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A Chronicle Of Timekeeping Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

"A Chronicle of Timekeeping" is an IELTS reading passage that discusses the history of timekeeping. It covers the invention of calendars by the Babylonians 5,000 years ago, the sundial, water clock, and hourglass, and the invention of mechanical clocks. 

 

The passage also touches upon the importance of accurate timekeeping in navigation, railway systems, and other areas. Overall, it provides an interesting account of the evolution of timekeeping throughout history.

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1. A Chronicle Of Timekeeping Reading Passage

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13 based on Reading Passage 1 below.

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2. A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Questions & Answers

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below. 

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1.

A Chronicle Of Timekeeping Reading Passage

General Instructions to Follow During the IELTS Reading Test

The following instructions will help you save time and improve your scores in A Chronicle Of Timekeeping reading questions and answers.

  • Pay attention to the instructions given before the questions. Read it carefully and understand what’s being asked of you.
  • The reading passages are typically ordered with slightly increasing difficulty levels. To save time, try to answer the most challenging parts first.
  • Keep an eye on the clock. Every IELTS Exam centre has a clock on the wall. Watch it to stay ahead of your time limit.
  • Use skimming and scanning techniques and scan for keywords to answer questions.

 

 

 

 

A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Passage

 

 

  1. Before the Roman Empire even existed, at least 5,000 years ago, according to archaeological evidence, the Babylonians invented calendars to coordinate social activities, arrange the transportation of products, and, in particular, to control planting and harvesting. Their calendars were based on three natural cycles: the solar day, which corresponds to the alternation of periods of light and darkness as the earth rotates on its axis; the lunar month, which tracks the phases of the moon as it orbits the earth; and the solar year, which is determined by the varying seasons that coincide with our planet's rotation around the sun.

     
  2. The moon had a bigger social impact before the development of artificial light. And its growing and fading was more obvious to people who lived close to the equator than the change of the seasons. As a result, the moon cycle rather than the solar year had a greater impact on the calendars created in lower latitudes. The solar year, however, became more important in northern climates where seasonal agriculture was practised. The solar year served as the primary organising principle for the Roman Empire's activity chart as it grew northward.

     
  3. Egyptians developed a municipal calendar with 12 months of 30 days and five extra days to resemble the solar year centuries before the Roman Empire. Decans, distinctive constellations of stars, appeared every ten days to indicate a ten-day period. 12 decans may be seen sweeping the heavens at the rising of the star Sirius immediately before daybreak, which took place around the crucial yearly flooding of the Nile. The Egyptians developed a system in which each interval of darkness (and later, each interval of daylight) was divided into a dozen equal pieces due to the cosmic significance they attached to the 12 decals. These intervals, which varied in length in accordance with the length of the days and nights as the seasons changed, came to be known as temporal hours. Only at the spring and fall equinoxes were the lengths of daylight and nighttime equal. Summer hours were long, and winter hours were short. Temporal hours were used for more than 2,500 years after being initially accepted by the Greeks and later the Romans, who spread them throughout Europe.

     
  4. Sundials, which tell the time by the length or direction of the sun's shadow, were invented by inventors to keep track of the temporal hours throughout the day. The water clock, the sundial's inverse, was made to count the hours of the night. One of the original water clocks consisted of a basin with a tiny hole towards the bottom through which water leaked. As the water level dropped below the hour lines etched on the inner surface, it indicated the passing hour. Although these gadgets worked well around the Mediterranean, it was difficult to rely on them in northern Europe's overcast, frequently chilly weather.

     
  5. When the mechanical clock was invented, it was ideally suited to retaining equal hours even though it could be changed to preserve temporal ones. However, the issue of when to start counting arose with them, leading to the development of other systems in the early 14th century. Depending on the time of the count, different systems were used to divide the day into 24 equal parts: Italian time started at dusk, Babylonian time at dawn, astronomical time at noon, and the "big clock" time, which is used for some very large public clocks in Germany, at midnight. These eventually gave way to "little clock" or French hours, which divided the day into two 12-hour blocks beginning at midnight.

     
  6. In Bedfordshire, England, a weight-driven mechanical clock was constructed in 1283. Its escapement, which had been around for at least 1,300 years, was what made this new timepiece remarkable, not the descending weight that produced its driving force or the gear wheels that conveyed the power. The coiled spring, also known as a fusee, was created in the early 1400s and kept the gear wheels of a timekeeper turning steadily despite changes in the mainspring's tension. A pendulum clock was invented in the 16th century, but it was ineffective since the pendulum swung in a wide arc.

