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Locked Doors Open Access Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 15, 2024, 10:52

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend written texts from a variety of sources. This section consists of three passages of increasing difficulty, each with a range of question types that assess your ability to locate, understand, and interpret information.

 

Each passage is drawn from authentic sources, such as books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, ensuring relevance and diversity in content. The texts cover a range of topics and may include descriptive, factual, and discursive styles. Passage lengths vary,  ranging from relatively short to long passages, challenging your ability to maintain focus and extract key information efficiently.

 

 To better prepare for the IELTS Reading section, you can take an IELTS practice test, which provides a realistic experience of the types of texts and questions you will face in the actual exam.

 

The “Locked Doors Open Access” passage explores one of the most devastating periods in Irish history during the mid-19th century. It delves into the causes, impact, and societal repercussions of the famine that resulted from potato blight, affecting millions of Irish people and leading to significant demographic changes.


 

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1. Locked Doors Open Access 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. Locked Doors Open Access Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Locked Doors Open Access Reading Question & Answers

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1.

Locked Doors Open Access 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.

 

 

 

 

Locked Doors Open Access Reading Passage

 

 

Paragraph A

 

There are both pros and cons implications for the word “ Security”. The majority of people believe that we long for security because of all its positive psychological and physical qualities, including its evocation of the security of home, unwavering love, or freedom from need. Detrimentally, the term now evokes images of the enormous industry that has emerged to safeguard people and their belongings from intrusion by "outsiders," who are ostensibly malicious and intend to steal or cause intentional harm.

 

Paragraph B

 

Due to the rising crime rate in urban areas, buildings like offices, schools, colleges, and hospitals no longer allow free access to employees and other users. The entry area, which used to be referred to as "Reception," is maintained by security personnel. The receptionist's job was to warmly welcome guests and direct them to the appropriate party they had come to see. However, in more recent times, this job has been given to those whose responsibility it is to deny entry to those who are uninvited, unwanted, or just plain unattractive.  

 

Paragraph C

 

These buildings are divided into "Secured Zones," many of which have all the bells and whistles of combination locks and burglar alarms. These obstructions prevent circulation, prevent entry for the uninitiated, and establish time and space restrictions for user access. Individual rooms are locked away within the spaces that these zones create, which poses a problem in particular when the working space is compartmentalised.

 

Paragraph D

 

Technological access has been developed to combat the resulting challenge of getting to people physically.  In order to send messages back and forth, computers present at every desk are connected to other computers and to a large network of computers. In order to avoid reading texts as they are intended for other individuals, security is important. Therefore, passwords were created in order to secure such information. In this day and age, not only the correspondence but also the moves are kept private. In order to browse catalogues, one can do it from one's desk. At the press of a button, one can simply deliver or receive documents.

 

Paragraph E

 

However, it seems that businesses have noticed "teamwork" affirmations as people have become more isolated at work, perhaps to encourage employees to socialise. Many inquiries have been made regarding whether communication has revealed how teams of groups function. Additionally, how can they cooperate if email provides a convenient electronic veil behind which the less scrupulous can exploit the blurring of public and private? If password-protected voicemail messages are available? How can I leave a message for my coworker on his desk if his office door is locked?

 

Paragraph F

 

The lack of "job security," another type of security, is concealed by teamwork. Nowadays, businesses are aware that there are three different kinds of physical resources: those they buy, those they lease long-term, and those they rent momentarily. Long-term contracts are offered to some employees, short-term contracts to others, and temporary employment is the only option for others.

 

Paragraph G

 

The direct line is a feature of telecommunications systems that allows us to reach people without having to first speak to someone else. People can communicate without ever speaking to one another thanks to voicemail and answering phones. If we are unlucky enough to get in touch with a business that uses a sophisticated touch-tone dialling system, we can make purchases and make payments without ever speaking to a live person.

 

Paragraph H

 

With the Internet, which widens communication channels beyond what anyone could possibly want or need, we can combat this tendency to close in on ourselves. The term "Home Page" refers to a person's online identity, and it conjures up images of a secure electronic home. This incredibly 2-dimensional medium of "websites" is distinguished by a complex system of 3-dimensional graphics. The nomenclature itself gives the impression that the "site" is travelling toward the person using the computer when, in reality, it is coming to him. Now that location is no longer geographical, "addresses" of one kind or another move to the individual rather than the individual moving between them.

 

Paragraph I

 

The cell phone is one illustration of this. I am now accessible wherever I take my mobile phone, not just at home or at work. However, we still feel a sense of security when we want to "locate" the person on the other end. It is not a coincidence that almost everyone we observe using their mobile phone in public, either to initiate or answer calls, starts by identifying their location.

