Talk Icon

Practice 100+ speaking topics!

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

Get App

leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section is designed to evaluate your reading comprehension skills. This segment assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyse a variety of texts, ranging from newspapers and magazines to academic journals and informational brochures.

 

In this passage, "How To Make Wise Decisions," you will delve into the art and science behind making prudent choices. From weighing the pros and cons to considering potential outcomes, this text explores strategies and principles aimed at enhancing your decision-making prowess. Whether it's navigating personal dilemmas or tackling professional challenges, mastering the skill of making wise decisions is crucial for success in various facets of life.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. How To Make Wise Decisions 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. 

Slider image

2. How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about How To Make Wise Decisions

More for you

Boost your IELTS Reading score

Book Free Reading class arrow right

See how to score 8+ in Speaking. 

 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Speaking test.

Learn More arrow right
3/3
1.

How To Make Wise Decisions 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.

 

 

 

 

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Passage


 

 

Paragraph 1

Across cultures, wisdom has been considered one of the most revered human qualities. Although the truly wise may seem few and far between, empirical research examining wisdom suggests that it isn’t an exceptional trait possessed by a small handful of bearded philosophers after all – in fact, the latest studies suggest that most of us have the ability to make wise decisions, given the right context.

 

Paragraph 2

‘It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined,’ says Associate Professor Igor Grossmann of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. ‘Recent empirical findings from cognitive, developmental, social, and personality psychology cumulatively suggest that people’s ability to reason wisely varies dramatically across experiential and situational contexts. Understanding the role of such contextual factors offers unique insights into understanding wisdom in daily life, as well as how it can be enhanced and taught.’

 

Paragraph 3

It seems that it’s not so much that some people simply possess wisdom and others lack it but that our ability to reason wisely depends on a variety of external factors. ‘It is impossible to characterise thought processes attributed to wisdom without considering the role of contextual factors,’ explains Grossmann. ‘In other words, wisdom is not solely an “inner quality” but rather unfolds as a function of situations people happen to be in. Some situations are more likely to promote wisdom than others.’

 

Paragraph 4

Coming up with a definition of wisdom is challenging, but Grossmann and his colleagues have identified four key characteristics as part of a framework of wise reasoning. One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our own knowledge, and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand. Sensitivity to the possibility of change in social relations is also key, along with compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs.

 

Paragraph 5

Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend. Research suggests that when adopting a first-person viewpoint, we focus on ‘the focal features of the environment’, and when we adopt a third-person, ‘observer’ viewpoint, we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality. Looking at problems from this more expansive viewpoint appears to foster cognitive processes related to wise decisions.

 

Paragraph 6:

What are we to do when confronted with situations like a disagreement with a spouse or negotiating a contract at work that requires us to take a personal stake? Grossmann argues that even when we aren’t able to change the situation, we can still evaluate these experiences from different perspectives.

 

Paragraph 7

For example, in one experiment that took place during the peak of a recent economic recession, graduating college seniors were asked to reflect on their job prospects. The students were instructed to imagine their career either ‘as if you were a distant observer’ or ‘before your own eyes as if you were right there’. Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role displayed more wisdom-related reasoning (intellectual humility and recognition of change) than did participants in the control group.

 

Paragraph 8

In another study, couples in long-term romantic relationships were instructed to visualise an unresolved relationship conflict either through the eyes of an outsider or from their own perspective. Participants then discussed the incident with their partner for 10 minutes, after which they wrote down their thoughts about it. Couples in the ‘other’s eyes’ condition were significantly more likely to rely on wise reasoning – recognising others’ perspectives and searching for a compromise – compared to couples in the egocentric condition.

 

Paragraph 9:

‘Ego-decentering promotes greater focus on others and enables a bigger picture, conceptual view of the experience, affording recognition of intellectual humility and change,’ says Grossmann.

 

Paragraph 10

We might associate wisdom with intelligence or particular personality traits, but research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallised intelligence and the personality traits of openness and agreeableness. ‘It is remarkable how much people can vary in their wisdom from one situation to the next, and how much stronger such contextual effects are for understanding the relationship between wise judgment and its social and affective outcomes as compared to the generalised “traits”,’ Grossmann explains. ‘That is, knowing how wisely a person behaves in a given situation is more informative for understanding their emotions or likelihood to forgive [or] retaliate as compared to knowing whether the person may be wise “in general”.’

