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Networking Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess your ability to read and understand texts in English from academic and general sources. Over the course of 60 minutes, you will tackle 40 questions based on three passages. These passages cover a wide range of topics and may include texts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. Success in this section depends on your ability to grasp main ideas, understand detailed information, and infer meaning from the text.
 

 

In the passage "Networking Reading," you will delve into the importance of networking in professional and social contexts. This text explores strategies for effective networking, the benefits of building professional relationships, and practical tips for expanding your network. Understanding this topic is essential for enhancing career opportunities and personal growth through effective communication and relationship-building skills.

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1. Networking Reading Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 15 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. Networking Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Networking Reading

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1.

Networking Reading 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.

 

 

 

 

Networking Reading Reading Passage
 

 



 Paragraph 1

To be certain, the idea of networking has been given a gloss of modernity that isn't entirely warranted. It's widely acknowledged in the business community as an indispensable resource for today's global entrepreneurs. The idea is widely celebrated, not just in the corporate sector.

 

 

Paragraph 2

There are two types of people in the world: the ones who keep their information and connections to themselves and those who are willing to share both. An insecure person is not a good networker since they have difficulty connecting with others, whether they be strangers or friends. The prototypical networker has enough confidence in themselves to introduce people they know, even friends, to each other. A businessperson or academic might make a connection with someone who could prove useful down the line, but at the moment, it might help them to meet another associate.

 

 

Paragraph 3

A very self-assured person needs to bring these people together and allow a connection to grow without his being involved. For those who don't regularly participate in online social networks, this kind of change can feel like an unbearable intrusion of others' freedom. The sad part is that the person who made the first contact would stand to gain the most if he knew the full story. How come?

 

 

Paragraph 4

Because all else being equal, people tend to socialise within preexisting networks, and any given individual has the potential to be dragged into ever-expanding spheres of new contacts. It's been stated that as long as you have eight friends, you're connected to everyone on Earth. As more people share their knowledge, the potential of any endeavour becomes obvious.

 

 

Paragraph 5

While it's true that expanding one's professional and personal networks can lead to great success, it can also bring up unexpected challenges. To put it another way, it broadens one's horizons. While this isn't always a bad thing, it does increase the pressure on the networker to expand his sphere of influence constantly. It may seem like the easiest solution to just cut ties with old acquaintances, but this would be a mortal sin for our networker because it would be counter to their stated goal of expanding their professional network. The reaction of acquaintances and friends is an additional issue. When people spread themselves too thin, they have less time for the people who were once close to them. It's not uncommon for this to lead to jealousy and conflict among coworkers and even between leaders and subordinates in the office. If you work for an insecure manager, their jealousy and envy could backfire and cause them to try to impede or even block your professional advancement.

 

 

Paragraph 6

To solve this problem, one must allow one's superiors to participate in the glory and offer them some solace. This kind of management is sometimes referred to as "bottom-up" leadership. In today's business environment, cooperation between companies and enterprises is essential to success. As the pace of globalisation quickens, businesses need to be able to operate across more than just national borders. Despite how much pushback this trend receives, it appears to be here to stay for the time being. Speciality businesses can't thrive without connections and cooperation. For the computer industry to succeed, businesses must collaborate to ensure that their products are compatible with a wide range of available computers. In today's interconnected world, no organisation can succeed without collaborating with others. It used to be easier for businesses to strike off on their own, but times have changed.

 

 

Paragraph 7

The same holds true in the academic world, where knowledge and understanding have traditionally been guarded with extreme caution. Recently, there has been a widespread trend of universities and colleges opening their doors to the outside world, which has had significant positive effects on business and academia. The stereotypical academic is someone who operates in an air of rarified sophistication, living in glorious isolation as a captive of their own intellect. This individual doesn't have a natural place in today's networked world. It's true, though, that even the most closed-off societies evolve. With increasing frequency, academics are leaving their isolated ivory towers to form partnerships with the business and government sectors, producing surprising results in places like Silicon Valley in the United States and the area around Cambridge, England, which is home to one of the densest concentrations of high-tech companies in Europe.

 

 

Paragraph 8

Call them what you will—networkers, wheeler-dealers, movers, and shakers—they are the ones who keep the world turning. Between 35,000 and 40,000 B.CHomo sapiens emerged as the dominant species, bringing with them the ability to conceptualise thought abstraction and culture, which are intrinsically linked to planning for survival and productivity in humans, and thus causing widespread upheaval in the Neanderthals' already unstable world. The weak will gain power, so the saying goes. But will they?

