Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Mar 24, 2025, 05:39

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and analyse various types of texts. You will answer 40 questions based on three passages, covering different question types such as summary completion, locating information, and Yes/No/Not given. Time management is crucial, as you have only 60 minutes to complete the test without extra time for transferring answers.
 

The Clutter Bugs Beware Reading passage below explains the importance of having an organised and planned life. It alerts the reader about the problems of cluttering up personal belongings in your living space and living an unorganised lifestyle. It explains how this affects your mental and physical health. 
 

Let’s look at the Clutter Bugs Beware Reading passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Clutter bugs beware Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Clutter bugs beware.

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3. Check Out Top 30 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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1.

Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answer 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.

 

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Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answer Passage


 

Paragraph A. People in the twenty-first century are conditioned to believe that more is better, so it's no surprise that owning a lot of material possessions is a common problem. However, beware: all that stuff can be a huge time and energy drain. Having a disorganised pile of belongings lying around your house or bedroom can be very frustrating. Items of real value and sentiment should be stored safely, but you can do without old receipts, invitations, catalogues, trashy magazines, and unwanted gifts. How much of your day do you think you waste trying to find lost items or sorting through junk mail to get to the documents you need? The old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" holds a lot of truth. 

 

Paragraph B. Get your life in order and keep it that way for good with the help of this time-tested organising principle. It's first necessary to create a system with a limited set of choices, put everything that comes in at work (or at home) in your inbox, and then tackle each task as it comes in. Do them right away, or sort them into A, B, and C orders, giving the highest priority to the A tasks.

 

Paragraph C. One more piece of advice: put things in their proper places. Is that where it belongs before you slap something down on the counter or the couch? If an item doesn't already have a permanent resting spot, create one and always put it there. Remember to avoid procrastination at all costs by labelling boxes, containers, drawers, and cupboards. Put things away in the correct storage areas right away. Put all of your effort into it until it becomes second nature. Empty any and all flat surfaces, including your office desk, kitchen counter, and bedroom mattress.

 

Paragraph D. Try to clean up and straighten up during the time between tasks and be aware of transition stages. Every once in a while, you should take an evaluation of your organisational system and see if any tweaks are needed. Maybe there's still more clutter to get rid of, or maybe things just need to be moved around a bit. Maybe you use something that's currently stored in a different room than you keep it. Uncompleted tasks also fall under the category of clutter, so schedule some time in your schedule to wrap up any unfinished business. Getting rid of clutter and getting organised can have a positive impact on many areas of your life.

 

Paragraph E. Clutter is discouraged by feng shui because it blocks the flow of chi or energy and creates an environment where negative chi can flourish. When chi is unblocked and flowing freely, everyone benefits from increased productivity and peace. (It's interesting to note that the word "clutter" originates from an Old English word that means "to cause to become blocked or obscured." Hoarding, it seems, generates an excess of 'yin' energy, which disrupts the flow of life and leads to discord. According to the literature, this can lead to a host of consequences, including a weakened immune system, trouble focusing, stress, and resentment. Clutter is blocked energy that has far-reaching effects on a person's entire being. Physical and mental clutter keeps people mired in the past. It also affects how they see themselves and how others see them (as neglected, unworthy, disorganised, or ignored). If it's true that your environment is a reflection of who you are, then decluttering must have a transformative effect on your life.

 

Paragraph F. Call it feng shui if you like, but clutter just gets in the way of keeping things clean and allows dirt and bacteria. It disrupts your life, prevents you from seizing new opportunities, chaos in your home, and strains your relationships. When asked why they do it, hoarders rarely offer a satisfactory answer. 

 

Paragraph G. Numerous theories have been advanced to explain why some people seem compelled to accumulate and store useless possessions. Psychologists used to believe that a lack of money and resources during childhood led to this condition, but now it is believed that a lack of love and acceptance during adolescence is to blame. Obviously, fear plays a significant role in this as well, whether it be the fear of scarcity, the fear of losing the memories attached to the items, or the fear of feeling powerless or unsafe. Perhaps egotism plays a role in the fact that so many people use the acquisition of material goods as a symbol of their status in society. Some people may engage in this behaviour as a means of self-compensation for their own emotional issues.

