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The Culture of Chimpanzee Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The Culture of Chimpanzee reading passage explains the various researches conducted on chimpanzees and their behavioural patterns. It explains the evolution of the studies in the field and also details the significant achievements. The passage gives a fascinating explanation of the topic. 
 

The reading section contains 14 questions and is part of the IELTS Academic Reading test. The passages for the IELTS Academic test are extracted from books, journals, magazines and newspapers.

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1. The Culture of Chimpanzee Reading Passage

Read the passage and answer Questions 1-14. 

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2. The Culture of Chimpanzee IELTS Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Culture of Chimpanzee.

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1.

The Culture of Chimpanzee 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.

 

 

 

 

The Culture of Chimpanzees Reading Passage


 

A. The affinities between chimpanzees and humans were scrutinised for years, but in the last ten years, scientists have found that these similarities are far more extensive than originally believed. For example, the Taï Forest's witnessed nut-cracking is not a usual chimpanzee action; instead, it is a unique adaptation that can only be found there and is characterised by scientists as a sign of chimpanzee culture. The term "culture" is often used by researchers to describe simple animal behaviours, like the local accents of diverse songbird species. But it turns out that chimpanzees' rich and diverse cultural traditions are only second to human traditions in terms of complexity.
 

B. In the last two years, a unique scientific partnership, including most of the main chimpanzee research teams, has identified a wide range of unique cultural patterns spanning throughout Africa, in behaviours ranging from the use of equipment to social norms and communication methods. This new understanding of chimpanzees alters our perceptions of these magnificent creatures, as well as how we perceive our own peculiarities and the ancestral roots of our incredible ability for civilisation.
 

C. Although Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens have lived side by side for millennia and share over 98 per cent of their genetic profile, humans grasped very little about chimpanzee behaviour in the open only four decades ago. After Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University in Japan began researching wild chimpanzees at two study locations in Tanzania in the 1960s, things transitioned. (Goodall's study station at Gombe, the first of its type, is better known, but Nishida's station at Mahale is the second-oldest chimpanzee research site in the world.)
 

D. Incredible observations began to emerge in this early research as the chimpanzees grew accustomed to being close observation. Experts observed a huge variety of unanticipated behaviours, including manufacturing and using tools, hunting, eating meat, sharing a meal, and fighting deadly scuffles with neighbours. Other primatologists set up camp elsewhere in the following years, and despite all the logistical, monetary, and political challenges that may befall African research, a few of these outposts developed into genuine long-term endeavours. As a consequence, we are living in a unique period in human history when a thorough and detailed scientific record of the lives of chimpanzees is now available—and not just for one community in Africa, but for numerous.
 

E. Gombe chimpanzees seemed to employ 13 different types of tools, compared to chimpanzee groups elsewhere, and engaged in eight different social activities, according to Goodall's 1973 observations. She speculated that some variants might have what she labelled a cultural origin. However, what did Goodall precisely mean by "culture"? Culture is described as "the habits... and accomplishments of a specific period or individuals" in the Oxford Encyclopedic English Dictionary. Human civilisations are varied in each and every aspect, from technological advancements to wedding ceremonies, from eating habits to mythology and folklore. Obviously, myths and stories do not exist for animals. However, they are able to pass on behavioural features from one generation to the next by learning rather than using their DNA. This is the primary need for a cultural feature, as per biologists: it must be an ability that can be acquired from watching the developed capacities of others and then transmitted on to successive generations.
 

F. What about the effects on chimpanzees themselves? We must draw more attention to the catastrophic decline of chimpanzee populations, whose numbers are falling just as we are beginning to fully understand these wonderful animals. Due to illicit logging, trapping, and, even more recently, bushmeat trafficking, populations have been reducing over the last century and are still dropping. The latter is especially concerning as routes have been built into the woods as a consequence of deforestation, and these are being utilised to transport wild animal meat, including chimpanzee meat, to people as far away as Europe. Together with the animals themselves, various intriguingly varied ape cultures are also under threat from this catastrophe.

 

Pro Tip

On completion, compare and analyse your answers with the help of the answer key. You can use the reference provided to locate the answers within the passage.
The detailed explanations for each answer will help you understand how answers are framed.


