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Architecture Reaching For The Sky Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading Section is a crucial part of the IELTS test, designed to assess your reading skills and comprehension abilities. In this section, you will encounter a variety of texts, ranging from descriptive passages to analytical articles, each aimed at testing your ability to understand and interpret written English. 


 

This part of the exam consists of 40 questions that you must answer within 60 minutes, covering a range of question types, including multiple choice, true/false/not given, matching information, and sentence completion.

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1. Architecture Reaching For The Sky 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. Architecture Reaching For The Sky Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Architecture Reaching For The Sky

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1.

Architecture Reaching For The Sky 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.

 

 

 

 

Architecture Reaching For The Sky Reading Passage

 



 Paragraph A: Among the several architects who helped to shape modernism in the first half of the century, Walter Gropius, Charles Jeanneret, better known as Le Corbusier, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe were among the most significant. However, until the economy recovered and war-torn towns had to be rebuilt, their ideas were not extensively implemented. This was due to the Great Depression and the Second World War (1939–45). The International Style had become a global approach to construction by the 1950s, standardising the look of new structures in cities all over the globe.

 

 

Paragraph B: Architects started to investigate ways to construct structures utilising the most recent technology and materials, such as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete, instead of using timber, stone, and conventional construction methods. In addition, when people relocated to the cities to work in the new factories, technological advancements contributed to the loss of rural industries and the growth of urban populations. Such unchecked and quick expansion contributed to the slum-like conditions in several urban areas.

 

 

Paragraph C: Building and structure design is the art and science of architecture. A building represents the thoughts and objectives of the customer and designer, as well as the scientific and technical advancements of the time. The design of certain structures, however, is often debatable.

 

 

Paragraph D: By the 1920s, architects were retaliating against the circumstances brought on by industrialisation throughout Europe. For the purpose of reflecting more utopian ideas for the future, a new architectural style has arisen. Modernism, which was made feasible by new building materials and methods, was what it was called.

 

 

Paragraph E: By the 1970s, there was a renewed appreciation for how buildings fit within the existing townscape. Historic building preservation or just retaining the fronts of them became more popular. The use of regionally customary construction methods and materials by architects also increased. It was also the emergence of the High Tech architectural style. It publicly displayed the complex building methods employed in order to commemorate technical and scientific advancements. Examples of such structures are the Lloyd's building in London and Stansted Airport, which are often composed of metal and glass.

 

 

Paragraph F: In the 1960s, multi-storey housing complexes were constructed in every major British city, according to Le Corbusier's views on urban design. High-rises that were mass-produced and affordable seemed to be a solution to the issue of housing an expanding inner-city population. The new estates, however, often turned out to be windswept wasteland devoid of necessary social amenities and services, far from serving human requirements. Many of these structures, which were badly designed and built, were later demolished.

 

 

Paragraph G: Interest in several styles and concepts from the past and present was sparked by disappointment over the failure of many of the bad imitations of modernist architecture. By the 1980s, the coexistence of several architectural styles in a single structure started to be recognised as post modern. Others turned to the classical heritage for inspiration. Smaller scale building design is currently more popular in architecture, reflecting a greater public awareness of environmental problems including energy efficiency. Similar to the Modernists, modern society understands that a well-designed environment enhances quality of life, but that this is not always accomplished by adhering to a single, clearly defined architectural style.

 

 

Paragraph H: Tall structures from the 20th century will be mostly known for their architecture. They were made practicable by the invention of safe passenger elevators and light steel frames. They started more than a century ago in the US to assist address the desire for more cost-effective land utilisation. The skyscraper became a reality as building methods advanced.

 

 

Paragraph I: There is no definitive beginning or end date for the application of an architectural style. Furthermore, it is impossible to pinpoint precisely what traits define a certain movement. But the social and technical upheavals of the 18th and 19th centuries are when what is now often referred to as modern architecture first emerged.

 

 

Paragraph J: Unfortunately, this Modernist fascination with geometric utility and simplicity was abused for financial gain. In order to satisfy commissioning authorities' budgets and meet a resurging demand for development, builders were once again able to use quick-setting, easily handled reinforced concrete and better prefabrication techniques. However, this resulted in a large number of poorly planned structures, which cast doubt on Modernism's initial goals.

