Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Nutmeg – a valuable spice

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   the leaves of the tree are ______ in shape

   Answer

   oval

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The tree is thickly branched with dense foliage of tough, dark green oval leaves, and produces small, yellow, bell-shaped flowers and pale yellow pear-shaped fruits.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the shape of the tree's leaves. The first paragraph, third sentence describes the tree's foliage: 'The tree is thickly branched with dense foliage of tough, dark green oval leaves...'. This clearly states the leaves are 'oval' in shape. The blank requires an adjective, and 'oval' fits both grammatically and contextually. The answer is one word, which matches the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   the ______ surrounds the fruit and breaks open when the fruit is ripe

   Answer

   husk

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The fruit is encased in a flesh husk.

   Explanation

   The question describes something that surrounds the nutmeg fruit and splits open when the fruit is ripe. The first paragraph, fourth sentence says, 'The fruit is encased in a flesh husk.' The next sentence continues, 'When the fruit is ripe, this husk splits into two halves...'. This directly matches the description in the question. The word 'husk' is a noun and correctly fills the blank, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   the ______ is used to produce the spice nutmeg

   Answer

   seed

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   These are the sources of the two spices nutmeg and mace, the former being produced from the dried seed and the latter from the aril.

   Explanation

   The question asks which part of the fruit is used to produce the spice nutmeg. The last sentence of the first paragraph explains the source of the two spices: 'These are the sources of the two spices nutmeg and mace, the former being produced from the dried seed and the latter from the aril.' 'The former' refers to nutmeg, and it is produced from the 'dried seed'. The word 'seed' fits grammatically as a noun and adheres to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   the covering known as the aril is used to produce ______

   Answer

   mace

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   These are the sources of the two spices nutmeg and mace, the former being produced from the dried seed and the latter from the aril.

   Explanation

   The question asks what spice is produced from the aril. The last sentence of the first paragraph states: 'These are the sources of the two spices nutmeg and mace, the former being produced from the dried seed and the latter from the aril.' 'The latter' refers to mace, and it is produced from the 'aril'. The word 'mace' is the correct spice and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   In the Middle Ages, most Europeans knew where nutmeg was grown.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   They sold nutmeg for high prices to merchants based in Venice, but they never revealed the exact location of the source of this extremely valuable commodity.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that in the Middle Ages, most Europeans knew where nutmeg was grown. The second paragraph discusses the Middle Ages trade. It states that the Arabs were exclusive importers and sold nutmeg to Venetians 'but they never revealed the exact location of the source...'. This directly contradicts the idea that 'most Europeans knew where nutmeg was grown', as even the merchants buying it didn't know the source location. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

6. Question 6

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The VOC was the world’s first major trading company.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   In 1602, Dutch merchants founded the VOC, a trading corporation better known as the Dutch East India Company.

   Explanation

   The statement claims the VOC was the *world's first major* trading company. The fourth paragraph introduces the VOC and notes it was founded in 1602. It describes the VOC as 'the richest commercial operation in the world' by 1617, detailing its vast size and resources. While the passage establishes the VOC as a major and very successful trading company, it does not provide information comparing it to other trading companies established *before* 1602 to claim it was the *first* major one. Therefore, the information needed to confirm or deny this specific claim is not present.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Following the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch had control of all the islands where nutmeg grew.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   After decades of fighting for control of this tiny island, the Dutch and British arrived at a compromise settlement, the Treaty of Breda, in 1667.

   Explanation

   The statement says that after the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch controlled all nutmeg-growing islands. The fifth paragraph details the Dutch takeover of the Banda Islands, noting that the island of Run was controlled by the British. It then describes the Treaty of Breda in 1667, where the Dutch traded Manhattan for Run, being 'Intent on securing their hold over every nutmeg-producing island'. After this trade, the passage concludes: 'The Dutch now had a monopoly over the nutmeg trade which would last for another century.' This implies they controlled the source – all the islands where nutmeg grew – in order to have a monopoly. This confirms the statement is TRUE.

8. Question 8

   Table completion

   Question

   Nutmeg was brought to Europe by the ______

   Answer

   Arabs

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Throughout this period, the Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe.