 

G. However, the ape's unique culture might still play a role in its redemption. Some locals' attitudes have indeed shifted as a result of conservation activities. A few institutions have started to display videos that illustrate how intelligent chimpanzees are. One Zairian watcher was overheard saying, "Ah, this monkey is so like me, I can no longer eat him."
 

H. How the most detailed study of the animals ever undertaken was carried out by an international team of chimpanzee specialists. For many decades, researchers have been studying chimpanzee culture, but all too often, their discoveries missed a critical part. The majority of attempts to portray the cultural variety of chimpanzees have only depended on observations of the behaviour seen at each study location that have been formally published. However, for three reasons, this method likely ignores a considerable amount of cultural variance.
 

I. First off, it's relatively rare for scientists to submit a detailed list of every activity they do not see at a specific site. The behaviours that were and were not seen at each location, however, are essentially what we really need to learn. Further, many narratives of chimpanzee conduct don't indicate how frequent they are; without this data, we can't tell whether a specific behaviour was an aberration or a regular occurrence that belongs in the species' culture. Last but not least, it may be challenging for scientists working at different locations to record the existence or absence of the actions since the descriptions of the probable vital chimpanzee behaviours by researchers are typically inadequate.
 

J. The two of us decided to try a fresh plan to solve these issues. At each location, we requested a list from the field researchers of all the actions they believed to indicate local customs. With this data at our disposal, we compiled a thorough list of 65 potential cultural behaviours.
 

K. The team leaders at each location received our list after it was sent to them. They classified each behaviour in accordance with its presence or absence in the chimpanzee population that is being studied after consulting with their peers. The main categories included current (seen on the site but just not habitual), absent (never seen), customary behaviour and attitude (takes place in the majority or all of the able-bodied participants of at least one age or sex class, like all adult males), habitual actions (less prevalent than customary but repeatedly happening in several individuals), and unfamiliar behaviour.

 

Quick Tip

While answering, skim and scan the passage instead of reading it more than once. Quickly read through the passage to get the main idea (skim), then go back to find specific details (scan) when answering questions.

2.

The Culture of Chimpanzee IELTS Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Culture of Chimpanzee.

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Reading Passage has eleven paragraphs A-K.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter A-K in the boxes 1-5 in your answer sheet.

 

1. Reasons why previous research on ape culture is problematic.

2. Based on the official sources, a drawback in research studies about chimpanzee culture.

3. An illustration depicting the gruesome result of animals leading to an alteration in the local residents’ attitude in preservation.

4. Reference of two scientists forming a new approach with the objective of solving the problem

5. Mention of a new classification of data being observed or collected.

 

The Culture of Chimpanzee IELTS Reading Answers with Explanations 1-5

 

Question Type: Matching Information
 

The Matching Information Task of the IELTS Reading Test will provide you with a set of information regarding the passage. You have to find which paragraph of the passage mentions the given information. 
 

How to Answer Matching HeadingTask: 
 

  • Read the given sentences and underline their keywords
  • Scan the passage for the keywords
  • Locate the keyword and verify the context
  • Match it with the given sentences
     

Now check out the answers: 


 

1. I

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph I: First off, it's relatively rare for scientists to submit a detailed list of every activity they do not see at a specific site. The behaviours that were and were not seen at each location, however, are essentially what we really need to learn. Further, many narratives of chimpanzee conduct don't indicate how frequent they are; without this data, we can't tell whether a specific behaviour was an aberration or a regular occurrence that belongs in the species' culture. Last but not least, it may be challenging for scientists working at different locations to record the existence or absence of the actions since the descriptions of the probable vital chimpanzee behaviours by researchers are typically inadequate.
 

Explanation: 

The given reading passage explains the behavioural patterns in chimpanzees and how they perform culture. According to the narrator, researchers find it difficult to accurately record their behaviour due to various social and technical anomalies. Paragraph I details the reasons why previous research on ape culture is problematic.

 

2. H

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph H: How the most detailed study of the animals ever undertaken was carried out by an international team of chimpanzee specialists. For many decades, researchers have been studying chimpanzee culture, but all too often their discoveries missed a critical part. The majority of attempts to portray the cultural variety of chimpanzees have only depended on observations of the behaviour seen at each study location that have been formally published. However, for three reasons, this method likely ignores a considerable amount of cultural variance.