 

Paragraph H. It is said that having a lot of clutter in your home and life is debilitating, that it drains your energy, destroys your spirit, and anchors you in the past, no matter what the motivation behind the clutter may be. It is counterproductive to economic growth as well. If you work to create a space where positive energy (or "chi") can flow freely, you may find that your home becomes not only a more pleasant and relaxing environment but also a safer, more supportive one that can help you realise your deepest aspirations. If you clean up, you'll be healthier, richer, and happier.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Clutter Bugs Beware Reading passage.

 

Pro Tip

On completion, compare and analyse your answers with the help of the answer key. You can use the reference provided to locate the answers within the passage.
The detailed explanations for each answer will help you understand how answers are framed.

2.

Clutter bugs beware Reading Questions and Answers

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

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Complete the summary below with words taken from Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers.
  • Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.

 

Feng shui is concerned with energy flow. There are numerous drawbacks. 1.________________ of 'chi' that is out of balance. Having a lot of stuff confines people to the 2._______________ and has an impact on their self-image. On one level, a mess creates 3._______________, but on another level, it creates 4.____________ . People hoard junk for a variety of reasons, the majority of which are psychological in nature, such as fear, egotism, or even as a form of 5. ________, covering up various issues in their lives that have never been resolved.


Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

Question Type: Summary Completion

 

In the Summary Completion Task, you will receive an incomplete passage summary. The summary can be in the form of a paragraph, note, or table. You must complete the summary by reading and analysing the given passage. 
 

The Summary Completion Task evaluates your aptitude for grasping the central concept of a text and understanding the supporting details. It assesses your linguistic proficiency in determining the correct grammatical structure when completing sentences (for instance, whether a noun or verb or an adjective or an adverb is needed). 
 

How to Answer Sentence Completion Task:

 

  • Read the passage completely to understand its summary
  • Now go through the incomplete summary given in the question
  • Scan the passage and locate where the information is mentioned
  • Read the part and find appropriate words to fill the blanks
     
1. Consequences

 

Reference:

From Paragraph E:  Clutter is discouraged by feng shui because it blocks the flow of chi or energy and creates an environment where negative chi can flourish. When chi is unblocked and flowing freely, everyone benefits from increased productivity and peace. (It's interesting to note that the word "clutter" originates from an Old English word that means "to cause to become blocked or obscured." Hoarding, it seems, generates an excess of 'yin' energy, which disrupts the flow of life and leads to discord. According to the literature, this can lead to a host of consequences, including a weakened immune system, trouble focusing, stress, and resentment. 
 

Explanation: The given passage explains the aftereffects of cluttering and how to manage proper storage of personal belongings. According to the above-mentioned paragraph, cluttering has a lot of negative consequences. 
 

2. Past

 

Reference:

From Paragraph E:  Clutter is blocked energy that has far-reaching effects on a person's entire being. Physical and mental clutter keeps people mired in the past.  
 

Explanation: According to the given paragraph, clutter prevents people from moving on. It keeps you engaged with the past and intertwined with it. 
 

3. Dirty/Bacteria

 

Reference:

From Paragraph F: Call it feng shui if you like, but clutter just gets in the way of keeping things clean and allows dirt and bacteria. 
 

Explanation: The given paragraph points out that cluttering our belongings will make our room unclean. It allows dirt inside and allows bacteria to flourish. 


 

4. Chaos

 

Reference

From Paragraph F: t disrupts your life, prevents you from seizing new opportunities, chaos in your home, and strains your relationships.  
 

Explanation: As per the paragraph, the aftereffects of cluttering are not just hygiene issues. It also causes chaos and stress for you. 
 

5. Self-Compensation

 

Reference:

From Paragraph G: Some people may engage in this behaviour as a means of self-compensation for their own emotional issues. 
 

Explanation: The given paragraph provides various reasons why people buy too much stuff and clutter it in their apartments. Psychological studies prove that it can be an aftermath of childhood or adolescent issues. They see this as a means of self-compensation.

Questions and Answers 6-10
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers passage?
In boxes 6-10 on your answer 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

 

6. Anything that causes chaos in your home should be disposed of.

7. The old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" still holds true in the twenty-first century.

8. Organising systems should be limited to no more than three alternatives.

9. Tags are a great way to identify individual products.

10. Putting off tasks is a bad habit.


Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)
 

Question Type: Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims
 

The Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task asks you to identify if the information given agrees with the views of the narrator or author of the text. You have to verify the given statements with the information provided in the passage. You have to report them as Yes, No, or Not Given. 

