Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Reading Test 2: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Stonehenge

1. Question 1

   Note completion

   Question

   the ditch and henge were dug, possibly using tools made from ______

   Answer

   (deer) antlers

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   First, Neolithic* Britons used primitive tools, which may have been fashioned out of deer antlers, to dig a massive circular ditch and bank, or henge.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the material used for the tools in Stage 1 of construction. The second paragraph, second sentence, states that 'Neolithic* Britons used primitive tools, which may have been fashioned out of deer antlers, to dig a massive circular ditch and bank, or henge.' This directly matches the information required for the blank. 'Deer antlers' consists of two words, which fits the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

2. Question 2

   Note completion

   Question

   ______ may have been arranged in deep pits inside the circle

   Answer

   (timber) posts

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Deep pits dating back to that era and located within the circle may have once held a ring of timber posts, according to some scholars.

   Explanation

   The question refers to deep pits inside the circle during Stage 1. The third sentence of the second paragraph states: 'Deep pits dating back to that era and located within the circle may have once held a ring of timber posts, according to some scholars.' This directly answers what may have been arranged in these pits. 'Timber posts' is two words, fitting the 'NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS' limit.

3. Question 3

   Note completion

   Question

   o builders used ______ to make sledges and rollers

   Answer

   tree trunks

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   According to one long-standing theory among archaeologists, Stonehenge’s builders fashioned sledges and rollers out of tree trunks to lug the bluestones from the Preseli Hills.

   Explanation

   The question is about an archaeological theory for transporting bluestones in Stage 2, specifically what builders used to make sledges and rollers. The first sentence of the fourth paragraph says: 'According to one long-standing theory among archaeologists, Stonehenge’s builders fashioned sledges and rollers out of tree trunks to lug the bluestones from the Preseli Hills.' This directly answers what they used to make sledges and rollers. 'Tree trunks' is two words, fitting the word limit.

4. Question 4

   Note completion

   Question

   o ______ pulled them on giant baskets

   Answer

   oxen

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   More recent archaeological hypotheses have them transporting the bluestones with supersized wicker baskets on a combination of ball bearings and long grooved planks, hauled by oxen.

   Explanation

   The question continues discussing archaeological theories for transporting bluestones, mentioning giant baskets. The third sentence of the fourth paragraph describes a more recent hypothesis: 'More recent archaeological hypotheses have them transporting the bluestones with supersized wicker baskets on a combination of ball bearings and long grooved planks, hauled by oxen.' 'Hauled by oxen' means oxen pulled them. 'Oxen' is one word, fitting the word limit.

5. Question 5

   Note completion

   Question

   o they were brought from Wales by ______

   Answer

   glaciers

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Challenging the classic image of industrious builders pushing, carting, rolling or hauling giant stones from faraway Wales, some scientists have suggested that it was glaciers, not humans, that carried the bluestones to Salisbury Plain.

   Explanation

   The question shifts to a geological theory for bluestone transportation. The second sentence of the fifth paragraph states: 'Challenging the classic image of industrious builders pushing, carting, rolling or hauling giant stones from faraway Wales, some scientists have suggested that it was glaciers, not humans, that carried the bluestones to Salisbury Plain.' This directly identifies the geological force that supposedly carried the stones from Wales. 'Glaciers' is one word, within the limit.

6. Question 6

   Note completion

   Question

   a theory arose in the 17th century that its builders were Celtic ______

   Answer

   druids

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   In the 17th century, archaeologist John Aubrey made the claim that Stonehenge was the work of druids, who had important religious, judicial and political roles in Celtic** society.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a 17th-century theory regarding the builders of Stonehenge and mentions Celtic people. The second sentence of the seventh paragraph states: 'In the 17th century, archaeologist John Aubrey made the claim that Stonehenge was the work of druids, who had important religious, judicial and political roles in Celtic society.' This confirms the theory that the builders were 'druids' associated with 'Celtic society'. 'Druids' is one word, fitting the limit.

