READING PASSAGE 1

TASK TYPE 1:
TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN
USEFUL STRATEGY 1: IDENTIFYING LOCATING WORDS
What are locating words?
- Keywords & phrases that show you which part of the text contains the information from the questions.
- Locating words are usually words that are difficult to paraphrase, including:
1. a geographical location 5. the name of a product
2. the name of an academic 6. a species of animal or plant
3. the title of a publication 7. a specific nationality
4. the date of a study or survey 9. a historic period, e.g., the 19th century
Task 2. Underline the locating words in the following sentences. Sentence 1 has been done as an example.
1. The breakthrough made by German researchers in 2020 yielded an unexpected result.
2. An article in the New York Herald contained misleading information.
3. Several researchers have questioned the hypothesis proposed by Professor Emily Carter.
4. Dolphins in the Pacific Ocean display similar behavior to those in the Atlantic Ocean.
5. The Tesla Model S was upgraded to improve its battery efficiency.
6. According to a survey with over 5000 respondents, many individuals expressed various opinions on
climate change.
USEFUL STRATEGY 2: PARAPHRASING
To decide whether the statements are True/False/Not given, you’ll need to recognize synonyms and
paraphrases.
Task 3. Look at the statements above again and match the words in bold with an option (A-F) with the
same meaning.

A. This assumption has been debated among experts because...

B. ... altered to enhance its overall performance.
C. ... and the outcome was something nobody had anticipated.
D. ... both species exhibit the same methods of interaction.
E. ... the general public shared a diverse array of perspectives...
F. ... featured claims that were deceptive.

How to get the answer right.

- Identify the locating words and keywords in each statement. (If there are no locating words in one
statement, try to look for those in the statement before or after it. As the questions are in the same order as
the information in the passage, you should locate the right part of the text that contains information on that
statement well. For example, if you can’t find where Q12 is in the text, try locating Q11 or Q13. You know it
must be between these two.)
- Pay careful attention to phrases such as expressions of quantity “some, all, most, little, few”, adverbs
of frequency including “often, occasionally, never, generally, sometimes”, qualifying expressions such as
“much, slightly, a little, far, nearly”, comparison words “the same as, as…as, more than, less than, fewer than”,
time expressions “initially, at first, at the beginning”, and also adverbs and adjectives, which are easy to
paraphrase.
- TRUE: the information in the text agrees exactly with the statement in the question ➔ You should look
for synonyms of keywords in each statement from the text, but it is also important for it to match
meaning.

- FALSE: the information in the text is directly opposite to the statement in the question ➔ Pay close
attention to the meaning of each statement and you may need to be careful with qualifiers.

- NOT GIVEN: no words in the questions are used in the text. Even if you find some of the words from
the question in the text, they simply don’t answer the whole question. You cannot infer the answer
based on your background knowledge if the information is NOT from the text.

TRAINING PRACTICE 1: TRUE/ FALSE/ NOT GIVEN

RESEARCH FINDINGS ON JOB SATISFACTION

Recent studies reveal that cleaners, along with child carers, medical secretaries, hairdressers, and
petrol pump attendants, are among the happiest workers in Britain.
A study involving 35,000 employees discovered that the highest job satisfaction levels were found among
those offering personal services, despite low wages. While there exist highly remunerated professional and
managerial personnel who benefit from exemplary compensation and working conditions, a significant
number of these individuals seem to harbour a profound dissatisfaction with their occupations. Civil servants
find themselves languishing near the bottom of the job satisfaction rankings, with solicitors, along with
numerous engineers and scientists, trailing not far behind.
Michael Rose of Bath University, who spearheaded the study, identified the potential to work part-
time and with minimal inspection as a crucial factor in job satisfaction. While a cleaner’s job might not appeal
to everyone, it possesses unexpected advantages. “You can adjust your hours and aren't constantly
monitored by a supervisor. You can even sit in the boss’s chair and smoke a cigarette if you wish,” he
remarked. Similarly, petrol pump attendants enjoy the option of part-time shifts with relatively little direct
oversight.
One explanation for the high job satisfaction rate among medical secretaries—who top the league
with 75% expressing happiness in their roles—is the sense of "doing something useful." Despite their modest
pay scale of £8,000 - £15,000, playing a key role in the delivery of healthcare provides a deep sense of
fulfilment.
 The study delineates overall satisfaction into two distinct categories: Material satisfaction,
encompassing aspects such as financial remuneration, career advancement, and job security, and Quality
satisfaction, which pertains to the intrinsic nature of the job, interpersonal relations with superiors, and
working hours. Taxation experts and prison officers exhibit high scores in the former category but rank low
in the latter. Conversely, the satisfaction profile for carpenters and ambulance personnel is markedly
different, displaying high levels of Quality satisfaction despite lower scores in Material satisfaction.
The report issues a strong caution regarding the swift proliferation of telephone call centres, observing
that telephone staff exhibit some of the lowest levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, it warns that numerous
positions in the fields of computers and communications also report poor to dismal levels of job satisfaction.

