Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The development of the London underground railway

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   The ______ of London increased rapidly between 1800 and 1850

   Answer

   population

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   In the first half of the 1800s, London’s population grew at an astonishing rate, and the central area became increasingly congested.

   Explanation

   The first point in the note mentions that something in London increased rapidly between 1800 and 1850. The first sentence of the passage states: 'In the first half of the 1800s, London’s population grew at an astonishing rate'. This directly answers the question. The period 'first half of the 1800s' corresponds to the time between 1800 and 1850, and 'grew at an astonishing rate' is equivalent to 'increased rapidly'. The answer is 'population', which is one word and fits the blank grammatically.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   Building the railway would make it possible to move people to better housing in the ______

   Answer

   suburbs

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   His idea was to relocate the poor workers who lived in the inner-city slums to newly constructed suburbs, and to provide cheap rail travel for them to get to work.

   Explanation

   The note point discusses Charles Pearson's suggested solution and how building the railway would allow people to move to better housing. The third sentence of the second paragraph states: 'His idea was to relocate the poor workers who lived in the inner-city slums to newly constructed suburbs, and to provide cheap rail travel for them to get to work.' This indicates that the railway would facilitate moving people to 'newly constructed suburbs'. The word 'suburbs' fits the blank and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   A number of ______ agreed with Pearson’s idea

   Answer

   businessmen

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Pearson’s ideas gained support amongst some businessmen and in 1851 he submitted a plan to Parliament.

   Explanation

   The note asks who supported Pearson's idea. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph explicitly states: 'Pearson’s ideas gained support amongst some businessmen and in 1851 he submitted a plan to Parliament.' This confirms that 'businessmen' supported his ideas. 'Businessmen' is one word (or can function as a singular group term) and fits the word limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   The company initially had problems getting the ______ needed for the project

   Answer

   funding

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The organisation had difficulty in raising the funding for such a radical and expensive scheme, not least because of the critical articles printed by the press.

   Explanation

   The note mentions the company (the Metropolitan Railway Company) had initial problems obtaining something for the project. The third sentence of the third paragraph says: 'The organisation had difficulty in raising the funding for such a radical and expensive scheme'. This directly states that the difficulty was in raising the 'funding'. 'Funding' is one word and fits the blank.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   Negative articles about the project appeared in the ______

   Answer

   press

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The organisation had difficulty in raising the funding for such a radical and expensive scheme, not least because of the critical articles printed by the press.

   Explanation

   The note mentions negative articles about the project and where they appeared. The third sentence of the third paragraph continues: 'The organisation had difficulty in raising the funding... not least because of the critical articles printed by the press.' This indicates that 'critical articles' (equivalent to negative articles) were 'printed by the press'. The word 'press' is one word and correctly fills the blank.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   With the completion of the brick arch, the tunnel was covered with ______

   Answer

   soil

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   A two-metre-deep layer of soil was laid on top of the tunnel and the road above rebuilt.

   Explanation

   Once the arch had been built, the builders put a thick layer of earth over it before rebuilding the road. The passage names this material as soil, which is one word. Nothing else is said to cover the tunnel, so no other word fits.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Other countries had built underground railways before the Metropolitan line opened.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   The Metropolitan line, which opened on 10 January 1863, was the world’s first underground railway.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that other countries had underground railways before the Metropolitan line. The first sentence of the fifth paragraph explicitly states: 'The Metropolitan line, which opened on 10 January 1863, was the world’s first underground railway.' This directly contradicts the statement, confirming it is false.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   More people than predicted travelled on the Metropolitan line on the first day.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   On its first day, almost 40,000 passengers were carried between Paddington and Farringdon, the journey taking about 18 minutes.

