Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 2: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The White Horse of Uffington

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Most geoglyphs in England are located in a particular area of the country.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   There are 56 hill figures scattered around England, with the vast majority on the chalk downlands of the country’s southern counties.

   Explanation

   The statement says that most geoglyphs are in a particular area. The passage, in the second sentence of the first paragraph, states that there are 56 hill figures 'with the vast majority on the chalk downlands of the country’s southern counties'. This confirms that the great majority of these figures are concentrated in a specific area (southern counties' chalk downlands). Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   There are more geoglyphs in the shape of a horse than any other creature.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The figures include giants, horses, crosses and regimental badges.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that horses are the most common shape for geoglyphs. The passage, in the third sentence of the first paragraph, lists some shapes: 'The figures include giants, horses, crosses and regimental badges.' While horses are mentioned as one type, the passage does not provide any information or statistics comparing the number of horse figures to figures of other creatures or shapes. Therefore, it is impossible to verify if there are more horses than any other type. The information needed to confirm or deny the statement is not given.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   A recent dating of the Uffington White Horse indicates that people were mistaken about its age.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The White Horse has recently been re-dated and shown to be even older than its previously assigned ancient pre-Roman Iron Age* date.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that recent dating proved the previous age estimate for the Uffington White Horse was wrong. The passage, in the second sentence of the second paragraph, confirms this: 'The White Horse has recently been re-dated and shown to be even older than its previously assigned ancient pre-Roman Iron Age* date.' This directly states that the new date showed it was 'even older' than what was previously thought, meaning the previous understanding of its age was mistaken to some extent. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Historians have come to an agreement about the origins of the Long Man of Wilmington.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   More controversial is the date of the enigmatic Long Man of Wilmington in Sussex.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that historians agree on the origins of the Long Man of Wilmington. The passage, in the third sentence of the second paragraph, introduces the Long Man of Wilmington as 'More controversial'. The following sentence explicitly states the disagreement: 'While many historians are convinced the figure is prehistoric, others believe that it was the work of an artistic monk... and was created between the 11th and 15th centuries.' This clearly shows that historians have conflicting beliefs about its origins and date, indicating a lack of agreement. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Geoglyphs were created by people placing white chalk on the hillside.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The method of cutting these huge figures was simply to remove the overlying grass to reveal the gleaming white chalk below.

   Explanation

   The statement says geoglyphs were made by adding white chalk. The passage, in the first sentence of the third paragraph, describes the creation method: 'The method of cutting these huge figures was simply to remove the overlying grass to reveal the gleaming white chalk below.' This explains that the figures were made by *removing* the grass to expose the natural chalk already present in the hill, not by placing new chalk onto the hill. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

6. Question 6

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Many geoglyphs in England are no longer visible.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   One reason that the vast majority of hill figures have disappeared is that when the traditions associated with the figures faded, people no longer bothered or remembered to clear away the grass to expose the chalk outline.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that many geoglyphs are no longer visible. The passage, in the third sentence of the third paragraph, explicitly states: 'One reason that the vast majority of hill figures have disappeared...'. The word 'disappeared' means they are no longer visible. 'Vast majority' implies 'many'. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The shape of some geoglyphs has been altered over time.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Furthermore, over hundreds of years the outlines would sometimes change due to people not always cutting in exactly the same place, thus creating a different shape to the original geoglyph.

   Explanation

   The statement says that the shape of some geoglyphs has changed over time. The passage, in the fourth sentence of the third paragraph, explains why some have disappeared but also states: 'Furthermore, over hundreds of years the outlines would sometimes change due to people not always cutting in exactly the same place, thus creating a different shape to the original geoglyph.' This directly supports the idea that the 'shape' could be 'altered' ('change' / 'different shape') 'over time' ('over hundreds of years'). Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The fame of the Uffington White Horse is due to its size.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The most famous of these figures is perhaps also the most mysterious - the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire.

