Prepare for IELTS

General Training Volume

1
Reading Practice Test 1

HOW TO USE
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Reading passage 1
Read the text below and answer Questions 1-8.

How to become a successful crime writer

British authors have always excelled in one genre in particular: that of crime fiction. Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie for some are synonymous with the genre,
attaining the same celebrity status as their fictional creations, the eponymous Sherlock
Holmes and Hercule Poirot, respectively. In the creation of such memorable characters,
these two authors raised the bar for future crime fiction writers. So how can you, too,
write gripping fiction that also will stand the test of time? Here are some simple tips that
will help you on your way and improve your chances of getting Into print.

Tip 1 The fiction world is awash with different types of crime novels. Before you put pen
to paper, devour as many fiction novels as possible with varying sto-rylines. In this way
you will learn how to create credible fictional characters and plots. Of course the make-or-
break in any crime novel is the ending. Surprise revelations or an unexpected turn of
events will delight readers. After all, even the experienced armchair detective likes to be
kept guessing until the end.

Tip 2 We have established that a great cliffhanger of a novel Is the key ingredient to all
crime novels. But how do we build up the suspense and throw the reader off the scent of
the real culprit? Well, the answer is to use as many red herrings and subplots as possible
without becoming too involved. The subplots and false clues should never obscure the
main plot entirely; otherwise, the reader will become lost in all the intricacies and minutiae
of the subplots.

Tip 3 It is important to establish your facts. If the setting of your novel Is In the past,
beware of including modern-day devices or Inventions that did not exist at the time you
are writing. Many a Hollywood blockbuster has been spoiled by anachronisms; the
wearing of a watch in 'Gladiator' set in the Roman era is one such example. The same
holds true for the written word.

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If, on the other hand, you are using a contemporary setting then ensure you are fully
knowledgeable of modern hi-tech detection methods and forensic techniques. Internet
search engines such as Google will help you get your head around the most up-to-date
procedures. Your research should Include:

• DNA analysis

• Forensic anthropology and pathology

• Forensic criminology, psychiatry and psychology

• Fingerprinting

• Interviewing techniques

• Computer forensics

Tip 4 Don't lose the plot! Keep a track of not just your leading but also minor characters
and their actions. It is important to have good continuity throughout. Whilst people may
not be so rational or consistent in real life, your fictional creations need to have a certain
level of consistency in their thoughts and actions, otherwise they may cease to maintain
credibility with the reader. Sketching out a general overview of the plot before writing will
also help to maintain structure to your novel.

Tip 5 Lacking Inspiration? They say truth is stranger than fiction so why not look to real-
life events to inspire you? A rummage through a few local and national papers may
uncover a potential storyline. After all, it worked for celebrated crime author Jeffrey
Archer, so why not you? It goes without saying that a degree of fictional embellishment of
real-life people is necessary to avoid being accused of libel and a sudden curtailing of an
otherwise budding career.

Tip 6 Now you have written your best-selling novel all you need to do is find a publisher!
Again, research on the internet will reveal a list of publishers most likely to publish your
literary genre. Should you fail to find a publisher keep trying. After all, some of the most
celebrated authors were initially turned down on their first attempt!

Read the texts below and answer Questions 9-14.

A. Buttercup Cafe

Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of this cafe and sample the good, ‘no-frills’ honest home-
cooked food. If, however, you are looking for a light snack, then sample one of our
delicious sandwiches filled with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. The cafe is not licensed
but there is a large selection of teas and soft drinks available.

Cafe open: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Weekends: Sat 11am-6pm Sundays closed

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C. Chiquito Restaurant

Presented with an extensive menu, you really are spoilt for choice at Chiquito's, if Mexican
is your thing. The kitchen team offers a first-rate experience for all diners, no matter what
the occasion is. With a variety of meat dishes ranging from succulent chicken served over
fajita vegetables to beef chilli burgers or a full rack of lip-smacking ribs, whatever you
choose, you can't go far wrong.

Opening hours:

Weekdays 12pm-10pm

Weekends 11am-1pm

B. Dolce Vita Restaurant

Antonio and Lucia are the proud owners of this small, authentic Italian pizzeria which has
been recently awarded Trip Advisor's 'Certificate of Excellence'. Whilst Antonio is
essentially responsible for front-of-house duties, he has been known to give a hand in the
kitchen, turning out his own speciality pizza.

His wife usually stays behind the scenes turning out simply delicious dishes, the recipes
for which were handed down from her grandmother. For that Special occasion, tailor-
made private parties and large dinner groups can be accommodated. A striking function
room, ideal for an intimate gathering, is also available.

Restricted weekday opening (please check our website for details). Open every weekend
from Ham-midnight. Website: www.dolceyita.com

E. Gelato Gusto

Extending over two storeys this cafe is bright, stylish and down-to-earth. The sheer
variety of ice cream flavours available is impressive. Bespoke concoctions also on offer.
You can also buy takeaway tubs of ice cream to enjoy at your leisure.

D. Frankie and Benny's

A great little restaurant with plenty of atmosphere. This is a family-run restaurant where
everyone in the family helps with the cooking in equal measure. All the delicious dishes
have been created by the two head chefs, Dario and Alessandro and their highly trained
team. Together they have created a menu of contemporary dishes whish is quite regularly
updated. Diners are encouraged to make use of the covered terrace for a spot of alfresco
dining and people-watching.

