Cambridge IELTS 18 Academic Reading Test 3: answers explained

Explanation for each answer

Passage 1 · Q1–13 Materials to take us beyond concrete

1. Question 1

   Matching information

   Question

   an explanation of the industrial processes that create potential raw materials for concrete

   Answer

   G

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Fly ash, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, can be incorporated into concrete mixes to make up as much as 15 to 30% of the cement, without harming the strength or durability of the resulting mix.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a section that explains the industrial processes creating potential raw materials for concrete. The correct answer is Section G. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange), Section G comprises the seventh paragraph of the passage. This paragraph specifically discusses 'Fly ash' and 'Iron-ore slag' as potential alternatives to cement. It explains that fly ash is a 'byproduct of coal-burning power plants' and iron-ore slag is a 'byproduct of the iron-ore smelting process', detailing the industrial origin of these materials. This provides the explanation requested.

2. Question 2

   Matching information

   Question

   a reference to the various locations where high-rise wooden buildings can be found

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Vancouver, Vienna and Brumunddal in Norway are all home to constructed tall, wooden buildings.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a section that references the locations where tall wooden buildings exist. The correct answer is Section D. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange), Section D comprises the fourth paragraph of the passage. This paragraph specifically mentions 'Vancouver, Vienna and Brumunddal in Norway' as places where 'tall, wooden buildings' have been constructed. This directly provides the list of locations requested.

3. Question 3

   Matching information

   Question

   an indication of how widely available the raw materials of concrete are

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Not only are the ingredients of concrete relatively cheap and found in abundance in most places around the globe, the stuff itself has marvellous properties: Portland cement, the vital component of concrete, is mouldable and pourable, but quickly sets hard.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a section indicating how widely available the raw materials for concrete are. The correct answer is Section C. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange), Section C comprises the third paragraph of the passage. The first sentence of this paragraph states: 'Not only are the ingredients of concrete relatively cheap and found in abundance in most places around the globe'. The phrase 'in abundance in most places around the globe' directly indicates the wide availability of the raw materials.

4. Question 4

   Matching information

   Question

   the belief that more high-rise wooden buildings are needed before wood can be regarded as a viable construction material

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   But even treated wood has its limitations and only when a wider range of construction projects has been proven in practice will it be possible to see wood as a real alternative to concrete in constructing tall buildings.

   Explanation

   The question asks for a section expressing the belief that more successful wooden building projects are needed to consider wood a viable alternative. The correct answer is Section F. According to the passage's structure (defined by sectionrange), Section F comprises the sixth paragraph of the passage. The last sentence of this paragraph states: 'But even treated wood has its limitations and only when a wider range of construction projects has been proven in practice will it be possible to see wood as a real alternative to concrete in constructing tall buildings.' This sentence conveys the idea that more practical examples are required to establish wood's viability for tall buildings.

5. Question 5

   Summary completion

   Question

   Wood is a traditional building material, but current environmental concerns are encouraging ______ to use wood in modern construction projects.

   Answer

   architects

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   Making buildings from wood may seem like a rather medieval idea, but climate change is driving architects to turn to treated timber as a possible resource.

   Explanation

   The question asks who is being encouraged by environmental concerns to use wood. The second sentence of paragraph D states: 'climate change is driving architects to turn to treated timber as a possible resource.' Climate change represents current environmental concerns, and it is 'architects' who are being driven (encouraged) to use timber (wood). The blank requires a noun, and 'architects' fits grammatically and according to the passage. The answer 'architects' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

6. Question 6

   Summary completion

   Question

   For example, as ______ in the atmosphere enters wood, it increases in size.

   Answer

   moisture

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Wood expands as it absorbs moisture from the air and is susceptible to pests, not to mention fire.

   Explanation

   The question asks what enters the wood from the atmosphere, causing it to increase in size. The second sentence of paragraph E states: 'Wood expands as it absorbs moisture from the air and is susceptible to pests, not to mention fire.' The phrase 'absorbs moisture from the air' matches the idea of something entering the wood from the atmosphere. 'Moisture' is the substance that causes the wood to expand (increase in size). The blank requires a noun. The answer 'moisture' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

7. Question 7

   Summary completion

   Question

   In one process, ______ of solid wood are glued together to create building blocks.

