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Diabetes Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 15, 2024, 10:35

The IELTS Reading section is a pivotal aspect of the International English Language Testing System, designed to evaluate your proficiency in understanding written English. This section comprises three passages sourced from a variety of publications, each accompanied by 10-14 questions. These questions encompass diverse formats like multiple-choice, matching headings, and identifying information, aiming to assess your ability to comprehend main ideas, details, opinions, and attitudes.

 

Key highlights of the IELTS Reading section include encountering texts from different genres and adapting to various question types, all of which simulate real-world reading challenges. The passages escalate in complexity between the Academic and General Training versions of the test, mirroring academic and everyday reading demands.

 

In this sample, we explore a passage dedicated to Diabetes, examining its implications, management techniques, and recent advancements in treatment. Following the passage, you will encounter questions designed to evaluate your understanding of the material, accompanied by detailed explanations clarifying why each answer is correct.


 

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1. Diabetes Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 14 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. Diabetes Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about DiabetesReading Question & Answers

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1.

Diabetes 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.

 

 

 

 

Diabetes Reading Passage

 

 

Paragraph A: Diabetes is the term given to a set of various disorders that occur when there is excessive glucose present in the blood. Here's what tends to happen: Our body requires glucose as its key source of fuel or energy. The body produces glucose from meals containing carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables (like potatoes or maize) and cereal foods (such as bread, pasta, and rice), along with fruits and milk. Blood transports glucose throughout the body, and the amount of glucose is termed "glycemia." Glycemia (blood sugar levels) in people and animals must be absolutely perfect, neither too high nor too low. In order for the glucose to enter the body tissues, it must first leave the bloodstream, where it is already present. This is when insulin enters the picture. The pancreas, a gland situated right below the stomach, produces the hormone insulin. Insulin unlocks the door that allows glucose from the blood to enter the body cells, where it is converted into energy. This process is termed glucose metabolism. In diabetes, the pancreas either cannot produce insulin or produces insufficient insulin, which is futile. The glucose pathways are closed if insulin isn't working as it ought to. Blood glucose levels rise as a result of glucose buildup, which leads to diabetes-related medical conditions.

 

 

Paragraph B: People may refer to the illness as diabetes, though there are two forms of the disease. High blood glucose levels caused by the absence of insulin are a characteristic of type 1 diabetes. It happens when the pancreas' insulin-producing beta cells are attacked and destroyed by the body's immune system. Consequently, the pancreas yields little or no insulin. Although it may appear in adults, type 1 diabetes often emerges in young individuals. The most prevalent kind of diabetes is type 2. In type 2 diabetes, the cells will either not react to the insulin or the body will not create enough of it. For the body to be able to fully utilise sugar, it needs insulin. The primary source of energy for the body's cells is sugar, which insulin carries from the blood to the cells.

 

 

Paragraph C: Diabetes is usually diagnosed based on the type of diabetes that the patient possesses. Type 1 diabetes is typically detected fairly early since the symptoms are often sudden and perhaps even life-threatening; hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) may lead to comas. Many patients with type 2 diabetes exhibit no symptoms at all, whereas other symptoms may go overlooked since they are considered a typical feature of "growing older." As a result, many people's blood sugar levels could be incredibly high by the time symptoms appear. Common signs and symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, being tired, constant hunger, slower wound healing, itching, skin infections, bad breath, blurred vision, unexplained weight transition, mood swings, migraines, dizziness, and leg cramps.

 

 

Paragraph D: There is no cure for diabetes at the moment, though there is a significant amount of research being done to discover one and to provide better treatment strategies and solutions until a solution is found. Each diabetes treatment aims to get your blood sugars into the non-diabetic range as often as possible, irrespective of whether you suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. For patients with Type 1 diabetes, this will involve daily injections of insulin as well as living a healthy lifestyle. For people who have Type 2 diabetes, healthy food and regular physical exercise may be all that is necessary initially; however, medications and perhaps insulin may be required later on. Frequent self-testing is recommended in order to maintain blood glucose levels as close as possible to the non-diabetic range. This could help avoid any short-term impacts of either low or excessively high blood sugar levels, as well as potential long-term issues.

 

2.

Diabetes Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Diabetes

Questions and Answers 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-7 of your answer sheet, write

  • YES, f the statement agrees with the information
  • NO, if the statement contradicts the information
  • NOT GIVEN, if the information is not given in the passage

 

  1. Type 1 diabetes is diagnosed quite rapidly because of hyperglycemia.
  2. A person diagnosed with diabetes can not produce insulin.
  3. Faults in the immune system of people is the reason why they develop diabetes.
  4. The body gets glucose from meals with high carbohydrate content.
  5. The most effective solution for patients in need of insulin is artificial insulin.
  6. The majority of people suffering from diabetes develop heart issues or suffer from strokes.
  7.  Regular medical visits may significantly lower the likelihood of developing issues linked with diabetes.


