Just Relax Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 09, 2025, 06:57

In the IELTS Reading section, you will answer 40 questions based on three different passages. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the task, with no extra time to transfer your answers. The texts come from books, magazines, journals, or newspapers, and test a range of reading skills through question types such as matching headings, multiple-choice questions and sentence completion.
 

Just Relax Reading passage explores how relaxation techniques can benefit both physical and mental health. You’ll read about various methods used to reduce stress and how they affect your body and mind.


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

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1. Just Relax Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 15 based on Just Relax Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Just Relax Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Just Relax.

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3. Check Out Top 70 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. 

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1.

Just Relax 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.

 

 

Just Relax Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. Hypnosis is an intriguing and fascinating process. A trance-like mental state is induced in one person by another, who appears to have the power to command that person to obey instructions without question. Hypnotic experiences were described by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, whilst references to deep sleep and anaesthesia have been found in the Bible and in the Jewish Talmud. In the mid-1700s, Franz Mesmer, an Austrian physician, developed his theory of 'animal magnetism', which was the belief that the cause of disease was the 'improper distribution of invisible magnetic fluids'. Mesmer used water tubs and magnetic wands to direct these supposed fluids to his patients. In 1784, a French commission studied Mesmer's claims and concluded that these 'cures' were only imagined by the patients. However, people continued to believe in this process of 'mesmerism,' and it was soon realised that successful results could be achieved, but without the need for magnets and water.

 

Paragraph B. The term hypnotism was first used by James Braid, a British physician who studied suggestion and hypnosis in the mid-1800s. He demonstrated that hypnosis differed from sleep, that it was a physiological response and not the result of secret powers. During this same period, James Esdaile, a Scottish doctor working in India, used hypnotism instead of anaesthetic in over 200 major surgical operations, including leg amputations. Later that century, a French neurologist, Jean Charcot, successfully experimented with hypnosis in his clinic for nervous disorders.

 

Paragraph C. Since then, scientists have shown that the state of hypnosis is a natural human behaviour which can affect psychological, social and/or physical experiences. The effects of hypnotism depend on the ability, willingness and motivation of the person being hypnotised. Although hypnosis has been compared to dreaming and sleepwalking, it is not actually related to sleep. It involves a more active and intense mental concentration of the person being hypnotised. Hypnotised people can talk, write, and walk about and they are usually fully aware of what is being said and done.


 

Paragraph D. There are various techniques used to induce hypnosis. The best known is a series of simple suggestions repeated continuously in the same tone of voice. The subject is instructed to focus their attention on an object or fixed point, while being told to relax, breathe deeply, and allow the eyelids to grow heavy and close. As the person responds, their state of attention changes, and this altered state often leads to other changes. For example, the person may experience different levels of awareness, consciousness, imagination, memory and reasoning or become more responsive to suggestions. Additional phenomena may be produced or eliminated, such as blushing, sweating, paralysis, muscle tension or anaesthesia. Although these changes can occur with hypnosis, none of These experiences are unique to it. People who are very responsive to hypnosis are also more responsive to Suggestions when they are not hypnotised. This responsiveness increases during hypnotism. This explains why hypnosis takes only a few seconds for some, whilst other people cannot be easily hypnotised,

 

Paragraph E. It is a common misunderstanding that hypnotists are able to force people to perform criminal or any other acts against their will. In fact, subjects can resist suggestions, and they retain their ability to distinguish right from wrong. This misunderstanding is often the result of public performances where subjects perform ridiculous or highly embarrassing actions at the command of the hypnotist. These people are usually instructed not to recall their behaviour after re-emerging from the hypnotic state, so it appears that they were powerless while hypnotised. The point to remember, however, is that these individuals chose to participate, and the success; of hypnotism depends on the willingness of a person to be hypnotised.