   Answer

   layers

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   An adhesive is used to stick layers of solid-sawn timber together, crosswise, to form building blocks.

   Explanation

   The question describes a process where something is glued together to create building blocks from solid wood. The fifth sentence of paragraph E describes this process: 'An adhesive is used to stick layers of solid-sawn timber together, crosswise, to form building blocks.' The blank is filled by what is being stuck together – 'layers' of timber (wood). The blank requires a noun. The answer 'layers' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

8. Question 8

   Summary completion

   Question

   Experts say that wooden buildings are an improvement on those made of concrete and steel in terms of the ______ with which they can be constructed and how much noise is generated by the process.

   Answer

   speed

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Construction experts say that wooden buildings can be constructed at a greater speed than ones of concrete and steel and the process, it seems, is quieter.

   Explanation

   The question asks about an improvement of wooden buildings compared to concrete and steel buildings, specifically concerning construction. The seventh sentence of paragraph E states: 'Construction experts say that wooden buildings can be constructed at a greater speed than ones of concrete and steel and the process, it seems, is quieter.' This sentence lists two improvements: 'greater speed' and quieter process. The blank fits the concept of 'speed' related to construction. The blank requires a noun. The answer 'speed' is one word, adhering to the 'ONE WORD ONLY' limit.

9. Question 9

   Matching features

   Question

   The environmental advantage of cement alternatives may not be as great as initially assumed.

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   If they are transported over long distances, using fossil fuels, the use of alternative materials might not make sense from an overall carbon reduction perspective.’

   Explanation

   The question asks who believes the environmental advantage of cement alternatives might be overstated. Anna Surgenor, in paragraph G, discusses the use of waste products as cement alternatives. The fourth sentence of paragraph G (part of Anna Surgenor's contribution) states: 'If they are transported over long distances, using fossil fuels, the use of alternative materials might not make sense from an overall carbon reduction perspective'. This indicates that the environmental benefit is conditional on transport distance, suggesting the advantage might not always be as great as assumed. Therefore, Anna Surgenor (Option C) is the correct match.

10. Question 10

    Matching features

    Question

    It would be hard to create a construction alternative to concrete that offers so many comparable benefits.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph C

    Sentence in the passage

    According to Cheeseman, all these factors together make concrete hard to beat.

    Explanation

    The question asks who states that it would be difficult to create a material with benefits comparable to concrete. Chris Cheeseman, in paragraph C, discusses the numerous advantages of concrete: cheap, abundant ingredients, mouldable, quickly sets hard, compatible with steel. The fourth sentence of paragraph C attributes a quote to Cheeseman: ''Concrete is amazing stuff. Making anything with similar properties is going to be very difficult.'' This directly supports the idea that creating an alternative with comparable benefits would be hard. Therefore, Chris Cheeseman (Option A) is the correct match.

11. Question 11

    Matching features

    Question

    Worries about the environment have led to increased interest in wood as a construction material.

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    Stora Enso is Europe’s biggest supplier of cross-laminated timber, and its vice-president Markus Mannstrom reports that the company is seeing increasing demand globally for building in wood, with climate change concerns the key driver.

    Explanation

    The question asks who notes that environmental concerns have increased interest in building with wood. Markus Mannstrom is quoted in the first sentence of paragraph F. He 'reports that the company [Stora Enso] is seeing increasing demand globally for building in wood, with climate change concerns the key driver'. 'Climate change concerns' are environmental worries, and they are the 'key driver' (primary reason) for the 'increasing demand globally for building in wood' (increased interest in wood). Therefore, Markus Mannstrom (Option B) is the correct match.

12. Question 12

    Matching features

    Question

    Expense has been a factor in the negative response to the development of new cements.

    Answer

    D

    Location

    Paragraph H

    Sentence in the passage

    At present, these alternatives are rarely as cost-effective as conventional cement, and they face raw-material shortages and resistance from customers.’

    Explanation

    Preston and Lehne conclude that novel cements have not broken through, partly because they are rarely as cost-effective as ordinary cement, and customers push back. Cost is the reason given. Cheeseman talks about scale and properties, and Surgenor about transport emissions, so neither names expense.

