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Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 15, 2024, 10:28

The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written texts. It includes three passages sourced from academic and general interest texts, covering various question types like multiple-choice, matching information, and true/false/not given.


 

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 passage "Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri" explores the techniques and significance of pottery in the ancient Minoan civilisation of Akrotiri, located on the island of Santorini. This archaeological site provides insights into the artistic and functional aspects of pottery production during that era, shedding light on its cultural and economic importance.

 

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1. Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 14 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. Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about pottery production in ancient akrotiri Reading Answers

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1.

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri 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.

 

 

 

 

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Passage 

 

 

Paragraph A

 

Excavations at the site of prehistoric Akrotiri, on the coast of the Aegean Sea, have revealed much about the technical aspects of pottery manufacture, which is indisputably one of the basic industries of this Greek city. However, considerably less is known about the socio-economic context and the way production was organised.

 

Paragraph B

 

The bulk of pottery found at Akrotiri is locally made and dates from the late fifteenth century BC. It clearly fulfilled a vast range of the settlement’s requirements: more than fifty different types of pots can be distinguished. The pottery found includes a wide variety of functional types like storage jars, smaller containers, pouring vessels, cooking pots, drinking vessels, and so on, all of which relate to specific activities and would have been made and distributed with those activities in mind. Given the large number of shapes produced and the relatively high degree of standardisation, it has generally been assumed that most, if not all, of Akrotiri pottery was produced by specialised craftsmen in a non­domestic context. Unfortunately, neither the potters’ workshops nor kilns have been found within the excavated area. The reason may be that the ceramic workshops were located on the periphery of the site, which has not yet been excavated. In any event, the ubiquity of the pottery and the consistent repetition of the same types in different sizes suggest production on an industrial scale.

 

Paragraph C

 

The Akrotirian potters seem to have responded to pressures beyond their households, namely to the increasing complexity of regional distribution and exchange systems. We can imagine them as full-time craftsmen working permanently in a high production-rate craft such as pottery manufacture and supporting themselves entirely from the proceeds of their craft. In view of the above, one can begin to speak in terms of mass-produced pottery and the existence of organised workshops of craftsmen during the period 1550-1500 BC. Yet, how pottery production was organised at Akrotiri remains an open question, as there is no real documentary evidence. Our entire knowledge comes from the ceramic material itself and the tentative conclusions which can be drawn from it.

 

Paragraph D

 

The invention of units of quantity and of a numerical system to count them was of capital importance for an exchange-geared society such as that of Akrotiri. In spite of the absence of any written records, the archaeological evidence reveals that concepts of measurements, both of weight and number, had been formulated. Standard measures may already have been in operation, such as those evidenced by a graduated series of lead weights - made in disc form - found at the site. The existence of units of capacity in the Late Bronze Age is also evidenced by the notation of units of liquid measure for wine in excavated containers.

 

Paragraph E

 

It must be recognised that the function of pottery vessels plays a very important role in determining their characteristics. The intended function affects the choice of clay, the production technique, and the shape and size of the pots. For example, large storage jars (pithoi) would be needed to store commodities, whereas smaller containers would be used for transport. In fact, the length of a man’s arm limits the size of a smaller pot to a capacity of about twenty litres; that is also the maximum a man can comfortably carry. 

 

Paragraph F

 

The various sizes of containers would thus represent standard quantities of a commodity, which is a fundamental element in the function of exchange. Akrotirian merchants handling a commodity such as wine would have been able to determine easily the amount of wine they were transporting from the number of containers they carried in their ships since the capacity of each container was known to be 14-18 litres. (We could draw a parallel here with the current practice in Greece of selling oil in 17-kilogram tins)

 

Paragraph G

 

We may therefore assume that the shape, capacity, and, sometimes decoration of vessels are indicative of the commodity contained by them. Since individual transactions would normally involve different quantities of a given commodity, a range of ‘standardised’ types of vessels would be needed to meet traders’ requirements.

 

Paragraph H

 

In trying to reconstruct systems of capacity by measuring the volume of excavated pottery, a rather generous range of tolerances must be allowed. It seems possible that the potters of that time had specific sizes of vessels in mind and tried to reproduce them using a specific type and amount of clay. However, it would be quite difficult for them to achieve the exact size required every time without any mechanical means of regulating symmetry and wall thickness, and some potters would be more skilled than others. In addition, variations in the repetition of types and sizes may also occur because of unforeseen circumstances during the throwing process. For instance, instead of destroying the entire pot if the clay in the rim contained a piece of grit, a potter might produce a smaller pot by simply cutting off the rim. Even where there is no noticeable external difference between pots meant to contain the same quantity of a commodity, differences in their capacity can actually reach one or two litres. In one case, the deviation from the required size appears to be as much as 10-20 per cent.

