Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 4: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Roman tunnels

1. Question 1

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   posts

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   In the early first millennium BCE, they introduced the qanat method of tunnel construction, which consisted of placing posts over a hill in a straight line, to ensure that the tunnel kept to its route, and then digging vertical shafts down into the ground at regular intervals.

   Explanation

   The diagram shows steps in the qanat method. Step 1 describes the start of the process. The first paragraph, which describes the qanat method, states in its second sentence: 'In the early first millennium BCE, they introduced the qanat method of tunnel construction, which consisted of placing posts over a hill in a straight line, to ensure that the tunnel kept to its route, and then digging vertical shafts down into the ground at regular intervals.' This directly matches the description in the question text, indicating that 'posts' are placed over the hill. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

2. Question 2

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   canal

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Once the tunnel was completed, it allowed water to flow from the top of a hillside down towards a canal, which supplied water for human use.

   Explanation

   The diagram shows water flowing out of the completed tunnel. The fifth sentence of the first paragraph, describing the completed qanat tunnel, states: 'Once the tunnel was completed, it allowed water to flow from the top of a hillside down towards a canal, which supplied water for human use.' This sentence directly matches the description in the question text, indicating that the water flows towards a 'canal'. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

3. Question 3

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   ventilation

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The excavated soil was taken up to the surface using the shafts, which also provided ventilation during the work.

   Explanation

   The diagram shows vertical shafts used during construction. The fourth sentence of the first paragraph describes the function of these shafts: 'The excavated soil was taken up to the surface using the shafts, which also provided ventilation during the work.' This sentence directly states that the shafts provided 'ventilation' during the work. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

4. Question 4

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   lid

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them and were covered with a wooden or stone lid.

   Explanation

   The question text describes the features of the vertical shafts used by the Romans in their qanat tunnels. The third sentence of the second paragraph states: 'The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them and were covered with a wooden or stone lid.' This sentence directly matches the description, indicating that the shafts were covered with a wooden or stone 'lid'. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

5. Question 5

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   weight

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   To ensure that the shafts were vertical, Romans hung a plumb line from a rod placed across the top of each shaft and made sure that the weight at the end of it hung in the center of the shaft.

   Explanation

   The question text asks about the method used by Romans to ensure the shafts were vertical, specifically concerning the plumb line. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph states: 'To ensure that the shafts were vertical, Romans hung a plumb line from a rod placed across the top of each shaft and made sure that the weight at the end of it hung in the center of the shaft.' This sentence directly matches the description and indicates that the 'weight' at the end of the plumb line was used to check verticality. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

6. Question 6

   Diagram label completion

   Question

   ______

   Answer

   climbing

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them and were covered with a wooden or stone lid.

   Explanation

   The question text describes the purpose of handholds and footholds in the Roman shafts. The third sentence of the second paragraph states: 'The shafts were equipped with handholds and footholds to help those climbing in and out of them and were covered with a wooden or stone lid.' This sentence directly states that the handholds and footholds were to help those 'climbing' in and out. The answer is a single word and is taken directly from the passage.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The counter-excavation method completely replaced the qanat method in the 6th century BCE.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   By the 6th century BCE, a second method of tunnel construction appeared called the counter-excavation method, in which the tunnel was constructed from both ends.

   Explanation

   The statement says the counter-excavation method *completely replaced* the qanat method in the 6th century BCE. The passage mentions in the first sentence of the third paragraph that the counter-excavation method *appeared* by the 6th century BCE and was used as a 'second method' when qanat was not practical (second sentence, third paragraph). Crucially, the second paragraph explicitly states that the Romans 'also used the qanat method' (first sentence, second paragraph), indicating that the qanat method continued to be used, not completely replaced. Therefore, the statement is false.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Only experienced builders were employed to construct a tunnel using the counter-excavation method.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   This method required greater planning and advanced knowledge of surveying, mathematics and geometry as both ends of a tunnel had to meet correctly at the center of the mountain.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that *only* experienced builders were used for the counter-excavation method. The passage, in the third paragraph, mentions that this method 'required greater planning and advanced knowledge of surveying, mathematics and geometry' (third sentence). This suggests that a certain level of skill or knowledge was needed, implying experienced individuals were likely involved. However, the passage *does not* state that *only* experienced builders were employed, nor does it exclude the possibility of other workers being involved under supervision. The passage gives some information related to the builders' required skills but not about whether less experienced workers were excluded. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The information about a problem that occurred during the construction of the Saldae aqueduct system was found in an ancient book.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   An inscription written on the side of a 428-meter tunnel, built by the Romans as part of the Saldae aqueduct system in modern-day Algeria, describes how the two teams of builders missed each other in the mountain and how the later construction of a lateral link between both corridors corrected the initial error.

