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I Contain Multitudes Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

In the IELTS Reading section, you'll encounter three passages that delve into the captivating topic of "I Contain Multitudes," exploring the complex interactions within the human microbiome. Lasting for 60 minutes, this segment features a variety of question formats, from multiple choice to matching headings, designed to assess your comprehension skills and understanding of the topic.

 

To excel in the IELTS Reading section on "I Contain Multitudes," it's crucial to adopt effective reading strategies tailored to scientific content. Practice skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details, honing your ability to extract key information from the passages.

 

Prepare for an enriching journey through the intricate world of microbiology, uncovering the symbiotic relationships between humans and the trillions of microbes that inhabit our bodies. Explore the fascinating dynamics of this hidden ecosystem and gain insights into its implications for human health and disease.

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1. I Contain Multitudes Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 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. I Contain Multitudes Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about I Contain Multitudes

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1.

I Contain Multitudes 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.

 

 

 

 

I Contain Multitudes Reading Passage


 

 

Paragraph A 

Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us. Invisible to the naked eye, they are ubiquitous. They inhabit the soil, air, rocks and water and are present within every form of life, from seaweed and coral to dogs and humans. And, as Yong explains in his utterly absorbing and hugely important book we mess with them at our peril.

 

Paragraph B

Every species has its own colony of microbes, called a ‘microbiome’, and these microbes vary not only between species but also between individuals and within different parts of each individual. What is amazing is that while the number of human cells in the average person is about 30 trillion, the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion. At best, Yong informs us, we are only 50 percent human. Indeed, some scientists even suggest we should think of each species and its microbes as a single unit, dubbed a ‘holobiont’.

 

Paragraph C

In each human there are microbes that live only in the stomach, the mouth or the armpit and by and large they do so peacefully. So ‘bad’ microbes are just microbes out of context. Microbes that sit contentedly in the human gut (where there are more microbes than there are stars in the galaxy) can become deadly if they find their way into the bloodstream. These communities are constantly changing too. The right hand shares just one sixth of its microbes with the left hand. And, of course, we are surrounded by microbes. Every time we eat, we swallow a million microbes in each gram of food; we are continually swapping microbes with other humans, pets and the world at large.

 

Paragraph D

It’s a fascinating topic and Yong, a young British science journalist, is an extraordinarily adept guide. Writing with lightness and panache, he has a knack of explaining complex science in terms that are both easy to understand and totally enthralling. Yong is on a mission. Leading us gently by the hand, he takes us into the world of microbes – a bizarre, alien planet – in a bid to persuade us to love them as much as he does. By the end, we do.

 

Paragraph E

For most of human history we had no idea that microbes existed. The first man to see these extraordinarily potent creatures was a Dutch lens-maker called Antony van Leeuwenhoek in the 1670s. Using microscopes of his own design that could magnify up to 270 times, he examined a drop of water from a nearby lake and found it teeming with tiny creatures he called ‘animalcules’. It wasn’t until nearly two hundred years later that the research of French biologist Louis Pasteur indicated that some microbes caused disease. It was Pasteur’s ‘germ theory’ that gave bacteria the poor image that endures today.

 

Paragraph F

Yong’s book is in many ways a plea for microbial tolerance, pointing out that while fewer than one hundred species of bacteria bring disease, many thousands more play a vital role in maintaining our health. The book also acknowledges that our attitude towards bacteria is not a simple one. We tend to see the dangers posed by bacteria, yet at the same time we are sold yoghurts and drinks that supposedly nurture ‘friendly’ bacteria. In reality, says Yong, bacteria should not be viewed as either friends or foes, villains or heroes. Instead we should realise we have a symbiotic relationship, that can be mutually beneficial or mutually destructive.

 

Paragraph G

What then do these millions of organisms do? The answer is pretty much everything. New research is now unravelling the ways in which bacteria aid digestion, regulate our immune systems, eliminate toxins, produce vitamins, affect our behaviour and even combat obesity. ‘They actually help us become who we are,’ says Yong. But we are facing a growing problem. Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance and may be responsible for soaring rates of allergies and immune problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

 

Paragraph H

The most recent research actually turns accepted norms upside down. For example, there are studies indicating that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay. Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later.