   Explanation

   The statement claims the Uffington White Horse is famous because of its size. The passage mentions in the second paragraph that it is 'the most famous' figure and in the fifth paragraph describes how it is difficult to see from close up but can be seen from 30 km away on a clear day (suggesting it is large enough to be visible from afar). However, the passage never explicitly states that its fame is *due to its size*. It mentions its mystery and its unique style (paragraph 4), but doesn't link its fame directly to its dimensions. Therefore, the reason for its fame being its size is not given.

9. Question 9

   Summary completion

   Question

   near an ancient road known as the ______

   Answer

   Ridgeway

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The horse is situated 2.5 km from Uffington village on a steep close to the Late Bronze Age* (c. 7th century BCE) hillfort of Uffington Castle and below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic** track.

   Explanation

   The note point asks for the name of the ancient road near the White Horse. The passage, in the third sentence of the fourth paragraph, states that the horse is located 'below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic** track.' A 'track' is a type of road, and 'Neolithic' indicates it is ancient. The blank requires a name, and 'Ridgeway' is given as the name of this ancient track/road. The answer 'Ridgeway' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

10. Question 10

    Summary completion

    Question

    first reference to White Horse Hill appears in ______ from the 1070s

    Answer

    documents

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The earliest evidence of a horse at Uffington is from the 1070s CE when ‘White Horse Hill’ is mentioned in documents from the nearby Abbey of Abingdon, and the first reference to the horse itself is soon after, in 1190 CE.

    Explanation

    The note point asks where the first reference to White Horse Hill from the 1070s appears. The passage, in the first sentence of the sixth paragraph, states: 'The earliest evidence of a horse at Uffington is from the 1070s CE when ‘White Horse Hill’ is mentioned in documents from the nearby Abbey of Abingdon'. This sentence directly tells us that 'White Horse Hill' is mentioned in 'documents' from the 1070s. The answer 'documents' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

11. Question 11

    Summary completion

    Question

    according to analysis of the surrounding ______, the Horse is Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age

    Answer

    soil

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    However, in 1995 Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) testing was carried out by the Oxford Archaeological Unit on soil from two of the lower layers of the horse’s body, and from another cut near the base.

    Explanation

    The note point refers to a dating method that placed the horse in the Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age based on analysis of the surrounding material. The passage, in the seventh paragraph, describes the dating process. The first sentence mentions 'Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) testing' was carried out 'on soil from two of the lower layers of the horse’s body'. The second sentence states that 'The result was a date for the horse’s construction somewhere between 1400 and 600 BCE – in other words, it had a Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age origin.' This shows the dating was based on testing of the 'soil'. The answer 'soil' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun representing the material analysed.

12. Question 12

    Summary completion

    Question

    was a representation of goddess Epona - associated with protection of horses and ______

    Answer

    fertility

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Some researchers see the horse as representing the Celtic*** horse goddess Epona, who was worshipped as a protector of horses, and for her associations with fertility.

    Explanation

    The note point lists potential reasons for the creation of the horse, including representing the goddess Epona, associated with horse protection and something else. The passage, in the third sentence of the eighth paragraph, discusses the potential link to Epona: 'Some researchers see the horse as representing the Celtic*** horse goddess Epona, who was worshipped as a protector of horses, and for her associations with fertility.' This sentence explicitly states that Epona was associated with 'protection of horses' and 'fertility'. The blank needs this other association. The answer 'fertility' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a noun.

13. Question 13

    Summary completion

    Question

    was a representation of a Welsh goddess called ______

    Answer

    Rhiannon

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    It is possible that the carving represents a goddess in native mythology, such as Rhiannon, described in later Welsh mythology as a beautiful woman dressed in gold and riding a white horse.

    Explanation

    The note point asks for the name of a Welsh goddess that the horse might represent. The passage, in the final sentence of the eighth paragraph, states: 'It is possible that the carving represents a goddess in native mythology, such as Rhiannon, described in later Welsh mythology as a beautiful woman dressed in gold and riding a white horse.' This sentence mentions a goddess 'Rhiannon' and specifies that she is from 'Welsh mythology'. The blank requires a name. The answer 'Rhiannon' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit. The blank requires a proper noun (a name).

