Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 The thylacine

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   ate an entirely ______ diet

   Answer

   carnivorous

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   In terms of feeding, it was exclusively carnivorous, and its stomach was muscular with an ability to distend so that it could eat large amounts of food at one time, probably an adaptation to compensate for long periods when hunting was unsuccessful and food scarce.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the thylacine's diet. The second paragraph, second sentence states: 'In terms of feeding, it was exclusively carnivorous'. 'Exclusively' means entirely, so the blank should be filled with 'carnivorous'. This is one word, which fits the word limit.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   probably depended mainly on ______ when hunting

   Answer

   scent

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   During long-distance chases, thylacines were likely to have relied more on scent than any other sense.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the thylacine mainly depended on when hunting. The fourth sentence of the second paragraph says: 'During long-distance chases, thylacines were likely to have relied more on scent than any other sense.' This indicates that scent was the primary sense used during long hunts. The word 'scent' is one word, fitting the limit.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   young spent first months of life inside its mother’s ______

   Answer

   pouch

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Newborns crawled into the pouch on the belly of their mother, and attached themselves to one of the four teats, remaining there for up to three months.

   Explanation

   The question is about where young thylacines spent their first months. The third paragraph discusses breeding. The third sentence states: 'Newborns crawled into the pouch on the belly of their mother, and attached themselves to one of the four teats, remaining there for up to three months.' This directly indicates they spent the first few months (up to three months) inside the mother's pouch. 'Pouch' is one word, fitting the limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   last evidence in mainland Australia is a 3,100-year-old ______

   Answer

   fossil

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The most recent, well-dated occurrence of a thylacine on the mainland is a carbon-dated fossil from Murray Cave in Western Australia, which is around 3,100 years old.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the last evidence of thylacines on mainland Australia and its form and age. The second sentence of the fourth paragraph states: 'The most recent, well-dated occurrence of a thylacine on the mainland is a carbon-dated fossil from Murray Cave in Western Australia, which is around 3,100 years old.' This directly tells us the last evidence is a 3,100-year-old fossil. 'Fossil' is one word, fitting the limit.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   reduction in ______ and available sources of food were partly responsible for decline in Tasmania

   Answer

   habitat

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   These include competition with wild dogs introduced by European settlers, loss of habitat along with the disappearance of prey species, and a distemper-like disease which may also have affected the thylacine.

   Explanation

   The question asks what factors were partly responsible for the thylacine's decline in Tasmania, specifically mentioning reduction and food sources. The fifth paragraph discusses the decline in Tasmania. The third sentence lists contributing factors: 'These include competition with wild dogs introduced by European settlers, loss of habitat along with the disappearance of prey species, and a distemper-like disease...'. 'Loss of habitat' corresponds to 'reduction in habitat', and 'disappearance of prey species' corresponds to 'available sources of food'. Therefore, 'habitat' is the correct one-word answer.

6. Question 6

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Significant numbers of thylacines were killed by humans from the 1830s onwards.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   The dramatic decline of the thylacine in Tasmania, which began in the 1830s and continued for a century, is generally attributed to the relentless efforts of sheep farmers and bounty hunters** with shotguns.

   Explanation

   The statement says significant numbers were killed by humans from the 1830s. The first sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'The dramatic decline of the thylacine in Tasmania, which began in the 1830s and continued for a century, is generally attributed to the relentless efforts of sheep farmers and bounty hunters** with shotguns.' This sentence confirms that a 'dramatic decline' (implying significant numbers) occurred from the 1830s and was caused by human activity (sheep farmers and bounty hunters killing them with shotguns). Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

7. Question 7

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Several thylacines were born in zoos during the late 1800s.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   There was only one successful attempt to breed a thylacine in captivity, at Melbourne Zoo in 1899.

   Explanation

   The statement claims 'several' thylacines were born in zoos in the late 1800s. The sixth paragraph addresses breeding in captivity. The first sentence says: 'There was only one successful attempt to breed a thylacine in captivity, at Melbourne Zoo in 1899.' This explicitly states there was *only one* successful attempt, which resulted in a birth. The second sentence adds that this was 'despite the large numbers that went through some zoos'. Therefore, the idea that 'several' were born is contradicted; only one birth is recorded. The statement is FALSE.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   John Gould’s prediction about the thylacine surprised some biologists.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The famous naturalist John Gould foresaw the thylacine’s demise when he published his Mammals of Australia between 1848 and 1863, writing, ‘The numbers of this singular animal will speedily diminish, extermination will have its full sway, and it will then, like the wolf of England and Scotland, be recorded as an animal of the past.’

