Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Why we need to protect polar bears

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Polar bears suffer from various health problems due to the build-up of fat under their skin.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Humans with comparative levels of adipose tissue would be considered obese and would be likely to suffer from diabetes and heart disease.

   Explanation

   The statement says polar bears suffer from health problems because of fat under their skin. The passage mentions that humans with similar fat levels ('comparative levels of adipose tissue') would suffer from 'diabetes and heart disease'. However, it immediately contrasts this by saying, 'Yet the polar bear experiences no such consequences.' This directly contradicts the statement, making it FALSE.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The study done by Liu and his colleagues compared different groups of polar bears.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   They compared the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives from a warmer climate, the brown bears.

   Explanation

   The statement claims the study compared different groups of polar bears. The passage, in the second paragraph, states that Liu and colleagues 'compared the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives from a warmer climate, the brown bears.' This shows the comparison was between polar bears and brown bears, not different groups of polar bears. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Liu and colleagues were the first researchers to compare polar bears and brown bears genetically.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   They compared the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives from a warmer climate, the brown bears.

   Explanation

   Liu's 2014 team compared polar bear genes with those of brown bears, the polar bear's nearest relatives, to find which genes suit life in the Arctic. The passage presents this work only as a study that explains how polar bears cope with fat, and nothing suggests earlier or later researchers had not done a similar genetic comparison. A claim to have been the first goes beyond the text, so the answer is NOT GIVEN.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Polar bears are able to control their levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol by genetic means.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APoB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) - a form of ‘bad’ cholesterol.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests polar bears control 'bad' cholesterol genetically. The passage, in the second paragraph, states that Liu and colleagues found polar bears have a gene called APoB 'which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) – a form of ‘bad’ cholesterol.' This sentence explicitly links a specific gene (genetic means) to the reduction ('control') of 'bad' cholesterol (LDLs). This confirms the statement, making it TRUE.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Female polar bears are able to survive for about six months without food.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   This process results in about six months of fasting, where the female bears have to keep themselves and their cubs alive, depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves.

   Explanation

   The statement claims female polar bears can survive about six months without food. The passage, in the third paragraph, describes how female bears dig maternity dens and remain there throughout winter. It then states, 'This process results in about six months of fasting...'. Fasting means going without food. This sentence confirms that the female bears experience about six months of fasting (without food) while in the den. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

6. Question 6

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   It was found that the bones of female polar bears were very weak when they came out of their dens in spring.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Despite this, their bones remain strong and dense.

   Explanation

   The statement says female polar bear bones are weak upon leaving the den. The passage, in the third paragraph after describing the six months of fasting, states, 'Despite this, their bones remain strong and dense.' Furthermore, the fourth paragraph confirms that when they emerged from the den, 'there was no evidence of significant loss of bone density.' Both points contradict the idea that their bones were 'very weak'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The polar bear’s mechanism for increasing bone density could also be used by people one day.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   If the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears can be understood, many bedridden humans, and even astronauts, could potentially benefit.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests the polar bear's bone density mechanism could benefit humans in the future. The passage, in the final sentence of the fourth paragraph, states: 'If the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears can be understood, many bedridden humans, and even astronauts, could potentially benefit.' Bone remodelling is the process related to changing bone density. This sentence directly supports the idea that understanding this mechanism in polar bears could be applied to help people. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

8. Question 8

   Table completion

   Question

   Reasons why polar bears should be protected People think of bears as unintelligent and ______ However, this may not be correct.

   Answer

   violent

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent.

   Explanation

   The note says people think of bears as unintelligent and fill-in-the-blank. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, states, 'Bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent.' The word 'stupid' is synonymous with 'unintelligent' and it is linked with the word 'violent' by 'and'. The blank requires a single word from the passage that describes how bears are perceived alongside being 'unintelligent'. 'Violent' fits both the meaning and the one-word limit.

9. Question 9

   Table completion

   Question

   For example: ● In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a ______ This allowed him to knock down some … ● A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a … was located. ● Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a … Bears may also display emotions.

   Answer

   tool

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   A male bear called GoGo in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, has even been observed making use of a tool to manipulate his environment.

   Explanation

   The note asks what the bear at Tennoji Zoo used a branch as. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, mentions the bear GoGo in Tennoji Zoo and states he was observed 'making use of a tool to manipulate his environment.' The following sentence clarifies, 'The bear used a tree branch...'. This indicates the branch was used as a 'tool'. The blank requires a single word, which 'tool' provides.

