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Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The Intelligence and Giftedness reading passage explains the various theories of psychometrics and details how the study of intelligence advanced across the ages. 
 

The reading section contains 14 questions and is part of the IELTS Academic Reading test. The passages for the IELTS Academic Reading test are extracted from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. 

 

The given Reading test will help you get experience in the following IELTS Reading tasks.

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1. Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Passage

Read the given passage and answer Questions 1-14.

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2. Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Intelligence and Giftedness.

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1.

Intelligence and Giftedness 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.

 

 

 

 

Intelligence And Giftedness Reading Passage


 

Paragraph A: The French Minister of Education, in 1904, tried to find a way to filter the unable from the merely lazy as he was having only limited resources for schooling. The task of devising selection principles was given to Alfred Binet, who offered a clever solution which became a milestone in the study of intelligence. It was the forerunner of intelligence tests used still today. In 1905, he designed a thirty-problem test which measures different abilities of intellect like judgment and reasoning. This test determines the child’s mental age based on their performance. For example, if a five-year-old child gets ten items correct on average, then a child with a mental age of five should score 10. It means what they perform as well as others of that age. Then, the child’s mental age is compared to his physical age. 
 

Paragraph B: If there is a disparity between the child’s mental age and his physical age, then it suggests inability instead of laziness, which means he needs special schooling. However, Binet denies the test measures intelligence. Its intent was simply diagnostic, for selection only. Later, numerous problems and misunderstandings occurred as the message was lost. 
 

Paragraph C: Though Binet’s test was popular, it was a bit difficult to tackle the variety of physical and mental ages. So, Wilhelm Stem, in 1912, devised a formula where the mental age is divided by the physical age and multiplied the result by 100. An average child would score 100, irrespective of age. If it is less than 100, then he or she needs help, while scoring more than 100 means a child is well ahead of his peers. 

 

Paragraph D: The measurement of intelligence is now termed as IQ (Intelligence quotient) score, and its purpose is to indicate how a person, adult or child performs relative to others. In 1916, Lewis M. Terman, a professor of psychology and education at Stanford University, coined the term IQ, who has done significant revisions to Binet’s test called the Stanford Binet test, versions of which are still given extensively. 
 

Paragraph E: Psychometrics, a field for studying intelligence and developing tests, is combined with psychology as a subfield. ‘Psycho’ means ‘mind’, and ‘metrics’ means ‘measurement’. In 1917, when Einstein published his grand theory of relativity, the practical side of psychometrics became popular, which are development and use of the tests. Germany’s submarine warfare triggered the United States to enter the First World War in the same year. The military had to develop an army quickly, but it had around two million inductees to segregate. Psychometricians developed two intelligence tests to sort them out. This was the first major use for testing. The tests were given under horrible conditions; the examiners seemed to have a low level of common sense, and most of the recruits had no idea about what to do. In some sessions, the inductee's score was zero. Also, the examiner's conclusion was astounding, which states that from their testing, the average American adult’s intelligence was equal to the thirteen-year-old's intelligence.
 

Paragraph F: Intelligence testing also had political and social prejudice. They used to argue that Jews should be set apart from the United States as they are intellectually inferior and would pollute the racial mix. Also, blacks are not permitted to breed at all. This kind of abuse and test bias forms criticisms against psychometrics. 
 

Paragraph G: Measurement is an inevitable element of science and technology. Science can advance only further if the measurement devices improve. Psychometrics tried for a longer period of time to develop ways to measure psychological qualities, including intelligence and more specific abilities, extroversion, emotional stability, compatibility with marriage partners, and so on. If teachers and parents start to see IQ as a definitive thing, it will take on a life of its own. It became a main issue in the 70s where the Courts put cases to stop everyone from making decisions based on IQ score. One of the major criticisms is that they don’t really measure intelligence; whether intelligence can be measured at all is being controversial. Some say it cannot measure intelligence, and others say IQ tests attain great achievements. 

2.

Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Intelligence and Giftedness.

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • This reading passage has seven paragraphs, A–G.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter, A - G, as your answer to each question.

