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Friday, 24 January 2025

New IELTS Speaking INTRO Topics (Makkar January to April 2025) | MAKKAR NEW CUE CARDS PDF PUBLISHED | MAKKAR JANUARY TO APRIL CUE CARDS PDF FINAL VERSION | LIST OF NEW CUE CARDS

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Hats/Caps

Do you like to wear hats?
Yes, I like to wear hats occasionally, especially during the summer to protect myself from the sun. I also wear them when I want to make a fashion statement.
What kinds of hats do you have?
I have a few casual caps for outdoor activities and a formal hat that I wear to special events.
Where do you like to buy hats?
I usually buy hats from online stores or shopping malls because they offer a variety of designs and colors.
Is wearing hats popular in your country?
Not particularly. People here mostly wear hats in summer or while traveling to protect themselves from the sun.

Borrowing/Lending

How do you feel when people don’t return things they borrowed from you?
I feel a bit disappointed when this happens, especially if it’s something valuable or sentimental. I believe in trust, so it’s upsetting when people don’t return things.
Do you like to lend things to others?
Yes, I don’t mind lending things to my close friends and family, but I expect them to return them promptly.
Have you ever borrowed money from others?
Yes, I borrowed some money from my brother once when I had to buy a gift but didn’t have enough cash at the time.
Have you borrowed books from others?
Yes, I often borrow books from my friends because they have great collections. I always make sure to return them on time.

Colors

What color makes you uncomfortable in your room?
Bright neon colors like lime green or fluorescent yellow make me uncomfortable as they are too harsh on the eyes.
What colors do your friends like most?
My friends usually like neutral colors such as black, white, and beige, as they are versatile and easy to match.
What is the color you dislike? Why?
I dislike brown because it feels dull and uninspiring to me.
What's your favorite color?
My favorite color is blue because it feels calming and reminds me of the ocean and sky.

Hobby

Do you have the same hobbies as your family members?
Not really. My family members enjoy gardening, while I’m more interested in photography.
Do you have a hobby that you've had since childhood?
Yes, I’ve been drawing since I was a child. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed.
Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?
As a child, I loved collecting stamps and playing outdoor games with my friends.
Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I enjoy reading novels and taking nature photographs during my free time.

Swimming

What's the difference between swimming in the pool and swimming in the sea?
Swimming in a pool is more controlled and safe, while swimming in the sea is adventurous but requires extra caution due to waves and currents.
Where do people in your country like to go swimming?
People here usually go swimming in public pools or at beaches during vacations.
Is it difficult to learn how to swim?
It can be challenging at first, but with proper guidance and practice, it becomes easier.
Do you like swimming?
Yes, I enjoy swimming because it’s both refreshing and a great form of exercise.

What kind of advertising do you like?
I like creative advertisements that tell a story or make me laugh. For example, some festive ads are quite heartwarming.
Do you like advertisements?
I don’t mind advertisements if they’re relevant or entertaining. However, I dislike excessive or intrusive ads.
Do you see a lot of advertising on trains or other transport?
Yes, advertisements are common on public transport, especially for local events and products.
Is there an advertisement that made an impression on you when you were a child?
Yes, there was a chocolate ad that I loved as a child because it was catchy and fun.

Feeling Bored

Do you often feel bored?
Not very often, but I do feel bored when I have nothing productive or interesting to do.
When would you feel bored?
I feel bored during long waits, like at airports or when I am stuck in traffic.
What do you do when you feel bored?
I usually listen to music, watch videos, or read something online to pass the time.

Friends

Would you invite friends to your home?
Yes, I often invite friends over, especially on weekends. We enjoy talking, playing games, and having meals together.
Do you prefer to spend time with one friend or with a group of friends?
I prefer spending time with a close friend because it’s more personal and allows deeper conversations.
Do you have a friend you have known for a long time?
Yes, I have a childhood friend whom I’ve known for over ten years. We still share a close bond.
What do you usually do with your friends?
We usually go out for coffee, watch movies, or play outdoor games like badminton.
Where do you often meet each other?
We often meet at parks, cafes, or sometimes at each other’s houses.
Do you often go out with your friends?
Yes, we try to meet at least once or twice a week, depending on our schedules.
How important are friends to you?
Friends are extremely important as they provide emotional support, companionship, and make life enjoyable.

Books and Reading Habits

Which do you prefer, reading books or watching movies?
I prefer reading books because they allow me to imagine the story in my own way.
Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a movie?
Yes, I read Harry Potter before watching the movies. The books were much more detailed and immersive.
Are your reading habits now different than before?
Yes, earlier I used to read paperbacks, but now I mostly read e-books on my tablet.
Do you often read books? When?
Yes, I like to read before going to bed. It helps me relax.
Do you read more or less now than when you were younger?
I read less now because of my busy schedule, but I still try to make time for it.

Evening Time

What do you hate doing in the evening?
I dislike doing household chores in the evening because it feels tiring after a long day.
Do you like the morning or evening?
I like evenings because they give me time to relax and unwind after work or study.
What do you usually do in the evening?
I usually go for a walk, spend time with my family, or watch TV in the evening.
What did you do in the evening when you were little? Why?
When I was little, I used to play outdoor games with friends in the evening. It was fun and kept me active.
Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you did in the past?
Yes, now I spend more time indoors because of work commitments, whereas earlier, I used to play outside a lot.

Sitting Down

Do you find it easy to fall asleep when sitting on a sofa?
Yes, I find it easy to doze off on a sofa, especially if I am tired and the sofa is comfortable.
When you were a kid, did you usually sit on the floor?
Yes, I often sat on the floor to play games or do homework because it was a common practice at home.
Do you feel sleepy when you are sitting down?
Yes, if I’ve had a long day or eaten a heavy meal, I tend to feel sleepy while sitting down.
Do you always sit down for a long time?
No, I try to take breaks and stretch if I’ve been sitting for too long, especially while studying or working.
Where is your favorite place to sit?
My favorite place to sit is on my balcony because I enjoy the fresh air and the view.