Questions 1-7.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN there is no information on this.
1. Some of the individuals most satisfied with their jobs may receive lower wages. ……
2. Solicitors have a high level of job satisfaction. ……
3. Autonomous work plays a significant role in fostering job satisfaction. ……
4. Medical secretaries typically endure long hours and demanding work conditions. ……
5. Taxation experts have a high level of quality satisfaction. ……
6. The report does not advocate the increase in the number of call centres. ……
7. People working in the computer industry generally enjoy their work. ……
TRAINING PRACTICE 2: TRUE/FALSE/ NOT GIVEN

Venice Carnaval
Venice Carnival, a vibrant and historic celebration, takes place annually in January or February. Renowned
for its enchanting atmosphere, the event transforms the city into a spectacle of masked revelers, who engage
in posing, dancing, and celebrating one of Venice's most cherished traditions. Despite the crowds and higher
costs for accommodation and dining, the carnival offers a unique and captivating experience in this
picturesque city.
The origins of the Venice Carnival date back to the 11th century, when it was first celebrated and spanned
over two months. The festivities included formal parties in St Mark's Square and games for money. During
this period, participants from all social classes would don elaborate costumes and masks, a tradition that
democratized the event by concealing the wearer's identity. The 18th century marked the end of the
carnival's initial run, as it was banned by the Austrian Empire, which controlled Venice at the time. The
carnival did not return until 1979, when it was revived by the Italian government to boost tourism and
preserve Venetian culture.
Today, the Venice Carnival is incredibly popular, attracting visitors from all over the world. People eagerly
dress up in extravagant costumes and ornate masks, parading through the city and participating in various
events, such as masquerade balls, costume contests, and street performances. The carnival has become a
major cultural event, celebrated for its historical significance, artistic expression, and the enchanting
ambiance it brings to Venice.
The weekends are the busiest times at the carnival—the final weekend in particular. During the festivities,
you can enjoy live music and take part in a large open-air festival. Costumes are also a major feature of the
occasion, and there is even a competition to judge the best one. The best costumes are usually displayed at
the centre of carnival festivities, in the breathtaking St Mark's Square. Numerous shops in Venice sell these
costumes and masks in preparation for this great event.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the Venice Carnival, though, is the variety of masked balls and parties
there are to attend. You do have to pay for these, however, and they can be quite costly. One of the most
expensive parties is the Valentine's Grand Masquerade Ball, held on February 14th at the Palazzo Flangini.

Questions 1-7.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN there is no information on this.
1. Before the 20th century, only the rich participated in the carnival.
2. The Venice carnival was banned in the 18th century.
3. The most popular days at the carnival are during the week.
4. None of the festivities take place outside.
5. There are few places in Venice where you can purchase your costume and mask.
6. In order to take part in the costume competition you need to be Italian.
7. The tickets for the Valentine's Grand Masquerade Ball are worth a lot of money.
TRAINING PRACTICE 3: TRUE/FALSE/ NOT GIVEN