Passage 2 · Q14–26 I contain multitudes

1. Question 14

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does the writer make about microbes in the first paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph states, "Microbes... have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us." This directly means they existed before humans and will continue to exist after humans, confirming that they will exist for longer than the human race. Option D is a direct paraphrase of this statement.

2. Question 15

   Multiple choice

   Question

   In the second paragraph, the writer is impressed by the fact that

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   What is amazing is that while the number of human cells in the average person is about 30 trillion, the number of microbial ones is higher - about 39 trillion.

   Explanation

   The second paragraph discusses microbiomes and cell counts. The second sentence explicitly states, "What is amazing is that while the number of human cells in the average person is about 30 trillion, the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion." The phrase 'What is amazing is that...' indicates the writer's surprise or impression regarding this fact. This directly matches option C.

3. Question 16

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What is the writer doing in the fifth paragraph?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   For most of human history we had no idea that microbes existed.

   Explanation

   The fifth paragraph begins by stating that humans had no idea microbes existed for most of history. It then immediately introduces "The first man to see these... creatures was a Dutch lens-maker called Antony van Leeuwenhoek" and describes how he used his microscope to observe 'animalcules' in lake water. This entire section recounts the specific actions and methods used by Leeuwenhoek that led to the initial observation and discovery of microbes. Therefore, the writer is explaining how this discovery was made.

4. Question 17

   Summary completion

   Question

   Many have a beneficial effect, and only a relatively small number lead to ______ And although it is misleading to think of microbes as ‘friendly’, we should also stop thinking of them as the enemy.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Yong’s book is in many ways a plea for microbial tolerance, pointing out that while fewer than one hundred species of bacteria bring disease, many thousands more play a vital role in maintaining our health.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that 'only a relatively small number lead to __________.' The preceding sentence in the summary mentions beneficial effects. The correct option is 'illness'. The sixth paragraph of the passage discusses Yong's plea for 'microbial tolerance'. The first sentence of this paragraph says 'while fewer than one hundred species of bacteria bring disease, many thousands more play a vital role in maintaining our health.' 'Bring disease' is a direct synonym for 'lead to illness'. The phrase 'fewer than one hundred species' corresponds to 'only a relatively small number'. Thus, 'illness' fits the context and is supported by the passage.

5. Question 18

   Summary completion

   Question

   In fact, we should accept that our relationship with microbes is one based on ______

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   In reality, says Yong, bacteria should not be viewed as either friends or foes, villains or heroes.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that 'we should accept that our relationship with microbes is one based on __________.' The correct option is 'partnership'. The sixth paragraph of the passage directly addresses how we should view bacteria. The fourth sentence says they should not be seen as 'friends or foes'. The fifth sentence says, "Instead we should realise we have a symbiotic relationship, that can be mutually beneficial or mutually destructive." A 'symbiotic relationship' that is 'mutually beneficial' implies a form of 'partnership'. Option B, 'partnership', best reflects the concept of a 'symbiotic relationship' where both sides can benefit, as opposed to seeing them as 'friends' or 'foes'.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   Our poor ______, our overuse of antibiotics, and our excessive focus on … are upsetting the bacterial balance and may be contributing to the huge increase in allergies and immune system problems.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance and may be responsible for soaring rates of allergies and immune problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

   Explanation

   The summary sentence lists factors that are 'upsetting the bacterial balance' and contributing to health problems. The second blank in the summary sentence lists 'Our poor __________'. The corresponding sentence in the seventh paragraph lists similar factors: 'Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets'. The term 'unhealthy, low-fibre diets' relates directly to 'nutrition'. Therefore, 'nutrition' is the correct option to fill the blank corresponding to 'poor nutrition' or 'unhealthy diets'.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   Our poor …, our overuse of antibiotics, and our excessive focus on ______ are upsetting the bacterial balance and may be contributing to the huge increase in allergies and immune system problems.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance and may be responsible for soaring rates of allergies and immune problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

   Explanation

   The summary sentence lists factors that are 'upsetting the bacterial balance'. The third blank lists 'our excessive focus on __________'. The corresponding sentence in the seventh paragraph lists: 'Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets'. 'Obsession with hygiene' is a direct synonym for 'excessive focus on cleanliness'. Therefore, 'cleanliness' is the correct option.