10. Question 10

    Table completion

    Question

    For example: ● In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a … This allowed him to knock down some ______ ● A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a … was located. ● Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a … Bears may also display emotions.

    Answer

    meat

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach.

    Explanation

    The note describes the bear using a branch and asks what he knocked down. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, follows the sentence about using the branch with, 'The bear used a tree branch... to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach.' To 'dislodge' something means to knock it down or move it from its position. The blank requires a single word for what was knocked down. 'Meat' fits this description.

11. Question 11

    Table completion

    Question

    For example: ● In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a … This allowed him to knock down some … ● A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a ______ was located. ● Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a … Bears may also display emotions.

    Answer

    photographer

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    A calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high.

    Explanation

    The note mentions a wild polar bear reaching a platform where someone was located. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, gives another example: 'A calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high.' The blank asks who was on the platform. The passage explicitly states it was a 'photographer'. This is a single word and fits the context.

12. Question 12

    Table completion

    Question

    For example: ● In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a … This allowed him to knock down some … ● A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a … was located. ● Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a ______ Bears may also display emotions.

    Answer

    game

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game.

    Explanation

    The note lists behaviours like manipulation and activity similar to something. The passage, in the sixth paragraph, discusses studies by Alison Ames. It gives an example: 'Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game.' This describes behaviour similar to a 'game'. The blank requires a single word describing this activity.

13. Question 13

    Table completion

    Question

    For example: ● They may make movements suggesting ______ if disappointed when hunting. ● They may form relationships with other species.

    Answer

    frustration

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    As for emotions, while the evidence is once again anecdotal, many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow - seemingly out of frustration - when they have just missed out on a kill.

    Explanation

    The note talks about bears showing emotions through movements when hunting disappoints them. The passage, in the seventh paragraph, addresses emotions: 'many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow – seemingly out of frustration – when they have just missed out on a kill.' 'Missing out on a kill' means being disappointed when hunting. The passage explicitly states this action is 'seemingly out of frustration'. The blank needs a word describing the emotion suggested by these movements. 'Frustration' is the correct single word from the passage.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 The Step Pyramid of Djoser

1. Question 14

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   The pyramids are the most famous monuments of ancient Egypt and still hold enormous interest for people in the present day.

   Explanation

   Section A begins by stating the widespread interest in pyramids and the long-standing debate about their evolution (sentences 1 and 3). This sets up the idea of 'less definite facts' or points of debate. The last sentence, however, introduces a 'single certainty' (phrased as 'there is no question') regarding the origin of the Egyptian pyramid form, attributing it to Djoser's Step Pyramid and Imhotep. This structure directly matches Heading iv.

2. Question 15

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Prior to Djoser’s reign, tombs were rectangular monuments made of dried clay brick, which covered underground passages where the deceased person was buried.

   Explanation

   Section B describes the standard tomb structure before Djoser's reign (rectangular, made of clay brick, covering underground passages - second sentence). It then explains that Imhotep, Djoser's official, 'conceived of building a taller, more impressive tomb' using stacked stone slabs (third sentence). This clearly describes a new 'idea for changing the design' of traditional burial structures, leading to the Step Pyramid.

3. Question 16

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The weight of the enormous mass was a challenge for the builders, who placed the stones at an inward incline in order to prevent the monument breaking up.’

   Explanation

   Section C stresses how hard the building job was. The pyramid went through several plans, and the sheer weight of the stone mass was a challenge, so the builders tilted the blocks inwards to stop it breaking up. Heading ii, a difficult task for those involved, fits that struggle.

4. Question 17

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests.

   Explanation

   Section D primarily describes the complex surrounding the Step Pyramid. It mentions the size of the complex, the inclusion of 'a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests' (second sentence), the surrounding wall and its false doors and the single entrance (third sentence), and the encircling trench (fourth sentence). This detailed description provides 'An overview of the external buildings and areas' of the complex, fitting Heading v.

5. Question 18

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   The burial chamber of the tomb, where the king’s body was laid to rest, was dug beneath the base of the pyramid, surrounded by a vast maze of long tunnels that had rooms off them to discourage robbers.

   Explanation

   Section E describes the interior parts of the Step Pyramid complex, specifically the burial chamber beneath the pyramid, the tunnels and rooms (first sentence), and the discovery of 'a large number of stone vessels' found 'inside the pyramid' and in 'storerooms off the pyramid’s underground passages' (sentences 2 and 3). This section is entirely focused on the internal 'areas and artefacts within the pyramid itself', matching Heading i.

6. Question 19

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Unfortunately, all of the precautions and intricate design of the underground network did not prevent ancient robbers from finding a way in.