   Explanation

   The statement is about the reaction of some biologists to John Gould's prediction. The third sentence of the sixth paragraph mentions John Gould and quotes his prediction about the thylacine's demise. However, the passage does not mention whether this prediction surprised biologists or anyone else. It only states that he made the prediction. Therefore, the information needed to confirm or deny the statement is not present. The statement is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   In the early 1900s, many scientists became worried about the possible extinction of the thylacine.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   However, there seems to have been little public pressure to preserve the thylacine, nor was much concern expressed by scientists at the decline of this species in the decades that followed.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that 'many scientists' became worried in the early 1900s. The seventh paragraph begins by stating: 'However, there seems to have been little public pressure to preserve the thylacine, nor was much concern expressed by scientists at the decline of this species in the decades that followed.' The 'decades that followed' refers to the period after Gould's prediction (published up to 1863), which includes the early 1900s. The passage explicitly says there was 'not much concern expressed by scientists'. This directly contradicts the statement that 'many scientists became worried'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    T.T. Flynn’s proposal to rehome captive thylacines on an island proved to be impractical.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    In 1914, he was sufficiently concerned about the scarcity of the thylacine to suggest that some should be captured and placed on a small island.

    Explanation

    The statement talks about whether T.T. Flynn's proposal was impractical. The third sentence of the seventh paragraph mentions T.T. Flynn and his suggestion in 1914 'that some should be captured and placed on a small island'. The following sentences describe later actions regarding protection but do not evaluate or discuss the feasibility or outcome of Flynn's specific proposal. We know he made the proposal, but the passage gives no information about whether it was attempted, considered, or found to be impractical. Therefore, the information is not present. The statement is NOT GIVEN.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    There were still reasonable numbers of thylacines in existence when a piece of legislation protecting the species during their breeding season was passed.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    But it was not until 1929, with the species on the very edge of extinction, that Tasmania’s Animals and Birds Protection Board passed a motion protecting thylacines only for the month of December, which was thought to be their prime breeding season.

    Explanation

    The statement claims there were 'reasonable numbers' when the protection legislation was passed. The fourth sentence of the seventh paragraph mentions the legislation: 'But it was not until 1929, with the species on the very edge of extinction, that Tasmania’s Animals and Birds Protection Board passed a motion protecting thylacines only for the month of December...'. This sentence explicitly states that in 1929, when the legislation was passed, the species was 'on the very edge of extinction'. This directly contradicts the idea that there were 'reasonable numbers'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    From 1930 to 1936, the only known living thylacines were all in captivity.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    The last known wild thylacine to be killed was shot by a farmer in the north-east of Tasmania in 1930, leaving just captive specimens.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that between 1930 and 1936, all known living thylacines were captive. The fifth sentence of the seventh paragraph states: 'The last known wild thylacine to be killed was shot by a farmer in the north-east of Tasmania in 1930, leaving just captive specimens.' This confirms that after 1930, only captive thylacines were known to exist. The following sentence mentions the last known individual dying in Hobart Zoo (captivity) in September 1936. This timeframe (1930 to 1936) aligns perfectly with the period when only captive specimens were known. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Attempts to find living thylacines are now rarely made.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    There have been numerous expeditions and searches for the thylacine over the years, none of which has produced definitive evidence that thylacines still exist.

    Explanation

    The statement discusses the current frequency of attempts to find living thylacines. The first sentence of the eighth paragraph states: 'There have been numerous expeditions and searches for the thylacine over the years, none of which has produced definitive evidence that thylacines still exist.' This confirms that many searches have happened in the past ('over the years'). However, it does not provide information about how often such attempts are made *now* (currently) or whether they are 'rarely made'. The passage doesn't update on the current status of these searches. Therefore, the information is not present. The statement is NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Palm oil

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of a range of potential environmental advantages of oil palm tree cultivation

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   That immensely high yield – which is predominantly what makes it so profitable – is potentially also an ecological benefit.

