One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 07, 2025, 11:50

In the IELTS Reading section, you will read three long texts and answer 40 questions within 60 minutes. The passages test your ability to understand main ideas, recognise opinions, and locate specific information. You’ll come across a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, sentence completion, and True/False/Not Given.
 

One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading passage explores a brief but intense period of political and cultural transformation in late 19th-century China. You will read about key figures, reform goals, and the challenges that led to its abrupt end.


Let’s look at the One Hundred Days Of Reform reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on the One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about One Hundred Days Of Reform.

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3. Check Out Top 65+ 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.

One Hundred Days Of Reform 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.

 

 

One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. The term "one hundred days" has been used in politics to indicate a short period of intense political reform since the early 1800s. This phase typically begins when a new leader obtains power in a country. When Napoleon fled Elba and King Louis XVIII reclaimed his throne, the first Hundred Days happened between March and June 1815. This was one of the outcomes of the Battle of Waterloo. The Hundred Days of Reform of China (also referred to as the Wuxu Reform) was influenced by a similar event. Emperor Guangxu found his nation in a tough situation following the defeat of the Sino-Japanese War. Desperate for change, the emperor recruited help from a young political activist called Kang Yu-Wei. K'ang graduated with the highest qualification (chin-shih), published two books on reform, and started many of his own political reform projects at the age of 27. K'ang impressed the court and persuaded the king that China, similar to Japan, ought to establish a constitutional government and remove the monarchy.

 

Paragraph B. Emperor Guwangu handed the reform work to Kang on June 11, 1898, and placed a progressive scholar-reformer in the control of the government. K'ang started working immediately to transform China into a more modern nation with the help of some other reformers. In a brief amount of time, the imperial court issued several statutes related to the country's social and political structure. K'ang first intended to reform China's educational system. Instead of the Neo-Confucian orthodoxy, the edicts proposed a universal educational system that prioritised practical and Western studies. The new government also aimed to modernise the country's examination methods as well as send more students abroad to learn firsthand how technology was evolving in other countries. Another demand made by K'ang was the establishment of a national parliamentary government with elected officials and ministries. Modernisation of agriculture and medicine was also on the agenda, along with military reform and the establishment of a new defence system.

 

Paragraph C. These edicts created a threat to Chinese institutions and ideologies, particularly the army, which at the time had been controlled by a small group of governors-general. At every level of society, there was strong opposition to the reform, and only one out of fifteen provinces attempted to implement the edicts. The Manchus recommended more gradual adjustments since they thought the reform was a radical and unrealistic proposal. Three months into the reform, Yuan Shikai and Empress Dowager Cixi organised a coup d'état to remove Guangxu and the youthful reformers from power and confine them in seclusion. Some of the reformers' top advocates who refused to quit were executed. The new edicts were abolished after September 21st, and the conservatives reclaimed power.

 

Paragraph D. Many Chinese citizens believed that the consequences of the One Hundred Days of Reform were worse for their country than the reform attempts' short but failed rule. Anti-foreign, as well as anti-Christian secret societies ripped through northern China immediately after the conservative takeover, attacking foreign concessions and missionary establishments. The brutality of these "Boxer bands" provoked revenge from the offended nations, compelling the government to declare war on the invaders. By the end of August, a group of Allied forces consisting of armies from nine different European countries, the United States, and Japan had arrived in Peking. North China had been conquered with little effort, and foreign troops had established themselves within the border. Under the Protocol of 1901, the court was ordered to either kill or punish several of its prominent officials. The Allies decided on an "open door" trade plan rather than dividing the conquered area among the countries. Numerous of these original reform plans, such as the modernisation of educational and military systems, were ordered by the court within a decade.

 

Paragraph E. Empress Dowager Cixi, who refused to reform despite the reality that change was inevitable, was portrayed as the villain in the traditional depiction of the One Hundred Days of Reform, while Emperor Guwangxu and K'ang Yu-wei were portrayed as heroes. However, as the One Hundred Days became a symbol of political failures, historians of the 20th century often symbolised the Wuxu Reform as an impractical dream. The conservative elites might have been more hostile to the immediacy of the planned edicts than the changes themselves, which can be seen by the fact that the reforms were implemented in the span of decades rather than months.
 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the One Hundred Days Of Reform reading answer passage.

