Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Reading Test 4: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The secret of staying young

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   Focused on a total of ______ different age groups of ants, analyzing

   Answer

   four/4

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Giraldo focused on ants at four age ranges: 20 to 22 days, 45 to 47 days, 95 to 97 days and 120 to 122 days.

   Explanation

   The notes need the number of age groups Giraldo studied, and the passage lists them: 20 to 22 days, 45 to 47, 95 to 97 and 120 to 122, introduced by a count in words. Taking 'four' straight from the text satisfies the one-word limit, and 'four' agrees with 'a total of ... different age groups'. Do not be pulled to 140, which is the ants' typical lifespan, or to 'two', which refers to the later brain comparison.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   how well ants looked after their ______

   Answer

   young

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Giraldo watched how well the ants took care of the young of the colony, recording how often each ant attended to, carried and fed them.

   Explanation

   The note asks how well the ants looked after something. The fourth paragraph begins, 'Giraldo watched how well the ants took care of the young of the colony'. This indicates the ants looked after their 'young'. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'young' is one word.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   their ability to locate ______ using a scent trail

   Answer

   food

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   She compared how well 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants followed the telltale scent that the insects usually leave to mark a trail to food.

   Explanation

   The note asks what the ants locate using a scent trail. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph states, 'She compared how well 20-day-old and 95-day-old ants followed the telltale scent that the insects usually leave to mark a trail to food.' This shows the scent trail leads 'to food'. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'food' is one word.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   the effect that ______ had on them

   Answer

   light

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   She tested how ants responded to light and also measured how active they were by counting how often ants in a small dish walked across a line.

   Explanation

   The note asks about something that had an effect on the ants, related to the behavioural studies. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph states, 'She tested how ants responded to light'. This indicates that the effect of 'light' was tested. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'light' is one word.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   how ______ They attacked prey

   Answer

   aggressively

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   And when it came to reacting to prey, the older ants attacked the poor fruit fly just as aggressively as the young ones did, flaring their mandibles or pulling at the fly’s legs.

   Explanation

   The note asks about how the ants attacked prey. The last sentence of the fourth paragraph states, 'And when it came to reacting to prey, the older ants attacked the poor fruit fly just as aggressively as the young ones did'. This shows they attacked 'aggressively'. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'aggressively' is one word.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   comparison between age and the ______ of dying cells in the brains of ants

   Answer

   location

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   She saw no major differences with age, nor was there any difference in the location of the dying cells, showing that age didn’t seem to affect specific brain functions.

   Explanation

   The note asks about a comparison related to age and dying brain cells. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph states, 'She saw no major differences with age, nor was there any difference in the location of the dying cells, showing that age didn't seem to affect specific brain functions.' This sentence mentions the 'location' of dying cells being compared in relation to age. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'location' is one word.

7. Question 7

   Note completion

   Question

   condition of synaptic complexes (areas in which ______ meet) in the brain’s ‘mushroom bodies’

   Answer

   neurons

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   She also wanted to see if aging affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures – regions where neurons come together.

   Explanation

   The note defines synaptic complexes and asks what meets there. The fourth sentence of the fifth paragraph states, 'She also wanted to see if aging affects the density of synaptic complexes within these structures - regions where neurons come together.' This definition tells us that synaptic complexes are regions where 'neurons come together'. The word limit is ONE WORD ONLY, and 'neurons' is one word.

8. Question 8

   Note completion

   Question

   level of two ______ in the brain associated with ageing

   Answer

   chemicals

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Again, the answer was no. what was more, he old ants didn’t experience any drop in the levels of either serotonin or dopamine – brain chemicals whose decline often coincides with aging.

   Explanation

   The notes refer to two substances whose levels often fall with age. The passage names serotonin and dopamine and calls them brain chemicals whose decline often coincides with aging. The old ants showed no drop in either, so the one-word answer is chemicals.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Pheidole dentata ants are the only known animals which remain active for almost their whole lives.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Naked mole rats can live for almost 30 years and stay fit for nearly their entire lives.