   Explanation

   The statement says that the number of passengers on the first day exceeded predictions. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, states: 'On its first day, almost 40,000 passengers were carried between Paddington and Farringdon...'. It provides the actual number of passengers carried on the first day (almost 40,000). However, the passage does not mention any predictions or expected numbers of passengers for the first day. Therefore, we cannot compare the actual number to a predicted number to determine if more people than predicted travelled. The information needed to verify the statement is not present.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The use of ventilation shafts failed to prevent pollution in the tunnels.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   However, smoke and fumes remained a problem, even though ventilation shafts were added to the tunnels.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that ventilation shafts were added but did not prevent pollution. The fourth sentence of the sixth paragraph says: 'However, smoke and fumes remained a problem, even though ventilation shafts were added to the tunnels.' 'Smoke and fumes' indicate pollution. The phrase 'remained a problem, even though ventilation shafts were added' means the ventilation shafts did not prevent the problem. This directly supports the statement, making it true.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    A different approach from the ‘cut and cover’ technique was required in London’s central area.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    The ‘cut and cover’ method of construction was not an option in this part of the capital.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests a different method was needed for London's central area compared to 'cut and cover'. The seventh paragraph discusses congestion becoming worse and explains why the existing lines were insufficient. The third sentence states: 'The ‘cut and cover’ method of construction was not an option in this part of the capital [the centre].' The next sentence adds: 'The only alternative was to tunnel deep underground.' This explicitly states that 'cut and cover' was not an option in the centre and that deep tunnelling was the required 'alternative' (different approach). This confirms the statement is true.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The windows on City & South London trains were at eye level.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    The carriages were narrow and had tiny windows just below the roof because it was thought that passengers would not want to look out at the tunnel walls.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the windows were at eye level. The fifth sentence of the eighth paragraph, describing the City & South London trains, states: 'The carriages were narrow and had tiny windows just below the roof because it was thought that passengers would not want to look out at the tunnel walls.' Windows 'just below the roof' are clearly not at 'eye level'. This directly contradicts the statement, making it false.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    The City & South London Railway was a financial success.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    The line was not without its problems, mainly caused by an unreliable power supply, Although the City & South London Railway was a great technical achievement, it did not make a profit.

    Explanation

    The statement says the City & South London Railway was a financial success. The sixth sentence of the eighth paragraph states: 'Although the City & South London Railway was a great technical achievement, it did not make a profit.' Making a profit is essential for financial success. The phrase 'it did not make a profit' directly contradicts the idea of it being a financial success, making the statement false.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Trains on the ‘Tuppenny Tube’ nearly always ran on time.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Then, in 1900, the Central London Railway, known as the ‘Tuppenny Tube’, began operation using new electric locomotives.

    Explanation

    The statement is about the punctuality of the 'Tuppenny Tube' (Central London Railway). The seventh sentence of the eighth paragraph introduces the Central London Railway, noting it was known as the ‘Tuppenny Tube’. The following sentences mention it 'was very popular' and led to expansion. However, the passage provides no information about whether the trains on this line ran on time, or if they 'nearly always' did so. The punctuality of the trains is not mentioned. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Stadiums: past, present and future

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   a mention of negative attitudes towards stadium building projects

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Today, however, stadiums are regarded with growing scepticism.

   Explanation

   The question asks to find the paragraph that mentions negative attitudes towards stadium building projects. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure (`sectionrange` [1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]), Section A comprises the first paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph states: 'Today, however, stadiums are regarded with growing scepticism.' The following sentence elaborates on the reasons for this scepticism, mentioning high construction costs and stadiums falling into 'disuse and disrepair'. These phrases directly reflect negative attitudes.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   figures demonstrating the environmental benefits of a certain stadium

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   This reduces the annual output of carbon dioxide by 660 tons and supplies up to 80 percent of the surrounding area when the stadium is not in use.

   Explanation

   Section F gives hard numbers for the Kaohsiung Stadium: 8,844 solar panels, 1.14 GWh of electricity a year and 660 tons less carbon dioxide. Section E talks about hotels and shops but offers no figures, and section G only summarises, so F is the single match.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of the wide range of facilities available at some new stadiums

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   There’s a growing trend for stadiums to be equipped with public spaces and services that serve a function beyond sport, such as hotels, retail outlets, conference centres, restaurants and bars, children’s playgrounds and green space.

   Explanation

   Look for a list of extras, and section E supplies one: hotels, shops, conference centres, restaurants, playgrounds and green space inside stadiums. Section F also describes new stadiums, but only for generating power, so it lacks this variety of facilities.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to the disadvantages of the stadiums built during a certain era

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   These factors mean that they may not be as accessible to the general public, require more energy to run and contribute to urban heat.