Computers

In what conditions would it be difficult for you to use a computer?
It’s difficult to use a computer when there’s no internet connection or when the power goes out.
What would your life be like without computers?
Life would be much harder without computers because they make work, communication, and entertainment so convenient.
When was the first time you used a computer?
I used a computer for the first time when I was in the 5th grade for a school project.
In what conditions would you use a computer?
I use a computer mostly for studying, working on assignments, and watching movies.

Old Buildings

Have you ever seen some old buildings in the city?
Yes, I’ve seen many old buildings in my city, such as heritage sites and historical forts.
Do you think we should preserve old buildings in cities?
Yes, they are an important part of our history and cultural identity, so preserving them is essential.
Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house?
I prefer living in a modern house because it has better facilities and comfort.
Are there any old buildings you want to see in the future? Why?
Yes, I would like to visit the Taj Mahal because it is a symbol of love and an architectural marvel.

Collecting Things

Have you ever collected anything as a hobby?
Yes, I used to collect stamps when I was younger. I loved finding stamps from different countries.
What things are popular for people to collect in your country?
In my country, people often collect coins, postcards, and even cricket memorabilia like autographs.
Why do people like collecting things?
I think people enjoy collecting things because it gives them a sense of accomplishment and nostalgia.
Do you think collecting things is a good habit?
Yes, it’s a great way to learn about history and culture, but it should be done in moderation to avoid clutter.

Art/Drawing

Do you like art?
Yes, I enjoy looking at art, especially abstract paintings, as they inspire me to think creatively.
Have you ever drawn something as a hobby?
Yes, I used to draw landscapes as a hobby during my school days, and I still sketch occasionally.
What kind of art do you like to see?
I like to see modern art and street art because they often convey unique and bold ideas.
Is art important in schools?
Yes, art is important as it helps students express themselves and boosts their creativity.

Talents

Do you have any talents?
Yes, I think I’m good at singing. It’s something I’ve been passionate about since childhood.
Do you think people are born talented, or can they develop talent?
I believe both are possible. Some people are born with natural abilities, but practice and dedication can also help develop talent.
Have you ever tried to learn a new talent?
Yes, I tried to learn playing the guitar last year. It was challenging but very rewarding.
What kind of talents are appreciated in your country?
In my country, talents like singing, dancing, and sports are highly appreciated.

Watch

Do you wear a watch every day?
No, I don’t wear a watch daily since I usually check the time on my mobile phone.
Why do some people not wear watches?
I think many people find it unnecessary because smartphones have replaced the need for watches.
Do you think watches are useful in modern times?
Yes, they are still useful, especially for professionals or during formal occasions as they add a touch of style.
Have you ever received a watch as a gift?
Yes, my parents gifted me a watch on my birthday, and it’s one of my favorite accessories.

Taking Photos

Do you like taking photos?
Yes, I love taking photos, especially of nature and special moments with friends and family.
When was the last time you took a photo?
I took a photo yesterday of the beautiful sunset from my balcony.
Do you prefer taking photos of people or places?
I prefer taking photos of places because they tell stories and bring back memories.
Do you think photography is an important skill?
Yes, it’s an important skill as it helps capture moments creatively and can also be a professional career.

Cars

Do you like cars?
Yes, I like cars and enjoy learning about the latest models and technologies.
What is your dream car?
My dream car is a Tesla because it’s eco-friendly and has advanced features.
How important are cars in your daily life?
Cars are very important for commuting, especially in areas where public transport is not easily accessible.
Do you prefer driving or using public transport?
I prefer driving because it’s more convenient and allows flexibility in travel.

Lost and Found

Have you ever lost something important?
Yes, I once lost my wallet during a trip, and it was very stressful because it had all my cards and cash.
What did you do when you lost it?
I immediately retraced my steps and informed the staff at the places I had visited.
Did someone return it to you?
Yes, luckily, someone found it and handed it over to the mall’s lost-and-found office.
How can people avoid losing things?
People can avoid losing things by being organized and keeping their belongings in designated places.

Websites

What kind of websites do you visit often?
I frequently visit educational websites, social media platforms, and online shopping sites.
Do you think all websites are trustworthy?
No, not all websites are trustworthy. It’s important to verify the source and look for secure connections.
Have you ever learned something from a website?
Yes, I have learned photography tips and recipes from YouTube and other tutorial websites.
Do you prefer using apps or websites?
I prefer apps for their convenience, but I use websites when I need more detailed information.

Street Market

Do you like shopping at street markets?
Yes, I love shopping at street markets because they have unique items at affordable prices.
What do you usually buy at street markets?
I usually buy accessories, clothes, and handicrafts from street markets.
How are street markets different from malls?
Street markets are open-air and have a local charm, while malls are more organized and expensive.
Are street markets common in your country?
Yes, street markets are very common in my country and are popular for their vibrant atmosphere.

Mobile Phones

How often do you use your mobile phone?
I use my mobile phone daily for communication, studying, and entertainment.
What do you usually use your mobile phone for?
I use it for messaging, browsing the internet, and watching videos.
Do you think people are too dependent on their mobile phones?
Yes, many people are overly dependent on mobile phones, which can be harmful if not balanced.
How do you feel when your phone battery runs out?
I feel frustrated, especially if I am outside and don’t have access to a charger.

Time Management

How do you manage your time during the day?
I make a to-do list every morning and prioritize my tasks to stay organized.
Do you plan your day in advance?
Yes, I plan my day in advance to ensure I make the best use of my time.
How do you feel when things don’t go as planned?
I feel stressed, but I try to adapt and make up for the lost time.
Is time management an important skill?
Yes, it’s a crucial skill that helps in achieving goals and reducing unnecessary stress.

Sports Programs

Do you like watching sports programs on TV?
Yes, I enjoy watching cricket and football matches on TV with my family.
Have you ever watched a live sports game in a stadium?
Yes, I once watched a cricket match in a stadium, and the atmosphere was electrifying.
Do you prefer watching sports alone or with friends?
I prefer watching sports with friends because it’s more fun and engaging.
What kinds of sports do you like to watch?
I like to watch cricket, tennis, and sometimes basketball.