   Explanation

   Section F gives two separate green benefits: high yield per hectare means less land cleared than for rival oils, and palm trees may store more carbon than crops such as rice. Section C and D only describe the damage, while section H concerns a future fern idea, so F is the match.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   description of an organisation which controls the environmental impact of palm oil production

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   The industry is now regulated by a group called the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), consisting of palm growers, retailers, product manufacturers, and other interested parties.

   Explanation

   Only one section describes a body that polices palm oil's environmental record: the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. It regulates the industry, brings growers, retailers and manufacturers together, and sets the standards producers must meet to call their product sustainable. Other sections mention conservationists or scientists commenting on the issue, but none describes an organisation with control over how the oil is produced.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of the widespread global use of palm oil

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   It’s almost certainly in the soap we wash with in the morning, the sandwich we have for lunch, and the biscuits we snack on during the day.

   Explanation

   The question asks for examples of the widespread global use of palm oil. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure, Section A corresponds to the first two paragraphs of the passage. The specific examples of common uses are found in the first of these paragraphs, specifically its second sentence. It lists products like 'soap we wash with', 'sandwich we have for lunch', and 'biscuits we snack on', illustrating the common presence of palm oil in everyday items, indicating its widespread use.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to a particular species which could benefit the ecosystem of oil palm plantations

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Paragraph H

   Sentence in the passage

   New research at Ellwood’s lab hint at one plant which might make all the difference.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to a specific species that could benefit the ecosystem of oil palm plantations. The correct answer is Section H. According to the passage's structure, Section H corresponds to the ninth and tenth paragraphs of the passage. The reference to a specific beneficial species is found in the first of these paragraphs, specifically its third sentence, which names 'The bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus)'. The fourth sentence explains that reintroducing it could 'recover their biodiversity, providing a home for all manner of species', indicating a benefit to the ecosystem.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   figures illustrating the rapid expansion of the palm oil industry

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Between 1990 and 2012, the global land area devoted to growing oil palm trees grew from 6 to 17 million hectares, now accounting for around ten percent of total cropland in the entire world.

   Explanation

   Hard numbers about growth appear in section B: land under oil palm rose from 6 to 17 million hectares in two decades, and annual output went from two million tonnes to about sixty million, with a further doubling or tripling expected. Such statistics show how fast the industry has expanded. Other sections give a single percentage or tonnage, but about certification, not expansion.

6. Question 19

   Matching information

   Question

   an economic justification for not opposing the palm oil industry

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   One response to the boycott movement has been the argument for the vital role palm oil plays in lifting many millions of people in the developing world out of poverty.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an economic justification for not opposing the palm oil industry. The correct answer is Section E. According to the passage's structure, Section E corresponds to the fifth paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph presents the argument that palm oil plays a 'vital role... in lifting many millions of people in the developing world out of poverty'. The second sentence elaborates on this point, asking if boycotting is desirable 'given how many low-income people in developing countries depend on it for their livelihoods'. These points provide an economic argument against outright opposition or boycotting.

7. Question 20

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of creatures badly affected by the establishment of oil palm plantations

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Endangered species – most famously the Sumatran orangutan, but also rhinos, elephants, tigers, and numerous other fauna – have suffered from the unstoppable spread of oil palm plantations.

   Explanation

   The animals named as victims of the spreading plantations are the Sumatran orangutan, rhinos, elephants and tigers, and the writer adds that there are many others, so this is a list of examples of harmed creatures. That list sits in section C, together with the land-clearing stories behind it. The later mention of fungi, insects and amphibians concerns species that might recover, not species hurt.

8. Question 21

   Multiple choice (several answers)

   Question

   Which TWO statements are made about the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   The RSPO insists upon no virgin forest clearing, transparency and regular assessment of carbon stocks, among other criteria.

   Explanation

   One of the criteria the RSPO imposes is transparency, along with a ban on clearing virgin forest and regular carbon checks. Being open about practices is what 'open and honest' means here, so statement B is correct. The tempting options fail: nothing is said about membership growing, rules being tougher than those of other industries, or environmentalists asking for the body to be set up.

9. Question 22

   Multiple choice (several answers)

   Question

   Which TWO statements are made about the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Over the past decade or so, an agreement has gradually been reached regarding standards that producers of palm oil have to meet in order for their product to be regarded as officially ‘sustainable’.

