Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Reading Test 1: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Urban farming

1. Question 1

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Vertical tubes are used to grow strawberries, ______ and herbs.

   Answer

   lettuces

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   From identical vertical tubes nearby burst row upon row of lettuces; near those are aromatic herbs, such as basil, sage and peppermint.

   Explanation

   Strawberries grow in the tubes, and the identical vertical tubes nearby hold lettuces, with aromatic herbs close by. Lettuces is the word that fills the gap, in its plural form. Tomatoes, aubergines and chards are in horizontal trays of coconut fibre, so they do not suit this sentence.

2. Question 2

   Sentence completion

   Question

   There will eventually be a daily harvest of as much as ______ in weight of fruit and vegetables.

   Answer

   1,000 kg

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   When the remaining two thirds of the vast open area are in production, 20 staff will harvest up to 1,000 kg of perhaps 35 different varieties of fruit and vegetables, every day.

   Explanation

   The target is a daily weight, and Hardy's description of the finished farm provides it: once the remaining two thirds of the roof are in production, 20 staff will bring in up to 1,000 kg a day. 'As much as' in the sentence equals 'up to'. The number plus unit counts within the limit. The 3,000 lettuces were picked on one day already, and 14,000 is the roof's area, so neither answers a question about weight.

3. Question 3

   Sentence completion

   Question

   It may be possible that the farm’s produce will account for as much as 10% of the city’s ______ overall.

   Answer

   (food) consumption

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   But if enough unused space can be developed like this, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t eventually target maybe between 5% and 10% of consumption.’

   Explanation

   Hardy says that if enough unused space is developed, rooftop farms could target perhaps 5% to 10% of consumption, so 10% is the upper limit. The word that follows the percentage in the passage is consumption, and that completes the sentence. He also admits the farms will never feed the whole city.

4. Question 4

   Table completion

   Question

   ● wide range of ______ used ● techniques pollute air

   Answer

   pesticides

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘First, I don’t much like the fact that most of the fruit and vegetables we eat have been treated with something like 17 different pesticides, or that the intensive farming techniques that produced them are such huge generators of greenhouse gases.

   Explanation

   The question asks about something widely used in intensive farming. The third paragraph discusses the disadvantages of current farming methods, which the author links to intensive farming. The third sentence states, 'First, I don’t much like the fact that most of the fruit and vegetables we eat have been treated with something like 17 different pesticides...' The phrase '17 different pesticides' suggests a 'wide range' is used. The blank requires a noun, and 'pesticides' fits the context and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

5. Question 5

   Table completion

   Question

   ● quality not good ● varieties of fruit and vegetables chosen that can survive long ______

   Answer

   journeys

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   I don’t much like the fact, either, that they’ve travelled an average of 2,000 refrigerated kilometres to my plate, that their quality is so poor, because the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys, or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.’

   Explanation

   The question describes how varieties are selected in intensive farming based on their ability to survive something long. The third paragraph continues listing the disadvantages of current farming. The fourth sentence mentions poor quality because 'the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys'. This indicates that varieties are chosen based on their ability to survive long 'journeys'. The blank requires a noun, and 'journeys' fits the context and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

6. Question 6

   Table completion

   Question

   ● ______ receive very little of overall income

   Answer

   producers

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   I don’t much like the fact, either, that they’ve travelled an average of 2,000 refrigerated kilometres to my plate, that their quality is so poor, because the varieties are selected for their capacity to withstand such substantial journeys, or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.’

   Explanation

   The question states that a group receives very little of the income from intensive farming. The third paragraph's fourth sentence also mentions another disadvantage: 'or that 80% of the price I pay goes to wholesalers and transport companies, not the producers.' This explicitly states that 'producers' do not receive the majority of the income (80% goes elsewhere), implying they receive very little. The blank requires a noun, and 'producers' fits the context and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 7

   Table completion

   Question

   ● produce chosen because of its ______

   Answer

   flavour / flavor

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘You can select crop varieties for their flavour, not their resistance to the transport and storage chain, and you can pick them when they’re really at their best, and not before.’