7. Question 7

   Note completion

   Question

   many experts agree it has been used as a ______ site

   Answer

   burial

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 9

   Sentence in the passage

   While there is consensus among the majority of modern scholars that Stonehenge once served the function of burial ground, they have yet to determine what other purposes it had.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a purpose of Stonehenge that many experts agree on, describing it as a specific type of site. The second sentence of the ninth paragraph says: 'While there is consensus among the majority of modern scholars that Stonehenge once served the function of burial ground, they have yet to determine what other purposes it had.' 'Consensus among the majority of modern scholars' is equivalent to 'many experts agree'. The phrase 'burial ground' indicates the site was used for burial. 'Burial' is one word, fitting the limit.

8. Question 8

   Note completion

   Question

   in the 1960s, it was suggested that it worked as a kind of ______

   Answer

   calendar

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 10

   Sentence in the passage

   In the 1960s, the astronomer Gerald Hawkins suggested that the cluster of megalithic stones operated as a form of calendar, with different points corresponding to astrological phenomena such as solstices, equinoxes and eclipses occurring at different times of the year.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a suggestion made in the 1960s regarding Stonehenge's function. The first sentence of the tenth paragraph states: 'In the 1960s, the astronomer Gerald Hawkins suggested that the cluster of megalithic stones operated as a form of calendar, with different points corresponding to astrological phenomena...' This directly provides the suggestion made in the 1960s. 'Calendar' is one word, within the limit.

9. Question 9

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   During the third phase of construction, sandstone slabs were placed in both the outer areas and the middle of the Stonehenge site.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 1, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   At this point, sandstone slabs – known as ‘sarsens’ – were arranged into an outer crescent or ring; some were assembled into the iconic three-pieced structures called trilithons that stand tall in the centre of Stonehenge.

   Explanation

   The statement describes where sandstone slabs (sarsens) were placed in the third phase. The second sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'At this point, sandstone slabs – known as ‘sarsens’ – were arranged into an outer crescent or ring; some were assembled into the iconic three-pieced structures called trilithons that stand tall in the centre of Stonehenge.' This confirms that sandstone slabs were placed in both 'outer areas' (outer crescent or ring) and the 'middle' (centre of Stonehenge). Therefore, the statement is TRUE.

10. Question 10

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    There is scientific proof that the bluestones stood in the same spot until approximately 1600 BCE.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    Radiocarbon dating has revealed that work continued at Stonehenge until roughly 1600 BCE, with the bluestones in particular being repositioned multiple times.

    Explanation

    The statement claims there is scientific proof that the bluestones remained in the same spot until around 1600 BCE. The fourth sentence of the sixth paragraph states: 'Radiocarbon dating has revealed that work continued at Stonehenge until roughly 1600 BCE, with the bluestones in particular being repositioned multiple times.' Radiocarbon dating is a scientific method. The passage explicitly says the bluestones were 'repositioned multiple times', which directly contradicts the idea that they stood in the 'same spot'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

11. Question 11

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    John Aubrey’s claim about Stonehenge was supported by 20th-century findings.

    Answer

    FALSE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    However, in the mid-20th century, radiocarbon dating demonstrated that Stonehenge stood more than 1,000 years before the Celts inhabited the region.

    Explanation

    Aubrey said druids, a Celtic group, built Stonehenge. Radiocarbon dating in the mid-1900s then showed the monument was standing more than a thousand years before the Celts lived there. So later findings undermined his claim rather than backing it, which makes the statement FALSE.

12. Question 12

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Objects discovered at Stonehenge seem to indicate that it was constructed by a number of different groups of people.

    Answer

    TRUE

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Bones, tools and other artefacts found on the site seem to support this hypothesis.

    Explanation

    Historians now think several distinct tribes each built a different phase, and the passage adds that bones, tools and other artefacts found on the site seem to support this. Objects discovered is a plain restatement of artefacts found, and seem to indicate matches seem to support, so the statement is TRUE.