 

 

Paragraph K: Many of the structures born out of this trend by the 1930s were created in the International Style. The bold use of novel materials and straightforward geometric shapes—often with white walls supported by stilt-like pillars—were the main characteristics of this. These were devoid of unnecessary decoration that would take away from their main function—to be utilised or lived in.

2.

Architecture Reaching For The Sky Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Architecture Reaching For The Sky

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • Complete the table below using information from Reading Passage.
  • Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
  •  

     

    PERIOD

    STYLE OF PERIOD

    BUILDING MATERIALS

    CHARACTERISTICS

    Before 18 th century

    Example

    traditional

    1 ………. 

    1920s

     

    introduction of 2 ……

     

    steel, glass and concreteexploration of latest technology
    1930s - 1950s3……… … geometric forms
    1960sdecline of Modernism

    pre-fabricated

    sections

    4 ……….
    1970send of Modernist eratraditional materials5 ……….
    of historic buildings

    1980s

     

    Post-Modernism

     

     6 ………..

     

     

    Architecture Reaching For The Sky Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)


     

    Type of Question: Table Completion

     

    These types of questions involve locating the relevant information in the passage and accurately transfer the details to complete the table, ensuring that your answers fit the context and are grammatically correct.

     

    How to best answer: 
     

    • Quickly skim the passage to understand the main ideas and locate the section relevant to the table.
    • Look for keywords or phrases in the table that match those in the passage to find the correct information.
    • Be aware that the passage may use synonyms or paraphrasing, so think flexibly about the wording.
    • Ensure your completed answers fit grammatically into the table.
    • Ensure your answers do not exceed the word limit specified in the instructions.


     

    1. Timber and Stone

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph C, "Architects started to investigate ways to construct structures utilising the most recent technology and materials, such as steel, glass, and reinforced concrete, instead of using timber, stone, and conventional construction methods."
     

    Explanation: The answer "timber and stone" refers to traditional building materials discussed in Paragraph C, where architects began exploring modern materials.

     

    2. Modernism


     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph D, "Modernism, which was made feasible by new building materials and methods, was what it was called."
     

    Explanation: The term "Modernism" is directly defined in Paragraph D as a style enabled by new construction techniques and materials.

     

     

    3. International style


     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph E, "Many of the structures born out of this trend by the 1930s were created in the International Style."

     

    Explanation: The "International Style" is mentioned in Paragraph E as a predominant architectural trend of the 1930s.

     

     

    4. badly designed buildings//multi-storey housing//mass-produced, low-cost high-rises


     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph E, "However, this resulted in a large number of poorly planned structures, which cast doubt on Modernism's initial goals."
     

    Explanation: The phrase "badly designed buildings" aligns with the discussion in Paragraph E about the negative outcomes of rapid, mass-produced high-rises.

     

     

    5. Preservation

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph I, "Historic building preservation or just retaining the fronts of them became more popular."

     

    Explanation: The concept of "preservations" is highlighted in Paragraph I, indicating a growing interest in preserving historical architectural elements.


     

    6. High-Tech

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph G, "By the 1980s, the coexistence of several architectural styles in a single structure started to be recognised as post modern."

     

    Explanation: The idea of "coexistence of styles" is presented in Paragraph G, discussing the emergence of post-modern architecture in response to dissatisfaction with Modernist practices.

    Questions and Answers 7-10
  • Complete the sentences below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBERS from the passage for each answer.
  •  

     

    7. In the 1970s, the beginning of ………. era composed of metal and glass.
    8. A rapid movement of people from rural areas to cities triggered by technological advance resulted in parts of cities turning in ………..
    9. Many of these buildings were poorly designed and constructed and have since been ………..
    10. ………… from the 20th century will be mostly known for their architecture.


     

    Architecture Reaching For The Sky  Reading Answers with Explanations (7-10)


     

    Type of Question: Sentence Completion

     

    To answer Sentence Completion questions in IELTS reading, carefully read the given sentence or incomplete statement, identify the missing information or word, and then locate the relevant information in the passage that completes or fills in the blank accurately.


     

    How to best answer: 

     

    • Ensure you understand the word limit and any specific guidelines for completing the sentences.
    • Identify and locate keywords in the questions within the passage to find the relevant information quickly.
    • Read the surrounding sentences in the passage to grasp the context and ensure the completion makes sense.
    • Use the exact words or phrases from the passage to complete the sentence accurately.
    • Ensure your completed sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning.