   Explanation

   The statement says the information about the problem during the Saldae aqueduct system construction was found in an ancient book. The passage, in the last sentence of the third paragraph, states: 'An inscription written on the side of a 428-meter tunnel, built by the Romans as part of the Saldae aqueduct system in modern-day Algeria, describes how the two teams of builders missed each other in the mountain and how the later construction of a lateral link between both corridors corrected the initial error.' This clearly indicates that the information was found on an 'inscription written on the side of a tunnel', not in an ancient book. Therefore, the statement is false.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The mistake made by the builders of the Saldae aqueduct system was that the two parts of the tunnel failed to meet.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    An inscription written on the side of a 428-meter tunnel, built by the Romans as part of the Saldae aqueduct system in modern-day Algeria, describes how the two teams of builders missed each other in the mountain and how the later construction of a lateral link between both corridors corrected the initial error.

    Explanation

    The statement says the mistake in the Saldae aqueduct system was that the two parts of the tunnel failed to meet. The passage, in the last sentence of the third paragraph, states that the inscription 'describes how the two teams of builders missed each other in the mountain'. This means the tunnel sections dug from opposite ends did not connect, which is equivalent to the two parts failing to meet. The passage then mentions a 'lateral link between both corridors' was built to correct this 'initial error'. This confirms that the error was indeed the failure of the main tunnel sections to meet. Therefore, the statement is true.

11. Question 11

    Short-answer questions

    Question

    What type of mineral were the Dolaucothi mines in Wales built to extract?

    Answer

    gold

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    Traces of such tunnels used to mine gold can still be found at the Dolaucothi mines in Wales.

    Explanation

    The question asks about the type of mineral extracted at the Dolaucothi mines. The sixth sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'Traces of such tunnels used to mine gold can still be found at the Dolaucothi mines in Wales.' This sentence directly answers the question, identifying 'gold' as the mineral. The answer is a single word and adheres to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

12. Question 12

    Short-answer questions

    Question

    In addition to the patron, whose name might be carved onto a tunnel?

    Answer

    (the) architect(‘s) (name)

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    Most tunnels had inscriptions showing the names of patrons who ordered construction and sometimes the name of the architect.

    Explanation

    The question asks whose name, besides the patron, might be on a tunnel inscription. The tenth sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'Most tunnels had inscriptions showing the names of patrons who ordered construction and sometimes the name of the architect.' This sentence directly answers the question, indicating that 'the architect's' name might also be included. The answer 'architect' is a single word and adheres to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

13. Question 13

    Short-answer questions

    Question

    What part of Seleuceia Pieria was the Çevlik tunnel built to protect?

    Answer

    (the) harbour / harbor

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, the 1.4-kilometer Çevlik tunnel in Turkey, built to divert the floodwater threatening the harbor of the ancient city of Seleuceia Pieria, had inscriptions on the entrance, still visible today, that also indicate that the tunnel was started in 69 CE and was completed in 81 CE.

    Explanation

    The question asks what part of Seleuceia Pieria the Çevlik tunnel was built to protect. The last sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'For example, the 1.4-kilometer Çevlik tunnel in Turkey, built to divert the floodwater threatening the harbor of the ancient city of Seleuceia Pieria, had inscriptions...'. This sentence explains the purpose of the tunnel was to divert floodwater 'threatening the harbor' of the city. Therefore, the tunnel was built to protect the 'harbour'. The answer is a single word and adheres to the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit. (Note: 'harbour' and 'harbor' are acceptable spellings).

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Changes in reading habits

1. Question 14

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What is the writer’s main point in the first paragraph?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Unbeknown to most of us, an invisible, game-changing transformation links everyone in this picture: the neuronal circuit that underlies the brain’s ability to read is subtly, rapidly changing and this has implications for everyone from the pre-reading toddler to the expert adult.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph describes various uses of technology for reading and entertainment. The main point is revealed in the final sentence: 'Unbeknown to most of us, an invisible, game-changing transformation links everyone in this picture: the neuronal circuit that underlies the brain’s ability to read is subtly, rapidly changing and this has implications for everyone...'. This sentence highlights that the widespread use of technology has a significant, hidden effect on the brain's reading ability, impacting people of all ages. Option A directly captures this central idea.

2. Question 15

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What main point does Sherry Turkle make about innovation?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   As MIT scholar Sherry Turkle has written, we do not err as a society when we innovate but when we ignore what we disrupt or diminish while innovating.