   Explanation

   The question asks why produce is chosen in aeroponic urban farming. The fourth paragraph describes the advantages of the soil-free method (aeroponic farming). The third sentence states, 'You can select crop varieties for their flavour, not their resistance to the transport and storage chain...'. This directly indicates that 'flavour' is the criterion for selecting produce. The blank requires a noun, and 'flavour' (or 'flavor') fits the context and the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

8. Question 8

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Urban farming can take place above or below ground.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   On top of a striking new exhibition hall in southern Paris, the world’s largest urban rooftop farm has started to bear fruit.

   Explanation

   The statement claims urban farming can occur both above and below ground. The first paragraph describes the rooftop farm in Paris ('On top of a striking new exhibition hall...'). The fifth paragraph gives other examples of urban farming locations. The third sentence states, 'Strawberries are being grown in disused shipping containers, mushrooms in underground carparks.' This clearly provides examples of urban farming taking place 'below ground' (in underground carparks) as well as above ground (rooftop). Since examples of both are given, the statement is TRUE.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Some of the equipment used in aeroponic farming can be made by hand.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Explanation

   The statement claims that some aeroponic farming equipment can be handmade. The passage describes aeroponic farming, mentioning the equipment ('soil-free plastic tubes are known', 'pipes, towers and trays') and its characteristics (lightweight, fits on flat surfaces, cheap to buy/run). However, it does not mention how the equipment is manufactured or whether any part of it can be made by hand. Therefore, the information is not present in the passage, and the statement is NOT GIVEN.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Urban farming relies more on electricity than some other types of farming.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    It is cheap to run, too, consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.

    Explanation

    The statement claims urban farming (specifically the aeroponic type discussed) uses *more* electricity than some other farming types. The fifth paragraph discusses the characteristics of aeroponic farming equipment. The sixth sentence states, 'It is cheap to run, too, consuming a tiny fraction of the electricity used by some techniques.' This means aeroponic urban farming uses significantly *less* electricity than some other techniques, which directly contradicts the statement. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Fruit and vegetables grown on an aeroponic urban farm are cheaper than traditionally grown organic produce.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Produce grown this way typically sells at prices that, while generally higher than those of classic intensive agriculture, are lower than soil-based organic growers.

    Explanation

    The statement compares the price of aeroponically grown urban produce to traditional organic produce. The sixth paragraph discusses the price of the produce. The first sentence says, 'Produce grown this way typically sells at prices that, while generally higher than those of classic intensive agriculture, are lower than soil-based organic growers.' 'Produce grown this way' refers to the aeroponic method. 'Soil-based organic growers' is a form of traditionally grown organic produce. The sentence explicitly states that the prices for aeroponic produce are 'lower than' soil-based organic growers. Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Most produce can be grown on an aeroponic urban farm at any time of the year.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    There are limits to what farmers can grow this way, of course, and much of the produce is suited to the summer months.

    Explanation

    The statement claims most produce can be grown year-round on an aeroponic urban farm. The sixth paragraph discusses limitations of this type of farming. The second sentence states, 'There are limits to what farmers can grow this way, of course, and much of the produce is suited to the summer months.' The phrase 'much of the produce is suited to the summer months' indicates that the farm is limited by season for many crops, meaning they cannot be grown 'at any time of the year'. This contradicts the statement. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Beans take longer to grow on an urban farm than other vegetables.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    And beans tend to take up a lot of space for not much return.’

    Explanation

    The statement compares the growing time of beans to other vegetables on an urban farm. The sixth paragraph discusses limitations of growing certain crops. The sixth sentence mentions beans: 'And beans tend to take up a lot of space for not much return.’ This sentence explains a reason why beans might not be ideal for this type of urban farm (they use a lot of space relative to yield). However, it makes no mention of how long beans take to grow compared to other vegetables. Therefore, this specific comparison of growing time is not provided, and the statement is NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Forest management in Pennsylvania, USA

1. Question 14

   Matching information

   Question

   bad outcomes for a forest when people focus only on its financial reward

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   In the past, Pennsylvania landowners were solely interested in the value of their trees as high-quality timber.

