You must identify key information, understand the main ideas, recognise the writer’s purpose, and make inferences. The test consists of 40 questions you must answer within 60 minutes. The questions are based on three increasingly difficult passages covering various topics.
Key highlights of the reading section include understanding the passage, identifying correct answers based on specific details, and managing your time effectively. Developing these skills is crucial for success. In this sample, we will explore the passage titled “Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears”, and guide you through the questions with clear answers and explanations.
Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Passage
IELTS Reading is a section in which three passages centred on various topics are given. The passages eventually become difficult in the reading section. You are required to answer different types of questions, such as multiple-choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. The section lasts 60 minutes and challenges you to comprehend complex topics, discern main ideas, and infer implications effectively.
| General Instructions 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: If you’re stuck, move on and return later. Review: If time allows, review your answers. |
You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam.
Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears
Paragraph 1
Polar bears are being increasingly threatened by the effects of climate change, but their disappearance could have far-reaching consequences. They are uniquely adapted to the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures can reach -40°C. One reason for this is that they have up to 11 centimetres of fat underneath their skin. Humans with comparative levels of adipose tissue would be considered obese and would be likely to suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Yet the polar bear experiences no such consequences.
Paragraph 2
A 2014 study by Shi Ping Liu and colleagues sheds light on this mystery. They compared the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives from a warmer climate, the brown bears. This allowed them to determine the genes that have allowed polar bears to survive in one of the toughest environments on Earth. Liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APoB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) – a form of ‘bad’ cholesterol. In humans, mutations of this gene are associated with increased risk of heart disease. Polar bears may therefore be an important study model to understand heart disease in humans.
Paragraph 3
The genome of the polar bear may also provide the solution for another condition, one that particularly affects our older generation: osteoporosis. This is a disease where bones show reduced density, usually caused by insufficient exercise, reduced calcium intake or food starvation. Bone tissue is constantly being remodelled, meaning that bone is added or removed, depending on nutrient availability and the stress that the bone is under. Female polar bears, however, undergo extreme conditions during every pregnancy. Once autumn comes around, these females will dig maternity dens in the snow and will remain there throughout the winter, both before and after the birth of their cubs. This process results in about six months of fasting, where the female bears have to keep themselves and their cubs alive, depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves. Despite this, their bones remain strong and dense.
Paragraph 4
Physiologists Alanda Lennox and Allen Goodship found an explanation for this paradox in 2008. They discovered that pregnant bears were able to increase the density of their bones before they started to build their dens. In addition, six months later, when they finally emerged from the den with their cubs, there was no evidence of significant loss of bone density. Hibernating brown bears do not have this capacity and must therefore resort to major bone reformation in the following spring. If the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears can be understood, many bedridden humans, and even astronauts, could potentially benefit.
Paragraph 5
The medical benefits of the polar bear for humanity certainly have their importance in our conservation efforts, but these should not be the only factors taken into consideration. We tend to want to protect animals we think are intelligent and possess emotions, such as elephants and primates. Bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent. And yet anecdotal evidence from the field challenges those assumptions, suggesting for example that polar bears have good problem-solving abilities. A male bear called GoGo in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, has even been observed making use of a tool to manipulate his environment. The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach. Problem-solving ability has also been witnessed in wild polar bears, although not as obviously as with GoGo. A calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high.
Paragraph 6
In other studies, such as one by Alison Ames in 2008, polar bears showed deliberate and focused manipulation. For example, Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game. The study demonstrates that bears are capable of agile and thought-out behaviours. These examples suggest bears have greater creativity and problem-solving abilities than previously thought.
Paragraph 7
As for emotions, while the evidence is once again anecdotal, many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow – seemingly out of frustration – when they have just missed out on a kill. Moreover, polar bears can form unusual relationships with other species, including playing with the dogs used to pull sleds in the Arctic. Remarkably, one hand-raised polar bear called Agee has formed a close relationship with her owner Mark Dumas to the point where they even swim together. This is even more astonishing since polar bears are known to actively hunt humans in the wild.
Paragraph 8
If climate change were to lead to their extinction, this would mean the loss of potential breakthroughs in human medicine and, more importantly, the disappearance of an intelligent, majestic animal.
Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Answers & Questions
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Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Questions (1-7)
Do the following statements agree with the information in 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 if there is no information on this
1. Polar bears suffer from various health problems due to the build-up of fat under their skin.
2. The study done by Liu and his colleagues compared different groups of polar bears.
3. Liu and colleagues were the first researchers to compare polar bears and brown bears genetically.
4. Polar bears are able to control their levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol by genetic means.
5. Female polar bears are able to survive for about six months without food.
6. It was found that the bones of female polar bears were very weak when they came out of their dens in spring.
7. The polar bear’s mechanism for increasing bone density could also be used by people one day.
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Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
Question Type: True/False/Not Given
In this task, you are presented with a statement, and your task is to determine if it agrees with the information in the passage (True), contradicts the information in the passage (False), or if there is insufficient information in the passage to decide (not given).
How to best answer the question:
- Read the statement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what it is saying.