   Explanation

   The question asks who brought nutmeg to Europe during the Middle Ages. The second paragraph states, 'Throughout this period [the Middle Ages], the Arabs were the exclusive importers of the spice to Europe.' This directly identifies the 'Arabs' as the group responsible for bringing nutmeg to Europe. The word 'Arabs' is a noun and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 9

   Table completion

   Question

   Demand for nutmeg grew, as it was believed to be effective against the disease known as the ______ The Dutch - took control of the Banda Islands - restricted nutmeg production to a few areas - put … on nutmeg to avoid it being cultivated outside the islands - finally obtained the island of … from the British

   Answer

   plague

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Doctors were desperate for a way to stop the spread of this disease, and they decided nutmeg held the cure.

   Explanation

   The question states that demand for nutmeg grew because it was believed to be effective against a certain disease. The fourth paragraph mentions that 'thousands of people across Europe were dying of the plague'. The next sentence says, 'Doctors were desperate for a way to stop the spread of this disease, and they decided nutmeg held the cure.' This links the growing demand for nutmeg to the belief that it could cure or stop the spread of 'the plague'. The word 'plague' is the correct disease and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

10. Question 10

    Table completion

    Question

    Demand for nutmeg grew, as it was believed to be effective against the disease known as the … The Dutch - took control of the Banda Islands - restricted nutmeg production to a few areas - put ______ on nutmeg to avoid it being cultivated outside the islands - finally obtained the island of … from the British

    Answer

    lime

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    In addition, all exported nutmeg was covered with lime to make sure there was no chance a fertile seed which could be grown elsewhere would leave the islands.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the Dutch put on nutmeg to prevent it from being grown elsewhere. The fifth paragraph describes how the Dutch protected their investment after taking control. Sentence six states, 'In addition, all exported nutmeg was covered with lime to make sure there was no chance a fertile seed which could be grown elsewhere would leave the islands.' This clearly indicates that 'lime' was used for this purpose. 'Lime' is a noun and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

11. Question 11

    Table completion

    Question

    Demand for nutmeg grew, as it was believed to be effective against the disease known as the … The Dutch - took control of the Banda Islands - restricted nutmeg production to a few areas - put … on nutmeg to avoid it being cultivated outside the islands - finally obtained the island of ______ from the British

    Answer

    Run

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    One of the Banda Islands, a sliver of land called Run, only 3 km long by less than 1 km wide, was under the control of the British.

    Explanation

    The question asks for the name of the island the Dutch finally obtained from the British. The fifth paragraph mentions that one island, 'a sliver of land called Run', was controlled by the British. It then describes the Treaty of Breda where the Dutch traded with the British, stating, 'if the British would give them the island of Run...'. The British agreed to this trade, meaning the Dutch obtained the island of Run. 'Run' is the name of the island and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

12. Question 12

    Table completion

    Question

    1770 – nutmeg plants were secretly taken to ______ 1778 – half the Banda Islands’ nutmeg plantations were destroyed by a …

    Answer

    Mauritius

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Then, in 1770, a Frenchman named Pierre Poivre successfully smuggled nutmeg plants to safety in Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa.

    Explanation

    The question asks where nutmeg plants were taken in 1770. The sixth paragraph starts with the year 1770 and says, 'Then, in 1770, a Frenchman named Pierre Poivre successfully smuggled nutmeg plants to safety in Mauritius, an island off the coast of Africa.' This directly states the destination was 'Mauritius'. 'Mauritius' is a single word (a proper noun) and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

13. Question 13

    Table completion

    Question

    1770 – nutmeg plants were secretly taken to … 1778 – half the Banda Islands’ nutmeg plantations were destroyed by a ______

    Answer

    tsunami

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Next, in 1778, a volcanic eruption in the Banda region caused a tsunami that wiped out half the nutmeg groves.

    Explanation

    The question asks what destroyed half the nutmeg plantations in the Banda Islands in 1778. The sixth paragraph lists events affecting the Dutch monopoly. The sentence mentioning 1778 says, 'Next, in 1778, a volcanic eruption in the Banda region caused a tsunami that wiped out half the nutmeg groves.' 'Wiped out' means destroyed. The cause was a 'tsunami'. 'Tsunami' is a noun and fits the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Driverless cars

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to the amount of time when a car is not in use

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   At present, the average car spends more than 90 percent of its life parked.