Questions 1-8
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

In boxes 1-8 on your answer sheet, write

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 TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN If there is no information on this

1 So famous were the fictional characters of Conan Doyle and

Christie’s crime novels that they eclipsed the fame of their authors.

2 The novels of Conan Doyle and Christie are less accomplished

than those of modern crime writers.

3 It is more challenging to portray fictional than real-life

characters in a novel.

4 To write about modern crime detection techniques, some

knowledge of forensics may be required.

5 Would-be crime authors should always write about their own

life experiences.

6 Creating characters based on real-life people is a practice best

avoided

7 First-time crime authors may be turned down by publishers.

8 Seasoned crime novel readers like being able to guess the

culprit in advance.

Questions 9-14
Look at the five advertisements, A-E.

Which venue offers the following?

Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 9-14 on your answer sheet.

You may use any letter more than once.

9 Only non-alcoholic drinks

10
Custom-made orders

11
An outside seating area

12
A room especially designated for small parties

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13
A constantly changing menu

14
Simply cooked food

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Reading passage 2
Read the text below and answer Questions 25-21.

The Art of Gift-Giving

A. Anticipation builds, the wrapping paper is ripped off in happy expectation... And then,
our enthusiasm takes a downturn as we extricate a jokey Christmas pullover, a pair of
woolen socks or a knitted tea cosy. Yes, we have all been there. However, recent scientific
research on how to give the ideal gift could be set to change all that.

B. Yale researcher Novemsky claims to have singled out the factor that deter mines if a gift
will be well received or not. Perceived ease of use is apparently paramount in the eyes of
the recipient. A non-user-friendly gift will therefore lead to disappointment, however
expensive the actual gift might have been.

C. Another tip for successful gift-giving is to avoid giving unsolicited presents. We often
try to second-guess the would-be recipient's taste, believing our personal effort will be
appreciated. But this invariably results in disappointment for the recipient of the gift. Far
better is a gift that has actually been explicitly requested by the recipient than one chosen
by the giver, according to a study conducted by researchers Francis Flynn and Francesca
Gina (Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology 2011). So, best to save fruitless
hours spent trawling the internet for gifts or pounding the high streets in vain and just be
direct: ask the recipient what they want, then give it to them; simple as that!

D. A further tip which flies in the face of conventional thinking with regard to present-
giving is to err on the side of frugality. In accordance with a 2014 study by Flynn and
Gabriella Adams, the receiver's happiness was not found to be directly proportional to the
money spent on a gift. In the study, recipients were given cheaper and more expensive
versions of a variety of items, ranging from an iPad to jewellery, wine and books. In all
cases, the costlier gift was not valued more than the cheaper option. The thought,
therefore, really does count.

E. An interesting extension to this study is that this finding holds true for one of the most

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expensive and status-conscious gifts: that of the engagement ring. Whilst diamonds may
be a girl's best friend, as the saying goes, they do not necessarily have to be top-of-the-
range to win a girl's heart. Cheaper alternatives are just as valued as their costlier
counterparts.

F. If you have successfully negotiated the mine-field of present-buying, then you still
aren't home and dry yet. Another hurdle has yet to be overcome: present-wrapping.
Failure to appropriately wrap a present can undo all the effort you have put into buying
the gift so far. A perfectly wrapped present is always more welcome than a hastily
wrapped one, unless the gift is markedly less attractive than its outward wrapping, as
found by Novemsky and Yale colleague, Ravi Dhar, since this creates a dissonance
between the anticipated and real worth of a gift.

G. Should all the above advice seem bewildering, then never fear. According to the 2011
study by Flynn and Francesca Gina, gift recipients are more than happy to receive cash in
place of an actual gift.

Read the text below and answer Questions 22-28.

A. Those who have not entertained the idea that research into family ancestry might
reveal a blue-blooded relative or historical celebrity must be few and far between. Most of
us are intrigued with our origins and if genealogical research turns up a famous family
member on the way, then so much the better.

B. Accordingly, there is a plethora of genealogy websites ready to be accessed on the

internet to satiate the curiosity of those so inclined. Just type in the name of one of your
ancestors into a search engine and you will be immediately inundated with genealogy
sites. Whilst some sites may be free, others will be on a pay-as-you-go or subscription
basis. Often the sheer number of websites can initially overwhelm the would-be
genealogist.

C. So by what criteria do you select a website to aid your research into your family tree?
Whilst free websites may seem the most attractive option, they may not adequately meet
your needs. A feepaying website, however, might provide access to a wider range of
resources, such as birth and death certificates, or at least indexes to the certificates, as
well as census returns. Such resources and access to them are fundamental to your
research.

D. When you access certificates, try to ensure that they are a digitised form of the original
copy, since transcripts are usually poor substitutes for the original. Whenever possible,
opt for the copies of the original thereby obviating the possibility of human error in copied
or miscopied transcripts.

E. Having obtained or accessed, at least, essential documents, you can then proceed to
more specialised websites providing military or employment information. Before paying
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for access to such sites, first establish if the site contains the records you are seeking. You
shouldn't have to pay access to the site to do so.

