Blogs 
Leap Digest 
Events 
About Us 
Olive Oil Production Reading Answer Passage
Olive Oil Production Reading Answer Passage
Paragraph A. For thousands of years, olive oil has been a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, and its ubiquity is expanding quickly throughout the rest of the world. It is one of the most adaptable cooking oils and improves the flavour of a variety of foods. Only olive oil can be produced by simple pressing of any vegetable or fruit. The majority of other common oils (corn, canola, etc.) need to undergo further processing in order to yield oil. The health advantages of olive oil are a significant additional benefit.. Extra Virgin, Virgin, and Olive Oil are the three most common types of olive oil among consumers. Olive oil varies from one country or location to another in addition to the fundamental classes due to the varieties of olives that are farmed, the harvesting procedures, the time of the harvest, and the pressing methods. All of these aspects influence the distinctive qualities of the olive oil.
Paragraph B. Care must be taken when working with olive trees if you want to have decent yields. Regular irrigation, pruning, fertilising, and insect control are all part of care. Olives can grow in very shallow soils and poor locations, but they will develop slowly and produce little. Deep soils often result in trees that are overly robust and yield less. Clay loam soil with good internal and surface drainage is the best environment for the production of olive oil. To grow big crops and prevent alternate bearing, irrigation is required. Hard winter frosts must not exist at the site since they induce wood damage at temperatures below 15°F and can completely obliterate any hope of a successful crop. Due to potential harm to the fruit and oil quality, the growing season also needs to be warm enough for fruits to mature before even light fall frosts (mostly by early November). Fortunately, olive trees can withstand drought and are extremely robust in hot summer temperatures.
Paragraph C. The best olive oils have a certificate that verifies the cold pressing and stone grinding extraction methods. In this procedure, olives are first manually picked when they are sufficiently ripe and mature. As per the experts, hand harvesting is preferable to machine harvesting because it prevents fruit bruising, which results in tartness and oil acidity. Daily transfers of the harvested olives to the mill take place. This is crucial since it reduces the amount of time needed between selection and pressing. Some extra virgin olive oil producers are known to transport the olives over long distances using multi-ton trucks, subjecting the delicate fruit to crushing weight and the harsh sun, which accelerates oxidation and causes the olives to turn sour. In addition to the time lapse between harvesting and pressing, olive oil must be obtained using mechanical processes only to be considered virgin or extra virgin. If heat and/or chemical processes are used to produce the olive oil or if the time lapse is too long, it cannot be called virgin or extra virgin.
Paragraph D. When the olives arrive at the mill, the leaves are removed using air blowers while any contaminants are rinsed off with circulating potable water. Olives are mashed to make a paste as the first stage in the extraction process. Within the cells of the fruit, the oil, which makes up 20% to 30% of the olive, is tucked away. Two granite millstones rolling within a copper bowl are used to smash the olives in the mill. Without heating the paste, crushing and combining the olives releases the oil from the olive cells. The mill's basin has a side shutter that allows the combined olive paste to be applied to round mats. The mats are layered and put below the head of a hydraulic press frame, which extracts the oil by exerting downward pressure. The oil produced by the first pressing is of a higher calibre than that by the second and third pressings. While many other producers employ an additional step to extract more oil, some single-estate producers only collect the oil that emerges from the initial crushing. Olive pulp is squeezed by placing it on mats made of hemp or polypropylene, stacking them, and pressing them. The mats serve as a filter, sending water and oil to a collection tank below. A centrifuge is then used to separate the oil and water.
Paragraph E. Regardless of the method utilised for the initial pressing, the temperature of the oil during production is crucial in order to sustain the distinct characteristics of the oil. If the temperature of the oil climbs above 86ºF, it will be destroyed and cannot be perceived as cold-pressed.
Paragraph F. The oil from the first pressing has the highest concentration of "polyphenols," which have been discovered to be potent antioxidants capable of preventing various diseases. The polyphenols in olives are not the only components that have health-enhancing properties, but they stand out among other types of cooking oils like sunflower and soy. Extra virgin olive oils are truly distinguished from other oils and other types of olive oils by their polyphenols. The amount of polyphenols decreases with increasing olive oil refinement.
Paragraph G. The result of the producers’ hard work is a high quality, cold-pressed extra virgin oil with organoleptic properties, which give the oil its health-beneficiary and fragranced characteristics.
Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Olive Oil Production reading answer passage.
Olive Oil Production Reading Answers with Sample Questions
Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find Olive Oil Production Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.
Questions and Answers 1-4
1. According to the text, which of the following does NOT influence the individual characteristics of olive oils from different areas?
A. Access to water
B. Picking techniques
C. The date of the picking
D. Olive varieties
2. According to the text, which of the following is NOT considered a part of olive tree handling?
A. Replanting
B. Feeding
C. Killing parasites
D. Careful watering
3. According to the text, what is the main harm of frost?
A. It kills the olive tree
B. The fruit won’t mature
C. The olives produced will be small in size
D. Not enough fruit will be produced
4. According to the text, which of the following does NOT have any impact on the “extra virgin” olive oil substantiation?
A. The time gap between tree and bottle
B. Using water in the extraction process
C. The temperature of the extraction process
D. Which pressing the oil is taken from
Olive Oil Production Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)
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.
Reference: From Paragraph A: " Olive oil varies from one country or location to another in addition to the fundamental classes due to the varieties of olives that are farmed, the harvesting procedures, the time of the harvest, and the pressing methods."
Explanation: This line mentions olive variety, harvesting methods, time of harvest, and pressing methods as factors influencing the characteristics of olive oil. However, access to water is not listed among these, making “option A” the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph B: "Care must be taken when working with olive trees if you want to have decent yields. Regular irrigation, pruning, fertilising, and insect control are all part of care."
Explanation: The text clearly outlines that olive tree handling involves irrigation, pruning, fertilising (feeding), and insect control. It does not mention replanting as a part of routine care, making “option B” the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph B: "Hard winter frosts must not exist at the site since they induce wood damage at temperatures below 15°F and can completely obliterate any hope of a successful crop."
Explanation: This line points out that frost causes wood damage severe enough to ruin the entire crop. This implies that frost can essentially kill or severely harm the olive trees, making “option A” the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph C: "In addition to the time lapse between harvesting and pressing olive oil must be obtained using mechanical processes only to be considered virgin or extra virgin."
Explanation: This sentence indicates that both the time gap and mechanical processing are essential for qualifying as extra virgin oil. However, there is no mention of water use in the process impacting the oil's classification, making “option B” correct.
To practice more reading answers, click on the IELTS Reading Practice Test 2025!
Questions and Answers 5-7
5. Olive trees don’t need a regular supply of water to survive.
6. No other cooking oils apart from olive oil contain polyphenols.
7. Damage to olives before they are pressed can affect the taste of the oil.
Olive Oil Production Reading Answers With Explanations (5-7)
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.
Reference: From Paragraph B: “Fortunately, olive trees can withstand drought and are extremely robust in hot summer temperatures.”
Explanation: This line shows that olive trees are capable of surviving drought conditions, which means they do not require a regular supply of water to live. Although water is important for better yields, it is not essential for the tree’s survival. This supports the statement given in the question.
Reference: From Paragraph F: “Extra virgin olive oils are truly distinguished from other oils and other types of olive oils by their polyphenols.”
Explanation: This sentence highlights that polyphenols are a unique component in extra virgin olive oils, which are not present in other types of oils like sunflower or soy. This distinction implies that other cooking oils do not contain polyphenols, making the statement accurate.
Reference: N/A
Explanation: While Paragraph C mentions that bruising from machine harvesting can lead to tartness and oil acidity, it does not clearly state that this damage occurs before the pressing or that it directly affects the taste of the final oil. Since this detail is not explicitly addressed, the correct answer is “Not Given”.
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 8-13
Olive Oil Production Reading Answers With Explanations (8-13)
Type of question: Flowchart Completion
In this task, you are required to fill in these gaps with specific information or steps described in the passage. The information might relate to a process, sequence of events, steps in a procedure, or stages in a development.
How to best answer:
- Pay close attention to the flowchart or diagram and the instructions provided.
- Quickly scan the relevant section of the passage to gather information that fits the gaps in the flowchart.
- Ensure that the information you choose accurately fits the context of the flowchart or diagram.
- Look for keywords or synonyms in the passage that match the information needed for each gap.
- Ensure your answers are grammatically correct and fit within any word limit specified.
- Finalise your answers.
Reference: From Paragraph B: “Clay loam soil with good internal and surface drainage is the best environment for the production of olive oil.”
