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Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Sep 05, 2024, 08:22

This passage, “Communicating Styles And Conflict,” explores historical and modern perspectives on personality and communication styles. It begins with Hippocrates' and Galen’s theories on temperament, explaining their evolution into current self-assessment tools. The passage then describes four main communication styles: Sanguine, Melancholic, Phlegmatic, and Choleric, linking each to distinct characteristics and behaviours. It highlights the importance of having a diverse range of communication styles within teams for effectiveness and notes that flexibility in communication can aid in managing conflicts and adapting to various situations.

 

This passage is useful for IELTS Reading preparation as it features various text types, such as historical context, descriptive analysis, and practical applications. It helps practise summarising complex information, understanding detailed descriptions, and identifying key points, which are crucial skills for the IELTS Reading score.

 

Let’s look at the “Communicating Styles And Conflict” reading passage along with questions, answers and explanations.

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1. Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 14 based on the Reading Passage below. 

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2. Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Questions and Answers 

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1.

Communicating Styles And Conflict 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.

 

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Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Passage 

 

 

Paragraph A

Since the time of Hippocrates (460-370  B.C.), people have tried to comprehend others by categorising them based on personality type or temperament. According to Hippocrates, there are four separate bodily fluids that affect four different temperamental subtypes. 500 years later, Galen expanded on his ideas. Although we no longer think the source is the kind of body fluid that predominates in our systems, there are many self-assessment techniques available today that connect to the fundamental descriptions given by Galen.

 

Paragraph B

Self-evaluation is the criteria used to determine one’s own values. The style that people use to learn, communicate, handle conflict or other characteristics of an individual will help to depersonalise conflict affiliation between two or more people. Loss of self occurs when you realise that others are not trying to be difficult, but instead, they require different or more information than you do. They don’t mean to be rude; they are so attentive to the task that they overlook welcoming others. They would like to work smart and fast, but they don’t want to jeopardise the working relationship. They were aware of their work, but it would be done correctly when the required information was collected, which took time to gather. 

 

Paragraph C

Hippocrates and later Galen have been determined to summarise personality with four basic temperaments: Sanguine(capable of talking to new friends like they have known for a long time) and Melancholic (almost always deep in thought). Choleric( they are ambitious, brave and proud, but they can also be violent) Phlegmatic( slow to warm up to others but will make friends fairly easily). These temperaments were developed centuries ago, and they were still somewhat adapted; you could update the wording.  Nowadays, they translate into the four fairly common communication styles described below.

 

Paragraph D

The sanguine person would have the capability to talk with an unknown person like they were already close friends. They also have a spirited style of communication. These people speak with expression. They often speak very fast and also invest their time, emotion and energy in their communication. They can easily give an example story to their talk. It may or may not explain the point which they are trying to make. Because of their enthusiasm, they're great team motivators. They are always concerned about the people and their relationship. They usually focus on the bigger picture, and their high level of energy comes at a high time, which means they sometimes miss details or the correct order of things. These people find lots of conflict and differences of opinion and love to engage in spirited discussion. They love change, and they are constantly looking for something more exciting and adventurous.

 

Paragraph E

Tile phlegmatic person and preserving- translates into the technical or systematic communication style. This style of communication mainly focused on reality and technical details. These types of people are very focused on their tasks; they have an orderly, methodical way of approaching things, and they do not focus on people, emotions, or concerns. They also focus on the required details to accomplish a task. Sometimes, the details flood out the big picture, and focus needs to be brought back to the context of the task. These sorts of people always treat facts as a front end when making decisions, and they are uncomfortable with the conflict. They need time to adapt to the change and need to understand both the logic of it and the steps involved.

 

Paragraph F

Tile melancholic persons who are soft-hearted and oriented toward doing things for others translate into a considerate or sympathetic communication style. This style of people is focused on people and relationships. They seem to be good listeners and do things for other people, even sometimes they do to the people who did harm to themselves. They want to put in for others ' opinions and make sure everyone is comfortable with whatever is required to get the job done.  Sometimes, this focus on others can distract from the task at hand because they are so focused on others' needs and smoothing over issues they do not like conflict.  People believe that change menaces the level quo and tends to make people feel tense; because of this, people with the same communication style, like phlegmatic people, would take some time to accept the situation and change themself to adapt to it.
 