MODERN AMERICAN DANCE

The inception of contemporary American dance transpired in the initial years of the twentieth century. In a
rather atypical agreement for academia, dance historians exhibit a striking concordance when pinpointing
the individuals and influences that sculpted the trajectory of modern American dance. From the early 1900s
onward, dancers intentionally distanced themselves from preceding methodologies. This deviation
encompassed a rejection of both the structured movements characteristic of ballet and the entertainment-
focused style of vaudeville. Consequently, dancers embarked on the new century with a novel paradigm. A
seminal figure during this period was Loie Fuller, whose performances predominantly utilized her arms,
potentially due to her limited formal dance training. Fuller prioritized visual aesthetics over narrative content
and was a trailblazer in employing artificial lighting to generate shadow effects during her performances.
Arguably the most pivotal figure in the early years was Isadora Duncan, renowned in both America and
Europe. Duncan eschewed elaborate costumes, opting instead for simple dresses and bare feet. She is also
distinguished for her preference for music by classical composers such as Chopin and Beethoven, as opposed
to contemporary pieces. Concurrently, Ruth St. Denis was infusing American dance with influences from
Eastern cultures, frequently performing solo. In 1915, St. Denis, together with her husband, established a
dance academy with the objective of imparting her unique approach and style to the burgeoning generation
of American dancers.

Questions 1-6
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN there is no information on this.
1. Dance historians are in consensus regarding the evolution of modern American dance.
2. Dancers in the early 1900s predominantly emulated the styles of their predecessors.
3. Loie Fuller expressed a preference for solo performances on stage.
4. Isadora Duncan often wore intricate attire during her dance performances.
5. Criticism was leveled at Isadora Duncan by some dancers for her musical selections.
6. Ruth St. Denis was committed to passing on her style of dance through educational initiatives.
TASK TYPE 2:
NOTE COMPLETION/ SENTENCE COMPLETION/ TABLE COMPLETION

Action plan
1. Look at the instructions and see how many words you must write.
2. Read the questions and underline important words and decide what kind of word(s) you need for the
answer.
3. For note completion and table completion, look at the heading of the notes/table. This will help you find
the information you need in the text.
4. Study the notes carefully and use the locating words to help you find the specific part of the text that you
need to read in detail.
5. Read the relevant part in the text carefully and underline the word(s) you think fits the gap.
6. Write the word(s) in the gaps and read again to make sure they make sense.
NB: Write the actual word(s)/ phrase(s) from the text without changing it in any way to make it fit.
USEFUL STRATEGY: ANTICIPATING POSSIBLE ANSWERS
• Underline important words before and after the space in the notes.
• Identify the kind/type of words that you need in the space.
 • Pay attention to grammar.
Example: 2005: Researchers discovered an ancient (1) ……………………… in the desert.
• Ancient: so, a noun, something old (word form)
• Discovered: so, an object indicating something found (kind of information)
• In the desert: so, it might be a type of artifact or natural object.
• 2005: locating words.
Task 4. Anticipate the answers to the following questions & choose one suitable word from the list to
complete the notes.
Vase, Book, Footprints, Technology, Winter, Birds, Artifacts, Mountain

Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries

• 1890: An explorer found a mysterious (1) ……………………… at the base of a mountain.
• 1901: A team discovered ancient (2) ……………………… along the riverbank.
• 1912: During an expedition in winter, researchers documented various (3) ……………………… native to
the region.
Mid to Late 20th Century
• 1954: A groundbreaking (4) ……………………… was published, detailing the discoveries of the previous
decades.
• 1965: Technological advances allowed for the excavation of hidden (5) ……………………….
• 1980: (6) ……………………… played a crucial role in tracking migratory patterns of wildlife.

TASK TYPE 3.
SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS.
Short-answer questions on IELTS Reading are very similar to sentence completion questions. Again, you
should answer questions with words taken directly from the text. And you’re given a word limit (for example:
write no more than two words).
The only difference is that in sentence completion you obviously have to complete sentences, while in short-
answer questions you may have either to complete sentences or answer questions.
When tackling short-answer questions, you have to pay attention to the word limit. A lot of IELTS test-takers
get caught by the word limit: even if answer is logically correct, but number of words exceeds the limit, it
achieves 0 points.
TASK TYPE 4.
DIAGRAM LABELLING & FLOW-CHART COMPLETION.
Both of these task types require you to understand the organisational structure of one part of a text and are
very much similar to sentence/ note completion questions.
Flow-charts represent a text that outlines a process or series of events, while diagrams represent a text that
describes how something functions.
The requirements for all these tasks are similar.

Action plan
1. Look at the instructions and see how many words you must write.
2. Look at the heading to the diagram or to the flow-chart. This will help you find the information you need
in the text.
3. Read the questions and underline important words and decide what kind of word(s) you need for the
answer.
4. Find the text you need and read it carefully and underline the word(s) you think fits the gap.
5. Write the word(s) in the gaps and read again to make sure they make sense.

