Cambridge IELTS 15 Academic Reading Test 4: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The return of the huarango

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   can access ______ deep below the surface

   Answer

   water

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   It hardly ever rains there, and the only year-round source of water is located tens of metres below the surface.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the huarango tree can access deep below the surface. The passage, in the third sentence of the first paragraph, mentions that 'the only year-round source of water is located tens of metres below the surface'. The next sentence explains that the huarango's roots stretch down and are 'sucking up water for the tree'. This indicates that the tree accesses water from deep below the surface. The answer 'water' is a single word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and completes the sentence grammatically.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   was a crucial part of local inhabitants’ ______ a long time ago

   Answer

   diet

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   He believes the huarango was key to the ancient people’s diet and, because it could reach deep water sources, it allowed local people to withstand years of drought when their other crops failed.

   Explanation

   The question states that the huarango was a crucial part of local inhabitants' __________ a long time ago. The second paragraph discusses the historical role of the tree. Its second sentence says, 'He believes the huarango was key to the ancient people’s diet'. 'Key to' means crucial or vital, and 'ancient people' aligns with 'local inhabitants... a long time ago'. The missing word is 'diet', which is one word and fits the grammatical structure.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   helped people to survive periods of ______

   Answer

   drought

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   He believes the huarango was key to the ancient people’s diet and, because it could reach deep water sources, it allowed local people to withstand years of drought when their other crops failed.

   Explanation

   The question asks what periods the huarango tree helped people survive. In the second paragraph, the second sentence states, 'and, because it could reach deep water sources, it allowed local people to withstand years of drought when their other crops failed.' 'Withstand years of drought' means to survive periods of drought. The word 'drought' fits the blank and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' rule.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   prevents ______ of the soil

   Answer

   erosion

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Cutting down native woodland leads to erosion, as there is nothing to keep the soil in place.

   Explanation

   The question states that the tree prevents something related to the soil. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph says, 'Cutting down native woodland leads to erosion, as there is nothing to keep the soil in place.' This implies that keeping native woodland (like huarangos) in place prevents erosion. The word 'erosion' is the correct answer, it is one word, and it fits the context of the soil.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   prevents land from becoming a ______

   Answer

   desert

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   So when the huarangos go, the land turns into a desert.

   Explanation

   The question states that the tree prevents land from becoming a __________. Following on from the previous point in the second paragraph, the fifth sentence says, 'So when the huarangos go, the land turns into a desert.' This means having huarangos prevents the land from turning into a desert. The word 'desert' completes the sentence and is a single word, fitting the requirement.

6. Question 6

   Table completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   (its / huarango / the) branches

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Its leaves and bark were used for herbal remedies, while its branches were used for charcoal for cooking and heating, and its trunk was used to build houses.

   Explanation

   This question is part of a table asking about traditional uses. The column 'Traditional use' lists 'Fuel'. We need to find which part of the tree was used as fuel. The third paragraph describes traditional uses of the tree. The third sentence says, 'while its branches were used for charcoal for cooking and heating'. Charcoal is a type of fuel used for cooking and heating. Therefore, 'branches' is the part of the tree used for fuel. The answer is one word, adhering to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

7. Question 7

   Table completion

   Question

   ______ and ……………….

   Answer

   leaves (and) bark / bark (and) leaves

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Its leaves and bark were used for herbal remedies, while its branches were used for charcoal for cooking and heating, and its trunk was used to build houses.

   Explanation

   Among the huarango's many uses, the plant parts used for herbal remedies are its leaves and bark; the branches went for charcoal and the trunk for house-building, so they cannot fill a medicine row. Both words are single words, within the two-word limit, and they are joined by 'and' in the passage, which explains why the two answers can be given in either order.

8. Question 8

   Table completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   (its / huarango / the) trunk

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Its leaves and bark were used for herbal remedies, while its branches were used for charcoal for cooking and heating, and its trunk was used to build houses.