13. Question 13

    True / False / Not Given

    Question

    Criticism of Gerald Hawkins’ theory about Stonehenge has come mainly from other astronomers.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 1, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    While his theory has received a considerable amount of attention over the decades, critics maintain that Stonehenge’s builders probably lacked the knowledge necessary to predict such events or that England’s dense cloud cover would have obscured their view of the skies.

    Explanation

    The passage says critics doubt Hawkins, arguing the builders lacked the knowledge or that cloud cover hid the sky, but it never says who those critics are. Nothing links them to astronomy or any profession, so we cannot confirm or deny that they were mainly astronomers. That makes it NOT GIVEN.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 Living with artificial intelligence

1. Question 14

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does the writer make about AI in the first paragraph?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   But many experts believe this restriction is very temporary.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a point the writer makes in the first paragraph. The passage mentions AI's current capabilities are in 'narrow AI' (specialised tasks), but immediately follows this by stating, 'But many experts believe this restriction is very temporary.' The final sentence suggests we may have 'artificial general intelligence (AGI)' by mid-century, capable of 'human-level performance on the full range of tasks'. This indicates the writer believes current limitations on AI capabilities are temporary and that future AI will be much more powerful and unrestricted.

2. Question 15

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What is the writer doing in the second paragraph?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   Machines will be free of many of the physical constraints on human intelligence.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the writer's purpose in the second paragraph. The paragraph begins by stating that if AGI is achieved, 'there’s little reason to think it will stop there.' It then explains *why* machines can potentially surpass human intelligence: 'Machines will be free of many of the physical constraints on human intelligence.' The paragraph details these human constraints (slow speed, size limits) and uses the analogy of eyes vs. the Webb Space Telescope to suggest the vast potential difference in capability. This clearly serves to explain the basis for machine superiority over humans.

3. Question 16

   Multiple choice

   Question

   Why does the writer mention the story of King Midas?

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Folklore is full of tales of people who ask for the wrong thing, with disastrous consequences- King Midas, for example, might have wished that everything he touched turned to gold, but didn’t really intend this to apply to his breakfast.

   Explanation

   The question asks why the King Midas story is mentioned. This appears in the third paragraph, immediately after the sentence stating, 'But the more powerful AI becomes, the more important it will be to specify its goals with great care.' The writer then uses King Midas as an example of someone who 'ask[ed] for the wrong thing, with disastrous consequences'. King Midas wished for everything he touched to turn to gold but didn't consider the undesirable consequences (like his breakfast turning to gold). This story is used to illustrate the danger of specifying goals without fully thinking through the potential negative outcomes, thus highlighting the importance of carefully and clearly defining the objectives for powerful AI.

4. Question 17

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What challenge does the writer refer to in the fourth paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   So we need to create powerful AI machines that are ‘human-friendly’- that have goals reliably aligned with our own values.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a challenge mentioned in the fourth paragraph. The paragraph begins by stating the need for AI to be 'human-friendly' and have goals aligned with our values. It immediately follows this by identifying a key difficulty: 'One thing that makes this task difficult is that we are far from reliably human-friendly ourselves.' The paragraph then argues that if AI isn't 'a lot better than us' ethically, it could amplify our negative traits. This clearly highlights the challenge of making AI ethically superior or 'more human-friendly' than imperfect humans.

5. Question 18

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the writer suggest about the future of AI in the fifth paragraph?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   For safety’s sake, then, we want the machines to be ethically as well as cognitively superhuman.

   Explanation

   The question asks about a suggestion the writer makes in the fifth paragraph about the future of AI. The paragraph explicitly states, 'For safety’s sake, then, we want the machines to be ethically as well as cognitively superhuman.' It continues, 'Luckily they’ll be smart enough for the job' and that they'll be 'better than us at finding' routes to the moral high ground. The term 'superhuman' and phrases like 'better than us' directly indicate that the writer suggests future machines will be superior to humans in specific areas, namely ethically and cognitively/morally.

6. Question 19

   Multiple choice

   Question

   Which of the following best summarises the writer’s argument in the sixth paragraph?