   Explanation

   Section F acknowledges the failure of the complex's security to prevent ancient robbers, resulting in the theft of 'Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body' and leaving only 'a small number of his valuables' (sentences 1 and 2). Despite this significant loss ('few remains'), the section concludes that there was still 'enough left... to astonish and amaze the archaeologists' (third sentence). This directly matches Heading viii.

7. Question 20

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   The Step Pyramid was a revolutionary advance in architecture and became the archetype which all the other great pyramid builders of Egypt would follow.

   Explanation

   The closing section calls the Step Pyramid a revolutionary advance that became the model all later Egyptian pyramid builders would follow. That is the idea of a design which others copied, heading vi. Heading i is about contents inside the monument, which this section does not discuss.

8. Question 21

   Note completion

   Question

   The complex that includes the Step Pyramid and its surroundings is considered to be as big as an Egyptian ______ of the past.

   Answer

   city

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests.

   Explanation

   The note states that the complex is considered to be as big as an Egyptian... of the past. Section D, the second sentence, states: 'The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt'. The phrase 'size of a city' directly answers the question. The word 'city' is one word, fitting the word limit.

9. Question 22

   Note completion

   Question

   The area outside the pyramid included accommodation that was occupied by ______, along with many other buildings and features.

   Answer

   priests

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   The complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests.

   Explanation

   The note asks who occupied accommodation outside the pyramid within the complex. Section D, the second sentence, lists what the complex included: 'a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests'. 'Living quarters' is a type of accommodation, and it was for 'the priests'. The word 'priests' is one word and fits the blank.

10. Question 23

    Note completion

    Question

    In addition, a long ______ encircled the wall.

    Answer

    trench

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    The wall had 13 false doors cut into it with only one true entrance cut into the south-east corner; the entire wall was then ringed by a trench 750 meters long and 40 meters wide.

    Explanation

    The note asks what encircled the wall of the complex. Section D, the fourth sentence, states that 'the entire wall was then ringed by a trench 750 meters long and 40 meters wide'. The word 'trench' fits the blank and the description 'long' (750 meters). 'Trench' is one word, meeting the word limit.

11. Question 24

    Note completion

    Question

    As a result, any visitors who had not been invited were cleverly prevented from entering the pyramid grounds unless they knew the ______ of the real entrance.

    Answer

    location

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    If someone wished to enter, he or she would have needed to know in advance how to find the location of the true opening in the wall.

    Explanation

    The note explains that uninvited visitors were prevented from entering unless they knew something about the real entrance. Section D, the sixth sentence, explains the purpose of the false doors and trench: 'If someone wished to enter, he or she would have needed to know in advance how to find the location of the true opening in the wall.' The phrase 'how to find the location' tells us what they needed to know. The word 'location' fits the blank and the one-word limit.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about King Djoser?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    Djoser is thought to have reigned for 19 years, but some historians and scholars attribute a much longer time for his rule, owing to the number and size of the monuments he built.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two points the writer makes about King Djoser. This explanation is for Option B: 'There is disagreement concerning the length of his reign'. Section B, the fourth sentence, states, 'Djoser is thought to have reigned for 19 years, but some historians and scholars attribute a much longer time for his rule'. This explicitly indicates a 'disagreement' among historians and scholars regarding the duration ('length') of his rule ('reign').

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about King Djoser?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two points the writer makes about King Djoser. This explanation is for Option D: 'A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it'. Section F, the second sentence, states that after robbers stole his 'grave goods' and body, 'all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves'. 'Valuables' are possessions, and 'a small number' means 'a few'. This directly supports Option D.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 The future of work

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The first paragraph tells us about

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   According to a leading business consultancy, 3-14% of the global workforce will need to switch to a different occupation within the next 10-15 years, and all workers will need to adapt as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph begins by stating that a significant percentage of the global workforce will need to change occupations and that 'all workers will need to adapt as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines'. It then introduces 'Automation' (embodied AI) and 'Disembodied AI' as aspects of the 'disruptive effects of technology on the labour market'. This focus on how technology, specifically AI, will cause workers to adapt, switch occupations, and how jobs will evolve directly addresses the 'extent to which AI will alter the nature of the work that people do'.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the second paragraph, what is Stella Pachidi’s view of the ‘knowledge economy’?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production - the so-called knowledge economy.

   Explanation

   The second paragraph states that Stella Pachidi 'believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production – the so-called knowledge economy.' This sentence directly links the 'knowledge economy' (jobs dependent on data) to 'some of the most fundamental changes' occurring, indicating it is a primary driver or 'key factor driving current developments in the workplace'. The term 'algorithmication' itself refers to the increasing use of algorithms in these data-driven jobs.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What did Pachidi observe at the telecommunications company?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘We are seeing cases where workers feed the algorithm with false data to reach their targets,’ she reports.