F. Ideally, find out if there is a contact name or address for whoever is responsible for the
site. A specialist on hand to answer more detailed queries is always a bonus.

G. Finally, if websites fail to uncover the information you are seeking you can always try
good old-fashioned archives. Not all information is available on websites, so, sooner or
later you will probably find yourself doing research in an archive anyway. Hopefully, a
combination of websites and archives will deliver the information you require and uncover
a fascinating heritage to boot.

Questions 15-21
The text on the next page has seven sections, A-G.

Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.

Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

15
Section A

16
Section B

17
Section C

18
Section D

19
Section E

20
Section F

21
Section G

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 List of Headings

i Money can buy happiness

ii It’s what is inside that counts more

iii Recipients of gifts are rarely grateful

iv A familiar feeling

v Practicality is the key

vi It is better to give than to receive

vii Romance need not come at a price

viii Present-giving has become more challenging

ix Recipients value inexpensive gifts and pricey gadgets alike

x Don’t waste time and energy

Questions 22-23
Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 22-23 on your answer sheet.

There is such a wealth of genealogy sites available online that at times you may feel
22 information.

It is preferable to 23 in their original rather than transcripted form.

Questions 24-28
Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 24-28 on your answer sheet.

Many people are curious to find out about their family tree. Follow these steps to
ensure you access the information you require.

First, enter the name of a family ancestor into 24

Next, choose a website that will 25 by providing sufficient information on

your family tree.

When accessing a document from your chosen website, avoid 26

whenever possible, favouring instead the original version.
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Once you have done the essential groundwork to obtain necessary documents to
continue your search, you require access to more 27 . This may require a
financial outlay.

Finally, if your research still fails to turn up the information you require, then it is best
to resort to 28 as a back-up.

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Reading passage 3
Read the text below and answer Questions 29-35.

How a Humble Vegetable Changed the World

A. A fashionable adornment, aphrodisiac or cause of fever, leprosy and widespread
famine? The perceived attributes of a humble tuber, otherwise known as the potato, have
certainly varied over historical eras and with shifts in belief systems. Accordingly,
attitudes towards the potato have ranged from curiosity and acceptance to fear and
suspicion and even downright hostility, as the British population took to the streets in the
18th century to denounce the tuber in public protests, rallying under the cry ‘No Potatoes,
No Popery!’

B. So, why did a humble tuber excite so much suspicion and mistrust? One has but to look
to the roots - if you will pardon the pun - of the controversial crop to understand how the
potato managed to initially incite such distrust in many, despite saving millions from
starvation in later centuries.

C. The potato, together with the eggplant (aubergine) and tomato, originates from the
same family as the deadly belladonna (also known as deadly nightshade) and equally
toxic, henbane. Common to all these plants is the presence of the lethal toxin solanine, a
neurological poison. Ingestion of the toxin may lead to paralysis and death. In addition, the
presence of another toxin, tomatine, in potatoes is similarly potentially deadly. One might
be forgiven in thinking, therefore, that the potato is not an attractive item to have on the
menu. Add to this the belief that the tuber was thought to be a source of leprosy too, then
it is little wonder that the potato took time to win acceptance in European circles after ¡ts
introduction in the 16th century.

D. Obviously, the potatoes we eat today bear little resemblance to the toxin-laden wild
potatoes of Peru from where they originate. There, the potatoes in their natural form are
so toxic that they can only be ingested if accompanied by clay particles. As far back as the
16th century, Peruvian Indians were utilising such knowledge, dipping the bitter potatoes

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in a gravy mix of water and clay particles. The latter served to absorb excess solanine
thereby rendering the potato edible. Nowadays, centuries of crossbreeding between
species has greatly diluted the toxin and its lethal potential.

E. Today, the potato is hailed as a saviour. A French pharmacist named Parmentier is to

be largely credited with the about-face in attitude towards the potato as a food source in
the 17th century. Prior to this period, public repugnance towards the vegetable as much
as reluctance to use it other than as cattle fodder prevented its appearance on the dining
table. A prior ill-fated introduction of the tuber by Sir Walter Raleigh to the court of
Elizabeth I had done the tuber no favours: the decision of the queen’s cook to serve up the
plant’s indigestible leaves as opposed to the edible tubers had resulted in universal
indigestion amongst court members on this occasion. Parmentier, however, turned public
opinion regarding the tuber by encouraging its addition to the menus of Louis XVI’s court.
So successful was his personal campaign for the potato’s introduction that the queen,
Marie Antoinette, enthusiastically adorned her hair with potato flowers, sparking off a
fashionable trend amongst court circles.

F. Parmentier’s intervention on behalf of the humble potato was timely and without doubt
ultimately saved millions from starvation. Public acceptance of the potato, however,
initially lagged significantly behind that of court circles. In fact, it took an edict from the
Paris Faculty of Medicine in 1772, verifying that potatoes were edible, in addition to the
famine of 1785 to bring the public around. Thereafter, the potato became a staple in the
diet of the rich and the poor alike.

G. So significant a role is the potato thought to have played in world history, with regard
to staving off famine and aiding population increase, that historian W.H. McNeill has
attributed the building of empires to the humble tuber. The potato, he argues, fuelled the
rise of the West between 1750 and 1950 as European nations became no longer
beholden to famine and were able to take dominion over other countries.