   Explanation

   The question asks for disadvantages of stadiums built during a certain era. The correct answer is Section D. According to the passage's structure (`sectionrange` [1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]), Section D comprises the fourth paragraph. This paragraph discusses stadiums developed 'at the beginning of the 20th century'. The final sentence of this paragraph lists disadvantages of these stadiums: they 'may not be as accessible to the general public, require more energy to run and contribute to urban heat.' These are presented as negative features ('disadvantages').

5. Question 18

   Summary completion

   Question

   The amphitheatre of Arles, for example, was converted first into a ______, then into a residential area and finally into an arena where spectators could watch … Meanwhile, the arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, is famous today as a venue where … is performed.

   Answer

   fortress

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Built by the Romans in 90 AD, it became a fortress with four towers after the fifth century, and was then transformed into a village containing more than 200 houses.

   Explanation

   The notes mention the amphitheatre of Arles and its conversions. The blank asks what it was converted into first. The second sentence of paragraph B states that after the fifth century, 'it became a fortress'. This matches the description in the notes about the first conversion mentioned for the Arles amphitheatre. The answer 'fortress' is one word, fitting the word limit.

6. Question 19

   Summary completion

   Question

   The amphitheatre of Arles, for example, was converted first into a …, then into a residential area and finally into an arena where spectators could watch ______ Meanwhile, the arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, is famous today as a venue where … is performed.

   Answer

   bullfights

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   With the growing interest in conservation during the 19th century, it was converted back into an arena for the staging of bullfights, thereby returning the structure to its original use as a venue for public spectacles.

   Explanation

   The notes continue describing the Arles amphitheatre's history, mentioning its conversion into a residential area and then 'finally into an arena where spectators could watch __________'. The third sentence of paragraph B says that with the growing interest in conservation, 'it was converted back into an arena for the staging of bullfights'. This indicates that spectators could watch bullfights in this final arena phase. The answer 'bullfights' is one word, fitting the word limit.

7. Question 20

   Summary completion

   Question

   The amphitheatre of Arles, for example, was converted first into a …, then into a residential area and finally into an arena where spectators could watch … Meanwhile, the arena in Verona, one of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, is famous today as a venue where ______ is performed.

   Answer

   opera

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   It has endured the centuries and is currently considered one of the world’s prime sites for opera, thanks to its outstanding acoustics.

   Explanation

   The notes shift to the arena in Verona, asking what is performed there today. The final sentence of paragraph B states that the Verona arena 'is currently considered one of the world’s prime sites for opera'. This directly answers what is performed there. The answer 'opera' is one word, fitting the word limit.

8. Question 21

   Summary completion

   Question

   The site of Lucca’s amphitheatre has also been used for many purposes over the centuries, including the storage of ______ It is now a market square with … and homes incorporated into the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.

   Answer

   salt

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   The site evolved in a similar way to Arles and was progressively filled with buildings from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, variously used as houses, a salt depot and a prison.

   Explanation

   The notes move to the Lucca amphitheatre, mentioning its various uses, including 'the storage of __________'. The second sentence of paragraph C, discussing the Lucca site, states it was 'variously used as houses, a salt depot and a prison.' A 'salt depot' is a place for storing salt. Therefore, 'salt' fits the blank. The answer 'salt' is one word, fitting the word limit.

9. Question 22

   Summary completion

   Question

   The site of Lucca’s amphitheatre has also been used for many purposes over the centuries, including the storage of … It is now a market square with ______ and homes incorporated into the remains of the Roman amphitheatre.

   Answer

   shops

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Today, the ruins of the amphitheatre remain embedded in the various shops and residences surrounding the public square.

   Explanation

   The notes describe the current state of the Lucca site: 'It is now a market square with __________ and homes incorporated into the remains...'. The final sentence of paragraph C says: 'Today, the ruins of the amphitheatre remain embedded in the various shops and residences surrounding the public square.' 'Residences' are homes. The other element mentioned alongside homes is 'shops'. Therefore, 'shops' is the correct word to fill the blank. The answer 'shops' is one word, fitting the word limit.