   Explanation

   The standards were not set at a stroke: the passage says that over a decade or so an agreement was gradually reached about what producers must meet to count as sustainable. That slow process matches 'took several years to establish its criteria', so C is right. 'Over the past decade' in option A refers to a different thing, the growth of membership, which is never discussed.

10. Question 23

    Sentence completion

    Question

    One advantage of palm oil for manufacturers is that it stays ______ even when not refrigerated.

    Answer

    solid

    Location

    Paragraph A

    Sentence in the passage

    Primarily because its unique properties – such as remaining solid at room temperature – make it an ideal ingredient for long-term preservation, allowing many packaged foods on supermarket shelves to have ‘best before’ dates of months, even years, into the future.

    Explanation

    The question asks for an advantage of palm oil for manufacturers related to its state when not refrigerated. Paragraph A (the first paragraph) discusses why palm oil is attractive for manufacturers. The fourth sentence states that its 'unique properties – such as remaining solid at room temperature – make it an ideal ingredient for long-term preservation'. 'Remaining solid at room temperature' is equivalent to staying 'solid' even when not refrigerated. The blank requires an adjective, and 'solid' fits grammatically and matches the passage information. The answer is one word, which is within the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

11. Question 24

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The ______ is the best known of the animals suffering habitat loss as a result of the spread of oil palm plantations.

    Answer

    (Sumatran) orangutan / orang-utan

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    Endangered species – most famously the Sumatran orangutan, but also rhinos, elephants, tigers, and numerous other fauna – have suffered from the unstoppable spread of oil palm plantations.

    Explanation

    The species that tops the list is introduced with 'most famously', which is the sentence's idea of being best known. The animal named straight after those words is the Sumatran orangutan. The limit is two words, so 'Sumatran orangutan' is acceptable, and so is 'orangutan' alone, as the gap follows 'The' and needs a singular noun.

12. Question 25

    Sentence completion

    Question

    As one of its criteria for the certification of sustainable palm oil, the RSPO insists that growers check ______ on a routine basis.

    Answer

    carbon stocks

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    The RSPO insists upon no virgin forest clearing, transparency and regular assessment of carbon stocks, among other criteria.

    Explanation

    Among the RSPO's conditions is regular assessment of carbon stocks. 'Check ... on a routine basis' restates 'regular assessment', and the gap needs the thing assessed, which takes two words: 'carbon stocks'. Do not pick 'transparency', which is another criterion in the same list, because it does not fit after 'check'.

13. Question 26

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Ellwood and his researchers are looking into whether the bird’s nest fern could restore ______ in areas where oil palm trees are grown.

    Answer

    biodiversity

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    Ellwood believes that reintroducing the bird’s nest fern into oil palm plantations could potentially allow these areas to recover their biodiversity, providing a home for all manner of species, from fungi and bacteria, to invertebrates such as insects, amphibians, reptiles and even mammals.

    Explanation

    What Ellwood hopes the fern will bring back to plantations is variety of life. If it is reintroduced, these areas could recover their biodiversity and become a home to everything from fungi to mammals. 'Restore' in the sentence mirrors 'recover', and the single noun that follows in the passage is 'biodiversity', which fits the two-word limit.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Building the Skyline: The Birth and Growth of Manhattan’s Skyscrapers

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does Shester make about Barr’s book in the first paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The book combines geology, history, economics, and a lot of data to explain why business clusters developed where they did and how the early decisions of workers and firms shaped the skyline we see today.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph introduces Barr's book. The second sentence states that the book 'combines geology, history, economics, and a lot of data to explain why business clusters developed where they did and how the early decisions of workers and firms shaped the skyline we see today.' This explicitly lists various factors (geology, history, economics, data, decisions of workers/firms) and their impact on New York's development and skyline, directly supporting option D.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   How does Shester respond to the information in the book about tenements?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   I would have liked Barr to expand upon his claim that existing tenements* prevented skyscrapers in certain neighborhoods because ‘likely no skyscraper developer was interested in performing the necessary “slum clearance”’.