   Explanation

   This question asks which part of the tree was used for 'construction'. The third sentence of the third paragraph concludes by saying, 'and its trunk was used to build houses.' Building houses is a form of construction. Therefore, the 'trunk' was used for construction. The answer 'trunk' is a single word, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Local families have told Whaley about some traditional uses of huarango products.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   So, he has been working with local families to attempt to create a sustainable income from the huarangos by turning their products into foodstuffs.

   Explanation

   Whaley's dealings with local families are about the future: he is helping them turn huarango products into foods that can earn a living. The passage never says that those families passed on old uses to him. Any traditional knowledge reported comes from the writer's own account of how the tree was used for centuries, not from the families' mouths, so this is NOT GIVEN.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Farmer Alberto Benevides is now making a good profit from growing huarangos.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    His farm is relatively small and doesn’t yet provide him with enough to live on, but he hopes this will change.

    Explanation

    The statement says Alberto Benevides is making a good profit now. The passage discusses Alberto Benevides in the sixth paragraph. The fourth sentence states, 'His farm is relatively small and doesn’t yet provide him with enough to live on, but he hopes this will change.' This directly contradicts the idea that he is 'making a good profit' currently. He hopes for future profit ('I am investing in the future'), but he is not making enough to live on at present. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Whaley needs the co-operation of farmers to help preserve the area’s wildlife.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Some of these cut across the forests and break up the corridors that allow the essential movement of mammals, birds and pollen up and down the narrow forest strip.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Whaley needs farmers' co-operation to preserve wildlife. The seventh paragraph discusses the threat from larger farms and how they 'break up the corridors that allow the essential movement of mammals, birds and pollen'. This movement is vital for wildlife ('mammals, birds') and plant life ('pollen'). Whaley is 'persuading farmers to let him plant forest corridors on their land' to counteract this problem. This directly shows that he needs the 'co-operation of farmers' (by persuading them to let him plant trees on their land) to maintain these corridors, which help preserve the area's 'wildlife' (mammals, birds) and biodiversity. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    For Whaley’s project to succeed, it needs to be extended over a very large area.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘It’s not like a rainforest that needs to have this huge expanse.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests Whaley's project needs a very large area to succeed. The eighth paragraph quotes Whaley explaining the nature of desert habitats. He states, 'It’s not like a rainforest that needs to have this huge expanse.' He adds that life there 'has always been confined to corridors and islands'. He explicitly says, 'If you just have a few trees left, the population can grow up quickly...'. This contradicts the idea that the project requires a 'very large area' to be successful. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Whaley has plans to go to Africa to set up a similar project.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    He sees his project as a model that has the potential to be rolled out across other arid areas around the world.

    Explanation

    The statement claims Whaley has plans to go to Africa to set up a similar project. The last paragraph discusses the potential of the project to be a model for other arid areas globally, 'including Africa'. Whaley sees it as a 'message of hope' for places like Africa. However, the passage only states the *potential* for the project to be 'rolled out' elsewhere and mentions Africa as an example of a place where it could be applied. It does *not* explicitly state that Whaley himself 'has plans to go to Africa' to set up such a project. This specific action by Whaley is not mentioned.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Silbo Gomero – the whistle ‘language’ of the Canary Islands

1. Question 14

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   La Gomera is the most mountainous of all the Canary Islands.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   This small volcanic island is mountainous, with steep rocky slopes and deep, wooded ravines, rising to 1,487 metres at its highest peak.

   Explanation

   The passage describes La Gomera as 'mountainous, with steep rocky slopes and deep, wooded ravines, rising to 1,487 metres at its highest peak.' (Paragraph 1, sentence 2) and states that its 'extreme terrain' is perfectly adapted to the whistle language (Paragraph 1, sentence 3). However, the passage does not provide any information comparing the mountainous nature of La Gomera to that of the other Canary Islands. We know it is mountainous, but not if it is 'the most mountainous'. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

2. Question 15

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Silbo is only appropriate for short and simple messages.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands, but any Spanish sentence could be whistled.’