 

  1. Wilhelm Stem devised a formula for calculating IQ scores.
  2. Psychometrics is a subfield of psychology.
  3. Alfred Binet offered a brilliant solution to the study of Intelligence.
  4. The main criticism about Intelligence tests is that they don’t actually measure intelligence.
  5. Intelligence testing had political and social prejudice.
  6. Binet denied that his test measures intelligence.

 

Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Answers with Explanations 1 - 6

 

Question Type: Matching Information

The Matching Information Task of the IELTS Reading Test will provide you with a set of information regarding the passage. You have to find which paragraph of the passage mentions the given information.

 

How to Answer Matching HeadingTask: 

 

  • Read the given sentences and underline their keywords
  • Scan the passage for the keywords
  • Locate the keyword and verify the context
  • Match it with the given sentences
     

Now check out the answers: 


 

1. Paragraph C

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: Though Binet’s test was popular, it was a bit difficult to tackle the variety of physical and mental ages. So, Wilhelm Stem, in 1912, devised a formula where the mental age is divided by the physical age and multiplied the result by 100. An average child would score 100, irrespective of age. If it is less than 100, then he or she needs help, while scoring more than 100 means a child is well ahead of his peers. 
 

Explanation: The above-mentioned paragraph introduced Wilhelm Stem’s formula for calculating IQ. unlike Alfred Binet’s model, this accommodates a variety of physical and mental ages. So, paragraph C mentions Wilhem Stem. 


 

2. Paragraph E

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E:  Psychometrics, a field for studying intelligence and developing tests, is combined with psychology as a subfield.
 

Explanation: The passage clearly explains that psychometrics is a subfield of psychology that deals with measuring a person’s mental and intellectual development. So, paragraph E clearly claims psychometrics is a subfield of psychology. 


 

3. Paragraph A

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph A: The French Minister of Education, in 1904, tried to find a way to filter the unable from the merely lazy as he was having only limited resources for schooling. The task of devising selection principles was given to Alfred Binet, who offered a clever solution which became a milestone in the study of intelligence. It was the forerunner of intelligence tests used still today. 


Explanation: The given lines depict that Alfred Binet was able to devise an excellent theory of intelligence that became a milestone in the field of psychology. His theory acted as a solution to the issue the French schooling system faced. So, the most appropriate paragraph matching for the given information is paragraph A.

 

4. Paragraph G

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: One of the major criticisms is that they don’t really measure intelligence; whether intelligence can be measured at all is being controversial. Some say it cannot measure intelligence, and others say IQ tests attain great achievements. 
 

Explanation: The final paragraph of the passage explains the various criticisms faced by these prominent theories of intelligence. according to the passage, some critics claim that intelligence cannot be measured. Paragraph G explains the main criticisms of the theory. 


 

5. Paragraph F

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph F: Intelligence testing also had political and social prejudice. They used to argue that Jews should be set apart from the United States as they are intellectually inferior and would pollute the racial mix. Also, blacks are not permitted to breed at all. This kind of abuse and test bias forms criticisms against psychometrics. 

 

Explanation: Apart from the scientific reasons, there were also social and political reasons why measuring intelligence was considered inappropriate or inaccurate. Racial and other social biases influenced these measurements. So, paragraph F explains the social reasons for the claim. 


 

6. Paragraph B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: However, Binet denies the test measures intelligence; its intent was simply diagnostic, for selection only. Later, numerous problems and misunderstandings occurred as the message was lost.
 

Explanation: The above lines explain that Alfred Binet denied that his theory could measure an individual’s intelligence. Instead, it was purely for diagnostic purposes. Paragraph B explains Binet’s stance on the application of the theory.

Questions and Answers 7-11
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.

 

7. Who coined the term IQ?
 

  1. Alfred Binet
  2. Lewis M. Terman
  3. Sigmund Freud
  4. Wilhelm Stem
     

8. Which is a field for studying intelligence and developing tests?

  1. Psychology
  2. Cognitive psychology
  3. Developmental psychology
  4. Psychometrics
     

9. Who ought to be set apart from the United States because they are intellectually inferior, according to intelligence testing?
 