   Explanation

   Pheidole dentata is not alone. Naked mole rats are also described as staying fit for almost their whole lives, living nearly 30 years and still able to reproduce when old. Since the ants are not the only animals with this trait, the statement contradicts the passage and is FALSE.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Ysabel Giraldo was the first person to study Pheidole dentata ants using precise data about the insects’ ages.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    Unlike all previous studies, which only estimated how old the ants were, her work tracked the ants from the time the pupae became adults, so she knew their exact ages.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Ysabel Giraldo was the first to study these ants using precise age data. The third paragraph describes Giraldo's methodology. The third sentence states, 'Unlike all previous studies, which only estimated how old the ants were, her work tracked the ants from the time the pupae became adults, so she knew their exact ages.' This explicitly contrasts her study with 'all previous studies' and highlights that she knew their 'exact ages', unlike others who 'only estimated'. This confirms that she was the first to use precise age data, making the statement TRUE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The ants in Giraldo’s experiments behaved as she had predicted that they would.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    Giraldo expected the older ants to perform poorly in all these tasks.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the ants behaved as Giraldo predicted. The fourth paragraph details the experiments and their results. The fifth sentence of this paragraph explicitly states, 'Giraldo expected the older ants to perform poorly in all these tasks.' The subsequent sentences then describe the results: 'But the elderly insects were all good caretakers and trail-followers...', 'They all responded to light well, and the older ants were more active.', and 'when it came to reacting to prey, the older ants attacked the poor fruit fly just as aggressively as the young ones did'. The actual behaviour (performing well, being more active, attacking aggressively) was the opposite of her prediction (performing poorly). Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The recent studies of bees used different methods of measuring age-related decline.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘This is the first time anyone has looked at both behavioral and neural changes in these ants so thoroughly,’ says Giraldo, who recently published the findings in the Proceeding of the Royal Society B. Scientists have looked at some similar aspects in bees, but the results of recent bee studies were mixed – some studies showed age-related declines, which biologists call senescence, and others didn’t.

    Explanation

    The statement discusses recent studies of bees and claims they used different methods of measuring age-related decline. The sixth paragraph mentions bee studies, stating, 'Scientists have looked at some similar aspects in bees, but the results of recent bee studies were mixed - some studies showed age-related declines... and others didn't.' While this tells us that bee studies have looked at similar aspects (like those studied in ants) and had mixed results regarding age-related decline, it does not provide any information about the specific *methods* used to measure this decline, nor does it say whether the methods were different between studies. Therefore, the information required to confirm or deny the statement is not present in the passage, making the statement NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Pheidole dentata ants kept in laboratory conditions tend to live longer lives.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Out in the wild, the ants probably don’t live for a full 140 days thanks to predators, disease and just being in an environment that’s much harsher than the comforts of the lab.

    Explanation

    In the lab the ants typically reach about 140 days, but the writer says wild ants probably do not manage that, because of predators, disease and a harsher setting than the comfortable lab. So lab ants tend to live longer than wild ones, which agrees with the statement: TRUE.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Why zoos are good

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to how quickly animal species can die out

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Moreover, some of these collapses have been sudden, dramatic and unexpected, or were simply discovered very late in the day.

   Explanation

   The question asks to find a reference to how quickly animal species can die out. 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 conservation and extinction. The third sentence of this paragraph states: 'Moreover, some of these collapses have been sudden, dramatic and unexpected, or were simply discovered very late in the day.' The word 'sudden' directly refers to how quickly animal species can disappear.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   reasons why it is preferable to study animals in captivity rather than in the wild

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations.

   Explanation

   The question asks for reasons why it is preferable to study animals in captivity compared to the wild. The correct answer is Section E. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section E comprises the fifth paragraph of the passage. This paragraph discusses the role of zoos in research. The third sentence of this paragraph states: 'Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations.' This sentence directly provides reasons ('less risk and fewer variables') why studying animals in captivity is preferable for research purposes.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of two ways of learning about animals other than visiting them in zoos

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, and many natural history specimens are on display in museums, there really is nothing to compare with seeing a living creature in the flesh, hearing it, smelling it, watching what it does and having the time to absorb details.