   Explanation

   Section B explains that landowners once cared only about timber money, removed the best trees and left poor ones. The result was a forest full of junk trees that crowd out good ones and make the stand weaker against weather and disease. Section A mentions different valuations but no harm.

2. Question 15

   Matching information

   Question

   reference to the aspects of any tree that contribute to its worth

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   A tree’s ‘value’ depends on several factors including its species, size, form, condition, quality, function, and accessibility, and depends on the management goals for a given forest.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to the aspects of a tree that contribute to its worth. The correct answer is Section A. Section A corresponds to the first paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph explicitly lists these aspects: 'A tree’s ‘value’ depends on several factors including its species, size, form, condition, quality, function, and accessibility...'. This sentence directly answers what factors make up a tree's value.

3. Question 16

   Matching information

   Question

   mention of the potential use of wood to help run vehicles

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Wood can also be gasified for electrical generation and can even be made into liquid fuels like ethanol and gasoline for lorries and cars.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a mention of wood being used to help run vehicles. The correct answer is Section C. Section C corresponds to the third paragraph of the passage. The fourth sentence of this paragraph states: 'Wood can also be gasified for electrical generation and can even be made into liquid fuels like ethanol and gasoline for lorries and cars.' This sentence directly mentions the conversion of wood into liquid fuels that can power 'lorries and cars', which are types of vehicles.

4. Question 17

   Matching information

   Question

   examples of insects that attack trees

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   With the many pests and pathogens visiting forests including hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhomed beetle, emerald ash borer, and gypsy moth, to name just a few, it is important to remember that those working in the forests can help ease these issues through cutting procedures.

   Explanation

   The question asks for examples of insects that attack trees. The correct answer is Section E. Section E corresponds to the fifth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph lists several pests and pathogens that affect forests: 'With the many pests and pathogens visiting forests including hemlock wooly adelgid, Asian longhomed beetle, emerald ash borer, and gypsy moth, to name just a few, it is important to remember...'. Among these, 'hemlock wooly adelgid', 'Asian longhomed beetle', 'emerald ash borer', and 'gypsy moth' are specific examples of insects known to attack trees, fitting the question's requirement.

5. Question 18

   Matching information

   Question

   an alternative name for trees that produce low-use wood

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Some people even call these ‘junk trees’, and they are abundant in Pennsylvania.

   Explanation

   The question asks for an alternative name for trees that produce low-use wood. The correct answer is Section B. Section B corresponds to the second paragraph of the passage. After describing 'high-grading' and the resulting 'low-use wood', the fourth sentence of this paragraph explicitly states: 'Some people even call these ‘junk trees’, and they are abundant in Pennsylvania.' This provides 'junk trees' as an alternative name for the trees that result in low-use wood.

6. Question 19

   Matching features

   Question

   to remove trees that are diseased

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   These types of cut reduce the number of sick trees and seek to manage the future spread of a pest problem.

   Explanation

   The task is to match the purpose 'to remove trees that are diseased' to the correct type of timber cut. The passage discusses different cutting approaches in Sections D, E, and F. Section E describes a 'Salvage Cut'. The third sentence of paragraph E states: 'These types of cut reduce the number of sick trees and seek to manage the future spread of a pest problem.' Removing 'sick trees' is equivalent to removing diseased trees, aligning with the purpose mentioned in the question. Therefore, 'A Salvage Cut' (Option B) is the correct match.

7. Question 20

   Matching features

   Question

   to generate income across a number of years

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   It can also be used to develop a two-tier forest so that there are two harvests and the money that comes in is spread out over a decade or more.

   Explanation

   The task is to match the purpose 'to generate income across a number of years' to the correct type of timber cut. Section F describes a 'Shelterwood Cut'. The fourth sentence of paragraph F explains one outcome of this cut: 'It can also be used to develop a two-tier forest so that there are two harvests and the money that comes in is spread out over a decade or more.' Having 'two harvests' and spreading the 'money that comes in' over 'a decade or more' directly relates to generating income across a number of years. Therefore, 'A Shelterwood Cut' (Option C) is the correct match.

8. Question 21

   Matching features

   Question

   to create a forest whose trees are close in age

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   It leaves a young forest where all trees are at a similar point in their growth.