TRANING PRACTICE 3.
FLOW CHART COMPLETION – TABLE COMPLETION – SENTENCE COMPLETION
THE GROWING GLOBAL THREAT OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Antibiotics have been one of humanity's success stories for hundreds of years, being responsible both for
saving the lives of millions of patients and for helping scientists to take enormous steps in the fields of medical
and surgical treatment. But this success has come at a price. The growing resistance of many bacterial strains
to the curative effects of antibiotics is such a concern that it has been referred to, in some quarters, as the
greatest threat to our continued existence on Earth. We have become careless, it is argued, not only in our
reliance on the quick fix of medicine if we feel even slightly under the weather but also in taking the
availability of antibiotics for granted, using them incorrectly, and not following the prescribed dosage. This
has given rise to a new form of super bacteria, a type that is able to fight off antibiotic treatment with ease.

Although their resistance to antibiotics has been built up over a long period, bacteria actually replicate
extraordinarily quickly, and any resistance developed is also duplicated as they divide. In addition, those
bacteria carrying resistance genes happen to spread those genes further via 'horizontal gene transfer,' a
process whereby one bacterium passes on the resistance gene to another without even needing to be its
parent. What makes the spread of these strains more difficult to control is that it occurs in a cyclical process.
In the case of humans, when a person becomes infected and the resistant bacteria set up home in the gut,
the sufferer has two choices: look for help or stay at home. In seeking medical assistance, whether through
an appointment to visit their local doctor or taking themselves to a hospital, they contaminate other patients,
later to be discharged and sent home. The resistant bacteria then spread out into the local community. This
is also the end result if the infected person decides not to seek any medical assistance at all: they keep the
bacteria at home and allow them to breed without treatment.

Livestock also play their part in dispersing these newly evolved, bullet-proof microorganisms into the food
chain. These resilient bacteria do not discriminate between man and beast, and so animals play host to the
very same bacteria as are found in humans, with the end result that our farms and abattoirs have become
breeding grounds for inter-species infection. In fact, even after slaughter, these bacteria can easily survive on
animal carcasses, remaining alive and reproducing until the point of purchase and beyond, eventually
invading our systems when we ingest the flesh as infected meat. So, is the answer simply to become a
vegetarian? Sadly not. The very same resistant bacteria will leave a host animal's gut in the form of feces,
which are employed in agriculture as manure to support food crops. From there, the wheat, maize, and corn
that are grown for human consumption transport the bacteria into our bodies. There really is no escape.

That said, there is always something that can be done to try and minimize any risk, however much of a lost
cause it might seem. In 2014, after accumulating data from 114 countries, the World Health Organization
(WHO) issued a set of guidelines intended to tackle the increasing problem of resistance. Doctors and
pharmacists were advised to avoid prescribing and dispensing antibiotics as much and as often as possible.
Only when treatment is utterly necessary should they resort to doing so, while the greatest of care should
be taken to ensure that the antibiotics they provide are the correct ones to treat the illness. In turn, the
general public must play their part by only taking antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor, as well as making sure
they see out the full course, even if they feel better before the antibiotics are finished. Additionally, they
should never share their medication with others or - astonishing as it may seem that this would need to be
stated - buy drugs online.

Away from the individual and onto organizations, the WHO has urged policymakers to invest in laboratory
capacity and research to track increasing drug resistance as it happens, over time. Our leaders and governors
were also advised to ensure that the use of antibiotics is strictly regulated, something that can only be
achieved through cooperation between themselves and the pharmaceutical industry. If innovation in
research were encouraged, and new tools developed, the WHO argued, the threat might yet be contained.
But herein lies the biggest challenge of all. Antibiotic development has slowed down considerably over recent
decades as the pharmaceutical industry becomes ever more governed by profit margins. Since they are used
for a relatively short time, and are often effective in curing the patient, antibiotics are nowhere near as
lucrative as the drugs that treat long-term disorders, such as diabetes or asthma. Because medicines for
chronic conditions are so much more profitable, this is where pharmaceutical companies invest their time
and money. A further stumbling block is the relatively low cost of antibiotics, newer examples of which tend
to cost a maximum of £1,000 to £3,000 per course. When compared with cancer chemotherapy, for example,
a process of treatment that costs tens of thousands of pounds, the discrepancy becomes impossible to mend.