 

Paragraph I

 

The establishment of regular trade routes within the Aegean led to increased movement of goods; consequently, a regular exchange of local, luxury and surplus goods, including metals, would have become feasible as a result of the advances in transport technology. The increased demand for standardised exchanges, which are inextricably linked to commercial transactions, might have been one of the main factors that led to the standardisation of pottery production. Thus, the whole network of ceramic production and exchange would have depended on specific regional economic conditions and would reflect the socio-economic structure of prehistoric Akrotiri.

 

2.

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about pottery production in ancient akrotiri

Questions and Answers 1-2
  • Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Questions (1-2)
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.

 

1. What does the writer say about items of pottery excavated at Akrotiri?

 

  1. There was very little duplication.
  2. They would have met a wide variety of needs.
  3. Most of them had been imported from other places.
  4. The intended purpose of each piece was unclear.

 

2. The assumption that pottery from Akrotiri was produced by specialists is partly based on

 

  1. the discovery of kilns.
  2. the central location of workshops.
  3. the sophistication of decorative patterns.
  4. the wide range of shapes represented.

 


Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers with Explanations (1-2)

 

 

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. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: "The pottery found includes a wide variety of functional types like storage jars, smaller containers, pouring vessels, cooking pots, drinking vessels, and so on, all of which relate to specific activities and would have been made and distributed with those activities in mind."

 

Explanation

 

The answer is B because Paragraph B details the discovery of a wide array of pottery types at Akrotiri, including storage jars, containers, and vessels for various activities. This suggests that the pottery served diverse functional needs within the settlement, demonstrating its versatility and utility.

 

2. D


 Reference:

 

From paragraph C:  "Given the large number of shapes produced and the relatively high degree of standardisation, it has generally been assumed that most, if not all, of Akrotiri pottery was produced by specialised craftsmen in a non­domestic context."

 

Explanation

 

The answer is D, as Paragraph C indicates that the assumption of specialist production at Akrotiri is supported by the diverse range of pottery shapes found. This variety implies specialised craftsmanship rather than mass production in domestic settings, reinforcing the notion that skilled artisans were likely responsible for producing the pottery.

Questions and Answers 3-6
  • Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-F, below.

  • Write the correct letter, A-F.
  • Write your answers in boxes 3-6 on your sheet.

 

A. the discovery of a collection of metal discs.
B.the size and type of the sailing ships in use.
C. variations in the exact shape and thickness of similar containers.
D.the physical characteristics of workmen.
E. marks found on wine containers.
F. the variety of commodities for which they would have been used.

 

3. The assumption that standard units of weight were in use could be based on
4. Evidence of the use of standard units of volume is provided by
5. The size of certain types of containers would have been restricted by
6. Attempts to identify the intended capacity of containers are complicated by


 

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers with Explanations (3-6)

 

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

 

 

3. A

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D:  "Standard measures may already have been in operation, such as those evidenced by a graduated series of lead weights - made in disc form - found at the site."

 

Explanation

 

This answer is correct because it directly links the discovery of graded lead discs to the inference of a standardised system of measurement being used at Akrotiri, supporting the idea of a calibrated system for weight measurement.

 

4. E

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D: "The existence of units of capacity is also evidenced by the notation of units of a liquid measure for wine on excavated containers."

 

Explanation

 

This answer is accurate because it highlights the discovery of graded wine jars, indicating a system for measuring volume was likely employed during that period at Akrotiri, as inferred from archaeological findings.

 

5. D

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E: " In fact, the length of a man’s arm limits the size of a smaller pot to a capacity of about twenty litres; that is also the maximum a man can comfortably carry. "

 

Explanation

 

This answer is correct as it reflects how the physical attributes of the potters influenced the sizes of pottery produced at Akrotiri, aligning with the content in Paragraph E, which discusses the influence of potters' physical characteristics on pottery sizes.

 

6. C

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph H: "It seems possible that the potters of that time had specific sizes of vessels in mind and tried to reproduce them using a specific type and amount of clay. However, it would be quite difficult for them to achieve the exact size required every time without any mechanical means of regulating symmetry and wall thickness, and some potters would be more skilled than others. In addition, variations in the repetition of types and sizes may also occur because of unforeseen circumstances during the throwing process."

 

Explanation

 

This answer is correct because it addresses the challenges in determining the intended capacity of pottery vessels due to variations in shape and size during their production process, as discussed in Paragraph H.

 

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

 

Questions and Answers 7-12
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in the Reading Passage? Write

  • YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
  • NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
  • NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

 

The Reading Passage has six paragraphs.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
Write the correct letter A-F in boxes 7-12 on your answer sheet.
You may use any letter more than once.