Paragraph G

The choleric temperament people have a bold and direct style of communication. These people are brief in their communication - the fewer words, the better. People with this style are overactive, and they love to be involved in many activities at the same time. They are focused on tasks and outcomes and often forget that the people involved in carrying out the task have needs. They don’t do detailed studies on the work they are doing, so they underestimate the time it could take to do that. They are so direct they often look forceful and can be very intimidating to others. They always welcome someone to challenge them. But people with other styles are scared to do so. They can also handle the changes better. 

 

Paragraph H

 A well-functioning team should have all these types of communication styles for true effectiveness. All teams should focus on the task as well as on the relationship to achieve those tasks. They need a big-picture perspective of the context of their work, and they need the details to be identified and taken care of for success. We all also have aspects of each style within us. Some of us can easily move from one style to another, and we can easily adapt our style to that situation by focusing on tasks or relationships. For others, it is difficult; their dominant style is very evident, and they feel it is more challenging to tackle the situation from the perspective of another style. The work environment can influence communication styles either by the type of work that is required or by the predominance of one style reflected in that environment. Some people use one style at work and another style at home.

The above information about communication style is that we have the ability to develop flexibility in our styles. The greater the flexibility we have, the more skilled we usually are at handling possible and actual conflicts. Usually, it is relevant to us to do so. We feel shy, either because it is important or because there are incentives in our surroundings to encourage it. The key is we should be flexible with our communication style.” Whether you think you can or you can't, you’re right!” by Henry Ford.

2.

Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers 1-8
  • Read the passage given with 8 sections, A-H.
  • Choose the correct heading for each section given below.

 

List of Headings

 

i. Summarising personality types

ii. Combined styles for workplace

iii. Physical explanation

iv. A lively person who encourages

v.  Demanding and unsympathetic personality

vi.  Lazy and careless personality

vi.  The benefits of understanding communication styles

viii. Cautious and caring

ix.  Factual and analytical personality 

x.  Self-assessment determines one’s temperament


 

Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Answers with Explanations (1-8)
 

 

Type of question: Matching Headings

 

In this question type, you will be asked to choose the correct heading for each paragraph from a list of headings provided. This type of question assesses your ability to understand the main idea or theme of each paragraph.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Familiarise yourself with the list of headings before reading the paragraphs. This helps you know what to look for.
  • Identify the main idea or theme of each paragraph by looking for topic sentences or recurring themes.
  • Find keywords or phrases that are similar to those in the headings. This can help you make connections.
  • Eliminate incorrect options that don't match any paragraphs to narrow down your choices.
  • Skim and Scan each paragraph efficiently to get a context about the content.


 

1. III

 

Reference

From paragraph A:  "According to Hippocrates, there are four separate bodily fluids that affect four different temperamental subtypes."

 

Explanation: This line explains the historical perspective on personality types based on bodily fluids. It highlights the physical explanation of temperament theory from Hippocrates, making "physical explanation" the most fitting heading. This heading matches the discussion of how early theories connected temperament to physical traits.

 

2. VII

 

Reference

From paragraph B: “Self-evaluation is the criteria used to determine one’s own values.”

 

Explanation: This line explains how understanding one's communication style and values can help in managing conflicts and improving relationships. It underscores the benefits of recognising and adapting communication styles, making "the benefits of understanding communication styles" the correct heading. This section details how self-assessment contributes to more effective interactions.

 

3. I

 

Reference

From paragraph C: "Hippocrates and later Galen have been determined to summarise personality with four basic temperaments: Sanguine(capable of talking to new friends like they have known for a long time) and Melancholic (almost always deep in thought)."

 

Explanation: This line summarises the main temperaments described by Hippocrates and Galen and their continued relevance. It matches the heading "summarising personality types" because it provides an overview of the basic temperaments and their modern adaptations. The heading aligns with the paragraph's summary of personality types.

 

4. IV

 

Reference

From paragraph D: "The sanguine person would have the capability to talk with an unknown person like they were already close friends."

 

Explanation: This line describes the sanguine personality as outgoing and enthusiastic, capable of engaging easily with others. The heading "A lively person who encourages" fits well because it captures the sanguine individual's energetic and motivating communication style. This section illustrates the lively nature and social skills of sanguine personalities.

 

5. IX

 

Reference

From paragraph E: "Tile phlegmatic person and preserving- translates into the technical or systematic communication style."

 

Explanation: This line explains how phlegmatic individuals are focused on technical details and systematic approaches. The heading "Factual and analytical personality" is appropriate because it highlights their analytical and detail-oriented nature. This section emphasises how phlegmatic individuals approach tasks with a methodical and factual mindset.

 

6. VIII

 

Reference

From paragraph F:  "Tile melancholic persons who are soft-hearted and oriented toward doing things for others translate into a considerate or sympathetic communication style."

