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Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Sep 06, 2024, 06:57

The passage explores the use of cosmetics and perfumes in ancient civilisations, highlighting their roles in religious ceremonies, personal beautification, and medicinal purposes. It details the materials and methods used for cosmetic treatments, the social importance of hair care, and the trade of aromatic resins and perfumes. Notably, cosmetics were highly valued, with evidence found in archaeological discoveries, biblical references, and classical writings.

 

Studying this passage helps improve comprehension skills for the IELTS Reading section by providing exposure to historical content and detailed descriptions. Understanding such complex texts can enhance vocabulary, critical thinking, and the ability to scan for specific information, all of which are crucial for achieving a high IELTS reading score.

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1. Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Passage

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


 

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2. Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Questions & Answers

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1.

Cosmetics in Ancient Past 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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Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Passage

 

 

Paragraph A:
Cosmetics and perfumes have been popular since the dawn of civilization, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds dating back to the third millennium BC. These include mosaics, glass perfume flasks, and clay jars. Historical writings and biblical references show that spices and perfumes were prestigious, cherished by kings and princes, and highlighted the importance of body care and aesthetic appearance in ancient times.

 

Paragraph B:
In ancient times, cosmetics initially served religious and healing purposes, including cultic worship and witchcraft. Fragrant ointments were used to appease gods and later became a means for personal beauty enhancement. Over time, cosmetics spread beyond the wealthy to include lower classes, who used substances to soften skin and apply fragrant oils and ointments.

 

Paragraph C:
Perfumes and fragrant spices were highly valued in antiquity, sometimes exceeding the worth of silver and gold. They were primarily luxury items used in temples and by the wealthy. Historical accounts, such as the gifts of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon, and biblical references highlight their value and widespread use among the elite.

 

Paragraph D:
Facial treatments were highly developed, with women spending hours on their beauty routines. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used various creams and masks to address blemishes and signs of aging. These treatments often included aromatic oils and were tailored to different regions' needs, such as using animal fats for those with fewer resources.

 

Paragraph E:
Eye cosmetics were used not only for beauty but also for medicinal purposes, such as preventing dryness and eye diseases. Egyptians used black and green colors around the eyes, while Mesopotamians favored yellows and reds. The use of kohl is mentioned in the Bible, reflecting both its prevalence and the varying attitudes toward its use.

 

Paragraph F:
Hair care was significant in ancient cultures, symbolizing beauty and status. Kings, nobles, and dignitaries wore their hair long and well-groomed, while women spent considerable time styling their hair. Practices varied by region, with Egyptians and Mesopotamians favoring long hair, while Assyrians preferred shorter styles.

 

Paragraph G:
Trade in aromatic resins and incense was crucial, with centers in Arabia and India. The Bible and classical sources mention the significance of this trade, including the role of the Nabateans as middlemen and the Egyptian Queen Hatsheput's expedition to obtain myrrh. Assyrian records also highlight the importance of perfumes and resins as tribute items.

 

A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

2.

Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-7
  • Reading Passage has 7 paragraphs A-G
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.

 

1. recipes to conceal facial defects caused by ageing
2. perfumes were presented to conquerors in war
3. long hair of girls had special meanings in marriage
4. evidence exists in abundance showing cosmetics use in ancient times
5. protecting eyes from fly-transmitted diseases
6. from witchcraft to beautification
7. more expensive than gold

 

Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)


 

Type of Question: Matching Information
 

These types of questions involve reading the descriptions or statements provided, identifying key details or keywords, and matching them to corresponding information in the passage by comparing and contrasting the options until you find the best fit.


 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Skim the Passage: Quickly read through the entire passage to get a general idea of the content and structure.
  • Identify Keywords: Look for keywords or phrases in the questions that are easy to locate in the passage.
  • Scan for Keywords: Scan the paragraphs for the keywords or synonyms, and focus on those sections.
  • Read in Detail: Once you find a potential match, read that section carefully to ensure it contains the specific information needed for the question.
  • Check All Options: Make sure to check all relevant paragraphs, as the correct information might be mentioned in more than one place.
     
1. D

 

Reference: From Paragraph D, "Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used various creams and masks to address blemishes and signs of aging."
 

Explanation: This paragraph describes how ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used detailed recipes and treatments to address facial defects such as blemishes and wrinkles. The focus on cosmetic solutions for aging directly supports the answer.

 

2. G

 

Reference: From Paragraph G, "Assyrian records also highlight the importance of perfumes and resins as tribute items."
 

Explanation: This paragraph indicates that perfumes and resins were used as tribute items in ancient times, including being presented to rulers and conquerors. Such historical records reflect the high value and ceremonial use of perfumes.

 

3. F

 

Reference: From Paragraph F, "In Ancient Israel, brides would wear their hair long on the wedding day as a sign of their virginity."
 

Explanation: This paragraph explains that long hair was a significant symbol in ancient Israel, particularly for brides, indicating its cultural importance and special meaning related to marriage and virginity.

 

4. A


Reference: From Paragraph A, "Historical writings and biblical references show that spices and perfumes were prestigious, cherishedby kings and princes, and highlighted the importance of body care and aesthetic appearance in ancient times."
 

