Homeopathy Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

updated at

Updated on Oct 03, 2025, 13:19

In the  IELTS Reading section, you will answer 40 questions based on three passages. You must complete the task within 60 minutes, so managing your time well is key. The section tests your ability to understand the main ideas, details, inferences, and the writer’s opinions or purpose.
 

The Homeopathy Reading passage explores the origins, principles, and controversy surrounding Homeopathy. You’ll read about how this alternative system of medicine developed and how it continues to divide opinion in the modern medical world.


Let’s look at the Homeopathy reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. Homeopathy Reading Answer Passage

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

Read More Down arrow
1/ 4
Slider image

2. Homeopathy Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Homeopathy.

Read More Down arrow
2/ 4
Slider image

3. Check Out Top 60+ 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. 

Read More Down arrow
3/ 4

More for you

Boost Your IELTS Reading Score

Practice IELTS Reading Answers arrow right

4-Week IELTS Course with
 

Band Jump Guarantee

Attend Free Masterclass arrow right
4/4
1.

Homeopathy 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.

 

 

Homeopathy Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. Homeopathy is an alternative system of medicine, founded in the early 19th century by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Since 1980, homeopathy has experienced a strong resurgence of interest in North and South America as well as in Europe. Surveys indicate that more than a third of French physicians have prescribed homeopathic remedies, and almost 50 percent of British physicians have referred patients for homeopathic treatment.

 

Paragraph B. Hahnemann’s discovery of the principle of homeopathy was accidental. After taking some quinine, he noticed that he developed malaria-like symptoms. Since malaria patients were treated with quinine, he speculated that possibly malaria is cured by quinine because it causes malaria-like symptoms in healthy people. He decided to explore his theory by testing other substances used as medicine at the time, such as arsenic and belladonna. His tests were conducted by either taking the substances internally himself or by administering them to healthy volunteers and then recording all of the symptoms the volunteers experienced. He continued his experiments on a wide range of natural substances, often toxic. These recorded results created ‘drug pictures’, which formed the basis for the new system of medicine. The next step was to give the tested substances to patients suffering from the same group of symptoms represented by the drug picture recorded. The results were incredible. People were being cured from diseases that had never been cured before. He condensed his theory into a single Latin phrase: similia similibus curentur (let likes be cured by likes). This means that a disease can be cured by a medicine which produces, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those experienced by the patient.

 

Paragraph C. The process of making remedies is very precise. A homeopathic remedy is normally a single substance. The substances may be made from plants, minerals and even animals, for example snake venom and cuttlefish ink. To make remedies, the raw material is dissolved in a mixture that contains approximately 90% alcohol and 10% water. The mixture is left to stand for 2 to 4 weeks, shaken occasionally, then strained. The resulting liquid or tincture is then diluted according to very specific measures to a factor of 1:100. For example, to produce a remedy called 1c potency or strength, one drop of the tincture is added to 99 drops of alcohol/water mixture. To produce a 2c potency, one drop of the 1c mixture is added to 99 drops of alcohol/water mixture. Between each mixture, the remedy is shaken vigorously. Hahnemann believed that through this process, the energy of the substance was released. Once the remedy has been diluted beyond a 12c potency, it is unlikely that even a molecule of the original substance remains. Yet, ironically, the more dilute the remedy, the stronger it is. This makes no sense in light of present-day science, but regardless of what science tells us is impossible, in practice, the higher the dilution, the stronger and more lasting the effect.

 

Paragraph D. It is this use of high dilutions that has given rise to controversy. Many conventional doctors claim that homeopathy functions only as a placebo because the dosage is so small. However, the clinical experience of homeopathy shows that this tiny dose can be effective: it works on unconscious people and infants, and it even works on animals. Controlled clinical studies performed by medical researchers demonstrate that homeopathy can be an effective method of treatment for many diseases.

 

Paragraph E. The most important part of homeopathic treatment lies in the lengthy interview that the homeopath conducts with the patient. The idea behind this one to two-hour consultation is to build up a psychological, emotional and physical history of the patient, to discover the underlying patterns of disease. The homeopath then decides which medicine to prescribe based on the closest match between the patient’s symptoms and the known symptoms elicited by the medicine in a healthy body. A single dose is given for the shortest period of time necessary to stimulate the body’s healing power.

 

Paragraph F. How does the concept of homeopathy differ from that of conventional medicine? Very simply, homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to recover itself. Instead of looking upon the symptoms as something wrong which must be set right, the homeopath sees them as signs of the way the body is attempting to help itself. Another basic difference between conventional medical therapy and homeopathy is the role of medication. In much of conventional therapy, the illness is controlled through the regular use of medical substances. If the medication is withdrawn, the person returns to illness. For example, a person who takes a pill for high blood pressure every day is not undergoing a cure but is only controlling the symptoms. Homeopathy’s aim is the cure: ‘The complete restoration of perfect health,’ as Dr. Hahnemann said.