     

    7. High-Tech

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph I, "It was also the emergence of the High Tech architectural style."

     

    Explanation: "High-Tech" is mentioned in Paragraph I as an architectural style characterised by the use of metal and glass.

     

    8. Slums

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph B, "Such unchecked and quick expansion contributed to the slum-like conditions in several urban areas."

     

    Explanation: The term "slums" refers to the deteriorated urban areas resulting from rapid rural-to-urban migration discussed in Paragraph B.

     

    9. Demolished


     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph H, "Many of these structures, which were badly designed and built, were later demolished."

     

    Explanation: The word "demolished" reflects the fate of poorly constructed buildings discussed in Paragraph H due to their design flaws.

     

     

    10. Tall Structures

     

    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph K, "Tall structures from the 20th century will be mostly known for their architecture."

     

    Explanation: "Tall structures" are highlighted in Paragraph K as being primarily recognized for their architectural significance in the 20th century.

    Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Reading Passage describes a number of cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Match each Cause (8-12) in List A, with its Effect (A-H) in List B.
  • Write your answers (A-H) in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.

  • Note: There are more effects in List B than you will need, so you will not use all of them. You may use any effect more than once if you wish.

     

     

    List A CAUSES

    List B EFFECTS

    11. Buildings become simple and functional.

    12. An economic depression and the second world war hit Europe. 

    13. Less land must be used for building.

    A. The quality of life is improved.
    B.  Architecture reflects the age.
    C.  Light steel frames and lifts are developed.
    D.  Historical buildings are preserved.
    E. All decoration is removed.
    F. Modernist ideas cannot be put into practice until the second half of the 20th century.

     

     

    Architecture Reaching For The Sky  Reading Answers with Explanations (11-13) 


     

    Type of Question: Matching Features

     

    In the matching features question of IELTS reading, you need to identify specific features or characteristics mentioned in the passage and match them with the corresponding options provided in the question.


     

    How to best answer: 

     

    • Read the instructions carefully to know what you need to match (e.g., people, places, events).
    • Identify and underline keywords in the options and scan the passage for these words or their synonyms.
    • Read the relevant sections carefully to understand the context and ensure accurate matching.
    • Focus on specific details or unique identifiers that clearly distinguish each feature.
    • Use the process of elimination to narrow down your choices, ensuring each option is used only once unless stated otherwise.



     

    11. F


    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph E, "These were devoid of unnecessary decoration that would take away from their main function—to be utilized or lived in."

     

    Explanation: This describes how buildings became simpler and more functional, focusing on practicality rather than decorative elements, as discussed in Paragraph E.

     

    12. H


    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph A, "However, until the economy recovered and war-torn towns had to be rebuilt, their ideas were not extensively implemented."

     

    Explanation: The economic downturn and the reconstruction efforts after World War II discussed in Paragraph A delayed the widespread adoption of modernist architectural ideas.

     

    13. D


    Reference: 

     

    From Paragraph K, "Tall structures from the 20th century will be mostly known for their architecture. They were made practicable by the invention of safe passenger elevators and light steel frames."
     

    Explanation: The invention of safe passenger elevators and light steel frames, mentioned in Paragraph K, allowed for the construction of taller buildings, thus requiring less land for building purposes.

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    FAQs

    Q. Can I use a highlighter or take notes during the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. No, you cannot use a highlighter in the IELTS Reading test. However, you are allowed to write on the question paper and transfer your answers to the answer sheet during the allotted time. This includes underlining key points or making brief notes to help you locate information quickly while answering the questions.


     

    Q. How can I manage my time effectively during the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. To manage time effectively in the IELTS Reading test, allocate about 20 minutes per section (there are three sections in total). Skim the passage quickly to get an overview before diving into the questions. Focus on answering each question within the recommended time limit to ensure completion. Use the remaining time to review your answers and make any necessary changes.


     

    Q. What are some good sources for practice materials for the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. Good sources for IELTS Reading practice materials include official IELTS practice tests available from the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. Additionally, websites like IELTS.org, British Council's LearnEnglish, and Cambridge English also provide sample reading passages and questions. Books specifically designed for IELTS preparation often include comprehensive reading practice sections as well.