Explanation: This line clearly mentions that clay loam soil with good drainage is the most suitable for olive oil production. It highlights that soil quality directly affects the growth and yield of olive trees, making "clay loam soil" the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph B: “Regular irrigation, pruning, fertilising, and insect control are all part of care.”
Explanation: The mention of "insect control" in this line refers to managing pests, which is essential for healthy olive trees. This shows that pest control is a critical part of the agricultural process, making "pests" the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph B: “Care must be taken when working with olive trees if you want to have decent yields.”
Explanation: This sentence explains that proper care of olive trees is necessary to ensure decent yields. Since "decent yields" imply a profitable or good economic return, "good economic yield" is the appropriate answer.
Reference: From Paragraph D: “Olives are mashed to make a paste as the first stage in the extraction process.”
Explanation: The line clearly states that the initial step in oil extraction involves mashing olives into a paste. This identifies "paste" as the starting product in the oil-making process, making it the right answer.
Reference: From Paragraph D: “The mats are layered and put below the head of a hydraulic press frame, which extracts the oil by exerting downward pressure.”
Explanation: This line describes how the hydraulic press is used to extract oil by applying pressure. It plays a key role in pressing the olive paste, which confirms "hydraulic press" as the correct answer.
Reference: From Paragraph D: “A centrifuge is then used to separate the oil and water.”
Explanation: The line clearly states that a centrifuge is used in the final step to separate oil from water. This process ensures the oil is purified, which makes "centrifuge" the correct choice.
Check Out Top 70 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers
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.
- The Flavour Of Pleasure Reading Answers
- The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers
- Why You Should Delegate Tasks To Team Members Reading Answers
- Corporate Social Responsibility Reading Answers
- Forest Management In Pennsylvania USA Reading Answers
- Making Time For Science Reading Answers
- The Power Of Play Reading Answers
- Coastal Archaeology Of Britain Reading Answers
- How The Other Half Thinks Reading Answers
- Changes In Reading Habits Reading Answers
- The Forgotten Forest Reading Answers
- When Conversations Flow Reading Answers
- Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence Reading Answers
- The Ingenuity Gap Reading Answers
- A Bar At The Folies Reading Answers
- Booking A Wessex Cottages Holiday Reading Answers
- Sunset Tours Reading Answers
- Bird Migration Reading Answers
- Clutter Bugs Beware Reading Answers
- The Hidden Histories Of Exploration Exhibition Reading Answers
- Calisthenics Reading Answers
- Having A Lovely Time Reading Answers
- The Return Of Huarango Reading Answers
- Summer Activities At London Kew Gardens Reading Answers
- Computer Games For Preschoolers Reading Answers
- Extinct The Giant Deer Reading Answers
- Micro Enterprise Credit For Street Youth Reading Answers
- Plain English Campaign Reading Answers
- Glow Worms Reading Answers
- How To Prepare For An Interview Reading Answers
- Quiet Roads Ahead Reading Answers
- Sculpture Reading Answers
- Cornwall Reading Answers
- Latchkey Children Reading Answers
- Healthy Intentions Reading Answers
- Makete Integrated Rural Transport Project Reading Answers
- Allergy Testing Reading Answers
- Life Casting And Art Reading Answers
- Metropolis Movies Reading Answers
- The Bridge That Swayed Reading Answers
- The Discovery Of Uranus Reading Answers
- The Extraordinary Watkin Tench Reading Answers
- The Secret Schizoid Reading Answers
- The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answers
- Urban Planning In Singapore Reading Answers
- Why Risks Can Go Wrong Reading Answers
- Your Moulex Iron Reading Answers
- The Harbour View Hotel Reading Answers
- The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers
- The Luddites Reading Answers
- Eco Resort Management Reading Answers
- Finding Our Way Reading Answers
- Language Diversity Reading Answers
- Martin Luther King Reading Answers
- One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers
- Private Schools Reading Answers
- Quantitative Research In Education Reading Answers
- What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers
- A Brief History Of London Underground Reading Answers
- Cloning Reading Answers
- Efforts To Save A Special Bird Reading Answers
- Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers
- Inside The Mind Of The Consumer Reading Answers
- Insomnia The Enemy Of Sleep Reading Answers
- Just Relax Reading Answers
- Light Pollution Reading Answers
- Presto Bread Machine Reading Answers
Link sent to your number