   Explanation

   The question asks what Pachidi observed at the telecommunications company. While monitoring this company, as described in the fifth and following paragraphs, Pachidi and her colleagues observed specific behaviours. The second sentence of the seventh paragraph explicitly states: '‘We are seeing cases where workers feed the algorithm with false data to reach their targets,’ she reports.' Feeding false data to the algorithm 'to reach their targets' is a way of manipulating the algorithm to produce the outcomes or 'results that they want'.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In his recently published research, Ewan McGaughey

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 12

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘History is clear that change can mean redundancies.

   Explanation

   McGaughey accepts that change can cost people their jobs, but he says social policies can deal with this by retraining and redeploying workers. So his work shows that shifts in the job market can be handled successfully. A does not fit, because he does not deny that redundancy is harmful, and nothing in his comments compares past losses with future ones or discusses the effects of mass unemployment.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   Stella Pachidi of Cambridge Judge Business School has been focusing on the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs which rely not on production but on ______

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production - the so-called knowledge economy.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 31 states that Stella Pachidi focuses on the 'algorithmication' of jobs that 'rely not on production but on __________'. The first sentence of the second paragraph in the passage introduces Stella Pachidi and her focus: 'Dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the ‘algorithmication’ of jobs that are dependent on data rather than on production – the so-called knowledge economy.' The phrase 'dependent on data' in the passage corresponds directly to 'rely... on __________' in the summary. 'Data' is a synonym for 'information'. Therefore, the correct option is 'information'.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   While monitoring a telecommunications company, Pachidi observed a growing ______ on the recommendations made by AI, as workers begin to learn through the ‘algorithm’s eyes’.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   In cases like this, Pachidi believes, a short-sighted view begins to creep into working practices whereby workers learn through the ‘algorithm’s eyes’ and become dependent on its instructions.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 32 describes Pachidi's observation at a telecommunications company, noting a growing __________ on AI recommendations and that workers learn through the 'algorithm's eyes'. The second sentence of the sixth paragraph discusses Pachidi's belief regarding cases like the telecommunications company: '...whereby workers learn through the ‘algorithm’s eyes’ and become dependent on its instructions.' The phrase 'become dependent on its instructions' aligns with the idea of a growing __________ on recommendations. 'Dependent on' is closely related to 'reliance'. Therefore, the correct option to fill the blank is 'reliance'.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   Meanwhile, staff are deterred from experimenting and using their own ______, and are therefore prevented from achieving innovation.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Alternative explorations - where experimentation and human instinct lead to progress and new ideas - are effectively discouraged.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 33 states that staff are 'deterred from experimenting and using their own __________' and this prevents innovation. The third sentence of the sixth paragraph talks about the consequence of workers becoming dependent on the algorithm: 'Alternative explorations – where experimentation and human instinct lead to progress and new ideas – are effectively discouraged.' The phrase 'human instinct' is presented as leading to 'experimentation' and 'new ideas', which aligns with achieving innovation. The blank requires a word describing a personal quality used alongside experimentation. 'Human instinct' is closely related to 'intuition'. Also, the third sentence of paragraph 4 mentions salespeople using 'the benefit of experience to assess a situation', which implies using personal judgment or intuition. Therefore, 'intuition' is the most appropriate option to fill the blank.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   To avoid the kind of situations which Pachidi observed, researchers are trying to make AI’s decision-making process easier to comprehend, and to increase users’ ______ with regard to the technology.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Their objective is to make AI technologies more trustworthy and transparent, so that organisations and individuals understand how AI decisions are made.

   Explanation

   Researchers want AI that is more trustworthy and transparent, so people understand how its decisions are made. Making the process clearer and the technology trustworthy is about users feeling sure of it, so confidence fits. Reliance is a tempting alternative, but the passage treats dependence on algorithms as a problem.

9. Question 35

   Matching features

   Question

   Greater levels of automation will not result in lower employment.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 10

   Sentence in the passage

   On the subject of job losses, Low believes the predictions are founded on a fallacy: ‘It assumes that the number of jobs is fixed.

   Explanation

   The statement 'Greater levels of automation will not result in lower employment' needs to be matched to one of the people. Paragraph 9 introduces Economist Professor Hamish Low and his views on job losses. He states that predictions of job losses due to automation are based on a fallacy that 'the number of jobs is fixed'. He then gives an example to argue that automation of some jobs does not mean a reduction in the total number of jobs available for humans; instead, he predicts 'The number of jobs will increase'. This directly supports the idea that greater automation will *not* result in lower employment. Therefore, Hamish Low is the correct match.