Thursday, 23 January 2025

NEW CUE CARDS FOR JANUARY TO APRIL 2025 FINAL VERSION | MAKKAR NEW CUE CARDS PDF PUBLISHED | MAKKAR JANUARY TO APRIL CUE CARDS PDF FINAL VERSION | LIST OF NEW CUE CARDS

Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test: Jan-Apr 2025 Cue Cards

The latest IELTS Speaking cue cards for Jan-Apr 2025 offer a diverse range of topics, from personal experiences like a promise you made or a crowded place you visited to broader discussions on a job useful to society or an invention that changed the world. These thought-provoking prompts are designed to test your fluency, coherence, and vocabulary. This guide will help you approach these topics with confidence and clarity.

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Describe a foreign country you would like to visit in the future.
Describe a rule that is important in your school or at work.
Describe an area/subject of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn more about.
Describe a time you made a promise to someone.
Describe a line (or a few words) that you remember from a poem or song.
Describe an important decision that you made.
Describe a time when you helped a child.
Describe something you received for free.
Describe a person who contributes to society.
Describe an energetic person that you know.
Describe a job that is useful to society.
Describe a place you have been to and would like to recommend others to live there (not your hometown).
Describe a time that something changed your life in good ways.
Describe a countryside area that you have been to.
Describe an invention that is useful in your daily life.
Describe a difficult decision that you made and had a good result.
Describe a time when someone asked for your opinion.
Describe a time you used your cellphone/smartphone to do something important.
Describe a way/change that helps you save a lot of time.
Describe a friend you like to talk with.
Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic jam.
Describe a quiet place you like to go.
Describe something that surprised you and made you happy.
Describe a family member who you want to work with in the future.
Describe a job that one of your grandparents did.
Describe something you do to keep fit and healthy.
Describe an occasion that you lost something in public.
Describe a special day out that cost you little money/didn't cost you much.
Describe a contest/competition you would like to participate in.
Describe something you do that can help you concentrate on work/study.
Describe a traditional product in your country.
Describe an invention that has changed the world in a positive way.
Describe a time you were very busy.
Describe a popular/well-known person in your country.
Describe an occasion when someone gave you positive advice or suggestions about your work/study.
Describe an interesting neighbor.
Describe an important event you celebrated.
Describe an ambition that you haven't achieved.
Describe a time when you organized a happy event successfully.
Describe a skill that you learned from older people.
Describe a long walk you ever had.
Describe something that you can't live without (not a computer/phone).
Describe a person you only met once recently and want to know more about.
Describe a course that impressed you a lot.
Describe something that was broken in your home and then repaired.
Describe someone you really like to spend time with.
Describe a special cake you received from others.
Describe an interesting song.
Describe an interesting discussion you had with your friend.
Describe a thing you did to learn another language.
Describe a person who you follow on social media.
Describe a rule you dislike and would like to change in the future.
Describe an item of clothing that someone gave you.
Describe a city that you think is very interesting/famous.
Describe a time you visited a new place.
Describe a story someone told you and you remember.
Describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend.
Describe a toy you liked in your childhood.
Describe an important river/lake in your country.
Describe an old person you know who has had an interesting life.
Describe a time when you received good service in a shop/store.
Describe a positive change that you have made recently in your daily routine.
Describe a place in a village that you visited.
Describe a person you know who has chosen a career in the medical field (e.g., a doctor, a nurse).
Describe a person who likes to read a lot.
Describe a time when you lost an important and valuable item.
Describe a time when you answered a phone call from someone you didn’t know in a public place.
Describe your favorite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country.
Describe a party that you enjoyed.
Describe a movie you watched recently.
Describe an occasion when you helped a family member/relative with something.
Describe a person who likes to make things by hand (e.g., toys, furniture).
Describe a time that you showed something new to others.
Describe an online video in which you learned something new.
Describe a person who has strong opinions.
Describe a prize you have received recently (e.g., money, something valuable, a medal).
Describe a crowded place you have visited.
Describe a challenge you faced that you thought was rather difficult.
Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay (e.g., a house, an apartment).
Describe an old friend you had lost touch with and got in contact with again.
Describe something you did in your study/work that has made you feel confident.
Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (e.g., a library, museum, theater).
Describe a public park or garden.
Describe a place in your hometown/city that is different from other places and that you enjoy visiting with your parents/friends.
Describe a person from whom others like to ask for advice.
Describe a place in your city where you have been to see wildlife (e.g., animals, birds, insects, plants).
Describe someone else’s room you enjoy spending time in.
Describe a new development in your country or the area where you live (e.g., shopping center, park).
Describe something you did that made you feel proud.
Describe a picture/photograph of you that you like.
Describe something that you did with someone/a group of people.
Describe someone (a famous person) that is a role model for young people.
Describe a subject that you would like to learn in the future.
Describe a natural place (e.g., parks, mountains).
Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result.
Describe someone you know who made a good decision recently.
Describe a place where you have taken photos more than once.
Describe something you would like to learn in the future.
Describe a public facility (e.g., a museum or library) that has been renovated and improved recently.
Describe a daily routine that you enjoy.
Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted.
Describe a historical building you have been to.
Describe a person you met at a party and enjoyed a conversation with.
Describe your favorite place in your house where you can relax.
Describe a time when you missed or were late for an important meeting/event.
Describe an occasion you wore your favorite clothes.
Describe a park or a garden in your city.
Describe a person who always has interesting ideas or opinions.
Describe a place where there was a lot of noise (or a noisy place you have been to).
Describe something you taught to your friend/relative.

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Elephant communication | Actual exam reading pdf | Past exam ielts reading pdf | 25 January ielts reading pdf for free | 21 January 2025 ielts reading pdf for free

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40 which are based on Reading

Passage 3 below.