   Explanation

   The question asks for mentions of two ways of learning about animals other than visiting zoos. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section C comprises the third paragraph of the passage. This paragraph discusses education provided by zoos. The third sentence of this paragraph mentions alternative ways of learning: 'While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, and many natural history specimens are on display in museums...'. These two methods, 'television documentaries' and 'natural history specimens... in museums', are presented as other ways to learn about animals, before the writer argues that seeing them live in a zoo is better.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   reasons why animals in zoos may by healthier than those in the wild

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Animals in good zoos get a varied and high-quality diet with all the supplements required, and any illnesses they might have will be treated.

   Explanation

   The question asks for reasons why animals in zoos may be healthier than those in the wild. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section A comprises the first paragraph of the passage. This paragraph discusses the quality of life for animals in zoos. It lists several factors contributing to their health and well-being, such as receiving a 'varied and high-quality diet' and having illnesses 'treated' (sentence 2), not suffering from 'threat or stress of predators, or the irritation and pain of parasites or injuries' (sentence 4), and not dying from 'drought, of starvation' (sentence 5). These are all reasons suggesting better health outcomes compared to the wild.

5. Question 18

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   An animal is likely to live longer in a zoo than in the wild

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   The average captive animal will have a greater life expectancy compared with its wild counterpart, and will not die of drought, of starvation or in the jaws of a predator.

   Explanation

   The statement says an animal is likely to live longer in a zoo than in the wild. The first paragraph, sentence 5, states: 'The average captive animal will have a greater life expectancy compared with its wild counterpart...'. 'Greater life expectancy' directly means living longer. This sentence confirms the statement.

6. Question 19

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There are some species in zoos which can no longer be found in the wild.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   A good number of species only exist in captivity, with many of these living in zoos.

   Explanation

   The statement claims some species in zoos can no longer be found in the wild. The second paragraph, sentence 5, states: 'A good number of species only exist in captivity, with many of these living in zoos.' This sentence confirms that there are species that *only* exist in captivity, meaning they cannot be found in the wild.

7. Question 20

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Improvements in the quality of TV wildlife documentaries have resulted in increased numbers of zoo visitors.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, and many natural history specimens are on display in museums, there really is nothing to compare with seeing a living creature in the flesh, hearing it, smelling it, watching what it does and having the time to absorb details.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that better TV wildlife documentaries have led to more people visiting zoos. The third paragraph, sentence 3, mentions that 'television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive'. However, the passage does not state whether this improvement has caused an increase or decrease in the number of zoo visitors. The author simply uses it as a point of comparison to argue that seeing animals in person is still superior. Therefore, the information about the effect of TV documentaries on zoo visitor numbers is not given.

8. Question 21

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Zoos have always excelled at transmitting information about animals to the public.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   This was an area where zoos used to be lacking, but they are now increasingly sophisticated in their communication and outreach work.

   Explanation

   The statement claims zoos 'always excelled' at transmitting information to the public. The fourth paragraph, sentence 2, discusses how zoos provide education through signs, talks, etc. It states: 'This was an area where zoos used to be lacking, but they are now increasingly sophisticated in their communication and outreach work.' The phrase 'used to be lacking' directly contradicts the idea that they 'always excelled'. It indicates that this was previously an area of weakness, making the statement false.

9. Question 22

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Studying animals in zoos is less stressful for the animals than studying them in the wild.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations.

   Explanation

   The statement asserts that studying animals in zoos is less stressful *for the animals* than studying them in the wild. The fifth paragraph, sentence 3, discusses research in zoos, stating there is 'less risk and fewer variables' when studying animals there. This refers to less risk and fewer variables *for the researchers and the research process*, not necessarily less stress for the animals themselves. The passage mentions studying animals in zoos helps with procedures like capturing and moving animals (sentence 5), but it does not compare the stress levels experienced by animals during studies in captivity versus the wild. Therefore, the information regarding animal stress levels in research is not given.

