Alexander Henderson Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Mar 07, 2025, 06:33

This page contains the complete passage, different question types, and answers for Alexander Henderson’s reading passage. 

 

This passage often appears in the IELTS reading test. Look at the blog for more IELTS reading practice test question types like note completion, true/false/not given, and matching features. It will help you develop your reading skills as a student.

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1. Alexander Henderson Reading Answers Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on Alexander Henderson Reading Answers Passage below.

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2. Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Sample Questions.

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3. Check Out 10 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Practising with IELTS reading Practice test questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS Reading section.

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1.

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers Passage 

 

Paragraph 1: Born in Scotland, Henderson emigrated to Canada in 1855 and became a popular landscape photographer. Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1831 and is the son of a successful businessman. His grandfather, also known as Alexander, founded the family business and later became the first chairman of the National Bank of Scotland. The family-owned vast land in Scotland. In addition to its residence in Edinburgh, the Press Estate owned 650 acres of agricultural land about 35 miles southeast of the city. The family usually stayed at Press Castle, the large mansion on the northern edge of the property, and Alexander spent most of his childhood in the area, playing on the beach near Eyemouth or fishing in nearby streams.

 

Paragraph 2: After attending school at Murcheston Academy in the suburbs of Edinburgh, Henderson returned to print on weekends. In 1849, he started three years of training to become an accountant. Although he never wanted the opportunity of a business career, he was with it to make his family happy. However, in October 1855, he and his wife, Agnes Elder Robertson, emigrated to Canada, where they settled in Montreal.

 

Paragraph 3: Henderson studied photography in Montreal in 1857 and quickly took it up as an avid amateur. He turned into a personal friend and colleague of the Scottish-Canadian photographer William Notman. The two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860 and, in 1865, collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light. They belonged to the same associations and were one of the founding partners of the Montreal Arts Association. Henderson presided over the first meeting of the Society on January 11, 1860, at Notman Studios.

 

Paragraph 4: Despite their friendship, their photography style is completely different. Although Notman’s landscapes are noted for their bold realism, Henderson created romantic images during the first 20 years of his career, which show a strong influence on the British landscape heritage. His artistic and technological advancement was quick and in 1865 he published his first large collection of landscape photographs. The publication was in low circulation and was called Canadian Views and Studies. The contents of each copy vary considerably and have proven to be an effective source for estimating Henderson’s early work.

 

Paragraph 5: In 1866, he abandoned his business to open a photo studio, promoting himself as a portrait and landscape photographer. From about 1870 he abandoned portraits to specialize in landscape photography and other scenes. His countless photographs of city life exposed in street scenes, houses, and markets are alive with human activities, and although his favored subject is landscape, he often draws his scenes around human motives such as farming the land and cutting ice on the river or travel on a forest stream. There was a lot of demand for these types of scenes and other scenes depicting the timber trade, steamboats, and waterfalls. Before the late 1880s, there was little competitive entertainment or amateur photography because of the weight of time-consuming methods and equipment involved. People liked to purchase photos as souvenirs or gifts for a trip, and in order to feed this market, Henderson kept stock photos in his studio for mounting, framing, or adding to albums.

 

Paragraph 6: Henderson exhibited his photographs frequently in Montreal and abroad, in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris, New York, and Philadelphia. He was most successful in New York in 1877 and 1878 when he won first prizes at an exhibition hosted by E and H T Anthony & Company for landscapes using the Lambertype process. His work won second prize at the 1878 World’s Fair in Paris.

 

Paragraph 7: During the 1890s and 1880s, Henderson journeyed extensively throughout Quebec and Ontario, Canada, documenting the main cities of the two regions and several villages in Quebec. He was particularly fond of nature and often travelled by canoe on the Blanche, du Livre, and other mentioned eastern rivers. He travelled several times to the Maritimes, sailing in 1872 on the north bank of the St. Lawrence River. That same year, while in the lower reaches of the St. Lawrence River, he took some photographs of the construction of the Colonial Railway. This initiative led the Railway Authority to register major structures on the nearly completed track connecting Montreal with Halifax in 1875. Commissions were followed by other railways. In 1876, he photographed bridges in Quebec, Montreal, and Ottawa, and the Occidental Railway between Montreal and Ottawa. In 1885, he sailed west along Rogers Pass in British Columbia via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), where he captured photographs of the mountains and the advancement of construction.