Elephant communication

postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, O’Connell-Rodwell has come to Namibia’s

premiere wildlife sanctuary to explore the mysterious and complex world of elephant

communication. She and her colleagues are part of a scientific revolution that began

nearly two decades ago with the stunning revelation that elephants communicate over

long distances using low-frequency sounds, also called infrasounds, that are too deep to

be heard by most humans.

s might be expected, the African elephant’s ability to sense seismic sound may begin in

the ears. The hammer bone of the elephant’s inner ear is proportionally very large for a

mammal, buy typical for animals that use vibrational signals. It may, therefore, be a sign

that elephants can communicate with seismic sounds. Also, the elephant and its relative

the manatee are unique among mammals in having reverted to a reptilian-like cochlear

structure in the inner ear. The cochlea of reptiles facilitates a keen sensitivity to

vibrations and may do the same in elephants.

But other aspects of elephant anatomy also support that ability. First, their enormous

bodies, which allow them to generate low-frequency sounds almost as powerful as those

of a jet takeoff, provide ideal frames for receiving ground vibrations and conducting

them to the inner ear. Second, the elephant’s toe bones rest on a fatty pad that might

help focus vibrations from the ground into the bone. Finally, the elephant’s enormous

brain lies in the cranial cavity behind the eyes in line with the auditory canal. The front

of the skull is riddled with sinus cavities that may function as resonating chambers for

vibrations from the ground.

ow the elephants sense these vibrations is still unknown, but O’Connell-Rodwell who

just earned a graduate degree in entomology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa,

suspects the pachyderms are “listening” with their trunks and feet. The trunk may be the

most versatile appendage in nature. Its uses include drinking, bathing, smelling, feeding

and scratching. Both trunk and feet contain two kinds of pressure-sensitive nerve

endings – one that detects infrasonic vibrations and another that responds to vibrations

with slightly higher frequencies. For O’Connell-Rodwell, the future of the research is

boundless and unpredictable: “Our work is really at the interface of geophysics,

neurophysiology and ecology,” she says. “We’re asking questions that no one has really

dealt with before.”

Scientists have long known that seismic communication is common in small animals,

including spiders, scorpions, insects and a number of vertebrate species such as whitelipped

frogs, blind mole rats, kangaroo rats and golden moles. They also have found

evidence of seismic sensitivity in elephant seals – 2-ton marine mammals that are not

related to elephants. But O’Connell-Rodwell was the first to suggest that a large land

animal also in sending and receiving seismic messages. O’Connell-Rodwell noticed

something about the freezing behavior of Etosha’s six-ton bulls that reminded her of the

tiny insects back in her lab. “I did my masters thesis on seismic communication in

planthoppers,” she says. “I’d put a male planthopper on a stem and playback a female

call, and the male would do the same thing the elephants were doing: He would freeze,

then press down on his legs, go forward a little bit, then freeze again. It was just so

fascinating to me, and it’s what got me to think, maybe there’s something else going on

other than acoustic communication.”

Scientists have determined that an elephant’s ability to communicate over long

distances is essential for its survival, particularly in a place like Etosha, where more than

2,400 savanna elephants range over an area larger than New Jersey. The difficulty of

finding a mate in this vast wilderness is compounded by elephant reproductive biology.

Females breed only when in estrus – a period of sexual arousal that occurs every two

years and lasts just a few days. “Females in estrus make these very low, long calls that

bulls home in on, because it’s such a rare event,” O’Connell-Rodwell says. These

powerful estrus calls carry more than two miles in the air and maybe accompanied by

long-distance seismic signals, she adds. Breeding herds also use low-frequency

vocalizations to warn of predators. Adult bulls and cows have no enemies, except for

humans, but young elephants are susceptible to attacks by lions and hyenas. When a

predator appears, older members of the herd emit intense warning calls that prompt the

rest of the herd to clump together for protection, then flee. In 1994, O’Connell-Rodwell

recorded the dramatic cries of a breeding herd threatened by lions at Mushara. “The

elephants got really scared, and the matriarch made these very powerful warning calls,

and then the herd took off screaming and trumpeting,” she recalls. “Since then, every

time we’ve played that particular call at the water hole, we get the same response – the

elephants take off.”

Reacting to a warning call played in the air is one thing, but could the elephants detect

calls transmitted only through the ground? To find out, the research team in 2002

devised an experiment using electronic equipment that allowed them to send signals

through the ground at Mushara. The results of our 2002 study showed us that elephants

do indeed detect warning calls played through the ground,” O’Connell-Rodwell

observes. “We expected them to clump up into tight groups and leave the area, and

that’s in fact what they did. But since we only played back one type of call, we couldn’t

really say whether they were interpreting it correctly. Maybe they thought it was a

vehicle or something strange instead of a predator warning.”

An experiment last year was designed to solve that problem by using three different

recordings – the 1994 warning call from Mushara, an anti-predator call recorded by

scientist Joyce Poole in Kenya and an artificial warble tone. Although still analyzing data

from this experiment, O’Connell-Rodwell is able to make a few preliminary

observations: “The data I’ve seen so far suggest that the elephants were responding as I

had expected. When the ’94 warning call was played back, they tended to clump together

and leave the water hole sooner. But what’s really interesting is that the unfamiliar antipredator

call from Kenya also caused them to clump up, get nervous and aggressively

rumble – but they didn’t necessarily leave. I didn’t think it was going to be that clear

cut.”

Questions 14-17

Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage

Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the Reading Passage for each

answer.

Write your answers in boxes 14-17 on your answer sheet.

Questions 18-24

Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage.

Using NO MORE THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER from the Reading Passage for

each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 18-24 on your answer sheet.

How the elephants sense these sound vibrations is still unknown, but O’Connell-

Rodwell, a fresh graduate in entomology at the University of Hawaii, proposes that the elephants are “listening” with their 18………………….., by two kinds of nerve endings – that responds to vibrations with both 19………………….. frequency and slightly higher frequencies. O’Connell-Rodwell work is at the combination of geophysics, neurophysiology and 20…………………….,” and it also was the first to indicate that a large land animal also is sending and receiving 21……………………., O’Connell-Rodwell noticed the freezing behavior by putting a male planthopper communicative approach other than 22……………………….” Scientists have determined that an elephant’s ability to communicate over long distances is essential, especially, when elephant herds are finding a 23…………………….., or are warning of predators. Finally, the results of our 2002 study showed us that elephants can detect warning calls played through the 24……………………..”