8. Question 21

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   It is possible that using antibacterial products in the home fails to have the desired effect.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, there are studies indicating that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that using antibacterial products in the home might not work as intended. The second sentence of the eighth paragraph says that "studies indicating that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay." If these products destroy beneficial microbes that *prevent* dangerous germs, then using them excessively could indeed fail to have the desired effect of reducing overall dangerous germs, or might even make things worse. This supports the possibility mentioned in the statement. Therefore, the answer is YES.

9. Question 22

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   It is a good idea to ensure that children come into contact with as few bacteria as possible.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests it is good to minimise children's contact with bacteria. The third sentence of the eighth paragraph provides counter-evidence: "Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later." This suggests that contact with bacteria (specifically a diverse range) is beneficial for children, helping to protect against allergies, directly contradicting the idea that minimal contact is good. Therefore, the answer is NO.

10. Question 23

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Yong’s book contains more cause studies than are necessary.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Explanation

    The passage mentions that Yong's book includes case studies, describing some examples (fungus wiping out frogs, squid with luminescent bacteria). It also mentions that readers might need to 'overcome your distaste for some of the investigations'. However, the passage does not provide any information or opinion on whether the *number* of case studies in the book is excessive or 'more than are necessary'. This specific point is not discussed. Therefore, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

11. Question 24

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The case study about bacteria that prevent squid from being attacked may have limited appeal.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    The readers of Yong’s book must be prepared for a decidedly unglamorous world.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that the case study about squid bacteria might not appeal to everyone. The ninth paragraph begins by warning that readers must be prepared for an 'unglamorous world'. It then mentions the frog fungus study as 'less appealing'. While it doesn't explicitly label the squid study as 'less appealing', it follows this mention and the writer later states, "However, if you can overcome your distaste for some of the investigations...". The phrase 'overcome your distaste for some of the investigations' implies that some of the examples or studies discussed, which would include the squid case, might be unappealing or have 'limited appeal' to the reader. Therefore, the answer is YES.

12. Question 25

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Efforts to control dengue fever have been surprisingly successful

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    Already, in an attempt to stop mosquitoes spreading dengue fever - a disease that infects 400 million people a year - mosquitoes are being loaded with a bacterium to block the disease.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that efforts to control dengue fever using bacteria in mosquitoes have been surprisingly successful. The ninth paragraph mentions, "Already, in an attempt to stop mosquitoes spreading dengue fever... mosquitoes are being loaded with a bacterium to block the disease." This confirms that such efforts are underway. However, the passage describes this as an 'attempt' and provides the statistic of 400 million infections per year, but it does not offer any information or evaluation regarding the *success* of these efforts, let alone whether that success has been 'surprising'. Therefore, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 26

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Microbes that reduce the risk of infection have already been put inside the walls of some hospital wards.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    In the future, our ability to manipulate microbes means we could construct buildings with useful microbes built into their walls to fight off infections.

    Explanation

    Building microbes into hospital walls is only a possibility for the future. The writer says our ability to manipulate microbes means we could construct buildings this way, and asks readers to imagine a baby ward coated in a microbial cocktail. Because it is hypothetical, the claim that it has already happened contradicts the text: NO.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 How to make wise decisions

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does the writer make in the first paragraph?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Across cultures, wisdom has been considered one of the most revered human qualities.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph begins by stating that wisdom is highly valued and the wise seem rare. However, the second sentence immediately challenges this traditional view: 'Although the truly wise may seem few and far between, empirical research examining wisdom suggests that it isn’t an exceptional trait possessed by a small handful of bearded philosophers after all – in fact, the latest studies suggest that most of us have the ability to make wise decisions, given the right context.' This directly contrasts the common assumption ('few and far between', 'exceptional trait') with new research findings ('most of us have the ability'). Therefore, the writer's main point is that a basic assumption about wisdom (that it's rare and only possessed by a few) may be wrong.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does Igor Grossmann suggest about the ability to make wise decisions?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined,’ says Associate Professor Igor Grossmann of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.