As a race, humans have seen remarkable health benefits over the years as a huge number of illnesses have
been treated by antibiotics, but we now face a global emergency as antibiotic-resistant bacteria are beginning
to emerge more rapidly and frequently than ever before. Not only has this created a potential health crisis,
since we are increasingly unable to provide the sick with treatment as a result of worldwide overuse of these
drugs, but it is also unlikely to be tackled any time soon, as the powerful pharmaceutical companies are
primarily driven by profit and see little benefit in researching and creating new antibiotics. It simply does not
work on the balance sheet, and so it falls to governments and individuals around the world to find ways to
manage the crisis. Coordinating such efforts will not be easy.

Questions 1-7

Complete the flow-chart below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer
Questions 8-11

Complete the table below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

Recommendations from World Health Organization

Medical professionals General public

• Only prescribe antibiotics when there is no
alternative.
• Prescribe or dispense correct treatment on a
case-by-case basis.
Governments/Policymakers
• Give money towards increasing 10 ______ with
which to monitor the continuing development of
resistance to antibiotics.
• Only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
•Take the complete 8 ______
• Avoid 9 ______ purchase of medication.
Pharmaceutical companies
• Co-operate with policymakers to fund new kinds
of research in order to find 11 ______ with which
to fight the threat of antibiotic resistance.

Questions 12-14
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
12. The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria could put a stop to the ______ that have been
enjoyed by humanity.
13. Owing to its _______, antibiotic treatment of people with illnesses is becoming dangerously less
effective.
14. With pharmaceutical companies preoccupied with profit, responsible governments and individuals
must take steps to tackle the ______ themselves.
TRAINING PRACTICE 4.
DIAGRAM LABELLING
For the next ten years, various aspects of Virtual Reality could undergo enormous changes as VR technology
moves towards fully operational and interactive implementation of its potential. The extent to which VR
establishes itself as an integral part of our lives, and how quickly it is likely to transition from niche technology
to common usage throughout society, is currently under discussion. However, many experts believe that VR
may well have become sufficiently developed to become an essential part of life by 2030 (if not sooner).
Currently, over 40 million people own VR headsets, and this figure is expected to double over the next three
years. By 2025, we may reach the point where almost 200 million users own a VR viewing device, the Head
Mounted Display (HMD), commonly known as a VR headset.

The ultimate aim of these headsets is to generate a 360-degree, 3D virtual world, enabling the viewer to enjoy
what they are watching without the physical limits of a TV, computer, or cinema screen. Each headset typically
has two LCD displays, one for each eye, which display images sent by a computer or similar device (via an HDMI
cable) or from a smartphone inserted into the front of the headset. Lenses inside the HMD, positioned
between the user's eyes and the LCD displays, are necessary to correct for the natural differences between
what each human eye simultaneously sees.

These lenses enable two 2D images of the display to be viewed, thus creating a tailored picture for each eye.
These combine to create the illusion of 'real life' in 3D. The HMD also employs 'head tracking', a system that
follows the principles of aircraft flight, tracking three measurements known as pitch, yaw, and roll (movement
along the x, y, and z axes). This means that when the user tilts their head up, down, or to the side, VR adjusts
accordingly, allowing them to perceive their surroundings in all directions.

With such technology in place, one of the most notable sectors in which VR is likely to have far-reaching effects
will be the games industry. In this field, traditional games are currently in development with unprecedented
scope for creativity. Role Playing Games (RPGs), where gamers assume the role of a character from a first-
person viewpoint, navigating through an entirely imagined, graphically rendered world, are not new. However,
VR game designers can enhance this experience by enabling users to immerse themselves fully in the
environment, giving them more control over the narrative flow compared to traditional gaming setups.

Despite this, game designers currently seem more drawn to the untapped potential of new approaches to their
end product. For example, games may shift focus away from requiring motor skills such as swift reflexes or
hand-eye coordination. Instead, the focus may be on enjoying the VR world in a more relaxed manner, with
traditional game mechanics (like accumulating points and progressing through levels) playing a secondary role
alongside the immersive experience.

Questions 1-4.