2.

One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-4
  • What were some of the reforms planned during the One Hundred Days of Reform in China?
  • Choose four answers from the list below, and write the correct letters, A-G, in boxes 1-4 on your Answer Sheet.

 

A. Modernisation of the school system

B. Establishment of a parliament

C. Focus on the study of Confucianism

D. Reorganisation of the military

E. Abolition of elections

F. Improvement of farming & initiation of foreign trade
 

One Hundred Days Of Reform 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.

 

1. A - modernisation of the school system

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “The new government also aimed to modernise the country's examination methods as well as send more students abroad to learn firsthand how technology was evolving in other countries.

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the reformers wanted to update the examination system and expose students to modern advancements abroad. These actions reflect a strong focus on improving and modernising education, which makes "modernisation of the school system" the correct answer.

 

2. B - establishment of a parliament

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Another demand made by K'ang was the establishment of a national parliamentary government with elected officials and ministries.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that K’ang proposed the creation of a parliamentary system with elected officials. It demonstrates a push towards a more democratic and structured form of government, which justifies the "establishment of a parliament" as the right choice.

 

3. D - Reorganisation of the military

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Modernization of agriculture and medicine was also on the agenda, along with military reform and the establishment of a new defence system.”

 

Explanation: This sentence highlights that military reform was a key part of the proposed changes, including plans to create a new defence system. These efforts show that reorganising and strengthening the military was an important reform goal, making “Reorganisation of the military” the correct answer.

 

4. F - Improvement of farming & initiation of foreign trade

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Modernization of agriculture and medicine was also on the agenda, along with military reform and the establishment of a new defence system. K’ang wanted to modernise the agricultural practices and its system.”

 

Explanation: The line points out that agriculture was targeted for improvement under the reform agenda. While foreign trade isn't mentioned, the inclusion of agricultural modernisation confirms the "improvement of farming" as part of the reform, making this option partially accurate.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 5-9
  • Choose your answers from the box below, and write them in boxes 5-9 on your Answer Sheet.
  • There are more choices than spaces, so you will not use them all.

 

A. overthrew the government after the reforms were introduced

B. in charge of the reform movement

C. were voted in

D. in prison

E. were abolished

F. lost a war

G. began trade

H. foreigners in China

I. were executed

J. reform supporters

K. occupied China

L. were initiated

M. opposed the reforms

N. were re-established
 

5. China ________ with Japan.

6. After June 11, 1898, the reforms __________.

7. Emperor Guangxu put K'ang Yu-wei ____________.

8. Yuan Shikai and Empress Dowager Cixi _____________.

9. Secret societies attacked ___________.
 

One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers With Explanations (5-9)

 

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 best 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.

 

5. F - lost a war

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “Emperor Guangxu found his nation in a tough situation following the defeat of the Sino-Japanese War.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that China had suffered a military loss against Japan in the Sino-Japanese War. The defeat placed the emperor in a difficult position and prompted the need for reform. Hence, "lost a war" is the correct answer.

 

6. L - were initiated

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Emperor Guwangu handed the reform work to K’ang on June 11, 1898, and placed a progressive scholar-reformer in the control of the government.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that reform activities began right after K'ang was given control. The phrase “started working immediately” confirms that reforms were initiated at that point. So, “were initiated” is the appropriate answer.'

 

7. B - in charge of the reform movement

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Emperor Guwangu handed the reform work to Kang on June 11, 1898, and placed a progressive scholar-reformer in the control of the government.”

 

Explanation: The sentence explains that Emperor Guangxu gave full authority over the reform process to Kang. It directly states that he was placed in control of the government, making “in charge of the reform movement” the correct answer.

 

8. A - overthrew the government after the reforms were introduced

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Three months into the reform, Yuan Shikai and Empress Dowager Cixi organised a coup d'état to remove Guangxu and the youthful reformers from power and confine them in seclusion.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that the coup was staged after the reforms had already begun. Yuan and Cixi took over the government and removed the reformist rulers, so “overthrew the government after the reforms were introduced” fits best.

 

9. H - foreigners in China

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “Anti-foreign, as well as anti-Christian secret societies, ripped through northern China immediately after the conservative takeover, attacking foreign concessions and missionary establishments.”