Explanation: 

The given paragraph explains that the previous research on the chimpanzee culture and behaviour missed a critical part of the study. They relied solely on observations of the behaviour seen at each study location that have been formally published. Paragraph H explains that, based on official sources, there is a drawback in research studies about chimpanzee culture.

 

3. G

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph G: However, the ape's unique culture might still play a role in its redemption. Some locals' attitudes have indeed shifted as a result of conservation activities. A few institutions have started to display videos that illustrate how intelligent chimpanzees are. One Zairian watcher was overheard saying, "Ah, this monkey is so like me, I can no longer eat him."
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that conservation activities, such as displaying videos of chimpanzee behaviours, have helped change people’s attitudes towards these species. So, paragraph G claims an illustration depicting the gruesome result of animals leading to an alteration in the residents’ attitude toward preservation.


 

4. J

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph J: The two of us decided to try a fresh plan to solve these issues. At each location, we requested a list from the field researchers of all the actions they believed to indicate local customs. With this data at our disposal, we compiled a thorough list of 65 potential cultural behaviours.
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that, on realising the loopholes in former research on chimpanzees, two scientists drafted a new plan that assures uniformity and proper coverage of the study. Paragraph J refers to two scientists forming a new approach to solving the problem.

 

5. K

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph K: The team leaders at each location received our list after it was sent to them. They classified each behaviour in accordance with its presence or absence in the chimpanzee population that is being studied after consulting with their peers. The main categories included current (seen on the site but just not habitual), absent (never seen), customary behaviour and attitude (takes place in the majority or all of the able-bodied participants of at least one age or sex class, like all adult males), habitual actions (less prevalent than customary but repeatedly happening in several individuals), and unfamiliar behaviour.
 

Explanation: 

The passage ends by explaining the new classification of behaviours used to study the chimpanzee population. This includes the current, absent, customary, habitual and unfamiliar behaviours. So, paragraph K mentions a new classification of observed or collected data.

Questions and Answers 6-10
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 6-10 of your answer sheet, write
.

  • TRUE if the statement is true
  • FALSE if the statement is false
  • NOT GIVEN if the information is not given in the passage.

 

6. Mankind and apes have coexisted for a long time and share the majority of their genetic codes.

7. Research stated that scientists could inculcate complex cultures like those of human beings in chimpanzees.

8. Several astonishing cultured actions were observed amongst the chimpanzees in the initial research of Toshisada and Goodall.

9. Similar to humans, chimpanzees are capable of delivering a civilised behaviour due to genetic inheritance.

10. Researchers have studied the behaviours of chimpanzees by the information collected from both observed and undetected actions.


The Culture of Chimpanzee IELTS Reading Answers with Explanations 6-10
 

Question Type: Identifying Information

 

The Identifying Information task provides you with a set of information based on the reading passage. You have to verify if the given information is True, False, or Not Given in the context of the information provided in the passage. 
 

The Identifying Information Task analyses your ability to understand a text's claims. It also assesses your ability to locate an idea and understand its details. 

 

Expert Tip

While answering the Identifying Information task, understand the difference between ‘False’ and ‘Not Given’. A statement is ‘False’ if it is contradicted by the information given in the passage.
A statement is identified as ‘Not Given’ if the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the information given in the passage. In other words, if it is not mentioned at all.

 

How to answer the Identifying Information task:

 

  • Read the question statements 
  • Find the keywords in the question statement
  • Scan the passage for the keywords
  • Locate the keyword or its synonyms
  • Read the sentence/paragraph containing the keyword
  • Verify the information with the question statement
     

Check out the answers now. 
 

6. True

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph C:  Although Pan troglodytes and Homo sapiens have lived side by side for millennia and share over 98 per cent of their genetic profile, humans grasped very little about chimpanzee behaviour in the open only four decades ago.   
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that humans and chimpanzees have lived together for millions of years. They also share 98% of their genetic profile. So, it is true that mankind and apes have coexisted for a long time and share most of their genetic codes.