   Explanation

   The statement claims Silbo is *only* appropriate for short and simple messages. However, the passage explicitly contradicts this. In the fifth paragraph, Manuel Carreiras states, 'In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands, but any Spanish sentence could be whistled.' The phrase 'any Spanish sentence could be whistled' indicates that Silbo is capable of relaying complex messages, not just short and simple ones. This directly contradicts the 'only' in the statement, making it FALSE.

3. Question 16

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   In the brain-activity study, silbadores and non-whistlers produced different results.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Results showed the left temporal lobe of the brain, which is usually associated with spoken language, was engaged during the processing of Silbo.

   Explanation

   The statement says that the brain-activity study showed different results for silbadores and non-whistlers. The passage describes the study in the sixth paragraph. It states that for silbadores (whistlers), the 'left temporal lobe of the brain... was engaged during the processing of Silbo' (sentence 2) and 'other key regions in the brain’s frontal lobe also responded' (sentence 3). However, it then states, 'When the experiments were repeated with non-whistlers, however, activation was observed in all areas of the brain' (sentence 4). This clearly shows that the pattern of brain activation ('left temporal lobe' and 'frontal lobe' for silbadores vs. 'all areas' for non-whistlers) was different between the two groups. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

4. Question 17

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Spanish introduced Silbo to the islands in the 15th century.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Carreiras says the origins of Silbo Gomero remain obscure, but that indigenous Canary Islanders, who were of North African origin, already had a whistled language when Spain conquered the volcanic islands in the 15th century.

   Explanation

   The statement claims the Spanish introduced Silbo in the 15th century. The passage contradicts this directly. The eighth paragraph states, 'Carreiras says the origins of Silbo Gomero remain obscure, but that indigenous Canary Islanders, who were of North African origin, already had a whistled language when Spain conquered the volcanic islands in the 15th century.' This sentence clearly indicates that a whistled language already existed among the indigenous people *before* the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Therefore, the Spanish did not introduce it, making the statement FALSE.

5. Question 18

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There is precise data available regarding all of the whistle languages in existence today.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   There are thought to be as many as 70 whistled languages still in use, though only 12 have been described and studied scientifically.

   Explanation

   The statement claims there is 'precise data available regarding all' existing whistle languages. The passage contradicts this in the eighth paragraph, stating, 'There are thought to be as many as 70 whistled languages still in use, though only 12 have been described and studied scientifically.' This shows that while there might be around 70, only a small number (12) have been scientifically described and studied, implying that precise data is *not* available for all of them. The word 'all' in the statement is key here. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

6. Question 19

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The children of Gomera now learn Silbo.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   Since 1999, Silbo Gomero has been taught in all of the island’s elementary schools.

   Explanation

   The statement says that children on Gomera now learn Silbo. The passage confirms this directly in the ninth paragraph: 'Since 1999, Silbo Gomero has been taught in all of the island’s elementary schools.' Elementary schools are attended by children. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

7. Question 20

   Note completion

   Question

   high- and low-frequency tones represent different sounds in Spanish ______

   Answer

   words

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Silbo is a substitute for Spanish, with individual words recoded into whistles which have high- and low-frequency tones.

   Explanation

   The question asks what is represented by the high- and low-frequency tones in Silbo Gomero. The fourth paragraph states, 'Silbo is a substitute for Spanish, with individual words recoded into whistles which have high- and low-frequency tones.' This sentence directly matches the structure of the question's note, indicating that 'individual words' are recoded into whistles with these tones. Therefore, high- and low-frequency tones represent different Spanish 'words'. The answer 'words' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

8. Question 21

   Note completion

   Question

   pitch of whistle is controlled using silbador’s ______

   Answer

   finger

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   A whistler – or silbador – puts a finger in his or her mouth to increase the whistle’s pitch, while the other hand can be cupped to adjust the direction of the sound.

   Explanation

   The question asks what a silbador uses to control the pitch of the whistle. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph explains the mechanics: 'A whistler – or silbador – puts a finger in his or her mouth to increase the whistle’s pitch'. This directly states that a 'finger' is used to control (increase) the pitch. The answer 'finger' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

9. Question 22

   Note completion

   Question

   ______ is changed with a cupped hand

   Answer

   direction

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   A whistler – or silbador – puts a finger in his or her mouth to increase the whistle’s pitch, while the other hand can be cupped to adjust the direction of the sound.