   Explanation

   Turkle's warning is that society goes wrong not by innovating but by overlooking what the innovation disrupts or diminishes. In other words, we should keep watching for what could be lost as new things arrive, which is option B. A is tempting because the passage is about print and digital reading, yet the writer stresses that this is not a simple print-versus-digital matter, and Turkle makes no claim about print declining.

3. Question 16

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point is the writer making in the fourth paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   We know from research that the reading circuit is not given to human beings through a genetic blueprint like vision or language; it needs an environment to develop.

   Explanation

   The question asks for the main point of the fourth paragraph. The first sentence states that the reading circuit is not genetic but 'needs an environment to develop.' The second sentence is key: 'Further, it will adapt to that environment’s requirements – from different writing systems to the characteristics of whatever medium is used.' This explicitly states that the reading circuit in the brain is flexible and changes ('adapt') based on the demands ('requirements') placed on it by the environment and the medium used. Option D, 'Some brain circuits adjust to whatever is required of them,' directly reflects this idea of the reading circuit adapting to environmental requirements.

4. Question 17

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to Mark Edmundson, the attitude of college students

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   English literature scholar and teacher Mark Edmundson describes how many college students actively avoid the classic literature of the 19th and 20th centuries in favour of something simpler as they no longer have the patience to read longer, denser, more difficult texts.

   Explanation

   The question asks about Mark Edmundson's view on college students' attitudes. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph quotes Mark Edmundson: 'English literature scholar and teacher Mark Edmundson describes how many college students actively avoid the classic literature of the 19th and 20th centuries in favour of something simpler as they no longer have the patience to read longer, denser, more difficult texts.' This directly states that due to a lack of patience for challenging texts, students are choosing ('select to read') simpler material and avoiding classics. Thus, their attitude ('no longer have the patience') is influencing their reading choices.

5. Question 18

   Summary completion

   Question

   There have been many studies on digital screen use, showing some ______ trends.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Increasing reports from educators and from researchers in psychology and the humanities bear this out.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence mentions 'some __________ trends' shown by studies on digital screen use. The sixth paragraph begins by stating, 'Multiple studies show that digital screen use may be causing a variety of troubling downstream effects...'. The word 'troubling' in the passage corresponds directly to the meaning of 'worrying' among the options. These are trends ('downstream effects') that cause trouble or worry.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   Her team then used a question-and-answer technique to find out how ______ each group’s understanding of the plot was.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Mangen’s group asked subjects questions about a short story whose plot had universal student appeal; half of the students read the story on a tablet, the other half in paperback.

   Explanation

   The summary describes Anne Mangen's study where her team used questions to assess 'how __________ each group’s understanding of the plot was.' The sixth paragraph details this study, stating that Mangen and colleagues 'studied how high school students comprehend the same material in different mediums' and that 'Results indicated that students who read on print were superior in their comprehension to screen-reading peers, particularly in their ability to sequence detail and reconstruct the plot in chronological order.' 'Comprehension' refers to understanding. The study aimed to see how well they understood the plot, which can be described as the 'thoroughness' of their understanding. The ability to sequence detail and reconstruct the plot demonstrates a detailed or thorough understanding.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   The findings showed a clear pattern in the responses, with those who read screens finding the order of information ______ to recall.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Results indicated that students who read on print were superior in their comprehension to screen-reading peers, particularly in their ability to sequence detail and reconstruct the plot in chronological order.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that students who read on screens found 'the order of information __________ to recall.' The sixth paragraph, describing the results of Mangen's study, says print readers were superior 'particularly in their ability to sequence detail and reconstruct the plot in chronological order.' If print readers were superior in this ability, it implies that screen readers were less able or found it 'hard' to perform this task. Reconstructing the plot in chronological order directly relates to recalling the 'order of information'. Finding it harder aligns with being less superior in this ability.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   Studies by Ziming Liu show that students are tending to read ______ words and phrases in a text to save time.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Ziming Liu from San Jose State University has conducted a series of studies which indicate that the ‘new norm’ in reading is skimming, involving word-spotting and browsing through the text.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence describes Ziming Liu's studies and mentions students reading '__________ words and phrases in a text'. The seventh paragraph discusses Ziming Liu's research, stating that 'the ‘new norm’ in reading is skimming, involving word-spotting and browsing through the text' and that readers 'sample the first line and then word-spot through the rest of the text.' 'Word-spotting' means picking out individual words rather than reading sentences or paragraphs fully. These spotted words are 'isolated' from their surrounding context. Option B, 'isolated', best describes this behaviour of picking out individual words and phrases.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   This approach, she says, gives the reader a superficial understanding of the ______ content of material, leaving no time for thought.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   When the reading brain skims like this, it reduces time allocated to deep reading processes.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence states that skimming/word-spotting gives 'a superficial understanding of the __________ content of material'. The seventh paragraph explains the consequence of skimming: 'When the reading brain skims like this, it reduces time allocated to deep reading processes.' It then lists what is lost: 'we don’t have time to grasp complexity, to understand another’s feelings, to perceive beauty, and to create thoughts of the reader’s own.' Understanding 'another's feelings' relates directly to the 'emotional' content of the material. The superficial understanding means missing these deeper aspects, including the emotional ones.

