CAMBRIDGE IELTS 9 – TEST 2 READING
📘 PASSAGE 1: Hearing Problems
Q1. An account of a national policy initiative
Answer: H
Keywords: national policy, government strategy
Explanation:
Paragraph H mentions the New Zealand Disability Strategy, developed by the government. Since it is a formal national plan, it clearly represents a national policy initiative.
Q2. A description of a global team effort
Answer: C
Keywords: international working party, WHO
Explanation:
Paragraph C describes an international working group formed with the World Health Organization. The involvement of multiple countries shows a global team effort.
Q3. A hypothesis as to one reason behind the growth in classroom noise
Answer: B
Keywords: preliminary study, increased activity, noise
Explanation:
Paragraph B explains that modern teaching methods increase classroom activity, which leads to more noise. The phrase “preliminary study” shows this is a possible explanation (hypothesis).
Q4. A demand for suitable worldwide regulations
Answer: I
Keywords: international standards, imperative
Explanation:
Paragraph I states it is “imperative” to create international standards. This shows a clear demand for global regulations.
Q5. A list of medical conditions which place some children more at risk from noise than others
Answer: D
Keywords: hearing impairment, autism, ADHD
Explanation:
Paragraph D lists several conditions (hearing loss, autism, ADHD). These make children more sensitive to noise, so they are at higher risk.
Q6. The estimated proportion of children in New Zealand with auditory problems
Answer: A
Keywords: 6–10%, hearing loss
Explanation:
Paragraph A gives a clear statistic: 6–10% of children are affected. This directly answers the proportion question.
Q7. For what period has hearing loss been studied?
Answer: two decades
Keywords: research duration
Explanation:
The passage states research was conducted “over two decades”, meaning about 20 years.
Q8. What other type of noise upsets children with autism?
Answer: crowd noise
Keywords: autism, distress, noise
Explanation:
Paragraph E explains that crowd noise, along with machinery noise, causes discomfort for autistic children.
Q9. Term for undiagnosed hearing problems
Answer: invisible
Keywords: undiagnosed, invisible disabilities
Explanation:
Paragraph G calls such problems “invisible disabilities”, meaning they are not easily detected.
Q10. Which part of the strategy gives equal opportunity?
Answer: Objective 3
Keywords: equal opportunities, education
Explanation:
Paragraph H explains that Objective 3 aims to improve education and ensure equal learning opportunities.
Q11–12. Factors contributing to classroom noise
Answers: A, C
Keywords: teaching methods, air-conditioning
Explanation:
Paragraph B mentions:
- modern teaching practices → more activity
- ventilation systems (air-conditioning) → noise
Both contribute to classroom noise.
Q13. Writer’s overall purpose
Answer: C
Keywords: awareness, hearing problems
Explanation:
The writer explains causes, effects, and risks of hearing problems. The main aim is to raise awareness, not just give solutions.
PASSAGE 2: Venus in Transit
Q14. Examples of parallax applications
Answer: F
Keywords: parallax measurements, AU
Explanation:
Paragraph F shows how parallax was used to calculate distances, especially Earth–Sun distance, using different observations.
Q15. Event preventing observation
Answer: D
Keywords: clouded view, failed observation
Explanation:
Paragraph D explains that clouds blocked the view, so observation could not be completed.
Q16. Statement about future discoveries
Answer: G
Keywords: future, Earth-like planets
Explanation:
Paragraph G says transit studies may help discover new planets, indicating future scientific progress.
Q17. Physical issues instruments couldn’t overcome
Answer: E
Keywords: atmosphere, distortion
Explanation:
Paragraph E explains that Venus’ atmosphere caused effects (like distortion), making accurate measurement impossible.
Q18. Who calculated distance accurately?
Answer: D (Encke)
Keywords: AU, accuracy
Explanation:
Encke calculated the Astronomical Unit with reasonable accuracy using parallax data.
Q19. Who suggested comparing observations?
Answer: A (Halley)
Keywords: parallax, comparison
Explanation:
Halley proposed observing from different locations to calculate distance using parallax.
Q20. Who explained orbit depends on distance?
Answer: B (Kepler)
Keywords: orbital speed, distance
Explanation:
Kepler showed that planet speed depends on distance from the Sun.
Q21. Who saw transit but failed to calculate?
Answer: C (Le Gentil)
Keywords: failed observation
Explanation:
Le Gentil attempted observation but failed due to cloud interference.
Q22. Halley observed Venus transit
Answer: FALSE
Keywords: predicted, did not see
Explanation:
He predicted the event but died before observing it.
Q23. Le Gentil observed second transit
Answer: FALSE
Keywords: clouds blocked
Explanation:
Clouds again prevented observation.
Q24. Venus appears distorted
Answer: TRUE
Keywords: smeared, black drop
Explanation:
Venus looks distorted (not circular) during transit.
Q25. Venus atmosphere toxic
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Keywords: atmosphere
Explanation:
The passage mentions atmosphere but does not discuss toxicity.
Q26. Parallax measures star distance
Answer: TRUE
Keywords: star distance, parallax
Explanation:
Paragraph F clearly explains parallax can measure distance to stars.
PASSAGE 3: Think Differently
Q27. Neuroeconomics seeks to
Answer: C
Keywords: brain, success
Explanation:
It studies how the brain influences decision-making and success in competitive environments.
Q28. Iconoclasts are distinctive because
Answer: B
Keywords: brain function
Explanation:
They think differently because their brain works differently.
Q29. Brain works efficiently because
Answer: D
Keywords: past experience
Explanation:
The brain uses past experience to process information quickly.
Q30. Perception is
Answer: C
Keywords: brain product
Explanation:
Perception is not reality; it is created by the brain.
Q31. Iconoclastic thinker
Answer: B
Keywords: avoid shortcuts
Explanation:
They avoid common thinking patterns and cognitive shortcuts.
Q32. New experiences change thinking
Answer: YES
Keywords: novelty, new judgments
Explanation:
New experiences force the brain to think differently.
Q33. Iconoclasts accept new experiences
Answer: YES
Keywords: openness
Explanation:
They are highly open to new and different experiences.
Q34. People are too shy to try new things
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Keywords: shyness
Explanation:
The passage mentions avoidance but not shyness.
Q35. Iconoclast thinking removes fear easily
Answer: NO
Keywords: fear barrier
Explanation:
Fear actually prevents iconoclastic thinking.
Q36. Embarrassment reduces fear
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Keywords: embarrassment
Explanation:
No information is provided.
Q37. Public speaking is a disorder
Answer: NO
Keywords: common fear
Explanation:
It is common, so it is not considered a mental illness.
Q38. Iconoclast thinking is difficult because
Answer: A
Keywords: multiple skills
Explanation:
It requires perception + social intelligence, making it difficult.
Q39. Social brain helps because
Answer: B
Keywords: group decisions
Explanation:
It helps understand how groups make decisions.
Q40. Iconoclasts are valuable becauseAnswer: C
Keywords: innovation
Explanation:
They bring creativity and innovation across many fields.