   Explanation

   The question asks what is changed with a cupped hand. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph describes how silbadores whistle: 'A whistler – or silbador – puts a finger in his or her mouth to increase the whistle’s pitch, while the other hand can be cupped to adjust the direction of the sound.' This sentence explicitly states that a 'cupped hand' is used to 'adjust the direction of the sound'. Therefore, the 'direction' is changed. The answer 'direction' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

10. Question 23

    Note completion

    Question

    in everyday use for the transmission of brief ______

    Answer

    commands

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands, but any Spanish sentence could be whistled.’

    Explanation

    The question asks about the use of Silbo in everyday life for transmitting brief messages. The third sentence of the fifth paragraph states, 'In daily life they use whistles to communicate short commands'. This directly matches the question note, indicating that 'short commands' are transmitted in everyday use. 'Commands' fits the blank. The answer 'commands' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a plural noun.

11. Question 24

    Note completion

    Question

    can relay essential information quickly, e.g. to inform people about ______

    Answer

    fires

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    Silbo has proved particularly useful when fires have occurred on the island and rapid communication across large areas has been vital.

    Explanation

    The question asks for an example of essential information that Silbo can relay quickly. The last sentence of the fifth paragraph provides this example: 'Silbo has proved particularly useful when fires have occurred on the island and rapid communication across large areas has been vital.' This sentence explicitly links Silbo's usefulness for 'rapid communication' (relay essential information quickly) to the occurrence of 'fires'. Therefore, 'fires' is the example given. The answer 'fires' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a plural noun.

12. Question 25

    Note completion

    Question

    future under threat because of new ______

    Answer

    technology

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    But with modern communication technology now widely available, researchers say whistled languages like Silbo are threatened with extinction.

    Explanation

    The question asks what new development threatens the future of Silbo. The first sentence of the ninth paragraph addresses this directly: 'But with modern communication technology now widely available, researchers say whistled languages like Silbo are threatened with extinction.' This sentence explicitly states that 'modern communication technology' is causing whistled languages to be 'threatened with extinction' (future under threat). The word 'technology' fits the blank. The answer 'technology' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

13. Question 26

    Note completion

    Question

    Canaries’ authorities hoping to receive a UNESCO ______ to help preserve it

    Answer

    award

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘The local authorities are trying to get an award from the organisation to declare [Silbo Gomero] as something that should be preserved for humanity,’ Carreiras adds.

    Explanation

    The question asks what the Canaries' authorities hope to receive from UNESCO to help preserve Silbo. The last sentence of the ninth paragraph states, '‘The local authorities are trying to get an award from the organisation to declare [Silbo Gomero] as something that should be preserved for humanity,’ Carreiras adds.' 'The organisation' refers to UNESCO, mentioned in the previous sentence. The sentence states they are trying to get an 'award' from them. The answer 'award' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Environmental practices of big businesses

1. Question 27

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no ______ Lack of … by governments and lack of public … can lead to environmental problems such as … or the destruction of …

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Depending on the circumstances, a business may maximize the amount of money it makes, at least in the short term, by damaging the environment and hurting people.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that businesses harm people and the environment to make money and appear to have no __________ . Option D, 'moral standards', fits this context. The first paragraph mentions businesses maximizing profits by 'damaging the environment and hurting people'. The second paragraph emphasizes that businesses are profit-making entities with obligations to shareholders to maximize profits legally. This focus on profit, even at the expense of environmental/social harm, suggests a lack of adherence to moral standards in such practices. Although 'moral standards' isn't explicitly stated, the description of their profit-driven behaviour implies a disregard for ethical considerations.

2. Question 28

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no … Lack of ______ by governments and lack of public … can lead to environmental problems such as … or the destruction of …

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   When government regulation is effective, and when the public is environmentally aware, environmentally clean big businesses may out-compete dirty ones, but the reverse is likely to be true if government regulation is ineffective and if the public doesn’t care.