 

2.

Networking Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Networking Reading

Questions and Answers 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-5 on your answer sheet, write

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

 

 

1. There are basically two types of people in the world.

2. The prototypical networker has high health and robust physicality.

3. Networking is not a new phenomenon.

4. A person who is willing to open up and connect with others is more likely to succeed in the world of networking.

5. In the business world, networking is a sign of status.

 

 

Networking Reading Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

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.


 

1. Yes


 

Reference

From paragraph 2: “There are two types of people in the world: the ones who keep their information and connections to themselves, and those who are willing to share both.”
 

Explanation

The answer is correct because the paragraph mentions that networking is widely acknowledged and celebrated in the business community, indicating it's not a new phenomenon and has been recognised as important for global entrepreneurs.


 

2. Not Given


 

Reference

From paragraph: N.A
 

Explanation

This answer is marked as "Not given" because the specific statement about the prototypical networker having high health and robust physicality isn't mentioned or implied in the passage. No information regarding the physical attributes of a networker has been provided.


 

3. Yes


 

Reference

From paragraph 3:  "To be certain, the idea of networking has been given a gloss of modernity that isn't entirely warranted."
 

Explanation

This answer is correct because the paragraph states that the idea of networking has been given a gloss of modernity, suggesting that networking is not a new phenomenon but has been perceived as such in some contexts.


 

4. Yes


 

Reference

From paragraph 2: There are two types of people in the world: the ones who keep their information and connections to themselves and those who are willing to share both.
 

Explanation

The answer is correct as the paragraph indicates that a person who is willing to open up and connect with others (the prototypical networker) is more likely to succeed, as they have the confidence to introduce people to each other and make useful connections.


 

5. No


 

Reference

From paragraph 7: "It's widely acknowledged in the business community as an indispensable resource for today's global entrepreneurs. The idea is widely celebrated, not just in the corporate sector."
 

Explanation

The answer is incorrect because the paragraph discusses the challenges and pressures of networking, but it does not state that networking is a sign of status in the business world. Therefore, the statement "Networking is a sign of status" does not agree with the writer's claims.

Questions and Answers 6-10
  • Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage, complete the sentences below.
  •  

     

    6. Specialised companies won't last long unless they have .............................................

    7. If a manager is ............................................ at work, it can lead to issues.

    8. These days, the success of ............................................  depends on a team's ability to work together.

    9. A supervisor has the power to limit an employee's advancement or even.......................................... it entirely.

    10. Meeting new people ........................................, but it also has drawbacks.

     

     

    Networking Reading Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)

     

     

    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.



     

    6. Co-operation and contacts


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 6: "Specialty businesses can't thrive without contacts and cooperation. For the computer industry to succeed, businesses must collaborate to ensure that their products are compatible with a wide range of available computers."


     

    Explanation

    The passage highlights that specialty businesses, particularly in sectors like the computer industry, cannot thrive without extensive cooperation and a network of contacts. This collaboration ensures product compatibility and operational success across diverse markets, making networking indispensable for these companies.


     

    7. (very) insecure/jealous/envious


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 5: “If you work for an insecure manager, their jealousy and envy could backfire and cause them to try to impede or even prevent your professional advancement.”


     

    Explanation

    The passage underscores that an insecure manager's jealousy and envy can backfire, leading them to impede or even block an employee's professional advancement. This behaviour stems from the manager's lack of confidence and fear of being outshined, creating a toxic work environment that hinders career growth.


     

    8. Companies and enterprises


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 6: "In today's business environment, cooperation between companies and enterprises is essential to success."


     

    Explanation

    The passage stresses the importance of cooperation between companies and enterprises in today's globalised business environment. Such collaboration is essential for success, as it allows businesses to pool resources, share knowledge, and navigate international markets more effectively, thereby enhancing their competitive edge.


     

    9. Block


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 5: "If you work for an insecure manager, their jealousy and envy could backfire and cause them to try to impede or even block your professional advancement."


     

    Explanation

    The passage indicates that a supervisor, motivated by insecurity or jealousy, has the power to block an employee's advancement. This can manifest in various obstructive actions that prevent the employee from progressing in their career, highlighting the significant influence of managerial behaviour on professional development.


     

    10. Brings success


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 5: "While it's true that expanding one's professional and personal networks can lead to great success, it can also bring up unexpected challenges."


     

    Explanation

    The passage acknowledges that while expanding one's professional and personal networks can lead to great success by opening new opportunities and broadening horizons, it also brings unexpected challenges. This dual nature of networking requires individuals to balance the benefits of new connections with the potential pressures and conflicts that may arise.
     

