The headline of the passage: 

Research using twins

Questions 1-4:            (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out
whether:
The statement in the question matches with the account in the
text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the account in
the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the
account in the text- NOT GIVEN
For this type of question, you can divide each statement into
three independent pieces and make your way through with the
answer.]
Question 1: There may be genetic causes for the differences in
how young the skin of identical twins looks.
Keywords for the question: may be, genetic cause,
differences, young, skin,
The answer can be found in lines 8-11 of the first paragraph.
Here, the writer says, “Any differences between them –
one twin having younger looking skin, for example – must
be due to environmental factors such as less time spent in
the sun.” It means the differences are because of the
environment, not for genetic causes.
So, the answer is: FALSE
Question 2: Twins are at greater risk of developing certain
illnesses than non-twins.
Keywords for the question: greater risk, developing
certain illnesses,
Many of you might think the answer is in the second paragraph
because of these lines, “If identical twins are more similar to
each other with respect to an ailment than fraternal twins are,
then vulnerability to the disease must be rooted at least in part
in heredity. Unfortunately, the sentence starts with ‘if’, which
means the writer only compares identical twins with fraternal
twins, he doesn’t make a comparison between twins and non-
twins.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   
Question 3: Bouchard advertised in newspapers for twins who
had been separated at birth.
Keywords for the question: Bouchard, advertised,
newspapers,
In paragraph no. 3 and 4, we find reference to the
groundbreaking research on twins. However, nowhere in the
paragraph we find any reference to advertisement in
newspapers.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN                   
Question 4: Epigenetic processes are different from both
genetic and environmental processes.
Keywords for the question: Epigenetic, different from,
genetic and environmental,
In paragraph no. 6, the writer mentions, “… .. .nature and
nurture are not the only elemental forces at work. According
to a recent field called epigenetics, there is a third factor also in
play, one that in some cases serves as a bridge between the
environment and our genes.” In the previous paragraphs,
genetic and environmental processes (nature and nurture) have
been explained. Now, in paragraph 6 this line means that the
epigenetic process works as a bridge between those two
processes. It means it is neither a genetic process nor an
environmental process.
So, the answer is: TRUE       
Questions 5-9: (Matching statements with a list of
researchers)
[In this kind of questions, the candidates have to match the
statements which are stated by different researchers given in the
list.]
Question 5: invented a term used to distinguish two factors
affecting human characteristics
Keywords for the question: invented a term, distinguish,
characteristics
It is quite easy to find this answer because there is a trick that
works here perfectly.
Special Tips:

The phrase “invented a term” is synonymous to ‘coined the

phrase’. It means saying something special that no one used this
way before. Remember the saying, “Float like a butterfly, sting
like a bee” by the greatest boxer Mohammad Ali. He coined the
phrase. 
So, for this question, we need to find ‘coined the phrase’ and we
find it in paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says, “The idea of
using twins to measure the influence of heredity dates back to
1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton first suggested
the approach (and coined the phrase ‘nature and nurture’.)”
So, the answer is: A (Francis Galton)
Question 6: expressed the view that the study of epigenetics
will increase our knowledge
Keywords for the question: study of epigenetics, will
increase, knowledge
The answer can be found at the end of paragraph 12 lines 1-3.
Here, we find the comments or views of Geneticist Danielle
Reed. “Reed  adds,  the  latest  work  in  epigenetics  promises 
to  take  our understanding even further”. This means that Reed
is hopeful that the study of epigenetics will give us a better
understanding or knowledge.
So, the answer is: C (Danielle Reed)     
Question 7: developed a mathematical method of measuring
genetic influences.
Keywords for the question: developed, mathematical
method, measuring genetic influences
In paragraph 5, the author mentions, “Bouchard and his
colleagues used this mountain of data to identify how far twins
were affected by their genetic makeup. The key to their
approach was a statistical concept called heritability. In broad
terms, the heritability of a trait measures the extent to which
differences among members of a population can be explained by
differences in their genetics”.
Here, statistical concept = mathematical method
So, the answer is: B (Thomas Bouchard)
Question 8: pioneered research into genetics using
twins
Keywords for the question: pioneered, research, genetics,
twins
Answer to this question can be found in paragraph no. 4 lines 1-
4, “The idea of using twins to measure the influence of heredity
dates back to 1875, when the English scientist Francis Galton
first suggested the approach. .. . . .”. Here, the phrase “first
suggested” means that Francis Galton was the first person or
the pioneer to use twins to measure the influence of heredity.
So, the answer is: A (Francis Galton)
Question 9: carried out research into twins who had lived
apart
Keywords for the question: carried out, research, twins
who had lived apart,  
To find answer to this question, we need to locate the key
phrase ‘twins who had lived apart’ which can be found in
paragraph no. 4. Here, the writer says in lines 6-10, “… .. twin 
studies  took  a  surprising  twist  in  the  1980s, with the arrival
of studies into identical twins who had been separated at
birth and reunited as adults. Over two decades 137 sets of twins
eventually visited Thomas Bouchard’s lab….”
So, the answer is: B (Thomas Bouchard)
Question 10-13: (Summary completion using the list of
words)
(In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for
one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the
blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is
a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each
answer or, for this kind of question, choose words from a given
list. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by
correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they
should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.)
Question 10 and 11: In epigenetic processes, 10
__________ influence the activity of our genes, for example in
creating our internal 11 ____________.
Keywords for the question: epigenetic process, influence,
activity of our genes, creating, our internal,
The answer lies in paragraph 7. You need to read the whole
paragraph. First, the writer says, in line 1 and 2, what epigenetic
processes are. “Epigenetic processes are chemical
reactions .. .. . ..” Then in the last few lines of the paragraph,
the writer explains what these chemical reactions influence,
“These reactions influence how our genetic code is expressed:
how each gene is strengthened or weakened; even turned on or
off, to build our bones, brains and all other parts of
our bodies.”
So, it can be deduced or realized from these lines
that ‘chemical’ reactions influence how our internal body parts
are created such as ‘our bones, brains’ etc.
So, the answers are:
10. D (chemicals)
11. B (organs)
Question 12: The  study  of  epigenetic  processes  is 
uncovering  a  way  in  which  our  genes  can  be  affected  by 
our  ________.
Keywords for the question: uncovering a way, our genes
can be affected,   
In paragraph 9, the writer mentions in lines 1-5,
“One way the study of epigenetics is revolutionizing our underst
anding of biology is by revealing a mechanism by which the
environment directly impacts our genes.”
Here, the word ‘impact’ is synonymous to ‘affected’, ‘revealing’
is synonymous to ‘uncovering a way’.
So the answer is: E (environment)
Question 13: One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers
stress, the new-born rat may show problems in its
____________.
Keywords for the question: pregnant rat, suffers stress,
The answer to this question can also be found in  paragraph 
9, where the  writer  says  in lines 5-9, “Studies  of  animals,  for 
example,  have  shown  that  when  a  rat experiences  stress 
during  pregnancy,  it  can  cause  epigenetic  changes  in  a 
fetus  that  lead  to  behavioral problems as the rodent
grows up.”
So the answer is: F (behavior/ behavior)
Have a look at this video to have a better understanding of the
given solutions:
Reading Passage 2:

The headline of the passage: An Introduction to Film Sound

Questions 14-20: (Multiple Choice Questions)

[Multiple choice questions are a common type of question set in
IELTS Reading test. Most of the time, they come with four
options but sometimes there are three options. Candidates need
to work hard for this type of questions because this may confuse
them easily in passage 2 or passage 3. There will be long
answers for each question, so they may kill valuable time. So,
quick reading or skimming technique might come handy here. 
Remember that answers in 3 options out of 4 will be very close.
So, vocabulary power will help a lot to choose the best answer.]
[TIPS: Skimming is the best reading technique. You need not to
understand every word here. Just try to gather the gist of the
sentences. That’s all. Read quickly and don’t stop until you
finish each sentence.]
Question 14: In the first paragraph, the writer makes a point
that
Keywords for the question: NO KEYWORDS HERE
In  the first  paragraph,  the  author  describes the importance of
sound in lines 1-4, at the very opening of the paragraph, 
“Though  we  might  think  of  film  as  an  essentially  visual
experience, we really cannot afford to underestimate the
importance of film sound.”
Here, the word ‘underestimate’ means ‘overlook’.
After that, the author also gives details of how important film
sound is. So, he makes a point that it would be wrong to
overlook the contribution of sound to the artistry of films.
*Underestimate = overlook
So, the answer is: B (it would be wrong to overlook the
contribution of sound to the artistry of films.)
Question 15: One reason that the writer refers to Humphrey
Bogart is to exemplify
Keywords for the question: Humphrey Bogart, exemplify,
In the second paragraph, the author gives reference to
Humphrey Bogert in lines 4-10, “Often with film
characterization, the audience perceives little or no difference
between the character and the actor. Thus, for example, the
actor Humphrey Bogart is the character Sam Spade; film
personality and life personality seem to merge.”
 merge = become one
This clearly means that Humphrey Bogart is mentioned to
exemplify the significance of the actor and the character appears
to have similar personalities.
So, the answer is: A (the importance of the actor and the
character appearing to have similar personalities.)
Question 16: In the third paragraph, the writer suggests that
Keywords for the question: NO KEYWORDS HERE
In paragraph no. 3, the writer mentions the use of dialogues in
lines 6-12, “It  is  interesting  to  note  that  how  dialogue  is  use
and the very amount of dialogue used varies widely  among 
films.  For  example,  in  the  highly  successful  science-fiction 
film  2001,  little  dialogue  was evident, and most of it
was banal  and of little intrinsic interest.”
Here, banal means dull or boring
So, the answer is: B (film dialogue that appears to be dull
may have a specific purpose.)
Question 17: What does the writer suggest about Bringing Up
Baby?
Keywords for the question: suggest, Bringing Up Baby,
The answer lies in the beginning of paragraph no. 4, in lines 1-8.
Here, the author says, “The comedy Bringing Up Baby, on the
other hand, presents practically non-stop dialogue delivered at
breakneck speed. This use of dialogue underscores not only the
dizzy quality of the character Katherine Hepburn, but also the
absurdity of the film itself and thus its humor.”
These lines suggest that the dialogue in the film Bringing Up
Baby highlights key elements of the film.
 key elements = the absurdity of the humor of the film
So, the answer is: D (The nature of the dialogue
emphasizes key elements of the film.)
Question 18: The writer refers to the ‘click’ of a door to make
the point that realistic sounds
Keywords for the question: click of a door, realistic
sounds
We can see the reference of the ‘click’ sound in paragraph no. 5.
Here, in lines 6-19 the author says, “Synchronous
sounds contribute to the realism of film and also help to
create a particular atmosphere. For example, the ‘click’ of a
door being opened may simply serve to  convince  the 
audience  that  the  image  portrayed  is  real,  and  the 
audience  may  only  subconsciously note the expected sound.
However, if the ‘click’ of an opening door is part of an ominous
action such as a burglary, the sound mixer may call attention to
the ‘click’ with an increase in volume; this helps to engage the
audience in a moment of suspense.”
These lines suggest that realistic sounds can be modified by
increasing the sound volume to make it more realistic.
So, the answer is: C (may be modified in order to
manipulate the audience’s response to the film.)
Question 19-23: (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):
In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out
whether:
The statement in the question matches with the account in the
text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the account in
the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the
account in the text- NOT GIVEN
[For this type of question, you can divide each statement into
three independent pieces and make your way through with the
answer.]
Question 19: Audiences are likely to be surprised if a film lacks
background music.
Keywords for the question: audiences, likely to be
surprised, film lack background music
In the very beginning of paragraph no. 7, the writer says that
“We are probably all familiar with background music in
films, which has become so ubiquitous as to be
noticeable in its absence.”
Here, ubiquitous = ever-present
This means background sound or music has become an essential
part of films. So, there is a high possibility that the audience will
surely notice it and be surprised if background music is absent
from a film.
So, the answer is: TRUE
Question 20: Background music may anticipate a
development in a film.
Keywords for the question: anticipate, development
Again, in paragraph no. 7, the author mentions in the end, “In
addition, background music often foreshadows a change
in mood.”
Here, the word ‘foreshadow’ is synonymous to ‘anticipate’. This
means the background music can make the audience
understand what changes are going to happen in a film.
So, the answer is: TRUE
Question 21: Background music has more effect on some
people than on others.
Keywords for this question: more effect, some people than
on others     
We find the reference to ‘background music’ and its effects in
both paragraphs no. 7 and 8. But we cannot find any
comparison as to whether it has more or less effect on some
people.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question 22: Background music may help the audience to
make certain connections within the film.
Keywords for this question: help the audience, make
certain connections  
The writer states in lines 1 and 2 of paragraph no. 8,
“Background music may aid viewer understanding by
linking scenes.”
Here, help means aid, audience means viewer, make
connections within a film means linking scenes
So, the answer is: TRUE
Question 23: Audiences tend to be aware of how the
background music is affecting them.
Keywords for this question: audiences, tend to, be aware,
how, affecting,    
In the final paragraph, the author says, “The effects of sound are
often largely subtle and often are noted by only our
subconscious minds.”
Here, subtle means delicate or faint or slight
So, audiences aren’t truly aware of the background music’s
effect. Rather, subconscious mind takes note of it.
So, the answer is: FALSE
Question 24-26: (Completing sentences with correct ending)
[For this type of question, candidates need to match the
beginning and end of sentences. Candidates need to look for
keywords in the sentence-beginnings and find the relative
paragraphs and then sentences in the passage. Skimming and
scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-
type.]
Question 24: The audience’s response to different parts of a
film can be controlled
Keywords for this answer: response, different parts,
controlled
 In paragraph no. 1, the writer states in lines 8-13, “The entire
sound track consists of three essential ingredients: the human
voice, sound effects and music. These three tracks must be
mixed and balanced so as to
produce the necessary emphases which in turn create
desired effects”.
The lines mean that the response or reaction
of the audience can be influenced if voice, sound, and music
are appropriately combined.
Here, combined appropriately means mixed and balanced.
So, the answer is: C
Question 25: The feelings and motivations of characters
become clear
Keywords for this answer: feelings, motivation, clear
In paragraph 2, the writer says in lines 1-4, “… . As is the case
with stage drama, dialogue serves to tell the story
and expresses feelings
and motivations of characters as well.”
This means that listening to dialogues clarifies the feelings and
motivations of characters in the film.
So, the answer is: A
Question 26: A character seems to be a real person rather than
an actor
Keywords for this answer: seems to be real person, than
actor
In paragraph no. 3, the writer says in lines 1-3,
“When voice textures fit the performer’s physiognomy 
and gestures, a whole and very realistic person emerges.”
Here, actor means performer, appearance means physio
gnomy, moves means gestures, consistent
with means fit
These lines suggest that a character appears to be a real
person rather than an actor given to the fact that
the audience listens to the voice, looks at the
appearance of the character and watches how he/she moves.
So, the answer is: E
Reading Passage 3:

The headline of the passage: This Marvellous Invention

Questions 27-32:  (List of headings/ Matching

Headlines):
[In this question type, IELTS candidates are provided with a
list of headings, usually identified with lower-case Roman
numerals (i, ii, iii, etc,). A heading will refer to the main idea of
the paragraph or section of the text. Candidates must find out
the equivalent heading to the correct paragraphs or sections,
which are marked with alphabets A, B, C and so forth.
Candidates need to write the appropriate Roman numerals in
the boxes on their answer sheets. There will always be two or
three more headings than there are paragraphs or sections so
that some of the headings will not be used. It is also likely that
some paragraphs or sections may not be included in the task.
Generally, the first paragraph is an example paragraph which
will be done for the candidates for their understanding of the
task.
TIPS: Read the first two lines, and occasionally, the last line
of each heading. In most cases, the answers are found here. Do
it for all the paragraphs. Do not read too much. If you still
don’t find the answers, only then, read the remaining texts.]
Question 27: Paragraph A  
In paragraph A, we find two different lines which confirm our
answer. The first line is line no. 1 which says, “Of all mankind’s
manifold creations, language must take pride of place.” The
second line is line no. 3 which says, “… Compared to language,
all other inventions pale in significance, since …  … . .” These
two lines explain that language is the best invention of all.
So, the answer is: vi (Why language is the most important
invention of all)
Question 28: Paragraph B
In paragraph B, again, the first and last lines give us the answer.
Line 1 & 2 says, “.. . . . In its own right it is a tool of
extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an idea of ingenious
simplicity: . . ..” Here, the writer gives us the impression that
language is something that is special (extraordinary
sophistication) yet it is of an idea which may surprise us
because of the creative simplicity (ingenious simplicity), and
this is why it is incompatible or mismatched. Also, take a
look at the last lines, “Language is mankind’s greatest invention
– except, of course, that it was never invented. This
apparent paradox is at the core of our fascination with
language, and it holds many of its secrets.”
Here, paradox = irony or contradiction or mismatched.
So, the answer is: iv (Apparently incompatible
characteristics of language)
Question 29: Paragraph C
In paragraph C, first, the writer asks in line 2-3, “How else could
this instrument make so much out of barely three dozen measly
morsels of sound?” Then, we find in the next few lines the
explanations of how the alphabets or letters work out by
arranging themselves to make perfect sounds that can be
conveyed into a language. “In themselves, these  configurations 
of  mouth  –  p, f,  b,  v,  t,  d, k,  sh,  a,  e  and  so  on  – amount 
to  nothing .. . . . . . But  run them  through  the  cogs  and 
wheels  of  the  language  machine,  let  it  arrange  them  in 
some  very  special orders,  and  there  is  nothing  that  these 
meaningless  streams  of  air  cannot  do:  from  sighing 
the interminable boredom of existence to unravelling the
fundamental order of the universe.”
Here, barely three dozen measly morsels of sound = a
few sounds
So, the answer is: ii (The way in which a few sounds are
organised to convey a huge range of meaning)
Question 30: Paragraph D 
In paragraph D, the writer talks about the universal or
worldwide or common ability to use language  “The language
machine allows just about everybody – from pre-modern
foragers in the subtropical savannah, to post-modern
philosophers in the suburban sprawl – to tie these meaningless
sounds together into an infinite variety of subtle senses, and all
apparently without  the slightest exertion.” This means that
language is universal to use.
So, the answer is: vii (The universal ability to use language)
Question 31: Paragraph E
In  paragraph E,  the  writer  states, “Often,  it  is  the  only 
estrangement  of  foreign  tongues,  with their many exotic and
outlandish features, that brings home the wonder of language’s
design.” This means the more a language is different from other
language, the more it becomes impressive. The writer also
provides the example of a Turkish word of outstanding length
that takes a whole sentence to utter in English.
So, the answer is: i (Differences between languages highlight
their impressiveness)
Question 32: Paragraph F
In paragraph F, the answer is found in lines 8-9, “… . . . . even
the absence of a sound has been enlisted to express something
specific.”
Here, the absence of a sound = silence, specific =
meaningful
So, the answer is: v (Even silence can be meaningful)
Questions 33-36: (Summary completion with the given list of
words)
[In this kind of questions candidates are given a summary for
one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the
blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is
a condition of writing the answers from the given list of
words for each answer and candidates must maintain this
condition. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by
correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they
should follow the steps of finding answers for fill in the gaps.
The letters for the words are the answers, so candidates must
not put down the words.]
Title of the summary: The importance of language
Question 33 and 34 : The wheel is one invention that has had
a major impact on __________ aspects of life, but no impact
has been as _________ as that of language.
Keywords for these questions: wheel, invention, impact,
aspects
In paragraph A, the writer states about the inventions like
wheel, “Other inventions – the wheel, agriculture, sliced
bread – may have transformed our material existence, but the
advent of language is what made us human.  Compared to
language, all other inventions pale in significance, since
everything we have ever achieved depends on
language and originates from it.”
These lines suggest that the invention of wheel has had a major
impact on material aspects of life, but such impacts has not
been as significant or fundamental as that of language,
because all other inventions have originated from language.
So, the answers are:
33. E (material)
34. G (fundamental)
Question 35: Language is very _________, yet composed of
just a small number of sounds.
Keywords for this question: composed, small number of
sounds
At the beginning of paragraph B, the author states, “In its own
right it is a tool of extraordinary sophistication, yet based on an
idea of ingenious simplicity: .. .. .” Then in the next lines, the
writer talks about the limitation of numbers of sounds, “… this
marvelous invention of composing out of twenty-five or thirty
sounds that infinite variety of expression . . . .. “
These lines suggest that language is sophisticated or complex
but it comes out of only a few sounds.
So, the answer is: B (complex)
Question 36: Language appears to be ________ to use.
However, its sophistication is often overlooked.    
Keywords for this question: appears, sophistication,
overlooked
This answer is found in paragraph D. Here, in lines 5-9, the
author says, “.. . .. Yet it is precisely this deceptive ease which
makes language a victim of its own success since in everyday life
its triumphs are usually taken for granted. The wheels of
language run so smoothly that one rarely bothers to stop and
think about all the resourcefulness and expertise that must have
gone into making it tick.” The lines suggest that language
provides us ease, and this ease has made people think very
little about how sophisticated a language is or how it is being
constructed.
So, the answer is: F (easy)
Questions 36-40 (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN):
[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out
whether:
The statement in the question matches with the claim of the
writer in the text- YES
The statement in the question contradicts with the claim of the
writer in the text- NO
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the
account in the text- NOT GIVEN]
[TIPS: For this type of question, you can divide each statement
into three independent pieces and make your way through with
the answer.]
Question 37: Human beings might have achieved their present
position without language.
Keywords for this question: human beings, present
position, without language
In the very first paragraph, the writer says in the end, “Without
language, we could never have embarked on our ascent to
unparalleled power over all other animals, and even over nature
itself.”
So, the statement directly contradicts with the passage.
So, the answer is: NO
Question 38: The Port-Royal grammarians did justice to the
nature of language.
Keywords for this question: Port-Royal grammarians, did
justice,
In paragraph B, the writer gives reference to the grammarians of
Port-Royal, “. . .. This was how, in 1660, the renowned
French grammarians of the Port-Royal abbey near
Versailles distilled the essence of language, and no one since has
celebrated more eloquently the magnitude of its achievement.”
The lines suggest that the Port-Royal grammarians have most
eloquently or beautifully described the essence or nature of
language. So, surely they did justice to the nature of language.
So, the answer is: YES
Question 39: A complex idea can be explained more clearly in
a sentence than in a single word.
Keywords for this question: complex idea, clearly,
sentence
We do not find any such statement as to whether a complex idea
can be described more easily or clearly than in a single word.
The writer refers to the long Turkish word on paragraph E to
explain that one word can be expressed to clarify a big sentence.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question 40: The Sumerians were responsible for starting the
recording of events.
Keywords for this question: Sumerians, recording events
In  paragraph  F,  the  writer  states,  “And  if  that  sounds  like 
some  one-off  freak,  then  consider Sumerian,  the  language 
spoken  on  the  banks  of  the  Euphrates  some  5,000  years 
ago  by  the  people  who invented writing and thus enabled the
documentation of history.”  So, the statement suggests clearly
that the Sumerians invented writing and documentation of
history.
So, the answer is: YES
 The Story of Silk
Reading Passage 1:

The headline of the passage: The Story of Silk

Questions 1-9:            (Completing notes with ONE

WORD ONLY)
In this type of question, candidates are asked to write only one
word/ no more than two words to complete notes on the
given topic. For this type of question, first, skim the passage to
find the keywords in the paragraph concerned with the answer,
and then scan to find the exact word.
Question 1: Around 3000 BC, according to legend:
 silkworm cocoon fell into emperor’s wife’s __________
Keywords for the question: 3000 BC, fell into, emperor’s
wife
We find the mention of 3000 BC in paragraph no. 1. So, we
should try to locate the answer from here. The answer to this
question can be found in paragraph no. 1 lines 14-17 where, the
author writes, “It just so happened that while she was sipping
some tea, one of the cocoons that she had collected landed in the
hot tea and started to unravel into a fine thread.”
So, the answer is: tea
Question 2: – emperor’s wife invented a ______ to pull out
silk fibres
Keywords for the question: emperor’s wife, invented, pull
out silk fibres
The answer can be found in paragraph no. 1 lines 21-24. Here,
the author writes, “She also devised a special reel to draw the
fibres from the cocoon into a single thread so that they would be
strong enough to be woven into fabric.” This means that the
emperor’s wife devised or invented a reel to draw out or pull
out silk fibres.
So, the answer is: reel                        
Question 3: Only _______ were allowed to produce silk
Keywords for the question: only, were allowed to produce
Paragraph no. 2 contains the answer to this question at the very
beginning. Here, in lines 1-2, the author says,
“Originally, silkworm farming was solely
restricted to women and .. .. . .”. Here, the phrase solely
restricted to women means that only women were allowed to
farm silk.
So, the answer is: women                  
Question 4: Only _______ were allowed to wear silk
Keywords for the question: only, allowed to wear
In paragraph no. 2 lines 6-7 say, “…. . . only royalty
were entitled to have clothes made of silk.” This clearly means
that only royalty were allowed to wear silk clothes.
So, the answer is: royalty      
Question 5: Silk used as a form of _______
 g. farmer’s taxes consisted partly of silk
Keywords for the question: silk used, form of, farmer’s
taxes  
To locate this answer, we need to find the keywords farmer’s
taxes and it can be found in lines 15-16 of paragraph no. 2. So,
we need to look for the answer a few lines ahead because
‘farmer’s taxes’ is an example here. In lines 12-16, the writer
says, “… . .. .silk was so prized that it was also used as a unit of
currency. Government officials were paid their salary in silk,
and farmers paid their taxes in grain and silk.”
So, the answer is: currency  
Question 6: Silk used for many purposes
 g. evidence found of _____ made from silk around 168 AD
Keywords for the question: 168 AD, many purposes,
evidence
The answer can be found at the end of paragraph 2. Here, in
lines 20-23, the writer mentions, “The
earliest indication of silk paper being used was discovered in
the tomb of a noble who is estimated to have died around 168
AD.” So, it can be understood that paper made from silk was
found around 168 AD.
So, the answer is: paper  
Question 7: Merchants use Silk Road to take silk westward and
bring back _______ and precious metals.
Keywords for the question: Merchants, Silk Road, bring
back, precious metals
In paragraph no. 3, the author talks about trading of silk
through Silk Road. In lines 3-5 of the paragraph, the author
writes, “…. now known as the Silk Road, taking silk
westward and bringing gold, silver and wool to the East.” So,
the merchants took silk westward and traded them for precious
metals like gold and silver and for wool.
So, the answer is: wool
Question 8: 550 AD: ______ hide silkworm eggs in canes and
take them to Constantinople.
Keywords for the question: 550 AD, hide, eggs, canes,
Constantinople
Answer to this question can be found in the middle of paragraph
no. 4 where we can find the reference to Constantinople. Here,
in lines 10-14, the writer says, “According to another
legend, monks working for  the Byzantine emperor 
Justinian smuggled silkworm eggs to Constantinople in 550 AD,
concealed inside hollow bamboo walking canes.”
So, the answer is: monks
Question 9: 20th century: ______ and other manmade fibres
cause decline in silk production.
Keywords for the question: 20th century, manmade fibre,
cause decline,
To find the answer to this question, we need to locate the
keywords ‘20th century’ and ‘decline in silk production’ which is
found in the last paragraph. Here, the writer says in lines 7-8,
“Then in the twentieth century, new manmade fibres,
such as nylon, started to be used in what had traditionally been
silk products, such as stockings and parachutes.” So, it can be
understood that nylon was a man-made fibre.
So, the answer is: nylon
Question 10-13                        (TRUE/FALSE/NOT
GIVEN):
[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out
whether:
The statement in the question matches with the account in the
text- TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the account in
the text- FALSE
The statement in the question has no clear connection with the
account in the text- NOT GIVEN
For this type of question, you can divide each statement into
three independent pieces and make your way through with the
answer.]
Question 10: Gold was the most valuable material transported
along the Silk Road.
Keywords for the question: gold, most valuable material
In paragraph 3, the writer mentions in lines 1-8, “Demand for
this exotic fabric eventually created the lucrative trade route
now known as the Silk Road, taking silk westward and
bringing gold, silver and wool to the East. It was
named the Silk Road after its most precious
commodity, which was considered to be worth more than
gold.” So, it can be safely guessed that gold is not the most
valuable material, it’s silk.
So, the answer is: FALSE
Question 11: Most tradesmen only went along certain sections
of the Silk Road.
Keywords for the question: tradesmen, certain sections
In paragraph 3, the writer indicates that “The Silk Road
stretched over 6,000 kilometers from Eastern China to the
Mediterranean Sea .. .. . . Few merchants traveled the entire
route; goods were handled mostly by a series of middlemen.” 
This clearly means that the journey through Silk Road was long
enough for merchants to travel along; therefore, they only
travelled along certain sections.
So, the answer is: TRUE
Question 12: The Byzantines spread the practice of silk
production across the West.
Keywords for the question: The Byzantines, spread  
In paragraph 4, from line 3, the writer mentions, “The
Byzantines were as secretive as the Chinese, however, and for
many centuries the weaving and trading of silk fabric was a
strict imperial monopoly. Then in the seventh century, the
Arabs conquered Persia, capturing their magnificent silks in the
process. Silk production thus spread through Africa, Sicily and
Spain as the Arabs swept through these lands.” Therefore, it was
the the Arabs, not the Byzantines, who spread the practice of
silk production across the West.
So the answer is: FALSE
Question 13: Silk yarn makes up the majority of silk currently
exported from China.
Keywords for the question: silk yarn, the majority,
exported, China
In the last paragraph, the writer says, “.. .. .in more recent
decades, China has gradually recaptured its position as the
world’s biggest producer and exporter of silk and silk yarn.” So,
it is unclear from the lines whether silk yarn makes up the
majority of silk currently exported from China, we only make
out that both silk and silk yarn are exported, but there is no
information on which product makes up the majority of silk
exported from China.
So the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Great Migration
The headline of the passage: Great Migrations