   Explanation

   The summary mentions 'Lack of __________ by governments' leading to environmental problems. Option E, 'control', is a suitable word here. The fourth sentence of the first paragraph discusses 'government regulation' being effective or ineffective and its link to whether environmentally clean or dirty businesses succeed. The phrase 'government regulation' is synonymous with government control or management over business practices. Thus, a lack of 'control' (or ineffective regulation) by governments contributes to environmental issues.

3. Question 29

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no … Lack of … by governments and lack of public ______ can lead to environmental problems such as … or the destruction of …

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   When government regulation is effective, and when the public is environmentally aware, environmentally clean big businesses may out-compete dirty ones, but the reverse is likely to be true if government regulation is ineffective and if the public doesn’t care.

   Explanation

   The summary links 'lack of public __________' to environmental problems. Option F, 'involvement', fits the context. The last sentence of the first paragraph mentions that environmental issues are worse 'if the public doesn’t care'. The fourth paragraph then elaborates on various ways the public 'can do that' (referring to influencing businesses) through actions like suing, choosing sustainably harvested products, influencing employees, and pressing governments. All these actions describe public 'involvement' in addressing environmental issues. A lack of such caring and action (involvement) would indeed contribute to the problems.

4. Question 30

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no … Lack of … by governments and lack of public … can lead to environmental problems such as ______ or the destruction of …

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   That is still the case today for fishermen in an unmanaged fishery without quotas, and for international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land in places with corrupt officials and unsophisticated landowners.

   Explanation

   The summary provides examples of environmental problems, listed as '__________ or the destruction of __________'. The third sentence of the first paragraph gives specific examples of situations where businesses cause harm: 'for fishermen in an unmanaged fishery without quotas, and for international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land'. An 'unmanaged fishery without quotas' is a clear description of a situation leading to 'overfishing'. The destruction of 'tropical rainforest land' points towards the second blank. Therefore, 'overfishing' (Option H) matches the first example provided in the passage.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many big businesses today are prepared to harm people and the environment in order to make money, and they appear to have no … Lack of … by governments and lack of public … can lead to environmental problems such as … or the destruction of ______

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   That is still the case today for fishermen in an unmanaged fishery without quotas, and for international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land in places with corrupt officials and unsophisticated landowners.

   Explanation

   Continuing from the previous question, the summary lists 'overfishing or the destruction of __________' as environmental problems. The third sentence of the first paragraph provides the examples: 'fishermen in an unmanaged fishery' and 'international logging companies with short-term leases on tropical rainforest land'. The activity of 'logging companies' on 'tropical rainforest land' directly leads to the destruction of 'trees'. Option B, 'trees', fits this context as logging involves cutting down trees, leading to their destruction, especially in rainforests.

6. Question 32

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The main idea of the third paragraph is that environmental damage

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   In the long run, it is the public, either directly or through its politicians, that has the power to make such destructive policies unprofitable and illegal, and to make sustainable environmental policies profitable.

   Explanation

   The writer argues that the public, directly or through politicians, can make destructive practices unprofitable or illegal, for example by suing, buying sustainable goods or pressing for laws. That means ordinary people can prevent the damage, which is option C. Option A is too narrow, because political action is only one of the routes listed.

7. Question 33

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the fourth paragraph, the writer describes ways in which the public can

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The public can do that by suing businesses for harming them, as happened after the Exxon Valdez disaster, in which over 40,000m3 of oil were spilled off the coast of Alaska.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the actions the public can take, as described in the fourth paragraph. This paragraph lists several actions: suing businesses, buying sustainably, influencing employees, asking governments to favour environmentally good businesses, and pressing governments for laws and regulations. All these actions are methods by which the public can exert influence on both the practices/policies of businesses and the laws/regulations implemented by governments. Therefore, Option D accurately summarises the overall purpose of the actions listed in this paragraph.

