The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 04, 2025, 11:28

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and interpret written texts. You will answer 40 questions based on three passages, covering a range of question types such as multiple choice, locating information, and True/False/Not Given. The test assesses your reading skills, including skimming for main ideas, scanning for specific details, and understanding opinions or arguments.
 

In the Exploration Of Mars Reading passage, you will delve into the history of Martian exploration, examining key discoveries and theories that have shaped our understanding of the Red Planet.


Let’s look at The Exploration Of Mars Reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 14 based on The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Exploration Of Mars.

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3. Check Out Top 60+ 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.

The Exploration Of Mars 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.

 

 

The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answer Passage

 

 

Paragraph A. The drawing and maps suggesting unusual features on the Martian surface were made by an Italian astronomer, Giovanni Schiaparelli, in the year 1877. But, the telescope images were not as precise as those today. Schiaparelli said that he was able to identify channels or a network of lines. Percival Lowell, an American astronomer, provided a list of observations from his personal sightings in 1894, which he made from his observatory situated in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA. Lowell was certain the Martian race had dug a vast network of channels for crop irrigation. He even said that on either side of the canals, fertile vegetation was present, which made them visible from Earth. His drawings and globes of Mars show a network of canals and oases around the planet.

 

Paragraph B.  In the late 19th century, an idea suggesting that Mars had intelligent life gained support. A science fiction classic named The War of the Worlds about a strong force from Mars trying to conquer Earth was written in 1898 by H. G. Wells. It described how the Martians adopted highly advanced technology (from 1898) to crush the Earth’s humans, who showed resistance on their way to power. In 1917, the first part of an 11-part novel series about Mars was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs. What caught the audience’s attention were the unusual creatures and violent monsters on rampage from Mars. In 1938, a radio broadcast by Orson Welles on Halloween night about the War of the Worlds caused an intensely widespread panic around the country. A massive crowd in America believed this dramatic broadcast of the Martian invasion, resulting in them running in the streets in their pyjamas. 

 

Paragraph C.  Probes are crucial for us to understand other planets. A significant chunk of our current knowledge comes from these robotic space expeditions. In July 1965, Mariner sent the first pictures of Mars. The surface appeared to have a cratered and barren landscape similar to that of our moon rather than that of Earth. In 1969, 200 photographs of the southern hemisphere and pole of Mars were taken by the Mariners 6 and 7, which were launched to perform fly-by missions. In 1971, Mariner 9 was sent with the mission of orbiting the planet every 12 hours. In 1975, two Viking probes, each with a lander and an orbiter, were sent to Mars by the USA. The Landers had sampler hands that could pick up Martian rocks and carry out experiments in an attempt to find signs of life. Despite the fact that no life was discovered, they had sent the planet’s first colour pictures, consisting of the surface and atmosphere taken by the rotating cameras.

 

Paragraph D. Based on the above analysis, doubts were raised following the discovery of a Martian meteorite on Earth. The members of the ANSMET project found the ALH84001 meteorite on the continent of Antarctica in December 1984. The meteorite from Mars was ejected approximately 17 million years ago and was present in or on the Antarctic ice sheets for 11,000 years. A type of magnetite that is only found with certain microorganisms on Earth was unveiled by NASA through a composition analysis. In the edges of carbonate globules and pre-terrestrial aqueous altered regions, a few formations resembling fossilised shells of terrestrial bacteria, along with their appendages, fibrils, and so on, were found. The formation of the objects is harmonious with the fossilised nanobacteria found on Earth, but the existence of nanobacteria itself is questionable.

 

Paragraph E.  In 1965, it was found that Mars did not have any global magnetic field to protect itself from the potentially life-threatening cosmic and solar radiation; this discovery was confirmed by the observations made by the Mars Global Surveyor in the late 1990s. It is theorised by the scientist that because of the absence of a magnetic shield, the solar wind has blown away a massive part of Mars’s atmosphere over the course of billions of years. After compiling records of cosmic radiation levels at several points on Mars' surface, the researchers have come to the conclusion that any life that is near the first few metres of the surface would not survive due to the lethal doses of cosmic radiation. The damage to the DNA and RNA caused by this radiation would restrict life on Mars to depths below the planet’s surface larger than 7.5 metres, as per a 2007 study. Hence, the unstudied subsurface environments may be the best places to discover life on Mars. The vanishing of magnetic fields might have played a major role in the process of Martian climate change. As per the assessments of the scientists, the climate of Mars slowly changed from being warm and wet to being cold and dry after the magnetic field disappeared.