H. The rise of the potato from maligned tuber to worldwide food source, becoming the
fifth most important crop globally after wheat, corn, rice and sugar cane, also had its
downside. The over-dependence of European countries on the potato, arising in a virtual
monoculture, led to the Irish Famine and mass emigration when crops failed in 1845.
Subsequently, increased knowledge of pesticides and more stringent controls over crop
production have largely warded off the significant crop failures that were so devastating
in the past.

Questions 29-35
The text has eight paragraphs, A-H.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 29-35 on your answer sheet
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 A B C D E F G H

Drag your answer

29 deadly relations

30 the potato as a catalyst for change

31 the authorities intervene

32 pioneers meet with varied success

33 prejudices incite public action

34 unsound agricultural practice brings

about a demographic shift

35 historical and modern solutions to a

common problem

Questions 36-40
Complete the summary below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 36-40 on your answer sheet.

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The potato polarised public opinion from the outset. Whilst the potato won 36
with some, others reacted with extreme actions of prejudice.

Unwillingness to accept the potato was perfectly understandable. Coming from the same
family as its deadlier counterparts, belladonna and henbane, the potato was believed to be
poisonous and certainly not 37 .Those who did eat potatoes in the wild state had
to neutralise the main 38 resent in the tuber by the addition of clay particles.

Various attempts over the centuries were made by historical figures and authorities alike to
try and encourage the public to eat potatoes. Only later did the potato become a
39 European foodstuff.

So important was the potato as a source of calories and nutrients to the Europeans that it is
said to have sustained European populations to such an extent that they were able to build
global empires.

Unfortunately, 40 on just one crop proved Ireland’s undoing. Many died after the
Irish Famine whilst others were forced to migrate en masse in order to survive.

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 Solution:

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Review and Explanations
1 Answer: FALSE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q1: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie

for some are synonymous with the genre,
S o famous were the fictional
attaining the same celebrity status as their
characters of Conan Doyle and
fictional creations, the eponymous Sherlock
Christie’s crime novels that they
Holmes and Hercule Poirot, respectively.
eclipsed the fame of their authors.

Note:

After skimming, we can find that information of Q1 should be found in the second
sentence of the first paragraph.

“Eclipsed the fame” means to make the two authors less famous. While the fictional
characters Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot are said to be very more well- known
than the authors in the question, the passage mentions that they had the same
celebrity status with sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.

Considering every details in Q1 and in the passage, we can conclude thatthe answer
is FALSE.

2 Answer: FALSE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q2: In the creation of such memorable characters,

these two authors raised the bar for future
The novels of Conan Doyle and
crime fiction writers.
Christie are less accomplished than
those of modern crime writers.

Note:

The keywords are “less accomplished” and “modern crime writers.”

We can find the information in the next sentence after question 1. It is obvious that sir
Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie set the standards (synonym with “raised the
bar”) for future crime fiction writers after the two fictional characters had appeared.
However, the question is in contrast to what the passage says. ( “less accomplished”
relates to the imperfection).

For that reason, we can conclude thatthe answer is FALSE.

3 Answer: NOT GIVEN

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

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Q3

It is more challenging to portray

fictional than real-life characters in a
novel.

Note

After skimming, we can see that the passage 2, 3 and 4 indicates how to portray a
fictional character that attracts readers. There are no clues about whether it is more
difficult to do that than to draw a real- life character or not.

All thing considered, the answer for Q3 is NOT GIVEN.

4 Answer: TRUE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q4: If, on the other hand, you are using a

contemporary setting then ensure you are
To write about modern crime
fully knowledgeable of modern hi-tech
detection techniques, some
detection methods and forensic techniques.
knowledge of forensics may be
Internet search engines such as Google will
required.
help you get your head around the most up-
to-date procedures. Your research should
Include:

• DNA analysis

• Forensic anthropology and pathology

• Forensic criminology, psychiatry and

psychology

• Fingerprinting

• Interviewing techniques

• Computer forensics

Note

The keyword is “knowledge of forensics”. We can find it in the 5th paragraph and can
assert that the answer is true. Because in this passage, it says that we must ensure our
knowledge of the two categories if we want to write about the modern crime
techniques. In addition, it lists a lot of examples regarding to the knowledge of
forensics, which is very compatible with the question.

All thing considered, we can conclude thatthe answer for Q4 is TRUE.

5 Answer: FALSE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

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Q5 Whilst people may not be so rational or
consistent in real life, your fictional creations
Would-be crime authors should always
need to have a certain level of consistency in
write about their own life experiences.
their thoughts and actions, otherwise they
may cease to maintain credibility with the
reader.

Note:

The needed information is in the next passage (tip 4).

In this case, the author uses the phrase “fictional creations”- which means you can use
your imagination to create a character. Therefore, this is completely contrary to the
phrase “own life experiences” used in the question.

For that reason, the answer is FALSE.

6 Answer: FALSE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q6 They say truth is stranger than fiction sowhy

not look to real-life events to inspire you? A
Creating characters based on real-life
rummage through a few local and national
people is a practice best avoided
papers may uncover a potential storyline.

Note

Looking at the passage of tip 5, we can find the clues there.