10. Question 23

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The medium we use to read can affect our choice of reading content.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    It is about how we all have begun to read o various mediums and how that changes not only what we read, but also the purposes for which we read.

    Explanation

    The writer says reading on varied media changes not only how we read but also what we read, and gives the example of students dodging dense classics for simpler texts once they lose patience. So the medium does influence content choice, which agrees with the statement. The writer's claim is explicit, so YES rather than NOT GIVEN.

11. Question 24

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Some age groups are more likely to lose their complex reading skills than others.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Nor is it only about the young.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that some age groups are more susceptible to losing complex reading skills. However, the eighth paragraph explicitly states the opposite. The third sentence says, 'Nor is it only about the young.' The fourth sentence clarifies, 'The subtle atrophy of critical analysis and empathy affects us all equally.' This directly contradicts the idea that the loss of complex reading skills (critical analysis, empathy, which are 'deep reading processes') is more likely in certain age groups. The 'use it or lose it' principle mentioned in the same paragraph (sentence 1) also applies regardless of age. Therefore, the passage states the loss affects everyone equally, making the statement false.

12. Question 25

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    False information has become more widespread in today’s digital era.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    It incentivizes a retreat to the most familiar stores of unchecked information, which require and receive no analysis, leaving us susceptible to false information and irrational ideas.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that false information has become *more widespread* in the digital era. The eighth paragraph mentions that the atrophy of critical analysis 'leaving us susceptible to false information and irrational ideas.' This indicates that the digital culture and resulting changes in reading habits make people vulnerable to false information. However, the passage does not provide any information or claim that false information is *more widespread* now compared to the past. It only discusses the increased *susceptibility* to it due to changes in reading.

13. Question 26

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    We still have opportunities to rectify the problems that technology is presenting.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    We possess both the science and the technology to identify and redress the changes in how we read before they become entrenched.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that opportunities exist to fix ('rectify') the issues caused by technology. The final paragraph provides a hopeful outlook. The fourth sentence states: 'We possess both the science and the technology to identify and redress the changes in how we read before they become entrenched.' To 'redress' means to remedy or set right, which is a synonym for 'rectify'. The phrase 'before they become entrenched' implies that these changes are not yet irreversible problems but can be addressed. This directly supports the statement that we have opportunities to rectify the problems.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence

1. Question 27

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section A

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Artificial intelligence (AI) can already predict the future.

   Explanation

   Section A begins by highlighting AI's predictive capabilities and providing examples such as predicting crime (second sentence) and health events (third sentence) in the first paragraph. It explicitly states in the second paragraph (first sentence) that 'AI is almost always better at forecasting than we are'. This clearly supports the idea of AI's 'superiority' in 'projections' or forecasting compared to humans.

2. Question 28

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section B

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Their attempt to promote this program to cancer doctors was a PR disaster.

   Explanation

   Section B tells the story of IBM's Watson for Oncology, which was a public-relations disaster: doctors saw no point when it agreed with them and dismissed it when it disagreed. This shows widespread distrust of one AI product, matching heading vi. Heading viii is the reverse of what happened.

3. Question 29

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section C

   Answer

   ii

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Trust in other people is often based on our understanding of how others think and having experience of their reliability.

   Explanation

   Section C gives reasons why people favour human judgement: we understand how other people think, while AI feels unfamiliar and hard to comprehend, and its failures get far more media attention than its quiet successes. That explains the preference for human judgement, heading ii. Heading iii is about AI's forecasting skill, covered in section A.

4. Question 30

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section D

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Optimists became more extreme in their enthusiasm for AI and sceptics became even more guarded.

   Explanation

   In the film experiment, watching sci-fi about AI pushed people further towards their existing views: optimists grew more enthusiastic and sceptics more guarded. The writer warns of a society split between those who accept AI and those who reject it. That growing gap matches heading i about increasing divergence.

5. Question 31

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section E

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Another solution may be to reveal more about the algorithms which AI uses and the purposes they serve.

   Explanation

   What Section E offers is a set of remedies, and the second one is about openness: companies already publish transparency reports on requests and surveillance, and a similar practice for AI would help people grasp how algorithmic decisions are made. That fits a heading about encouraging openness over how AI functions. Heading v might seem close, but giving users control belongs to the following section, not this one.