     
  7. In order to solve this, an alternative to the original escapement was created in England in 1670. It was a lever-driven tool with the shape of an anchor for a ship and was known as the anchor escapement. This apparatus is rocked by a pendulum such that each escape wheel tooth is caught and then released, allowing the escape wheel to turn precisely. The anchor escapement allowed the pendulum to swing in a far smaller arc than the original design found in early pendulum clocks. Additionally, this innovation made it possible to utilise a long pendulum that could beat once per second, which encouraged the creation of a new floor-standing case style that came to be known as the grandfather clock.

     
  8. Today, the majority of electronic devices are timed by extremely precise clocks. A quartz-crystal clock is almost always present in computers to control their operation. Furthermore, time signals transmitted by GPS satellites calibrate the operations of high-precision navigational equipment, mobile phones, real-time stock trading platforms, and national power grids. These time-based devices have become so ingrained in daily life that we only realise how dependent we are on them when they stop functioning.
2.

A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Questions & Answers

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading answers! 
 

Leap to Learn: Tip of the Moment!

Remember, most of these questions follow the order of the passage, so it’s easy to trace back if you look through the paragraphs sequentially.

 

Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below. 
 

Good luck! 

Questions and Answers 1-4
  • Reading Passage has eight paragraphs: A-H.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct A-H letter on your answer sheet in boxes 1-4.

 

  1. An explanation of an early device for keeping time that was impacted by cold temperatures.
  2. A justification of the significance of location in farming communities' calendar development.
  3. An explanation of the pendulum clock's historical background.
  4. Specifics on how several societies simultaneously tried to compute time using consistent hours.

 

A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)

 

Question Type: Matching Information

 

Matching information questions require you to match a list of statements or pieces of information to the corresponding paragraph or section in a reading passage. To answer these questions correctly, you should read the instructions and questions carefully, scan the passage to locate the relevant paragraphs, and compare the information in the paragraphs to the statements or pieces of information given.

 

Click here to learn more about the upcoming IELTS date!
 

 

1. D

 

Reference

 

From paragraph D: “As the water level dropped below the hour lines etched on the inner surface, it indicated the passing hour. Although these gadgets worked well around the Mediterranean, it was difficult to rely on them in northern Europe's overcast, frequently chilly weather.”

 

Keyword

Inner Surface, northern Europe's overcast, chilly weather

 

Explanation

Paragraph D explains an early device for keeping time that was impacted by cold temperatures. It mentions the difficulty of relying on water clocks in northern Europe's overcast and frequently chilly weather. This paragraph discusses the challenges water clocks face due to climate conditions, highlighting their limitations in certain geographic regions.


 

2. B

 

Reference

 

From paragraph B: “The solar year, however, became more important in northern climates where seasonal agriculture was practised. The solar year served as the primary organising principle for the Roman Empire's activity chart as it grew northward.”

 

Keyword

The solar year, seasonal agriculture, the Roman Empire’s

 

Explanation

Paragraph B justifies the significance of location in farming communities' calendar development. It explains how the moon cycle had a greater impact on calendars in lower latitudes due to its visibility and the moon's significance before the development of artificial light. It contrasts this with the importance of the solar year in northern climates where seasonal agriculture was practised.

 

3. F

 

Reference

 

From paragraph F: “The coiled spring, also known as a fusee, was created in the early 1400s and kept the gear wheels of a timekeeper turning steadily despite changes in the mainspring's tension. A pendulum clock was invented in the 16th century, but it was ineffective since it swung in a wide arc.”
 

Keyword

16th century, wide arc
 

Explanation

Paragraph F explains the historical background of the pendulum clock. It discusses the development of mechanical clocks and the invention of the pendulum clock in the 16th century. It also mentions the inefficiency of early pendulum clocks due to their wide swing arc and the subsequent development of the anchor escapement in 1670 to address this issue.


 

4. E

 

Reference

 

From paragraph E: “When the mechanical clock was invented, it was ideally suited to retaining equal hours even though it could be changed to preserve temporal ones. However, the issue of when to start counting arose with them, leading to the development of other systems in the early 14th century.”

 

Keyword

Counting, 14th century
 

Explanation

Paragraph E discusses how different societies tried to compute time using consistent hours. It mentions various systems that divide the day into 24 equal parts, such as Italian time, Babylonian time, astronomical time, and the "big clock" time. It explains the transition to "little clock" or French hours, dividing the day into two 12-hour blocks starting at midnight.

Questions and Answers 5-8
  • Match each event with the correct nationality, A-F.
  • Write the correct letter, A-F, in boxes 5-8 on your answer sheet.