Explanation: This paragraph provides evidence of the widespread and valued use of cosmetics and perfumes throughout history, supported by both written and archaeological records, confirming the extensive evidence of their use.

 

5. E


Reference: From Paragraph E, "Eye cosmetics were used not only for beauty but also for medicinal purposes, such as preventing dryness and eye diseases."
 

Explanation: This paragraph elaborates on the dual purpose of eye cosmetics in ancient times, detailing how they were used to prevent eye diseases transmitted by flies, thus addressing both their beautifying and protective roles.


 

6. B


Reference: From Paragraph B, "Fragrant ointments were used to appease gods and later became a means for personal beauty enhancement."
 

Explanation: The transition from using cosmetics in religious rituals and witchcraft to their application for personal beautification is detailed here, illustrating how cosmetics evolved from spiritual to personal use.

 

7. C


Reference: From Paragraph C, "Perfumes and fragrant spices were highly valued in antiquity, sometimes exceeding the worth of silver and gold."
 

Explanation: The paragraph emphasizes that perfumes and spices were so valuable in ancient times that their worth sometimes surpassed that of silver and gold, highlighting their significant economic and luxury value.


 

Also See: IELTS Academic 2024 Reading Resources

Questions and Answers 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 8-13 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

 

8. The written record for cosmetics and perfumes dates back to the third millennium BC.
9. Since perfumes and spices were luxury products, their use was exclusive to the noble and the wealthy.
10. In the ancient Far East, fish fats were used as a cream by a woman from poor households.
11. The teachings in the Bible were repeatedly against the use of kohl for painting the eyes.
12. Long hair as a symbol of beauty was worn solely by women of ancient cultures
13. The Egyptian Queen Hatsheput sent a royal expedition to Punt to establish a trade route for myrrh


 

Cosmetics in Ancient Past Reading Answers with Explanations (8-13) 


 

Type of Question: True/False/Not Given 
 

These types of questions in IELTS reading involve identifying whether the sentence is  True, False, or Not Given using the given paragraph. 


 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Identify Keywords: Focus on key terms in the question and locate their synonyms in the passage.
  • Verify Information: Compare the statement with the passage’s details. If it aligns exactly, it’s True; if it contradicts, it’s False.
  • Look for Specifics: Ensure the passage explicitly supports or refutes the statement. If there’s no clear reference, it’s Not Given.
  • Check Passage Context: Read surrounding sentences for context. Sometimes, information is implied rather than directly stated.
  • Avoid Assumptions: Base answers strictly on the passage’s content, not on external knowledge or assumptions.



 

8. Not Given

 

Reference: Not available 
 

Explanation: The passage does not provide specific information about the earliest written records of cosmetics and perfumes, so the statement cannot be confirmed based on the given text.

 

9. False


Reference: From Paragraph B, "Over time, cosmetics spread beyond the wealthy to include lower classes, who used substances to soften skin and apply fragrant oils and ointments."
 

Explanation: The passage explains that while perfumes and spices were initially luxury items used by the wealthy and in temples, their use eventually became widespread among lower classes as well. This shows that the use was not exclusive to the noble and wealthy.

 

10. True


Reference: From Paragraph D, "Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used various creams and masks... using animal fats for those with fewer resources."
 

Explanation: Paragraph D confirms that in the ancient Far East, creams often used animal and fish fats, especially for those with fewer resources, demonstrating that fish fats were a common ingredient for women of lower economic status.


 

11. True


Reference: From Paragraph E, "The use of kohl is mentioned in the Bible, reflecting both its prevalence and the varying attitudes toward its use."
 

Explanation: The Bible’s repeated disapproval of kohl for eye makeup, as mentioned in various passages, shows a consistent negative stance on its use, validating the statement's accuracy.

 

12. False


Reference: From Paragraph F, "Kings, nobles, and dignitaries wore their hair long and well-groomed."
 

Explanation: The passage notes that long hair was a symbol of beauty for both men and women in ancient cultures, with kings and nobles also maintaining long hair. Therefore, the statement that only women wore long hair is incorrect.


 

13. Not Given


Reference: Not available 

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide details about the specific objectives of Queen Hatsheput's expedition to Punt, so this information is not included in the text.


 

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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 or take notes on the test booklet. You are only allowed to underline or circle information on the question paper if needed. You can write notes on the answer sheet or rough paper provided to help you organise your answers, but ensure your final responses are clear and accurate.


 

 

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

Ans: To manage your time effectively, divide the 60 minutes among the three passages, aiming for 20 minutes per passage. Skim through each passage to get a general idea, then read questions carefully. Prioritize questions you find easier and come back to more challenging ones if time permits. Keep an eye on the clock and avoid spending too long on any single question.


 


 

Q. What is the IELTS Reading test like?

Ans: The IELTS Reading test consists of three passages with increasing difficulty. You have 60 minutes to read and answer questions on a variety of types, including multiple-choice, matching, and short-answer questions. The passages may include descriptive, narrative, or argument-based texts, and you need to demonstrate comprehension and analytical skills to achieve a high IELTS reading score.