The question says that you should steer clear of ( synonym with “avoid” ) drawing
characters based on real- life people.

The passage advises you to draw inspiration from real life if you lack of idea how to
create a character. Hence, the two sentence is not similar to each other.

For that reason, we can conclude thatthe answer is FALSE.

7 Answer: TRUE
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q7 After all, some of the most celebrated authors

were initially turned down on their first
First-time crime authors may be turned
attempt!
down by publishers.

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Note:

Looking at the last passage, we can see that the information in the question is well-
matched with the sentence.

It is clearly stated that even the most authors were denied at the first time. The two
important words are “initially” and “first attempt”, which both have similar meanings
(at the beginning or at the start).

Thus, the answer is TRUE.

8 Answer: FALSE
Q8:

Seasoned crime novel readers like

b e i n g able to guess the culprit in
advance.

Note

After scanning, we have to turn back to passage 2 to find the clues.

Although “experienced armchair detective” (relates to “seasoned readers”) is thought

to be able to guess the criminal (the culprit), the important thing is that these readers
can only know till the end, not in advance (which means immediately).

Therefore, the answer is FALSE.

9 Answer: A
Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

Q9: The cafe is not licensed but there is a large selection of teas and
soft drinks available.
O n l y non-alcoholic
drinks

Note

After scanning, we find that the key word “non- alcoholic drinks” can only be found in
the passage A.

Passage C is about meat dishes. Passage B talks about Italian food, pizza in particular.
The two rest paragraphs are talking about food, too.

In addition, it is clearly stated that the cafe is not allowed (synonym with licensed). Tea
and soft drinks have no alcohol themselves.

For that reason, A is the correct answer.

10 Answer: E

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 Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

Q10: The sheer variety of ice cream flavoursavailable is impressive.

Bespoke concoctions also on offer. You can also buy takeaway
Custom-made
tubs of ice cream to enjoy at your leisure.
orders

Note

The key word is “custom- made” means there is a variety choices of food ordered. You
can buy takeaway food or eat at this place. Besides, there is food specially made for a
particular person, which you can order what you want to eat. The phrase “bespoken
concoctions” can be understood in this way.

Other passages talk about the features of them, do not mention if they have custom-
made orders or not.

Therefore, the correct answer is E.

11 Answer: D
Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

Q11 A great little restaurant with plenty of atmosphere. Diners are

encouraged to make use of the covered terrace for a spot of
An outside seating
alfresco dining and people-watching.
area

Note

The key word is “outside seating”.

Passage A, C and E tell us about the kinds of food they have, do not mention whether
we can eat in an outside area or not.

Passage B talks about the place you can eat, but it is inside the restaurant.

In passage D, the author states that you can enjoy your meal outside (the phrase
“covered terrace for a spot of alfresco” relates to this) and observe people as well as
go sight- seeing.

For that reason, the answer is D.

12 Answer: B
Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

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Q12 For that Special occasion, tailor-made private parties and large
dinner groups can be accommodated.
A room especially
designated for
small parties

Note

When scanning, we can find that “room for small party” only appeared in the
paragraph B. It is said to be especially designated for private parties and dinner groups,
which is very compatible with the question 12.

For that reason, we can conclude thatthe answer is B.

13 Answer: D
Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

Q13 Together they have created a menu of contemporary dishes

whish is quite regularly updated.
A constantly
changing menu

Note

Question 13 is asking about the constantly changing menu, which is paraphrased by

the phrase “regularly updated” in passage D. It is easily changing because there is a
menu of contemporary dishes.

Passage A, C, B and E just mention some kinds of food in their menu, do not say
whether they can be easily changed or not.

For that reason, the answer is D.

14 Answer: A
Keywords in Similar words in Passage
Questions

Q14 Enjoy the cosy atmosphere of this cafe and sample the good,‘no-
frills’ honest home-cooked food. If, however, you are looking for a
Simply- cooked
light snack, then sample one of our delicious sandwiches filled
food
with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

Note

Looking at the paragraph A, we can immediately answer this question. Food in

Buttercup Cafe is cooked with fresh, light ingredients. The word “no-frills” makes a
contribution to explain this problem. A no-frills product is a product in which has neither
extra nor unnecessary ingredients.

Therefore, the answer is A.

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15 Answer: iv
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q15 Anticipation builds, the wrapping paper is ripped off

in happy expectation... And then, our enthusiasm
Section A
takes a downturn as we extricate a jokey Christmas
pullover, a pair of woolen socks or a knitted tea
cosy. Yes, we have all been there.

Note

In this case, the author talked about the familiar feelings they have when doing these
things respectively. Firstly, they expect happily when the paper is ripped off, then they
turn to disappointment in the next moment. All the feelings mentioned here are similar
to the authors.

For that reason, the answer is iv.

16 Answer: v
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q16 Perceived ease of use is apparently paramount in

the eyes of the recipient. A non-user-friendly gift
Section B
will therefore lead to disappointment, however
expensive the actual gift might have been.

Note

The paragraph indicates the real feelings when receive gifts. Hence, practicality is the
most suitable word to describe the main idea of this passage. The author also gives
some example when people receive impractical (synonym with “non- user- friendly”)
gift, they will be disappointed even if the gifts are costly.