   Explanation

   The task is to match the purpose 'to create a forest whose trees are close in age' to the correct type of timber cut. Section F describes a 'Shelterwood Cut'. The Shelterwood Cut involves removing all mature trees after seedlings are established. The third sentence of paragraph F states: 'It leaves a young forest where all trees are at a similar point in their growth.' Trees being at a 'similar point in their growth' implies they are close in age. Therefore, 'A Shelterwood Cut' (Option C) is the correct match.

9. Question 22

   Sentence completion

   Question

   Some dead wood is removed to avoid the possibility of ______

   Answer

   fire

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Thinnings and dense and dead wood removal for fire prevention also center on the production of low-use wood.

   Explanation

   The question states that some dead wood is removed to avoid the possibility of something, and asks for that something. The beginning of the final paragraph (Section G) states: 'Thinnings and dense and dead wood removal for fire prevention also center on the production of low-use wood.' This indicates that 'dead wood removal' is done 'for fire prevention'. Therefore, removing dead wood helps avoid the possibility of 'fire'. The answer 'fire' is one word, fitting the word limit.

10. Question 23

    Sentence completion

    Question

    The ______ from the tops of cut trees can help improve soil quality.

    Answer

    nutrients

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    The tops of trees that have been cut down should be left on the site so that their nutrients cycle back into the soil.

    Explanation

    The question asks what from the tops of cut trees can help improve soil quality. The third sentence of the final paragraph (Section G) advises: 'The tops of trees that have been cut down should be left on the site so that their nutrients cycle back into the soil.' This sentence directly states that the 'nutrients' from the tops of cut trees return to and improve the soil. The answer 'nutrients' is one word, fitting the word limit.

11. Question 24

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Some damaged trees should be left, as their ______ provide habitats for a range of creatures.

    Answer

    cavities

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    In addition, trees with many cavities are extremely important habitats for insect predators like woodpeckers, bats and small mammals.

    Explanation

    The question states that some damaged trees should be left because something they have provides habitats. The fourth sentence of the final paragraph (Section G) highlights the importance of certain trees: 'In addition, trees with many cavities are extremely important habitats for insect predators like woodpeckers, bats and small mammals.' This sentence explains that trees with 'cavities' provide habitats for various creatures ('insect predators like woodpeckers, bats and small mammals'). Although not explicitly called 'damaged trees' here, the context of leaving certain trees indicates those not suitable for timber (potentially due to damage or age) are being discussed. 'Cavities' is the specific feature mentioned as providing habitat. The answer 'cavities' is one word, fitting the word limit.

12. Question 25

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Some trees that are small, such as ______, are a source of food for animals and insects.

    Answer

    hawthorn

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, many species like hawthorn provide food for wildlife.

    Explanation

    The question gives an example of a small tree species that is a source of food for animals and insects. The seventh sentence of the final paragraph (Section G) states: 'For example, many species like hawthorn provide food for wildlife.' This sentence provides 'hawthorn' as an example of a species that is a food source for 'wildlife' (animals). While not explicitly called 'small' here, the preceding sentence states 'not all small trees are low-use', implying small trees are being discussed. 'Hawthorn' is given as the specific example. The answer 'hawthorn' is one word, fitting the word limit.

13. Question 26

    Sentence completion

    Question

    Any trees that are ______ should be left to grow, as they add to the variety of species in the forest.

    Answer

    rare

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Finally, rare species of trees in a forest should also stay behind as they add to its structural diversity.

    Explanation

    The question asks what type of trees should be left to grow because they add variety to the forest species. The final sentence of the passage (Section G) states: 'Finally, rare species of trees in a forest should also stay behind as they add to its structural diversity.' This directly identifies 'rare species of trees' as those that should 'stay behind' (be left) because they 'add to its structural diversity', which implies adding to the variety of species and structure. The answer 'rare' is one word, fitting the word limit.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 Conquering Earth’s space junk problem

1. Question 27

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the cooperation that takes place to try and minimise risk

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   That means companies, governments and other players in space are collaborating in new ways to avoid a shared threat.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a reference to cooperation aimed at minimising risk. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure (defined by `sectionrange`), Section C corresponds to the fifth paragraph of the passage. The second sentence of this paragraph states: 'That means companies, governments and other players in space are collaborating in new ways to avoid a shared threat.' 'Collaborating' indicates cooperation, and 'to avoid a shared threat' refers to minimising risk (the threat being space junk).