2.

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about How To Make Wise Decisions

Questions and Answers 1-4
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.

 

 

1. What point does the writer make in the first paragraph?
 

  1.  Wisdom appears to be unique to the human race.
  2. A basic assumption about wisdom may be wrong.
  3. Concepts of wisdom may depend on the society we belong to.
  4. There is still much to be discovered about the nature of wisdom.
     

2. What does Igor Grossmann suggest about the ability to make wise decisions?
 

  1. It can vary greatly from one person to another.
  2. Earlier research into it was based on unreliable data.
  3. The importance of certain influences on it was underestimated.
  4. Various branches of psychology define it according to their own criteria.
     

3. According to the third paragraph, Grossmann claims that the level of wisdom an individual shows
 

  1. can be greater than they think it is.
  2. will be different in different circumstances.
  3. may be determined by particular aspects of their personality.
  4. should develop over time as a result of their life experiences.
     

4. What is described in the fifth paragraph?
 

  1. a difficulty encountered when attempting to reason wisely
  2. an example of the type of person who is likely to reason wisely
  3. a controversial view about the benefits of reasoning wisely
  4. a recommended strategy that can help people to reason wisely


 

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)

 

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.

 

 

1. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 1: "Although the truly wise may seem few and far between, empirical research examining wisdom suggests that it isn’t an exceptional trait possessed by a small handful of bearded philosophers after all – in fact, the latest studies suggest that most of us have the ability to make wise decisions, given the right context.."
 

Explanation

The correct answer, B, aligns with the main point of the first paragraph, which challenges a basic assumption about wisdom by stating that empirical research indicates it isn't limited to a select few individuals.


 

2. C

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 2: "‘It appears that experiential, situational, and cultural factors are even more powerful in shaping wisdom than previously imagined,’ says Associate Professor Igor Grossmann of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada."
 

Explanation

Option C reflects Grossmann's suggestion in the second paragraph that the ability to make wise decisions is heavily influenced by contextual factors, which were previously underestimated.


 

3. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 3:  "Some situations are more likely to promote wisdom than others.’."
 

Explanation

Grossmann, in the third paragraph, indicates that the level of wisdom an individual shows can differ in various circumstances, supporting option B.


 

4. D

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 5: "Research suggests that when adopting a first-person viewpoint, we focus on ‘the focal features of the environment’, and when we adopt a third-person, ‘observer’ viewpoint, we reason more broadly and focus more on interpersonal and moral ideals such as justice and impartiality."
 

Explanation

Option D corresponds with the recommended strategy mentioned in the fifth paragraph, which suggests adopting a third-person perspective to enhance wise reasoning.

Questions and Answers 5-9
  • Complete the summary using the list of words, A-J, below.
  • Write the correct letter, A-J, in boxes 5-9 on your answer sheet.

 

 

The characteristics of wise reasoning

 

Igor Grossmann and colleagues have established four characteristics which enable us to make wise decisions. It is important to have a certain degree of 5………………….. regarding the extent of our knowledge, and to take into account 6………………….. which may not be the same as our own. We should also be able to take a broad 7………………….. of any situation. Another key characteristic is being aware of the likelihood of alterations in the way that people relate to each other.

Grossmann also believes that it is better to regard scenarios with 8 ………………….. . By avoiding the first-person perspective, we focus more on 9………………….. and on other moral ideals, which in turn leads to wiser decision-making.

 

A. opinions 

B. confidence 

C. view

D. modesty 

E. problems 

F. objectivity

G. fairness 

H. experiences 

I. range

J reasons

 

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Answers with Explanations (5-9)

 

Type of question: Summary completion

 

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

 

How to 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


 

5. Modesty

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 4: "One is intellectual humility or recognition of the limits of our own knowledge, and another is appreciation of perspectives wider than the issue at hand."

 

Explanation

Modesty, as described in the paragraph, involves acknowledging the boundaries of personal knowledge and fostering a humble approach essential for wise decision-making.