10. Question 23

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    When comparing twentieth-century stadiums to ancient amphitheatres in Section D, which TWO negative features does the writer mention?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    Many such stadiums are situated in suburban areas, designed for sporting use only and surrounded by parking lots.

    Explanation

    Modern stadiums sit in suburban areas among car parks, and the writer says this makes them less accessible to ordinary people. That is a problem of location, matching option C. Nothing is said about how the buildings look, so option A is unsupported.

11. Question 24

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    When comparing twentieth-century stadiums to ancient amphitheatres in Section D, which TWO negative features does the writer mention?

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    But some of the flexibility was lost at the beginning of the 20th century, as stadiums were developed using new products such as steel and reinforced concrete, and made use of bright lights for night-time matches.

    Explanation

    Ancient amphitheatres changed use many times, whereas twentieth-century stadiums lost that flexibility and were built for sport alone. This is the idea of being less versatile, option D. Steel and concrete are mentioned, but the writer never calls them less durable, so E is wrong.

12. Question 25

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO advantages of modern stadium design does the writer mention?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph E

    Sentence in the passage

    This opens the space up to families and a wider cross-section of society, instead of catering only to sportspeople and supporters.

    Explanation

    Mixed-use stadiums welcome families and a broader part of society, not just sportspeople and fans, and they help regenerate urban spaces. That is community life returning to the city, so B is correct. Option A is about sports amenities, which the writer does not stress.

13. Question 26

    Multiple choice (several answers)

    Question

    Which TWO advantages of modern stadium design does the writer mention?

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    Stadiums are ideal for these purposes, because their canopies have a large surface area for fitting photovoltaic panels and rise high enough (more than 40 metres) to make use of micro wind turbines.

    Explanation

    The question asks for two advantages of modern stadium design. This explanation is for option E: 'providing a suitable site for the installation of renewable power generators'. Paragraph F discusses stadiums as 'power plants'. The second sentence of this paragraph states that 'Stadiums are ideal for these purposes [generating power], because their canopies have a large surface area for fitting photovoltaic panels and rise high enough... to make use of micro wind turbines.' Photovoltaic panels and micro wind turbines are renewable power generators. The sentence explicitly says stadiums are 'ideal' sites for fitting/using these generators.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 To catch a king

1. Question 27

   Summary completion

   Question

   Charles II then formed a ______ with the Scots, and in order to become King of Scots, he abandoned an important … that was held by his father and had contributed to his father’s death.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   After his father was executed by the Parliamentarians in 1649, the young Charles II sacrificed one of the very principles his father had died for and did a deal with Scots, thereby accepting Presbyterianism* as the national religion in return for being crowned King of Scots.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence begins by stating that Charles II's father was executed and then Charles formed a __________ with the Scots. The passage states in the third sentence of the first paragraph that Charles II 'did a deal with Scots, thereby accepting Presbyterianism* as the national religion in return for being crowned King of Scots.' This 'deal' or agreement with the Scots to gain their support and be crowned king is accurately described by the phrase 'strategic alliance'. Therefore, 'strategic alliance' (Option H) is the correct fit.

2. Question 28

   Summary completion

   Question

   Charles II then formed a … with the Scots, and in order to become King of Scots, he abandoned an important ______ that was held by his father and had contributed to his father’s death.

   Answer

   J

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   After his father was executed by the Parliamentarians in 1649, the young Charles II sacrificed one of the very principles his father had died for and did a deal with Scots, thereby accepting Presbyterianism* as the national religion in return for being crowned King of Scots.

   Explanation

   The summary mentions that in order to become King of Scots, Charles II 'abandoned an important __________ that was held by his father and had contributed to his father’s death.' The third sentence of the first paragraph says Charles II 'sacrificed one of the very principles his father had died for and did a deal with Scots, thereby accepting Presbyterianism* as the national religion...'. His father (Charles I) had refused to compromise on the issue of the role of the Church of England and bishops, which was a major cause of the Civil War and his execution. By accepting Presbyterianism, Charles II abandoned this principle, which was a deeply held religious conviction for his father and a cause he died for. 'Religious conviction' (Option J) best fits this description.