 

List of Nationalities

 

  1. Babylonians
  2. Egyptians 
  3. Greeks 
  4. English 
  5. Germans 
  6. French

 

5. They created a civil calendar with equivalence between the lengths of the months.
6. They split the day into two equally long halves.
7. They created a novel cabinet shape for a particular kind of timekeeper.
8. They devised a calendar to organise public events and work schedules.

 

A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Answers with Explanations (5-8)

 

Question Type: Matching Questions 

 

Matching questions require you to match items from two columns, usually a list of statements or questions in one column with a list of possible answers in the other. You need to read and evaluate each option carefully before selecting the correct answer. Matching questions are commonly used in tests to assess your ability to identify relationships between different pieces of information.
 

Click to learn more about the question type!


 

5. B

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C: “Egyptians developed a municipal calendar with 12 months of 30 days and five extra days to resemble the solar year centuries before the Roman Empire. Decans, distinctive constellations of stars, appeared every ten days to indicate ten days.”

 

Keyword

Roman Empire, solar year, municipal calendar
 

Explanation

Paragraph C states that the Egyptians developed a municipal calendar with 12 months of 30 days and five extra days to resemble the solar year. This indicates that they created a civil calendar with equivalence between the lengths of the months.


 

6. F

 

Reference

 

From paragraph E: “These eventually gave way to "little clock" or French hours, which divided the day into two 12-hour blocks beginning at midnight.”
 

Keyword

Little clock, french hours, 12-hour blocks
 

Explanation

Paragraph E mentions "little clock" or French hours, which divided the day into two 12-hour blocks beginning at midnight. This indicates that the French devised a system to split the day into two equally long halves.


 

7. D

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “Additionally, this innovation made it possible to utilise a long pendulum that could beat once per second, which encouraged the creation of a new floor-standing case style that came to be known as the grandfather clock.”
 

Keyword

Long pendulum, grandfather clock
 

Explanation

Paragraph G discusses the invention of a weight-driven mechanical clock in Bedfordshire, England, in 1283. It highlights the remarkable feature of this new timepiece, which was its escapement, known as the anchor escapement. This led to the creation a new floor-standing case style known as the grandfather clock.


 

8. A

 

Reference

 

From paragraph A: “Before the Roman Empire even existed, at least 5,000 years ago, according to archaeological evidence, the Babylonians invented calendars to coordinate social activities, arrange the transportation of products, and, in particular, to control planting and harvesting.”
 

Keyword

Archaeological evidence, Babylonians, social activities

 

Explanation

According to paragraph A, the Babylonians invented calendars at least 5,000 years ago. These calendars were used to coordinate social activities, transport products, and control planting and harvesting, indicating that they devised a calendar to organise public events and work schedules.

Questions and Answers 9-13
  • Label the diagram below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 9-13 on your answer sheet.

 

 

 

 

A Chronicle of Timekeeping Reading Answers with Explanations (9-13)

 

Question Type: Diagram Labelling

 

Diagram labelling is a type of question in the IELTS reading test where you are asked to label a diagram or a flowchart with information from the passage. These questions require careful reading and understanding of the relationships between the information presented in the passage.

 

Click here to learn more about IELTS centres!

 

9. Anchor

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “It was a lever-driven tool with the shape of an anchor for a ship and was known as the anchor escapement.”

 

Keyword

Anchor escapement, lever-driven tool

 

Explanation

Paragraph G describes the invention of the anchor escapement, a lever-driven tool shaped like an anchor for a ship, in England in 1670. This escapement allowed for precise timekeeping by rocking with the pendulum, catching and releasing each escape wheel tooth, and enabling the pendulum to swing in a far smaller arc than the original design. It revolutionised clockmaking and led to the creation of floor-standing clocks known as grandfather clocks.

 

10. Wheel

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “ This apparatus is rocked by a pendulum such that each escape wheel tooth is caught and then released, allowing the escape wheel to turn precisely.”
 

Keyword

Rocked, pendulum, wheel tooth
 

Explanation

Paragraph G mentions the escapement mechanism in clocks, which involves an escape wheel. The escape wheel is part of the mechanism controlled by the anchor escapement, where each tooth of the wheel is caught and released by the anchor, allowing the escape wheel to turn precisely. This mechanism regulates the movement of the clock's gears, ensuring accurate timekeeping.

 

11. Tooth

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “ This apparatus is rocked by a pendulum such that each escape wheel tooth is caught and then released, allowing the escape wheel to turn precisely.”
 

Keyword

Anchor escapement, mechanism
 

Explanation

Paragraph G discusses the function of the anchor escapement, which catches and releases each escape wheel tooth as part of its mechanism. This process enables precise timekeeping by controlling the movement of the clock's gears and regulating the pendulum's swinging.