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   However, there are two big problems with this utopian vision.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a summary of the writer's argument in the sixth paragraph. The paragraph introduces two problems with the 'utopian vision' of ethically superhuman AI. It then focuses on the first problem, 'how we get the machines started'. The writer explains that getting them started means clearly telling them 'what they’re looking for' (presumably ethical ideals). However, the difficulty lies in the fact that *humans* 'are tribal creatures and conflicted about the ideals ourselves' and 'often ignore the suffering of strangers'. This highlights that human ethical flaws and lack of clarity ('human shortcomings') make the task of programming or guiding AI towards ethical goals ('creating the machines we need') very difficult.

7. Question 20

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Machines with the ability to make moral decisions may prevent us from promoting the interests of our communities.

   Answer

   YES

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Machines who are better than us at sticking to the moral high ground may be expected to discourage some of the lapses we presently take for granted.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that morally capable machines might prevent us from promoting our communities' interests. The seventh paragraph discusses the 'destination' problem, where machines as 'moral guides' might discourage 'lapses we presently take for granted'. It gives a specific example: 'We might lose our freedom to discriminate in favour of our own communities, for example.' 'Discriminating in favour of our own communities' is a way of promoting their interests, and the passage suggests AI might stop this. Therefore, the passage supports the statement.

8. Question 21

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Silicon police would need to exist in large numbers in order to be effective.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   They might be so good at doing it that we won’t notice them; but few of us are likely to welcome such a future.

   Explanation

   Silicon police are raised as a worry about lost freedom, and the writer adds that they might be so good at their job that nobody notices them. How many such machines would be necessary is never discussed. The text covers their effect on people, not the scale of their deployment, so there is no basis for agreeing or disagreeing, and the answer is NOT GIVEN.

9. Question 22

   Yes / No / Not Given

   Question

   Many people are comfortable with the prospect of their independence being restricted by machines.

   Answer

   NO

   Location

   Passage 2, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   But are we ready for ethical silicon police limiting our options?

   Explanation

   The statement says many people are comfortable with machines restricting their independence. The eighth paragraph asks if we are 'ready for ethical silicon police limiting our options', which is a form of restricting independence. It then immediately states that 'few of us are likely to welcome such a future'. If 'few' people welcome this prospect, it means 'many' people are *not* comfortable with it. Therefore, the passage contradicts the statement.

10. Question 23

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    If we want to ensure that machines act in our best interests, we all need to work together.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    For our own safety, we need to point these new thinkers in the right direction, and get them to act well for us.

    Explanation

    The statement suggests that ensuring machines act in our best interests requires working together. The tenth paragraph discusses the need to guide AI ('point these new thinkers in the right direction, and get them to act well for us' - i.e., in our best interests). It then explicitly states that if this is possible, 'it will require a cooperative spirit, and a willingness to set aside self-interest.' 'A cooperative spirit' and 'setting aside self-interest' strongly imply that 'we all need to work together' to achieve this goal. Therefore, the passage supports the statement.

11. Question 24

    Summary completion

    Question

    AI currently has a limited role in the way ______ are allocated in the health service.

    Answer

    C

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    AI already has some input into how resources are used in our National Health Service (NHS) here in the UK, for example.

    Explanation

    The summary sentence states that AI has a limited role in how '__________ are allocated in the health service.' The ninth paragraph discusses the use of AI in the UK health system. It mentions that AI has 'some input into how resources are used' in the NHS. 'Resources are used' is synonymous with 'resources are allocated'. The correct option 'available resources' fits the context of what is allocated in a health service and directly matches the meaning in the passage.

12. Question 25

    Summary completion

    Question

    However, such a change would result, for example, in certain ______ not having their current level of … It is therefore important that AI goals are appropriate so that discriminatory practices could be avoided.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    However, we’d be depriving some humans (e.g. senior doctors) of the control they presently enjoy.

    Explanation

    The summary sentence discusses a potential negative consequence of AI having a bigger role in the health service, stating that 'certain __________ not hav[e] their current level of __________'. The ninth paragraph elaborates on this, saying, 'However, we’d be depriving some humans (e.g. senior doctors) of the control they presently enjoy.' 'Senior doctors' are a type of 'medical practitioners'. The sentence structure in the passage mirrors the summary, showing that certain humans (specifically medical professionals like senior doctors) would lose something they currently have. Option A, 'medical practitioners', fits perfectly as the group who would be affected.

