Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Roman shipbuilding and navigation

1. Question 1

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Romans’ shipbuilding skills were passed on to the Greeks and the Egyptians.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The Romans were not traditionally sailors but mostly land-based people, who learned to build ships from the people that they conquered, namely the Greeks and the Egyptians.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that Roman shipbuilding skills were passed ON to the Greeks and Egyptians. However, the passage states the opposite: 'The Romans were not traditionally sailors... who learned to build ships from the people that they conquered, namely the Greeks and the Egyptians.' This clearly indicates that the Romans learned shipbuilding FROM the Greeks and Egyptians, not the other way around. Therefore, the statement is false.

2. Question 2

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Skilled craftsmen were needed for the mortise and tenon method of fixing planks.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Starting from the 6th century BCE, they were fixed using a method called mortise and tenon, whereby one plank locked into another without the need for stitching.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that skilled craftsmen were needed for the mortise and tenon method. The passage describes the mortise and tenon method in the second paragraph, stating it involved 'one plank locked into another without the need for stitching'. While it explains the technique, the passage makes no mention of the level of skill required by the people performing this method. Therefore, this information is not given in the passage.

3. Question 3

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The later practice used by Mediterranean shipbuilders involved building the hull before the frame.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Then in the first centuries of the current era, Mediterranean shipbuilders shifted to another shipbuilding method, still in use today, which consisted of building the frame first and then proceeding with the hull and the other components of the ship.

   Explanation

   The statement says the later practice involved building the hull before the frame. The passage, in the second paragraph, describes a shift in method: 'Then in the first centuries of the current era, Mediterranean shipbuilders shifted to another shipbuilding method... which consisted of building the frame first and then proceeding with the hull'. This explicitly states that the later practice built the frame FIRST, then the hull, directly contradicting the statement. Therefore, the statement is false.

4. Question 4

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Romans called the Mediterranean Sea Mare Nostrum because they dominated its use.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Eventually, Rome’s navy became the largest and most powerful in the Mediterranean, and the Romans had control over what they therefore called Mare Nostrum meaning ‘our sea’.

   Explanation

   The statement says the Romans called the Mediterranean Sea 'Mare Nostrum' because they dominated it. The passage, in the third paragraph, states: 'Eventually, Rome’s navy became the largest and most powerful in the Mediterranean, and the Romans had control over what they therefore called Mare Nostrum meaning ‘our sea’.' The word 'therefore' indicates that they called it 'Mare Nostrum' (meaning 'our sea') as a consequence of having control over it. This confirms that their domination was the reason for the name, making the statement true.

5. Question 5

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Most rowers on ships were people from the Roman army.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   It is worth noting that contrary to popular perception, rowers were not slaves but mostly Roman citizens enrolled in the military.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that most rowers were from the Roman army. The passage, in the fourth paragraph, says: 'It is worth noting that contrary to popular perception, rowers were not slaves but mostly Roman citizens enrolled in the military.' Being 'enrolled in the military' means they were part of the Roman army. The passage explicitly states they were 'mostly' this group, confirming the statement. Therefore, the statement is true.

6. Question 6

   Summary completion

   Question

   Warships were designed so that they were ______ and moved quickly.

   Answer

   lightweight

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Warships were built to be lightweight and very speedy.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a characteristic of warships related to their design, stating they were __________ and moved quickly. The first sentence of the third paragraph says: 'Warships were built to be lightweight and very speedy.' 'Very speedy' corresponds to 'moved quickly', and the other characteristic mentioned is 'lightweight'. The blank needs a single word describing a design feature, and 'lightweight' fits both the meaning and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 7

   Summary completion

   Question

   A battering ram made of ______ was included in the design for attacking and damaging the timber and oars of enemy ships.

   Answer

   bronze

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   They had a bronze battering ram, which was used to pierce the timber hulls or break the oars of enemy vessels.