 

Paragraph F. Interestingly, there are different levels of hypnosis achievable. Thus deep hypnosis can be induced to allow anesthesia for surgery, childbirth or dentistry. This contrasts to a lighter state of hypnosis, which deeply relaxes the patient, who will then follow simple directions. This latter state may be used to treat mental health problems, as it allows patients to feel calm while simultaneously thinking about distressing feelings or painful memories. Thus patients can learn new responses to situations or come up with solutions to problems. This can help recovery from psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression or phobias. Sometimes, after traumatic incidents, the memory of the events may be blocked. For example, some soldiers develop amnesia [loss of memory] as a result of their experiences during wartime. Through hypnosis, these repressed memories can be retrieved and treated. A variation of this treatment involves age regression when the hypnotist takes the patient back to a specific age. In this way patients may remember events and feelings from that time, which may be affecting their current well-being.

 

Paragraph G. Physicians also have made use of the ability of a hypnotised person to remain in a given position for long periods of time. In one case, doctors had to graft skin onto a patient's badly damaged foot. First, skin from the person's abdomen was grafted onto his arm; then, the graft was transferred to his foot. With hypnosis, the patient held his arm tightly in position over his abdomen for three weeks, then over his foot for four weeks. Even though these positions were unusual, the patient at no time felt uncomfortable!

 

Paragraph H. Hypnosis occasionally has been used with witnesses and victims of crime to enable people to remember important clues, such as a criminal's physical appearance or other significant details that might help to solve a crime. However, as people can both lie and make mistakes while hypnotised, the use of Hypnotism in legal situations can cause serious problems. Also, hypnosis cannot make a person divulge secret information if they don't want to. This was confirmed by the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association, which, in 1985, reported that memories refreshed through hypnosis may include inaccurate information, false memories, and confabulation (fact and fantasy combined).

 

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

2.

Just Relax Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • The Just Relax answer passage has eight sections A-H.
  • Choose the most suitable heading for sections B-F from the list of headings below.
  • Write the appropriate numbers i-ix in boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet.
  • Note: There are more headings than sections, so you will not use all of them.

 

1. Section B

2. Section C

3. Section D

4. Section E

5. Section F

 

List of headings:

I. Use of hypnotism in criminal cases

Il. The normality of hypnotised subjects’ behaviour

Ill. Early medical experiments with hypnotism

IV. Early association of hypnosis with psychology

V. Dangers of hypnotism

VI. How to hypnotise

VIl. Hypnosis and free will

VIll. Difference between mesmerism and hypnotism

IX. Therapeutic uses of hypnosis

 

Just Relax  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)
 

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. III. Early medical experiments with hypnotism

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “The term hypnotism was first used by James Braid, a British physician who studied suggestion and hypnosis in the mid-1800s. —-----. Later that century, a French neurologist, Jean Charcot, successfully experimented with hypnosis in his clinic for nervous disorders.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that doctors like James Esdaile were using hypnotism for serious medical procedures such as surgeries. The paragraph also mentions James Braid and Jean Charcot, who conducted early research and experiments with hypnosis. These historical accounts of practical use clearly highlight early medical experiments, making “early medical experiments with hypnotism” the correct heading.

 

2. II. The normality of hypnotised subjects’ behaviour

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Since then, scientists have shown that the state of hypnosis is a natural human behaviour which can affect psychological, social and/or physical experiences.”

 

Explanation: This line points out that hypnosis is considered a natural state rather than something mysterious or supernatural. The paragraph explains how hypnotised people can still talk, walk, and are aware of their surroundings. These details support the idea that hypnotised subjects behave normally, making “the normality of hypnotised subjects’ behaviour” the correct answer.

 

3. VI. How to hypnotise

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “There are various techniques used to induce hypnosis.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly introduces the topic of different methods used to create a hypnotic state. The paragraph goes on to describe steps like focusing on an object, breathing deeply, and repeating suggestions. These descriptions indicate that the section explains the process of hypnosis, making “how to hypnotise” the most appropriate heading.

 

4. VII. Hypnosis and free will

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “It is a common misunderstanding that hypnotists are able to force people to perform criminal or any other acts against their will. In fact, subjects can resist suggestions, and they retain their ability to distinguish right from wrong”.

 

Explanation: This line clarifies a major myth about hypnosis by stating that people cannot be made to do things against their will. It further explains that subjects still retain the ability to choose and know right from wrong. Therefore, this section focuses on the role of free will, making “hypnosis and free will” the right heading.