 

To improve your vocabulary for the IELTS Reading section, read here.

 

2.

Locked Doors Open Access Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Locked Doors Open Access 

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • Complete the text below, which Is a summary of paragraphs D-F. Choose your
  • answers from the Word List below and write them in Boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.

 

There are more words and phrases than spaces, so you will not be able to use them all. You may use any word or phrase more than once.

 

Example: The problem of__________ access to buildings.
Answer: physical.

 

The problem of physical access to buildings has now been 1._______by technology. Messages are sent between_______ 2._____, with passwords preventing_______ 3. from reading the messages of others. However, individuals are becoming increasingly________ 4. socially, by the way they do their jobs, more value is being placed on___ 5.____, e-mail and voice-mail have led to a___________ 6. opportunities for person-to-person communication.

 

reducing ofdecrease inteam-worksimilar
no different fromsolvedovercamephysical
computercomputerscombatdeveloped
other peoplecut-offisolating 


 


 

Locked Doors Open Access Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)

 

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 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 


 

1. Solved

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D: “Technological access has been developed to combat the resulting challenge of getting to people physically”.

 

Explanation

 

The term "solved" accurately reflects how advancements in technology, as discussed in paragraph D, have effectively addressed the issue of physical access to individuals. By developing technological means such as computer networks and passwords, businesses can secure communication channels and prevent unauthorised access, thereby overcoming the challenge mentioned in the passage.

 

2. Other people

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D:  “In order to send the messages back and forth, computers present at every desk are connected to other computers and to a large network of computers. In order to avoid reading texts as they are intended for other individuals, security is important. Therefore, passwords were created in order to secure such information”.

 

Explanation

 

"Other people" refers to the intended recipients of messages, as highlighted in paragraph D. This choice is correct because the paragraph emphasises the importance of maintaining privacy and security in communication by ensuring that messages are accessible only to their designated recipients, not to unauthorised individuals.


 

3. Cut-off


Reference:

 

From paragraph D: “In this day and age, not only the correspondence but also the moves are kept private”.


Explanation

 

 The term "cut-off" accurately describes how modern communication technologies maintain privacy, as discussed in paragraph D. By keeping correspondence and actions private, businesses and individuals can effectively prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information and actions, thus enhancing security in today's digital age.

 

4. Team Work


Reference:

 

From paragraph E: “However, it seems that businesses have noticed "team-work" affirmations as people have become more isolated at work, perhaps to encourage employees to socialise”.


Explanation

 

"Team Work" is the correct answer as it aligns with the discussion in paragraph E about promoting teamwork amidst increasing workplace isolation. Businesses aim to foster collaboration and social interaction among employees through initiatives like team-building exercises, countering the trend of isolation that modern communication methods like email and voicemail can inadvertently reinforce.


 

5. Decrease in


Reference:

 

From paragraph E: “Many inquiries have been made regarding whether communication has revealed how teams of groups function”.

 

Explanation

 

The phrase "decrease in" accurately reflects the concern raised in paragraph E about the potential negative impact of electronic communication on team dynamics. As organisations rely more on digital communication methods, there is a growing concern that face-to-face interactions and collaborative teamwork may decrease, affecting overall team cohesion and productivity.

6. Teamwork


Reference:

 

From paragraph E: “Additionally, how can they cooperate if email provides a convenient electronic veil behind which the less scrupulous can exploit the blurring of public and private? If password-protected voicemail messages are available? How can I leave a message for my coworker on his desk if his office door is locked?”.


Explanation

 

"Teamwork" is the correct answer as it addresses the challenge posed by electronic communication methods discussed in paragraph E. Email and similar technologies can create barriers to effective teamwork by blurring the lines between public and private communication, potentially hindering collaborative efforts and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

 

Refer to tips and tricks for the IELTS Reading section to achieve a high band score.

 

Questions and Answers 7-9
  • Complete the sentences below. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in Boxes 7-9 on your answer sheet.

 

7. The author dislikes_________.
8. The home page of an individual denotes their_________ on the Internet.
9. Gadgets such as cell phones mean that location is___________.

 

Locked Doors Open Access Reading Answers with Explanations (7-9)

 

Type of question: Sentence Completion

In this question type, you are required to fill in the blanks in a given sentence with words or phrases taken directly from the passage. These questions test your ability to understand specific details and information presented in the text.

 

How to answer: 

 

  • Read the sentence carefully to understand the context.
  • Identify keywords or clues that can help you find the answer in the passage.
  • Scan the passage for relevant information, focusing on the area around the blank.
  • Choose the answer that fits grammatically and contextually.
  • Verify your answers and finalise them.