Questions 25-26

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

Write your answers in boxes 25-26 on your answer sheet.

25 According to the passage, it is determined that an elephant need to communicate

over long distances for its survival

A When a threatening predator appears.

B When young elephants meet humans.

C When older members of the herd want to flee from the group.

D When a male elephant is in estrus.

26 What is the author’s attitude toward the experiment by using three different

recordings in the paragraph:

A the outcome is definitely out of the original expectation

B the data cannot be very clearly obtained

C the result can be somewhat undecided or inaccurate

D the result can be unfamiliar to the public

Mammoth kill 2 | Actual exam reading pdf | Past exam ielts reading pdf | 25 January ielts reading pdf for free | 21 January 2025 ielts reading pdf for free

READING PASSAGE 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13 which are based on Reading

Passage 2 below.

Mammoth kill 2

Mammoth is any species of the extinct genus Mammuthus, proboscideans commonly

equipped with long, curved tusks and, in northern species, a covering of long hair.

They lived from the Pliocene epoch from around 5 million years ago, into the Holocene

at about 4,500 years ago and were members of the family Elephantidae, which

contains, along with mammoths, the two genera of modern elephants and their

ancestors.

Like their modern relatives, mammoths were quite large. The largest known species

reached heights in the region of 4 m at the shoulder and weighs up to 8 tonnes, while

exceptionally large males may have exceeded 12 tonnes. However, most species of

mammoth were only about as large as a modern Asian elephant. Both sexes bore tusks.

A first, small set appeared at about the age of six months and these were replaced at

about 18 months by the permanent set. Growth of the permanent set was at a rate of

about 1 to 6 inches per year. Based on studies of their close relatives, the modern

elephants, mammoths probably had a gestation period of 22 months, resulting in a

single calf being born. Their social structure was probably the same as that of African

and Asian elephants, with females living in herds headed by a matriarch, whilst bulls

lived solitary lives or formed loose groups after sexual maturity.

MEXICO CITY – Although it’s hard to imagine in this age of urban sprawl and

automobiles, North America once belonged to mammoths, camels, ground sloths as

large as cows, bear-sized beavers and other formidable beasts. Some 11,000 years ago,

however, these large-bodied mammals and others – about 70 species in all –

disappeared. Their demise coincided roughly with the arrival of humans in the New

World and dramatic climatic change – factors that have inspired several theories about

the die-off. Yet despite decades of scientific investigation, the exact cause remains a

mystery. Now new findings offer support to one of these controversial hypotheses: that

human hunting drove this megafaunal menagerie to extinction. The overkill model

emerged in the 1960s when it was put forth by Paul S. Martin of the University of

Arizona. Since then, critics have charged that no evidence exists to support the idea that

the first Americans hunted to the extent necessary to cause these extinctions. But at the

annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in Mexico City last October,

paleoecologist John Alroy of the University of California at Santa Barbara argued that,

in fact, hunting- driven extinction is not only plausible, but it was only unavoidable. He

has determined, using a computer simulation, that even a very modest amount of

hunting would have wiped these animals out.

Assuming an initial human population of 100 people that grew no more than 2 percent

annually, Alroy determined that if each band of, say, 50 people killed 15 to 20 large

mammals a year, humans could have eliminated the animal populations within 1,000

years. Large mammals, in particular, would have been vulnerable to the pressure

because they have longer gestation periods than smaller mammals and they’re young

require extended care.

Not everyone agrees with Alroy’s assessment. For one, the results depend in part on

population-size estimates for the extinct animals – figures that are not necessarily

reliable. But a more specific criticism comes from mammalogist Ross D. E. MacPhee of

the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, who points out that the

relevant archaeological record contains barely a dozen examples of stone points

embedded in mammoth bones (and none, it should be noted, are known from other

megafaunal remains) – hardly what one might expect if hunting drove these animals to

extinction. Furthermore, some of these species had huge ranges – the giant Jefferson’s

ground sloth, for example, lived as far north as the Yukon and as far south as Mexico –

which would have made slaughtering them in numbers sufficient to cause their

extinction rather implausible, he says.

Macphee agrees that humans most likely brought about these extinctions (as well as

others around the world that coincided with human arrival), but not directly. Rather he

suggests that people may have introduced hyper lethal disease, perhaps through their

dogs or hitchhiking vermin, which then spread wildly among the immunologically naive

species of the New World. As in the overkill model, populations of large mammals would

have a harder time recovering. Repeated outbreaks of a hyper disease could thus quickly

drive them to the point of no return. So far MacPhee does not have empirical evidence

for the hyper disease hypotheses, and it won’t be easy to come by hyper lethal disease

would kill far too quickly to leave its signature on the bones themselves. But he hopes

that analyses of tissue and DNA from the last mammoths to perish will eventually reveal

murderous microbes.

F The third explanation for what brought on this North American extinction does not

involve human beings. Instead, its proponents blame the loss on the water. The

Pleistocene epoch witnessed considerable climatic instability, explains palaeontologist

Russell W. Graham of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. As a result, certain

habitats disappeared, and species that had once formed communities split apart. For

some animals, this change brought opportunity. For much of the megafauna, however,

the increasingly homogeneous environment left them with shrinking geographical

ranges – a death sentence for large animals, which need large ranges. Although these

creatures managed to maintain viable populations through most of the Pleistocene, the

final major fluctuation – the so-called Younger Dryas event – pushed them over the

edge, Graham says. For his part, Alroy is convinced that human hunters demolished the

titans of the Ice Age. The overkill model explains everything the disease and climate

scenarios explain, he asserts, and makes accurate predictions about which species would

eventually go extinct. “Personally, I’m a vegetarian,” he remarks, “and I find all of this

kind of gross – but believable.”

Questions 1-7

Summary

Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage

Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the Reading Passage for each

answer.

Write your answers in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.