 

Explanation: This line describes the melancholic personality as caring and focused on others' needs. The heading "Cautious and caring" matches because it reflects their sympathetic nature and concern for others. This section elaborates on how melancholic individuals prioritise relationships and show empathy.

 

7. V

 

Reference

From paragraph G:  "The choleric temperament people have a bold and direct style of communication."

 

Explanation: This line highlights the choleric personality's direct and assertive communication style. The heading "Demanding and unsympathetic personality" fits well because it captures their straightforward and sometimes forceful nature. This section details how choleric individuals are focused on tasks and often appear intimidating.

 

8. II

 

Reference

From paragraph H:  "A well-functioning team should have all these types of communication styles for true effectiveness."

 

Explanation: This line discusses the importance of incorporating all communication styles within a team for optimal performance. The heading "Combined styles for workplace" is appropriate as it emphasises the need for a mix of styles to achieve effective teamwork. This section outlines how different styles contribute to a well-functioning work environment.

 

Also Read: IELTS General Reading Test.

Questions and Answers 9-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 9-13 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

 

9. It is believed that sanguine people dislike variety
10. Melancholic and phlegmatic people have similar characteristics.
11. Managers often select their best employees according to personality types.
12. It is possible to change one’s personality type.
13. Workplace environments can affect which communication style is most effective.

 

Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Answers with Explanations (9-13)

 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.


 

9. False

 

Reference

From paragraph D:  "They love change, and they are constantly looking for something more exciting and adventurous."

 

Explanation:  This line indicates that sanguine individuals are eager for change and new experiences, which is the opposite of disliking variety. Since sanguine people are portrayed as embracing change and seeking excitement, this directly contradicts the statement suggesting they dislike variety. Therefore, the statement is false.

 

10. True

 

Reference: 

From paragraph E: “They need time to adapt to the change and need to understand both the logic of it and the steps involved."

 

Explanation: This line shows that both melancholic and phlegmatic individuals need time to adjust to changes and focus on understanding the details. The similarity in their approach to adapting and processing change supports the statement's accuracy. Thus, the statement is true.

 

11. Not Given

 

Reference

From paragraph:  N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide specific information about how managers select employees based on personality types. Without this detail, we cannot determine if the statement aligns with the passage’s content, resulting in the answer not being given.

 

12. True

 

Reference

From paragraph H:  "We all also have aspects of each style within us."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that individuals possess elements of each communication style and can adapt their style to fit different situations. This adaptability implies that people can change their dominant style or personality type. Hence, the statement is supported and true.

 

13. True

 

Reference

From paragraph H:  "The work environment can influence communication styles either by the type of work that is required or by the predominance of one style reflected in that environment."

 

Explanation: This line highlights that the work environment can impact which communication style is most effective, either through the nature of the work or the dominant style present. This confirms that workplace environments can affect communication styles, making the statement true.
 

Learn about IELTS Reading Vocabulary here! 

Questions and Answers 14
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.
  • Write an appropriate answer on your answer sheet.

 

14. The writer believes using self-assessment tools can

 

            A.  help to develop one’s personality.

            B.  help to understand colleagues’ behaviour.

            C.  improves one’s relationship with the employer.

            D.  directly resolve conflicts


 

Communicating Styles And Conflict Reading Answers with Explanations 14 

 


Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

14. Help to understand colleagues behaviour

 

Reference

From paragraph B: "Self-evaluation is the criteria used to determine one’s own values."

 

Explanation: This line highlights that self-evaluation helps individuals understand their own values and how others might differ. By recognising these differences, people can better understand colleagues' behaviour and communication styles. The process of self-assessment thus aids in depersonalising conflicts and fostering better interpersonal understanding. This makes "help to understand colleagues' behaviour" the correct answer.

 

Also Read:
 

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FAQs

Q. How are the passages presented in the IELTS Reading test (e.g., chronologically, by difficulty)?

Ans. The passages in the IELTS Reading test are presented in order of increasing difficulty. This means that the first passage is usually the easiest, and the passages become more challenging as you progress through the test. This progression is designed to assess a range of reading skills.

Q. Can I take notes during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you can take notes during the IELTS Reading test. You are allowed to make notes in the question booklet or on the answer sheet to help you keep track of important information or thoughts. This can assist you in answering questions more accurately.

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

Ans. To improve your reading speed, practice skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Regularly engage with a variety of texts under timed conditions to build speed and comprehension. Focus on identifying key information quickly and efficiently.