IELTS Reading Sample (Academic) #24
Reading Tip: Scanning
You will need to use different scanning skills in the Reading test. Sometimes, you will be looking for a name, number or title, for example. This is the least difficult task to do successfully, as you will be able to use capital letters, numbers, and italicised words.
Candidates aiming at a higher score should be able to scan a passage for synonyms or full paraphrases of the key words or ideas in a question. It could be that you need to find a single word, but the more difficult questions require you to search for a phrase, or a sentence, that corresponds with those key words or ideas. This requires a greater range of vocabulary and understanding of meaning and suggestion.
Questions 1-4
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The colours used in cave paintings and other early art were made by crushing . However, later artists have generally had to rely on the of the day for their supplies of blue. Among the first examples of the widespread use of blue was in art. Over the centuries, many more attempts to create acceptable blues have been made, some of which have led to significant .
Questions 5-6
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
5What was the main disadvantage in using ultramarine for medieval artists?
6The discovery of Prussian blue was the result of
Questions 7-12
Look at the following notes that have been made about the types of blue described in Reading Passage.
Match each description with a type of blue.
7derived from a scarce natural resource
8specially designed to retain its depth of colour when used in paint
9was cheap to produce but had limited appeal for artists
10made using a technique which is not yet fully understood
11thought to have been produced during another manufacturing process
12came to be manufactured inexpensively in large quantities