The reason why dad big size mammals become extinct 11,000 years ago is under hot

debate. The first explanation is that 1……………………….. of human-made it happen. This

so-called 2………………………. began from the 1960s suggested by an expert, who however

received criticism of lack of further information. Another assumption promoted by

MacPhee is that deadly 3…………………….. from human causes their demises. However,

his hypothesis required more 4…………………….. to testify its validity. Graham proposed a

third hypothesis that 5…………………….. in Pleistocene epoch drove some species

disappear, reduced 6……………………… posed a dangerous signal to these giants,

and 7………………………. finally wiped them out.

Question 8-13

Use the information in the passage to match the people (listed A-C) with opinions or

deeds below.

Write the appropriate letters A-C in boxes 21-26 on your answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once

A John Alroy

B Ross D. E. MacPhee

C Russell W. Graham

8 Human hunting well explained which species would finally disappear.

9 Further grounded proof needed to explain human’s indirect impact on mammals.

10 Overhunting situation has caused die-out of large mammals.

11 Illness rather than hunting caused extensive extinction.

12 Double raised through the study of several fossil records.

13 Climate shift is the main reason for extinction.

READING PASSAGE 1: Mammoth Kill

Mammoth is any species of the extinct genus Mammuthus, proboscideans commonly equipped with long, curved tusks and, in northern species, a covering of long hair. They lived from the Pliocene epoch from around 5 million years ago into the Holocene at about 4,500 years ago and were members of the family Elephantidae, which contains, along with mammoths, the two genera of modern elephants and their ancestors.

Paragraph A

Like their modern relatives, mammoths were quite large. The largest known species reached heights in the region of 4 m at the shoulder and weighed up to 8 tonnes, while exceptionally large males may have exceeded 12 tonnes. However, most species of mammoth were only about as large as a modern Asian elephant. Both sexes bore tusks. A first, small set appeared at about the age of six months, and these were replaced at about 18 months by the permanent set. Growth of the permanent set was at a rate of about 1 to 6 inches per year. Based on studies of their close relatives, the modern elephants, mammoths probably had a gestation period of 22 months, resulting in a single calf being born. Their social structure was probably the same as that of African and Asian elephants, with females living in herds headed by a matriarch, whilst bulls lived solitary lives or formed loose groups after sexual maturity.

Paragraph B

MEXICO CITY – Although it’s hard to imagine in this age of urban sprawl and automobiles, North America once belonged to mammoths, camels, ground sloths as large as cows, bear-sized beavers, and other formidable beasts. Some 11,000 years ago, however, these large-bodied mammals and others – about 70 species in all – disappeared. Their demise coincided roughly with the arrival of humans in the New World and dramatic climatic change – factors that have inspired several theories about the die-off. Yet despite decades of scientific investigation, the exact cause remains a mystery. Now new findings offer support to one of these controversial hypotheses: that human hunting drove this megafaunal menagerie to extinction. The overkill model emerged in the 1960s when it was put forth by Paul S. Martin of the University of Arizona. Since then, critics have charged that no evidence exists to support the idea that the first Americans hunted to the extent necessary to cause these extinctions. But at the annual meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology in Mexico City last October, paleoecologist John Alroy of the University of California at Santa Barbara argued that, in fact, hunting-driven extinction is not only plausible but unavoidable. He has determined, using a computer simulation, that even a very modest amount of hunting would have wiped these animals out.

Paragraph C

Assuming an initial human population of 100 people that grew no more than 2 percent annually, Alroy determined that if each band of, say, 50 people killed 15 to 20 large mammals a year, humans could have eliminated the animal populations within 1,000 years. Large mammals, in particular, would have been vulnerable to the pressure because they have longer gestation periods than smaller mammals and their young require extended care.

Paragraph D

Not everyone agrees with Alroy’s assessment. For one, the results depend in part on population-size estimates for the extinct animals – figures that are not necessarily reliable. But a more specific criticism comes from mammalogist Ross D. E. MacPhee of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, who points out that the relevant archaeological record contains barely a dozen examples of stone points embedded in mammoth bones (and none, it should be noted, are known from other megafaunal remains) – hardly what one might expect if hunting drove these animals to extinction. Furthermore, some of these species had huge ranges – the giant Jefferson’s ground sloth, for example, lived as far north as the Yukon and as far south as Mexico – which would have made slaughtering them in numbers sufficient to cause their extinction rather implausible, he says.

Paragraph E

MacPhee agrees that humans most likely brought about these extinctions (as well as others around the world that coincided with human arrival), but not directly. Rather, he suggests that people may have introduced hyperlethal disease, perhaps through their dogs or hitchhiking vermin, which then spread wildly among the immunologically naïve species of the New World. As in the overkill model, populations of large mammals would have a harder time recovering. Repeated outbreaks of a hyperdisease could thus quickly drive them to the point of no return. So far, MacPhee does not have empirical evidence for the hyperdisease hypothesis, and it won’t be easy to come by – hyperlethal disease would kill far too quickly to leave its signature on the bones themselves. But he hopes that analyses of tissue and DNA from the last mammoths to perish will eventually reveal murderous microbes.

Paragraph F

The third explanation for what brought on this North American extinction does not involve human beings. Instead, its proponents blame the loss on the water. The Pleistocene epoch witnessed considerable climatic instability, explains palaeontologist Russell W. Graham of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. As a result, certain habitats disappeared, and species that had once formed communities split apart. For some animals, this change brought opportunity. For much of the megafauna, however, the increasingly homogeneous environment left them with shrinking geographical ranges – a death sentence for large animals, which need large ranges. Although these creatures managed to maintain viable populations through most of the Pleistocene, the final major fluctuation – the so-called Younger Dryas event – pushed them over the edge, Graham says. For his part, Alroy is convinced that human hunters demolished the titans of the Ice Age. The overkill model explains everything the disease and climate scenarios explain, he asserts, and makes accurate predictions about which species would eventually go extinct. “Personally, I’m a vegetarian,” he remarks, “and I find all of this kind of gross – but believable.”