 

5. IX. Therapeutic uses of hypnosis

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “This contrasts to a lighter state of hypnosis, which deeply relaxes the patient, who will then follow simple directions. This latter state may be used to treat mental health problems, as it allows patients to feel calm while simultaneously thinking about distressing feelings or painful memories.”

 

Explanation: This line introduces the idea that hypnosis can be used to help people deal with emotional and psychological issues. The paragraph also discusses using hypnosis for childbirth, pain relief, and recovering repressed memories. All of this suggests therapeutic applications, making “therapeutic uses of hypnosis” the correct heading.

 

To practice more reading answers, click on the IELTS Reading Practice Test 2025!

Questions and Answers 6-10
  • Complete the notes on the history of hypnosis using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage.

 

References to hypnotism can be found in both the Talmud and the (6) ___________. Even when Mesmer's (7) ___________ were not used, successful results occurred without them. Braid identified hypnosis as a natural (8) ___________ 

response rather than magical or mystical. Early psychological studies showed the difference between sleep and hypnosis. Successful hypnosis requires the subject's active (9) ___________ consequently, subjects can speak or move 

around and are (10) ___________ of their surroundings.
 

Just Relax Reading Answers With Explanations (6-10)

 

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.

 

6. Bible

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “Hypnotic experiences were described by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, whilst references to deep sleep and anaesthesia have been found in the Bible and in the Jewish Talmud.”

 

Explanation: This line mentions that both the Bible and the Jewish Talmud include references to hypnotism, indicating the long history of the practice. This shows that the Bible is one of the early texts that reference hypnotic states, making "Bible" the correct answer.

 

7. Magnets and water

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “However, people continued to believe in this process of 'mesmerism,' and it was soon realised that successful results could be achieved, but without the need for magnets and water.”

 

Explanation: The statement clarifies that Mesmer’s technique could still yield positive results without using magnets and water. This shows that these elements were not essential to achieving the effects of mesmerism, making "magnets and water" the correct answer.

 

8. Physiological/human

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “He demonstrated that hypnosis differed from sleep, that it was a physiological response and not the result of secret powers.”

 

Explanation: This line emphasises that hypnosis is a natural and physiological reaction, not a mystical or magical ability. Braid’s identification of hypnosis as a physiological response directly leads to "physiological/human" being the right answer.

 

9. (mental) concentration

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Although hypnosis has been compared to dreaming and sleepwalking, it is not actually related to sleep. It involves a more active and intense mental concentration of the person being hypnotised.”

 

Explanation: The phrase "active and intense mental concentration" highlights that hypnosis requires focused mental effort from the subject. This concentration is what makes hypnosis successful, validating "mental concentration" as the correct answer.

 

10. (fully) aware

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Hypnotised people can talk, write, and walk about, and they are usually fully aware of what is being said and done.”

 

Explanation: This line makes it clear that hypnotised individuals remain conscious of their surroundings and the actions happening around them. It indicates that, despite being in a trance, they are fully aware, making "(fully) aware" the right answer.

 

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

Questions and Answers 11-15
  • Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.
  • Write the correct answers in boxes 11-15 on your answer sheet.

 

11. In order to induce hypnosis, the hypnotist will .........

A. encourage the person to relax using a repetitively even tone of voice.
B. say a specific set of words in a special tone of voice.
C. say any words but in a particular tone of voice.
D. encourage the person to relax while focusing on a slowly moving object.
 

12. Hypnotised subjects can be instructed to ...

A. do something they have previously said is against their wishes.
B. demonstrate physical strength they would normally not have.
C. reveal confidential information against their will.
D. do something that they would not normally be opposed to doing.
 

13. Past events are recalled under hypnosis ...

A. to entertain the hypnotist.
B. to allow subjects to reassess them without distress.
C. to help the subjects improve their memories.
D. to make the subject feel younger.
 

14. After surgery, hypnosis may be used ...

A. to make drugs unnecessary.
B. to keep the patient mobile.
C. to make the patient forget to move.
D. to minimise patient's discomfort while immobile.
 

15. The American Medical Association reported that ...

A. people lie when giving evidence under hypnosis.
B. people should be hypnotised before giving evidence.
C. evidence given, when hypnotised, may be unreliable.
D. Secret evidence can be obtained through hypnosis.
 