   Explanation

   The question asks to find the section that refers to the amount of time a car is not in use. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange [2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1]), Section C corresponds to the fifth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph states: 'At present, the average car spends more than 90 percent of its life parked.' This sentence directly references the significant amount of time a car is not being used.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of several advantages of driverless vehicles for individual road-users

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   If the vehicle can do some or all of the driving, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax while automation systems have responsibility for safe control of the vehicle.

   Explanation

   Section B is the one that lists benefits for ordinary travellers: fewer collisions caused by human error, free time to work, socialise or relax during a journey, and greater independence for older or disabled people. Section C looks at wider society and car-sharing instead, so it does not match.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to the opportunity of choosing the most appropriate vehicle for each trip

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   If we move to a model where consumers are tending not to own a single vehicle but to purchase access to a range of vehicle through a mobility provider, drivers will have the freedom to select one that best suits their needs for a particular journey, rather than making a compromise across all their requirements.

   Explanation

   Section E describes people buying access to a range of vehicles rather than owning one, so they can pick whichever suits a particular journey instead of compromising. It even gives examples such as a family camping trip. That is the chance to choose the most suitable vehicle for each trip.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   an estimate of how long it will take to overcome a number of problems

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   It’s clear that there are many challenges that need to be addressed but, through robust and targeted research, these can most probably be conquered within the next 10 years.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an estimate of how long it will take to overcome certain problems. The correct answer is Section G. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange [2, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1]), Section G is the final paragraph. The first sentence of this paragraph states: 'It’s clear that there are many challenges that need to be addressed but, through robust and targeted research, these can most probably be conquered within the next 10 years.' This sentence provides a specific timeframe (within the next 10 years) for overcoming challenges.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   a suggestion that the use of driverless cars may have no effect on the number of vehicles manufactured

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   This faster rate of turnover may mean that vehicle production will not necessarily decrease

   Explanation

   In section D, Michigan researchers estimate that automated vehicles could cut ownership by 43 per cent while average mileage doubles, so each car wears out faster and is replaced sooner. The writer concludes that this quicker turnover may stop production from falling, which amounts to no overall effect on how many cars are made. The Singapore finding in the same section points to far fewer cars, so it is not the supporting detail.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   Figures from the Transport Research Laboratory indicate that most motor accidents are partly due to ______, so the introduction of driverless vehicles will result in greater safety.

   Answer

   human error

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   One frequently cited motive is safety; indeed, research at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory has demonstrated that more than 90 percent of road collisions involve human error as a contributory factor, and it is the primary cause in the vast majority.

   Explanation

   The note asks about the cause of motor accidents according to the Transport Research Laboratory. The passage, in the second sentence of the third paragraph, mentions research from the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory. This sentence states: 'research at the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory has demonstrated that more than 90 percent of road collisions involve human error as a contributory factor...'. The blank requires two words from the passage ('human error') to complete the sentence, adhering to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit. 'Partly due to' in the question matches 'involve ... as a contributory factor' in the passage.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   For example, schemes for ______ will be more workable, especially in towns and cities, resulting in fewer cars on the road.

   Answer

   car (-) sharing

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Automation means that initiatives for car-sharing become much more viable, particularly in urban areas with significant travel demand.

   Explanation

   The note discusses other advantages of automation, specifically mentioning schemes that become more workable in urban areas, leading to fewer cars. The passage, in the third sentence of the fifth paragraph, states: 'Automation means that initiatives for car-sharing become much more viable, particularly in urban areas with significant travel demand.' 'Initiatives for car-sharing' directly corresponds to 'schemes for __________'. 'More viable' matches 'more workable', and 'particularly in urban areas' matches 'especially in towns and cities'. The answer 'car-sharing' (or 'car sharing') is two words and fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, there could be a 43 percent drop in ______ of cars.

   Answer

   ownership

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Modelling work by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggests automated vehicles might reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent, but that vehicles’ average annual mileage double as a result.

   Explanation

   The note refers to findings from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a specific percentage reduction. The passage, in the first sentence of the seventh paragraph, mentions this institute and states: 'Modelling work by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggests automated vehicles might reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent...'. The phrase 'reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent' corresponds directly to 'a 43 percent drop in __________ of cars'. The word 'ownership' is required to complete the phrase and is one word, adhering to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   However, this would mean that the yearly ______ of each car would, on average, be twice as high as it currently is. this would lead to a higher turnover of vehicles, and therefore no reduction in automotive manufacturing.