13. Question 13

    Matching features

    Question

    The environmental damage caused by concrete is due to it being produced in large quantities.

    Answer

    A

    Location

    Paragraph B

    Sentence in the passage

    But it is the scale on which it is used that makes it high carbon.

    Explanation

    The question asks who claims that concrete's environmental impact is due to the sheer volume produced. Chris Cheeseman, in paragraph B, is quoted discussing the environmental impact of concrete. The fifth sentence of paragraph B states: 'But it is the scale on which it is used that makes it high carbon.' He continues in the next sentence: 'The sheer scale of manufacture is so huge, that is the issue.' Cheeseman clarifies that while cement is high carbon, concrete's significant environmental impact comes from the massive 'scale on which it is used' and the 'sheer scale of manufacture' – i.e., being produced in large quantities. Therefore, Chris Cheeseman (Option A) is the correct match.

Passage 2 · Q14–26 The steam car

1. Question 14

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph A

   Answer

   iii

   Location

   Paragraph A

   Sentence in the passage

   But these early cars inherited steam’s weaknesses along with its strengths.

   Explanation

   Section A introduces early steam cars. It starts by mentioning the positive aspect, how the technology evolved from railways to provide 'quick transportation' (strengths, as indicated in the fifth sentence). However, it then highlights the negative aspects: boilers lit by hand, long warm-up time, and limited water range (weaknesses, as mentioned in the third and fourth sentences). The third sentence explicitly states: 'But these early cars inherited steam's weaknesses along with its strengths.' This directly supports Heading iii.

2. Question 15

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph B

   Answer

   viii

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   A new technology called the Internal Combustion Engine soon appeared, which offered the ability to drive down the road just moments after starting up.

   Explanation

   Section B says steam's glory days were short because the internal combustion engine arrived and started almost at once, and the electric starter later removed its main drawback. A rival that beats steam is a better option arising. The heading about marketing failure belongs to a later section, about the Model E's price.

3. Question 16

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph C

   Answer

   vi

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Though the Doble boys’ third prototype, nicknamed the Model B, still lacked the convenience of an internal combustion engine, it drew the attention of automobile trade magazines due to its numerous improvements over previous steam cars.

   Explanation

   Section C describes the Doble brothers' early prototypes, culminating in the Model B. The fifth sentence states that the Model B 'drew the attention of automobile trade magazines', indicating positive publicity. The following sentences highlight the Model B's advantages over gasoline cars: 'virtual silence' (quiet), lack of 'burned hydrocarbons' (clean, or at least cleaner than gasoline), and being 'amazingly swift', accelerating from 0-60 in 15 seconds (fast). This combination of features and the attention from magazines strongly aligns with Heading vi.

4. Question 17

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph D

   Answer

   v

   Location

   Paragraph D

   Sentence in the passage

   By the following April, the General Engineering Company had received 5,390 deposits for Doble Detroits, which were scheduled for delivery in early 1918.

   Explanation

   Section D starts the Model C, which improves on the Model B with a key-based ignition, and the company soon holds 5,390 deposits. Improvements followed by orders is heading v. Heading vii, disappointing results for customers, matches the next section, where buyers complain about sluggish cars.

5. Question 18

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph E

   Answer

   vii

   Location

   Paragraph E

   Sentence in the passage

   Later that year Abner Doble delivered unhappy news to those eagerly awaiting the delivery of their modem new cars.

   Explanation

   Section E directly describes the problems with the Model C. The first sentence states Abner Doble delivered 'unhappy news to those eagerly awaiting' the cars, indicating a negative development for the customers. The second sentence details the customer experience, explaining that the buyers 'complained' about the cars being 'sluggish and erratic', even 'going in reverse' unexpectedly. The third sentence confirms the issue, mentioning 'serious glitches' in the engine design. This entire section focuses on the 'disappointing outcome' for the customers who had placed orders.

6. Question 19

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph F

   Answer

   i

   Location

   Paragraph F

   Sentence in the passage

   In early 1924, the Doble brothers shipped a Model E to New York City to be road-tested by the Automobile Club of America.