 

Paragraph 8: In 1892, Henderson took a full-time position with CPR as manager of a photography department, which he was to set up and manage. His responsibilities include spending four months in the field each year. That summer, he made his second voyage west, taking a detailed photo of the railroad up to Victoria. He continued in this position until 1897 when he fully retired from photography. He restarted in this position until 1897, when he fully retired from photography.

 

Paragraph 9: When Henderson died in 1913, his large glass negative collection was kept in the basement of his home. Today, collections of his works are housed in the National Archives of Canada and the McCart Museum of Canadian History in Ottawa and Montreal.

2.

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Sample Questions.

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Complete the notes below.
  • Write the correct solution on your answer sheet
  • Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

 

Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1 ___________
 

Alexander, Henderson’s grandfather, became the first 2 _____________ of the National Bank of Scotland
 

Press Estate owned 3 ___________ acres of agricultural land about 4 ___________ miles southeast of the city. 
 

In 1849, Henderson started three years of training to become an 5 ___________
 

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

Type of Question: Sentence Completion
 

In Sentence Completion tasks, you are required to complete sentences using words or phrases from the reading passage. The instructions may specify a word limit (e.g., "No more than TWO words").

 

How to Best Answer:

 

  • Read the Instructions Carefully: Pay attention to the word limit and other guidelines to avoid losing marks.
  • Scan for Keywords: Identify keywords in the incomplete sentence and locate them in the passage.
  • Match the Context: Ensure the word(s) you choose fit grammatically and contextually.
  • Use Exact Words: Copy the answers exactly from the passage without changing the form.
  • Check Your Spelling: Spelling mistakes will result in incorrect answers, so review your work carefully.
     
1. 1831

 

Reference: Paragraph 1: Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1831 and is the son of a successful businessman.

 

Explanation: Paragraph 1 mentions that Alexander Henderson was born in Scotland in 1831 and also specifies that he was the son of a successful businessman.

 

2. Chairman

 

Reference: Paragraph 1: His grandfather, also known as Alexander, founded the family business and later became the first chairman of the National Bank of Scotland.

 

Explanation: The paragraph states that his grandfather, Alexander, founded the family business. It is also mentioned that he became the first chairman of the National Bank of Scotland.

 

3. 650

 

Reference: Paragraph 1: The family-owned vast land in Scotland. In addition to its residence in Edinburgh, the Press Estate owned 650 acres of agricultural land about 35 miles southeast of the city.

 

Explanation: The paragraph mentions that the family-owned vast land in Scotland. It also states that in addition to its residence in Edinburgh, 650 acres of agricultural land about 35 miles southeast of the city were owned by the Press Estate.
 

4. 35

 

Reference: Paragraph 1: The family-owned vast land in Scotland. In addition to its residence in Edinburgh, the Press Estate owned 650 acres of agricultural land about 35 miles southeast of the city.

 

Explanation: The paragraph mentions that the family-owned vast land in Scotland. It also states that in addition to its residence in Edinburgh, 650 acres of agricultural land about 35 miles southeast of the city were owned by the Press Estate.

 

5. Accountant

 

Reference: Paragraph 2: After attending school at Murcheston Academy in the suburbs of Edinburgh, Henderson returned to print on weekends. In 1849, he started three years of training to become an accountant.

 

Explanation: The paragraph indicates that after attending school at Murcheston Academy in the suburbs of Edinburgh, Henderson returned to print on weekends. It also specifies that he started three years of training to become an accountant in 1849.

 

You can practice more reading answers on the IELTS Reading Practice Test page.

Questions and Answers 6-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Alexander Henderson Reading Answer Passage?
In boxes 6-9 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 about this.