   Explanation

   The question mentions a battering ram used for attacking enemy ships and asks what it was made of. The fourth sentence of the third paragraph states: 'They had a bronze battering ram, which was used to pierce the timber hulls or break the oars of enemy vessels.' This sentence directly states the material of the battering ram was 'bronze'. 'Bronze' is one word, fitting the limit, and it is the material described in the passage.

8. Question 8

   Summary completion

   Question

   Warships, such as the ‘trireme’, had rowers on three different ______

   Answer

   levels

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   It had rowers in the top, middle and lower levels, and approximately 50 rowers in each bank.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the 'trireme' warship and where the rowers were located. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph, which discusses the 'trireme', states: 'It had rowers in the top, middle and lower levels'. The blank follows 'three different', corresponding to 'top, middle and lower'. The word that completes the phrase and fits the context is 'levels'. 'Levels' is one word, adhering to the word limit.

9. Question 9

   Summary completion

   Question

   Unlike warships, merchant ships had a broad ______ that lay far below the surface of the sea.

   Answer

   hull

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Unlike warships, their V-shaped hull was deep underwater, meaning that they could not sail too close to the coast.

   Explanation

   The question contrasts merchant ships with warships, stating merchant ships had a 'broad __________ that lay far below the surface'. The third sentence of the fifth paragraph, which discusses merchant ships, begins 'Unlike warships...' and states: 'their V-shaped hull was deep underwater'. 'Deep underwater' matches 'far below the surface of the sea'. The subject is 'their... hull', which is also described as 'V-shaped', suggesting a broad shape. The blank requires a part of the ship, and 'hull' is the part mentioned. 'Hull' is one word, fitting the limit.

10. Question 10

    Summary completion

    Question

    They had both square and ______ sails.

    Answer

    triangular

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    They had from one to three masts with large square sails and a small triangular sail at the bow.

    Explanation

    The question describes the sails on merchant ships, mentioning they had 'square and __________ sails'. The fifth sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'They had from one to three masts with large square sails and a small triangular sail at the bow.' This sentence lists the types of sails. It mentions 'large square sails' and 'a small triangular sail'. The blank follows 'square and', and the other type of sail mentioned is 'triangular'. 'Triangular' is one word, fitting the limit, and it describes the shape of the other type of sail.

11. Question 11

    Summary completion

    Question

    On merchant ships and warships, ______ was used to ensure rowers moved their oars in and out of the water at the same time.

    Answer

    music

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    In order to assist them, music would be played on an instrument, and oars would then keep time with this.

    Explanation

    The question asks what was used on both types of ships to help rowers synchronise. The last sentence of the fifth paragraph, referring to coordinating rowers on 'both types of ship' (merchant and war), states: 'In order to assist them, music would be played on an instrument, and oars would then keep time with this.' This indicates that 'music' was used to help the rowers 'keep time', which means moving their oars together. 'Music' is one word, fitting the limit, and it directly answers what was used.

12. Question 12

    Summary completion

    Question

    Quantities of agricultural goods such as ______ were transported by merchant ships to two main ports in Italy.

    Answer

    grain

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The cargo on merchant ships included raw materials (e.g. iron bars, copper, marble and granite), and agricultural products (e.g. grain from Egypt’s Nile valley).

    Explanation

    The question asks for an example of 'agricultural goods' transported by merchant ships to Italy. The first sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'The cargo on merchant ships included... agricultural products (e.g. grain from Egypt’s Nile valley).' This sentence provides an example of agricultural products, listing 'grain'. The question asks for an example *such as* this type of goods. 'Grain' is one word, fitting the limit, and is listed as an example of agricultural products transported.

13. Question 13

    Summary completion

    Question

    The ships were pulled to the shore by ______ When the weather was clear and they could see islands or land, sailors used landmarks that they knew to help them navigate their route.

    Answer

    towboats

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Large merchant ships would approach the destination port and, just like today, be intercepted by a number of towboats that would drag them to the quay.