Questions 14-18: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

[In this type of question, candidates are asked to find out
whether:
The statement in the question agrees with the information in the
passage – TRUE
The statement in the question contradicts with the information
in the passage – FALSE
If there is no information on this – NOT GIVEN
For this type of question, you can divide each statement into
three independent pieces and make your way through with the
answer.]
Question 14: Local gulls and migrating arctic terns behave in
the same way when offered food.
Keywords for the question: local gulls, migrating arctic
terns, behave, same way, offered food,
In paragraph no. 2, the first few lines indicate the answer, “An
arctic tern, on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of
South America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a
nice smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher’s boat along
the way. While local gulls will dive voraciously for
such handouts, the tern flies on. .. ..”
The lines suggest that local gulls will be attracted to food offered
while arctic terns will not pay attention to food when
migrating; they behave differently.
So, the answer is: FALSE
Question 15: Experts’ definitions of migration tend to vary
according to their area of study.
Keywords for the question: experts’ definitions,
migration, tend to vary, area of study,
In paragraph no. 4, take a look at the first few lines, “But
migration is a complex issue,
and biologists define it differently, depending in part on what
sorts of animals they study. .. .”
Here,biologists = experts, define = definitions,
differently = vary, depending in = according to, what
sorts of animals they study = their area of study,
So, the answer is: TRUE  
Question 16: Very few experts agree that the movement of
aphids can be considered migration.
Keywords for the question: very few experts, agree,
movement, aphids, can be considered, migration,
We find the mention of aphids’ movement in paragraph no. 5,
“But daily vertical movements by zooplankton in the ocean –
upward by night to seek food, downward by day to escape
predators – can also be considered migration. So can the
movement of aphids when, having depleted the young
leaves on one food plant, their offspring then fly onward to a
different host plant, with no one aphid ever returning to where
it started.”
However, no comparison has been made on experts’
opinion about aphids’ movement considered as migration.
So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN
Question 17: Aphids’ journeys are affected by changes in the
light that they perceive.
Keywords for the question: Aphids’ journey, affected,
changes, light, they perceive,
In paragraph no. 6, the answer to this question can be traced in
lines 6-11, “ . .. . They allow for the fact that, for example,
aphids will become sensitive to blue light (from the
sky) when it’s time for takeoff on their big journey,
and sensitive to yellow light (reflected from tender young
leaves) when it’s appropriate to land. .. .”
Here, when it’s time for takeoff on their big journey =
aphids’ journey, will become sensitive to blue light &
sensitive to yellow light = affected by changes in the
light,
So, the answer is: TRUE
Question 18: Dingle’s aim is to distinguish between the
migratory behaviours of different species.
Keywords for the question: Dingle’s aim, distinguish,
migratory behaviours, different species,
In paragraph no. 6, the answer is found in the last few lines “.. ..
The value of his definition, Dingle argues, is that it
focuses attention on what the phenomenon of wildebeest
migration shares with the phenomenon of the aphids,
and therefore helps guide researchers towards understanding
how evolution has produced them all. ..”  
This means the aim of Dingle is to focus attention on the
similarities between wildebeest migration and aphid
migration, not to distinguish the migratory behaviours
of different species. 
So, the answer is: FALSE  
Questions 19-22: Completing/Matching sentences with
correct endings
[For this type of question, candidates need to match the
beginning and end of sentences. Candidates need to look for
keywords in the sentence-beginnings and find the relative
paragraphs and then sentences in the passage. Skimming and
scanning, both reading skills are essential for this question-
type.]
Question 19: According to Dingle, migratory routes are likely
to –
Keywords for the question: Dingle, migratory routes,
likely to,
Take a look at lines 8-13 of paragraph no. 1, “ . .. . The biologist
Hugh Dingle has identified five characteristics that apply,
in varying degrees and combinations, to all migrations. They are
prolonged movements that carry animals outside familiar
habitats; they tend to be linear, . .. .”
Here, tend to = likely to, linear = follow a straight line,
So, the answer is: G (follow a straight line.)
Question 20: To prepare for migration, animals are likely to –
Keywords for the question: prepare, migration, animals,
likely to,
Again, in paragraph no. 1 at lines 14-16, the writer says, “ . .. .
they involve special behaviours concerning preparation (such
as overfeeding) and arrival; .. .”
Here, preparation = to prepare for migration,
overfeeding = eat more than they need,   
So, the answer is: C (eat more than they need for immediate
purposes.)
Question 21: During migration, animals are unlikely to –
Keywords for this question: during, migration, animals,
unlikely to,
In paragraph no. 1, the writer mentions in lines 17-22, “ .. . And
one more: migrating animals maintain an intense
attentiveness to the greater mission, which keeps them
undistracted by temptations
and undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals
aside.”
Here, undeterred = unlikely to be discouraged,
challenges = difficulties,
So, the answer is: A (be discouraged by difficulties.)
Question 22: Arctic terns illustrate migrating animals’ ability
to –
Keywords for this question: Arctic terns, illustrate,
migrating animals’ ability,   
The answer is in lines 1-5 of paragraph no. 2, “An arctic tern,
on its 20,000 km flight from the extreme south of South
America to the Arctic circle, will take no notice of a nice
smelly herring offered from a bird-watcher’s boat along the
way. . .. .”
Here, will take no notice of = ignore, nice smelly
herring (food) = distractions,
So, the answer is: E (ignore distractions.)
Question 23-26: Summary completion with ONE word
only
[In this kind of question candidates are given a summary for
one, two or three paragraphs with some fill in the
blanks questions. As these are fill in the blanks or gaps, there is
a condition of writing ONE, TWO or THREE words for each
answer. Candidates need to find out the related paragraphs by
correctly studying the keywords form the questions. Then, they
should follow the steps of finding answers to fill in the gaps.]
Title of the summary: The migration of pronghorns