2. Question 28

   Matching information

   Question

   an explanation of a person’s aims

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   Jah describes himself as a space environmentalist: ‘I want to make space a place that is safe to operate, that is free and useful for generations to come.’

   Explanation

   The question asks for an explanation of a person's aims. The correct answer is Section F. According to the passage's structure, Section F comprises the last two paragraphs of the passage. The first sentence of the final paragraph provides a direct explanation of Moriba Jah's aims: 'Jah describes himself as a space environmentalist: ‘I want to make space a place that is safe to operate, that is free and useful for generations to come.’' This clearly outlines his objectives.

3. Question 29

   Matching information

   Question

   a description of a major collision that occurred in space

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   Ten years ago, a US commercial Iridium satellite smashed into an inactive Russian communications satellite called Cosmos-2251, creating thousands of new pieces of space shrapnel that now threaten other satellites in low Earth orbit – the zone stretching up to 2,000 kilometres in altitude.

   Explanation

   The question asks to find a description of a major collision in space. The correct answer is Section A. According to the passage's structure, Section A comprises the first two paragraphs of the passage. The specific description of a major collision is found in the second of these paragraphs, specifically its second sentence. This sentence states: 'Ten years ago, a US commercial Iridium satellite smashed into an inactive Russian communications satellite called Cosmos-2251, creating thousands of new pieces of space shrapnel...'. This directly describes a major collision.

4. Question 30

   Matching information

   Question

   a comparison between tracking objects in space and the efficiency of a transportation system

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   The field is called space traffic management, because it’s similar to managing traffic on the roads or in the air.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a comparison between tracking objects in space and the efficiency of a transportation system. The correct answer is Section E. According to the passage's structure, Section E corresponds to the seventh paragraph of the passage. This paragraph explicitly draws a comparison between 'space traffic management' and managing 'traffic on the roads or in the air' (sentence 1). It then uses the example of a busy airport, highlighting the precision with which air traffic controllers track planes, and contrasts this with the less precise tracking of space debris (sentences 2, 3, and 4). This directly makes the requested comparison.

5. Question 31

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to efforts to classify space junk

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   Others are developing taxonomies of space - working on measuring properties such as the shape and size of an object, so that satellite operators know how much to worry about what’s coming their way.

   Explanation

   Classifying means sorting objects into types, and section B says researchers are building taxonomies of space by measuring the shape and size of each object. Section D and F discuss locating debris and conflicting orbit data, which is about tracking and records, not about sorting objects into categories.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   The committee gives advice on how the ______ of space can be achieved.

   Answer

   sustainability

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   International groups such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee have developed guidelines on space sustainability.

   Explanation

   The note asks what the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee gives advice on how to achieve in space. The third sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'International groups such as the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee have developed guidelines on space sustainability.' Guidelines are a form of advice, and they relate to achieving 'space sustainability'. The answer 'sustainability' is a single word, fitting the word limit.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   The committee advises that when satellites are no longer active, any unused ______ or pressurised material that could cause … should be removed.

   Answer

   fuel

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Those include inactivating satellites at the end of their useful life by venting pressurised materials or leftover fuel that might lead to explosions.

   Explanation

   The note describes advice given by the committee about inactive satellites. It asks what unused material, along with pressurised material, should be removed because it could cause explosions. The fourth sentence of the fifth paragraph lists the guidelines: 'Those include inactivating satellites at the end of their useful life by venting pressurised materials or leftover fuel that might lead to explosions.' This matches the note's description, identifying 'leftover fuel' as something that should be vented along with pressurised materials to prevent explosions. 'Fuel' is a single word.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   The committee advises that when satellites are no longer active, any unused … or pressurised material that could cause ______ should be removed.

   Answer

   explosions

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Those include inactivating satellites at the end of their useful life by venting pressurised materials or leftover fuel that might lead to explosions.