    Questions and Answers 11-15
  • Using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage, answer the following questions.
  •  

     

    11. Which personality type has the hardest time becoming a modern networker? 

    12. Which area of society is more protective of its ideas?

    13. So, who exactly took the place of the Neanderthals? 

    14. Where in Europe can you find one of the highest densities of technological corporations?

    15. When compared to other creatures, what distinguishes humans the most, except our intelligence and ability to think abstractly? 

     


     

    Networking Reading Reading Answers with Explanations (11-15)

     

     

    Type of question: Short answer 

     

    In this task, you will be given a set of questions with missing information, typically sentences with blank spaces. You must complete each statement with one word or phrase (as instructed). 

     

     

    How to answer: 

     

    • Read the questions first to understand what information you need to look for in the passage
    • Skim the passage and look for keywords 
    • You may have to look for synonyms or paraphrases to locate the answer 
    • Verify your answers and finalise them



     

    11. Stereotypical academic


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 7: "The stereotypical academic is someone who operates in an air of rarified sophistication, living in glorious isolation as a captive of their own intellect."


     

    Explanation

    The correct answer is the stereotypical academic because the paragraph illustrates that such individuals operate in isolation, focusing on their intellectual pursuits rather than engaging in the social interactions necessary for networking. This isolation and self-sufficiency hinder their ability to form the broad connections essential for modern networking.


     

    12. Academic world


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 7: "The same holds true in the academic world, where knowledge and understanding have traditionally been guarded with extreme caution."


     

    Explanation

    The academic world is the right answer because the paragraph clearly states that academia has traditionally guarded knowledge with extreme caution. This cautious approach to sharing information contrasts sharply with the openness and collaborative nature required for effective networking in other sectors.


     

    13. Homo Sapiens


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 8: "Between 35,000 and 40,000 B.C., Homo sapiens emerged as the dominant species, bringing with them the ability to conceptualise thought abstraction and culture, which are intrinsically linked to planning for survival and productivity in humans, and thus causing widespread upheaval in the Neanderthals' already unstable world."


     

    Explanation

    Homo sapiens is the correct answer, as the paragraph explains that around 35,000 to 40,000 B.C., Homo sapiens became the dominant species due to their advanced cognitive abilities and cultural development. This led to significant changes that outpaced the Neanderthals, ultimately resulting in their replacement.


     

    14. Cambridge/around Cambridge/Cambridge in England


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 7: "With increasing frequency, academics are leaving their isolated ivory towers to form partnerships with the business and government sectors, producing surprising results in places like Silicon Valley in the United States and the area around Cambridge, England, which is home to one of the densest concentrations of high-tech companies in Europe."


     

    Explanation

    Cambridge or around Cambridge is the correct answer because the paragraph notes that this area is home to one of the highest densities of high-tech companies in Europe. This highlights Cambridge's significant role in fostering technological innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.


     

    15. Culture


     

    Reference

    From paragraph 8: “Between 35,000 and 40,000 B.C., Homo sapiens emerged as the dominant species, bringing with them the ability to conceptualise thought abstraction and culture, which are intrinsically linked to planning for survival and productivity in humans, and thus causing widespread upheaval in the Neanderthals' already unstable world.”


     

    Explanation

    Culture is the correct answer because the paragraph describes how Homo sapiens' ability to conceptualise abstract thoughts and develop culture was crucial to their survival and productivity. This cultural capacity distinguished them from other creatures, enabling them to thrive and dominate.


     


     

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    FAQs

    Q. What is the IELTS Reading test format?

    Ans. The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions designed to test a wide range of reading skills. There are three reading passages with a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, identifying information, matching information, and short-answer questions. The test assesses your ability to understand main ideas, details, inferences, and implied meanings, as well as the writer's opinions, attitudes, and purpose.


     

    Q. How are the IELTS Reading scores calculated?

    Ans. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, and the total correct answers out of 40 are converted to the IELTS nine-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands, e.g., 6.5, 7.0. The scoring process ensures that your final band score accurately reflects your reading proficiency. Understanding the scoring criteria can help you target specific areas for improvement.


     

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

    Ans. Yes, you can write on the question paper to underline key points, make notes, or mark your answers initially. However, only the answers written on the answer sheet will be considered for scoring, so make sure to transfer your answers carefully. Writing on the question paper can help you organise your thoughts and manage your time better during the test.