Label the diagram below.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
EXAM PRACTICE
READING 1
Computer Games: The Early Days of the Video Game Business
It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. In the age of computers, that statement takes
on new meanings. A video game cannot ever really be defeated because, no matter how high the score, it is
always the human who tires first or makes the fatal error. But millions of people continue to play, because
microelectronic technology has enabled game designers to conveniently and inexpensively transform plain
screens into playfields of extraordinary capability. At the same time, a multi-billion-dollar industry has grown
from very humble beginnings in just a few decades.
The technological roots of video games can be traced back to 1962, when an MIT (Massachusetts Institute of
Technology) graduate student demonstrated Spacewar, a science-fiction fantasy game played on a mainframe
computer and a large screen. That game immediately attracted a wide cult following among computer buffs.
The next important step came in 1968, when a console was developed that could be used to play games on
ordinary televisions. But it was not until the early 1970s that a young University of Utah engineer advanced
the adaptation of Spacewar from a large computer into coin-operated form, making it economically feasible
for use in video game arcades. Bushnell and his associates began working on such a machine in a converted
bedroom workshop but were unsuccessful. What they ultimately developed instead was a simple tennis-like
game that they named Pong.
Pong took the industry by storm and quickly became the first coin-operated video game hit. Soon thereafter,
commercial Pong-style home video games also appeared. Yet despite early enthusiasm, consumer interest in
this area proved less sustained than anticipated. As prices started to drop and losses mounted, most of the
early manufacturers withdrew from the field. Profits proved to be just as elusive at Bushnell's company, Atari,
where a rapidly growing market presence in coin-operated machines and home video required greater
injections of capital and more professional management than the company was able to provide. In 1976, the
founders of Atari sold their share of the company for a sum that was only equivalent to their sales in that year.
At that point, coin-operated video games seemed just another passing fad. But the introduction of Space
Invaders, an arcade model produced by Japanese manufacturer Taito, proved otherwise. With its vibrant
graphics, it was so different from the previous black and white games that Space Invaders immediately
captured public interest. There soon followed a rush of popular video games that employed the same or
better hardware and even more imaginative software. Of these, Pac-Man in 1980 was especially significant,
because now females began to take an interest.
By this time, the same software improvements and technological advances (faster microprocessors and larger
memories) that permitted designers to produce spectacular audio and visual effects for coin-operated
machines were also being applied to home video units. It was thus only a short while before the
programmable consoles that had been unpopular for lack of software suddenly began to sell in large numbers.
Consumers had discovered that they could finally play a reasonable version of their favorite arcade games in
the comfort of their own home. The impact on Atari was astounding. Unprofitable for the first three years,
Atari had by the end of 1979 become a success. By either self-designing or licensing the most popular arcade
concepts for cartridge format for use at home, the company had captured some 80 percent of the worldwide
market for home video games.
All of this, however, was too good to last. By late 1982, the public's fascination with arcade games had begun
to slow down, and fewer potential bestsellers were becoming available for conversion to cartridges that could
be used on an Atari machine. At the same time, the market was flooded with illegal software of all types. It
was thus not until the late 1980s that the unstructured nature of the industry, at least on the software side,
had stabilized and become restructured in a manner similar, in many respects, to the book publishing
business.
Until 1986, when Japan-based Nintendo introduced a more technologically sophisticated and user-friendly
game console, the hardware side was also in disarray. But with tight control of software development and
marketing, Nintendo was able to revive and then capture up to 80 percent of a once-again booming market
in which no significant competition appeared until the early 1990s. By that point, the annual operating profits
of Nintendo had already grown to over $1 billion—an amount exceeding the 1991 profits of all the major
Hollywood film studios combined. In 1999, sales of game hardware and software, led by PlayStation, were
equal in size (around $7 billion) to US domestic box-office revenues.
With change the only constant, the game industry has moved on to become what it is today. However, no
matter what the technology or the format, the essence of a successful game will always be the same: it is
simple to understand and to play on an elementary level, but it is compulsive and maddeningly difficult—in
fact, forever impossible—to master fully.
Questions 1-6.
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
A history of video games
1960s
• Spacewar was first played on a computer and special screen.
1970s
• Advances in technology led to cheaper 1. __________ and the possibility of coin-operated video
games.
• The first successful coin-operated video game was 2. __________.
• 3. __________ was bought from its original owners.
• Space Invaders was successful because of its colorful 4. __________.
1980s
• Pac-Man was the first game to attract 5. __________.
1990s
• At first, one company dominated the market.
• By the end of the decade, 6. __________ had become the biggest selling home entertainment
product.
Questions 7-13.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 7-13 on your answer sheet, write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this.
7. Spacewar was unpopular at first.
