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Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

To excel in the IELTS Reading section, it's crucial to hone your comprehension skills. This segment lasts 60 minutes and includes three passages with questions in formats like multiple choice, matching headings, and True/False/Not Given. Success depends on grasping key details, identifying main ideas, and inferring meaning from context.


To prepare effectively for the IELTS Reading test on "Alternative Medicine in Australia," adopt strategies such as skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Regular practice with sample questions and exposure to different question types will sharpen your skills for test day.


Prepare to explore "Alternative Medicine in Australia," gaining insights into its practices, regulation, and public perception. Engage with passages and related questions to deepen your understanding of this evolving field and how it fits into the broader healthcare landscape.

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1. Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Passage

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.

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2. Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Question & Answers

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1.

Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading 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.

 

 

 

 

Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Passage

 



 Paragraph A 

The first students to study alternative medicine at the university level in Australia started a four-year full-time course in early 1994 at the University of Technology in Sydney. Their course is acupuncture, among other therapies. The theory they learned was based on the standard Chinese interpretation of this ancient healing art, which regulates the flow of 'Qi' or energy through the paths in the body. This course reflects how far some alternative therapies have come in their struggle for approval by the medical institution.

 

 

Paragraph B

According to Dr. Paul Laver, a public health lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia has the most conservative approach to natural or alternative therapies in the Western world. 'We have a tradition that doctors are very strong, and I think they are very reluctant to allow any impersonator in their work to come into it.' In multiple industrialised countries, traditional and alternative medicine have been working 'hand in glove’ for many years. In Europe, only traditional healers can prescribe herbal medicines. In Germany, herbal remedies make up 10% of the national income from medicines. Americans visited alternative therapists more than Orthodox physicians in the 1990s, and spend about $ 12 billion every year on unscientific treatments.

 

 

Paragraph C

Dissatisfaction with traditional medicine. Meanwhile, alternative medicine's popularity in Australia has steadily risen over the past 20 years. In the 1983 National Health Survey, 1.9% of people told they had consulted a chiropractor, naturopath, osteopath, acupuncturist, or herbalist two weeks before the poll. By 1990, this number had increased to 2.6% of the population. The 550,000 consultations with alternative therapists registered in the 1990 survey represent one-eighth of the total number of consultations conducted with clinically qualified individuals under the survey, according to Dr. Laver and colleagues who wrote in the 1993 Australian Journal of Public Health. ‘A better educated and less accepted public is generally frustrated with professionals and increasingly sceptical of science and experience-based knowledge,’ they expressed. ‘The high level of experts, including doctors, has been distorted as a result.

 

 

Paragraph D

Instead of opposing or criticising this trend, increasingly many Australian physicians, especially younger ones, form group practices with practitioners or practice themselves, especially in acupuncture and herbal medicine. Part of the incentive is funding, Dr. Laver stated. ‘The main feature of this is that most general practitioners are businessmen. If they find potential customers going elsewhere, they may like to offer a similar service.

 

 

Paragraph E

In 1993, Dr. Laver and his colleagues published a survey of 289 Sydney people who attended the practices of eight alternative therapists in Sydney. These procedures provided a wide range of alternative treatments from 25 therapists. The subjects were suffering from chronic diseases, for which Orthodox medication was able to provide some relief. They commented that they would like the holistic attitude of their alternative therapists and the friendly, caring, and comprehensive attention they received. The cool, impersonal pattern of orthodox physicians was featured in the survey. Outflows from their clinics are on the rise, with numerous related studies conducted in Australia, all pointing out the shortcomings of traditional healers and leading physicians beginning to acknowledge that they can learn from the personal style of alternative therapists. Dr., President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Patrick Store acknowledges that orthodox doctors can learn a lot from alternative therapists about bed rest habits and advising patients on preventive health.

 

 

Paragraph F

According to the Australian Journal of Public Health, 18% of patients who visit alternative therapists suffer from musculoskeletal problems, and 12% suffer from digestive issues, which is 1% more than those with emotional troubles. Respiratory disorders account for 7% of patients, and Candida sufferers represent an equal percentage. Headache sufferers and those who complain of general malaise represent 6% and 5% of patients, respectively, and 4% see therapists for general health care.

