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Attitudes To Language Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

Attitudes To Language is one of the themes in the IELTS Reading Test. It explores people's various attitudes towards language and how language is used in different cultures and societies. 
 

The attitudes to language reading test may cover a wide range of topics related to language, such as the evolution of language, the role of language in shaping cultural identity, and how language can be used to convey power and social status.
 

To perform well in this reading practice test, you should have a good understanding of English, including vocabulary and grammar, and strong reading comprehension skills. 

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1. Attitudes To Language Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below.

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2. Attitudes To Language Reading Question & Answers

Discover Attitudes To Language IELTS reading answers.

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1.

Attitudes To Language Reading Passage

 

The general instructions for IELTS Reading are as follows:

  • The reading module will cover 3 passages, each containing 13-14 questions. In total, it will be 40 questions.
  • Each question will carry one mark and no negative marking.
  • The total time allocated for the module will be 60 minutes.
  • Learning to skim the passages to get a general idea of the topic.
  • Manage your time wisely so that you can answer all the questions.
  • If you have time, review your answers before submitting the test.

 

 

 

 

Attitudes To Language Reading Passage

 

 

A. It is not easy to be systematic and objective about language study. Popular linguistic debate regularly deteriorates into invective and polemic. Language belongs to everyone, so most people feel they have a right to hold an opinion about it. And when opinions differ, emotions can run high. Arguments can start as easily over minor points of usage as over major policies of linguistic education.

 

B. Language, moreover, is a very public behaviour, so it is easy for different usages to be noted and criticised. No part of society or social behaviour is exempt: linguistic factors influence how we judge personality, intelligence, social status, educational standards, job aptitude, and many other areas of identity and social survival. As a result, it is easy to hurt, and to be hurt, when language use is unfeelingly attacked.

 

C. In its most general sense, prescriptivism is the view that one variety of language has an inherently higher value than others, and that this ought to be imposed on the whole of the speech community. The view is propounded especially in relation to grammar and vocabulary, and frequently with reference to pronunciation. The variety which is favoured, in this account, is usually a version of the ‘standard’ written language, especially as encountered in literature, or in the formal spoken language which most closely reflects this style. Adherents to this variety are said to speak or write ‘correctly’; deviations from it are said to be ‘incorrect’.

 

D. All the main languages have been studied prescriptively, especially in the 18th century approach to the writing of grammar and dictionaries. The aims of these early grammarians were threefold: (a) they wanted to codify the principles of their languages, to show that there was a system beneath the apparent chaos of usage, (b) they wanted a means of settling disputes over usage, and (c) they wanted to point out what they felt to be common errors, in order to ‘improve’ the language. The authoritarian nature of the approach is best characterized by its reliance on ‘rules’ of grammar. Some usages are ‘prescribed’, to be learnt and followed accurately; others are ‘proscribed’, to be avoided. In this early period, there were no half-measures: usage was either right or wrong, and it was the task of the grammarian not simply to record alternatives but to pronounce judgement upon them.

 

E. These attitudes are still with us, and they motivate a widespread concern that linguistic standards should be maintained. Nevertheless, there is an alternative point of view that is concerned less with standards than with the facts of linguistic usage. This approach is summarized in the statement that it is the task of the grammarian to describe, not prescribe-to record the facts of linguistic diversity, and not to attempt the impossible tasks of evaluating language variation or halting language change. In the second half of the 18th century, we already find advocates of this view, such as Joseph Priestley, whose Rudiments of English Grammar (1761) insists that ‘the custom of speaking is the original and only just standard of any language’. Linguistic issue, it is argued, cannot be solved by logic and legislation. And this view has become the tenet of the modern linguistic approach to grammatical analysis.

 

F. In our own time, the opposition between ‘descriptivism’ and ‘prescriptivists’ has often become extreme, with both sides painting unreal pictures of the other. Descriptive grammarians have been presented as people who do not care about standards, because of the way they see all forms of usage as equally valid. Prescriptive grammarians have been presented as blind adherents to a historical tradition. The opposition has even been presented in quasi-political terms — of radical liberalism vs elitist conservatism.

2.

Attitudes To Language Reading Question & Answers

Discover Attitudes To Language IELTS reading answers.

Questions and Answers 1-8
Type of Question: Yes/No/Not Given
In boxes 1-8 on your attitudes to language reading answers sheet, write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
  • NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
  • NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

 

1. There are understandable reasons why arguments occur about language.

2. People feel more strongly about language education than about small differences in language usage.

3. Our assessment of a person’s intelligence is affected by the way he or she uses language.

4. Prescriptive grammar books cost a lot of money to buy in the 18th century. 

5. Prescriptivism still exists today.

6 According to descriptivists it is pointless to try to stop language change.

7 Descriptivism only appeared after the 18th century.

8 Both descriptivists and prescriptivists have been misrepresented.


 

Attitudes To Language Reading Answers with Explanations (1-8)


 

Type of Question: Yes/No/Not Given

 

In this task, you will be given a set of statements which you should answer based on your understanding of the passage. 