   Answer

   mileage

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Modelling work by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggests automated vehicles might reduce vehicle ownership by 43 percent, but that vehicles’ average annual mileage double as a result.

   Explanation

   This note continues from the previous point about reduced ownership and discusses an increase related to each car. The same sentence from the University of Michigan study also states that 'vehicles’ average annual mileage double as a result.' 'Annual mileage double' matches 'yearly __________ of each car would, on average, be twice as high'. The word needed is 'mileage', which is one word and fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

10. Question 23

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO benefits of automated vehicles does the writer mention?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    If the vehicle can do some or all of the driving, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax while automation systems have responsibility for safe control of the vehicle.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two benefits of automated vehicles. This explanation is for option C: 'Travellers could spend journeys doing something other than driving.' The second sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'If the vehicle can do some or all of the driving, it may be possible to be productive, to socialise or simply to relax...'. Being productive, socialising, or relaxing are all activities 'other than driving', directly supporting this statement as a benefit.

11. Question 24

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO benefits of automated vehicles does the writer mention?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    If the vehicle can do the driving, those who are challenged by existing mobility models – such as older or disabled travellers – may be able to enjoy significantly greater travel autonomy.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two benefits of automated vehicles. This explanation is for option D: 'People who find driving physically difficult could travel independently.' The third sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'If the vehicle can do the driving, those who are challenged by existing mobility models – such as older or disabled travellers – may be able to enjoy significantly greater travel autonomy.' People who find driving physically difficult can be included in the group 'challenged by existing mobility models', and 'greater travel autonomy' is a direct equivalent of being able to 'travel independently'.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO challenges to automated vehicle development does the writer mention?

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    These include the technical difficulties in ensuring that the vehicle works reliably in the infinite range of traffic, weather and road situations it might encounter; the regulatory challenges in understanding how liability and enforcement might change when drivers are no longer essential for vehicle operation; and the societal changes that may be required for communities to trust and accept automated vehicles as being a valuable part of the mobility landscape.

    Explanation

    Public trust is one of the hurdles named in the list of obstacles. The writer says communities may need to change before they trust and accept automated vehicles as a valuable part of mobility. That matches option A. Nothing is said about paying drivers who lose their jobs or about building new roads.

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO challenges to automated vehicle development does the writer mention?

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    These include the technical difficulties in ensuring that the vehicle works reliably in the infinite range of traffic, weather and road situations it might encounter; the regulatory challenges in understanding how liability and enforcement might change when drivers are no longer essential for vehicle operation; and the societal changes that may be required for communities to trust and accept automated vehicles as being a valuable part of the mobility landscape.

    Explanation

    Among the hurdles is the technical task of making a vehicle work reliably in an endless range of traffic, weather and road situations. Option E restates this as adapting to different driving conditions. The other options, such as controlling the speed of change or road infrastructure, are never raised.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 What is exploration?

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer refers to visitors to New York to illustrate the point that

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   This questing nature of ours undoubtedly helped our species spread around the globe, just as it nowadays no doubt helps the last nomadic Penan maintain their existence in the depleted forests of Borneo, and a visitor negotiate the subways of New York.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the writer illustrates by referring to visitors to New York. The fourth sentence of the first paragraph states, 'This questing nature of ours undoubtedly helped our species spread around the globe, just as it nowadays no doubt helps ... a visitor negotiate the subways of New York.' The preceding sentences establish that our 'desire to discover' and 'questing nature' are part of what makes us human and helped our species spread. By equating navigating the New York subway system to the Penan maintaining existence in Borneo and the spreading of our species, the writer uses it as a contemporary example of this inherent human 'questing nature' or exploratory drive. This supports the idea that exploration, in various forms, is a fundamental part of being human, making option A correct.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the second paragraph, what is the writer’s view of explorers?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Over the years, we’ve come to think of explorers as a peculiar breed – different from the rest of us, different from those of us who are merely ‘well travelled’, even; and perhaps there is a type of person more suited to seeking out the new, a type of caveman more inclined to risk venturing out.