   Explanation

   In the third paragraph, Shester discusses Barr's claim that existing tenements prevented skyscrapers in certain areas due to developers' unwillingness to do 'slum clearance'. She then explicitly states, 'At first glance, it is not obvious why slum clearance would be limiting, while more expensive foundations would not.' This sentence directly questions Barr's conclusion by pointing out an apparent inconsistency compared to his later claim about foundation costs not being a limiting factor. This indicates that Shester sees a 'potential problem' or lack of clarity in Barr's analysis on this point.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does Shester say about chapter six of the book?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   While less technical than the research paper on which the chapter is based, it is probably more technical than would be preferred by a general audience.

   Explanation

   Shester discusses chapter six in the sixth paragraph. The final sentence of this paragraph explicitly states, 'While less technical than the research paper on which the chapter is based, it is probably more technical than would be preferred by a general audience.' This means that for someone who is not an expert (a 'general audience'), the content is likely 'too technical', which is equivalent to being 'too specialised'. Therefore, option C is correct.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does Shester suggest about the chapters focusing on the 1920s building boom?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Chapter eight contains lengthy discussions of urban economic theory that may serve as a distraction to readers primarily interested in New York.

   Explanation

   The eighth paragraph discusses chapters eight and nine, which cover the 1920s building boom. Shester notes that 'Chapter eight contains lengthy discussions of urban economic theory that may serve as a distraction to readers primarily interested in New York.' She follows this by stating, 'However, they would be well-suited for undergraduates learning about the economics of cities.' This contrast shows that while some readers (those interested only in New York) might find the economic theory sections less appealing ('a distraction'), others (students of urban economics) will find them suitable. This indicates that certain parts of these chapters (specifically the urban economic theory discussions in chapter eight) will have 'limited appeal to certain people' (those not interested in economic theory). Option D correctly captures this point.

5. Question 31

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What impresses Shester the most about the chapter on land values?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   The data work that went into these estimations is particularly impressive.

   Explanation

   The final paragraph discusses chapter 10, which covers land values. Shester explicitly states in the second sentence of this paragraph: 'The data work that went into these estimations is particularly impressive.' This sentence directly identifies what Shester finds 'particularly impressive', which is the 'data work' or the 'nature of the research' involved in estimating land values. Option C matches this observation.

6. Question 32

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   The description in the first chapter of how New York probably looked from the air in the early 1600s lacks interest.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Barr begins chapter one by taking the reader on a ‘helicopter time-machine’ ride – giving a fascinating account of how the New York landscape in 1609 might have looked from the sky.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that the description in the first chapter of New York in the early 1600s (specifically 1609) 'lacks interest'. However, the first sentence of the second paragraph, describing chapter one, says Barr gives a 'fascinating account of how the New York landscape in 1609 might have looked from the sky.' 'Fascinating' means very interesting. Therefore, the passage contradicts the statement. The answer is NO.

7. Question 33

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Chapters two and three prepare the reader well for material yet to come.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Both chapters are informative and well researched and set the stage for the economic analysis that comes later in the book.

   Explanation

   The statement says that chapters two and three prepare the reader for later material. The third sentence of the third paragraph, discussing chapters two and three, states, 'Both chapters are informative and well researched and set the stage for the economic analysis that comes later in the book.' The phrase 'set the stage for' is a direct synonym for 'prepare... for material yet to come'. Therefore, the passage supports the statement. The answer is YES.

8. Question 34

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   The biggest problem for many nineteenth-century New York immigrant neighbourhoods was a lack of amenities.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Barr identifies four primary immigrant enclaves and analyses their locations in terms of the amenities available in the area.

   Explanation

   The statement talks about the biggest problem for immigrant neighbourhoods in the 19th century being a lack of amenities. The fourth paragraph discusses immigrant neighbourhoods in the late 19th century and mentions that Barr analyses their locations in terms of 'the amenities available in the area'. It also notes they were located on 'the least valuable land'. However, the passage does not state *what* the 'biggest problem' was for these neighbourhoods, only that amenities were a factor in their location and that they were on less valuable land. It does not claim a lack of amenities was the primary or biggest problem. Therefore, the information needed to confirm or deny the statement is not present. The answer is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 35

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   In the nineteenth century, New York’s immigrant neighbourhoods tended to concentrate around the harbour.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   Most of these enclaves were located on the least valuable land, between the industries located on the waterfront and the wealthy neighborhoods bordering Central Park.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that 19th-century immigrant neighbourhoods tended to concentrate 'around the harbour'. The fourth paragraph states that most of these neighbourhoods (enclaves) were located 'on the least valuable land, between the industries located on the waterfront and the wealthy neighborhoods bordering Central Park.' The 'waterfront' would include the harbour area where industries were located. The passage explicitly states the neighbourhoods were *between* the waterfront industries and Central Park, not concentrated *around* the waterfront. Therefore, the passage contradicts the statement. The answer is NO.

