Talk Icon

Practice 100+ speaking topics!

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

Get App

leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

The Nature And Aims Of Archaeology Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading test is one of the four modules of the IELTS exam. This section assesses your comprehension and analysis skills of academic and professional texts. It comprises three passages and 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. 

 

Doing well in IELTS reading demonstrates language proficiency, which is crucial for visa applications, university admissions and your overall career advancement.
 

Effective preparation is key to success in the IELTS Reading test. Consistent practice with passages improves your ability to understand and analyse content proficiently.

 

Try this passage, ‘The Nature and Aims of Archaeology,’ to improve your reading skills! 

This passage concerns archaeology and its relationship to other fields, such as anthropology and history. It discusses archaeology as a physical and intellectual endeavour involving excavation, analysis, interpretation, and preservation of cultural heritage.

 

The Nature and Aims of Archaeology reading answers are given at the end! Try to attempt the questions yourself and see where you stand in your IELTS preparation.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. The Nature and Aims of Archaeology 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.


 

Slider image

2. The Nature and Aims of Archaeology Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Nature and Aims of Archaeology 

More for you

Boost your IELTS Reading score

Book Free Reading class arrow right

See how to score 8+ in Speaking. 

 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Speaking test.

Learn More arrow right
3/3
1.

The Nature and Aims of Archaeology 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 Nature and Aims of Archaeology Reading Passage

 


Paragraph A

Archaeology consists of unearthing the relics of the past, partly through the meticulous labour of a scientific analyst and partly through the exercise of creative imagination. It is labouring in the sun on an excavation in the Middle East, collaborating with the Inuit in the snows of Alaska, and examining Roman Britain's sewers. However, there is also the laborious process of interpretation that we must comprehend in order to comprehend what these things entail for the human narrative. And it is the protection of the world's cultural heritage against theft and reckless destruction. Therefore, archaeology involves both physical exertion in the field and intellectual inquiry in a study or laboratory. That contributes to its strong allure. The appropriate platform for fiction writers and filmmakers, from Agatha Christie's Murder in Mesopotamia to Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones, is its fascinating blend of danger and detective work. Even if these representations are far from the truth, they effectively convey the idea that archaeology is a fascinating journey for understanding our history and ourselves.

 

Paragraph B

But what is the relationship between archaeology and disciplines like anthropology and history, which are likewise concerned with the human story? Is archaeology a science by itself? And what are the contemporary tasks of the archaeologist? In its broadest sense, anthropology is the study of people—their physical traits as animals and their distinctive non-biological traits, which we refer to as their cultures. The anthropologist Edward Tylor defined culture in this sense as "knowledge, belief, art, morals, tradition and any other abilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society" in 1871. When referring to the culture of a particular society, anthropologists also use the term "culture" in a more narrow sense to refer to the non-biological traits that set that society apart from other cultures. Thus, anthropology is a large field of study. Because of this, it is typically divided into three subfields: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology.

 

Paragraph C

The study of human biology or physical features and how they arose is the subject of physical anthropology, often known as biological anthropology. Social and cultural anthropology, often known as cultural anthropology, studies human culture. Two of its subfields are ethnography (which involves studying certain living cultures firsthand) and ethnology (which sets out to compare cultures using ethnographic evidence to derive general principles about human society). The "past tense of cultural anthropology" is archaeology. Archaeologists study past societies primarily through their material remains - the buildings, tools, and other artefacts that makeup what is known as the material culture left over from former societies. Cultural anthropologists frequently base their conclusions on the experience of living within contemporary communities.


 Paragraph D

However, understanding how to interpret material culture in terms of humans is one of the most crucial issues facing archaeologists today. What did the pots do? Why are some homes square while others are round? Here, archaeology and ethnography use similar techniques. Recent years have seen the emergence of "ethnoarchaeology," in which archaeologists, like ethnographers, live among modern tribes with the aim of understanding how these civilisations employ material culture—how they create their tools and weapons, why they build their towns where they do, etc. In addition, archaeology has a crucial part to play in the conservation movement. Legacy studies are a growing discipline where it is understood that the world's cultural heritage is a finite resource with varying meanings for various individuals.

 

Paragraph E

So, how does archaeology differ from history if it deals with the past? In the broadest sense, archaeology is a component of both anthropology and history, which we define as the entire history of humanity going back over three million years. Archaeology, the study of ancient material culture, is the only reliable source of information for more than 99% of that enormous time period. In western Asia, where written records first appeared approximately 3,000 BC, and much later in the majority of other parts of the world, conventional historical sources only date back to that time. Prehistory, or the era before written records, is frequently distinguished from history in the strict sense, or the study of the past using written evidence. The divide between history and prehistory is a useful dividing line for archaeology, which investigates all cultures and periods, whether they had writing or not. However, it does not diminish the significance of the relevant information found in oral histories.