13. Question 26

    Summary completion

    Question

    However, such a change would result, for example, in certain … not having their current level of ______ It is therefore important that AI goals are appropriate so that discriminatory practices could be avoided.

    Answer

    E

    Location

    Passage 2, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    However, we’d be depriving some humans (e.g. senior doctors) of the control they presently enjoy.

    Explanation

    This question follows question 25 and asks what the group identified in the previous blank would lose. The summary sentence says they would lose 'their current level of __________'. The corresponding sentence in the ninth paragraph states, 'we’d be depriving some humans (e.g. senior doctors) of the control they presently enjoy.' The word 'control' here refers to the power or influence they currently have in their professional capacity. Option E, 'professional authority', is the best synonym for this 'control' in the context of medical practitioners losing influence over resource allocation or decision-making.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 An ideal city

1. Question 27

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   People first referred to Leonardo da Vinci as a genius 500 years ago.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   The word ‘genius’ is universally associated with the name of Leonardo da Vinci.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that people first started referring to Leonardo da Vinci as a genius 500 years ago. The first paragraph states, 'The word ‘genius’ is universally associated with the name of Leonardo da Vinci' and that 'Five hundred years have passed since Leonardo died'. While it establishes the universal association with 'genius' and notes the 500-year anniversary of his death, the passage does not provide information about *when* this association or reference first began or became universal. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

2. Question 28

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   The current climate crisis is predicted to cause more deaths than the plague.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The Renaissance marked the transition from the 15th century to modernity and took place after the spread of the plague in the 14th century, which caused a global crisis resulting in some 200 million deaths across Europe and Asia.

   Explanation

   The statement compares the predicted deaths from the current climate crisis to the number of deaths caused by the plague. The second paragraph mentions the plague in the 14th century, noting it caused 'some 200 million deaths'. It also discusses the current climate crisis, stating it is 'predicted to cause widespread displacement, extinctions and death'. While both crises are mentioned and their potential impacts (including death) are noted, the passage provides a specific number for plague deaths (200 million) but only uses general terms ('widespread... death') for the climate crisis. It does not make a direct comparison or prediction that the climate crisis will cause *more* deaths than the plague. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

3. Question 29

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Some of the challenges we face today can be compared to those of earlier times.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 2

   Sentence in the passage

   The Renaissance marked the transition from the 15th century to modernity and took place after the spread of the plague in the 14th century, which caused a global crisis resulting in some 200 million deaths across Europe and Asia.

   Explanation

   The statement suggests that today's challenges are comparable to those of earlier times. The second paragraph explicitly draws a parallel between the challenges of the Renaissance era and today. It mentions the 'global crisis resulting in some 200 million deaths across Europe and Asia' caused by the plague in the 14th century, and contrasts it with the 'climate crisis, which is predicted to cause widespread displacement, extinctions and death' today. The final sentence of the paragraph directly compares the responses needed, stating, 'Then, as now, radical solutions were called for to revolutionise the way people lived and safeguard humanity against catastrophe.' This comparison of the scale of crisis and the need for radical solutions directly supports the idea that some challenges today are comparable to those of earlier times, making the statement TRUE.

4. Question 30

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘ideal city’ was constructed in the 15th century.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Following a typical Renaissance trend, he began to work on an ‘ideal city’ project, which – due to its excessive costs – would remain unfulfilled.

   Explanation

   Leonardo's plan never left the drawing board. The passage says his 'ideal city' project would remain unfulfilled because the cost was too great, so no such city went up in the 15th century. The statement's claim that it was constructed is the opposite of what we are told, which makes it FALSE rather than NOT GIVEN.

5. Question 31

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Poor town planning is a major contributor to climate change.

   Answer

   TRUE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   Yet given that unsustainable urban models are a key cause of global climate change today, it’s only natural to wonder how Leonardo might have changed the shape of modem cities.