Thus, the answer is v.

17 Answer: x
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q17 We often try to second-guess the would-be

recipient's taste, believing our personal effort will
Section C
be appreciated. But this invariably results in
disappointment for the recipient of the gift. So, best
to save fruitless hours spent trawling the internet
for gifts or pounding the high streets in vain and
just be direct: ask the recipient what they want,
then give it to them; simple as that!

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 Note

In this passage, it is clearly stated that you spend time making attempts to guess what
gifts the receiver do like will be wasted as they may not meet their taste.

Therefore, to satisfy both givers and receivers, the best way is to ask them what they
want and give it to them. The answer x is compatible with the main idea of this
paragraph.

All thing considered, the answer is x.

18 Answer: ix
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q18 In accordance with a 2014 study by Flynn and

Gabriella Adams, the receiver's happiness was not
Section D
found to be directly proportional to the money spent
on a gift. In all cases, the costlier gift was not
valued more than the cheaper option.

Note

Question 18 is asking about the idea of passage D and we can find the two main
sentences to describe this. It is stated that the receiver’s satisfaction was not directly
comparative with the value of the presents. Both expensive gifts and inexpensive
services can equally make the receivers happy, as long as they meet their hobbies.

Hence, the idea of sentence ix is similar to these things.

All thing considered, ix is the correct answer.

19 Answer: vii
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q19 …that of the engagement ring. Whilst diamonds

may be a girl's best friend, as the saying goes, they
Section E
do not necessarily have to be top-of-the-range to
win a girl's heart. Cheaper alternatives are just as
valued as their costlier counterparts.

Note

It is obvious that engagement ring and diamonds represent for love and romance. The
thing is girls love them too much doesn’t mean they will always fall in love with those
who have them. More importantly, other cheaper things can win a girl’s heart as long
as she is interested in these alternatives. Therefore, romance doesn’t need to come as
a price.

All thing considered, the answer is vii.

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20 Answer: ii
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q20 A perfectly wrapped present is always more

welcome than a hastily wrapped one, unless the gift
Section F
i s markedly less attractive than its outward
wrapping, as found by Novemsky and Yale
colleague, Ravi Dhar, since this creates a
dissonance between the anticipated and real worth
of a gift.

Note

It is clearly stated that if the gift is not marked less attractive than its outward
wrapping, it will lead to a disharmony (synonym with “dissonance”). Therefore, we
should pay attention to the inside present.

All thing considered, the answer is ii.

21 Answer: i
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q21 According to the 2011 study by Flynn and

Francesca Gina, gift recipients are more than happy
Section G
to receive cash in place of an actual gift.

Note

Looking at the rest of the list answer for heading, we can see that either “gift” or
“cash” relates to “money”. Cash is an another way to describe money. Moreover, the
authors say that gifts will make the receivers happy. Because money can buy both
cheap and expensive gifts, there is no exaggeration to say that money can buy
happiness too.

Therefore, the answer is i.

22 Answer: inundated with

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q22 Accordingly, there is a plethora of genealogy

websites ready to be accessed on the internet to
There is such a wealth of
satiate the curiosity of those so inclined. Just type in
genealogy sites available online
the name of one of your ancestors into a search
that at times you may feel ………
engine and you will be immediately inundated with
information.
genealogy sites.

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 Note

The blank should be filled with an adjective as it is behind the linking verb “feel”.

The key word is “genealogy sites” and we can find it in the passage B. We need an
adjective indicating a feeling of people when access to genealogy sites. The phrase
“inundated with” is absolutely suitable for this blank.

Thus, the answer is “inundated with”.

23 Answer: access certificates

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q23 When you access certificates, try to ensure that

they are a digitised form of the original copy, since
It is preferable to …. in their
transcripts are usually poor substitutes for the
original rather than transcripted
original.
form.

Note

In this blank, we should find a verb as it is behind “to”.

The key words are “original” and “transcripted”. It is clear that the two words are
located in paragraph D. We need a verb to indicate what is better to do in the original
form than in transcripted one. Hence, the answer is “access certificates as it is
compatible with the idea of the question.

Thus, the answer is “access certificates”.

24 Answer: a search engine

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q24 Just type in the name of one of your ancestors into a

search engine and you will be immediately
First, enter the name of a family
inundated with genealogy sites.
ancestor into …..

Note

The blank should be filled with a noun as there is a preposition (into) before it. It is
quite easy to understand this question. After scanning, we can find the needed
information is in the passage B. “Enter the name” is paraphrased by “type in the name”
and the rest of the sentence is quite similar.

Therefore, the answer is “a search engine”.

25 Answer: meet your needs

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

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 Q25 So by what criteria do you select a website to aid
your research into your family tree? Whilst free
N e x t , choose a website that
websites may seem the most attractive option, they
will… by providing sufficient
may not adequately meet your needs.
information on your family tree.

Note

We should find a verb to fill in this question as it is behind the word “will”.

In the next paragraph (paragraph C), it is clearly stated that although free websites
may attract you, it is not the best option because it may not meet your needs.

Therefore, the answer for this question is “meet your needs”.

26 Answer: transcripts
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q26 When you access certificates, try to ensure that

they are a digitised form of the original copy, since
W h e n accessing a document
transcripts are usually poor substitutes for the
from your chosen website, avoid
original.
…… whenever possible,
favouring instead the original
version.