    Explanation

    The question asks what pulled the ships to the shore (or quay). The last sentence of the sixth paragraph describes the arrival at port: 'Large merchant ships would approach the destination port and... be intercepted by a number of towboats that would drag them to the quay.' 'Drag them to the quay' means pulling them to the shore. The passage states this was done by 'towboats'. 'Towboats' is one word, fitting the limit, and directly answers what was used to pull the ships.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Climate change reveals ancient artefacts in Norway’s glaciers

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   an explanation for weapons being left behind in the mountains

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Hunters would have easily misplaced arrows and they often discarded broken bows rather than take them all the way home.

   Explanation

   Section D accounts for why so many weapons turned up high in the mountains: hunters easily misplaced arrows, and they tended to throw away broken bows instead of hauling them home. That is a reason for weapons being abandoned. Section C also mentions hunters, but only says why they came to the ice patches, not why equipment stayed behind.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the physical difficulties involved in an archaeological expedition

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘Fieldwork is hard work - hiking with all our equipment, often camping on permafrost - but very rewarding.

   Explanation

   Barrett's own comment in section C describes the strain of the work: hiking in with all the equipment and often camping on permafrost. Hard physical conditions of the expedition are exactly what the item calls for. The cold in later sections affects ancient hunters' travel, not the archaeologists, so those sections are not the match.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   an explanation of why less food may have been available

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   A colder turn in the Scandinavian climate would likely have meant widespread crop failures, so more people would have depended on hunting to make up for those losses.

   Explanation

   In section F the writer links a cold spell to poor harvests: a colder Scandinavian climate would probably have caused widespread crop failures, which left less food from farming and pushed more people towards hunting. That cause-and-effect chain supplies the explanation for reduced food supplies. Other sections speak of hunting or trade but never give a reason for a shortage of food.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the possibility of future archaeological discoveries

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   That means archaeologists could be extracting some of those artefacts from retreating ice in years to come.

   Explanation

   Looking ahead is the clue here, and section H does it: the researchers say that artefacts from a poorly represented period may still be locked in ice, so archaeologists may pull more of them out as the ice retreats in years to come. That is a prediction of future finds. Earlier references to ice melting concern finds already made.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of items that would have been traded

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   And growing Norwegian towns, along with export markets, would have created a booming demand for hides to fight off the cold, as well as antlers to make useful things like combs.

   Explanation

   Goods that moved along the Oppland mountain passes are listed in section G: the growing towns and export markets created a booming demand for animal hides and for antlers, which were made into items such as combs. These are concrete examples of traded items. Section D lists tools, skis and horse tack, but these are things hunters carried for their own use, not goods sold on.

6. Question 19

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the pressure archaeologists are under to work quickly

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   With climate change shrinking ice cover around the world, glacial archaeologists need to race the clock to find newly revealed artefacts, preserve them, and study them.

   Explanation

   Section B points out that ice-preserved finds decay quickly once thawed, so glacial archaeologists have to race the clock to locate, protect and study newly exposed items. That is the time pressure described in the question. Other sections discuss the finds or the fieldwork itself without any sense of urgency.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   They have little protection against ______, which means that they decay relatively quickly.

   Answer

   microorganisms / micro-organisms

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   This is because unless they’re protected from the microorganisms that cause decay, they tend no to last long.

   Explanation

   Organic finds such as textiles and hides are rare because the microorganisms that cause decay attack them once they are no longer kept cold. The summary gap follows 'protection against', so it needs the thing they are not shielded from, and the passage supplies the plural noun 'microorganisms'. Either spelling, with or without a hyphen, counts as one word here.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   In the past, there were trade routes through these mountains and ______ gathered there in the summer months to avoid being attacked by … on lower ground.

   Answer

   reindeer

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Reindeer once congregated on these ice patches in the later summer months to escape biting insects, and from the late Stone Age**, hunters followed.

   Explanation

   The note mentions that something gathered in the Oppland mountains during summer to avoid being attacked by something else. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph (Section C) states: 'Reindeer once congregated on these ice patches in the later summer months to escape biting insects, and from the late Stone Age**, hunters followed.' This tells us that 'Reindeer' congregated (gathered) on the ice patches in summer to escape 'biting insects'. 'Reindeer' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   In the past, there were trade routes through these mountains and … gathered there in the summer months to avoid being attacked by ______ on lower ground.