 

Paragraph F.  NASA’s recent expeditions have concentrated on an additional query: whether Mars had lakes or oceans of liquid water on its surface in the past. Hematite, a mineral that forms in the presence of water, has been discovered by scientists. As a result, the 2004 Mars Exploration Rovers expedition focused on evidence suggesting the presence of water on Mars' ancient surface rather than on current or previous life. Water is necessary for life on Earth as well as for metabolism, as normally, it is conducted by the species present on Earth. However, it cannot be present on the surface of the planet due to its current low atmospheric pressure and temperature, excluding the lowest shaded areas for extremely brief periods, and it does not appear on the surface itself. In March 2004, NASA had declared its rover had discovered proof of Mars being a wet planet in the ancient past. Following that, the prospect of discovering evidence of past life on the planet today was raised. In January 2004, it was authenticated by the ESA that the Mars Express orbiter had detected massive reservoirs of iced water at Mars’ south pole.

 

Paragraph G.  Researchers from the Center of Astrobiology (Spain) and the Catholic University of North Chile employed SOLID, a detector for evidence of life that may be used in settings comparable to the subsoil on Mars, to find an "oasis" of microbes barely two metres below the surface of the Atacama Desert. In an explanation, Victor Parro, a researcher from the Center of Astrobiology in Spain, explained that they called it a "microbial oasis" because they discovered the creatures living in a habitat with plenty of rock salt and other extremely hygroscopic materials that absorb water. He also emphasised several facts, such as the possibility that SOLID may be used to identify comparable bacteria on Mars in circumstances similar to those in Atacama.

 

Paragraph H. The Spanish scientists' alternative scenario is even more interesting: if the samples discovered could use DNA as their genetic code, as life on Earth does. It is implausible that such a highly specialised and complex molecule as DNA could evolve differently on the two planets, implying that life on Mars and Earth must have a common origin. DNA-based life first emerged on Mars and then on Earth, where it developed into the multiple forms of plants and creatures that exist today. If this were true, we would have to accept the logical conclusion that we are all Martians. And if not, we would merely continue searching for the signs of life.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of The Exploration Of Mars reading answers passage.

2.

The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answer Passage has seven paragraphs A-H.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter, A-H, in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
    • Note: You may use any letter more than once.

 

1. A particular agricultural structure was specifically depicted.

2. The climate on Mars has undergone a terrifying transformation.

3. Martian evidence on Earth.

4. The project that aims to find life on Mars in similar conditions. 

5. Mars and Earth may share the same life origin.

6. Attempts in scientific investigation to find liquid water.
 

The Exploration Of Mars  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
 

Type of question: Locating Information

 

In this task, you are required to find specific details, facts, or information within the passage. These questions typically ask you to identify where particular information is located in the text.
 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what specific information you need to find (e.g., a word, phrase, or detail).
  • Quickly skim through the relevant paragraph or section to locate keywords related to the question.
  • Ensure the answer fits grammatically and contextually into the sentence or passage.
  • Check for synonyms or keywords to locate the information
  • Finalise your answers.

 

1. Paragraph A

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “Lowell was certain the Martian race had dug a vast network of channels for crop irrigation. He even said that on either side of the canals, fertile vegetation was present, which made them visible from Earth.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly depicts an agricultural structure on Mars, specifically a network of canals used for crop irrigation. Lowell believed these canals were created by Martians to sustain vegetation, making Paragraph A the correct answer.

 

2. Paragraph E

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: "As per the assessments of the scientists, the climate of Mars slowly changed from being warm and wet to being cold and dry after the magnetic field disappeared."

 

Explanation: This line highlights the drastic climate transformation of Mars, shifting from a warm and wet environment to a cold and dry one due to the loss of its magnetic field. This confirms that the climate change information is in Paragraph E.

 

3. Paragraph D

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "The members of the ANSMET project found the ALH84001 meteorite on the continent of Antarctica in December 1984."