 

Paragraph G. Homeopathy has made significant progress in treating diseases, which orthodox medicine finds difficult. Best at dealing with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, migraines and respiratory problems linked to allergies, it has also proved highly successful at treating asthma. But, homeopathy is not an appropriate treatment for degenerative diseases such as emphysema. It cannot treat diseases which destroy tissue, although it can still be beneficial if used in combination with other treatments. Two of the main advantages of homeotherapy are the low cost of the medications and the rarity of adverse reactions. The medicines are inexpensive, safe, and easy to use, so people can learn to handle many of the common illnesses for which they currently seek medical help. The resulting savings in costs and the increase in personal independence represent a significant contribution to health care.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Homeopathy reading answer passage.

2.

Homeopathy Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • The Homeopathy reading passage has Sections A-G.
  • Choose the most suitable headings for sections B-G from the list of headings I-X.
    • Note: There are more headings than sections, so you will not use all of them.

 

List of Headings

I. The Future of Homeopathy.

II. Concerns about Homeopathy.

III. Comparison with traditional western medicine.

IV. Dr. S. Hahnemann

V. Theoretical and experimental basis.

VI. Revival of Homeopathy.

VII. Preparation of medicines.

VIII. Debate over effectiveness.

IX. Advantages and limitations of Homeopathy.

X. Aspects of treatment.

 

1. Section B

2. Section C.

3. Section D

4. Section E

5. Section F

6. Section G
 

Homeopathy  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)

 

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. V - Theoretical and experimental basis.

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: "These recorded results created ‘drug pictures’ which formed the basis for the new system of medicine."

 

Explanation: This line explains how Hahnemann developed homeopathy by testing substances and recording their effects to form the foundation of the system. His experiments provided the theoretical and experimental basis of the treatment method, making this heading the most appropriate.

 

2. VII - Preparation of medicines.

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “The substances may be made from plants, minerals and even animals, for example snake venom and cuttlefish ink. To make remedies, the raw material is dissolved in a mixture that contains approximately 90% alcohol and 10% water.”

 

Explanation: This line outlines the process of making homeopathic remedies, starting from dissolving raw materials to a specific dilution and shaking method. It clearly focuses on how medicines are prepared, which is why this heading fits best.

 

3. VIII - Debate over effectiveness.

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “Many conventional doctors claim that homeopathy functions only as a placebo because the dosage is so small. However, the clinical experience of homeopathy shows that this tiny dose can be effective: it works on unconscious people and infants, and it even works on animals. Controlled clinical studies performed by medical researchers are demonstrating that homeopathy can be an effective method of treatment for many diseases.”

 

Explanation: This part of the text highlights the ongoing disagreement between traditional doctors and homeopaths regarding whether homeopathy works. The presence of contrasting views and research findings suggests a debate over its effectiveness, making this heading accurate.

 

4. X - Aspects of treatment.

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: "The most important part of homeopathic treatment lies in the lengthy interview which the homeopath conducts with the patient."

 

Explanation: This sentence describes how treatment in homeopathy begins with an in-depth patient consultation to understand their full history. The paragraph explains various components of the treatment approach, supporting the heading about treatment aspects.

 

5. III - Comparison with traditional western medicine.

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “How does the concept of homeopathy differ from that of conventional medicine? Very simply, homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to recover itself. Instead of looking upon the symptoms as something wrong which must be set right, the homeopath sees them as signs of the way the body is attempting to help itself. Another basic difference between conventional medical therapy and homeopathy is the role of medication. In much of conventional therapy, the illness is controlled through regular use of medical substances.”

 

Explanation: This line sets up a direct comparison between homeopathy and traditional medicine, explaining how their philosophies and treatment methods differ. Since the paragraph continues with several such comparisons, the heading about traditional medicine is clearly appropriate.

 

6. IX - Advantages and limitations of Homeopathy.

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Homeopathy has made significant progress in treating diseases which orthodox medicine finds difficult. Best at dealing with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, skin conditions, migraines and respiratory problems linked to allergies, it has also proved highly successful at treating asthma. But homeopathy is not an appropriate treatment for degenerative diseases such as emphysema.”

 

Explanation: This section highlights both the strengths and the weaknesses of homeopathy by listing the conditions it treats well and those it cannot. Since it discusses both benefits and limits, the heading about advantages and limitations fits perfectly.

 

Also Read: Dictation Words for IELTS: Practice and Preparation

Questions and Answers 7-9
  • Complete the description below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the Reading passage for each answer. And write it in the boxes 7-9.