 

7. Touch tone dialling system


Reference:

 

From paragraph G: “If we are unlucky enough to get in touch with a business that uses a sophisticated touch-tone dialling system, we can make purchases and make payments without ever speaking to a live person.”


 

Explanation

 

The author expresses dislike towards the touch tone dialling system due to its impersonal nature and the frustration it can cause. The term "unlucky enough" implies a negative experience, suggesting a preference for more personal interactions over automated ones in business communications.

 

8. Electronic presence


Reference: 

 

From paragraph H: “The term "Home Page" refers to a person's online identity, and it conjures up images of a secure electronic home”.”

 

Explanation

 

This answer is correct as it reflects how the "Home Page" symbolises an individual's identity online, emphasising their electronic presence in the digital realm. It captures the concept that a person's online presence, much like their home, is a secure and personalised space in the virtual world.

 

9. No longer geographical

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph I: “The cell phone is one illustration of this. I am now accessible wherever I take my mobile phone, not just at home or at work. We still feel a sense of security when we want to "locate" the person on the other end, though.”

 

Explanation

 

 This answer accurately reflects the paragraph's discussion on the impact of gadgets like cell phones, which have eliminated the geographical limitations of communication. It highlights how modern technology has transformed the idea of location, making it irrelevant in terms of connectivity and accessibility.


 

Read more about 350+ Vocabulary words for IELTS: Difficult & New English Words List For 2024

 

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Choose the appropriate letters A-D and write them in Boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet

 

10. The author claims that one thing we yearn for is


            A. Home safety
            B. security
            C. open access
            D. positive virtues

 

11. Access to a lot of buildings


            A. is unauthorised
            B. is becoming more difficult
            C. is a cause of crime in many urban areas
            D. used to be called “Reception.”

 

12. Buildings that are open to all users


            A. but now they do not
            B. and still do now
            C. especially offices and schools
            D. especially in urban areas

 

13. Safe zones


            A. don’t allow access to the user
            B. compartmentalise the user
            C. are often like traps
            D. are not accessible to everybody


 

Locked Doors Open Access Reading Answers with Explanations (10-13)

 

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.


 

10. B


 Reference: 

 

From paragraph A: “The majority of people are of the notion that we long for security because of all its positive psychological and physical qualities, including its evocation of the security of home, unwavering love, or freedom from need.”

 

Explanation

 

The passage in Paragraph A discusses how security is valued for its positive psychological and physical benefits, such as a sense of safety and well-being. This aligns with option B, which reflects the author's assertion that security is something people desire due to these inherent qualities.

 

11. B

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph B: "Due to the rising crime rate in urban areas, buildings like offices, schools, colleges, and hospitals no longer allow free access to employees and other users."

 

Explanation

 

Paragraph B highlights the increasing difficulty in accessing buildings in urban areas due to rising crime rates. Option B correctly identifies this trend, stating that access to buildings has become more challenging, which is explicitly mentioned in the paragraph.

 

12. A

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph B: “Due to the rising crime rate in urban areas, buildings like offices, schools, colleges, and hospitals no longer allow free access to employees and other users”.

 

Explanation

 

The correct answer, A, is supported by Paragraph B, which contrasts the past freedom of access with the current restricted access to buildings in urban areas due to increased crime rates. This choice accurately reflects the paragraph's description of the change in accessibility.


 

13. D

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph C: “These buildings are divided into "Secured Zones," many of which have all the bells and whistles of combination locks and burglar alarms”.


Explanation

 

Paragraph C describes secured zones as areas with strict security measures that restrict access to authorised personnel only. Option D correctly identifies these zones as not accessible to everybody, aligning with the paragraph's description of controlled access areas within buildings.

 

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FAQs

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. Within this time, you must read the passages, answer the questions, and transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Time management is crucial, with approximately 20 minutes allocated to each section. It's advisable to practise under timed conditions to improve efficiency and accuracy during the test.


 

Q. Are the reading passages the same for the Academic and General Training versions?

Ans. No, the reading passages differ between the Academic and General Training versions of the IELTS. The Academic module includes texts more suited to an academic context, such as textbooks and academic journals. In contrast, the General Training module features texts related to everyday life and work contexts, such as advertisements, notices, and workplace documents.

Q. How are the IELTS Reading scores calculated?

Ans. Scores for the IELTS Reading test are calculated based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns one point, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers. The total score out of 40 is then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale, providing a clear indication of your reading proficiency level.