 

The Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task analyses your ability to understand the text's claims. It also assesses your ability to locate an idea and understand its details. 
 

How to answer the Identifying Information task:
 

  • Read the question statements 
  • Find the keywords in the question
  • Scan and find the passage for the keywords
  • Read the sentence/paragraph containing the keyword
  • Verify the information with the question statement
     
6. Yes

 

Reference:

From Paragraph H: If you work to create a space where positive energy (or "chi") can flow freely, you may find that your home becomes not only a more pleasant and relaxing environment but also a safer, more supportive one that can help you realise your deepest aspirations. If you clean up, you'll be healthier, richer, and happier. 
 

Explanation: The above-mentioned lines explain the narrator’s view that anything that causes chaos in your home should be disposed of. This will help you become more relaxed and pleasant. So, the statement is true.
 

7. Yes

 

Reference:

From Paragraph A: People in the twenty-first century are conditioned to believe that more is better, so it's no surprise that owning a lot of material possessions is a common problem…The old adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" holds a lot of truth.  
 

Explanation: The passage begins by explaining the relevance of decluttering and how this is a major concern in the twenty-first century. So, it is clear that the adage "a place for everything and everything in its place" still holds in the twenty-first century.
 

8. Not Given

 

Reference:

From Paragraph B: Put everything that comes in at work (or at home) in your inbox, and then tackle each task as it comes in. Do them right away, or sort them into A, B, and C orders, giving the highest priority to the A tasks. 
 

Explanation: The given lines denote that it is important to classify your belongings for ease of usage. However, it does not mention about classifying them into three specific groups. 
 

9. Not Given

 

Reference:

From Paragraph B: Get your life in order and keep it that way for good with the help of this time-tested organising principle. It's first necessary to create a system with a limited set of choices, Put everything that comes in at work (or at home) in your inbox, and then tackle each task as it comes in. Do them right away, or sort them into A, B, and C orders, giving the highest priority to the A tasks. 

 

Explanation: The above-mentioned lines explain the importance of categorising your personal belongings. However, it does not mention adding tags to them. 

 

10. Yes

 

Reference:

From Paragraph C: Remember to avoid procrastination at all costs by labelling boxes, containers, drawers, and cupboards. Put things away in the correct storage areas right away. Put all of your effort into it until it becomes second nature. Empty any and all flat surfaces, including your office desk, kitchen counter, and bedroom mattress. 
 

Explanation: The above-mentioned lines describe the narrator’s view that procrastination or putting off tasks is a bad habit. In the end, you will have a lot of piled-up work, and you will feel demotivated.

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Complete the sentences below with words taken from Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers Passage.
  • Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.

 

11. Use ________ as a productive cleaning time.

12. Any plan to keep order will benefit from an occasional___________.

13. Unfinished projects can also be classified as_________.

 

Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers with Explanations (11-13)

 

Question Type: Sentence Completion 
 

The Sentence Completion provides you with a few incomplete sentences. You must find words from the passage to fill in the blanks and to complete the sentences. 

 

The question instructions will prescribe the word limit for your answers. Make sure to read and abide by that. 
 

How to Answer Sentence Completion Task:
 

  • Read the incomplete sentences first
  • Note the keywords or key points discussed in the sentence
  • Scan the passage and locate where the information is mentioned
  • Read the part and find appropriate words to fill in the blanks

 

11. Transition Stages

 

Reference:

From Paragraph D: Try to clean up and straighten up during the time between tasks and be aware of transition stages. Every once in a while, you should take an evaluation of your organisational system and see if any tweaks are needed.  
 

Explanation: The above-given lines explain that it is necessary to maintain a regular cycle of cleaning up. You can transition stages as a productive cleaning time.
 

12. Evaluation/Review

 

Reference:

From Paragraph D: Try to clean up and straighten up during the time between tasks and be aware of transition stages. Every once in a while, you should take an evaluation of your organisational system and see if any tweaks are needed.  
 

Explanation: The narrator suggests the importance of having regular sessions to clean up things. The passage also explains the need for evaluation or review time to assess if everything is in place. 
 