Note

A noun should be filled in this blank as it is behind the verb “avoid”.

We can see the key word “access a document” (synonym with certificates) in the
passage D. The passage indicates that we should not use transcripts, as it is poor
(which means it may not meet the needs of users). This is completely similar to the
idea of the question.

Thus, the answer is “transcripts”.

27 Answer: specialised websites

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q27 Having obtained or accessed, at least, essential

documents, you can then proceed to more
Once you have done the
specialised websites providing military or
essential groundwork to obtain
employment information.
necessary documents to
continue your search, you
require access to more…. This
may require a financial outlay.

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 Note

This blank should be filled with a noun, as it is asking what you require access to more.

Looking at the passage E, we can find the key word “necessary documents”. The
sentence “you require access to more” is paraphrased by “you proceed to more”.
Therefore, “specialised websites” is a noun we are finding.

28 Answer: (good old-fashioned) archives

Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q28 Finally, if websites fail to uncover the

information you are seeking you can always try
Finally, if your research still fails to
good old-fashioned archives.
turn up the information you require,
then it is best to resort to… as a
back-up.

Note

This blank should be filled with a noun as it is behind a verb “resort to”.

The word “finally” in the paragraph G is a signal for us to find the needed information.
The passage advises us to try “good old-fashioned archives” if we can’t manage to find
the information. In parallel, the question also asks this problem. The word “resort to”
means to use something, so this is a synonym with “try” in the passage.

All thing considered, the answer is “(good old- fashioned) archieves.

29 Answer: C
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q29 The potato, together with the eggplant

(aubergine) and tomato, originates from the
Deadly relations
same family as the deadly belladonna (also
known as deadly nightshade) and equally toxic,
henbane. Common to all these plants is the
presence of the lethal toxin solanine, a
neurological poison. Ingestion of the toxin may
lead to paralysis and death. In addition, the
presence of another toxin, tomatine, in potatoes
is similarly potentially deadly

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Note

The key word “deadly” describes something very dangerous and can threaten people’s
lives. Using scanning techniques, we can find the needed information in passage C.

According to paragraph C, there is a correlation (synonym with “relation”) between the

lethal toxin solanine and the potato. “Solanine” means the poison created by various
plants. The word “lethal toxin” and “deadly” has the same meaning. In addition, all the
plants mentioned above had origin from the deadly belladonna, which is equally toxic.
The author also listed some substances that are very poisonous and can lead to death.
(“neurological poison”, “potentially deadly”).

For that reason, the answer is C.

30 Answer: G
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q30 ... with regard to staving off famine and aiding

population increase, that historian W.H. McNeill
The potato as a catalyst for change
has attributed the building of empires to the
humble tuber. The potato, he argues, fuelled the
rise of the West between 1750 and 1950 as
European nations became no longer beholden to
famine and were able to take dominion over
other countries.

Note

The main idea of this question is “potato motivates changes”. “Catalyst” means
something that causes a big change.

After scanning, we can see that the change was described in the paragraph A and G.

However, in the paragraph A, it only talked about people’s attitude towards the potato
had recently changed, didn’t mention potato caused any changes.

In the paragraph G, the author listed a lot of things changed by a potato. It helped to
prevent famine and helped to motivate population. Moreover, it rescued European from
being controlled and had enough food to eat. (“famine” means there isn’t enough food
to supply to citizens).

Thus, the answer is G.

31 Answer: F
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

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Q31 Parmentier’s intervention on behalf of the
humble potato was timely and without doubt
The authorities intervene
ultimately saved millions from starvation. In
fact, it took an edict from the Paris Faculty of
Medicine in 1772, verifying that potatoes were
edible, in addition to the famine of 1785 to bring
the public around.

Note

The key word is “intervene”.

Using scanning techniques, we can find the word “intervention” in passage F similar to
the key word “intervene”. In fact, they are word families, so the needed information will
be in this passage.

“Paris Faculty of Medicine” represents for “authorities”. Besides, “intervene” means to

become involved in a situation to improve it. Obviously, thanks to the intervention of
government, people escaped famine, realized that potatoes can be eaten. Therefore,
intervention of states is proved to have changed this bad situation.

All thing considered, the answer is F.

32 Answer: E
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q32 A French pharmacist named Parmentier is to be

largely credited with the about-face in attitude
Pioneers meet with varied success
towards the potato as a food source in the 17th
century. Parmentier, however, turned public
opinion regarding the tuber by encouraging its
addition to the menus of Louis XVI’s court. So
successful was his personal campaign for the
potato’s introduction that the queen, Marie
Antoinette, enthusiastically adorned her hair
with potato flowers, sparking off a fashionable
trend amongst court circles.

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Note

The key word is “pioneers”, which means the first person to do something.

After scanning, we can see that passage E listed a lot of actions that Parmentier had
done. While people’s attitude towards potato were reluctant to use it for animals,
Parmentier considered potato as the food source to escape the famine in this century.
He was the first person to think that, then he gained various success in turning public
opinions towards potato. As a result, the queen Marie Antoinette used potato flowers as
a trendy fashion in court circles.

All thing considered, the answer is E.