 

7. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph D: Incredible observations began to emerge in this early research as the chimpanzees grew accustomed to being close observation. Experts observed a huge variety of unanticipated behaviours, including manufacturing and using tools, hunting, eating meat, sharing a meal, and fighting deadly scuffles with neighbours. Other primatologists set up camp elsewhere in the following years, and despite all the logistical, monetary, and political challenges that may befall African research, a few of these outposts developed into genuine long-term endeavours.  
 

Explanation:

According to the passage, the studies on chimpanzees exposed various behavioural patterns to the researchers. It does not mention any data to claim that research stated that scientists could inculcate complex cultures like those of human beings in chimpanzees.


 

8. True

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph D: Incredible observations began to emerge in this early research as the chimpanzees grew accustomed to being close observation. Experts observed a huge variety of unanticipated behaviours, including manufacturing and using tools, hunting, eating meat, sharing a meal, and fighting deadly scuffles with neighbours. Other primatologists set up camp elsewhere in the following years, and despite all the logistical, monetary, and political challenges that may befall African research, a few of these outposts developed into genuine long-term endeavours.  
 

Explanation: 

Toshisada and Goodall's research found several unexpected behaviours in chimpanzees. This includes eating meat, sharing a meal, and fighting. So, it is true that several astonishing cultured actions were observed amongst the chimpanzees in Toshisada and Goodall's initial research.


 

9. False

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph E: Human civilisations are varied in each and every aspect, from technological advancements to wedding ceremonies, from eating habits to mythology and folklore. Obviously, myths and stories do not exist for animals. However, they are able to pass on behavioural features from one generation to the next by learning rather than using their DNA. This is the primary need for a cultural feature, as per biologists: it must be an ability that can be acquired from watching the developed capacities of others and then transmitted on to successive generations. 
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that humans pass their behavioural patterns through generations with the help of their DNA. However, this is not possible in chimpanzees. They transfer behaviour by learning. So, it is false that chimpanzees can deliver a civilised behaviour due to genetic inheritance.


 

10. False

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph H: For many decades, researchers have been studying chimpanzee culture, but all too often, their discoveries missed a critical part. The majority of attempts to portray the cultural variety of chimpanzees have only depended on observations of the behaviour seen at each study location that have been formally published. 
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that the research conducted for a long time relied only on behaviours that are seen at a certain location. It does not specify those behaviours that are absent in a population. So, it is false that researchers have studied the behaviours of chimpanzees using information collected from both observed and undetected actions.

Questions and Answers 11-14
  • Answer the questions below.
  • Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 11-14 on your answer sheet.

 

11. Toshisada Nishida and Jane Goodall’s research field is located in which country?

12. What word accurately describes Jane Goodall's 1973 discovery that chimpanzees in different areas utilised various tools?

13. When did the startling revelations regarding chimpanzee behaviour begin?

14. What did the chimpanzee in the first research become accustomed to?


 

Watch Out:

While answering Short-answer Questions, be mindful of the word limit prescribed by the question instruction.

If the question asks you to answer within TWO WORDS, then limit your answer to two words.


Note that hyphenated words are counted as one.

 

The Culture of Chimpanzee IELTS Reading Answers with Explanations 11-14


 

Question Type: Short-answer Questions

 

The IELTS Short-answer Questions Task asks you to answer a few questions. You do not need to give detailed responses. The answers are supposed to be shorter. The question instruction will prescribe the required word limit for your answers. 
 

Make sure you adhere to the word limit. Exceeding the word limit can make your answers invalid. 

 

How to answer the Identifying Information task:

 

  • Read the questions and underline their keywords
  • Skim and scan the reading passage to locate the information
  • Read and verify the context
  • Write down the answers within the given word limit
     

Check out the answers now. 
 

11. Tanzania

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph C: After Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University in Japan began researching wild chimpanzees at two study locations in Tanzania in the 1960s, things transitioned. 
 

Explanation: 

The passage clearly explains that the study locations of Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University were in Japan. Further, it specifies that it was held in Tanzania.  


 

12. Cultural Origin

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph E: Gombe chimpanzees seemed to employ 13 different types of tools, compared to chimpanzee groups elsewhere, and engaged in eight different social activities, according to Goodall's 1973 observations. She speculated that some variants might have what she labelled a cultural origin. 