   Explanation

   The second paragraph discusses the common perception of explorers as different or a 'peculiar breed'. However, the second sentence of this paragraph directly counters this by stating, 'That, however, doesn’t take away from the fact that we all have this enquiring instinct, even today'. This sentence explicitly states that the 'enquiring instinct' (the urge to explore) is something 'we all have'. Therefore, the writer believes that explorers act on an urge that is common to everyone, making option C the correct answer.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer refers to a description of Egdon Heath to suggest that

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Thomas Hardy set some of his novels in Egdon Heath, a fictional area of uncultivated land, and used the landscape to suggest the desires and fears of his characters.

   Explanation

   Hardy's heath is described as a landscape used to suggest the characters' desires and fears, so his purpose is to look into emotions, which the writer calls exploration of matters common to all people. Option A is wrong because it is not about Hardy's own travels, and D has no support.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the fourth paragraph, the writer refers to ‘a golden age’ to suggest that

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   But that still left me with another problem: the word ‘explorer’ has become associated with a past era.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the writer's purpose in referring to 'a golden age' in the fourth paragraph. The writer says the word 'explorer' is associated with the past, specifically a 'golden age' like the 19th century, implying that exploration 'peaked' then and is now 'on the decline'. However, the writer immediately counters this perception with 'though the truth is that...' and provides several examples of how much remains unknown about species, the ocean floor, and even the human brain. By presenting the idea of a 'golden age' and declining exploration as something we 'think back to' and then providing evidence of the vast amount that is still unexplored, the writer suggests that the perception of exploration being unnecessary or finished is incorrect. This supports option D.

5. Question 31

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the sixth paragraph, when discussing the definition of exploration, the writer argues that

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Each definition is slightly different – and tends to reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer.

   Explanation

   The sixth paragraph begins by stating that each definition of exploration from the interviewed individuals 'tends to reflect the field of endeavour of each pioneer'. The writer then gives examples: 'the prominent historian would say exploration was a thing of the past, the cutting-edge scientist would say it was of the present'. This demonstrates that the way people define exploration is influenced by their professional background and interests. This directly supports option A.

6. Question 32

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the last paragraph, the writer explains that he is interested in

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   However, this is to disregard the role the human mind has in conveying remote places; and this is what interests me: how a fresh interpretation, even of a well-travelled route, can give its readers new insights.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the writer's specific interest in the last paragraph. After discussing the era of specialists and the idea that surface exploration is down to details, the writer introduces a contrasting idea: 'However, this is to disregard the role the human mind has in conveying remote places; and this is what interests me: how a fresh interpretation, even of a well-travelled route, can give its readers new insights.' This sentence clearly states that his interest lies in how the human mind can provide a 'fresh interpretation' of a place, even if it's 'a well-travelled route', leading to 'new insights'. This aligns perfectly with option B, which talks about casting 'new light' (fresh interpretation/new insights) on 'familiar places' (a well-travelled route).

7. Question 33

   Matching features

   Question

   He referred to the relevance of the form of transport used.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed Arabia’s Empty Quarter in 1946, and belongs to an era of unmechanised travel now lost to the rest of us, told me, ‘If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.’

   Explanation

   The statement refers to someone who spoke about the relevance of the form of transport. In the fifth paragraph, Wilfred Thesiger is quoted as saying, 'If I’d gone across by camel when I could have gone by car, it would have been a stunt.' This quote directly addresses the method of travel (camel vs. car) and its significance ('stunt'), highlighting the relevance of the form of transport used in his definition of exploration. Therefore, Wilfred Thesiger (Option E) is the correct match.

8. Question 34

   Matching features

   Question

   He described feelings on coming back home after a long journey.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Explorer and travel writer Peter Fleming talks of the moment when the explorer returns to the existence he has left behind with his loved ones.

   Explanation

   The statement describes someone who discussed the feelings associated with returning home after a journey. The third paragraph introduces Peter Fleming and states he 'talks of the moment when the explorer returns to the existence he has left behind'. It then quotes him describing the traveler's feelings upon return, encountering their 'other self' as a 'relatively solid figure, with a place in the minds of certain people'. This quote specifically details the psychological experience and feelings ('seen himself only as a puny and irrelevant alien', 'suddenly encounters his other self') upon returning home. Therefore, Peter Fleming (Option A) is the correct match.