 

Explanation: The phrase “attacking foreign concessions and missionary establishments” confirms that these secret societies targeted foreigners. As such, “foreigners in China” accurately captures who the victims of these attacks were.

 

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
Do the following statements agree with the information given in One Hundred Days Of Reform Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet, write
  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

10. K'ang published five books at the mere age of 27.

11. Many people were in opposition to the reforms.

12. Britishers formed an alliance with European countries to conquer China.

13. Empress Dowager Cixi is regarded as a villain, in the traditional perspective of the story of ‘One Hundred Days of Reform’.
 

One Hundred Days Of Reform   Reading Answers With Explanations (10-13)

 

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.

 

10. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “K'ang graduated with the highest qualification (chin-shih), published two books on reform, and started many of his own political reform projects at the age of 27.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that K’ang Yu-wei published only two books on reform. The statement in the question mentions five books, which is factually incorrect based on the information given in the paragraph.

 

11. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “At every level of society, there was strong opposition to the reform, and only one out of fifteen provinces attempted to implement the edicts.”

 

Explanation: The line indicates widespread opposition to the reforms, with most provinces refusing to implement them. This strongly supports the idea that many people were against the changes being introduced.

 

12. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: Although the passage mentions Allied forces from various countries, including European nations and Japan, there is no mention of the Britishers forming an alliance to conquer China. Therefore, this specific detail is not given in the text.

 

13. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Empress Dowager Cixi, who refused to reform despite the reality that change was inevitable, was portrayed as the villain in the traditional depiction of the One Hundred Days of Reform, while Emperor Guwangxu and K'ang Yu-wei were portrayed as heroes.”

 

Explanation: The line clearly describes how Cixi was traditionally portrayed as a villain for her resistance to reform. This supports the statement that she is regarded negatively in the traditional view of this historical event.
3.

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Below are some top 65+ 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 One Hundred Days Of Reform reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords often include names of reformers like Kang Youwei, political terms such as "imperial decree" or "modernisation," and time markers like "1898." Look out for references to education, government structure, and Western influence, as these are central to the topic.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the One Hundred Days Of Reform reading passage?

Ans. Read the headings first, then skim each paragraph to identify the main idea. Focus on the first and last lines of the paragraph. Match the heading that best captures the paragraph’s theme, not just individual words. Avoid being tricked by similar vocabulary.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the One Hundred Days Of Reform reading passage?

Ans. A challenging part is understanding historical and political terms that may be unfamiliar. The passage also includes complex sentence structures and comparisons, making it hard to follow without a clear understanding of the historical context.

Q. Are One Hundred Days Of Reform passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The One Hundred Days Of Reform passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading test. Academic passages often cover historical, scientific, or theoretical topics in more depth compared to the General Training test.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test is 60 minutes long. You’ll need to answer 40 questions across three passages. There is no extra time to transfer answers to the answer sheet in the paper-based test, so you must manage your time wisely.

Q. Can I use a pen or pencil for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You must use a pencil for the IELTS Reading test, especially in the paper-based version. Answers written in pen may not be accepted by the examiner. Make sure your handwriting is clear and within the boxes.

Q. Are the passages in the IELTS Reading test related to specific topics?

Ans. Yes, the passages are usually based on academic or general interest topics. These may include history, science, art, or the environment. The goal is to test your ability to understand factual, descriptive, and analytical content.

Q. How are the questions structured in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Questions are structured to test a variety of reading skills, like locating specific information, understanding main ideas, recognising the writer’s opinions, and interpreting details. They appear in different formats such as matching, multiple choice, or True/False/Not Given.

Q. Is there a negative marking for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading test. So, it’s better to attempt all questions, even if you’re unsure. Guessing doesn’t reduce your score, and you might get the answer right.

Q. What types of questions can I expect in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You can expect a range of questions, including multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, and short answer questions. Each type is designed to assess different reading skills and strategies.

Q. How are the passages presented in the IELTS Reading test (e.g., chronologically, by difficulty)?

Ans. In the IELTS Academic Reading test, the passages generally increase in difficulty. The first is the easiest, often factual and descriptive, while the third tends to be the most complex, with dense ideas and more abstract language.