10. Question 23

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following are stated about zoo staff in the text?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves, thereby helping to improve conditions and reintroductions all over the world.

    Explanation

    The question asks about statements made about zoo staff. Option B says some travel overseas to join teams in zoos. The fourth paragraph, sentence 3, states: 'Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves...'. 'Send their animal keepers abroad' means they travel to overseas locations, and they contribute to 'those working in zoos and reserves', which implies joining or assisting teams there. This confirms option B.

11. Question 24

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following are stated about zoo staff in the text?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves, thereby helping to improve conditions and reintroductions all over the world.

    Explanation

    The question asks about statements made about zoo staff. Option D says some teach people involved with conservation projects. The fourth paragraph, sentence 3, states: 'Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries...'. 'Educate conservation workers' means teaching people who are involved with conservation projects. This directly confirms option D.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of these beliefs about zoos does the writer mention in the text?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    They are vital not just in terms of protecting animals, but as a means of learning about them to aid those still in the wild, as well as educating and informing the general population about these animals and their world so that they can assist or at least accept the need to be more environmentally conscious.

    Explanation

    The question asks about beliefs the writer mentions about zoos. Option B states they can increase public awareness of environmental issues. The final paragraph, sentence 2, states zoos are vital 'as well as educating and informing the general population about these animals and their world so that they can assist or at least accept the need to be more environmentally conscious.' Being 'more environmentally conscious' means having increased awareness of environmental issues. Educating and informing the public to achieve this awareness is a belief the writer holds about zoos.

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of these beliefs about zoos does the writer mention in the text?

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    Still more only exist in the wild because they have been reintroduced from zoos, or have wild populations that have been boosted by captive bred animals.

    Explanation

    The question asks about beliefs the writer mentions about zoos. Option E states they can raise animals which can later be released into the wild. The second paragraph discusses conservation. Sentence 6 states: 'Still more only exist in the wild because they have been reintroduced from zoos...'. Sentence 8 reinforces this, mentioning that 'species have been saved or reintroduced as a result of captive breeding'. 'Reintroduced from zoos' and 'reintroduced as a result of captive breeding' directly supports the idea of raising animals ('captive breeding') and releasing them back into the wild ('reintroduced'). This is a belief the writer holds and presents as evidence of zoo value.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Ocean Debris

1. Question 27

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Rochman and her colleagues were the first people to research the problem of marine debris.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Plenty of studies have sounded alarm bells about the state of marine debris; in a recent paper published in the journal Ecology, Rochman and her colleagues set out to determine how many of those perceived risks are real.

   Explanation

   The statement claims Rochman and her colleagues were the first to research marine debris. However, the passage states in the second paragraph, 'Plenty of studies have sounded alarm bells about the state of marine debris'. This indicates that numerous studies existed before Rochman's work, contradicting the idea that they were the first researchers. Their research, as described, aimed to evaluate the validity of claims made in previous studies.

2. Question 28

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The creatures most in danger from ocean trash are certain seabirds.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, a study could show that certain seabirds eat plastic bags, and go on to warn that whole bird populations are at risk of dying out.

   Explanation

   The statement identifies certain seabirds as the creatures most endangered by ocean trash. The passage mentions in the third paragraph that 'a study could show that certain seabirds eat plastic bags, and go on to warn that whole bird populations are at risk of dying out.' However, this is presented as an example of a *perceived* risk mentioned in older studies, not as a proven fact that seabirds are the *most* endangered creatures. The passage does not compare the danger faced by seabirds to that faced by other marine life or state that they are the most affected. Therefore, the information required to confirm or deny the statement is not present.

3. Question 29

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The studies Rochman has reviewed have already proved that populations of some birds will soon become extinct.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘But the truth was that nobody had yet tested those perceived threats,’ Rochman says.