- Pay attention to details such as dates, numbers, and specific information.
- Scan the passage to find the section where the relevant information is likely to be located.
- Focus on finding evidence that either supports or contradicts the statement.
- True: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
- False: If the statement contradicts the information in the passage.
- Not Given: If there is no information in the passage that confirms or contradicts the statement.
- FALSE
Reference:
Paragraph 1
Humans with comparative levels of adipose tissue would be considered obese and would be likely to suffer from diabetes and heart disease. Yet the polar bear experiences no such consequences.
Explanation:
The answer is False because it is stated in the passage that polar bears do not suffer from health problems such as diabetes and heart disease despite having a significant amount of fat under their skin, which would be considered unhealthy in humans.
- FALSE
Reference:
Paragraph 2
They compared the genetic structure of polar bears with that of their closest relatives from a warmer climate, the brown bears.
Explanation:
In the above statement, it is mentioned that they compared the genetic structure of polar bears with their closest relatives from a warmer climate, which are brown bears. They did not compare different groups of polar bears. Therefore, the answer is False.
- NOT GIVEN
Reference:
No reference
Explanation:
The answer is Not Given because there is no information provided in the passage regarding Liu and colleagues being the first researchers comparing polar bears and brown bears.
- TRUE
Reference:
Paragraph 2
Liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APoB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) – a form of ‘bad’ cholesterol’.
Explanation:
The answer is True because the researchers found that polar bears have a gene called APoB that helps in reducing levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), commonly known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. This genetic adaptation is important for their survival in the harsh Arctic environment and could also provide insights into treating heart disease in humans.
- TRUE
Reference:
Paragraph 3
This process results in about six months of fasting, where the female bears have to keep themselves and their cubs alive, depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves. Despite this, their bones remain strong and dense’.
Explanation:
According to paragraph 3, female polar bears undergo six months of fasting, during which they have to keep themselves and their cubs alive. Hence, the answer is True.
- FALSE
Reference:
Paragraph 3
depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves. Despite this, their bones remain strong and dense.
Explanation:
The answer is False because the statement mentioned above states that despite the female polar bears depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves, their bones remain strong and dense.
- TRUE
Reference:
Paragraph 4
If the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears can be understood, many bedridden humans, and even astronauts, could potentially benefit.
Explanation:
According to the above statement it is stated that, if scientists can understand the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears, it could potentially be used to benefit bedridden humans and even astronauts who may experience reduced bone density due to prolonged periods of weightlessness. Therefore, the answer is True.
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Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Questions (8-13)
Complete the note below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet.
Reasons Why Polar Bears should be protected
People think of bears as unintelligent and 8 ________________
However, this may not be correct. For example:
● In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a 9 ________________
This allowed him to knock down some 10 ___________________
● A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a 11 ____________ was located.
● Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a 12 _________________
Bears may also display emotions. For example:
● They may make movements suggesting 13 ____________ if disappointed when hunting.
● They may form relationships with other species.
Why We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Answers with Explanations (8-13)
Type of question: Note Completion
In note completion questions, you are required to fill in the gaps in notes or summaries using information from the reading passage. This task assesses your ability to find specific details within the passage and requires you to understand and identify the main points.
How to best answer the question
- Understand what specific information you need to fill in the blanks.
- Quickly read through the passage to get a general understanding of its main ideas, key points, and the context surrounding the information you need to complete.
- Pay attention to keywords or phrases in the notes provided.
- Once you’ve identified the keywords, scan the passage to locate the section that contains the information needed to complete the notes.
- Be prepared for the information in the passage to be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms.
- Ensure that the completed notes fit logically within the context of the passage.
- Violent
Reference:
Paragraph 5
Bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent. And yet anecdotal evidence from the field challenges those assumptions, suggesting for example that polar bears have good problem-solving abilities.
Explanation:
The answer is “violent” as the passage mentions that bears are often perceived as stupid and violent, but anecdotal evidence challenges those assumptions and suggests that polar bears have good problem-solving abilities.
- Tool
Reference:
Paragraph 5
A male bear called GoGo in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, has even been observed making use of a tool to manipulate his environment.
Explanation:
A polar bear named GoGo at the Tennoji Zoo in Osaka has been observed using a tool to manipulate his environment. The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach.
- Meat
Reference:
Paragraph 5
The bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach.
Explanation:
The above statement states that the bear used a tree branch to dislodge a piece of meat that was out of its reach. This shows that bears can use tools as a means of problem-solving.
- Photographer
Reference:
Paragraph 5
A calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high.
Explanation:
The paragraph mentions that there was a photographer standing on a platform four meters high and the male polar bear was attempting to reach him by running and jumping onto barrels.
- Game
Reference:
Paragraph 6
For example, Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game.
Explanation:
“Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game” suggests that bears engage in object manipulation that resembles play.
- Frustration
Reference:
Paragraph 7
As for emotions, while the evidence is once again anecdotal, many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow – seemingly out of frustration – when they have just missed out on a kill’.