   Explanation

   Section F begins by describing a road test of the Model E in New York City. The second sentence details the conditions of the test: the car was left to sit 'after sitting overnight in freezing temperatures' and for 'over an hour in the frosty morning air' before the test began. This explicitly describes 'a period in cold conditions'. The following sentences describe the assessment of the technology during this test (e.g., starting time, handling, speed, emissions). Therefore, Heading i is the most accurate summary of this section's focus.

7. Question 20

   Matching headings

   Question

   Paragraph G

   Answer

   iv

   Location

   Paragraph G

   Sentence in the passage

   Astonishingly, an unmodified Doble Model E runs clean enough to pass the emissions laws in California today, and they are pretty strict.

   Explanation

   Section G discusses the legacy and potential of the Doble steam car. While acknowledging its past financial failure and the difficulties (first few sentences), the section highlights its surprisingly relevant strengths today. The eighth sentence notes that the Model E 'runs clean enough to pass the emissions laws in California today', which is highly relevant to current environmental concerns ('issues of today'). The ninth sentence speculates on the potential efficiency with 'modem materials and computers', and the final sentence concludes under 'current pressure to improve automotive performance and reduce emissions', it's possible the steam car 'may rise again'. This suggests it could be 'A possible solution to the issues of today'.

8. Question 21

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What point does the writer make about the steam car in Paragraph B?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Paragraph B

   Sentence in the passage

   But the glory days of steam cars were few.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the point made about the steam car in Paragraph B. The very first sentence of Paragraph B states: 'But the glory days of steam cars were few.' This directly means that their period of success was short-lived. The rest of the paragraph explains why this was the case – the emergence of the Internal Combustion Engine.

9. Question 22

   Multiple choice

   Question

   When building their first steam car, the Doble brothers

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Paragraph C

   Sentence in the passage

   Between 1906 and 1909, while still attending high school, Abner Doble and his three brothers built their first steam car in their parents’ basement.

   Explanation

   The question asks about the Doble brothers' first steam car. Section C describes their early work. The second sentence mentions building their 'first steam car'. The fourth sentence states this first one 'did not run well'. It then says they 'went on to build a second and third prototype in the following years'. The fifth sentence says the 'third prototype, nicknamed the Model B' had 'numerous improvements' and 'drew the attention of automobile trade magazines', suggesting it was becoming 'competitive'. This shows they made the first car, found it wasn't good ('did not run well'), and needed a 'second and third prototype' (several attempts) before achieving a competitive model (Model B).

10. Question 23

    Multiple choice

    Question

    In order to produce the Model C, the Doble brothers

    Answer

    B

    Location

    Paragraph D

    Sentence in the passage

    The following year Abner Doble drove the Model B from Massachusetts to Detroit in order to seek investment in his automobile design, which he used to open the General Engineering Company.

    Explanation

    Abner Doble drove to Detroit looking for investment and used it to open the General Engineering Company, and only then did the brothers start on the Model C. Getting money in this way is raising capital, so B is right. He travelled, but production is not said to move, and the Model C builds on the Model B rather than dropping it.

11. Question 24

    Summary completion

    Question

    A later version of the Model E raised its ______, while keeping its emissions extremely low.

    Answer

    speed

    Location

    Paragraph F

    Sentence in the passage

    As the new Doble steamer was further developed and tested, its maximum speed was pushed to over a hundred miles per hour, and it achieved about fifteen miles per gallon of kerosene with negligible emissions.

    Explanation

    The note is about the Model E road test and subsequent development. The sentence with the blank mentions a 'later version' that 'raised its __________' while keeping emissions low. The sixth sentence of Section F states: 'As the new Doble steamer was further developed and tested, its maximum speed was pushed to over a hundred miles per hour, and it achieved about fifteen miles per gallon of kerosene with negligible emissions.' This sentence describes later development, indicates the 'maximum speed was pushed' (raised its speed), and confirms 'negligible emissions' (keeping emissions extremely low). The word 'speed' fits the blank and the context.

12. Question 25

    Summary completion

    Question

    Under ______ cars were produced before the company went out of business.

    Answer

    fifty / 50

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    By the time the company folded in 1931, fewer than fifty of the amazing Model E steam cars had been produced.