Answers and Explanations

Questions 1-7 (Summary Completion)

Arrival of humans
Location: Paragraph B
Explanation: It is stated that the demise of large mammals coincided with the arrival of humans in the New World.
Overkill model
Location: Paragraph B
Explanation: The term "overkill model" is introduced in Paragraph B as the theory proposed by Paul S. Martin in the 1960s.
Deadly disease
Location: Paragraph E
Explanation: MacPhee suggests that deadly diseases introduced by humans could have caused the extinctions.
Empirical evidence
Location: Paragraph E
Explanation: MacPhee acknowledges the lack of empirical evidence to support the hyperdisease hypothesis.
Climate change
Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Graham argues that climatic instability during the Pleistocene epoch caused habitat changes, leading to extinction.
Geographical ranges
Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Graham mentions that shrinking geographical ranges posed a significant challenge to large mammals.
Younger Dryas event
Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Graham highlights the Younger Dryas event as the final major fluctuation that pushed species over the edge.

Questions 8-13 (Matching Opinions/Deeds)

A (John Alroy)
Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Alroy claims the overkill model can accurately predict which species would eventually go extinct.
B (Ross D. E. MacPhee)
Location: Paragraph E
Explanation: MacPhee believes more empirical evidence is needed to support the hyperdisease hypothesis.
A (John Alroy)
Location: Paragraph B
Explanation: Alroy's computer simulations show that even modest hunting could have caused the extinction of large mammals.
B (Ross D. E. MacPhee)
Location: Paragraph E
Explanation: MacPhee suggests that disease, rather than hunting, caused the extinction of large mammals.
B (Ross D. E. MacPhee)
Location: Paragraph D
Explanation: MacPhee highlights the lack of fossil evidence, such as stone points in mammoth bones, to support the overkill hypothesis.
C (Russell W. Graham)
Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Graham attributes the extinction to climate change during the Pleistocene epoch.

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

The Secrets of Persuasion | Actual exam reading pdf | Past exam ielts reading pdf | 25 January ielts reading pdf for free | 21 January 2025 ielts reading pdf for free

Passage 3 The Secrets of Persuasion

SECTION 3

READING PASSAGE 3

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 28-40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.

The Secrets of Persuasion

Our mother may have told you the secret to getting what you ask for was to say please. The reality is rather more surprising. Adam Dudding talks to a psychologist who has made a life’s work from the science of persuasion. Some scientists peer at things through high-powered microscopes. Others goad rats through mazes, or mix bubbling fluids in glass beakers. Robert Cialdini, for his part, does curious things with towels, and believes that by doing so he is discovering important insights into how society works.

Cialdini’s towel experiments (more of them later), are part of his research into how we persuade others to say yes. He wants to know why some people have a knack for bending the will of others, be it a telephone cold-caller talking to you about timeshares, or a parent whose children are compliant even without threats of extreme violence. While he’s anxious not to be seen as the man who’s written the bible for snake-oil salesmen, for decades the Arizona State University social psychology professor has been creating systems for the principles and methods of persuasion, and writing bestsellers about them. Some people seem to be born with the skills; Cialdini’s claim is that by applying a little science, even those of us who aren’t should be able to get our own way more often. “All my life I’ve been an easy mark for the blandishment of salespeople and fundraisers and I’d always wondered why they could get me to buy things I didn’t want and give to causes I hadn’t heard of,” says Cialdini on the phone from London, where his is plugging his latest book.

He found that laboratory experiments on the psychology of persuasion were telling only part of the story, so he began to research influence in the real world, enrolling in sales-training programmes: “I learnt how to sell automobiles from a lot, how to sell insurance from an office, how to sell encyclopedias door to door.” He concluded there were six general “principles of influence” and has since put them to the test under slightly more scientific conditions. Most recently, that has meant messing about with towels. Many hotels leave a little card in each bathroom asking guests to reuse towels and thus conserve water and electricity and reduce pollution. Cialdini and his colleagues wanted to test the relative effectiveness of different words on those cards. Would guests be motivated to co-operate simply because it would help save the planet, or were other factors more compelling? To test this, the researchers changed the card’s message from an environmental one to the simple (and truthful) statement that the majority of guests at the hotel had reused their towel at least once. Guests given this message were 26% more likely to reuse their towels than those given the old message. In Cialdini’s book “Yes! 50 Secrets from the Science of Persuasion”, co-written with another social scientist and a business consultant, he explains that guests were responding to the persuasive force of “social proof”, the idea that our decisions are strongly influenced by what we believe other people like us are doing.

So much for towels. Cialdini has also learnt a lot from confectionery. Yes! Cites the work of New Jersey behavioural scientist David Strohmetz, who wanted to see how restaurant patrons would respond to a ridiculously small favour from their food server, in the form of an after-dinner chocolate for each diner. The secret, it seems, is in how you give the chocolate. When the chocolates arrived in a heap with the bill, tips went up a miserly 3% compared to when no chocolate was given. But when the chocolates were dropped individually in front of each diner, tips went up 14%. The scientific breakthrough, though, came when the waitress gave each diner one chocolate, headed away from the table then doubled back to give them one more each, as if such generosity had only just occurred to her. Tips went up 23%. This is “reciprocity” in action: we want to return favours done to us, often without bothering to calculate the relative value of what is being received and given.

Geeling Ng, operations manager at Auckland’s Soul Bar, says she’s never heard of Kiwi waiting staff using such a cynical trick, not least because New Zealand tipping culture is so different from that of the US: “If you did that in New Zealand, as diners were leaving they’d say ‘can we have some more?” ‘ But she certainly understands the general principle of reciprocity. The way to a diner’s heart is “to give them something they’re not expecting in the way of service. It might be something as small as leaving a mint on their plate, or it might be remembering that last time they were in they wanted their water with no ice and no lemon. “In America it would translate in to an instant tip. In New Zealand it translates into a huge smile and thank you.” And no doubt, return visits.

THE FIVE PRINCIPLES OF PERSUASION

Reciprocity: People want to give back to those who have given to them. The trick here is to get in first. That’s why charities put a crummy pen inside a mailout, and why smiling women in supermarkets hand out dollops of free food. Scarcity: People want more of things they can have less of. Advertisers ruthlessly exploit scarcity (“limit four per customer”, “sale must end soon”), and Cialdini suggests parents do too: “Kids want things that are less available, so say ‘this is an unusual opportunity; you can only have this for a certain time’.”