   Answer

   insects

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Reindeer once congregated on these ice patches in the later summer months to escape biting insects, and from the late Stone Age**, hunters followed.

   Explanation

   This blank is part of the same sentence as question 21. The note asks what the reindeer were trying to avoid by gathering in the mountains. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph (Section C) says: 'Reindeer once congregated on these ice patches in the later summer months to escape biting insects...'. This shows the reindeer were escaping 'biting insects'. 'Insects' is one word, fitting the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit, and is a noun.

10. Question 23

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the discoveries of Barrett’s team?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    But it turned out that hunters kept regularly venturing into the mountains even when the climate turned cold, based on the amount of stuff they had apparently dropped there.

    Explanation

    This question asks for two statements the writer makes about Barrett's team's discoveries. Option B states that hunters went into the mountains even during extreme cold. Section F discusses the Late Antique Little Ice Age, a period of cold. Sentences four and five of Section F state: 'But it turned out that hunters kept regularly venturing into the mountains even when the climate turned cold, based on the amount of stuff they had apparently dropped there.' and 'Remarkably, though, the finds from the ice may have continued through this period, perhaps suggesting that the importance of mountain hunting increased...in times of low temperatures...'. These sentences confirm that hunters were active in the mountains during cold periods, contrary to initial assumptions.

11. Question 24

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the discoveries of Barrett’s team?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    But there were few or no signs of activity during other periods.

    Explanation

    This question asks for two statements the writer makes about Barrett's team's discoveries. Option C states that the number of artefacts from certain time periods was relatively low. Section E, sentence six, mentions that while some periods had lots of artefacts, 'But there were few or no signs of activity during other periods.' Section H provides a specific example, noting a gap in the sample 'with almost no artefacts from about 3,800 to 2,200 BCE' (sentence two), and adding that finds from that period are 'rare all over Norway' (sentence three). These statements support the idea that some periods yielded few discoveries.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the Viking Age?

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    And growing Norwegian towns, along with export markets, would have created a booming demand for hides to fight off the cold, as well as antlers to make useful things like combs.

    Explanation

    This question asks for two statements the writer makes about the Viking Age. Option A states that hunters benefited from increased demand for goods. Section G discusses the Viking Age. The fourth sentence states: 'And growing Norwegian towns, along with export markets, would have created a booming demand for hides to fight off the cold, as well as antlers to make useful things like combs.' The fifth sentence concludes: 'Business must have been good for hunters.' This shows that the increased demand for goods like hides and antlers led to benefits for hunters ('Business must have been good').

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO of the following statements does the writer make about the Viking Age?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Although we usually think of ships when we think of Scandinavian expansion, these recent discoveries show that plenty of goods travelled on overland routes, like the mountain passes of Oppland.

    Explanation

    This question asks for two statements the writer makes about the Viking Age. Option C states that Vikings did not rely on ships alone to transport goods. Section G discusses the Viking Age and trade networks. The third sentence explicitly addresses this: 'Although we usually think of ships when we think of Scandinavian expansion, these recent discoveries show that plenty of goods travelled on overland routes, like the mountain passes of Oppland.' This directly contradicts the idea that they relied on ships *alone* and confirms the use of overland routes.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Plant ‘thermometer’ triggers springtime growth by measuring night-time heat

1. Question 27

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The Cambridge scientists’ discovery of the ‘thermometer molecule’ caused surprise among other scientists.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement claims the discovery surprised other scientists. While the passage announces the discovery of the phytochrome molecule's dual role as a 'thermometer' in Section A and discusses its implications throughout, it does not contain any information about the reaction or surprise of other scientists to this finding. Since the passage doesn't mention this aspect, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

2. Question 28

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The target for agricultural production by 2050 could be missed.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘It is estimated that agricultural yields will need to double by 2050, but climate change is a major threat to achieving this.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that the target for agricultural production by 2050 might not be met. Section D mentions the need for agricultural yields to double by 2050 and immediately follows with the sentence: '...but climate change is a major threat to achieving this.' This explicitly states that climate change poses a significant risk to reaching the 2050 target, confirming that the target could be missed. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

3. Question 29

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Wheat and rice suffer from a rise in temperatures.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Key crops such as wheat and rice are sensitive to high temperatures.

