Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and analyse different types of texts within a 60-minute time limit. You will encounter a variety of question types, such as locating information and True/False/Not Given, assessing your comprehension skills. The passages are taken from books, newspapers, and magazines, covering academic and general topics.
 

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1. Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 14 based on the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project.

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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.

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project 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.

 

 

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A.  The disappointing results of many conventional road transport projects in Africa led some experts to rethink the strategy by which rural transport problems were to be tackled at the beginning of the 1980s. A request for help in improving the availability of transport within the remote Makete District of southwestern Tanzania presented the opportunity to try a new approach.

The concept of 'integrated rural transport' was adopted in the task of examining the transport needs of rural households in the district. The objective was to reduce the time and effort needed to obtain access to essential goods and services through an improved rural transport system. The underlying assumption was that the time saved would be used instead for activities that would improve the social and economic development of the communities. The Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project (MIRTP) started in 1985 with financial support from the Swiss Development Corporation and was coordinated with the help of the Tanzanian government.

 

Paragraph B.  When the project began, Makete District was virtually totally isolated during the rainy season. The regional road was in such bad shape that access to the main towns was impossible for about three months of the year. Road traffic was extremely rare within the district, and alternative means of transport were restricted to donkeys in the north of the district. People relied primarily on the paths, which were slippery and dangerous during the rains.

Before solutions could be proposed, the problems had to be understood. Little was known about the transport demands of rural households, so Phase I, between December 1985 and December 1987, focused on research. The socio-economic survey of more than 400 households in the district indicated that a household in Makete spent, on average, seven hours a day on transporting themselves and their goods, a figure which seemed extreme but which has also been obtained in surveys in other rural areas in Africa. Interesting facts regarding transport were found: 95% was on foot; 80% was within the locality; and 70% was related to the collection of water and firewood and travelling to grinding mills. 

 

Paragraph C.  Having determined the main transport needs, possible solutions were identified which might reduce the time and burden. During Phase II, from January to February 1991, a number of approaches were implemented in an effort to improve mobility and access to transport.

An improvement of the road network was considered necessary to ensure the import and export of goods to the district. These improvements were carried out using methods that were heavily dependent on labour In addition to the improvement of roads, these methods provided training in the operation of a mechanical workshop and bus and truck services. However, the difference from the conventional approach was that this time, consideration was given to local transport needs outside the road network.

Most goods were transported along the paths that provided shortcuts up and down the hillsides, but the paths were a real safety risk and made the journey on foot even more arduous. It made sense to improve the paths by building steps, handrails, and footbridges.

It was uncommon to find means of transport that were more efficient than walking but less technologically advanced than motor vehicles. The use of bicycles was constrained by their high cost and the lack of available spare parts. Oxen were not used at all, but donkeys were used by a few households in the northern part of the district. MIRTP focused on what would be most appropriate for the inhabitants of Makete in terms of what was available, how much they could afford, and what they were willing to accept.

After careful consideration, the project chose the promotion of donkeys - a donkey costs less than a bicycle - and the introduction of a locally manufacturable wheelbarrow.

 

Paragraph D.  At the end of Phase II, it was clear that the selected approaches to Makete’s transport problems had had different degrees of success. Phase III, from March 1991 to March 1993, focused on the refinement and institutionalisation of these activities.

The road improvements and accompanying maintenance system had helped make the district centre accessible throughout the year. Essential goods from outside the district had become more readily available at the market, and prices did not fluctuate as much as they had done before.

Paths and secondary roads were improved only at the request of communities who were willing to participate in construction and maintenance. However, the improved paths impressed the inhabitants, and requests for assistance greatly increased soon after only a few improvements had been completed.

The efforts to improve the efficiency of the existing transport services were not very successful because most of the motorised vehicles in the district broke down, and there were no resources to repair them. Even the introduction of low-cost means of transport was difficult because of the general poverty of the district. The locally manufactured wheelbarrows were still too expensive for all but a few of the households. Modifications to the original design by local carpenters cut production time and costs. Other local carpenters have been trained in the new design so that they can respond to requests. Nevertheless, a locally produced wooden wheelbarrow, which costs around 5000 Tanzanian shillings (less than US$20) in Makete, and is about one-quarter the cost of a metal wheelbarrow, is still too expensive for most people.