 

Paragraph I

The readers of Yong’s book must be prepared for a decidedly unglamorous world. Among the less appealing case studies is one about a fungus that is wiping out entire populations of frogs and that can be halted by a rare microbial bacterium. Another is about squid that carry luminescent bacteria that protect them against predators. However, if you can overcome your distaste for some of the investigations, the reasons for Yong’s enthusiasm become clear. The microbial world is a place of wonder. Already, in an attempt to stop mosquitoes spreading dengue fever – a disease that infects 400 million people a year – mosquitoes are being loaded with a bacterium to block the disease. In the future, our ability to manipulate microbes means we could construct buildings with useful microbes built into their walls to fight off infections. Just imagine a neonatal hospital ward coated in a specially mixed cocktail of microbes so that babies get the best start in life.

2.

I Contain Multitudes Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about I Contain Multitudes

Questions and Answers 1-3
  • Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
  • Write the correct letter in boxes 14-16 on your answer sheet.

 

 

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

 

        A   They adapt quickly to their environment.
        B   The risk they pose has been exaggerated.
        C   They are more plentiful in animal life than plant life.
        D   They will continue to exist for longer than the human race.

 

2.   In the second paragraph, the writer is impressed by the fact that

 

        A   each species tends to have vastly different microbes.
        B   some parts of the body contain relatively few microbes.
        C   the average individual has more microbial cells than human ones.
        D   scientists have limited understanding of how microbial cells behave.

 

3.   What is the writer doing in the fifth paragraph?

 

        A   explaining how a discovery was made
        B   comparing scientists’ theories about microbes
        C   describing confusion among scientists
        D   giving details of how microbes cause disease


 

I Contain Multitudes Reading Answers with Explanations (1-3)

 

Question Type: Multiple Choice 

 

Multiple Choice questions in the IELTS reading test present you with a question followed by a set of options from which you must choose the correct answer. Typically, there are three or four options to choose from. You must carefully read the question and each option before selecting the correct answer.
 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • You must comprehend the passage to select the most accurate option.
  • Efficient skimming and scanning help locate relevant information quickly.
  • Some options may be designed to mislead you, so it's crucial to base your choice on evidence from the passage.
  • Multiple-choice questions can be time-consuming if you dwell on each option too long. Manage your time wisely to ensure you can attempt all questions.

 

 

1. D

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph A

Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us.

 

Explanation

The statement "Microbes, most of them bacteria, have populated this planet since long before animal life developed and they will outlive us" emphasizes the enduring existence of microbes beyond the human race, supporting option D.


 

2. C

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph B

the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion.

 

Explanation

The line "the number of microbial ones is higher – about 39 trillion" highlights the surprising fact that the average individual has more microbial cells than human ones, as mentioned in option C.


 

3. A

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  E

The first man to see these extraordinarily potent creatures was a Dutch lens-maker called Antony van Leeuwenhoek in the 1670s.

 

Explanation

The mention of Antony van Leeuwenhoek as "the first man to see these extraordinarily potent creatures" and his description of his discovery of microbes indicate that the writer is explaining how a discovery was made, aligning with option A.

Questions and Answers 4-7
  • Complete the summary using the list of words, A-H, below.
  • Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 4-7 on your answer sheet.

 

 

We should be more tolerant of microbes

 

Yong’s book argues that we should be more tolerant of microbes. Many have a beneficial effect, and only a relatively small number lead to 4) ………………… . And although it is misleading to think of microbes as ‘friendly’, we should also stop thinking of them as the enemy. In fact, we should accept that our relationship with microbes is one based on 5) ………………… . New research shows that microbes have numerous benefits for humans. Amongst other things, they aid digestion, remove poisons, produce vitamins and may even help reduce obesity. However, there is a growing problem. Our poor 6)  …………………, our overuse of antibiotics, and our excessive focus on 7) ………………… are upsetting the bacterial balance and may be contributing to the huge increase in allergies and immune system problems.

 

A     solution        
B     partnership        
C     destruction
D     exaggeration    
E     cleanliness        
F     regulations
G     illness        
H     nutrition


 

I Contain Multitudes Reading Answers with Explanations (4-7)

 

Type of Question: Summary Completion

 

Summary completion questions provide a summary of part of the reading passage with several blanks. Your task is to fill in these blanks with appropriate words or phrases from the passage. The summary may cover a whole passage or a part of it, focusing on key points and main ideas.