13. Clutter

 

Reference:

From Paragraph D:  Uncompleted tasks also fall under the category of clutter, so schedule some time in your schedule to wrap up any unfinished business. Getting rid of clutter and getting organised can have a positive impact on many areas of your life. 
 

Explanation: The given lines denote that clutter not only indicates piled-up personal belongings. It also suggests piled-up works that are incomplete. This will equally affect your productivity.
3.

Check Out Top 30 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top 30 free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

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FAQs

Q. Can I leave any questions unattended in the IELTS Reading Test?

A. Yes, you can leave questions unattended in the IELTS Reading Test. You don't need to answer all the questions, but attempting a maximum number of questions is recommended. This is to improve your scoring chances since there is no negative marking for the IELTS Reading test. 

Q. What can I do if I don't know an answer in the IELTS Reading test?

A. If you don't know the answer to your IELTS Reading test question, do not panic. Go through the question again and refer to the passage again for information. If you are unsure about the answer, the best choice is to make an informed guess. If the question seems too difficult to answer, try not to overthink it. You can skip the question and move to the next. 

Q. Can I request extra time for the IELTS Reading test if needed?

A. No, you cannot ask for extra time during your IELTS Reading test. The time allowed for your exam is 60 minutes. You have to finish your test within this time. It is recommended to divide your time equally between all three sections. Try to finish each section within a maximum of 20 minutes. Try to save 5-7 minutes in the end for proofreading.

Q. How early should I book my IELTS test slot?

A. You should book your IELTS test slot at least 2-3 months before your preferred test date. This ensures you get your preferred IELTS test slot. The IDP IELTS Exam centres in the most popular cities get filled faster. The latest time to book your IELTS slot is one week before the test date.

Q. What are the different types of questions in the IELTS Reading Test?

A. There are various questions on the IELTS Reading test, including questions requiring you to complete sentences, tables, and other material. They are
 

  • Matching Information
  • Matching Headings
  • Matching Features
  • Matching Sentence Endings
  • Multiple Choice Questions
  • Sentence Completion
  • Summary, Note, Table, Flow-chart Completion
  • Diagram Label Completion
  • Identifying Information
  • Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims
  • Short-answer questions
Q. How many reading passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?

A. The number of passages for the IELTS Reading test differs according to the test type you opt for. The IELTS Reading Academic test consists of one long passage in each section. The number of passages in the IELTS Reading General test varies across each section. 
 

  • Section 1 consists of 2-3 passages.
  • Section 2 consists of 2 passages.
  • Section 3 consists of 1 long passage. 
Q. What are some practices for IELTS Reading test preparation?

A. Some healthy practices to follow while preparing for your IELTS Reading test are
 

  • Have daily reading sessions
  • Read different types of texts
  • Practice IELTS Reading sample passages
  • Attempt IELTS Reading mock tests
  • Mark and analyse your answers
  • Work on your difficult areas 
Q. Is there a negative marking for wrong answers in the IELTS Reading test?

A. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS exam. So, it is better to attempt as many questions as possible during the test. Even if you do not know the answer to a specific question, try to make an informed guess. This will enhance your chances of getting scored.

Q. Can I take notes while reading the IELTS Reading passages?

A. Yes, you can make notes while reading your IELTS Reading passages. You can note points on your question booklet or the rough sheet. You will receive a rough sheet and pen/pencil from your test centre. Make sure you do not spend too much time to make notes. 

Q. Do spelling mistakes reduce my score on the IELTS Reading test?

A. Yes, spelling mistakes can affect your test score for your IELTS Reading test. Since the IELTS is a language proficiency test, the spelling you use, tense format, grammatical structure and other factors are extremely important. Ensure you use the right spelling for your answers. 

Q. How do hyphenated words get counted in the IELTS Reading test?

A. The hyphenated words are counted as single words in the IELTS Test. For example, if the word is ‘well-structured essay, ' your word count is two. The word ‘well-structured is counted as a single word. 

Q. Can we use numbered lists or bulletins in my answers for the IELTS test?

A. Yes, you can use numbered lists and bullets in your answers for the IELTS test. But do not overuse them in your answers. Using full sentences properly connecting words, adjectives, adverbs and other lexical resources is recommended. Dividing the answer appropriately into paragraphs will show your language capacities.