    Explanation

    The note mentions the cost and constant design changes of the Model E, followed by the number of cars produced before the company failed. The fourth sentence of Section G states: 'By the time the company folded in 1931, fewer than fifty of the amazing Model E steam cars had been produced.' The blank is preceded by 'Under __________ cars were produced', which is a direct paraphrase of 'fewer than fifty ... cars had been produced'. The word 'fifty' correctly fills the blank according to the passage.

13. Question 26

    Summary completion

    Question

    They are straightforward to maintain, and they satisfy California’s ______ emissions laws.

    Answer

    strict

    Location

    Paragraph G

    Sentence in the passage

    Astonishingly, an unmodified Doble Model E runs clean enough to pass the emissions laws in California today, and they are pretty strict.

    Explanation

    The note mentions that existing Model Es satisfy California's emissions laws. The eighth sentence of Section G states: 'Astonishingly, an unmodified Doble Model E runs clean enough to pass the emissions laws in California today, and they are pretty strict.' The blank is before 'emissions laws' and follows 'California's __________'. The passage describes California's emissions laws as 'pretty strict'. The word 'strict' fits grammatically and accurately describes these laws according to the text.

Passage 3 · Q27–40 The case for mixed-ability classes

1. Question 27

   Multiple choice

   Question

   The writer describes the Romeo and Juliet lesson in order to demonstrate

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 1

   Sentence in the passage

   Picture this scene.

   Explanation

   The first paragraph describes a single English literature lesson where the teacher uses different approaches for different students in the same class: some get a simplified version of Shakespeare, some draw, some discuss plot, some analyze character, and two discuss deeper philosophical themes. This scenario, with its variety of student engagement and teacher response, is used to illustrate the diverse needs present within a single mixed-ability class and how a teacher might attempt to address them. This directly supports option B.

2. Question 28

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the writer say about streaming in the third paragraph?

   Answer

   A

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 3

   Sentence in the passage

   The practice of ‘streaming’, or ‘tracking’, involves separating students into classes depending on their diagnosed levels of attainment.

   Explanation

   The question asks what the writer says about streaming in the third paragraph. The paragraph defines streaming and describes its application. The final sentence of this paragraph explicitly states: 'The practice is intuitively appealing to almost every stakeholder.' This means it has broad appeal to nearly everyone involved (parents, teachers, potentially students, etc.). This statement directly supports option A.

3. Question 29

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What idea is suggested by the reference to Mount Qomolangma in the fifth paragraph?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 5

   Sentence in the passage

   Mixed-ability classes bore students, frustrate parents and bum out teachers.

   Explanation

   The fifth paragraph uses the hiking analogy presented earlier to argue against mixed-ability classes. It states, 'The brightest ones will never summit Mount Qomolangma...'. Summiting Mount Qomolangma (Everest) represents reaching the highest possible peak or achieving the maximum potential. The phrase 'will never summit' in the context of mixed-ability classes suggests that the brightest students are held back or prevented from reaching their highest potential. Option C directly reflects this idea.

4. Question 30

   Multiple choice

   Question

   What does the word ‘scaffolding’ in the sixth paragraph refer to?

   Answer

   C

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 6

   Sentence in the passage

   The current pedagogical paradigm is arguably that of constructivism, which emerged out of the work of psychologist Lev Vygotsky.

   Explanation

   The sixth paragraph introduces Vygotsky's concept of the 'zone of proximal development' (ZPD), defined as 'the gap between what they can achieve only with support... and what they can achieve independently.' It then states, 'The purpose of teaching is to provide and then gradually remove this \'scaffolding\' until they are autonomous.' The passage explicitly links 'scaffolding' to the support needed to bridge the ZPD and achieve independence. This support includes 'teachers, textbooks, worked examples, parents and so on,' which constitutes assistance provided during the learning process. Therefore, 'scaffolding' refers to the assistance given to a student. The phrase 'until they are autonomous' implies this assistance is particularly relevant in the initial stages before independent mastery. Option C aligns with this definition.

5. Question 31

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to Professor John Hattie of the Melbourne Education Research Institute there is very little indication that streaming leads to ______ He points out that, in schools which use streaming, the most significant impact is on those students placed in the …, especially where a large proportion of them have … Meanwhile, for the …, there appears to be only minimal advantage.