   Explanation

   The statement says that wheat and rice are negatively affected by rising temperatures. In Section D, the passage states: 'Key crops such as wheat and rice are sensitive to high temperatures.' The following sentence adds, 'Thermal stress reduces crop yields by around 10% for every one degree increase in temperature'. Being 'sensitive to high temperatures' and having 'yields reduced by thermal stress' means they 'suffer from a rise in temperatures'. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

4. Question 30

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   It may be possible to develop crops that require less water.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that the research might lead to crops needing less water. While the passage discusses developing crops more resilient to 'thermal stress and climate change' (Section D) and mentions factors like temperature sensing and growth regulation using phytochromes (Sections E, F), it makes no mention of water requirements for crops or whether the findings could help develop crops that need less water. Therefore, this information is NOT GIVEN.

5. Question 31

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   If a plant finds itself in shade, phytochromes are quickly inactivated - enabling it to grow faster to find sunlight again.

   Explanation

   The statement claims plants grow faster in sunlight than in shade. Section E explains how phytochromes work during the day. It states: 'During the day, sunlight activates the molecules, slowing down growth.' It then immediately contrasts this with conditions in shade: 'If a plant finds itself in shade, phytochromes are quickly inactivated – enabling it to grow faster to find sunlight again.' This clearly indicates that plants grow faster in shade (due to phytochrome inactivation) compared to sunlight (where phytochromes are active and slow growth). Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

6. Question 32

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Phytochromes change their state at the same speed day and night.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘Light-driven changes to phytochrome activity occur very fast, in less than a second,’ says Wigge.

   Explanation

   The statement says phytochromes change state at the same speed day and night. Section E describes phytochrome behaviour in both conditions. It states that during the day, 'Light-driven changes to phytochrome activity occur very fast, in less than a second.' It then contrasts this with night-time: 'At night, however, it’s a different story. Instead of a rapid deactivation following sundown, the molecules gradually change from their active to inactive state.' The comparison between 'very fast, in less than a second' during the day and 'gradually change' at night clearly indicates that the speed of change is different, not the same. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

7. Question 33

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of specialists who can make use of the research findings

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘Cambridge is uniquely well-positioned to do this kind of research as we have outstanding collaborators nearby who work on more applied aspects of plant biology, and can help us transfer this new knowledge into the field.’

   Explanation

   The question asks for a mention of specialists who can use the research findings. According to the passage structure, Section H corresponds to the eighth and final paragraph of the passage. In this paragraph, the last sentence states: 'Cambridge is uniquely well-positioned to do this kind of research as we have outstanding collaborators nearby who work on more applied aspects of plant biology, and can help us transfer this new knowledge into the field.' These 'collaborators nearby who work on more applied aspects of plant biology' are specialists who can apply the research findings. Therefore, this information is found in Section H.

8. Question 34

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to a potential benefit of the research findings

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   With weather and temperatures set to become ever more unpredictable due to climate change, researchers say the discovery that this light-sensing molecule also functions as the internal thermometer in plant cells could help us breed tougher crops.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a potential benefit of the research findings. Section D corresponds to the fourth paragraph of the passage. This paragraph explicitly discusses the implications of the discovery for agriculture and climate change. The first sentence states that the discovery 'could help us breed tougher crops'. The final sentence adds that the discovery 'has the potential to accelerate the breeding of crops resilient to thermal stress and climate change'. Both of these are potential benefits of the research findings. Therefore, this information is found in Section D.

9. Question 35

   Matching information

   Question

   scientific support for a traditional saying

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   In fact, the discovery of the dual role of phytochromes provides the science behind a well-known rhyme long used to predict the coming season: oak before ash we’ll have a plash, ash before oak we’re in for a soak.