 

You can assess whether the statement given in the question is:
 

  • YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
  • NO  if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
  • NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
     

How to answer the question: 
 

  • Carefully read the questions and note down the keywords.
  • Locate the keywords in the passage to help you decide whether the given statement agrees or contradicts.
  • If you don’t find the related terms, mark ‘not given’ as the answer. 

 

1. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph A: “And when opinions differ, emotions can run high.”
 

Explanation 

Paragraph A mentions how people care about language and can get upset if someone disagrees. It's like when you and your friend have different opinions about something, which turns into a big argument. This happens because everyone feels connected to and has strong feelings about language.


 

2. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph A: “Arguments can start as easily over minor points of usage as over major policies of linguistic education.”

 

Explanation 

Paragraph A mentions that arguments can start quickly over minor points of usage and significant policies of linguistic education. This contradicts the question statement, which says people only care about language education rather than minor differences. 


 

3. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph B: “Linguistic factors influence how we judge personality and intelligence.”
 

Explanation 

The paragraph states that linguistic factors influence how we judge personality, intelligence, social status, etc., which states that language affects our intelligence. Hence, the given statement is correct. 


 

4. Not given

 

Reference

 

Reference: Not available
 

Explanation

The given passage does not mention the cost of prescriptive grammar books in the 18th century, so it is impossible to say whether they were expensive or not expensive.


 

5. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraphs D & E: “Some usages are 'prescribed,' to be learnt and followed accurately; others are 'proscribed,'…..motivate a widespread concern that linguistic standards should be maintained.”
 

Explanation 

Paragraphs D and E discuss prescriptivism, the belief that language has a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ way of being used. They explain that this idea has existed for a long time and is still present today.


 

6. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph E: “halting language change. In the second half of the 18th century, we already found advocates of this view.”
 

Explanation 

Paragraph E explains the viewpoint of descriptivists, indicating that they believe it is pointless to try to stop language change.


 

7. No

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph E: “In the second half of the 18th century, we already found advocates of this view.”
 

Explanation 

Paragraph E mentions advocates of descriptivism in the 18th century, such as Joseph Priestley, indicating that descriptivism existed before that time.


 

8. Yes

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph F: “In our own time, the opposition between 'descriptivists' and 'prescriptivists' has often become extreme, with both sides painting unreal pictures of the other.”
 

Explanation 

Paragraph F mentions extreme portrayals of descriptivists and prescriptivists, indicating that both have been misrepresented.

Questions and Answers 9-12
Type of Question: Summary completion
In boxes 9-12 on your answer sheet, write the correct letter ranging from A to I for each answer.

 

The language debate
 

According to (9) …………. there is only one correct form of language. Linguists who take this approach to language place great importance on grammatical (10) ……………………. Conversely, the view of (11) ………….., such as Joseph Priestley, is that grammar should be based on (12) ………………….
 

A descriptivists                     

B language expert                   

C popular speech                           

D formal language

E evaluation                         

F rules                                         

G modern linguists                       

H prescriptivists

I change


 

Attitudes To Language Reading Answers with Explanations (9-12)


 

Type of Question: Summary completion
 

In this task, you will identify key terms from the numbered points, locate corresponding information in the passage, and then complete the blanks based on the context provided.

 

How to find the answers: 
 

  • Read the given numbered statements and understand what information is required.
  • Find key terms from each statement indicating the information we need to identify. 
  • Scan the passage to locate paragraphs or sections that contain relevant information.
  • Match the keywords from each statement with relevant parts of the passage to find the answers.

 

9. H

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph C: “In its most general sense, prescriptivism is the view that one variety of language has an inherently higher value than others and that this ought to be imposed on the whole of the speech community.”
 

Explanation

According to prescriptivists (H), there is only one correct form of language, as indicated in paragraph C: "Prescriptivism is the view that one variety of language has an inherently higher value than others and that this ought to be imposed on the whole of the speech community."


 

10. F

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph D: “The authoritarian nature of the approach is best characterised by its reliance on ‘rules’ of grammar.”
 

Explanation

Prescriptivists place great importance on grammatical rules (F), as mentioned in paragraph D: "The authoritarian nature of the approach is best characterised by its reliance on ‘rules’ of grammar."

 

11. A

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph E: “Advocates of this view, such as Joseph Priestley, whose Rudiments of English Grammar (1761) insists that ‘the custom of speaking is the original and only just standard of any language.”
 