 

Explanation: This sentence describes the discovery of a meteorite from Mars on Earth, providing direct evidence of Martian material found outside its planet. This makes Paragraph D the correct reference.

 

4. Paragraph G

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "Researchers from the Center of Astrobiology (Spain) and the Catholic University of North Chile employed SOLID, a detector for evidence of life that may be used in settings comparable to the subsoil on Mars."

 

Explanation: This line explains a project that aims to detect life in environments similar to Mars using the SOLID instrument. Since the research focuses on conditions that mimic Mars, Paragraph G is the correct choice.

 

5. Paragraph H

 

Reference: From Paragraph H: "It is implausible that such a highly specialised and complex molecule as DNA could evolve differently on the two planets, implying that life on Mars and Earth must have a common origin."

 

Explanation: This sentence presents the idea that Mars and Earth may share the same origin due to the similarity in DNA structures. The scientists argue that such a complex molecule could not have evolved separately, making Paragraph H the correct reference.

 

6. Paragraph F

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: "NASA had declared its rover had discovered proof of Mars being a wet planet in the ancient past."

 

Explanation: This line discusses NASA's findings of past water presence on Mars, reinforcing the scientific investigation into the possibility of liquid water on the planet. Since the focus is on water exploration, Paragraph F is the correct choice.

 

Also Read: List of IELTS Reading Vocabulary 2025

Questions and Answers 7-10
  • Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.

 

7. How is Mars described in the passage by Percival Lowell?

A. Canals of Mars are broader than that of Earth.
B. Perfect observation location is in Arizona.
C. Actively moving Martian lives are found by observation.
D. Dedicated water and agriculture trace is similar to the Earth.
 

8. How did people's opinion on Mars change from the 19th century?

A. After listening to a famous radio program, they learned a new concept.
B. They experienced a Martian attack.
C. They gained knowledge about Mars through some literature works.
D. They attended lectures given by famous writers.
 

9.  In the 1960s, which information about Mars was sent back by Probes, which were sent to space true?

A. It was not as vivid as the earth.
B. It contained the same substance as in the moon.
C. It had different images from the following probes.
D. It has a landscape full of rock and river.
 

10. What did the project preceded by technology called SOLID in the Atacama Desert imply?

A. Life had not yet been found yet in the Atacama Desert.
B. This technology could not be used to identify life on a similar condition of Mars.
C. It could be employed to explore organisms under Martian conditions.
D. Atacama Desert is the only place that has a suitable environment for organisms.
 

The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers With Explanations (7-10)

 

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.

 

7. D - dedicated water and agriculture trace is similar to the Earth

 

Reference: From Paragraph A:  "Lowell was certain the Martian race had dug a vast network of channels for crop irrigation. He even said that on either side of the canals, fertile vegetation was present, which made them visible from Earth."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that Lowell strongly believed the Martians had constructed canals specifically for agricultural purposes. He also mentioned that fertile vegetation grew alongside these canals, making "dedicated water and agriculture trace is similar to the Earth" the correct answer.

 

8. C - they gained knowledge about Mars through some literature works

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: "In the late 19th century, an idea suggesting that Mars had intelligent life gained support. A science fiction classic named The War of the Worlds about a strong force from Mars trying to conquer Earth was written in 1898 by H. G. Wells."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that people's perception of Mars changed due to literature, particularly science fiction books that described intelligent Martian life. These works introduced new ideas and speculations, making "they gained knowledge about Mars through some literature works" the correct answer.

 

9. A - it was not as vivid as the Earth

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: "The surface appeared to have a cratered and barren landscape similar to that of our moon rather than that of Earth."

 

Explanation: This line explains that the images sent back by probes showed Mars as having a barren and cratered surface, which was not as vibrant or lively as Earth's landscape. This confirms that "it was not as vivid as the Earth" is the correct answer.

 

10. C - it could be employed to explore organisms under Martian conditions

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "He also emphasised several facts, such as the possibility that SOLID may be used to identify comparable bacteria on Mars in circumstances similar to those in Atacama."

 

Explanation: This line suggests that the SOLID technology could potentially be used in Martian conditions to detect microbial life, just as it had been used in the Atacama Desert. This supports the idea that "it could be employed to explore organisms under Martian conditions" as the correct answer.