   Explanation

   The statement says that poor town planning is a major contributor to climate change. The passage, in the final sentence of the third paragraph, directly states, 'Yet given that unsustainable urban models are a key cause of global climate change today...'. 'Unsustainable urban models' is a direct reference to poor or inappropriate town/urban planning. The phrase 'a key cause' indicates it is a major contributor. This directly supports the statement, making it TRUE.

6. Question 32

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   In Renaissance times, local people fought against the changes to Pienza and Ferrara.

   Answer

   NOT GIVEN

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 4

   Sentence in the passage

   The rigour and method behind the conscious conception of a city had been largely missing in Western thought until the moment when prominent Renaissance men pushed forward large-scale urban projects in Italy, such as the reconfiguration of the town of Pienza and the expansion of the city of Ferrara.

   Explanation

   The statement claims that local people in Pienza and Ferrara fought against the urban changes during the Renaissance. The passage, in the fourth paragraph, mentions 'large-scale urban projects in Italy, such as the reconfiguration of the town of Pienza and the expansion of the city of Ferrara' as examples of Renaissance urbanism. However, it only states that 'prominent Renaissance men pushed forward' these projects. There is no information provided about the reaction or involvement of the 'local people', including whether they supported or fought against these changes. Therefore, the statement is NOT GIVEN.

7. Question 33

   True / False / Not Given

   Question

   Leonardo da Vinci kept a neat, organised record of his designs.

   Answer

   FALSE

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   It is not easy to identify a coordinated vision of Leonardo’s ideal city because of his disordered way of working with notes and sketches.

   Explanation

   The statement says that Leonardo da Vinci kept a neat, organised record of his designs. The passage, in the fifth paragraph, explicitly states, 'It is not easy to identify a coordinated vision of Leonardo’s ideal city because of his disordered way of working with notes and sketches.' The phrase 'disordered way of working' directly contradicts the idea of keeping a 'neat, organised record'. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   This was to provide better ______ for trade and a less polluted environment.

   Answer

   transport

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   He designed the city for the easy transport of goods and clean urban spaces, and he wanted a comfortable and spacious city, with well-ordered streets and architecture.

   Explanation

   The note mentions Leonardo's design for a new city by the Ticino River, aiming for better something for trade and a less polluted environment. The passage, in the third sentence of the fifth paragraph, states, 'He designed the city for the easy transport of goods and clean urban spaces...'. This directly links the design to 'easy transport of goods' and 'clean urban spaces', which aligns with 'better __________ for trade and a less polluted environment'. The word that fits the blank and connects to 'goods' and 'trade' is 'transport'. The answer 'transport' is ONE WORD ONLY, fulfilling the requirement.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   They included features that can be seen in some tower blocks today, such as ______ on the exterior of a building.

   Answer

   staircases

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   Leonardo wanted the city to be built on several levels, linked with vertical outdoor staircases.

   Explanation

   The note describes Leonardo's unconventional innovations, mentioning features seen in modern tower blocks, specifically something on the exterior of a building. The passage, in the third sentence of the sixth paragraph, details one of Leonardo's innovations: 'Leonardo wanted the city to be built on several levels, linked with vertical outdoor staircases.' The sentence immediately following this states, 'This design can be seen in some of today’s high-rise buildings but was unconventional at the time.' 'Vertical outdoor staircases' are a feature on the exterior of a building ('outdoor') and align with the description of being seen in 'some of today’s high-rise buildings' (tower blocks). The word 'staircases' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.

10. Question 36

    Summary completion

    Question

    His expertise in ______ was evident in his plans for artificial canals within his ideal city.

    Answer

    engineering

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    But the true originality of Leonardo’s vision was its fusion of architecture and engineering.

    Explanation

    The note states Leonardo's expertise in a certain field was clear in his plans for artificial canals. The passage, in the second sentence of the seventh paragraph, discusses the 'true originality' of Leonardo's vision: 'its fusion of architecture and engineering.' The passage then immediately talks about his design of 'extensive hydraulic plants to create artificial canals'. This sequence shows that his canal plans were an example of his expertise in 'engineering' combined with architecture. The word 'engineering' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.