 

Making a homeopathic remedy

The remedies come from plant, animal, and mineral sources. 

A single product is mixed with (7) __________ and left to stand for 2-4 weeks.
 
This mixture is strained to produce a tincture that can be diluted. 

1 drop of this tincture is added to 99 drops of alcohol/water. 

The mixture is then (8) ____________ vigorously. 

This produces a remedy with a potency of 1c. 

As the remedy becomes more diluted, it gets (9) ____________.
 

Homeopathy  Reading Answers With Explanations (7-9)
 

Type of question: Notes completion

 

Under this task, you will be required to fill in missing information within a given text, often in the form of words, phrases, or sentences. These questions are designed to test your comprehension, attention to detail, and ability to infer meaning from context.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the passage carefully to understand the context and main ideas.
  • Identify the type of information missing, such as words, phrases, or sentences.
  • Look for contextual clues or keywords surrounding the missing information.
  • Use logical reasoning and inference to fill in the missing parts.
  • Ensure that the completed notes are concise and grammatically correct.
  • Verify and finalise your answers.

 

7. alcohol and water

 

Reference: From Paragraph C:  "To make remedies, the raw material is dissolved in a mixture that contains approximately 90% alcohol and 10% water. The mixture is left to stand for 2 to 4 weeks..."

 

Explanation: This line shows that the preparation of a homeopathic remedy begins by mixing the raw substance with a solution of alcohol and water. It clearly states the ingredients used and the process of leaving the mixture to stand, which confirms "alcohol and water" as the correct answer.

 

8. shaken

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "Between each mixture, the remedy is shaken vigorously."

 

Explanation: This line explains a crucial step in the preparation process, where the remedy is shaken vigorously after each dilution. It supports the idea that shaking is not just casual but a deliberate and essential part of making the remedy, making "shaken" the correct answer.

 

9. stronger

 

Reference: From Paragraph C:  "Yet, ironically, the more dilute the remedy, the stronger it is."

 

Explanation: This sentence highlights an unusual principle in homeopathy that contradicts conventional science—greater dilution results in a more powerful remedy. This directly supports the idea that as the remedy becomes more diluted, it gets “stronger”.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the IELTS Academic Reading 2025!

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete the summary.
  • Choose your answers from the table below. And write it in the boxes 10-13.

 

Homeopathy differs from conventional medicine in a number of ways. Conventional medicine views symptoms as an indication of something wrong in the body, whereas homeopathy sees them as signs that the body is attempting to (10) _____________ . The uses of medication differ also. Many types of conventional medication (11) _____________, but if the medicine is taken away, the illness returns. The intention of homeopathy is to bring about a complete cure. Homeopathic remedies are (12) ____________ than conventional medicine and have fewer (13) _____________.

 

Cheaper Cure Heal itself
Illness Treatment Getting better
Control symptoms More expensive Side effects
Stronger Healthy Patients

 

Homeopathy  Reading Answers With Explanations (10-13)
 

Type of question: Summary completion

 

Under this task, you will be given a summary with incomplete sentences. However, you will not be given any list of words/phrases to choose the missing information. You must refer to the main passage to fill in the missing information. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the summary to understand what information it’s missing.
  • Identify keywords and locate them in the main passage to find missing words. 
  • Review the context of the words you’ve chosen to match the summary.
  • Finalise your answers. 

 

10. heal itself

 

Reference: From Paragraph F:  "Instead of looking upon the symptoms as something wrong which must be set right, the homeopath sees them as signs of the way the body is attempting to help itself."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that homeopathy interprets symptoms as the body’s natural attempt to recover. Rather than treating symptoms as flaws, it sees them as evidence of healing in progress. Therefore, "heal itself" is the correct answer.

 

11. control symptoms

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: "In much of conventional therapy, the illness is controlled through regular use of medical substances."

 

Explanation: The line clearly explains that conventional medicine focuses on keeping illnesses under control by regular medication. It does not aim to cure but merely manage the symptoms. Hence, "control symptoms" is the right choice.

 

12. cheaper

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "Two of the main advantages of homeotherapy are the low cost of the medications and the rarity of adverse reactions."


Explanation: This line states that homeopathic remedies are low in cost, making them more affordable than conventional treatments. The phrase "low cost" directly supports the idea of remedies being "cheaper." So, "cheaper" is the correct answer.

 

13. side effects

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "Two of the main advantages of homeotherapy are the low cost of the medications and the rarity of adverse reactions."

 

Explanation: The phrase “rarity of adverse reactions” highlights that side effects are uncommon in homeopathic treatments. This contrasts with conventional medicine, where side effects are more frequent. Thus, "side effects" is the accurate answer.
3.