 

 

Paragraph G

The survey recommended that complementary medicine is a better term than alternative medicine. Alternative medicine seems to be an adjunct, strived after in times of frustration when orthodox medicine appears to be unresponsive.

2.

Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Question & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Choose the correct letter, A - D
  •  

     

     

    1. Ancient healing art regulates the flow of 'Qi' or energy through the paths in the

    A. blood
    B. body
    C. nerves
    D. skin

     

     

    2. Australia has the most conservative approach to natural or alternative therapies in the 

    A. Western world
    B. Sydney
    C. Medical institution
    D. Eastern world

     

     

    3. Only traditional healers can prescribe herbal medicines. 

    A. in Australia
    B. in America
    C. in Germany
    D. in Europe

     

     

    4. Americans visited alternative therapists more than Orthodox physicians in the 

    A. 1990s
    B. 1994s
    C. 1993s
    D. 1983s

     

     

    5. The popularity of alternative medicine in Australia has been steadily rising over the past

    A. 10 years
    B. 20 years
    C. 25 years
    D. 15 years


     

    Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

     

     

    Question Type: Multiple Choice 

     

     

    Multiple Choice questions in the IELTS reading test present you with a question followed by a set of options from which you must choose the correct answer. Typically, there are three or four options to choose from. You must carefully read the question and each option before selecting the correct answer.


     

    How to best answer this question:

     

     

    • You must comprehend the passage to select the most accurate option.
    • Efficient skimming and scanning help locate relevant information quickly.
    • Some options may be designed to mislead you, so it's crucial to base your choice on evidence from the passage.
    • Multiple-choice questions can be time-consuming if you dwell on each option too long. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can attempt all questions.


     

    1. B. Body


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph A

    The theory they learned was based on the standard Chinese interpretation of this ancient healing art, which regulates the flow of 'Qi' or energy through the paths in the body.


     

    Explanation

    The passage explicitly states that the theory of acupuncture is based on regulating the flow of 'Qi' through the paths in the body, aligning with the concept of energy pathways in traditional Chinese medicine.


     

    2. A. Western World


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph B

    According to Dr. Paul Laver, a public health lecturer at the University of Sydney, Australia has the most conservative approach to natural or alternative therapies in the Western world.


     

    Explanation
    Dr. Paul Laver's statement directly contrasts Australia's approach with other industrialised countries in the Western world, emphasising its conservatism towards alternative therapies.


     

    3. D. In Europe


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph B 

    In Europe, only traditional healers can prescribe herbal medicines. In Germany, herbal remedies make up 10% of the national income from medicines. 


     

    Explanation

    The passage specifies that in Europe, only traditional healers can prescribe herbal medicines, illustrating the regulatory differences for herbal remedies compared to other regions.


     

    4. A. 1990s


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph

    Americans visited alternative therapists more than Orthodox physicians in the 1990s, and spend about $ 12 billion every year on unscientific treatments.


     

    Explanation

    The passage directly mentions that during the 1990s, Americans visited alternative therapists more frequently than orthodox physicians, highlighting a trend in healthcare preferences during that decade.


     

    5. B. 20years


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph C 

    Meanwhile, alternative medicine's popularity in Australia has steadily risen over the past 20 years.


     

    Explanation

    The passage indicates that the popularity of alternative medicine in Australia has been increasing consistently over the past 20 years, reflecting a trend of growing acceptance and usage among the public.

    Questions and Answers 6-9
    Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading 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 on this in the passage

     

     

    6. In the 1993 National Health Survey, 1.9% of people told they had consulted a chiropractor.

    7. By 1994, this number had increased to 2.6% of the population.

    8. Alternative therapists are paid more than physicians.

    9. The main feature of this is that most general practitioners are businessmen.


     

     

    Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Answers with Explanations (6-9)

     

     

    Question Type:  Yes/No/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 (Yes), contradicts the information in the passage (No), 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.
    • Yes: If the statement agrees with the information in the passage.
    • No: 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.