 

Paragraph F

Archaeology is a humanistic study that deals with the past of humanity, making it a historical field. Its goal is to understand humankind. However, it fundamentally varies from the study of written history. The archaeologist's findings do not provide us with clear instructions on how to think. Historical documents make assertions, express viewpoints, and render conclusions. On the other hand, the archaeologists' findings don't directly reveal anything to us. The practice of an archaeologist is similar to that of a scientist in this regard, who gathers data, conducts experiments, formulates a hypothesis, evaluates the theory against additional evidence, and, finally, develops a model that appears to summarise best the pattern seen in the data. Just as a scientist must provide a logical understanding of the natural world, an archaeologist must create a picture of the past.

2.

The Nature and Aims of Archaeology Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Nature and Aims of Archaeology 

Questions and Answers 1-6
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-6 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 on this in the passage


 

1. Imagination and hard effort go hand in hand with archaeology.

2. Archaeologists need to be able to decipher texts written in languages from the distant past.

3. Archaeologists' work is well-represented in movies.

4. More than one definition of culture is used by anthropologists.

5. If you want to learn about the past, archaeology is the better option.

6. European history dates back to 3,000 BC.

 

 

The Nature and Aims of Archaeology Reading Answers with Explanation (1-6)

 

Type of Question: True/False/Not Given 
 

In this task, you must determine whether a given statement agrees with the information in the passage (True), contradicts it (False), or if there is insufficient information to decide (Not Given).
 

How to Best Answer:
 

  • Understand the Statement: Read the statement carefully to grasp its precise meaning.
  • Focus on Details: Pay close attention to specifics like dates, numbers, and key facts.
  • Locate Relevant Information: Scan the passage to find the section containing related information.
  • Find Supporting Evidence: Look for evidence that either supports or contradicts the statement.

 

 

1. Yes


Reference: Paragraph A "Archaeology involves both physical exertion in the field and intellectual inquiry in a study or laboratory."

 


Explanation: Archaeology requires both physical labor during excavations and intellectual analysis in laboratories or studies, as described in the paragraph.


 

2. Not Given


Explanation: The passage does not address whether archaeologists decipher texts from distant languages, so it's impossible to determine if the statement agrees or disagrees.

 


 

3. Yes

 


Reference: Paragraph A "The appropriate platform for fiction writers and filmmakers, from Agatha Christie with Murder in Mesopotamia to Steven Spielberg with Indiana Jones, is its fascinating blend of danger and detective work."

 


Explanation: The paragraph mentions how archaeology is portrayed in fiction and film, citing examples like Agatha Christie and Steven Spielberg, indicating that archaeologists' work is well-represented in movies.


 

4. Yes


Reference: Paragraph B "The anthropologist Edward Tylor defined culture in this sense as 'knowledge, belief, art, morals, tradition and any other abilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society' in 1871."

 


Explanation: The paragraph discusses Edward Tylor's definition of culture, illustrating that there are multiple definitions used by anthropologists to describe culture.


 

5. Yes


Reference: Paragraph E "In western Asia, where written records first appeared approximately 3,000 BC..."

 


Explanation: The paragraph discusses the appearance of written records in Western Asia around 3,000 BC, supporting the statement that European history does not date back further than this time based on conventional historical sources.


 

6. Not Given

 


Reference: NA

 

Explanation: The paragraph states that written records first appeared in Western Asia around 3,000 BC but does not specifically mention European history dating back to this time hence, the statement cannot be confirmed.

Questions and Answers 7-10
  • Choose TWO letters A-E.
  • Write your answers in boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet.
  • The list below gives some statements about anthropology.
  •  

    Which TWO statements are mentioned by the writer of the text? 

     

    A. Government planners need to know this.

    B. It's a field that's always expanding.

    C. Long stretches of time in the field are not uncommon.

    D. Studying it is made easier by dividing it into smaller parts.

    E. It focuses on how humans have evolved over time.


     

    The Nature and Aims of Archaeology Reading Answers with Explanation (7-10)

     

     

    Type of question: Multiple choice (Choose multiple answers) 
     

    In this question type, you are given a list of statements, and you must choose two or more correct statements that are mentioned by the writer of the text. You must write your answers in the specified boxes on your answer sheet.
     

    How to Best Answer:
     

    • Thorough Reading: Read the passage carefully to understand its main ideas and details.
    • Identify Key Information: Focus on the specific statements provided in the question.
    • Contextual Understanding: Match the statements to the relevant parts of the text.
    • Elimination: Eliminate the statements that are not mentioned or are incorrect.
    • Accuracy: Select the statements that accurately reflect the information given in the text.