 

 

6. Opinion

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 4: "Sensitivity to the possibility of change in social relations is also key, along with compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs."

 

Explanation

Considering various opinions and perspectives, as emphasised in the paragraph, promotes a comprehensive approach to decision-making, incorporating diverse viewpoints for wiser outcomes.


 

6. Opinion

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 4: "Sensitivity to the possibility of change in social relations is also key, along with compromise or integration of different attitudes and beliefs."
 

Explanation

Considering various opinions and perspectives, as emphasised in the paragraph, promotes a comprehensive approach to decision-making, incorporating diverse viewpoints for wiser outcomes.


 

7. View

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 5: “Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend.”
 

Explanation

Adopting a third-party viewpoint, as advocated in the paragraph, facilitates a broader understanding of situations, enabling individuals to consider different angles and make wiser decisions.


 

8. Objectivity

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 5: “Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend.”
 

Explanation

Approaching situations with objectivity, as recommended in the paragraph, involves distancing oneself to gain a clearer perspective, leading to more rational and wise decision-making.

 

 

9. Fairness

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 5: “Grossmann and his colleagues have also found that one of the most reliable ways to support wisdom in our own day-to-day decisions is to look at scenarios from a third-party perspective, as though giving advice to a friend.”
 

Explanation

Considering moral ideals such as fairness and justice, as suggested in the paragraph, helps individuals make decisions that prioritise ethical considerations and lead to fairer outcomes.

Questions and Answers 10-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 10-14 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

 

 

10. Students participating in the job prospects experiment could choose one of two perspectives to take.
 

11. Participants in the couples experiment were aware that they were taking part in a study about wise reasoning.
 

12. In the couples experiments, the length of the couples’ relationships had an impact on the results.
 

13. In both experiments, the participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint tended to make wiser decisions.
 

14. Grossmann believes that a person’s wisdom is determined by their intelligence to only a very limited extent.

 

 

How To Make Wise Decisions Reading Answers with Explanations (10-14)

 

Type of question: 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.


 

10. False

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 7: "Participants in the group assigned to the ‘distant observer’ role displayed more wisdom-related reasoning (intellectual humility and recognition of change) than did participants in the control group."
 

Explanation

The students were not given a choice between perspectives but were assigned specific roles, indicating a predetermined viewpoint rather than a choice between two.


 

11. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph: NA

 

Explanation

The passage does not provide details regarding the participants' awareness of the study's focus on wise reasoning.


 

12. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph: NA
 

Explanation

The passage does not discuss any relationship between the length of couples' relationships and the experimental results.


 

13. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 8: "Couples in the ‘other’s eyes’ condition were significantly more likely to rely on wise reasoning – recognising others’ perspectives and searching for a compromise – compared to couples in the egocentric condition."

 

Explanation

The passage states that participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint (‘other’s eyes’ condition) tended to rely more on wise reasoning, supporting the statement that participants who looked at the situation from a more detached viewpoint tended to make wiser decisions.


 

14. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 10: “We might associate wisdom with intelligence or particular personality traits, but research shows only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and crystallised intelligence and the personality traits of openness and agreeableness.”
 

Explanation

Grossmann states that there is only a small positive relationship between wise thinking and intelligence or particular personality traits, suggesting that a person's wisdom is not solely determined by their intelligence.

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

Read Now Read now

IELTS Speaking Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Listening Practice Test

Read Now Read now

IELTS Writing Practice Test

Read Now Read now

Top Reading Samples with Answers

IELTS Important Information

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Accepting Countries

FAQs

Q. Can I write on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to write on the question paper. You can underline key information, make notes, or jot down ideas to help you answer the questions more effectively. However, remember that only answers transferred to the answer sheet will be assessed.

Q. Is there a penalty for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no penalty for incorrect answers. You should attempt to answer every question to the best of your ability, even if you're unsure. There's always a chance of getting it right, and you won't lose marks for guessing.

Q. Can I use a dictionary during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, you are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test. The aim is to assess your ability to understand and interpret English texts without external aids. However, you can use the knowledge of English vocabulary and reading strategies you've developed during your preparation.