Explanation

The paragraph E contrasts the prescriptivist view with that of descriptivists (A), who believe that language should be described as it's used rather than prescribing rigid rules. This corresponds to the statement mentioned in the question.


 

12. C

 

Reference

 

From Paragraph E: “insists that the custom of speaking is the original and only just standard of any language”
 

Explanation

The viewpoint of descriptivists, as mentioned in the paragraph E suggests that grammar should be based on the language as it's commonly spoken by the general population, known as popular speech. This aligns with the option provided in the question.

Questions and Answers 13
Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Write the correct letter in box 13 on your answer sheet.

 

What is the writer’s purpose in Reading Passage?

 

A to argue in favour of a particular approach to writing dictionaries and grammar books

B to present a historical account of differing views of language

C to describe the differences between spoken and written language

D to show how a certain view of language has been discredited

 

Attitudes To Language Reading Answers with Explanations (13)


 

Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

 

In this task, you will need to select a letter from the following options: A, B, C, and D. 
 

How to find the answers: 
 

  • Read carefully to understand what is being asked in the question. 
  • Now, review each of the given options to identify which one meets the writer's purpose given in the passage. 
  • Choose the option that best matches the writer's purpose based on your reading of the passage. 


 

13. B

 

Reference

 

From the passage: The statement is supported in the entirety of the passage.

 

Explanation

The correct answer is B, as the passage provides a historical overview of differing views of language. It traces the evolution from prescriptivism to descriptivism, highlighting key figures and their arguments. 

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FAQs

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

A. You should start practising daily to improve your reading skills. You can practise the methods like skimming and scanning quickly to understand the central idea of your passage. Regular practice will help you read faster and understand better. Remember, practising regularly is important to get better at any skill. Keep practising, and you'll see big improvements over time!

Q. What are some effective reading strategies for the IELTS Reading test?

A. First, quickly scan the text to find the main ideas. Next, spot important keywords. Understanding how the passages are organised, such as in chronological order or cause and effect, is also useful. Then, read the questions and instructions carefully and try to find the answers swiftly. These strategies will boost your performance in the test.

Q. Does the IELTS Reading Module have a negative marking?

A. There are no penalty marks for giving the wrong answers in the IELTS exams. So, feel free to guess and interpret if you're unsure about the answer. If your guess is correct, you'll get + 1 marks, but if not, there's no need to worry. It won't affect your score negatively.

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

A. Practice is the integral part of performing best in the IELTS exam. If you want to score better, then you need to allocate some time to practise the sample test papers and keep tracking your performance and find out the areas where you need improvement. These reading practice tests can help you to score better in the IELTS reading test. 

Q. Is the IELTS Reading test difficult to score?

A. The IELTS reading module might seem difficult to you as it contains different questions format such as MCQ, true/false/not given, sentence completion, short answer, summary and more. But as you start practising, you will find it manageable within the given time frame. You can also take up the IELTS preparation courses to help you score better.

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

A. The IELTS reading module covers a band score between 0 to 9. This scale measures different levels of reading ability, from the lowest (0) to the highest (9). The band score of 5-6 means a moderate level of skill, whereas the score 7-9 expresses a good command over the language. 

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

A. These tips and practices will help you prepare better for the IELTS reading test:

 

  • Practise regularly and allocate time each day for reading exercises.
  • Learn different question types and understand their formats.
  • Enhance reading speed through scanning and skimming techniques.
  • Expand vocabulary and review mistakes to track progress and improve comprehension
Q. How can I improve my comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading test?

A. In order to improve your comprehension skills you need to focus on: 
 

  • Concentrate on grasping the central idea of each passage and extracting supporting details. 
  • Summarise paragraphs based on your understanding to reinforce comprehension. 
  • Practise various question types and utilise scanning techniques to swiftly locate answers. 
  • Keep analysing your performance and identify weaknesses to set grounds for improvement. 
Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

A.  To enhance your reading abilities, try increasing your reading speed to grasp the main ideas quickly. Expand your vocabulary by reading various materials like blogs, stories, and novels. Practice focusing without distractions to improve comprehension. Also understand the questions first, then search through the text to find the answers. 

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

A. Some of the misconceptions about the IELTS reading test is that guessing might penalise scores (but there is no negative marking), and believing only high language proficiency ensures success (whereas effective strategies matter too). Also, some think skimming and scanning aren't useful (yet they're essential for managing time and finding answers quickly).

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

A. It is very essential to stay calm and focused during the IELTS Reading test. You should start practising relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing to improve your focus. You should also use the time management techniques so that you can gain the confidence of managing your time and answering the questions without losing any of it.