 

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 11-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 11-14 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.

 

11. Technology of Martian beings was superior to what humans had at that time in every field, according to The War of the Worlds.

12. Proof sent by Viking probes has not been challenged yet.

13. Analysis on a meteorite from Mars found a substance which is connected to some germs.

14.  According to Victor Parro, their project will be deployed on Mars after they identified DNA substances on Earth.
 

The Exploration Of Mars Reading Answers With Explanations (11-14)
 

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.

 

11. Not Given

 

Reference: Paragraph J: “Interest among private landowners is growing throughout the South, but restoring longleaf is not an easy task.”

 

Explanation: The passage states that Martians had advanced technology, but it does not specify whether it was superior to human technology in every field. Since there is no clear comparison across all fields, the correct answer is “Not Given”.

 

12. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "Based on the above analysis, doubts were raised following the discovery of a Martian meteorite on Earth."

 

Explanation: This line shows that the findings of the Viking probes were questioned after the discovery of the ALH84001 meteorite. Since the statement claims that the proof sent by Viking probes has not been challenged, but the passage states otherwise, the correct answer is “False”.

 

13. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "A type of magnetite that is only found with certain microorganisms on Earth was unveiled by NASA through a composition analysis."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that magnetite, which is associated with certain microorganisms, was found in the Martian meteorite. Since this discovery links the meteorite to microbial life, the correct answer is “True”.

 

14. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage describes the discovery of microbial life in extreme conditions but does not mention any plan to deploy their project on Mars after identifying DNA substances on Earth. Since the statement is not supported by the passage, 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 IELTS Academic Reading 2025!
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Below are some the top 60+ 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 Exploration Of Mars reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in The Exploration Of Mars passage include "space exploration," "rovers," "NASA," "Mars atmosphere," "surface conditions," "habitability," "water evidence," and "future missions." Identifying synonyms and paraphrased versions of these words is key to locating answers efficiently.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in The Exploration Of Mars reading passage?

Ans. Read the headings first to understand their main ideas, then skim each paragraph to find its central theme. Match the heading to the paragraph based on the overall message rather than just specific words. Look for synonyms and ensure the heading covers the entire paragraph’s idea, not just a minor detail.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of The Exploration Of Mars reading passage?

Ans. A challenging aspect is the presence of complex scientific terminology and paraphrased information, which requires strong vocabulary skills. Additionally, the passage may contain lengthy descriptions and detailed comparisons, making it difficult to locate exact answers quickly.

Q. Are The Exploration Of Mars passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The Exploration Of Mars passage is typically part of the IELTS Academic Reading test. It includes scientific explanations and research findings, which are more suited to the Academic module’s requirement for analytical and critical reading skills.

Q. How can I improve my reading speed for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Practise skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details. Read regularly from academic sources like newspapers and journals. Time yourself while doing practice tests to increase speed. Learn to identify keywords quickly and focus on understanding the overall meaning rather than reading every word.

Q. Are there practice materials available for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, there are many practice materials available, including official IELTS practice tests, online sample papers, and Cambridge IELTS books. Websites like the British Council and IDP also provide free sample passages with questions and explanations.

Q. How can I effectively manage my time during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Allocate about 20 minutes per passage and move on if you’re stuck on a question. Skim the passage first to get a general idea, then scan for answers while keeping an eye on keywords. Save time by answering easier questions first and reviewing difficult ones later.

Q. What are some strategies for tackling True/False/Not Given questions in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Read the statement carefully and locate the relevant section in the passage. If the statement matches the passage, it’s True; if it contradicts, it’s False. If there is no clear information, it’s Not Given. Watch out for extreme words like "always" and "never," which often indicate False answers.

Q. How can I prepare for the IELTS Reading test if English isn't my first language?

Ans. Improve your vocabulary by reading newspapers, journals, and academic articles. Practise summarising passages in your own words. Take timed practice tests to get familiar with different question types. Focus on understanding meaning through context rather than translating every word.

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test has 40 questions in total, divided across three passages. Each passage has a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and sentence completion.

Q. Is there a specific vocabulary I should focus on for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, focus on academic vocabulary, synonyms, and paraphrased expressions. Common topics include science, environment, history, and technology. Learning word families and collocations can also help in understanding passages more effectively.