  1. Jews
  2. Blacks
  3. Psychologists
  4. Researchers
     

10. Which devices advance science further?
 

  1. Intelligence
  2. Technology
  3. Measurement
  4. Advanced devices
     

11. When does IQ become a major issue?
 

  1. 90s
  2. 70s
  3. 80s
  4. 60s

 

Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Answers with Explanations 7-11

 

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions

In Multiple Choice Questions, you are asked a few questions that are based on the reading passage. You will be given four possible answers to the question. You have to pick the most appropriate one from the options.



 

How to Answer MCQ Task:
 

  • Read the question and identify the keyword
  • Skim and scan the passage to find the keyword
  • Read the paragraph/sentence containing the keyword
  • Compare it with the given options and pick the best one
     

Now check out the answers below. 


 

7. B - Lewis M. Terman

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D: In 1916, Lewis M. Terman, a professor of psychology and education at Stanford University, coined the term IQ, who has done significant revisions to Binet’s test called the Stanford Binet test, versions of which are still given extensively. 
 

Explanation: The given lines denote that the theorist who introduced the term IQ or Intelligence quotient was Lewis M. Terman. So, the correct answer is option B.


 

8. D - Psychometrics

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E:  Psychometrics, a field for studying intelligence and developing tests, is combined with psychology as a subfield. ‘Psycho’ means ‘mind’, and ‘metrics’ means ‘measurement’.
 

Explanation: The passage clearly explains that psychometrics is the field of study that deals with studying intelligence and developing tests to measure intelligence. So, option D is correct. 


 

9. A - Jews

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph F: Intelligence testing also had political and social prejudice. They used to argue that Jews should be set apart from the United States as they are intellectually inferior and would pollute the racial mix.  
 

Explanation: The passage explains how psychometric tests were misused to impart social injustices in the United States. People claimed that the Jewish community lacked enough intelligence and was supposed to be segregated from the rest. So, the correct answer is option A.


 

10. C - Measurement

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: Measurement is an inevitable element of science and technology. Science can advance only further if the measurement devices improve. 
 

Explanation: The passage explains that, although psychometric tests can be inaccurate and unreliable in certain cases and situations, they cannot be avoided altogether. This is because measurement is an important element of scientific advancements. So, the correct answer is option C.


 

11. B - 70s

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: It became a main issue in the 70s where the Courts put cases to stop everyone from making decisions based on IQ score.  
 

Explanation: The issue of measuring one’s intelligence became a major concern in the 1970s. People relied on these tests so much that legal intervention became necessary to prevent the same. So, the correct answer is option B.


Learn More: All About IELTS!

Questions and Answers 12-14
  • Complete the table below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the reading passage for each answer.

 

 

Year

Instances/Events

1905

12. _____ designed a thirty-problem test which measures different aspects of intellect

13. _______

Wilhelm Stem devised a formula where the mental age is divided by the physical age and multiplied the result by 100

1917

The 14. _____ side of psychometrics became popular

 

Intelligence and Giftedness Reading Answers with Explanations 12-14 

 

 

Question Type: Note Completion

The Note Completion task provides you with an incomplete note on the reading passage. You are supposed to complete the note with appropriate words from the passage.



 

How to Answer Note Completion Task:
 

  • Read the incomplete note and underline its keywords
  • Scan the passage and locate where the keywords are mentioned
  • Verify the context and find the most matching word to fill the blank 

 

Check out the answers now. 


 

12. Alfred Binet

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph A:  The task of devising selection principles was given to Alfred Binet, who offered a clever solution which became a milestone in the study of intelligence. It was the forerunner of intelligence tests used still today. In 1905, he designed a thirty-problem test which measures different abilities of intellect like judgement and reasoning. This test determines the child’s mental age based on their performance.  
 

Explanation: According to the passage, it was in 1905 that the prominent theorist Alfred Binet proposed his test to measure intelligence. The test, which contained 30 questions, determined the test taker's intelligence level. 


 

13. 1912

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: Though Binet’s test was popular, it was a bit difficult to tackle the variety of physical and mental ages. So, Wilhelm Stem, in 1912, devised a formula where the mental age is divided by the physical age and multiplied the result by 100. An average child would score 100, irrespective of age. If it is less than 100, then he or she needs help, while scoring more than 100 means a child is well ahead of his peers. 
 

