it is extrinsically motivated (i.e. it is goal oriented).' This sentence explicitly contrasts work and play, stating that work 'is goal oriented', while the preceding descriptions of play emphasized it is done 'for its own sake' and 'appears purposeless' (Paragraph 5). The phrase 'goal oriented' means having a 'target'. Thus, the passage confirms that work has a target while play typically does not, establishing this as a difference. Therefore, the answer is YES.

11. Question 37

    Summary completion

    Question

    Alternatively, an adult can play with a child and develop the play, for instance by ______ the child to investigate different aspects of their game.

    Answer

    encouraging

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    In the more direct form of guided play, parents or other adults can support children’s play by joining in the fun as a co-player, raising thoughtful questions, commenting on children’s discoveries, or encouraging further exploration or new facets to the child’s activity.

    Explanation

    The note asks how an adult can develop play with a child, specifically by doing something to help the child investigate aspects of their game. The third sentence of the tenth paragraph describes the 'more direct form of guided play' and lists adult actions: '...or encouraging further exploration or new facets to the child's activity.' 'Encouraging further exploration' is a direct match for 'encouraging the child to investigate different aspects of their game'. The blank requires a gerund (-ing form of a verb). 'encouraging' fits grammatically and thematically. It is a single word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

12. Question 38

    Summary completion

    Question

    Adults can help children to learn through play, and may make the activity rather structured, but it should still be based on the child’s ______ to play.

    Answer

    desire

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    Play should stem from the child’s own desire.

    Explanation

    The passage says playful learning can have some structure but must be child-centred, and then spells it out: play should stem from the child's own desire. The summary swaps 'stem from' for 'based on', so the one-word answer is desire, taken directly from that sentence.

13. Question 39

    Summary completion

    Question

    Play without the intervention of adults gives children real ______; with adults, play can be … at particular goals.

    Answer

    autonomy

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy, while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences.

    Explanation

    The note describes the benefit of play without adult involvement. The second sentence of the eleventh paragraph states: 'Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy'. 'Free play' is play 'without the intervention of adults'. The passage says this gives the child 'true autonomy'. The blank requires a noun. 'autonomy' fits grammatically and thematically. It is a single word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

14. Question 40

    Summary completion

    Question

    Play without the intervention of adults gives children real …; with adults, play can be ______ at particular goals.

    Answer

    targeted

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy, while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences.

    Explanation

    The note contrasts free play with play involving adults. The second sentence of the eleventh paragraph contrasts free play with guided play, stating: 'while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences.' Play 'with adults' is 'guided play'. The passage states this type of play can be 'more targeted'. The blank requires a past participle used as an adjective. 'targeted' fits grammatically and thematically. It is a single word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.