 

7. There are plans to excavate new areas of the archaeological site in the near future
8. Some of the evidence concerning pottery production in ancient Akrotiri comes from written records.
9. Pots for transporting liquids would have held no more than about 20 litres.
10. It would have been hard for merchants to calculate how much wine was on their ships.
11. The capacity of containers intended to hold the same amounts differed by up to 20 percent.
12. Regular trading of goods around the Aegean would have led to the general standardisation of quantities.


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


 

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers with Explanations (7-12)

 

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.
     
7. NOT GIVEN

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph: N.A.

 

Explanation

 

The answer is "NOT GIVEN." This is because the passage does not provide any information about future plans for excavations at Akrotiri. Therefore, it's not possible to determine if there are plans to excavate new areas in the near future.

 

8. NO

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: "Our entire knowledge comes from the ceramic material itself and the tentative conclusions which can be drawn from it."

 

Explanation

Paragraph C explicitly states that our knowledge about pottery production at Akrotiri comes solely from ceramic material and tentative conclusions drawn from it. This contradicts the statement that some evidence comes from written records.

 

9. YES

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E: "In fact, the length of a man’s arm limits the size of a smaller pot to a capacity of about twenty litres; that is also the maximum a man can comfortably carry. "

 

Explanation

 

According to Paragraph E, pots used for transporting liquids at Akrotiri could only carry quantities that were little more than 20 litres. This aligns with the statement that pots for transporting liquids would have held no more than about 20 litres.

 

10. NO

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph F: "The various sizes of containers would thus represent standard quantities of a commodity, —--------- number of containers they carried in their ships since the capacity of each container was known to be 14-18 litres."

 

Explanation

Paragraph F explains that traders could determine the amount of wine they carried based on the size of containers aboard their ships. This indicates that it would not have been difficult for merchants to calculate how much wine they had on their ships, contrary to the statement.

 

11. YES

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph H: "Even where there is no noticeable external difference between pots intended to contain the same quantity of a commodity, differences in their capacity can actually reach one or two litres. In one case, the deviation from the required size appears to be as much as 10-20 per cent."


Explanation

Paragraph H discusses variations in the capacity of containers despite similar appearances, confirming that differences in capacity can indeed be significant, aligning with the statement.

 

12. YES

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph I: "The establishment of regular trade routes within the Aegean led to increased movement of goods; consequently, a regular exchange of local, luxury and surplus goods, including metals, would have become feasible as a result of the advances in transport technology."


 

Explanation

 

Paragraph I explains how trade routes within the Aegean led to the standardisation of pottery production. This supports the statement that regular trading of goods around the Aegean would have led to the general standardisation of quantities.

 

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

 

Questions and Answers 13-14
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.

 

13. What does the writer say about the standardisation of container sizes?

 

  1. Containers which looked the same from the outside often varied in capacity.
  2. The instruments used to control container size were unreliable.
  3. The unsystematic use of different types of clay resulted in size variations.
  4. Potters usually discarded containers which were of a non-standard size.

 

14. What is probably the main purpose of Reading Passage?

 

  1. To evaluate the quality of pottery containers found in prehistoric Akrotiri.
  2. To suggest how features of pottery production at Akrotiri reflected other developments in the region.
  3. To outline the development of pottery-making skills in ancient Greece.
  4. To describe methods for storing and transporting household goods in prehistoric societies.


 

Pottery Production In Ancient Akrotiri Reading Answers with Explanations (13-14)

 

Refer to question type(1-2) for more information.

 

13. A

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E: "In fact, the length of a man’s arm limits the size of a smaller pot to a capacity of about twenty litres; that is also the maximum a man can comfortably carry. 

 

Explanation

 

This answer is correct because Paragraph E discusses the variability in container capacities despite their similar outward appearances, highlighting that containers which looked the same from the outside often varied in capacity.

 

14. B

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph I: “Thus, the whole network of ceramic production and exchange would have depended on specific regional economic conditions and would reflect the socio-economic structure of prehistoric Akrotiri.”


Explanation

This answer is correct as Paragraph I explains that studying pottery production at Akrotiri helps us understand broader social and economic developments in the region, aligning with the purpose of comprehending social and economic circumstances through the ceramic industry.

 

Also Read:

 

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FAQs

Q. Can I use a dictionary during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. During the IELTS reading test, a dictionary is not permitted. The purpose of the test is to evaluate your comprehension of written English without any external assistance. This means that test-takers are expected to rely solely on their own understanding of the language to complete the assessment.


 

Q. What strategies can help me answer True/False/Not Given questions?

Ans. For True/False/Not Given questions, focus on understanding the specific information stated in the passage. Pay attention to subtle differences in meaning and use keywords to locate relevant sections quickly. Be cautious of information that is similar but not directly supported by the passage.

Q. How can I handle unknown words in the reading passages?

Ans. When encountering unknown words, try to infer their meanings from the context or surrounding words. If necessary, skip the word and continue reading for overall comprehension. Remember, understanding the main idea is often more critical than knowing every word.