     

     

    6. No


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph C 

    In the 1983 National Health Survey, 1.9% of people said they had consulted a chiropractor, naturopath, osteopath, acupuncturist, or herbalist two weeks before the poll.


     

    Explanation

    The statement mentions the percentage of people consulting alternative therapists in 1983, not 1993, thus indicating that the information provided in the statement is incorrect.


     

    7. No


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph C 

    By 1990, this number had increased to 2.6% of the population.


     

    Explanation

    The statement refers to the increase by 1990, not 1994, indicating that the information provided in the statement is incorrect.


     

    8. Not Given


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph 

    NA


     

    Explanation

    The passage does not provide any information regarding whether alternative therapists are paid more than physicians. Therefore, it is not possible to determine if the statement agrees or disagrees with the claims of the writer based on the passage.


     

    9. Yes


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph D 

    The main feature of this is that most general practitioners are businessmen. If they find potential customers going elsewhere, they may like to offer a similar service.

     

    Explanation

    The passage discusses how many Australian physicians, especially younger ones, are integrating alternative therapies into their practices, driven in part by financial incentives, which aligns with the statement that most general practitioners are businessmen.
     

    Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete the notes below.
  • Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  •  

     

     

    • In 1993, Dr. Laver and his colleagues published a survey of 10 ________ Sydney people.
    •  The impersonal pattern of 11 _________ physicians was featured in the survey. 
    • Respiratory disorders account for 12 ___________ of patients, and Candida sufferers represent an equal percentage.
    • The survey recommended that complementary medicine is a better term than 13 ____________ medicine.

     

     

    Alternative Medicine in Australia Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13)

     

     

     

    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.

     


     

    10. 289


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph E 

    In 1993, Dr. Laver and his colleagues published a survey of 289 Sydney people who attended the practices of eight alternative therapists in Sydney.


     

    Explanation

    The number 289 refers to the sample size of the survey conducted by Dr. Laver and colleagues in Sydney in 1993, as stated in the passage.


     

    11. Orthodox


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph  E 

    The cool, impersonal pattern of orthodox physicians was featured in the survey.


     

    Explanation
    The survey highlighted the impersonal approach of orthodox physicians compared to the holistic and caring attitude of alternative therapists, making "orthodox" the correct answer to describe their pattern.


     

    12. 7%


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph F 

    Respiratory disorders account for 7% of patients, and Candida sufferers represent an equal percentage.


     

    Explanation

    The passage states that respiratory disorders and Candida sufferers each account for 7% of the patients visiting alternative therapists, as indicated by the percentage provided.


     

    13. Alternative


     

    Reference:

    Paragraph G

    The survey recommended that complementary medicine is a better term than alternative medicine.


     

    Explanation

    The survey suggests using "complementary medicine" instead of "alternative medicine," advocating for a term that reflects a supportive role rather than positioning alternative approaches as substitutes for traditional medicine.

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    FAQs

    Q. Which part of IELTS reading is most difficult?

    Ans. The difficulty level of the IELTS Reading test can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses, but many candidates find the Academic Reading test more challenging than the General Training Reading test. This is primarily because Academic Reading passages are often denser and more complex, requiring a higher level of comprehension and vocabulary. 

    Q. Can I use abbreviations or shorthand in my answers during the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. During the IELTS Reading test, it's advisable to avoid using abbreviations or shorthand in your answers. The reason for this is that abbreviations can sometimes be ambiguous or unclear, which might lead to misunderstandings or errors in grading. The examiners need to understand your responses clearly to assess your comprehension accurately. 


     


     

    Q. Can I write on the question paper during the test?

    Ans. Yes, you are allowed to write on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test. This can be a helpful strategy for keeping track of key information, identifying important details, and organising your thoughts as you read the passages. You can underline relevant points, circle keywords, or make brief notes to aid in answering the questions later.