Check Out Top 60+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top 60+ 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.
 

ielts logo

Get the IELTS Prep App

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

 app download banner image

Get the app link on your phone

+91

Or download app from

google play storeapp store

Next Up

IELTS Reading Practice Test
IELTS Practice Test
IELTS Cue Card
IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Listening Practice Test

IELTS Important Information

IELTS ExamIELTS Exam DateIELTS Exam FeeIELTS ModulesIELTS Listening Practice TestIELTS Speaking Practice TestIELTS Reading Practice TestIELTS Writing Practice TestIELTS Test CentresIELTS ResultsTypes of IELTSIELTS PatternIELTS Exam EligibiltyIELTS Slot BookingIELTS Band ScoreIELTS RegistrationIELTS BooksIELTS PreparationIELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Countries

Study In USAStudy In CanadaStudy In UKStudy In AustraliaStudy In IrelandStudy in GermanyStudy In New ZealandStudy in ItalyStudy in France

IELTS Accepting Universities

Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyThe University Of British ColumbiaHarvard UniversityUniversity Of TorontoConestoga CollegeUniversity Of East LondonStanford UniversityUniversity Of AlbertaCoventry UniversityNew York University

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Speaking Practice TestIELTS Writing Practice TestIELTS Reading Practice TestIELTS Listening Practice TestIELTS Speaking Cue CardIELTS Speaking Part 1IELTS Writing Task 1IELTS Writing Task 2Task 1 Pie ChartTask 1 Table ChartTask 1 MapTask 1 Bar GraphTask 1 Line GraphTask 1 Diagram

Top Reading Samples with Answers

Comet Missions Reading AnswersGlaciers Reading AnswersGraffiti Reading AnswersTasmanian Tiger Reading AnswersThe Ring Tailed Lemur Reading AnswersSleep Reading AnswersDyslexia Reading AnswersPoverty and Health Reading AnswersStealth Forces in Weight Loss Reading AnswersThe Types of Pearls Reading AnswersCaffeine Reading AnswersWhy We Need to Protect Polar Bears Reading Answers

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in HyderabadIELTS Test Centre and Dates in BangaloreIELTS Test Centre and Dates in ChennaiIELTS Test Centre and Dates in AmritsarIELTS Centre and Dates in LudhianaIELTS Test Centre and Dates in MumbaiIELTS Test Centres and Dates in AhmedabadIELTS Centre and Dates in DelhiIELTS Test Centres and Dates in ChandigarhIELTS Center and Dates in Pune
Related videos

Related Articles

Related read

The Luddites Reading Answers

Related read

Finding Our Way Reading Answers

Related read

Eco Resort Management Reading Answers

FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in Homeopathy reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in a Homeopathy reading passage include terms like "natural remedies", "alternative medicine", "treatment", "dilution", "placebo", and names of diseases or symptoms. These words often help you locate answers quickly when skimming or scanning the text.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Homeopathy reading passage?

Ans. Read each paragraph carefully to understand the main idea. Then match it with the correct heading by looking for overall themes rather than specific details. Eliminate clearly incorrect headings to narrow your choices.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the Homeopathy reading passage?

Ans. One of the biggest challenges is dealing with unfamiliar medical terms or theories. Additionally, distinguishing between factual information and opinions can be tricky, especially in questions like True/False/Not Given.

Q. Are Homeopathy passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. Homeopathy passages are more likely to appear in the IELTS Academic Reading test because they involve scientific or health-related content that requires analytical reading and interpretation.

Q. Is extra time given to transfer answers to the answer sheet?

Ans. Yes, in the IELTS paper-based test, you are given an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet in the Reading section. However, no extra time is provided for the computer-based test.

Q. Can I use a highlighter during the Reading test?

Ans. In the paper-based IELTS test, you are not allowed to use a highlighter. However, in the computer-based test, you can highlight text using the digital highlighting tool provided on the screen.

Q. Should I manage my time equally across all passages?

Ans. Ideally, yes. Try to spend about 20 minutes on each passage. However, since the passages get more difficult, you might want to save a bit more time for the last one to ensure accuracy.

Q. Can I start with any section of the Reading test?

Ans. In the paper-based test, you must follow the order of the booklet. However, in the computer-based test, you can move freely between the three sections and answer them in any order you prefer.

Q. Are spelling mistakes penalised in the Reading test?

Ans. Yes, spelling mistakes are penalised. If your answer is spelt incorrectly, it will be marked wrong, even if the meaning is correct. Always double-check your spelling before submitting.

Q. Do I need to include articles ('a', 'an', 'the') in my answers?

Ans. Yes, if the question requires it. Your answer must be grammatically correct and exactly match the number of words allowed. Missing or adding articles can result in an incorrect answer.