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Astronaut Ice Cream Anyone Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Jul 15, 2024, 10:43

The IELTS Reading section evaluates your English comprehension using passages from books, journals, and newspapers. You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions, so managing your time is crucial.


 

Want to excel in IELTS Reading?


 

Our resources are crafted to help you prepare effectively and enhance your reading skills, giving you the confidence to succeed in the IELTS Reading test.


 

A key resource for IELTS preparation is the passage titled ‘Astronaut Ice Cream.’ 


 

The passage discusses the technique of freeze-drying, originally developed for astronauts, which preserves food by removing water to prevent spoilage and reduce weight. This process, which involves sublimation—where ice turns directly into vapor—can preserve the material's original quality for an indefinite time. 


 

Let’s dive in Astronaut Ice Cream Reading answers, along with the passage and questions! 

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1. Astronaut Ice Cream 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. Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Question & Answers

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1.

Astronaut Ice Cream 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.

 

 

 

 

Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Passage

 

 

A technique for astronauts that can help to provide food is known as Breeze-drying. However, it can also be used for other situations.


 

A. 

 

Freeze-drying treats food like a suspended animation: you can easily keep a freeze-dried meal for an indefinite time, and when you’re ready to consume, you can simply have it. With some hot water, you can rejuvenate it completely. The primal foodstuff will remain unchanged even after various years.

 


 

B. 

 

In this method, water is fully removed from the item but the rest of the item remains virtually unspoiled. To conserve the food or to lessen its weight is the primary reason for doing it. Microorganisms like bacteria that cause spoilage can be kept away if we remove the water completely from the food. Likewise, removing water also prevents ripening because without water the enzymes cannot cause ripening which occurs naturally in the food.

 


 

C. 

 

As most food is made up of water, the weight is significantly reduced by Freeze-drying; for instance, water percentage is 80-100% more in many fruits. Transportation would be less difficult if we remove the water as this makes the food much lighter. Freeze-dried food is carried by the military and camping-supply companies because it is easier for them to carry individually. Due to cramped headquarters on board spacecraft, NASA also has freeze-dried foods.

 


 

D. 

 

Many materials such as Pharmaceuticals can be stored using this method. Freeze-drying the material and storing it aside in a container lacking both oxygen and water can help chemists to expand the pharmaceutical shelf vividly. In the same way, freeze-drying can possibly be used by researchers to preserve biological samples. By using this process we can even prevent things from water damage such as esteemed manuscripts.


 

 

E. 

 

Freeze-drying differs from uncomplicated drying as it can remove almost all of the water from materials, whereas simple drying processes can only remove 90-95 percent. This means that, rather than just slowing down the harm caused by bacteria and enzymes, the damage can be essentially prevented instead. Furthermore, because the material's composition and structure are not considerably altered, it can be revitalised without jeopardising its original quality.

 


 

F. 

 

This is feasible because during freeze-drying, solid water - ice - is converted directly into water vapour, bypassing the liquid phase entirely. This is called ‘sublimation’ in which the solid substance shifts directly into gas.Sublimation occurs when a molecule gets enough energy to break out from the molecules around it, similar to evaporation. When the molecules in water have enough energy to break free but the conditions aren't right for a liquid to form, it will sublimate from a solid (ice) to a gas (vapour). These conditions are determined by heat and atmospheric pressure.When the temperature is above the freezing point so that the ice can thaw however  the atmospheric pressure is too low for a liquid to form (below 0.06 atmospheres (ATM)) then the substance forms a gas.


 

 

G. 

 

This is the underlying principle of freeze-drying equipment .The freeze-drying chamber is coupled to a freezing coil and refrigerator compressor in result it preserves the material. The temperature inside the chamber reduces as the chamber seals off. As the material is frozen in the solid form, the water is separated from everything around on a molecular level, even though the water is still present.  Next, the chamber's ambient pressure is then reduced to 0.06 ATM by a vacuum pump which forces air out of the chamber The heating units apply a modest quantity of heat to the chamber’s shelves which causes the ice to undergo a phase shift. The ice directly transforms into water vapour since the pressure in the chamber is too low.Following this the water vapour then leaves the freeze-drying chamber and flows past the freezing coil. The water vapour condenses onto the freezing coil in the form of solid ice, in the same way that water condenses as frost on a cold day.

 


 

H. 

 

The process continues for several hours (even days) while the material gradually dries out. This time period is required to avoid overheating, which might compromise the material’s structure. It is packed in a moisture-free package once it has dried sufficiently.  The material can lie on a shelf for years and years without degrading if the box is secure, until it is returned to its forma form with a little hot water. If everything goes according to the plan, the material will make it through the entire process almost undamaged.