   Explanation

   The question asks for scientific support for a traditional saying. Section G corresponds to the seventh paragraph of the passage. This paragraph mentions a 'well-known rhyme long used to predict the coming season: oak before ash we’ll have a plash, ash before oak we’re in for a soak.' The passage then explicitly states, 'the discovery of the dual role of phytochromes provides the science behind this... rhyme' and provides a scientific explanation involving oak and ash trees' different responses to temperature and day length, linking it to phytochrome function. Therefore, this section provides scientific support for a traditional saying, so this information is found in Section G.

10. Question 36

    Matching information

    Question

    a reference to people traditionally making plans based on plant behaviour

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Farmers and gardeners have known for hundreds of years how responsive plants are to temperature: warm winters cause many trees and flowers to bud early, something humans have long used to predict weather and harvest times for the coming year.

    Explanation

    The question asks for a reference to people traditionally making plans based on plant behaviour. Section C corresponds to the third paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph states: 'Farmers and gardeners have known for hundreds of years how responsive plants are to temperature... something humans have long used to predict weather and harvest times for the coming year.' This sentence directly refers to farmers and gardeners (people) traditionally using plant behaviour (responsiveness to temperature, early budding) to make plans (predict weather and harvest times). Therefore, this information is found in Section C.

11. Question 37

    Matching information

    Question

    a reference to where the research has been reported

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    The new findings, published in the journal Science, show that phytochromes control genetic switches in response to temperature as well as light to dictate plant development.

    Explanation

    Section A names the journal where the findings appeared: Science. That is the only place in the text where the publication of the research is mentioned. Section H talks about the years of research and the collaborators, which concerns who did the work, not where it was reported.

12. Question 38

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Daffodils are likely to flower early in response to ______ weather.

    Answer

    warm (winter)

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Other species, such as daffodils, have considerable temperature sensitivity, and can flower months in advance during a warm winter.

    Explanation

    The question asks what kind of weather causes daffodils to flower early. Section G discusses different plant species and their temperature sensitivity. The second sentence states: 'Other species, such as daffodils, have considerable temperature sensitivity, and can flower months in advance during a warm winter.' This shows that daffodils flower early ('can flower months in advance') in response to 'warm winter' conditions, which can be summarised as 'warm' weather. The answer 'warm' is one word, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit, and acts as an adjective describing the weather.

13. Question 39

    Sentence completion

    Question

    If ash trees come into leaf before oak trees, the weather in ______ will probably be wet.

    Answer

    summer

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    A warmer spring, and consequently a higher likeliness of a hot summer, will result in oak leafing before ash.

    Explanation

    The question asks what season will probably be wet if ash trees leaf before oak trees. Section G explains the traditional rhyme about oak and ash trees. It states: 'A warmer spring, and consequently a higher likeliness of a hot summer, will result in oak leafing before ash.' And conversely: 'A cold spring will see the opposite.' This means ash leafing before oak is associated with a 'cold spring'. The passage then links cold summers to wet weather: 'As the British know only too well, a colder summer is likely to be a rain-soaked one.' Therefore, if ash leaves before oak (indicating a cold spring), it predicts a cold, and thus 'wet', summer. The word 'summer' is one word and fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit. The blank requires a noun indicating a season.

14. Question 40

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The research was carried out using a particular species of ______

    Answer

    mustard plant(s) / mustard

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    The work was done in a model system, using a mustard plant called Arabidopsis, but Wigge says the phytochrome genes necessary for temperature sensing are found in crop plants as well.

    Explanation

    The question asks what particular species was used for the research. Section H discusses the methodology and applicability of the research. The second sentence states: 'The work was done in a model system, using a mustard plant called Arabidopsis...'. This explicitly identifies the specific plant species used in the research ('mustard plant called Arabidopsis'). The answer 'mustard plant' (or 'mustard plants', or 'mustard') consists of two words (or one), fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit, and provides the required species type. The blank requires a noun or noun phrase identifying the plant species.