 

How to best answer this question:

 

  • Quickly skim the passage to get an idea of its main ideas and structure.
  • Focus on keywords in the summary and look for them or their synonyms in the passage.
  • Carefully read the instructions to know the word limit and any specific guidelines.
  • Identify the part of the passage related to the summary. This often involves scanning for keywords or phrases.
  • Ensure the words you choose fit grammatically and contextually within the summary.
  • After filling in the blanks, review the summary to ensure it makes sense and adheres to the word limit.


 

4. illness

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph G
But we are facing a growing problem.

 

Explanation

The reference to a "growing problem" in the context of disrupting bacterial balance and contributing to allergies and immune system problems aligns with the idea of illness, supporting option G.


 

5. Partnership

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph F

Instead we should realise we have a symbiotic relationship, that can be mutually beneficial or mutually destructive.
 

Explanation

The concept of realizing a symbiotic relationship with microbes, as mentioned in the sentence, indicates a partnership rather than a one-sided view, supporting option B.


 

6. Nutrition

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H

Our obsession with hygiene, our overuse of antibiotics, and our unhealthy, low-fibre diets are disrupting the bacterial balance and may be responsible for soaring rates of allergies and immune problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
 

Explanation

The reference to "our unhealthy, low-fibre diets" as contributing factors to disrupting the bacterial balance suggests that nutrition is an essential aspect, supporting option H.


 

7. Cleanliness

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H

the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the microbes
 

Explanation

The mention of "obsession with hygiene" and "excessive focus on cleanliness" disrupting the bacterial balance supports the idea that cleanliness is a factor contributing to the problem, aligning with option E.

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

  • YES if the statement agrees with the information given
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information given
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this

 

 

8. It is possible that using antibacterial products in the home fails to have the desired effect.
 

9. It is a good idea to ensure that children come into contact with as few bacteria as possible.
 

10. Yong’s book contains more cause studies than are necessary.
 

11. The case study about bacteria that prevent squid from being attacked may have limited appeal.
 

12. Efforts to control dengue fever have been surprisingly successful
 

13. Microbes that reduce the risk of infection have already been put inside the walls of some hospital wards.

 

 

I Contain Multitudes Reading Answers with Explanations (8-13)

 

 

Type of question: Sentence Completion

 

To answer sentence completion questions accurately, read the given sentence carefully and identify the missing word or phrase. Then, consider the context to determine the most suitable answer option that completes the sentence 

appropriately. Choosing the option that best fits the context will help you answer sentence completion questions accurately.

 

How to best answer the question

 

  • Carefully read the incomplete sentence and try to understand what information is missing.
  • Pay attention to the context and any clues provided in the sentence or the surrounding text.
  • Choose the option that best completes the sentence based on the information from the reading passage.

 

 

8. Yes

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H

The most recent research actually turns accepted norms upside down. 
 

Explanation

The statement aligns with the writer's claim that research indicates the ineffectiveness of using antibacterial products, supporting a "YES" answer.


 

9. No

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph H
Other studies show that keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help protect them against allergies later.
 

Explanation

The statement contradicts the writer's claim by suggesting that exposure to bacteria, as indicated by keeping a dog, may be beneficial, supporting a "NO" answer.


 

10. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 

NA

 

Explanation

The passage does not provide information regarding the necessity or abundance of case studies in Yong's book, so the answer is "NOT GIVEN."


 

11. Yes

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph I

Among the less appealing case studies is one about a fungus that is wiping out entire populations of frogs and that can be halted by a rare microbial bacterium.

 

Explanation
The statement aligns with the writer's assertion that certain case studies, like the one mentioned, may have limited appeal, supporting a "YES" answer.

 

 

12. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph 

NA
 

Explanation

The passage does not provide information regarding the success or failure of efforts to control dengue fever, so the answer is "NOT GIVEN."


 

13. No

 

Reference:

 

Paragraph  I

Just imagine a neonatal hospital ward coated in a specially mixed cocktail of microbes so that babies get the best start in life.
 

Explanation

The statement contradicts the writer's claim by suggesting that microbes reducing the risk of infection have already been implemented in hospital wards, supporting a "NO" answer.

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FAQs

Q. What is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test assesses your ability to understand written English. It includes three long passages with various question formats to evaluate your comprehension skills.

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

Ans. There are three passages in the IELTS Reading test. These passages cover a range of topics and increase in difficulty as you progress through the test.

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

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to write on the question paper during the IELTS Reading test. This can be a helpful strategy for keeping track of key information, identifying important details, and organising your thoughts as you read the passages. You can underline relevant points, circle keywords, or make brief notes to aid in answering the questions later.