Explanation:
According to the passage, many bears have been observed hitting out at ice and snow, because of which they may experience frustration when they miss out on a kill.
Summing Up
The necessity to protect polar bears and other species does not extend to protect only one species. These magnificent creatures are indicators of the health of their ecosystems, indicating a wider change in nature’s environment.
To protect the populations of bears, there is a need to preserve these famous animals and ensure their habitats are as balanced as possible.
This blog will help you increase your reading skills and vocabulary, which will help you score well in the reading section of IELTS.
For more guidance on preparing for your IELTS exam reading section, comes our Leap IELTS Expert team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do polar bears adapt to their arctic environment?
Ans. The polar bears thrive in the harsh Arctic environment and are remarkably adapted. Survival in the harsh conditions is made possible by their physiological and behavioural adaptations. They are made up of thick insulating fur and a dense layer of fat to maintain body heat in the cold. The big, broad paws act like snowshoes and help them move efficiently through the ice as they swim in cold water. They use their strong sense of smell to determine from a distance the seal’s breathing holes, its main prey.
Q. What are the main threats to polar bears?
Ans. Polar bears have faced many serious threats, mainly due to human influence. Climate change is the primary threat, which could lead to a precipitous decline of their sea ice habitat vital for seals’ hunt. Another danger is pollution, which aggravates their health and fertility by accumulating toxins in the food chain. These habitats are being disturbed and degraded by human activity such as hunting, industrial development or increased maritime traffic.
Q. How do polar bears hunt, and what is their primary food source?
Ans. The main food source of polar bears is primarily seal hunting, with ringed and bearded seals being their main food source. Their hunting technique involves patiently waiting near seal-breathing holes on sea ice or stalking seals resting on ice floes. Polar bears have a remarkable sense of smell, and they’ve been able to distinguish the scents of seals from great distances. Once located, they’d use their powerful arms to break through the ice and ambush their prey by relying on concealment and surprise to hunt successfully.
Q. How does climate change impact polar bears?
Ans. Climate change significantly affects polar bears because their primary habitat, the sea ice, is rapidly disappearing. The ice is melting earlier and freezing later each year, reducing the bear’s hunting grounds and access to its prey, seals, due to warmer temperatures. The increased energy costs and diminished hunting success are caused by the prolonged ice-free season, which forces bears to travel longer distances.
Q. What are the economic impacts of protecting polar bears?
Ans. In different ways, protecting polar bears may be beneficial for the economy. These bears are one of the main reasons for wildlife tourism and attract tourists interested in seeing Arctic animals. Accommodations, guided tours and associated services make this tourism a source of income for the host country’s economy. The conservation efforts shall also contribute to scientific research, which can create work opportunities in environment studies and wildlife management.
Q. What strategies can I use to improve my reading speed and comprehension?
Ans. A combination of strategies is needed to increase reading speed and comprehension. Start by regularly engaging in various texts, gradually becoming more complex. To quickly grasp the main ideas, practice skimming passages and scanning techniques to find the details more efficiently. Increase vocabulary by noting and studying the words that come to mind while reading. Sum up the passages or sections after you read them to reinforce your understanding.
Q. How should I manage my time during IELTS Reading section?
Ans. To complete the tasks in an agreed period of time, it is vital that you manage your time during a reading section for IELTS. Divide each of these three passages by approximately 20 minutes. To understand the types of information you need to find, begin by answering these questions quickly and thoroughly before examining the text. To ensure the initial points, focus firstly on addressing simpler questions and gradually shifting to more difficult ones.
Q. Is there a recommended order to answer questions in the Reading section?
Ans. There is no set order for answering questions in the IELTS Reading section, but a strategic approach can be helpful. To gain momentum and confidence, many of them like to start with questions that don’t look too complicated or unfamiliar. To see what they require and to find keywords that will help you read passages, click through all the questions as soon as possible. Based on your strengths or expertise in this subject, switch to a passage that appears to be easily understood.
Q. How much time should I allocate for IELTS preparation?
Ans. Depending on your existing level of ability and target grade, the time required for IELTS preparation will vary. The recommended preparation period is, in general, between 1 and 3 months. Dividing time into appropriate periods daily to focus on each test section: listen, read, write and speak. If you aim for a higher band score or need to enhance your specific skills significantly, the length of training may be longer.
Q. Are there specific strategies for each section?
Ans. Special strategies for success will be required in each section of the IELTS test. Try to understand the main ideas and actively listen for important details within the Listening Section. Employ note-taking techniques to capture essential information. In Reading, practice skimming passages for the main idea and scanning for specific details relevant to the questions. Using methods such as paraphrasing, you will master different types of questions and be able to make efficient use of time.
Q. What resources are available to prepare for IELTS?
Ans. There are several resources available to prepare for the IELTS exam. Having official resources from the IELTS administrators, including practice tests, sample questions and study guides, is highly advisable. Free and paid preparatory materials, for example, practice tests, interactive exercises or lesson plans, can be found on various websites. Structured guidance and practice are provided in books designed to prepare for the IELTS exam by some of the most respected publishers.
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