6. Question 32

   Matching headings

   Question

   Section F

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   For example, one study showed that when people were allowed the freedom to slightly modify an algorithm, they felt more satisfied with its decisions, more likely to believe it was superior and more likely to use it in the future.

   Explanation

   The final section says allowing people some control over AI decisions can raise trust. In the study, those who could slightly modify an algorithm were more satisfied and more likely to use it again. This is about the benefits of getting users involved, heading v. Heading vii concerns openness and fits section E instead.

7. Question 33

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What is the writer doing in Section A?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Yet for all these technological advances, we still seem to deeply lack confidence in AI predictions.

   Explanation

   Section A begins by describing AI's capabilities in prediction (first paragraph and start of second paragraph). However, it then introduces a contrasting point: 'Yet for all these technological advances, we still seem to deeply lack confidence in AI predictions' (second paragraph, second sentence). The section concludes by stating the need to 'find a way to get people to trust it' and understand why they are 'reluctant to trust AI' (third paragraph, first and second sentences). This indicates that the writer's main purpose in this section is to point out and emphasize the problem of people's lack of trust in AI despite its abilities.

8. Question 34

   Multiple choice

   Question

   According to Section C, why might some people be reluctant to accept AI?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Even if it can be technically explained (and that’s not always the case), AI’s decision-making process is usually too difficult for most people to comprehend.

   Explanation

   According to the writer, people find AI's decision-making too hard to follow, and dealing with something they do not understand makes them anxious and powerless. So its complexity leaves them feeling at a disadvantage. D is a trap: the text never says people misunderstand it and exaggerate the difficulty, and nothing is said about fear of job losses or waiting for long-term testing.

9. Question 35

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the writer say about the media in Section C of the text?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Embarrassing AI failures receive a disproportionate amount of media attention, emphasising the message that we cannot rely on technology.

   Explanation

   The media is described as magnifying AI's mistakes: embarrassing failures get far more coverage than they deserve, which sends the message that technology cannot be relied on. The public is therefore led to mistrust AI. B misreads 'disproportionate amount of media attention': that applies only to failures, not to AI in general. Nothing is said about reports being inaccurate or blaming designers.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Subjective depictions of AI in sci-fi films make people change their opinions about automation.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    It was found that, regardless of whether the film they watched depicted AI in a positive or negative light, simply watching a cinematic vision of our technological future polarised the participants’ attitudes.

    Explanation

    The film experiment did not make people switch sides. Whether the film showed AI favourably or unfavourably, viewers simply ended up more extreme in the view they already held: optimists became keener and sceptics more guarded. Polarising existing attitudes is not the same as changing opinions, so the writer's finding goes against the statement, and the answer is NO.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Portrayals of AI in media and entertainment are likely to become more positive.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    As AI is represented more and more in media and entertainment, it could lead to a society split between those who benefit from AI and those who reject it.

    Explanation

    Media and entertainment are mentioned only for how often AI appears and for the possible split between those who accept it and those who refuse. The writer never predicts whether portrayals will turn more favourable or more hostile. With no forecast about the tone of future depictions, the claim is neither confirmed nor denied, so it is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Rejection of the possibilities of AI may have a negative effect on many people’s lives.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    More pertinently, refusing to accept the advantages offered by AI could place a large group of people at a serious disadvantage.

    Explanation

    Turning down what AI can offer is described as risky for a sizeable group: they could end up seriously disadvantaged. 'Large group of people' matches 'many people', and 'serious disadvantage' matches a negative effect on their lives, while 'could' corresponds to 'may'. The writer states this directly, so the statement agrees and the answer is YES.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Familiarity with AI has very little impact on people’s attitudes to the technology.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    Simply having previous experience with AI can significantly improve people’s opinions about the technology, as was found in the study mentioned above.

    Explanation

    The passage says the reverse of this: having already used AI can significantly improve how people see the technology, and the same pattern is reported for other technologies such as the internet. So familiarity matters a good deal, not very little. The statement is contradicted, hence NO.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    AI applications which users are able to modify are more likely to gain consumer approval.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, one study showed that when people were allowed the freedom to slightly modify an algorithm, they felt more satisfied with its decisions, more likely to believe it was superior and more likely to use it in the future.

    Explanation

    A study is cited in which people were free to adjust an algorithm slightly. They were then more satisfied with its decisions, more inclined to think it better and more likely to keep using it. Being likely to use something again is a sign of acceptance, so modifiable applications do tend to win approval and the writer's claim matches the statement.