   Explanation

   Rochman's point is that dire warnings, such as whole bird populations dying out, were speculation that nobody had tested. Later she says studies rarely show how many animals could die from plastic. So no review has proved that any bird species will soon become extinct, and the statement is FALSE.

4. Question 30

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Rochman analysed papers on the different kinds of danger caused by ocean trash.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Rochman and her colleagues examined more than a hundred papers on the impacts of marine debris that were published through 2013.

   Explanation

   The statement says Rochman analysed papers about different kinds of danger from ocean trash. The passage states in the fourth paragraph that Rochman and her colleagues 'examined more than a hundred papers on the impacts of marine debris' and that 'Within each paper, they asked what threats scientists had studied - 366 perceived threats in all'. The phrase 'impacts' and the mention of studying '366 perceived threats in all' directly support the idea that they analysed papers covering various types of danger caused by ocean trash. Therefore, the statement is true.

5. Question 31

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Most of the research analysed by Rochman and her colleagues was badly designed.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   In 83 percent of cases, the perceived dangers of ocean trash were proven true.

   Explanation

   The statement claims most of the analysed research was badly designed. The passage states in the fifth paragraph that 'In 83 percent of cases, the perceived dangers of ocean trash were proven true.' It then clarifies that 'In the remaining cases' (the other 17%), the studies had 'weaknesses in design and content'. Therefore, weaknesses were found in only a minority (17%) of the cases examined, not 'most' of the research. This contradicts the statement, making it false.

6. Question 32

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   One study examined by Rochman was expecting to find that mussels were harmed by eating plastic.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Strikingly, Rochman says, only one well-designed study failed to find the effect it was looking for, an investigation of mussels ingesting microscopic bits.

   Explanation

   The statement says one study Rochman examined expected to find that mussels were harmed by plastic. The passage mentions in the sixth paragraph 'only one well-designed study failed to find the effect it was looking for, an investigation of mussels ingesting microscopic bits.' The phrase 'failed to find the effect it was looking for' implies that the study was looking for a particular effect, which is typically harm or a negative impact. The subsequent sentence, stating the plastic 'didn't seem to stress out the shellfish,' reinforces this, suggesting the expected effect that wasn't found was a sign of stress or harm. Therefore, the statement is true.

7. Question 33

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Some mussels choose to eat plastic in preference to their natural diet.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Strikingly, Rochman says, only one well-designed study failed to find the effect it was looking for, an investigation of mussels ingesting microscopic bits.

   Explanation

   The statement claims some mussels prefer eating plastic over their natural diet. The passage mentions in the sixth paragraph a study of 'mussels ingesting microscopic bits' of plastic. While it confirms that mussels *do* ingest plastic, it says nothing about whether they *choose* to do so, whether it's deliberate, or if they prefer it over their natural food sources. This specific information about choice or preference is not present in the passage.

8. Question 34

   Note completion

   Question

   bits of debris that were ______ (harmful to animals)

   Answer

   large

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Most of the dangers also involved large pieces of debris – animals getting entangled in trash, for example, or eating it and severely injuring themselves.

   Explanation

   The note states that studies found the biggest threats involved plastic and 'bits of debris that were __________'. The passage states in the eighth paragraph, 'Most of the dangers also involved large pieces of debris - animals getting entangled in trash, for example, or eating it and severely injuring themselves.' This sentence directly links 'large pieces of debris' to dangers (harmful effects like entanglement and injury). The word 'large' fits the blank and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 35

   Note completion

   Question

   There was little research into ______ e.g. from synthetic fibres.

   Answer

   microplastic

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   But a lot of ocean debris is ‘microplastic’, or pieces smaller than five millimeters.