 

Diabetes Reading Answers with Explanations 1-7

 

Type of Question: Yes/No/Not Given


 

These types of questions involve finding whether the given statement is Yes/No/Not Given based on the given paragraph. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Focus on the specific information stated in the passage; avoid making assumptions.
  • Determine whether the information directly matches (Yes), contradicts (No), or is not addressed (Not Given) in the passage.
  • Pay attention to qualifiers such as "all," "some," or "often" that can affect the answer.
  • Be cautious of synonyms or paraphrases used in the passage that may alter the meaning.
  • If uncertain, choose "Not Given" rather than guessing, as guessing can lead to incorrect answers.


 

1. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph C, "Type 1 diabetes is typically detected fairly early since the symptoms are often sudden and perhaps even life-threatening; hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) may lead to comas." 

 

 

Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed early because symptoms like sudden and severe hyperglycemia can quickly escalate to life-threatening conditions such as comas. This urgency in symptom presentation often leads to early detection and diagnosis.

 

2. No

 

 

Reference: From Paragraph B, "High blood glucose levels caused by the absence of insulin are a characteristic of type 1 diabetes." 

 

 

Explanation: The statement contradicts because type 1 diabetes is characterized by the immune system's attack on insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production. It's not merely the absence of insulin causing high blood glucose levels, but rather the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.


 

3. Yes

 

 

Reference: From Paragraph B, "Faults in the immune system of the people is the reason why they develop diabetes." 

 

Explanation: Faults in the immune system, specifically the autoimmune response that targets and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, are indeed the underlying cause of type 1 diabetes. This immune dysfunction leads to the body's inability to produce sufficient insulin.

 

4. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph A, "Our body requires glucose as its key source of fuel or energy. The body produces glucose from meals containing carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables (like potatoes or maize) and cereal foods (such as bread, pasta, and rice), along with fruits and milk." 

 

Explanation: The body obtains glucose from carbohydrates found in foods like starchy vegetables, cereals, fruits, and milk. Glucose serves as the primary energy source for cells, essential for bodily functions and activities.

 

5. Not given

 

Reference: Not available

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide information regarding artificial insulin as an effective solution for patients needing insulin. It focuses more on current treatments, such as insulin injections and lifestyle management, without mentioning artificial insulin specifically.

 

6. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph D, "Diabetes may result in significant issues for patients. There could be issues if glucose accumulates in the blood rather than entering cells. Long-term high blood sugar levels may result in heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, amputations, and blindness, whereas short-term issues are identical to the symptoms." 

 

Explanation: Long-term high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can lead to serious health complications such as cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes), kidney failure, limb amputations due to poor circulation, and diabetic retinopathy leading to blindness. These complications underscore the importance of managing blood sugar levels effectively.

 

7. Not Given

 

Reference: Not available

 

Explanation: The passage does not discuss whether regular medical visits can significantly lower the likelihood of developing diabetes-related issues. It focuses more on the diagnosis, treatment, and potential complications of diabetes rather than preventive measures like regular medical check-ups.


 

IELTS Reading Tips & Tricks 2024: Techniques for Band 9

 

Questions and Answers 8-11
  • Complete the following sentences with the best endings from the box below.
  • Choose the appropriate letter A-H, and write them in the boxes 8-11 on your answer sheet.

 

8. Non severe type 2 diabetes can be solely treated by
9. Increases in diabetes related heart problems are mainly seen in
10. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to be absorbed by
11. Bizarre as it may seem, many people with diabetes


 

A. women.
B.body cells.
C.injections.
D.a healthy lifestyle.
E.do not realise the fact.
F.never suffer any ill effects.
G.people also suffer from strokes.
H.The pancreas.


 

 

Diabetes Reading Answers with Explanations 8-11

 

 

Type of Question: Matching Sentence Endings

 

To answer Matching Sentence Endings in the IELTS Reading section, match the ending of each sentence (usually found in a list) with the appropriate preceding sentences or sections in the passage, ensuring they logically complete the meaning without altering the original context.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read through all the sentence endings and understand their meanings.
  • Identify key ideas or themes in each sentence ending.
  • Scan the passage to find sentences or sections that correspond to each ending.
  • Match each sentence ending to the correct preceding sentence or section based on logical coherence and context.
  • Double-check your matches to ensure they accurately complete the meaning without altering the original context of the passage.