8. Bushnell and his team failed to create a coin-operated version of Spacewar.
9. From the beginning, the home video game market has been commercially successful.
10. Atari was successful for the first time in 1979.
11. Video arcade game usage continued strongly in the 1980s.
12. The time taken to produce a video game can be compared to producing a book.
13. The qualities needed for a video game to become successful have been researched thoroughly.
READING 2.
THE HISTORY OF AMERICAN ZOOS
Nature on display in American zoos underwent a transformative journey starting with the inauguration of the
inaugural zoo in the United States in Philadelphia in 1874, followed by the Cincinnati Zoo the next year. By
1940, American cities boasted over one hundred zoos, with the Philadelphia Zoo setting a benchmark for
meticulous planning and superior funding that would shape subsequent developments. Embedded within its
landscape and mission—combining education with entertainment—it embodied enduring concepts in zoo
construction that persisted over decades. These institutions emerged during the late nineteenth century,
coinciding with the United States' shift from an agrarian society to an industrial powerhouse.
The nation's population more than doubled between 1860 and 1990, drawing a burgeoning middle class into
urban centres where they sought new connections with nature for leisure, personal growth, and spiritual
rejuvenation. Cities responded by establishing public park systems, bolstering the allure of nature tourism,
which gained further prestige with the establishment of national parks. Nature, once deemed beneficial to
people of all ages and social strata, became a fundamental component of school curricula, while collecting
natural history specimens grew in popularity as a pastime.
Simultaneously, disciplines traditionally grouped under "natural history" evolved into distinct fields such as
taxonomy, experimental embryology, and genetics, each fostering its own cadre of experts and research
frameworks. The ascendancy of laboratory-based research within American university zoology departments
widened the chasm between professional scientists and amateur naturalists, who previously enjoyed broader
accessibility to scientific pursuits. Zoos differentiated themselves from transient animal shows by assuming
roles as educational and scientific institutions alongside recreational venues. They democratized zoological
knowledge at a time when the intellectual divide between amateur naturalists and laboratory-focused
zoologists was deepening, attracting diverse audiences and swiftly becoming a hallmark of progressive urban
centres. They ranked among civic treasures on the same level of significance as art museums, natural history
museums, and botanical gardens.
Most American zoos operated under the auspices of municipal park administrations, reliant on public funding
and offering free admission. They curated extensive collections of mammals and birds, and some reptiles, often
competing to exhibit rare species like rhinoceroses to entice repeat visits. In the ongoing effort to entice the
public to return, certain display types fluctuated in popularity; for instance, numerous zoos constructed special
islands to house their substantial monkey populations. In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration
injected substantial funds into zoo infrastructure nationwide, though animal collections were typically
organized by species in loosely classified enclosures.
While histories of individual zoos depict the 1940s to 1960s as a period of stagnation with instances of neglect,
new zoos continued to emerge across the country. The 1940s and 1950s witnessed the establishment of child-
friendly zoos, some featuring farm animals, while others experimented with novel display arrangements. In
addition to traditional taxonomic groupings, zoos began organizing exhibits by continental origin and specific
habitats such as polar, desert, or forest ecosystems. The 1960s saw a few zoos pioneer behavioural exhibits
like the Bronx Zoo's World of Darkness, showcasing nocturnal animals, even as large cats and primates
remained confined in stark, tiled enclosures reminiscent of bathrooms.
By the 1970s, a wave of reform surged forward, spurred by public movements advocating environmentalism
and animal welfare. Attention sharpened on endangered species and the welfare of animals in substandard
zoo conditions, prompting increased involvement by research scientists and the hiring of full-time
veterinarians. Many zoos previously reliant on municipal support sought private funding and began charging
admission fees. The prosperous 1980s and 1990s ushered in a new era of zoological exhibition, marked by
immersive landscape exhibits, particularly those themed around tropical rainforests, as conservation efforts
assumed primacy in zoo agendas.
Despite their popularity and proliferation by the turn of the twentieth century, American zoos have received
scant attention from historians, perhaps owing to their multifaceted nature and the inherent tensions between
their stated objectives of recreation, education, scientific advancement, and species preservation. Zoos
straddle a complex middle ground bridging science and spectacle, high culture and populism, remote
wilderness and urban landscapes, and the coexistence of wild creatures and city dwellers.
Questions 1-7.
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write:
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. The ideologies underpinning the Philadelphia Zoo swiftly fell out of favor.
2. The inception of zoological gardens coincided with an urbanization trend.
3. In the era of zoo proliferation, natural history gained precedence in universities over other scientific
disciplines.
4. Cities acknowledged that zoos constituted an amenity on par with museums.
5. Between 1940 and 1960, several longstanding zoos necessitated relocation for expansion purposes.
6. Innovative funding mechanisms for zoos emerged during the 1970s.
7. Historians have engaged in significant debate regarding the foundational role of the earliest zoos.
Questions 8-13.
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in blank spaces next to 8-13 on your answer sheet.