   Answer

   H

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Despite all this, there is limited empirical evidence to suggest that streaming results in better outcomes for students.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 31 states that according to Professor John Hattie, there is little indication that streaming leads to '__________'. The seventh paragraph introduces Professor John Hattie and his research on tracking (streaming). The first two sentences state: 'Despite all this, there is limited empirical evidence to suggest that streaming results in better outcomes for students. Professor John Hattie... notes that 'tracking has minimal effects on learning outcomes'.' 'Better outcomes for students' and 'learning outcomes' refer to what students achieve academically. 'Minimal effects' and 'limited empirical evidence' suggest that streaming does not lead to significant improvements or 'higher achievements'. Therefore, 'higher achievements' is the correct option.

6. Question 32

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to Professor John Hattie of the Melbourne Education Research Institute there is very little indication that streaming leads to … He points out that, in schools which use streaming, the most significant impact is on those students placed in the ______, especially where a large proportion of them have … Meanwhile, for the …, there appears to be only minimal advantage.

   Answer

   D

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   What is more, streaming appears to significantly – and negatively – affect those students assigned to the lowest sets.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 32 states that Hattie points out the most significant impact of streaming is on students placed in the '__________'. Following the mention of Hattie's findings in the seventh paragraph, the third sentence says, 'What is more, streaming appears to significantly - and negatively - affect those students assigned to the lowest sets.' This sentence directly identifies 'the lowest sets' as the group experiencing the most significant impact. 'Lowest sets' is synonymous with 'bottom sets'. Therefore, 'bottom sets' is the correct option.

7. Question 33

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to Professor John Hattie of the Melbourne Education Research Institute there is very little indication that streaming leads to … He points out that, in schools which use streaming, the most significant impact is on those students placed in the …, especially where a large proportion of them have ______ Meanwhile, for the …, there appears to be only minimal advantage.

   Answer

   F

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   What is more, streaming appears to significantly – and negatively – affect those students assigned to the lowest sets.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 33 asks about the students in the bottom sets, specifically where a large proportion have '__________'. Immediately after stating that streaming negatively affects those in the lowest sets (in the seventh paragraph), the fourth sentence says, 'These students tend to have much higher representation of low socioeconomic class.' 'Low socioeconomic class' indicates that these students come from financially or socially less privileged backgrounds, which can be described as 'disadvantaged backgrounds'. Therefore, 'disadvantaged backgrounds' is the correct option.

8. Question 34

   Summary completion

   Question

   According to Professor John Hattie of the Melbourne Education Research Institute there is very little indication that streaming leads to … He points out that, in schools which use streaming, the most significant impact is on those students placed in the …, especially where a large proportion of them have … Meanwhile, for the ______, there appears to be only minimal advantage.

   Answer

   E

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 7

   Sentence in the passage

   Less significant is the small benefit for those lucky clever students in the higher sets.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 34 states that for '__________', there appears to be only minimal advantage from streaming. The fifth sentence of the seventh paragraph contrasts the effect on the lowest sets with the effect on another group: 'Less significant is the small benefit for those lucky clever students in the higher sets.' 'Clever students in the higher sets' are the academically strong students placed in the top groups, which can be described as the 'brightest pupils'. The passage states the benefit for them is 'small benefit' / 'Less significant', which aligns with 'minimal advantage'. Therefore, 'brightest pupils' is the correct option.

9. Question 35

   Summary completion

   Question

   A further issue is that teachers tend to have ______ of students in streamed groups.

   Answer

   B

   Location

   Passage 3, paragraph 8

   Sentence in the passage

   Streaming students by diagnosed achievement automatically limits what the teacher feels the student is capable of.

   Explanation

   The summary sentence for question 35 mentions a further issue with streaming: teachers tend to have '__________' of students in streamed groups. The eighth paragraph discusses another factor from Hattie's research: teachers' estimates of achievement. The second sentence states, 'Streaming students by diagnosed achievement automatically limits what the teacher feels the student is capable of.' If a teacher's perception of a student's capability is 'limited' based on their stream placement, this implies that the teacher has lower expectations for those placed in lower streams compared to what they might achieve in a different setting. 'Limits what the teacher feels the student is capable of' is a paraphrase for having 'lower expectations'. Therefore, 'lower expectations' is the correct option.