     

    7. D

     

    Reference: Paragraph B "It is typically divided into three subfields: physical anthropology, cultural anthropology, and archaeology." 

     

    Explanation: The statement accurately reflects the content of Paragraph B, which discusses the division of anthropology into these subfields.


     

    8. E

     

    Reference: Paragraph C "The study of human biology or physical features and how they arose is the subject of physical anthropology, often known as biological anthropology." Explanation: Paragraph C directly introduces physical anthropology as the study of human biology and physical traits, aligning with the statement about evolutionary patterns.


     

    9. C

     

    Reference: Paragraph C "Archaeologists study past societies primarily through their material remains - the buildings, tools, and other artefacts that makeup what is known as the material culture left over from former societies." 

     

    Explanation: The statement is directly supported by the content of Paragraph C, which discusses how archaeologists interpret material culture to understand past societies.


     

    10. D

     

    Reference: Paragraph D "The field of archaeology actively contributes to the preservation of historical artefacts that have been utilised to study ancient customs and cultures." 

     

    Explanation: Paragraph D explicitly states that archaeology plays a role in preserving historical artefacts and studying ancient cultures, supporting the statement provided.

    Questions and Answers 11-14
  • Complete the summary of the last two paragraphs of Reading Passage.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 11-14 on your answer sheet.
  •  

     

    Archaeologists may conduct a lot of their job with written documents, but they still find 11. ………… equally important. The author describes archaeology as a 12. ………… and a 13. …………. However, because archaeologists don't aim to change people's behaviour, the author contrasts their working approach to that of a 14. ……….

     

     

    The Nature and Aims of Archaeology Answers with Explanation (11-14)

     

     

    Type of question: Summary completion

     

    Summary completion questions require students to fill in missing words or phrases in a summary of the reading passage using information directly from the text.


     

    How to Best Answer:


     

    • Thorough Reading: Read the passage carefully to understand its main ideas and details.
    • Identify Key Information: Identify crucial information and arguments in the passage.
    • Contextual Understanding: Consider the context for the missing words or phrases.
    • Keyword Matching: Match keywords or phrases in the summary prompts to the passage.
    • Exact Replication: Use exact words or phrases from the passage for accuracy.



     

    11. Oral Histories


    Reference: Paragraph E "However, it does not diminish the significance of the relevant information found in oral histories."

     


    Explanation: The passage states the importance of oral histories alongside written records, making this the right answer for understanding unknown historical facts.


     

    12. Humanistic study

     

    Reference: Paragraph F "Archaeology is a humanistic study that deals with the past of humanity, making it a historical field."


    Explanation: The passage identifies archaeology as a humanistic study to understand humankind, supporting this answer.


     

    13. Historical discipline


    Reference: Paragraph F "Archaeology is a humanistic study that deals with the past of humanity, making it a historical field."

     


    Explanation: The paragraph explains that archaeology is a historical discipline because it focuses on human history and the past.


     

    14. Scientist


    Reference: Paragraph F "The practice of an archaeologist is similar to that of a scientist in this regard, who gathers data, conducts experiments, formulates a hypothesis, evaluates the theory against additional evidence, and, finally, develops a model that appears to summarise best the pattern seen in the data."

     


    Explanation: The passage draws a parallel between archaeologists and scientists, noting their similar methods of gathering and analysing data.

    ielts logo

    Get the IELTS Prep App

    Star rating icon

    4.2

    1M+ Installs

    app download banner image

    Get the app link on your phone

    +91

    Or download app from

    google play storeapp store

    Next Up

    IELTS Reading Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Speaking Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Listening Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    IELTS Writing Practice Test

    Read Now Read now

    Top Reading Samples with Answers

    IELTS Important Information

    Read More about IELTS Practice Test

    IELTS Accepting Universities

    IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

    IELTS Accepting Countries

    FAQs

    Q. What is the duration of the IELTS Reading test?

    Ans. The IELTS Reading test lasts for one hour (60 minutes). During this time, you must complete all three sections of the test, which contain 40 questions divided unequally among the sections. The overall duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours and 44 minutes.


     

    Q. How many times can I take IELTS in a year?

    Ans. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS test in a year. You can register and attempt the test as many times as needed. However, experts recommend a minimum 45-day gap between attempts to allow sufficient preparation time. This interval helps you reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and improve accordingly.


     


     

    Q. Can I get extra transfer time for my IELTS Reading Test?

    Ans. No, extra transfer time is only provided for the IELTS Listening test, specifically for the paper-based version. The IELTS Reading test must be completed within the allocated 60 minutes, with no additional time given. It is advisable to manage your time effectively, aiming to spend no more than 20 minutes per section.