 

6. Henderson and his wife, Agnes Elder Robertson, emigrated to Canada, where they settled in Montreal, In October 1865.

 

7. The three men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860, and in 1855 collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light.

 

8. Henderson presided over the first meeting of the Society on January 11, 1860, at Notman Studios.

 

9. Henderson and Notman were stunned by the outcomes of their 1865 experimentation.

 

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)

 

Type of question: True, False & Not Given

 

In the IELTS Reading section, "True, False & Not Given" questions require you to identify whether the information presented in the statement agrees with the passage (True), contradicts the passage (False), or is not mentioned at all (Not Given). This question type assesses your ability to locate and interpret explicit and implicit details within the text.

 

How to Best Answer:

 

  • Read the Statement Carefully: Pay close attention to every word. Small differences in wording can change the meaning significantly.
  • Locate the Relevant Section: Skim the passage to find the part where the information is discussed. Be mindful of synonyms and paraphrasing.
  • Match the Information: Compare the statement with the passage.
    • If the information directly matches, select True.
    • If the information contradicts the passage, select False.
    • If the information is not mentioned or cannot be inferred, select Not Given.
  • Avoid Assumptions: Base your answer solely on the information in the passage. Do not use your own knowledge or logical guesses.
  • Check for Traps: Be wary of qualifiers (e.g., "always," "some," "never") that can alter the meaning. Ensure you understand the scope of the statement before choosing an answer.

 

6. False

 

Reference: Paragraph 3: The two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860 and, in 1865, collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light. They belonged to the same associations and were one of the founding partners of the Montreal Arts Association.

 

Explanation: The paragraph states that the two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860. It also mentions that they collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light in 1865. It is also indicated that they belonged to the same associations and were one of the founding partners of the Montreal Arts Association. Therefore, it proves that the information is not provided in paragraph 3, and the given statement is False

 

7. False

 

Reference: Paragraph 3: The two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860 and, in 1865, collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light.

 

Explanation: The paragraph states that the two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860. It also mentions that they collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light in 1865. Therefore, the given statement is False

 

8. True

 

Reference: Paragraph 3: Henderson presided over the first meeting of the Society on January 11, 1860, at Notman Studios.

 

Explanation: The given lines mention that Henderson presided over the first meeting of the Society on January 11, 1860, at Notman Studios. Therefore, the statement issued is True.

 

9. Not Given

 

Reference: Paragraph 3: The two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860, and in 1865 collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light. They belonged to the same associations and were one of the founding partners of the Montreal Arts Association.

 

Explanation: The paragraph states that the two men made a photographic excursion to Niagara Falls in 1860. It also mentions that they collaborated on experiments with magnesium flares as a source of artificial light in 1865. It is also indicated that they belonged to the same associations and were one of the founding partners of the Montreal Arts Association. Therefore, the given statement is not given.

 

Learn about IELTS Reading Vocabulary here! 

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Look at the following year and the list of events below.
  • Match each event with the correct year and write properly on your answer sheet.
  • Note – You may use any answer more than once.

 

A. 1870

B. 1865

C. 1885

D. 1866

 

10. He published his first large collection of landscape photographs.

11. Henderson abandoned his business to open a photo studio, promoting himself as a portrait and landscape photographer.

12. He abandoned portraits to specialize in landscape photography and other scenes.

13. He sailed west along Rogers Pass in British Columbia via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).

 

Alexander Henderson Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13) 

 

Type of Question: Matching Features


Matching Features questions require you to connect specific pieces of information with the correct option from a provided list. This tests your ability to identify and interpret key details, recognise similarities and differences, and link ideas across the passage.

 

How to Best Answer Matching Features Questions
 

  • Read the Instructions Carefully: Ensure you understand whether options can be used once or multiple times.
  • Skim the Passage First: Get a general sense of the text before diving into specific questions.
  • Identify Keywords: Focus on names, dates, events, and other unique markers in the statements and options.
  • Scan for Specific Information: Locate where each statement is discussed in the passage by matching keywords or their synonyms.
  • Use Process of Elimination: If you’re unsure, rule out options that clearly do not fit.
  • Check for Paraphrasing: Be mindful that the language in the question may differ from the passage—look for similar meanings.
  • Review Your Answers: Ensure your matches are consistent with the information provided in the text.