10. Question 36

    Summary completion

    Question

    In chapter seven, Barr indicates how the lack of bedrock close to the surface does not explain why skyscrapers are absent from ______ He points out that although the cost of foundations increases when bedrock is deep below the surface, this cannot be regarded as …, especially when compared to …

    Answer

    H

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Chapter seven tackles the ‘bedrock myth’, the assumption that the absence of bedrock close to the surface between Downtown and Midtown New York is the reason for skyscrapers not being built between the two urban centers.

    Explanation

    The sentence mentions that chapter seven discusses how the lack of close bedrock doesn't explain the absence of skyscrapers from certain places. The first sentence of paragraph 7 states that Chapter seven 'tackles the ‘bedrock myth’, the assumption that the absence of bedrock close to the surface between Downtown and Midtown New York is the reason for skyscrapers not being built between the two urban centers.' The phrase 'between Downtown and Midtown New York' refers to 'specific areas' where skyscrapers are absent. Option H, 'specific areas', fits this context.

11. Question 37

    Summary completion

    Question

    In chapter seven, Barr indicates how the lack of bedrock close to the surface does not explain why skyscrapers are absent from … He points out that although the cost of foundations increases when bedrock is deep below the surface, this cannot be regarded as ______, especially when compared to …

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Rather, Barr argues that while deeper bedrock does increase foundation costs, these costs were neither prohibitively high nor were they large compared to the overall cost of building a skyscraper.

    Explanation

    The sentence describes Barr's argument that increased foundation costs due to deeper bedrock are not a prohibitive factor. The second sentence of paragraph 7 states Barr's argument: 'while deeper bedrock does increase foundation costs, these costs were neither prohibitively high nor were they large compared to the overall cost of building a skyscraper.' 'Prohibitively high' means 'excessive expense'. Therefore, the cost cannot be regarded as 'excessive expense'. Option D, 'excessive expense', correctly fills the blank.

12. Question 38

    Summary completion

    Question

    In chapter seven, Barr indicates how the lack of bedrock close to the surface does not explain why skyscrapers are absent from … He points out that although the cost of foundations increases when bedrock is deep below the surface, this cannot be regarded as …, especially when compared to ______

    Answer

    I

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Rather, Barr argues that while deeper bedrock does increase foundation costs, these costs were neither prohibitively high nor were they large compared to the overall cost of building a skyscraper.

    Explanation

    The sentence asks what the increased foundation costs should be compared to. The second sentence of paragraph 7 states, 'these costs were neither prohibitively high nor were they large compared to the overall cost of building a skyscraper.' 'Overall cost' is synonymous with 'total expenditure' (expenditure means cost). Option I, 'total expenditure', correctly completes the comparison.

13. Question 39

    Summary completion

    Question

    He describes not only how ______ are made possible by the use of caissons, but he also discusses their … The chapter is well researched but relatively easy to understand.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    He describes the use of caissons, which enable workers to dig down for considerable distances, often below the water table, until they reach bedrock.

    Explanation

    The sentence asks what is made possible by caissons. The fourth sentence of paragraph 7 states, 'He describes the use of caissons, which enable workers to dig down for considerable distances...' 'Dig down for considerable distances' is a description of 'deep excavations'. Option B, 'deep excavations', fits this description of what caissons make possible.

14. Question 40

    Summary completion

    Question

    He describes not only how … are made possible by the use of caissons, but he also discusses their ______ The chapter is well researched but relatively easy to understand.

    Answer

    F

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Barr’s thorough technological history discusses not only how caissons work, but also the dangers involved.

    Explanation

    The sentence structure 'not only how X ... but also their Y' indicates that Y is another aspect discussed alongside X. The passage's fifth sentence in paragraph 7 states, 'Barr’s thorough technological history discusses not only how caissons work, but also the dangers involved.' 'Dangers involved' is synonymous with 'associated risks'. Option F, 'associated risks', matches 'the dangers involved' which are discussed in addition to how caissons work. This fits the structure of the sentence in the question.