Authority: We trust people who know what they’re talking about. So inform people honestly of your credentials before you set out to influence them. “You’d be surprised how many people fail to do that,” says Cialdini. “They feel it’s impolite to talk about their expertise.” In one study, therapists whose patients wouldn’t do their exercises were advised to display their qualification certificates prominently. They did, and experienced an immediate leap in patient compliance.

Commitment/consistency: We want to act in a way that is consistent with the commitments we have already made. Exploit this to get a higher sign-up rate when soliciting charitable donations. First ask workmates if they think they will sponsor you on your egg-and-spoon marathon. Later, return with the sponsorship form to those who said yes and remind them of their earlier commitment.

Linking: We say yes more often to people we like. Obvious enough, but reasons for “linking” can be weird. In one study, people were sent survey forms and asked to return them to a named researcher. When the researcher gave a fake name resembling that of the subject (eg, Cynthia Johnson is sent a survey by “Cindy Johansen”), surveys were twice as likely to be completed. We favour people who resemble us, even if the resemblance is as minor as the sound of their name.

Social proof: We decide what to do by looking around to see what others just like us are doing. Useful for parents, says Cialdini. “Find groups of children who are behaving in a way that you would like your child to, because the child looks to the side, rather than at you.” More perniciously, social proof is the force underpinning the competitive materialism of “keeping up with the Joneses”

Questions 28-31

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

28 The main purpose of Cialdini’s research of writing is to

A explain the reason way researcher should investigate in person

B explore the secret that why some people become the famous sales person

C help people to sale products

D prove maybe there is a science in the psychology of persuasion

29 Which of statement is CORRECT according to Cialdini’s research methodology

A he checked data in a lot of latest books

B he conducted this experiment in laboratory

C he interviewed and contract with many sales people

D he made lot phone calls collecting what he wants to know

30 Which of the following is CORRECT according to towel experiment in the passage?

A Different hotel guests act in a different response

B Most guests act by idea of environment preservation

C more customers tend to cooperate as the message requires than simply act environmentally

D people tend to follow the hotel’s original message more

31 Which of the following is CORRECT according to the candy shop experiment in the passage?

A Presenting way affects diner’s tips

B Regular customer gives tips more than irregulars

C People give tips only when offered chocolate

D Chocolate with bill got higher tips

Questions 32-35

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 3?

In boxes 32-35 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement is true

FALSE if the statement is false

NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage

32 Robert Cialdini experienced “principles of influence” himself in realistic life.

33 Principle of persuasion has different types in different countries.

34 In New Zealand, people tend to give tips to attendants after being served a chocolate.

35 Elder generation of New Zealand is easily attracted by extra service of restaurants by principle of reciprocity.

Questions 36-40

Use the information in the passage to match the category (listed A-E) with correct description below.

Write the appropriate letters A-E in boxes 36-40 on answer sheet.

NB You may use any letter more than once.

A Reciprocity of scarcity

B Authority

C previous comment

D Linking

36 Some expert may reveal qualification in front of clients.

37 Parents tend to say something that other kids are doing the same.

38 Advertisers ruthlessly exploit the limitation of chances.

39 Use a familiar name in a survey.

40 Ask colleagues to offer a helping hand

Reasons for Answers with Locations in the Passage

28. D

Location: Paragraph B
Cialdini’s main purpose is to study the science of persuasion and understand why some people are better at influencing others. The text mentions, "Cialdini’s claim is that by applying a little science, even those of us who aren’t should be able to get our own way more often." This aligns with option D: proving there is science in the psychology of persuasion.

29. C

Location: Paragraph C
The passage states, "He began to research influence in the real world, enrolling in sales-training programmes: ‘I learned how to sell automobiles from a lot, how to sell insurance from an office, how to sell encyclopedias door to door.’" This confirms that he engaged directly with salespeople, making C the correct answer.

30. C

Location: Paragraph C
The towel experiment found that people were more likely to reuse towels when told that the majority of guests had done so. The passage explains, "Guests given this message were 26% more likely to reuse their towels than those given the old message." This shows that people responded more positively to the revised message than the original environmental one, confirming C.

31. A

Location: Paragraph D
The passage describes how diners tipped more depending on how the chocolates were presented, especially when they were given with apparent thoughtfulness. It states, "Tips went up 23%," showing that the presentation significantly affected tipping behavior. Hence, A is correct.

32. TRUE

Location: Paragraph C
Cialdini mentions, "All my life I’ve been an easy mark for the blandishments of salespeople," and he enrolled in sales training to experience these principles in real life. This supports the statement.

33. NOT GIVEN

Location: Not directly mentioned in the text.
The passage discusses reciprocity in the context of New Zealand and the US but does not specify that the principles of persuasion vary between countries.

34. FALSE

Location: Paragraph E
The passage notes, "In New Zealand, it translates into a huge smile and thank you." This indicates that New Zealand diners generally do not tip after being given chocolates, making the statement false.

35. NOT GIVEN

Location: Not directly mentioned in the text.
While the passage discusses reciprocity and the effect of small gestures on diners, it does not mention how the elder generation in New Zealand responds.

36. B

Location: Paragraph G
"Therapists whose patients wouldn’t do their exercises were advised to display their qualification certificates prominently." This demonstrates the principle of authority.

37. E

Location: Paragraph J
The principle of social proof is described as "we decide what to do by looking around to see what others just like us are doing." Parents encouraging children to imitate other kids fit this principle.

38. A

Location: Paragraph F
"Advertisers ruthlessly exploit scarcity (‘limit four per customer’, ‘sale must end soon’)." This aligns with the principle of scarcity.

39. D

Location: Paragraph I
The passage states, "We favor people who resemble us, even if the resemblance is as minor as the sound of their name." Using familiar names in surveys applies the principle of linking.

40. C

Location: Paragraph H
"First ask workmates if they think they will sponsor you... Later, return... and remind them of their earlier commitment." This aligns with the principle of commitment/consistency.

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