   Explanation

   The question asks what Igor Grossmann suggests about the ability to make wise decisions. The second paragraph quotes Grossmann saying, 'It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined.' The phrase 'even more powerful... than previously imagined' indicates that the significance or importance of these factors (experiential, situational, cultural) was not fully appreciated or was underestimated before.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to the third paragraph, Grossmann claims that the level of wisdom an individual shows

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘In other words, wisdom is not solely an “inner quality” but rather unfolds as a function of situations people happen to be in.

   Explanation

   The question asks about Grossmann's claim in the third paragraph regarding the level of wisdom an individual shows. In the third paragraph, Grossmann is quoted saying, 'In other words, wisdom is not solely an “inner quality” but rather unfolds as a function of situations people happen to be in.' He adds, 'Some situations are more likely to promote wisdom than others.' This clearly states that the demonstration of wisdom depends on, or is a 'function of', the situations or circumstances someone is in, implying it will differ across situations.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What is described in the fifth paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend.

   Explanation

   The fifth paragraph discusses findings from Grossmann and his colleagues. The first sentence explicitly states, 'Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend.' This sentence introduces a method ('look at scenarios from a third-party perspective') that is presented as a 'reliable way to support wisdom', which is a strategy to help people reason wisely.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   It is important to have a certain degree of ______ regarding the extent of our knowledge, and to take into account … which may not be the same as our own.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our own knowledge, and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that one characteristic is having a certain degree of '__________' regarding the extent of our knowledge. The fourth paragraph lists four key characteristics of wise reasoning. The first characteristic mentioned is 'intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our own knowledge'. 'Intellectual humility' means acknowledging that one's knowledge is limited. 'Modesty' (option D) is a synonym for humility and fits the context of acknowledging limits on knowledge. Other options do not fit this definition.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   It is important to have a certain degree of … regarding the extent of our knowledge, and to take into account ______ which may not be the same as our own.

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our own knowledge, and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that we need to take into account '__________ which may not be the same as our own'. The fourth paragraph lists 'appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand' and 'compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs' as characteristics. 'Perspectives', 'attitudes', and 'beliefs' are all closely related to 'opinions' (option A). The idea is to consider views that differ from one's own. Other options like 'confidence', 'view', 'problems', 'objectivity', 'fairness', 'experiences', 'range', or 'reasons' don't fit as well in this context of acknowledging differing viewpoints.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   We should also be able to take a broad ______ of any situation.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Research suggests that when adopting a first-person viewpoint we focus on ‘the focal features of the environment’ and when we adopt a third-person, ‘observer’ viewpoint we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence mentions being able to take a broad '__________' of any situation. The fifth paragraph discusses the benefits of adopting a 'third-person, 'observer' viewpoint' because 'we reason more broadly'. It also mentions looking at problems from a 'more expansive viewpoint'. Both 'viewpoint' and 'expansive viewpoint' relate directly to taking a 'broad view' (option C) of a situation.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   Grossmann also believes that it is better to regard scenarios with ______ By avoiding the first-person perspective, we focus more on … and on other moral ideals, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Research suggests that when adopting a first-person viewpoint we focus on ‘the focal features of the environment’ and when we adopt a third-person, ‘observer’ viewpoint we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality.

   Explanation

   The summary states Grossmann believes it's better to regard scenarios with '__________'. The fifth paragraph explains that adopting a 'third-person, 'observer' viewpoint' leads to reasoning 'more broadly' and focusing on 'interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality'. A third-person observer viewpoint, focusing on justice and impartiality, is essentially an objective viewpoint. 'Objectivity' (option F) means being impartial and not influenced by personal feelings, which aligns with the description of the third-person perspective.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   Grossmann also believes that it is better to regard scenarios with … By avoiding the first-person perspective, we focus more on ______ and on other moral ideals, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making.