3. Question 29

   Summary completion

   Question

   The battle led to a ______ for the Parliamentarians and Charles had to flee for his life.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   After being comprehensively defeated on the meadows outside the city by the Parliamentarian army, the 21-year-old king found himself the subject of a national manhunt, with a huge sum offered for his capture, through a series of heart-poundingly close escapes, to evade the Parliamentarians before seeking refuge in France.

   Explanation

   The summary states that the battle outside Worcester in 1651 'led to a __________ for the Parliamentarians and Charles had to flee for his life.' The seventh sentence of the first paragraph says that Charles II was 'comprehensively defeated... by the Parliamentarian army'. A comprehensive defeat for Charles and his army means a significant win for the Parliamentarians. 'Decisive victory' (Option F) accurately describes a comprehensive defeat for one side and thus a clear and conclusive win for the other.

4. Question 30

   Summary completion

   Question

   A ______ was offered for Charles’s capture, but after six weeks spent in hiding, he eventually managed to reach the … of continental Europe.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   After being comprehensively defeated on the meadows outside the city by the Parliamentarian army, the 21-year-old king found himself the subject of a national manhunt, with a huge sum offered for his capture, through a series of heart-poundingly close escapes, to evade the Parliamentarians before seeking refuge in France.

   Explanation

   The summary says 'A __________ was offered for Charles’s capture'. The seventh sentence of the first paragraph states that Charles II was the subject of a 'national manhunt, with a huge sum offered for his capture'. The phrase 'a huge sum' is a direct paraphrase of 'large reward' (Option B). Therefore, 'large reward' is the correct answer.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   A … was offered for Charles’s capture, but after six weeks spent in hiding, he eventually managed to reach the ______ of continental Europe.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   After being comprehensively defeated on the meadows outside the city by the Parliamentarian army, the 21-year-old king found himself the subject of a national manhunt, with a huge sum offered for his capture, through a series of heart-poundingly close escapes, to evade the Parliamentarians before seeking refuge in France.

   Explanation

   The summary ends by saying that after six weeks in hiding, Charles II 'eventually managed to reach the __________ of continental Europe.' The end of the seventh sentence in the first paragraph states that Charles managed 'to evade the Parliamentarians before seeking refuge in France.' France is on continental Europe. The eighth sentence adds that he then 'wandered around Europe'. 'Seeking refuge' in France after evading his pursuers implies reaching a state of 'relative safety' (Option D) compared to the danger he was in previously in England.

6. Question 32

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Charles chose Pepys for the task because he considered him to be trustworthy.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   His intention when asking Pepys to commit his story to paper was to ensure that this most extraordinary episode was never forgotten.

   Explanation

   We learn that Charles asked Pepys to write down his story so that the episode would never be forgotten, and that he then spent two long sittings telling it. The reviewer does not say why Pepys in particular was picked, let alone that trust came into it; a diarist might simply have been the obvious person for recording events. Since the reason for the choice is missing, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

7. Question 33

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Charles’s personal recollection of the escape lacked sufficient detail.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Over two three-hour sittings, the king related to him in great detail his personal recollections of the six weeks he had spent as a fugitive.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that Charles's recollection lacked sufficient detail. The third sentence of the second paragraph explicitly states the opposite: 'Over two three-hour sittings, the king related to him in great detail his personal recollections...'. Since the passage says his account was 'in great detail', the statement that it lacked sufficient detail is contradicted. Therefore, the answer is NO.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Charles indicated to Pepys that he had planned his escape before the battle.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   As the king and secretary settled down (a scene that is surely a gift for a future scriptwriter), Charles commenced his story: ‘After the battle was so absolutely lost as to be beyond hope of recovery, I began to think of the best way of saving myself.’

   Explanation

   The statement suggests Charles planned his escape *before* the battle. The passage quotes Charles II himself telling Pepys: '‘After the battle was so absolutely lost as to be beyond hope of recovery, I began to think of the best way of saving myself.’' This direct quote indicates that he began to think about his escape *after* the battle was lost, not before. This contradicts the statement. Therefore, the answer is NO.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   The inclusion of Charles’s account is a positive aspect of the book.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   One of the joys of Spencer’s book, a result not least of its use of Charles II’s own narrative as well as those of his supporters, is just how close the reader gets to the action.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that including Charles's account is a positive aspect of the book. The first sentence of the third paragraph states: 'One of the joys of Spencer’s book, a result not least of its use of Charles II’s own narrative... is just how close the reader gets to the action.' Calling something 'one of the joys' of the book clearly indicates it is considered a positive aspect by the reviewer. The use of Charles II's narrative ('account') is highlighted as a key factor contributing to this positive aspect. Therefore, the answer is YES.