9. Question 35

   Matching features

   Question

   He worked for the benefit of specific groups of people.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Then Robin Hanbury-Tenison, a campaigner on behalf of remote so-called ‘tribal’ peoples, said, ‘A traveller simply records information about some far-off world, and reports back; but an explorer changes the world.’

   Explanation

   The statement refers to someone who worked for the benefit of specific groups of people. In the fifth paragraph, Robin Hanbury-Tenison is identified as 'a campaigner on behalf of remote so-called ‘tribal’ peoples'. The phrase 'on behalf of' indicates that he worked to benefit these particular groups of people. This makes Robin Hanbury-Tenison (Option D) the correct match.

10. Question 36

    Matching features

    Question

    He did not consider learning about oneself an essential part of exploration.

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    To him, exploration meant bringing back information from a remote place regardless of any great self-discovery.

    Explanation

    The statement describes someone who did not see self-discovery as essential to exploration. The fifth paragraph, after quoting Wilfred Thesiger, summarises his view: 'To him, exploration meant bringing back information from a remote place regardless of any great self-discovery.' The phrase 'regardless of any great self-discovery' clearly indicates that he did not consider learning about oneself an essential part of exploration. Therefore, Wilfred Thesiger (Option E) is the correct match.

11. Question 37

    Matching features

    Question

    He defined exploration as being both unique and of value to others.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    Ran Fiennes, dubbed the ‘greatest living explorer’, said, ‘An explorer is someone who has done something that no human has done before – and also done something scientifically useful.’

    Explanation

    The statement describes someone who defined exploration as both unique and valuable to others. In the fifth paragraph, Ran Fiennes is quoted defining an explorer as 'someone who has done something that no human has done before – and also done something scientifically useful.' 'Something that no human has done before' aligns with being unique, and 'something scientifically useful' aligns with being of value to others (through scientific contribution). This two-part definition matches the criteria in the statement. Therefore, Ran Fiennes (Option B) is the correct match.

12. Question 38

    Summary completion

    Question

    The writer has experience of a large number of ______, and was the first stranger that certain previously … people had encountered.

    Answer

    (unique) expeditions

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    I’ve done a great many expeditions and each one was unique.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the writer has experience of a large number of. In the last paragraph, the writer states, 'I’ve done a great many expeditions'. 'A large number' is a paraphrase of 'a great many'. The word 'expeditions' fits grammatically and in meaning, and it is within the two-word limit. Therefore, 'expeditions' is the correct answer.

13. Question 39

    Summary completion

    Question

    The writer has experience of a large number of …, and was the first stranger that certain previously ______ people had encountered.

    Answer

    uncontacted / isolated

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    I’ve lived for months alone with isolated groups of people all around the world, even two ‘uncontacted tribes’.

    Explanation

    The question states that the writer was the first stranger certain previously __________ people had encountered. In the last paragraph, the writer mentions living with 'isolated groups of people', specifically 'even two ‘uncontacted tribes’'. The passage then suggests these experiences are not interesting unless he finds a 'new slant' through his books, implying the *tribes* themselves were novel or uncontacted. The blank requires an adjective to describe the people. The phrase 'uncontacted tribes' directly suggests that these people had not been previously contacted by outsiders. 'Uncontacted' fits the blank and adheres to the word limit. The sentence structure 'first stranger that certain previously... people had encountered' paraphrases the idea of being the first outsider to live with 'uncontacted tribes'.

14. Question 40

    Summary completion

    Question

    He believes there is no need for further exploration of Earth’s ______, except to answer specific questions such as how buffalo eat.

    Answer

    (land) surface

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    We know how the land surface of our planet lies; exploration of it is now down to the details – the habits of microbes, say, or the grazing behaviour of buffalo.

    Explanation

    The question states the writer believes there is no need for further exploration of Earth's __________ except for specific details. In the last paragraph, the writer says, 'We know how the land surface of our planet lies; exploration of it is now down to the details – the habits of microbes, say, or the grazing behaviour of buffalo.' This sentence directly addresses the exploration of the 'land surface' and says it's mostly known, leaving only details for further exploration. The word 'surface' fits the blank, refers to the land, and is within the word limit. The examples given ('habits of microbes', 'grazing behaviour of buffalo') are presented as the *type* of detailed questions that remain about the surface.