11. Question 37

    Summary completion

    Question

    The design of many cities in Italy today follows this ______

    Answer

    rule

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 7

    Sentence in the passage

    Leonardo also thought that the width of the streets ought to match the average height of the adjacent houses: a rule still followed in many contemporary cities across Italy, to allow access to sun and reduce the risk of damage from earthquakes.

    Explanation

    The note describes Leonardo's belief about the relationship between street width and house height, linking it to earthquake risk, and states that many Italian cities follow this today. The passage, in the fifth sentence of the seventh paragraph, describes this exact belief: 'Leonardo also thought that the width of the streets ought to match the average height of the adjacent houses...'. It then immediately follows this with 'a rule still followed in many contemporary cities across Italy...to reduce the risk of damage from earthquakes.' The word 'rule' is used to describe this principle that is still followed. The word 'rule' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.

12. Question 38

    Summary completion

    Question

    While some cities from ______ times have aspects that can also be found in Leonardo’s designs, his ideas weren’t put into practice until long after his death. … is one example of a city that was redesigned in the 19th century in the way that Leonardo had envisaged.

    Answer

    Roman

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    Although some of these features existed in Roman cities, before Leonardo’s drawings there had never been a multi-level, compact modem city which was thoroughly technically conceived.

    Explanation

    The note mentions that some cities from a specific time period have aspects similar to Leonardo's designs, implying a historical connection. The passage, in the first sentence of the eighth paragraph, states, 'Although some of these features existed in Roman cities, before Leonardo’s drawings there had never been a multi-level, compact modem city which was thoroughly technically conceived.' This sentence directly links Leonardo's designs ('some of these features') to features found in 'Roman cities', indicating that aspects existed in cities from 'Roman times'. The word 'Roman' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.

13. Question 39

    Summary completion

    Question

    While some cities from … times have aspects that can also be found in Leonardo’s designs, his ideas weren’t put into practice until long after his death. ______ is one example of a city that was redesigned in the 19th century in the way that Leonardo had envisaged.

    Answer

    Paris

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 8

    Sentence in the passage

    For example, the subdivision of the city by function- with services and infrastructures located in the lower levels and wide and well-ventilated boulevards and walkways above for residents – is an idea that can be found in Georges-Eugene Haussmann’s renovation of Paris under Emperor Napoleon III between 1853 and 1870.

    Explanation

    The note provides an example of a city redesigned in the 19th century (1853-1870 falls within the 19th century) following principles similar to Leonardo's. The passage, in the third sentence of the eighth paragraph, gives a specific example of where Leonardo's ideas were applied in the 19th century: 'For example, ... an idea that can be found in Georges-Eugene Haussmann’s renovation of Paris under Emperor Napoleon III between 1853 and 1870.' This sentence directly identifies 'Paris' as a city that was redesigned in the 19th century in a way that reflects Leonardo's ideas (specifically the multi-level functional separation). The word 'Paris' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.

14. Question 40

    Summary completion

    Question

    His ideas are also relevant to today’s world, where building ______ no longer seems to be the best approach.

    Answer

    outwards

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    Many scholars think that the compact city, built upwards instead of outwards, integrated with nature (especially water systems), with efficient transport infrastructure, could help modem cities become more efficient and sustainable.

    Explanation

    The note concludes by stating Leonardo's ideas are relevant today, particularly regarding an approach to building that is no longer considered best. The final paragraph discusses the relevance of Leonardo's ideas today. The second sentence states, 'Many scholars think that the compact city, built upwards instead of outwards... could help modem cities become more efficient and sustainable.' This implies that building 'outwards' is less efficient and sustainable compared to building 'upwards'. The note's phrase 'building __________ no longer seems to be the best approach' aligns with the idea that building 'outwards' is not the preferred method for efficiency and sustainability today. The word 'outwards' fits the blank and is ONE WORD ONLY.