   Explanation

   This note asks what unused fuel or pressurised material might cause if not removed from inactive satellites. The fourth sentence of the fifth paragraph says that venting these materials is done because they 'might lead to explosions'. This directly answers what the materials could cause. 'Explosions' is a single word, fitting the word limit.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   Although operators of large satellite constellations accept that they have obligations as stewards of space, Holger Krag points out that the operators that become ______ are unlikely to prioritise removing their satellites from space.

   Answer

   bankrupt

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   ‘What happens to those that fail or go bankrupt?’ he asks.

   Explanation

   The note attributes a point about satellite removal priorities to Holger Krag. It asks what type of operators, despite accepting obligations, are unlikely to prioritise removing satellites. The fifth paragraph quotes Holger Krag asking, 'What happens to those that fail or go bankrupt?' and then stating, 'They are probably not going to spend money to remove their satellites from space.' This indicates that operators who 'go bankrupt' are unlikely to prioritise removal. 'Bankrupt' is a single word, fitting the word limit.

10. Question 36

    Matching features

    Question

    Knowing the exact location of space junk would help prevent any possible danger.

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘If you knew precisely where everything was, you would almost never have a problem,’ says Marlon Sorge, a space-debris specialist at the Aerospace Corporation in El Segundo, California.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that knowing the exact location of space junk helps prevent danger. This needs to be matched to the correct person. The fourth sentence of the sixth paragraph quotes Marlon Sorge: '‘If you knew precisely where everything was, you would almost never have a problem,’ says Marlon Sorge, a space-debris specialist...'. Knowing 'precisely where everything was' corresponds to knowing the exact location, and 'would almost never have a problem' implies preventing danger. Therefore, Marlon Sorge (Option C) is the correct match.

11. Question 37

    Matching features

    Question

    Space should be available to everyone and should be preserved for the future.

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    Jah describes himself as a space environmentalist: ‘I want to make space a place that is safe to operate, that is free and useful for generations to come.’

    Explanation

    The statement expresses a view that space should be accessible and preserved for future generations. This needs to be matched to the correct person. The first sentence of the final paragraph quotes Moriba Jah: 'Jah describes himself as a space environmentalist: ‘I want to make space a place that is safe to operate, that is free and useful for generations to come.’' 'Free and useful for generations to come' directly aligns with the idea of being available to everyone and preserved for the future. Therefore, Moriba Jah (Option D) is the correct match.

12. Question 38

    Matching features

    Question

    A recommendation regarding satellites is widely ignored.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    The intergovernmental groups also advise lowering satellites deep enough into the atmosphere that they will burn up or disintegrate within 25 years.

    Explanation

    The statement says a satellite recommendation is often ignored. This needs to be matched to the correct person. The fifth sentence of the fifth paragraph mentions that intergovernmental groups 'advise lowering satellites... within 25 years'. The very next sentence quotes Holger Krag saying, 'But so far, only about half of all missions have abided by this 25-year goal'. Saying only half have 'abided by' it indicates it's being ignored by the other half. Therefore, Holger Krag (Option B) is the correct match.

13. Question 39

    Matching features

    Question

    There is conflicting information about where some satellites are in space.

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    When Jah enters that number, the database draws two purple lines: the US and Russian sources contain two completely different orbits for the same object.

    Explanation

    Jah's own database shows the problem: a Russian rocket body, object 32280, appears with two different purple orbit lines because the US and Russian sources disagree about where it travels. Disagreeing records for the same object is exactly the conflicting information described. Sorge talks about knowing positions precisely, and Krag about missions' compliance, so neither points to contradictory data.

14. Question 40

    Matching features

    Question

    There is a risk we will not be able to undo the damage that occurs in space.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    ‘If we go on like this, we will reach a point of no return,’ says Carolin Frueh, an astrodynamical researcher at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests a risk of irreversible damage in space. This needs to be matched to the correct person. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph quotes Carolin Frueh: '‘If we go on like this, we will reach a point of no return,’ says Carolin Frueh, an astrodynamical researcher...'. Reaching a 'point of no return' means reaching a state where damage cannot be undone. Therefore, Carolin Frueh (Option A) is the correct match.