 


 

I. 

 

In fact, the notion of freeze-drying as a general concept is not new but has been around for centuries. The mountain peaks along the Andes as natural was used by the ancient Incas of Peru as natural food preservers. The extremely cold temperatures and low pressure at those high elevations prevented food from spoiling in the same general way as the contemporary freeze-drying equipment and a freezer.

2.

Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Astronaut Ice Cream

Questions and Answers 1-5

  • Complete the notes below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Uses of freeze-drying:

 

 

 

• food preservation

• easy (1) __________ of food items

• long-term storage of (2) __________ and biological samples

• preservation of precious (3) __________ 

Freeze-drying

• is based on the process of (4) __________ is more efficient than (5) __________ 

 

 


 

Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Answers (1-5) 

 

 

Type of question: Note Completion


 

In note completion questions, you need to fill in the blanks in notes or summaries using information from the reading passage. This task evaluates your ability to locate specific details and comprehend the main points of the passage.


 

How to Best Answer the Question:


 

  • Identify Required Information: Determine what specific details are needed to complete the blanks.
  • Skim the Passage: Quickly read through the passage to understand its main ideas, key points, and context.
  • Focus on Keywords: Pay attention to keywords or phrases in the notes provided.
  • Scan for Details: Locate the section in the passage that contains the required information by scanning for the keywords.
  • Recognize Paraphrasing: Be aware that the information in the passage may be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms.
  • Ensure Logical Fit: Make sure the completed notes logically fit within the context of the passage.


 

 

1. Transportation

 

 

Reference: Paragraph C: "Transportation would be less difficult if we remove the water as this makes the food much lighter."

 

 

Explanation: Freeze-drying reduces the weight of food significantly by removing its water content. This reduction in weight makes the food much easier and less expensive to transport, especially for applications such as military rations and space missions where every kilogram matters.

 

 

2. Pharmaceuticals

 

 

Reference: Paragraph D: "Many materials such as Pharmaceuticals can be stored using this method."

 

 

Explanation: Freeze-drying is highly effective for preserving pharmaceutical products. By removing water, it prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of medicines and ensuring their stability over long periods.

 

3. Manuscripts

 

 

Reference: Paragraph D: "By using this process we can even prevent things from water damage such as esteemed manuscripts."

 

 

Explanation: Valuable manuscripts and other sensitive materials can be preserved using freeze-drying. This process protects them from water damage by removing moisture, which helps maintain their integrity and prevents deterioration over time.

 

 

4. Sublimation

 

 

Reference: Paragraph F: "This is called ‘sublimation’ in which the solid substance shifts directly into gas."

 

 

Explanation: Sublimation is a crucial process in freeze-drying where ice (solid water) converts directly into vapor (gas) without passing through the liquid phase. This method is highly efficient as it ensures that the material's structure and composition remain intact, providing better preservation compared to traditional drying methods.

 

 

5. Simple Drying Techniques

 

 

Reference: Paragraph E: "Freeze-drying differs from uncomplicated drying as it can remove almost all of the water from materials."

 

 

Explanation: Freeze-drying is more effective than simple drying techniques because it removes almost all the water from the material, whereas traditional methods can only remove 90-95%. This thorough dehydration prevents bacterial and enzymatic activity, ensuring long-term preservation and stability of the material.

Questions and Answers 6-9
  • Label the diagram below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 6-9 on your answer sheet.

 

 

 

Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Answers (6-9) 

 

 

Question Type: Diagram Labelling


 

In diagram labelling questions, you are given a diagram, chart, graph, or illustration related to a specific topic. The diagram has missing labels or terms, and you must match the correct labels to the corresponding parts.


 

How to Best Answer This Question:


 

  • Read Instructions Carefully: Understand the requirements and study the provided diagram.
  • Analyze the Diagram: Examine the diagram and the provided labels to determine which label fits each part.
  • Pay Attention to Details: Look for specific features or details in the diagram that can help identify the correct labels.
  • Ensure Logical Fit: Make sure the labels you choose accurately match the information presented in the diagram and fit logically.


 

6. Freeze-Drying Chamber

 

 

Reference: Paragraph G: "The freeze-drying chamber is coupled to a freezing coil and refrigerator compressor."

 

 

Explanation: The freeze-drying chamber is an essential component of the freeze-drying machine. It houses the material to be preserved and is connected to other key components like the freezing coil and refrigerator compressor, which help maintain the necessary conditions for effective freeze-drying.

 

 

7. Shelves

 

 

Reference: Paragraph G: "The heating units apply a modest quantity of heat to the chamber’s shelves."