 

12. Pendulum

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “Additionally, this innovation made it possible to utilise a long pendulum that could beat once per second, which encouraged the creation of a new floor-standing case style that came to be known as the grandfather clock.”

 

Keyword

Floor-standing, grandfather clock

 

Explanation

Paragraph G describes the development of clock mechanisms, including using a pendulum. Initially, pendulum clocks had a wide swinging arc, but the invention of the anchor escapement allowed for a long pendulum that could swing in a far smaller arc. This innovation facilitated more accurate timekeeping and led to the creation of floor-standing clocks known as grandfather clocks.

 

13. Second

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “Additionally, this innovation made it possible to utilise a long pendulum that could beat once per second, which encouraged the creation of a new floor-standing case style that came to be known as the grandfather clock.”

 

Keyword

Timekeeping technology, the creation of clocks

 

Explanation

Paragraph G mentions the development of clock mechanisms to measure time more accurately. It notes that the anchor escapement made it possible to use a long pendulum that could beat once per second. This innovation contributed to the creation of clocks that could measure time in seconds, marking a significant advancement in timekeeping technology.

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FAQs

Q. What are good tips/practices for IELTS Reading preparation?

Ans. To prepare for the IELTS reading exam, you should familiarise yourself with the test format, improve your reading speed, develop your vocabulary, practice with sample tests, improve your skimming and scanning skills, and read various texts. Practice is essential, and with regular practice and dedication, you can improve your reading skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. How can I score better on my IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To score better on your IELTS reading exam, you should focus on time management, skimming and scanning, vocabulary, accuracy, practice with sample tests, and reading different types of texts. Consistent and dedicated preparation is the key to achieving a high score on the test.

Q. Can I retake the IELTS Reading test alone?

Ans. Yes, you can retake any section of the IELTS test, whether listening, reading, writing, or speaking. The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake test are the same as that individual skill in a full IELTS test; you can save time by not needing to complete the other three skills.

Q. Is the IELTS Reading test difficult to score?

Ans. The difficulty of the IELTS reading test depends on your English proficiency and familiarity with the test format. The test can be challenging because it contains a wide range of texts and questions within a limited time. However, with consistent preparation and practice, you can improve your skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. What is the minimum preparation time required for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The minimum preparation time required for the IELTS reading test is four weeks. This will give you enough time to improve your reading skills, develop your vocabulary, practice with sample tests, and improve your skimming and scanning skills. However, the amount of preparation time required depends on your current level of English proficiency and familiarity with the test format.

Q. How can I answer multiple choice questions for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To answer multiple-choice questions in the IELTS reading test, you should read the instructions and questions carefully, skim the text quickly to locate the relevant section, eliminate wrong answers, and make an educated guess if you are unsure. With practice, you can improve your skills and achieve a high score on the test.

Q. How can I improve my comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To improve your comprehension skills for the IELTS reading test, you can:
 

1. Read Regularly

2. Practice skimming and scanning

3. Focus on vocabulary

4. Use context clues

5. Take practice tests

 

Following these tips can improve your skills and perform better in the IELTS reading test.

Q. What are some good resources for improving my reading skills in general?

Ans.  Try using sites like Project Gutenberg and Medium, where you can find many different things to read to improve your reading skills. If you have a lot of books, go to your local library, and they'll help you find books that suit you. To easily find books and audiobooks you want to listen to, apps such as the Kindle or Goodreads can also be used. Use websites such as Khan Academy or Newsela to practice exercises that correspond with your reading levels to improve your understanding of what you read.

Q. What are some common misconceptions about the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. There are several misconceptions about the IELTS reading test, including the belief that you need to know all the words in the passage, read the entire passage, that the questions are straightforward, that you need to answer the questions in order, and that you need prior knowledge of the topics. By understanding these misconceptions, you can confidently approach the test and clearly understand what is required to do well.

Q. How can I stay calm and focused during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. To stay calm and focused during the IELTS reading test, practice mindfulness, manage your time, stay hydrated, stay relaxed, read the questions carefully, and stay positive. You can perform to the best of your abilities by following these tips.

Q. What is the band score range for the IELTS Reading module?

Ans. The band score range for the IELTS reading module is 0 to 9. The score is based on the number of correct answers and is calculated using a conversion table. The final score is rounded to the nearest half-band and reported as a whole or half-band. A score of 9 indicates expert user proficiency, while 0 indicates non-user proficiency. The score requirements vary depending on the institution or organisation that requires the test.