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Research suggests that when adopting a first-person viewpoint we focus on ‘the focal features of the environment’ and when we adopt a third-person, ‘observer’ viewpoint we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that by avoiding the first-person perspective, 'we focus more on __________ and on other moral ideals'. The fifth paragraph states that the third-person viewpoint leads us to focus more on 'interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality'. 'Justice and impartiality' are key components of 'fairness' (option G). The blank requires a concept related to moral ideals, and fairness aligns perfectly with the examples provided in the passage.

10. Question 36

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Students participating in the job prospects experiment could choose one of two perspectives to take.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    The students were instructed to imagine their career either ‘as if you were a distant observer’ or ‘before your own eyes as if you were right there’.

    Explanation

    The statement says students 'could choose' one of two perspectives. The seventh paragraph describes the experiment: 'The students were instructed to imagine their career either ‘as if you were a distant observer’ or ‘before your own eyes as if you were right there’.' The following sentence mentions 'Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role'. The use of the word 'instructed' and 'assigned' indicates that the students were told which perspective to take; they were not given a choice. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 37

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Participants in the couples experiment were aware that they were taking part in a study about wise reasoning.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    In another study, couples in long-term romantic relationships were instructed to visualize an unresolved relationship conflict either through the eyes of an outsider or from their own perspective.

    Explanation

    The statement claims participants in the couples experiment knew it was about wise reasoning. The eighth paragraph describes this experiment. It states that couples were 'instructed to visualize an unresolved relationship conflict' from different perspectives. It details what they did (discussed for 10 minutes, wrote thoughts) and mentions the results regarding 'wise reasoning'. However, the passage describes the procedure and the findings of the study; it does not state whether the participants were explicitly informed that the study's topic was 'wise reasoning' itself. They were given instructions on how to think about a conflict, but their awareness of the underlying research topic is not mentioned. Therefore, this information is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 38

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    In the couples experiments, the length of the couples’ relationships had an impact on the results.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    In another study, couples in long-term romantic relationships were instructed to visualize an unresolved relationship conflict either through the eyes of an outsider or from their own perspective.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the length of the couples' relationships affected the results. The eighth paragraph describes the couples experiment, noting that the participants were 'couples in long-term romantic relationships'. It then describes the procedure and the finding that couples in the 'other's eyes' condition showed significantly more wise reasoning. However, while the passage specifies that the relationships were 'long-term', it does not provide any information about whether the specific duration of these relationships (their length) had any influence on the outcome of the experiment. Therefore, this information is NOT GIVEN.

13. Question 39

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    In both experiments, the participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint tended to make wiser decisions.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role displayed more wisdom-related reasoning (intellectual humility and recognition of change) than did participants in the control group.

    Explanation

    The statement says that in both experiments, the detached viewpoint led to wiser decisions. In the job prospects experiment (paragraph 7), participants in the 'distant observer' role (a detached viewpoint) 'displayed more wisdom-related reasoning'. In the couples experiment (paragraph 8), couples in the 'other's eyes' condition (also a detached viewpoint) 'were significantly more likely to rely on wise reasoning'. Both experiments showed that adopting a detached, third-person viewpoint resulted in more wise reasoning, confirming the statement. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

14. Question 40

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Grossmann believes that a person’s wisdom is determined by their intelligence to only a very limited extent.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    We might associate wisdom with intelligence or particular personality traits, but research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallized intelligence and the personality traits of openness and agreeableness.

    Explanation

    The statement says Grossmann believes wisdom is determined by intelligence to a very limited extent. The tenth paragraph (introduced by 'We might associate wisdom with intelligence...') directly addresses this. The first sentence states, 'research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallized intelligence'. The second sentence quotes Grossmann explaining how contextual effects are 'much stronger... as compared to the generalized “traits”,’ implying that stable traits like intelligence have less influence than situational factors. A 'small positive relationship' means intelligence is related, but only weakly, which is equivalent to being determined to 'only a very limited extent'. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.