Donkeys, which were imported to the district, have become more common and contribute, in particular, to the transportation of crops and goods to market. Those who have bought donkeys are mainly from richer households but, with an increased supply through local breeding, donkeys should become more affordable. Meanwhile, local initiatives are promoting the renting out of the existing donkeys.

It should be noted, however, that a donkey, which at 20,000 Tanzanian shillings costs less than a bicycle, is still an investment equal to an average household's income over half a year. This clearly illustrates the need for supplementary measures if one wants to assist the rural poor.

 

Paragraph E.  It would have been easy to criticise the MIRTP for using in the early phases a 'top-down' approach, in which decisions were made by experts and officials before being handed down to communities, but it was necessary to start the process from the level of the governmental authorities of the district. It would have been difficult to respond to the requests of villagers and other rural inhabitants without the support and understanding of district authorities.

 

Paragraph F.  Today, nobody in the district argues about the importance of improved paths and inexpensive means of transport. But this is the result of dedicated work over a long period, particularly from the officers in charge of community development. They played an essential role in raising awareness and interest among the rural communities.

The concept of integrated rural transport is now well established in Tanzania, where a major program of rural transport is just about to start. The experiences from Makete will help in this initiative, and Makete District will act as a reference for future work.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project reading answer passage.

2.

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-4
  • The Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answer Passage has six sections, A-F.
  • Choose the correct heading for sections B, C, E, and F from the list of headings below.
  • Write the correct number, i-xi, in boxes 1-4 on your answer sheet.

 

List of Headings

i. MIRTP as a future model

ii. Identifying the main transport problems

iii. Preference for motorised vehicles

iv. Government authorities’ instructions

v. Initial improvements in mobility and transport modes

vi. Request for improved transport in Makete

vii. Transport improvements in the northern part of the district

viii. Improvements in the rail network

ix. Effects of initial MI RTP measures

x. The cooperation of district officials

xi. Role of wheelbarrows and donkeys

 

1. Section B -____

2. Section C -____

3. Section E -____

4. Section F -____
 

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)
 

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. ii - Identifying the main transport problems

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Before solutions could be proposed, the problems had to be understood. Little was known about the transport demands of rural households, so Phase I, between December 1985 and December 1987, focused on research.”

 

Explanation: This line suggests that before implementing any solutions, it was necessary to first identify the transport challenges in Makete District. The passage highlights the poor condition of roads, the reliance on dangerous paths, and the lack of transport alternatives, making "Identifying the main transport problems" the correct answer.

 

2. v - Initial improvements in mobility and transport modes

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "During Phase II, from January to February 1991, a number of approaches were implemented in an effort to improve mobility and access to transport."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that after identifying transport problems, several measures were introduced to improve mobility, including road improvements and the promotion of donkeys and wheelbarrows. Since these initial actions aimed at enhancing transport, "Initial improvements in mobility and transport modes" is the correct heading.
 

3. x - The cooperation of district officials

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “It would have been difficult to respond to the requests of villagers and other rural inhabitants without the support and understanding of district authorities.”

 

Explanation: This sentence suggests that the success of MIRTP depended on the cooperation of district officials. Their involvement ensured the project's smooth implementation, making "The cooperation of district officials" the most suitable heading.

 

4. I - MIRTP as a future model

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “The experiences from Makete will help in this initiative, and Makete District will act as a reference for future work.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the lessons learned from Makete’s transport improvements will guide future rural transport projects in Tanzania. Since the district's work serves as a model for upcoming initiatives, "MIRTP as a future model" is the correct 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!