 

10. B - 1865

 

Reference: Paragraph 4: His artistic and technological advancement was quick, and in 1865, he published his first large collection of landscape photographs.

 

Explanation: The paragraph mentions that his artistic and technological advancement was quick, and in 1865, he published his first extensive collection of landscape photographs.

 

11. D - 1866

 

Reference: Paragraph 5: In 1866, he abandoned his business to open a photo studio, promoting himself as a portrait and landscape photographer. 

 

Explanation: The paragraph mentions that in 1866, he abandoned his business to open a photo studio, promoting himself as a portrait and landscape photographer. 

 

12. A - 1870

 

Reference: Paragraph 5: From about 1870, he abandoned portraits to specialise in landscape photography and other scenes.
 

Explanation: The paragraph states that in 1870, he abandoned portraits to specialise in landscape photography and other scenes.

 

13. C - 1885

 

Reference: Paragraph 7: In 1885, he sailed west along Rogers Pass in British Columbia via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), where he captured photographs of the mountains and the advancement of construction.
 

Explanation: The paragraph states that he sailed west along Rogers Pass in British Columbia via the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1885. It also mentions that he captured photographs of the mountains and the advancement of construction.

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FAQs

Q. What is the ‘Alexander Henderson’ IELTS Reading passage about?

Ans. The Alexander Henderson IELTS Reading passage typically focuses on the life, career, and contributions of Alexander Henderson. It may discuss his background, achievements, and the historical context of his work. The passage is used to assess your ability to locate and interpret key information.

Q. What types of questions can I expect in the ‘Alexander Henderson’ passage?

Ans. You may encounter a variety of question types, including:

  • Matching Features: Linking information to people or events.
  • True/False/Not Given: Identifying factual accuracy.
  • Multiple Choice: Selecting the correct option based on the passage.
  • Sentence Completion: Fill in missing information using words from the passage.
Q. How should I approach the Matching Features questions?

Ans. The approach to answering the questions of the matching features is as follows:

  • Understand the task: Carefully read the instructions to know whether an option can be used once or multiple times.
  • Identify keywords: Look for unique details like dates, names, or specific terms.
  • Scan the passage: Locate relevant sections by matching keywords or their synonyms.
  • Use the process of elimination: Rule out options that do not fit the context.
Q. Are the answers always in the same order as the questions?

Ans. Not necessarily. While some question types follow the order of the passage, Matching feature questions often require you to jump between different sections of the text. Be prepared to scan the entire passage.

Q. What if I cannot find an exact match for a feature?

Ans. Look for paraphrased information. IELTS passages often rephrase ideas, so focus on the meaning rather than an exact word match.

Q. How can I improve my accuracy in Matching Features questions?

Ans. the ways to improve answering the matching feature questions is as follows:

  • Practise regularly: Familiarise yourself with this question type through sample tests.
  • Develop scanning skills: Quickly locate and interpret key information.
  • Check your work: Ensure your answers align with the passage’s details.
Q. Do I have to read the whole passage for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Reading the whole chapter may take time, especially if you are pressed for time. Focusing on the specific information you need to answer the questions quickly and adequately skim through the passage is usually easier. It’s good to read, but don’t miss the details. You should read some questions more carefully to find the correct answer.

Q. Can I use my own words when answering questions on the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You can use your own words when you answer questions on the IELTS Reading test. But it’s essential to ensure that your answer matches the information in the text exactly. You can show that you understand the piece by paraphrasing and summarising it. The more you practise, the better you’ll get at the test style. Use practice tests to get used to different kinds of questions.

Q. Can I look back at the texts during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. On the IELTS Reading test, you can look back at the readings while you answer the questions. You will be given the questions and answers to find the information you need for each quickly. If you aren’t sure about an answer, cross out the ones you know are wrong. It makes picking the right one more likely.