33 Answer: A
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q33 A fashionable adornment, aphrodisiac or cause

of fever, leprosy and widespread famine? The
Prejudices incite public action
p e r c e i v e d attributes of a humble tuber,
otherwise known as the potato, have certainly
varied over historical eras and with shifts in
belief systems. Accordingly, attitudes towards
the potato have ranged from curiosity and
acceptance to fear and suspicion and even
downright hostility

Note

The key word is “prejudice”, which means an unreasonable feeling formed without
enough knowledge.

Looking at the paragraph A, the author listed a lot of symptoms or annoying feelings in
the first sentences. All of this things represent for the word “prejudices” used in the
question.

“Incite” means to encourage public do something (to shift in the attitude of potato in
particular). Therefore, attitudes of people towards potato varied from curiosity to fear
and even hostility.

All thing considered, A is the correct answer.

34 Answer: H
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

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Q34 The over-dependence of European countries on
the potato, arising in a virtual monoculture, led
Unsound agricultural practice brings
to the Irish Famine and mass emigration when
about a demographic shift
crops failed in 1845. Subsequently, increased
knowledge of pesticides and more stringent
controls over crop production have largely
warded off the significant crop failures that were
so devastating in the past.

Note

The key word is “agriculture”. We can find it only in the passage H.

The passage H indicates a virtual monoculture, which means the culture that only grow
one crop and it is no real.

In addition, the authors say that lack of practical knowledge about agriculture results in
the big changes in life of people. It is proven that when they arose virtual monoculture,
they had to face with famine and mass emigration. In contrast, when having enough
knowledge, they could prevent the devastation happening in the past.

All thing considered, H is the correct answer.

35 Answer: D
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q35 As far back as the 16th century, Peruvian

Indians were utilizing such knowledge, dipping
Historical and modern solutions to a
the bitter potatoes in a gravy mix of water and
common problem
clay particles. The latter served to absorb excess
solanine thereby rendering the potato edible.
Nowadays, centuries of crossbreeding between
species has greatly diluted the toxin and its
lethal potential.

Note

The two important words are “historical” and “modern”.

We can easily find the passage talking about both in the past and at the present
(passage D).

The two phrase “16th century” and “Nowadays” are indicating two key words in the
question. Besides, here are 2 solutions listed in the paragraph to create a potato
between the past and the present.

Hence, the answer is D.

36 Answer: acceptance

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 Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q36 Parmentier’s intervention on behalf of the

humble potato was timely and without doubt
Whilst the potato won…with some,
ultimately saved millions from starvation. Public
others reacted with extreme actions
acceptance of the potato, however, initially
of prejudice.
lagged significantly behind that of court circles.

Note

The blank should be filled with a noun as it is behind the verb “won”.

Looking back at the passage F, which was talking about the changes when authorities
intervene, there is a sentence suitable for the main idea of the question. It is said that
while public accepted potato, there were some extreme prejudices for this.

Thus, the word “acceptance” can be filled in this blank.

37 Answer: edible
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q37 There, the potatoes in their natural form are so

toxic that they can only be ingested if
Coming from the same family as its
accompanied by clay particles. The latter served
deadlier counterparts, belladonna
to absorb excess solanine thereby rendering the
and henbane, the potato was
potato edible.
believed to be poisonous and
certainly not….

Note

In this blank, we should find an adjective as it is behind adverb “certainly”.

The key word is “poisonous”, which relates to the word “toxic” in the passage D. It is
said that potato at first cannot be eaten, so the needed word is “edible”.

Hence, the answer is “edible”.

38 Answer: toxin
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q38 Nowadays, centuries of crossbreeding between

species has greatly diluted the toxin and its
Those who did eat potatoes in the
lethal potential.
wild state had to neutralise the
main…

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 Note

The blank should be filled with a noun as there is an adjective (main) before it. After
scanning, we can find the needed information is in the last sentence of passage D.
Because the word “neutralize” is paraphrased by “diluted”, which means to release or
weaker toxic liquid. Thus, we can conclude that “toxin” is the needed word.

All thing considered, the answer is “toxin”.

39 Answer: staple
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q39 Thereafter, the potato became a staple in the

diet of the rich and the poor alike.
Only later did the potato become a…
European foodstuff.

Note

We should find a noun to fill in this question.

In the paragraph F, it is clear to see that potato became a food source of the rich and
the poor, which relates to the phrase “European foodstuff” in the question. Therefore,
we need to find a noun before.

All thing considered, the answer is “staple”.

40 Answer: over-dependence
Keywords in Questions Similar words in Passage

Q40 The over-dependence of European countries on

the potato, arising in a virtual monoculture, led
Unfortunately, … on just one crop
to the Irish Famine and mass emigration when
proved Ireland’s undoing.
crops failed in 1845.

Note

A noun should be filled in this blank as it describes something of Ireland.

In this case, “Ireland” is obviously a key word as it is a name of a nation. We can easily
find this word in the last passage (passage H) because the passage contains the word
“Irish” indicating citizens in this country.

The phrase “on just one crop” is the explanation for the world “monoculture”, so we
have to find a noun before it to fill in the blank. Therefore, “over-dependence” is the
only word suitable.

All thing considered, the answer is “over-dependence”.

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