10. Question 36

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The Vygotsky model of education supports the concept of a mixed-ability class.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 6

    Sentence in the passage

    If we accept this model, it follows that streaming students with similar ZPDs would be an efficient and effective solution.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that the Vygotsky model supports mixed-ability classes. The sixth paragraph introduces the Vygotsky model and the concept of ZPD. The paragraph concludes by stating: 'If we accept this model, it follows that streaming students with similar ZPDs would be an efficient and effective solution. And that forcing everyone on the same hike - regardless of aptitude - would be madness.' The hiking analogy represents mixed-ability classes. The passage explicitly states that the Vygotsky model suggests streaming (grouping by similar ZPDs) is effective and that putting everyone together ('forcing everyone on the same hike') would be 'madness'. This contradicts the idea that the Vygotsky model supports mixed-ability classes. Therefore, the answer is NO.

11. Question 37

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Some teachers are uncertain about allowing students to take on MKO roles in the classroom.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 9

    Sentence in the passage

    While teachers are traditionally the MKOs in classrooms, the value of knowledgeable student peers must not go unrecognised either.

    Explanation

    Peer helpers are praised here, not doubted: the writer says the value of knowledgeable students beside the teacher must be recognised, and describes how pleasing it is to watch pupils explain ideas to one another. Whether any teachers feel unsure about handing students that role is never reported. As the passage says nothing about teachers' hesitation, the claim goes unaddressed and the answer is NOT GIVEN.

12. Question 38

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    It can be rewarding to teach knowledge which you have only recently acquired.

    Answer

    YES

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 10

    Sentence in the passage

    There is also something exciting about passing on skills and knowledge that you yourself have just mastered – a certain pride and zeal, a certain freshness to the interaction between ‘teacher’ and ‘learner’ that is often lost by the expert for whom the steps are obvious and the joy of discovery forgotten.

    Explanation

    The statement says it can be rewarding to teach recently acquired knowledge. The tenth paragraph discusses the benefits of peer-to-peer learning from the perspective of the student teacher. The third sentence explicitly states, 'There is also something exciting about passing on skills and knowledge that you yourself have just mastered - a certain pride and zeal, a certain freshness...'. The phrase 'something exciting' and the mention of 'pride and zeal' indicate that this experience is rewarding. Teaching knowledge 'that you yourself have just mastered' means teaching knowledge you have only recently acquired. This aligns with the statement. Therefore, the answer is YES.

13. Question 39

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    The priority should be to ensure that the highest-achieving students attain their goals.

    Answer

    NO

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 5

    Sentence in the passage

    Mixed-ability classes bore students, frustrate parents and bum out teachers.

    Explanation

    The statement claims the priority should be the highest-achieving students reaching their goals. While the fifth paragraph, from the perspective of someone against mixed-ability classes, laments that 'The brightest ones will never summit Mount Qomolangma,' the writer's overall argument leans against prioritising this group exclusively. In the final paragraph (paragraph 11), the writer states their view: 'And today, more than ever, we need the many to flourish - not suffer at the expense of a few bright stars.' 'The many' refers to the majority of students, while 'a few bright stars' refers to the highest achievers. This directly contradicts the idea that the priority should be ensuring the highest-achieving students attain their goals; instead, the writer argues for the success of the majority ('the many to flourish'), even if it means the 'bright stars' don't reach the absolute highest peak (as implied by the earlier analogy). Therefore, the answer is NO.

14. Question 40

    Yes / No / Not Given

    Question

    Taking part in collaborative outdoor activities with teachers and classmates can improve student outcomes in the classroom.

    Answer

    NOT GIVEN

    Location

    Passage 3, paragraph 11

    Sentence in the passage

    Once a year, I go on a hike with my class, a mixed bunch of students.

    Explanation

    The statement claims that collaborative outdoor activities can improve classroom outcomes. The final paragraph (paragraph 11) describes the writer's annual hike with their mixed-ability class. It highlights the collaborative aspects of the hike and achieving the goal together ('We make it - together.'). This section uses the hike as a positive analogy for a mixed-ability group working together, but it does not explicitly state or provide evidence that this outdoor activity leads to improved academic results ('student outcomes in the classroom'). It focuses on social skills, collaboration, and the experience itself. Therefore, the information is not present, and the answer is NOT GIVEN.