Explanation: 

As per the passage, Gombe chimpanzees used various tools for their proposes. They also engaged in eight different kinds of social activities. Goodall refers to these as having a cultural origin. 

 

13. 1960s

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph C: After Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University in Japan began researching wild chimpanzees at two study locations in Tanzania in the 1960s, things transitioned.  
 

Explanation: 

According to the passage, a milestone in the study of chimpanzees was the findings of Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University in Japan. Their study began in the 1960s, and the field has changed ever since then. 


 

14. Close Observation

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph D: Incredible observations began to emerge in this early research as the chimpanzees grew accustomed to being close observation.  
 

Explanation: 

The passage explains that the studies conducted by Jane Goodall and Toshisada Nishida of Kyoto University in Japan made groundbreaking discoveries. As the chimpanzees adapted to being closely observed, the researchers found it easier to observe their behaviours. 
 

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Q. Can I leave any questions unattended in the IELTS Reading Test?

A. Yes, you can leave questions unattended in the IELTS Reading Test. You don't need to answer all the questions, but attempting a maximum number of questions is recommended. This is to improve your scoring chances since there is no negative marking for the IELTS Reading test.

Q. Will I lose marks if my opinions differ from those of the examiner?

A. No, there is no right or wrong opinion in your IELTS test. You can choose to support or oppose your examiner’s view. You must ensure you deliver your perspective comprehensively, with clear explanations, references, and instances. It is the language and the structuring of your answers that value more than your opinions. Use idioms, phrases and other catchy usages to make your ideas more lucid.

Q. Will I lose marks using the British spelling rule in my IELTS test?

A. No, using the British spelling rule will not deduct your scores. There isn't any mandatory spelling rule for the IELTS test. You can choose either the American or the British style. It is recommended not to mix them in your answers. Try to stick to any of the spelling rules.

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A. No, you will not be given extra transfer time for your IELTS Reading test. The extra transfer time is provided only for the paper-based IELTS Listening test. The duration of your IELTS Reading test is 60 minutes. You have to finish your exam within this time.

Q. Are the Identifying Information and Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims tasks the same?

A. No, the Identifying Information and Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims tasks are different. Although the purpose of both tasks remains the same (to identify certain information), the nature of the statements slightly differ. The Identifying Information task asks you to analyse if the given information is True/False/Not Given. The Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task asks you to verify if the information given is claimed by the narrator/author. You must confirm it here as Yes/No/Not given.

Q. What can I do if I don't know the answer to my IELTS Reading test question?

A. If you don't know the answer to your IELTS Reading test question, do not panic. Go through the question again and skim and scan the passage for information. If you are unsure about the answer, the best choice is to make an informed guess. If the question seems too difficult to answer, try not to overthink it. You can skip the question and move to the next.

Q. Can I request extra time for my IELTS Reading test if needed?

A. No, you cannot ask for extra time during your IELTS Reading test. The time allowed for your exam is one hour. You have to finish your test within this time. It is recommended to divide your time equally between all three sections. Try to finish each section within a maximum of 20 minutes. Try to save 5-7 minutes in the end for proofreading.

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A. The IELTS exam is available in two modes: paper-based and computer-based. If you opt for a computer-based IELTS, you must take your Listening, Reading, and Writing test parts using a computer. However, if you take the paper-based  IELTS,  you will complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing test parts on paper. The speaking tests for paper and computer  are  face-to-face with an examiner.

Q. What is the difference between false and not given statements in the Identifying Information task?

A. While attending an Identifying Information task or Identifying a Writer's Views/Claims task, you might need to verify a statement as ‘false’ or ‘not given’. If the given information contradicts the information provided by the reading passage, then the answer is ‘false’. If the information provided in the question statement is not mentioned anywhere in the passage, then your answer is ‘not given’.

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A. Attending IELTS Mock Tests will help your preparation in various ways. Some of them are: 
 

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A. The order of your test is determined by the test mode you opt for. If you take a computer-based test, you will have all the modules on the same day. The order of your test is Listening, Reading, and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after the other test session. During a paper-based IELTS test, the order of the test is writing, Reading, and Listening. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test can be done on the same day, up to 7 days before or after the test date.

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