Just Relax  Reading Answers With Explanations (11-15)


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.

 

11. A - encourage the person to relax using a repetitively even tone of voice

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “The best known is a series of simple suggestions repeated continuously in the same tone of voice.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the hypnotist uses a calm, repetitive tone of voice while giving simple suggestions to induce hypnosis. This shows that relaxation is encouraged through tone, making “option A” the correct answer.

 

12. D - do something that they would not normally be opposed to doing

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “As the person responds, their state of attention changes, and this altered state often leads to other changes.

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that people cannot be made to do anything under hypnosis that they wouldn’t normally agree to. They follow instructions only if they're willing, which makes “option D” the right choice.

 

13. B - to allow subjects to reassess them without distress

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: "This latter state may be used to treat mental health problems, as it allows patients to feel calm while simultaneously thinking about distressing feelings or painful memories."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that hypnosis helps people revisit painful memories in a calm state to reduce distress. It supports the idea that hypnosis is used to reassess such experiences, making “option B” the correct answer.

 

14. D - to minimise patient's discomfort while immobile

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Even though these positions were unusual, the patient at no time felt uncomfortable!

 

Explanation: This line shows that hypnosis helped the patient remain in uncomfortable positions without experiencing pain. It implies hypnosis reduced discomfort while immobile, which matches “option D”.

 

15. C - evidence given, when hypnotised, may be unreliable

 

Reference: From Paragraph H: “This was confirmed by the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association, which, in 1985, reported that memories refreshed through hypnosis may include inaccurate information, false memories, and confabulation (fact and fantasy combined).

 

Explanation: This line reveals that information retrieved under hypnosis may be unreliable or incorrect. Since it can involve a mix of real and imagined memories, “option C” is the most accurate choice.

3.

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Below are some of the top 70 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.
 

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in the Just Relax reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in the Just Relax passage include terms related to stress, relaxation techniques, meditation, anxiety, mental health, and well-being. Look for words like "tension," "therapy," "deep breathing," and "relaxation response." Synonyms of these keywords may also appear, so keep an eye out for paraphrased forms.

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

Ans. To answer matching headings, read the first and last sentences of each paragraph carefully. Identify the main idea and match it to the correct heading. Don’t get distracted by specific examples or details—focus on the overall message of the paragraph.

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

Ans. One challenging aspect is distinguishing between similar-sounding headings and ideas. The passage often includes detailed explanations of relaxation methods, which can make it hard to identify the main idea quickly. Time management can also be an issue due to dense information.

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

Ans. The Just Relax passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading test. It features complex vocabulary, scientific terms, and research-based content, which are more aligned with the Academic module than the General Training version.

Q. What are some common misconceptions about the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Many think they must understand every word, but that’s not true—context helps. Others believe answers must come from memory, but all answers are in the text. Some assume skimming and scanning aren’t effective, but they are actually essential strategies.

Q. How can I stay calm and focused during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Practice under timed conditions to build confidence. Take deep breaths before starting, and focus on one question at a time. Avoid panicking over unknown words and trust your scanning and skimming techniques to find the answers efficiently.

Q. What is the band score range for the IELTS Reading module?

Ans. The IELTS Reading module is scored on a band scale of 1 to 9. Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a band score. Academic and General Training modules have different scoring thresholds, so the number of correct answers required for each band varies.

Q. Can I skip the IELTS Reading Module for my IELTS exam?

Ans. No, you cannot skip the Reading module. It is a compulsory part of the IELTS exam for both Academic and General Training versions. Your Reading score contributes equally to your overall band score, so it’s essential to prepare well.

Q. Does the IELTS Reading module have more weightage?

Ans. No, the Reading module carries equal weight with Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Each section contributes 25% to your overall band score. However, a high score in Reading can help balance out a lower score in another module.

Q. Does the IELTS Reading Module have a negative marking?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading module. You won’t lose marks for incorrect answers, so it's a good idea to attempt all questions, even if you have to guess.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. You must complete 40 questions based on three reading passages. Unlike the Listening module, there is no extra time to transfer your answers, so you need to write directly on the answer sheet within the given time.