 

 

8. D


 

Reference: From Paragraph D, "For people who have Type 2 diabetes, healthy food and regular physical exercise may be all that is necessary initially; however, medications and perhaps insulin may be required later on." 

 

Explanation: Type 2 diabetes can often be managed solely with healthy lifestyle choices such as a nutritious diet and regular exercise initially, potentially requiring medications or insulin as the condition progresses.

 

 

9. A


 

Reference: From Paragraph D, "Young males are twice as likely to have a stroke than young women, while young women account for nearly the entire spike in the risk of heart attacks." 

 

 

Explanation: The statement refers to increases in diabetes-related heart problems, highlighting that young males have a higher risk of strokes and young women are significantly affected by heart attack risks associated with diabetes.

 

10. B

 

Reference: From Paragraph A, "Insulin unlocks the door that allows glucose from the blood to enter the body cells, where it is converted into energy." 

 

Explanation: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that facilitates the absorption of glucose into body cells, where it is utilised for energy production, as described in the paragraph.

 

11. E

 

Reference: From Paragraph A, "Diabetes is a rapidly growing illness and the sixth largest cause of death in Australia. Yet, out of one million residents there, hardly 50% are aware of being diabetic." 

 

Explanation: Many people with diabetes are unaware of their condition despite its prevalence and impact, which underscores the need for increased awareness and screening efforts. Thus, the answer is that many people with diabetes do not realise the fact (option E).

 

Also See: IELTS Academic 2024 Reading Resources

Questions and Answers 12-14
  • According to the text in the passage, which of the following are symptoms of diabetes?
  • Choose THREE letters (A-G) and write them in the boxes 12-14, in your answer sheet.

 

A. nausea 

B. tiredness

C. hot flushes

D. muscle pains

E. bleeding gums

F. dilation of the eyes

G. Losing consciousness


 

Diabetes Reading Answers with Explanations 12-14

 

 

Type of Question: Multiple Choice Questions

 

These types of questions in IELTS reading involve identifying the right choice from the given options using the given paragraph. 


 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Carefully read the entire question and all options to understand the context and scope.
  • Look for keywords or synonyms from the passage that match the options provided.
  • Eliminate clearly incorrect options to narrow down your choices.
  • Consider the tone and style of the passage to help determine the correct answer.
  • Ensure your chosen answer logically fits within the context provided in the passage.

 

 

12. B

 

Reference: From Paragraph C, "Common signs and symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, being tired, constant hunger, slower wound healing, itching, skin infections, bad breath, blurred vision, unexplained weight transition, mood swings, migraines, dizziness, and leg cramps." 

 

Explanation: The term "tired" specifically refers to fatigue, which individuals with diabetes commonly experience due to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and the body's inability to efficiently use glucose for energy.


 

13. D

 

Reference: From Paragraph C, "Common signs and symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, being tired, constant hunger, slower wound healing, itching, skin infections, bad breath, blurred vision, unexplained weight transition, mood swings, migraines, dizziness, and leg cramps." 

 

Explanation: Leg cramps are a type of muscle pain commonly associated with diabetes, often caused by nerve damage or circulation issues related to high blood sugar levels.


 

14. G

 

Reference: From Paragraph C, "Common signs and symptoms include excessive thirst, excessive urination, being tired, constant hunger, slower wound healing, itching, skin infections, bad breath, blurred vision, unexplained weight transition, mood swings, migraines, dizziness, and leg cramps." 

 

Explanation: Dizziness, which can lead to losing consciousness, is noted as a symptom of diabetes, indicating potential complications related to blood sugar fluctuations affecting the brain and nervous system.

 

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FAQs

Q. How many passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test typically consists of three passages, each with a series of questions to assess comprehension and analytical skills. These passages vary in length and complexity, covering a range of topics to ensure test takers can demonstrate their ability to understand detailed information, infer meanings, and grasp the main ideas presented.

Q. What types of questions are included in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test includes various question types such as multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, matching information, summary completion, and matching sentence endings. These question types assess different reading skills such as understanding specific details, identifying main ideas, recognizing opinions and attitudes, and following the development of an argument or narrative.


 

Q. How is the IELTS Reading test scored?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test is scored based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer contributes to a raw score, which is then converted into the IELTS band score. The band score ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest. The score reflects the test taker's ability to comprehend and interpret written texts in English, with higher scores indicating stronger reading skills suitable for academic or professional purposes.