Questions and Answers 5-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 5-9 on your answer sheet, write
  • YES if the statement agrees with the information.
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

5. MIRTP was divided into five phases.

6. Prior to the start of MIRTP, the Makete district was almost inaccessible during the rainy season.

7. Phase I of MIRTP consisted of a survey of household expenditure on transport.

8. The survey concluded that one-fifth or 20% of the household transport requirement is outside the local area.

9. MIRTP hoped to improve the movement of goods from the Makete district to the country’s capital.

 

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project  Reading Answers With Explanations (5-9)

 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(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.

 

5. No

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Little was known about the transport demands of rural households, so Phase I, between December 1985 and December 1987, focused on research. Phase III, from March 1991 to March 1993, focused on the refinement and institutionalisation of these activities.”

 

Explanation: This line clarifies that prescribed burns are intentionally set fires used to manage and preserve longleaf forests. Since these fires are deliberately planned for conservation purposes, "prescribed burns" is the correct answer.
 

6. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “When the project began, Makete District was virtually totally isolated during the rainy season.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that shrubs act as storage for calcium in longleaf forests. When fire is absent, calcium remains trapped in these shrubs, making "shrubs" the correct answer.

 

7. No

 

Reference: From Paragraph B “Little was known about the transport demands of the rural households, so Phase I, between December 1985 and December 1987, focused on research. The socio-economic survey of more than 400 households in the district indicated that a household in Makete spent, on average, seven hours a day on transporting themselves and their goods, a figure which seemed extreme but which has also been obtained in surveys in other rural areas in Africa.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that fire releases calcium, which then moves into the soil. This process allows calcium to become accessible for plants and the food chain, making "soil" the correct answer.

 

8. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Interesting facts regarding transport were found: 95% was on foot; 80% was within the locality; and 70% was related to the collection of water and firewood and travelling to grinding mills.”

 

Explanation: This line explains that ants consume calcium from the ecosystem, which then passes up the food chain. Since ants serve as a primary food source for woodpeckers, "ant" is the correct answer.
 

9. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: This line highlights that an increase in calcium leads to higher egg production. Since more eggs result in a larger woodpecker population, "eggs" is the correct answer.

 

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

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-J, below.
  • Write the correct letter, A-J, in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.

 

10. Construction of footbridges, steps, and handrails - ____

11. Frequent breakdowns of buses and trucks in Makete -____

12. The improvement of secondary roads and paths -____

13. The isolation of Makete for part of the year -____

 

A. provided the people of Makete with experience in running bus and truck services

B. was especially successful in the northern part of the district.

C. differed from earlier phases in that the community became less actively involved.

D. improved paths used for transport up and down hillsides.

E. was no longer a problem once the roads had been improved.

F. cost less than locally-made wheelbarrows.

G. was done only at the request of local people who were willing to lend a hand.

H. was at first considered by MIRTP to be affordable for the people of the district.

I. hindered attempts to make the existing transport services more efficient.

J. was thought to be the most important objective of Phase III.

 

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project  Reading Answers With Explanations (10-13)

 

Type of question: Matching sentence endings

 

In this question type, you will be given incomplete sentences, and you will have to complete the end of the sentence by selecting suitable words or phrases from the given list. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Skim through the incomplete sentences to get an idea of the context.
  • Recognise keywords in each sentence.
  • Scan your list of options and look for the keywords.
  • Verify the context and check if the word flows with the rest of the sentence. 
  • Finalise your answers.

 

10. D - improved paths used for transport up and down hillsides.

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Most goods were transported along the paths that provided shortcuts up and down the hillsides, but the paths were a real safety risk and made the journey on foot even more arduous. It made sense to improve the paths by building steps, handrails, and footbridges.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the construction of footbridges, steps, and handrails improved the paths, which were used as shortcuts for transporting goods. Since these paths were unsafe, these additions helped make travel easier and safer, making "improved paths used for transport up and down hillsides" the correct answer.
 

11. I - hindered attempts to make the existing transport services more efficient.

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “The efforts to improve the efficiency of the existing transport services were not very successful because most of the motorised vehicles in the district broke down, and there were no resources to repair them.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that frequent breakdowns of motorised vehicles made it difficult to improve transport services, as there were no resources available for repairs. Since this hindered efforts to enhance existing transport, "hindered attempts to make the existing transport services more efficient" is the correct answer.