10. Question 36

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What is the reviewer’s main purpose in the first paragraph?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 1

    Sentence in the passage

    Charles Spencer’s latest book, To Catch a King, tells us the story of the hunt for King Charles II in the six weeks after his resounding defeat at the Battle of Worcester in September 1651.

    Explanation

    The first paragraph sets the scene for Spencer's book. It starts by introducing the book's subject: the hunt for Charles II after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester. It then briefly explains the historical events leading up to this battle: the execution of his father, Charles II's deal with the Scots, the subsequent invasions, and finally, the battle itself where Charles was defeated, leading to his need to escape and become a fugitive. This sequence describes the historical context and events that resulted in Charles II's escape and the subsequent manhunt, which is precisely what option B states.

11. Question 37

    Multiple choice

    Question

    Why does the reviewer include examples of the fugitives’ behaviour in the third paragraph?

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 3

    Sentence in the passage

    One of the joys of Spencer’s book, a result not least of its use of Charles II’s own narrative as well as those of his supporters, is just how close the reader gets to the action.

    Explanation

    The third paragraph focuses on the enjoyable aspects of Spencer's book. The reviewer states, 'One of the joys... is just how close the reader gets to the action.' The following sentences provide specific examples of the fugitives' actions and experiences during the six weeks (cutting hair, dyeing skin, hiding in the oak tree). These 'delicious details' are presented immediately after the statement about getting 'close to the action', illustrating how these specific examples serve to make the historical events vivid and engaging for the reader.

12. Question 38

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What point does the reviewer make about Charles II in the fourth paragraph?

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 4

    Sentence in the passage

    This makes it all the more interesting that Charles II himself loved the story so much ever after.

    Explanation

    The fourth paragraph discusses Charles II's actions after his restoration. The reviewer highlights that Charles 'loved the story so much ever after' (third sentence) and 'set in train a series of initiatives to memorialise it' (fourth sentence), such as creating an order of chivalry, commissioning paintings, and even having a depiction on his bedchamber ceiling. The paragraph begins by noting the 'uncomfortable truth' that his arrival was not welcomed, highlighting the context of the Battle of Worcester as a significant setback ('defeat'). The reviewer concludes the paragraph by stating it's 'hard to imagine many other kings marking the lowest point in their life so enthusiastically'. This clearly indicates that Charles II was commemorating (celebrating) a period associated with his defeat and subsequent escape from a low point.

13. Question 39

    Multiple choice

    Question

    What does the reviewer say about Charles Spencer in the fifth paragraph?

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    He has even-handed sympathy for both the fugitive king and the fierce republican regime that hunted him, and he succeeds in his desire to explore far more of the background of the story than previous books on the subject have done.

    Explanation

    The fifth paragraph discusses Charles Spencer as the author. The reviewer describes his writing and approach. The third sentence states, 'He has even-handed sympathy for both the fugitive king and the fierce republican regime that hunted him...'. 'Even-handed sympathy' means showing fairness or impartiality towards both sides. This indicates an 'unbiased approach' to the subject matter, which involves both Charles II and the Parliamentarians who hunted him.

14. Question 40

    Multiple choice

    Question

    When the reviewer says the book ‘doesn’t quite hit the mark’, she is making the point that

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    The tantalizing question left, in the end, is that of what it all meant.

    Explanation

    The phrase 'doesn’t quite hit the mark' is introduced in the fifth sentence of the final paragraph. The reviewer immediately precedes this by asking a series of questions about the meaning and impact of Charles II's escape: 'what it all meant', whether he would have been a 'different king', and if the experiences 'help form him'. These questions concern the lasting influence of the escape on Charles II's character and subsequent reign. The reviewer states that the book 'doesn’t quite hit the mark' on 'This', referring back to the preceding questions about the meaning and influence of the events. Therefore, the reviewer is saying the book fails to adequately address this topic.