Question 23: Pronghorns rely on their eyesight

and _________ to avoid predators. 
Keywords for this question: Pronghorns, rely on, eyesight,
to avoid, predators,    
Let’s take a look at paragraph no. 7 (where the writer talks
about the Pronghorns) in lines 24-25,
“ .. . Pronghorn, dependent
on distance vision and speed to keep
safe from predators, .. . .”
Here, dependent on = rely on, vision = eyesight, keep
safe = avoid,
So, the answer is: speed  
Question 24: One particular population’s summer habitat is a
national park, and their winter home is on
the _________ where they go to avoid the danger presented
by the snow at that time of year.
Keywords for this answer: one particular population’s
summer habitat, national park, winter home, where,
go, avoid, danger, snow,
The answer can be found in paragraph no. 7 in lines 6-12,
“ .. . One population, which spends the summer in the
mountainous Grand Teton National Park of the western
USA, follows a narrow route from its summer range in
the mountains, across a river, and down onto the plains.
Here they wait out the frozen months, feeding mainly
on sagebrush blown clear of snow.  … .”
Here, One population = one particular population,
spends the summer = summer habitat, Grand Teton
National Park = national park, they wait out the
frozen months = their winter home, 
So, the answer is: plains  
Question 25: However, their route between these two areas
contains three ________.
Keywords for this answer: their route, these two area,
contains, three,
In paragraph no. 7, lines 13-16 say, “. ..  . These pronghorn
are notable for the invariance of their migration route and
the severity of its constriction at three bottlenecks. .. . .”
Here, route = migration route,
So, the answers are: bottlenecks
Question 26: One problem is the construction of new homes
in a narrow __________ of land on the pronghorns’ route.
Keywords for this answer: one problem, construction of
new homes, narrow, land, pronghorns’ route, 
Take a close look at the last few lines of paragraph no. 7, “ . ..
At one of the bottlenecks, forested hills rise to form a V, leaving
a corridor of open ground only about 150 metres wide,
filled with private homes. Increasing
development is leading toward a crisis for the
pronghorn, threatening to choke off their passageway.”
Here, a crisis = one problem, Increasing development
= construction of new homes, only about 150 metres
wide = narrow,
So, the answers are: corridor/passageway
Take a look at the following video to get a clear understanding of
the given solutions:

How the other half thinks

The headline of the passage: Preface to ‘How the other half thinks: Adventures in
mathematical reasoning

Questions 27-34:  Identifying information:

[This question asks you to find information from the passage
and write the number of the paragraph (A, B, C or D … .. ) in the
answer sheet. Now, if the question is given in the very first part
of the question set, I’d request you not to answer them. It’s
mainly because this question will not follow any sequence, and
so it will surely kill your time. Rather, you should answer all the
other questions first. And just like List of Headings, only read
the first two lines or last two lines of the expected paragraph
initially. If you find the answers, you need not read the middle
part. If you don’t find answers yet, you can skim the middle part
of the paragraph. Keywords will be a useful matter here.]
Question 27: a reference to books that assume a lack of
mathematical knowledge
Keywords for this question: books, assume, lack of
mathematical knowledge,   
In section D, the first lines say, “Other scientists have
written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have
necessarily had to omit the mathematics, . .. ..”
Here, had to omit the mathematics = had to exclude the
subject of mathematics thinking that the readers
might have a lack of knowledge in mathematics,
So, the answer is: D
Question 28: the way in which this is not a typical book about
mathematics
Keywords for this question: the way, not, typical book,
about mathematics,
In section B, take a look at the last lines of the first paragraph
and the first lines of the second paragraph,
“. . . I want to reveal not only some of the fascinating
discoveries, but, more importantly, the reasoning
behind them.
In that respect, this book differs from most books on
mathematics written for the general public.”
Here, this book differs from most books on
mathematics = not a typical book about mathematics.
The lines suggest that this particular book is not typically a book
on mathematics.
So, the answer is: B
Question 29: personal examples of being helped by
mathematics
Keywords for this question: personal examples, being
helped, by mathematics,
Section G has three paragraphs and paragraphs no. 1 and 2 deal
with examples provided in favour of mathematics by a physician
and a lawyer.
In the first paragraph, it says, “A physician wrote, ‘The
discipline of analytical thought process [in mathematics]
prepared me extremely well for medical school. . .. ..”
In the second paragraph, we find another example from the
experience of a lawyer.
So, the answer is: G
Question 30: examples of people who each had abilities that
seemed incompatible
Keywords for this question: examples, people, each had
abilities, seemed incompatible,
Take a look at the last few lines of Section C, “ .. . . To illustrate
our human potential, I cite a structural engineer who is an
artist, an electrical engineer who is an opera singer,
an opera singer who published mathematical
research, and a mathematician who publishes short
stories.”
Here, we can find the examples of different people
having abilities that seem quite incompatible or
mismatched.
So, the answer is: C
Question 31: mention of different focuses of books about
mathematics
Keywords for this question: different focuses of books,
about mathematics,
Section B has two paragraphs and the second paragraph says,
“In that respect, this book differs from most books on
mathematics written for the general public. Some present the
lives of colorful mathematicians. Others describe
important applications of mathematics. Yet others go
into mathematical procedures, but assume that the
reader is adept in using algebra.”
Here, we can learn from these lines that books about
mathematics have different focuses.
So, the answer is: B
Question 32: a contrast between reading this book and
reading other kinds of publication
Keywords for this question:  contrast, reading this book,
reading other kinds of publication,
In Section E, look at lines 4-5, “ . .. . . You will turn these
pages much more slowly than when reading a novel or
a newspaper. .. .”
Here, a novel or a newspaper = other kinds of
publication,
So, the answer is: E
Question 33: a claim that the whole of the book is accessible to
everybody
Keywords for this question: claim, the whole of the book,
accessible, everybody,
Section A of the passage contains two paragraphs.
In the first paragraph, the writer says in lines 6-7, “ . . .. Each of
the eight chapters in this book illustrates this phenomenon.
Anyone can understand every step in the reasoning.”
Then, in the second paragraph, the writer says again, “ . .. . .
Thus all readers will have the chance to participate in a
mathematical experience, to appreciate the beauty of
mathematics, and to become familiar with its logical, yet
intuitive, style of thinking.”
These lines suggest that the complete book is accessible to
anyone.
So, the answer is: A
Question 34: a reference to different categories of intended
readers of this book
Keywords for this question: different categories, intended
readers, of this book,
In section F the author talks about categories of readers who can
enjoy this book. “ .. . As I wrote, I kept in mind two types of
readers: those who enjoyed mathematics until they were
turned off by an unpleasant episode, usually around fifth grade,
and mathematics aficionados, who will find much that is new
throughout the book. This book also serves readers who simply
want to sharpen their analytical skills . ….”
So, the answer is: F
Questions 35-40: Completing sentences with ONE
WORD ONLY
[In this type of question, candidates are asked to write ONE
WORD ONLY to complete sentences on the given topic. For this
type of question, first, skim the passage to find the keywords in
the paragraph concerned with the answer, and then scan to find
the exact word.
TIPS: Here scanning technique will come in handy. Target the
keywords of the questions to find the answers. Remember to
focus on Proper nouns, random Capital letters, numbers, special
characters of text etc.]
Question 35: Some areas of both music and mathematics are
suitable for someone who is a ___________.
Keywords for this question: some areas, both music and
mathematics, suitable for,
Take a look at lines 1-2 in section A, as the writer says,
“Occasionally, in some difficult musical compositions, there
are beautiful, but easy parts – parts so
simple a beginner could play them. So it is
with mathematics as well.
Here, easy parts – parts so simple = suitable for
someone,
So, the answer is: beginner
Question 36: It is sometimes possible to understand advanced
mathematics using no more than a limited knowledge
of ___________.
Keywords for this question: sometimes possible,
understand, advanced mathematics, using, no more
than, limited knowledge,
In section A, lines 3-6 say, “ . … .. There are some discoveries
in advanced mathematics that do not depend on specialized
knowledge, not even on algebra, geometry, or trigonometry.
Instead, they may involve, at most, a little arithmetic, such
as ‘the sum of two odd numbers is even’, and common sense. …
… .”
Here, at most, a little = no more than a limited
knowledge of,
 So, the answer is: arithmetic
Question 37: The writer intends to show that mathematics
requires _________ thinking, as well as analytical skills.
Keywords for this question: the writer, intends to show,
mathematics, requires, thinking, analytical skills,
The answer can be found in section C lines 3-4, “ . .. . As the
chapters will illustrate, mathematics is not restricted to
the analytical and numerical; intuition plays a significant
role.”
Here, the writer means that in addition to analytical
skills, mathematics requires or needs intuition, or intuitive
thinking.
So, the answer is: intuitive
Question 38: Some books written by _________ have had
to leave out the mathematics that is central to their theories.
Keywords for this question: some books, written by, had
to leave out, mathematics, central to their theories,
To find the answer to this question, we have to go to section D.
Here, in lines 1-2, the author writes, “Other scientists have
written books to explain their fields to non-scientists, but have
necessarily had to omit the mathematics, although
it provides the foundation of their theories. . .. .”
Here, had to omit = have had to leave out, provides the
foundation = central,
So, the answer is: scientists  
Question 39: The writer advises non-mathematical readers to
perform __________ while reading.
Keywords for this question: the writer, advices, non-
mathematical readers, perform, while reading,
In section E, the author says, “Still, the non-mathematical
reader can go far in understanding mathematical reasoning.
. .. . .. . . . . . It may help to have a pencil and paper ready to
check claims and carry out experiments.”  
Here, carry out = perform,
So, the answer is: experiments  
Question 40: A lawyer found that
studying __________ helped even more than other areas of
mathematics in the study of law.
Keywords for this question: lawyer, found, studying,
helped, more than other areas, mathematics, study of
law,
In Section G, paragraph no. 2, the writer mentions a lawyer, “A
lawyer made the same point, “Although I had no background
in law – not even one political science course — I did well at
one of the best law schools. I attribute much of my
success there to having learned, through the study of
mathematics, and, in particular, theorems, how to analyze
complicated principles. . ..”
Here, I did well at one of the best law schools = helped
even more than other areas of mathematics,
So, the answer is: theorems