   Explanation

   The note says there was little research into __________ e.g. from synthetic fibres. The passage explains in the ninth paragraph, 'But a lot of ocean debris is 'microplastic', or pieces smaller than five millimeters.' The next sentence gives examples, including 'fibers shed by synthetic clothing'. The third sentence states that 'Rochman's group found little research on the effects of these tiny bits.' These 'tiny bits' are defined as 'microplastic'. Therefore, 'microplastic' is the type of debris for which there was little research, and it is associated with examples like synthetic fibres. 'Microplastic' is one word and fits the blank.

10. Question 36

    Note completion

    Question

    most of them focused on individual animals, not entire ______

    Answer

    populations

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    Many studies have looked at how plastic affects an individual animal, or that animal’s tissues or cells, rather than whole populations.

    Explanation

    The note mentions a drawback of the studies: 'most of them focused on individual animals, not entire __________.' The passage states in the tenth paragraph, 'Many studies have looked at how plastic affects an individual animal, or that animal's tissues or cells, rather than whole populations.' This sentence directly contrasts focusing on an 'individual animal' with looking at 'whole populations'. 'Populations' fits the blank and maintains the meaning, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

11. Question 37

    Note completion

    Question

    the ______ of plastic used in the lab did not always reflect those in the ocean

    Answer

    concentrations

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    And in the lab, scientists often use higher concentrations of plastic than what’s really in the ocean.

    Explanation

    The note mentions a drawback: 'the __________.. of plastic used in the lab did not always reflect those in the ocean'. The passage states in the tenth paragraph, 'And in the lab, scientists often use higher concentrations of plastic than what's really in the ocean.' This sentence directly addresses the discrepancy between lab conditions and the real ocean environment regarding the amount of plastic. The word 'concentrations' refers to the amount or density of plastic, fitting the blank perfectly and adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

12. Question 38

    Note completion

    Question

    the impact of a reduction in numbers on the ______ of that species

    Answer

    predators

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    None of that tells us how many birds or fish or sea turtles could die from plastic pollution – or how deaths in one species could affect that animal’s predators, or the rest of the ecosystem.

    Explanation

    The note lists insufficient information topics, including 'the impact of a reduction in numbers on the __________.. of that species'. The passage, in the tenth paragraph, lists what the studies don't tell us: 'how many birds or fish or sea turtles could die... or how deaths in one species could affect that animal's predators, or the rest of the ecosystem.' A 'reduction in numbers' (deaths) of a species directly impacts its 'predators' (those that hunt it) because their food source decreases. 'Predators' fits the blank and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, describing a group affected by a reduction in numbers of the species.

13. Question 39

    Note completion

    Question

    Rochman says more information is needed on the possible impact of future ______ (e.g. involving oil).

    Answer

    disasters

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Usually, scientists don’t know exactly how disasters such as a tanker accidentally spilling its whole cargo of oil and polluting huge areas of the ocean will affect the environment until after they’ve happened.

    Explanation

    The note states Rochman says more information is needed on the impact of future __________ (e.g., involving oil). The passage quotes Rochman in the eleventh paragraph: 'Usually, scientists don't know exactly how disasters such as a tanker accidentally spilling its whole cargo of oil... will affect the environment...' She follows this by saying, 'We don't ask the right questions early enough.' This implies a need for more information or preparedness regarding how these future events will impact the environment. The example 'involving oil' is given immediately after the word 'disasters' in the passage. 'Disasters' fits the blank and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

14. Question 40

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What would be the best title for this passage?

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 2

    Sentence in the passage

    Plenty of studies have sounded alarm bells about the state of marine debris; in a recent paper published in the journal Ecology, Rochman and her colleagues set out to determine how many of those perceived risks are real.

    Explanation

    The passage primarily focuses on evaluating the existing scientific literature about marine debris. Rochman and her colleagues examine previous studies to determine the validity ('how many... are real') of perceived threats ('dangers of ocean trash'). The analysis aims to 'clear up some of these misperceptions' and help ecologists 'figure out which problems really need addressing'. This process is best summarized as 'Assessing the threat of marine debris'. Option A accurately reflects the core activity and purpose of the research described throughout the text.