8. Question 34

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What pressure was exerted by big business in the case of the disease BSE?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   For instance, after the US public became concerned about the spread of a disease known as BSE, which was transmitted to humans through infected meat, the US government’s Food and Drug Administration introduced rules demanding that the meat industry abandon practices associated with the risk of the disease spreading.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the pressure exerted by big business in the BSE case. The fifth paragraph describes how the US government introduced rules for the meat industry regarding BSE risks. It then states that 'meat packers refused to follow these' for five years. However, a 'major fast-food company' *then made the same demands*, and when this company's customer purchases dropped, the 'meat industry complied within weeks'. This sequence shows that the fast-food company (a form of big business) applied significant pressure on its suppliers (the meat industry/packers), effectively forcing them to comply with the previously resisted rules. Option B accurately describes this: a fast-food company (big business) forced their meat suppliers (meat packers) to follow the rules/law.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   The public should be prepared to fund good environmental practices.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   I also believe that the public must accept the necessity for higher prices for products to cover the added costs, if any, of sound environmental practices.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests the public should be willing to fund good environmental practices. In the sixth paragraph, the writer states, 'I also believe that the public must accept the necessity for higher prices for products to cover the added costs, if any, of sound environmental practices.' Paying higher prices for products to cover the costs of environmental practices is a form of indirect funding by the public. Therefore, the passage confirms the writer's view presented in the statement.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    There is a contrast between the moral principles of different businesses.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The statement suggests a contrast in the moral principles held by different businesses. While the passage discusses whether businesses operate with or without moral standards (particularly in the context of maximizing profit), it focuses on the general behaviour driven by profit motive and the obligation to shareholders. It does not discuss or compare the moral principles of *different* specific businesses or types of businesses. Therefore, the passage does not contain information to determine if the writer believes there is a contrast between the moral principles of different businesses.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It is important to make a clear distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    My conclusion is not a moralistic one about who is right or wrong, admirable or selfish, a good guy or a bad guy.

    Explanation

    The writer rejects a moral sorting of businesses into right or wrong, admirable or selfish, good guys or bad guys. The conclusion is explicitly not a moralistic one, and the emphasis is on public pressure and enforcement. A clear line between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour is therefore not endorsed, so the answer is NO.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The public have successfully influenced businesses in the past.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    However, when a major fast-food company then made the same demands after customer purchases of its hamburgers plummeted, the meat industry complied within weeks.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the public has successfully influenced businesses in the past. The passage provides evidence for this. The BSE example in the fifth paragraph shows how a fall in customer purchases (a form of public influence via purchasing power) led a fast-food company to pressure its supplier, resulting in the meat industry changing its practices ('the meat industry complied within weeks'). Furthermore, the seventh paragraph explicitly states, 'In the past, businesses have changed when the public came to expect and require different behavior...'. These instances confirm that public influence on businesses has been successful historically.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    In the future, businesses will show more concern for the environment.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    I predict that in the future, just as in the past, changes in public attitudes will be essential for changes in businesses’ environmental practices.

    Explanation

    The statement predicts that businesses will show *more concern* for the environment in the future. The passage's final sentence predicts that 'in the future, just as in the past, changes in public attitudes will be essential for changes in businesses’ environmental practices.' This sentence states that future changes in environmental practices *depend* on public attitudes. However, it does not explicitly state *whether* businesses *will* show more concern, nor does it guarantee that public attitudes will change sufficiently to cause this increased concern. It only sets the condition necessary for change. Therefore, whether businesses will actually show more concern is not stated.

14. Question 40

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What would be the best subheading for this passage?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 1

    Sentence in the passage

    The environmental practices of big businesses are shaped by a fundamental fact that for many of us offend our sense of justice.

    Explanation

    The passage repeatedly addresses the question of responsibility for environmental damage caused by big businesses. The first two paragraphs set up the issue of businesses harming the environment for profit and the natural inclination to blame them. The third paragraph then shifts the focus to the 'ultimate responsibility of the public'. The rest of the passage details how the public has the power to influence businesses and concludes by stating the public's 'ultimate responsibility' is empowering and not about who is 'right or wrong' (blame). The central theme throughout is who is responsible or 'to blame' for the damage. Option D directly captures this overarching question explored and answered (by shifting blame/responsibility to the public) in the passage.