Until 1940, more mammals and birds were displayed in zoos compared to 8
• Up to 1940 ………………….
9 …………………….. were once highly favored animals in numerous zoos.

In the 1940s and 1950s, zoos began showcasing animals based on their
• the 1940s and 1950s
10………………………. and where they originated from.

• the 1960s Some zoos categorized animals by 11 ……………………….

 12 ………………………. were taken on following academic concerns about
• the 1970s
animal care.

• the 1980s onwards There was a heightened emphasis on 13………………………

EXTRA READING

SUPERBUGS
Pre-reading
Task 1. You are going read an article about superbugs. Work with a partner and discuss the questions.
a. When you are feeling sick and go to the doctor's office or clinic, do you usually get antibiotics? Why
(not)?
b. Do you always finish all the medication the doctor prescribes even if you are feeling better? Why
(not)?
c. What do you think antibiotics are commonly given to livestock (animals that produce food for
humans?
Task 2. Read the sentences and choose the best definition for the words in bold.
1. The discovery of penicillin and other antibiotics revolutionised the treatment of infectious diseases.
a. made easier.
b. completely changed.
c. made more accessible.
2. The news report presented a grim picture of the public health crisis people are living through.
a. worrying; without hope.
b. dangerous.
c. conflicting, unclear.
3. Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet conditions, so they are more common in summer.
a. live and develop successfully.
b. compete with each other more easily.
c. struggle to survive.
4. Due to the resistance of some bacteria treatment with antibiotics, people can become very sick from
simple infections.
a. increase in cost.
b. change.
c. ability to fight against something.
5. The increase in the number of people with the disease is due to the emergence of new types of the virus.
a. change or growth.
b. being produced or stopped.
c. becoming known or starting to exist.
6. The rise of diseases that cannot be treated with drugs is extremely problematic.
a. expensive and time consuming
b. dangerous to health
 c. full of difficulties that need to be dealt with.
7. Hospitals are introducing more rigorous rules on hygiene to counter the recent increase in bacterial
infections on the wards.
a. defend against.
b. investigate.
c. keep track of.
8. The company has promised to phase out the use of dangerous chemicals in its operations.
a. protect against.
b. end gradually.
c. warn about.
While reading.
1. Read the article and choose the statement that best expresses the main idea of the whole article.
A. Bacteria will always find a way to get around antibiotics.
B. Antibiotics in the food chain have led to the spread of drug resistant bacteria.
C. The misuse of antibiotics is a primary factor in the rise of drug resistant bacteria.
D. Since our strongest antibiotics are powerless against the latest strain of bacteria, we should expect
more outbreaks of dangerous diseases.
2. Read the article again and complete the cause-and-effect chain of drug resistance below.

Post-reading. Vocabulary development

Find the phrases (1-5) in the article. Work out the meaning from the context and match the phrases with
their definitions (a-e).
1. Closely intertwined (paragraph 1) a. Without help
2. in the face of (paragraph 2) b. Linked, related
3. on their own (paragraph 3) c. Gradually happen less often
4. taper off (paragraph 5) d. When every alternative option has failed
5. as a last resort (paragraph 5) e. When threatened with