 

12. G - was done only at the request of local people who were willing to lend a hand

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “Paths and secondary roads were improved only at the request of communities who were willing to participate in construction and maintenance.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the improvements to secondary roads and paths were not part of a general development plan but were carried out only when requested by local people who were ready to help. Since these improvements depended on community involvement, "was done only at the request of local people who were willing to lend a hand" is the correct answer.

 

13. E - was no longer a problem once the roads had been improved

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “The road improvements and accompanying maintenance system had helped make the district centre accessible throughout the year. It is mentioned that once the road was enhanced, Makete was accessible throughout the year, which was earlier not possible, especially in the rainy season.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that before the road improvements, Makete was isolated during certain parts of the year, particularly the rainy season. However, after the improvements, access was available year-round, making "was no longer a problem once the roads had been improved" the correct answer.

 

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

Questions and Answers 14
  • Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
  • Write the correct letter in box 14 on your answer sheet.

 

14. Which of the following phrases best describes the main aim of Reading Passage?

 

A. to suggest that projects such as MIRTP are needed in other countries

B. to describe how MIRTP was implemented and how successful it was

C. to examine how MIRTP promoted the use of donkeys

D. to warn that projects such as MIRTP are likely to have serious problems

 

Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project  Reading Answers With Explanations (14)
 

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.

 

14. B - to describe how MIRTP was implemented and how successful it was

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "During Phase II, from January to February 1991, a number of approaches were implemented in an effort to improve mobility and access to transport."

 

Explanation: The passage details how MIRTP was planned, implemented, and evaluated, focusing on its strategies and effectiveness in improving transport in Makete. It discusses the phases of the project, the solutions introduced, and their impact, making option B the best choice.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the IELTS Academic Reading 2025!
3.

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Below are some top 40+ 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 Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords include "rural transport," "infrastructure," "development," "accessibility," "Makete district," "Tanzania," "transport network," and "economic impact." These words help identify main ideas and locate relevant information quickly.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project reading passage?

Ans. Read the headings first to understand the key ideas. Then, scan each paragraph to identify its main point. Look for synonyms of keywords rather than exact matches. Eliminate incorrect headings and match the most relevant one to each paragraph.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project reading passage?

Ans. The passage contains complex information about rural transport systems, requiring good comprehension skills. Also, similar terms and technical vocabulary can make it difficult to differentiate between key ideas, making matching and True/False/Not Given questions tricky.

Q. Are Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project passages a part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading section as it discusses a research-based development project with technical details and analysis.

Q. What are some strategies for tackling True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Focus on factual statements, not opinions. Identify keywords in the question and scan the passage for matching ideas. If the information contradicts the statement, answer "False"; if it matches, answer "True." If no relevant information is found, answer "Not Given."

Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS Reading test if English isn't my first language?

Ans. Read English newspapers, articles, and academic texts daily. Practice skimming and scanning techniques. Expand your vocabulary and take timed IELTS practice tests to improve speed and accuracy.

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

Ans. The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions, divided into three passages. Each passage has different question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, and sentence completion.

Q. Is there a specific vocabulary I should focus on for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, focus on academic and topic-based vocabulary, including words related to science, technology, environment, education, and society. Learn synonyms, as the test often paraphrases key terms.

Q. Are there any tips for guessing answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, eliminate obviously wrong choices, use context clues, and look for similar words or ideas in the passage. If unsure, make an educated guess rather than leaving the answer blank.

Q. How is the IELTS Reading test scored?

Ans. Each correct answer earns one mark. The total raw score (out of 40) is converted into a band score ranging from 0 to 9. Academic and General Training Reading scores are calculated differently.

Q. Are spelling mistakes penalised for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, spelling mistakes are penalised, and incorrect spellings result in a wrong answer. Always double-check your spelling, especially for names, dates, and specific terms.