10. Question 36

    Matching features

    Question

    There are several reasons why AI is appealing to businesses.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘Organisations are attracted to using algorithms because they want to make choices based on what they consider is “perfect information”, as well as to reduce costs and enhance productivity.’

    Explanation

    The statement 'There are several reasons why AI is appealing to businesses' needs to be matched to one of the people. Paragraph 3 presents Stella Pachidi's views on why organisations use algorithms (a form of AI). She states that 'Organisations are attracted to using algorithms because they want to make choices based on what they consider is “perfect information”, as well as to reduce costs and enhance productivity.’ These are multiple reasons ('perfect information', 'reduce costs', 'enhance productivity') why businesses find AI appealing. Therefore, Stella Pachidi is the correct match.

11. Question 37

    Matching features

    Question

    AI’s potential to transform people’s lives has parallels with major cultural shifts which occurred in previous eras.

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 14

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘Just as the industrial revolution brought people past subsistence agriculture, and the corporate revolution enabled mass production, a third revolution has been pronounced.

    Explanation

    The statement 'AI’s potential to transform people’s lives has parallels with major cultural shifts which occurred in previous eras' needs to be matched. The final paragraph presents Ewan McGaughey's closing thoughts. The third sentence explicitly draws parallels: 'Just as the industrial revolution brought people past subsistence agriculture, and the corporate revolution enabled mass production, a third revolution has been pronounced.' This compares the impact of AI/robotics ('a third revolution') to previous 'revolutions' like the industrial and corporate ones, highlighting their similar potential for transformative 'cultural shifts'. Therefore, Ewan McGaughey is the correct match.

12. Question 38

    Matching features

    Question

    It is important to be aware of the range of problems that AI causes.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘But these enhancements are not without consequences,’ says Pachidi.

    Explanation

    The statement 'It is important to be aware of the range of problems that AI causes' needs to be matched. Stella Pachidi is quoted multiple times discussing the negative consequences or 'dilemmas' raised by AI. In paragraph 4, she states, 'But these enhancements are not without consequences'. In paragraph 8, after discussing the problematic behaviour observed at the telecommunications company, she concludes: 'In the meantime, says Pachidi, ‘We need to make sure we fully understand the dilemmas that this new world raises regarding expertise, occupational boundaries and control.’' The word 'dilemmas' and her focus on issues like loss of expertise, changing occupational boundaries, and control clearly indicate her emphasis on understanding the range of problems caused by AI. Therefore, Stella Pachidi is the correct match.

13. Question 39

    Matching features

    Question

    People are going to follow a less conventional career path than in the past.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    Economist Professor Hamish Low believes that the future of work will involve major transitions across the whole life course for everyone: ‘The traditional trajectory of full-time education followed by full-time work followed by a pensioned retirement is a thing of the past,’ says Low.

    Explanation

    The statement 'People are going to follow a less conventional career path than in the past' needs to be matched. Paragraph 9 introduces Hamish Low and his views on the future of work. The first sentence states he believes the future will involve 'major transitions across the whole life course'. He then explicitly says, 'The traditional trajectory of full-time education followed by full-time work followed by a pensioned retirement is a thing of the past'. He contrasts this with his vision of a 'multistage employment life: one where retraining happens across the life course, and where multiple jobs and no job happen by choice at different stages'. This describes a career path that is significantly different from the traditional, conventional one – i.e., less conventional. Therefore, Hamish Low is the correct match.

14. Question 40

    Matching features

    Question

    Authorities should take measures to ensure that there will be adequately paid work for everyone

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 13

    Sentence in the passage

    He adds: ‘If there is going to be change to jobs as a result of AI and robotics then I’d like to see governments seizing the opportunity to improve policy to enforce good job security.

    Explanation

    The statement 'Authorities should take measures to ensure that there will be adequately paid work for everyone' needs to be matched. Ewan McGaughey is quoted in paragraph 13 advocating for specific actions by authorities. He states, 'I’d like to see governments seizing the opportunity to improve policy to enforce good job security.' He also calls for 'bold new policies that guarantee full employment, fair incomes and a thriving economic democracy.' 'Governments' are an example of authorities, and his call for policies guaranteeing 'full employment' and 'fair incomes' directly supports the idea that authorities should take measures to ensure adequately paid work for everyone. Therefore, Ewan McGaughey is the correct match.