Explanation: The above-mentioned lines explain Wilhem Stem’s theory that replaced Alfred Binet's early idea of measuring intelligence. The new model was proposed in 1912


 

14. Practical

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E:  In 1917, when Einstein published his grand theory of relativity, the practical side of psychometrics became popular, which are development and use of the tests. 
 

Explanation: The given passage explains that, although the psychometric theories were introduced in 1905, they became popular very later during the time of the scholar Albert Einstein. Einstein's theory of relativity made the psychometric theory more popular and practical


 

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FAQs

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

A. The number of passages in the IELTS Reading test varies across the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Reading tests. In the IELTS Academic test, you have 3 long passages. One passage is provided in each section. In the IELTS General Training test, you have 3-6 passages. This includes one long passage and a few short passages.

Q. Is there a fixed time limit for each section in the IELTS Reading test?

A. No, there isn’t any fixed time constraint to attempt each section in your IELTS Reading test. The total duration of the Reading test is one hour. You can divide this time between each section according to your preferences. Since you have three sections in total, it is better to cover each section within a maximum time of 20 minutes.

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

A. Yes, you can make notes or jot down in your question booklet. For a paper-based Reading test, you will receive the questions on paper. However, this is impossible for a computer-based test where the questions and passages appear on a screen. You can make notes on your rough sheet. Make sure you do not spend too much time making notes.

Q. Are the IELTS Reading passages too academic?

A. Yes, the reading passages in the IELTS Academic Reading test are related to academic topics. They are generally taken from academic texts such as textbooks, journals, and articles. You don't need to know the topics beforehand. The information necessary to answer the questions will be available in the passage itself. The IELTS General Reading test passages are related to everyday topics and are shorter and easier. 
 

Q. Should I use a pen or only a pencil for my IELTS Reading test?

A.It is recommended that you use a pencil for your IELTS reading test. Using a pencil will make it easier to erase and rewrite your answers if needed. If you forget to bring a pencil on the test day, you can ask the examiner to give you a pencil.

Q. What is the highest score for the IELTS Reading test?

A. The highest score to achieve in the IELTS Reading test is a band score of 9. The skill level attributed to a band score of 9 is ‘expert.’ Getting this score denotes that the student has complete operational knowledge of English and that their language usage is accurate, fluent, and comprehensive. Getting a high band score can help you get into several top universities worldwide.

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

A. No, there is no negative marking system in the IELTS exam. It is better to attempt as many questions as possible during the test. Even if you do not know the answer to a specific question, try to guess the answer. This will enhance your chances of getting scored.

Q. Can I take notes while reading the passages in the IELTS Reading test?

A. Yes, you can make notes while reading passages in your IELTS Reading test. You can either jot down your question booklet or your rough sheet. You will receive a rough sheet and pen/pencil from your test centre. Make sure you do not spend too much time to make notes. The notes are only for the sake of your understanding. So, keep it short and understandable.

Q. Are the tasks Identifying Information and Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims the same?

A. No, the  Identifying Information and Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims tasks are different. Although the purpose of the tasks remains the same (to identify certain information), the nature of the statements is different. The Identifying Information task asks you to verify if the given information is True/False/Not Given. The Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task asks you to confirm if the information given is claimed by the narrator/author. You must confirm it here as Yes/No/Not given.

Q. What is the difference between false and not given statements in the Identifying Information task?

A. While attending an Identifying Information task or Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task, you might need to confirm a statement as false or not given. A ‘false’ statement is when the given information contradicts the information provided by the reading passage. Your answer can be ‘not given’ if the information provided in the question statement is not mentioned anywhere in the passage.

Q. What can I do if I don't know the answer to my IELTS Reading test question?

A. If you don't know the answer to your IELTS Reading test question, try to make an informed guess. You can omit the less probable options and filter out the most appropriate answer from the options available. If the question seems too difficult to answer, do not overthink it. You can skip the question and move to the next. Make sure you start your IELTS preparation early and cover all the necessary topics within the time. Getting help from expert IELTS trainers can make this much easier. 

Q. Can I request extra time for my IELTS Reading test if needed?

No, you cannot ask for extra time during your IELTS Reading test. The time allocated for your exam is one hour. You have to finish your test within this time. There isn't any extra transfer or other time permitted. Ensure you read the passages, answer the questions, and proofread them within this time.