 

 

Explanation: Shelves within the freeze-drying chamber play a critical role. They are heated slightly to facilitate the sublimation process, ensuring that the ice within the material transitions directly to vapor without damaging the material’s structure.

 

 

8. Freezing Coil

 

 

Reference: Paragraph G: "The water vapour condenses onto the freezing coil in the form of solid ice."

 

 

Explanation: The freezing coil is crucial for capturing water vapor that escapes from the material during freeze-drying. It condenses the vapor back into solid ice, removing it from the chamber and preventing it from re-entering the material being preserved.

 

 

9. (Refrigerator) Compressor

 

 

Reference: Paragraph G: "The freeze-drying chamber is coupled to a freezing coil and refrigerator compressor."

 

 

Explanation: The refrigerator compressor works in tandem with the freezing coil and chamber to maintain the low temperatures necessary for effective freeze-drying. It ensures that the chamber remains at the optimal conditions for preserving the material by constantly removing heat and maintaining low pressure.

Questions and Answers 10-13

  • Complete the summary below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.

 

 

Freeze-drying prevents food from going bad by stopping the activity of microorganisms or (10) __________  Its advantages are that the food tastes and feels the same as the original because both the (11) __________ and structure are preserved. The process is carried out slowly in order to ensure that (12) __________ does not take place. The people of one ancient mountain civilization were able to use this method of food preservation because the conditions needed were present at (13) __________.

 

 

Astronaut Ice Cream Reading Answers (10 - 13)

 

 

Question Type: Summary Completion


 

In summary completion questions, you are given a summary of a part of the reading passage with some gaps. You need to fill in these gaps using words or phrases from the passage. This task assesses your ability to understand and identify key points and details in the text.


 

How to Best Answer This Question:


 

  • Read the Summary: Carefully read the summary to understand the overall meaning and context.
  • Identify Keywords: Look for keywords or phrases in the summary that will guide you to the relevant section of the passage.
  • Scan the Passage: Quickly scan the passage to locate the section that contains the information needed to complete the summary.
  • Paraphrased Information: Be prepared for the information to be paraphrased or expressed using synonyms in the passage.
  • Logical Fit: Ensure that the words or phrases you choose fit logically and grammatically within the context of the summary.


 

10. Enzymes

 

 

Reference: Paragraph B: "Likewise, removing water also prevents ripening because without water the enzymes cannot cause ripening which occurs naturally in the food."

 

 

Explanation: Freeze-drying halts the activity of enzymes and microorganisms, which are responsible for food spoilage and ripening. By removing water, these biological processes are stopped, extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of the food.

 

11. Composition

 

 

Reference: Paragraph E: "Furthermore, because the material's composition and structure are not considerably altered, it can be revitalised without jeopardising its original quality."

 

 

Explanation: Freeze-drying preserves the original composition and structure of food by not altering its fundamental properties. When rehydrated, the food retains its original taste, texture, and nutritional value, making it almost indistinguishable from its fresh state.

 

 

12. Overheating

 

 

Reference: Paragraph H: "This time period is required to avoid overheating, which might compromise the material’s structure."

 

 

Explanation: The freeze-drying process is conducted slowly over several hours or days to prevent overheating, which could damage the material’s structure. This careful control ensures that the integrity and quality of the material are maintained throughout the preservation process.

 

 

13. High Altitudes

 

 

Reference: Paragraph I: "The mountain peaks along the Andes as natural was used by the ancient Incas of Peru as natural food preservers."

 

 

Explanation: The ancient Incas utilized the natural conditions of high altitudes—low temperatures and low atmospheric pressure—to preserve food through a method similar to modern freeze-drying. These conditions naturally prevented food spoilage, demonstrating an early understanding of the freeze-drying principles.

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FAQs

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans.  Boost your reading speed for the IELTS Reading test by mastering techniques like skimming, scanning, and close reading. Skimming helps you quickly grasp the main idea, while scanning allows you to find specific information fast. Close reading involves thoroughly reading to understand details. Additionally, regularly read various texts, such as magazines, academic articles, and news articles, to get used to different writing styles and vocabulary.


 

Q. What is the average score for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Typically, a score of 6 or 6.5 is enough to meet the admission requirements of most universities and colleges. The IELTS Reading test is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 the highest, reflecting the test taker's level of proficiency.

Q. What are some good books for IELTS Reading test preparation?

Ans. Several books are highly recommended for IELTS Reading test preparation, including:


 

  • Cambridge IELTS" series by Cambridge University Press
  • Barron's IELTS Superpack" by Lin Lougheed
  • Official IELTS Practice Materials" by Cambridge ESOL
  • Target Band 7" by Simone Braverman
  • IELTS Advantage: Reading Skills" by Jeremy Lindeck and Jon Wright