The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 07, 2025, 07:41

In the IELTS Reading section, you'll face 40 questions spread across three passages, testing your ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written texts. You’ll need to complete the section in 60 minutes, without any extra time for transferring answers. The passages come from books, journals, magazines, or newspapers, and the question types vary—from sentence completion to short answer questions and True/False/Not Given.
 

The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading passage explores how human curiosity drives the quest for knowledge, from early scientific discoveries to modern-day innovation. As you read, you'll encounter themes of intellectual ambition, the role of failure, and the impact of knowledge on society.


Let’s look at The Pursuit Of Knowledge reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answer Passage

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

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2. The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Pursuit Of Knowledge.

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3. Check Out Top 65+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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1.

The Pursuit Of Knowledge 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 Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. According to the great English lexicographer Samuel Johnson, knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it (Boswell Life vol. 2 p, 383 18 April 1775). In the information-driven world we now inhabit, the latter has assumed a much greater level of importance.

 

Paragraph B. At the time of the European Renaissance, which spanned the fourteenth, fifteenth and si­x-teenth centuries, it was considered possible for the educated, well-read man, the so-called Renaissance man, to possess the sum total of human knowledge. Admittedly, the body of knowledge then available was restricted, being held firmly in check by several important factors: the paucity of books in circulation at that time, the difficulty of acquiring copies of the texts, the need to copy texts by hand, and the cost of doing so. The example of Lupus of Ferrieres’ search for the Arsrhetorica of Fortunatus in the ninth century was repeated again and again throughout the Latin West until the momentous advent of printing in the middle of the fifteenth century. Printed books saw the end of some of the practical limitations placed on the spread of human knowledge. The first revolution in Information tech­nology had begun.

 

Paragraph C. Renaissance man was rapidly left behind by this development; and, henceforth, it would be increasingly difficult for the educated man to cope with the expansion of knowledge that flowed through Europe via the medium of movable type. In today’s world, the scenario could hardly be more different. The most well-read indi­vidual, whom we could legitimately call information man, or homo sapiens, would certainly be considerably more knowledgeable than Renaissance man, Yet, because of the ever-expand­ing increase in the sum total of human knowledge over the latter half of the last millen­nium, and the changes in the world of technology, easy access to information has reduced the stature of the educated individual. All that he can hope to be now is an expert in a narrow field, not the all-knowing polymath of yesteryear.

 

Paragraph D. It is not surprising to see people overwhelmed by the unlimited stream of Information. There is simply too much of it to assimilate, and it is difficult to know what to do with the data once it is received; which brings us back to Johnson’s words. But we need to add an­other dimension to his dictum, one which was probably true in his time, but is even more pertinent today: people need to be able to live the knowledge they acquire and not just know it or know where to find it. Our deficiency in this regard is, perhaps, the most singular failure of the modern information age.

 

Paragraph E. Acquisitiveness is a natural human instinct. Children collect cards of footballers, or whatever is the latest fad. Stamps, coins and books are targets for children and adult collectors (dike, as their basic instincts are played upon and nurtured by market forces. The desire to gather knowledge is nothing new. What is astonishing, however, is the way in which people treat the knowledge they have collected. It is as if the collection were an end in itself, and herein lies the great deception, We have turned the world into a large machine of informa­tion, a veritable vortex into which we are all being Inexorably sucked, People beaver away amassing raw data, labouring under the misapprehension that they are doing something worthwhile when all that is really happening is the movement of information from one place to another, We should hardly be surprised that, as this becomes apparent, disillusion­ment and stress in the workplace are becoming sadly the all too common consequences.

 

Paragraph F. The world is not really richer for having the current wealth of knowledge at its fingertips. It is like standing amongst the wealth of the British Library, the Bibliothèque Nationals in Paris or other great libraries and not being able to read. So what is to be done? Training in collecting and processing relevant information, followed by learning to collate, analyse and select or discard, is the obvious solution, but there is such a dearth of people who know what to do that one remains pessimistic.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of The Pursuit Of Knowledge reading answer passage.

2.

The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-7
  • Complete the sentences below.
  • Use NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS from the passage to complete each blank space.
  • Write your answers in Blank spaces next to 1-7 on your answer sheet.

 

1. Samuel Johnson was an ___________________ .

2. Renaissance man supposedly possessed all __________________.

3. The spread of knowledge changed with the all important ___________________.

4. According to the writer, today’s information man knows more than _______________.

5. The standing of the modern educated man has been diminished by _________________.

6. The polymath of the Renaissance is described as ______________________.

7. In today’s world, people are weighed down by the endless __________________.

 

The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)
 

Type of question: Sentence Completion

 

In this question type, you are required to fill in the blanks in a given sentence with words or phrases taken directly from the passage. These questions test your ability to understand specific details and information presented in the text.

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the sentence carefully to understand the context.
  • Identify keywords or clues that can help you find the answer in the passage.
  • Scan the passage for relevant information, focusing on the area around the blank.
  • Choose the answer that fits grammatically and contextually.
  • Verify your answers and finalise them.
     
1. English Lexicographer

 

Reference: From paragraph A: "According to the great English lexicographer Samuel Johnson, knowledge is of two kinds."

 

Explanation: This line clearly mentions that Samuel Johnson was an English lexicographer. It directly states his profession and authority, making "English Lexicographer" the correct answer.

 

2. (of) human knowledge

 

Reference: From paragraph B: "At the time of the European Renaissance, which spanned the fourteenth, fifteenth and si­x-teenth centuries, it was considered possible for the educated, well-read man, the so-called Renaissance man, to possess the sum total of human knowledge."

 

Explanation: This line shows that the Renaissance man was believed to have complete knowledge of everything known at that time. Therefore, "human knowledge" is the right answer as it defines what the Renaissance man supposedly possessed.

 

3. Advent of printing

 

Reference: From paragraph B: "The example of Lupus of Ferrieres’ search for the Arsrhetorica of Fortunatus in the ninth century was repeated again and again throughout the Latin West until the momentous advent of printing in the middle of the fifteenth century."

 

Explanation:  This line mentions that the invention of printing was a turning point in the spread of knowledge. It highlights how printing helped overcome earlier limitations, making the "advent of printing" the correct answer.

 

4. Renaissance man

 

Reference: From paragraph C: "The most well-read indi­vidual, whom we could legitimately call information man or homo sapiens, would certainly be considerably more knowledgeable than Renaissance man."

 

Explanation:  This line compares today's information man with the Renaissance man, indicating that the modern individual knows more. Hence, "Renaissance man" is the correct answer as it refers to the person who knew less in comparison.

 

5. Easy access to information/ easily accessible information/ easy information access

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Yet, because of the ever-expand­ing increase in the sum total of human knowledge over the latter half of the last millen­nium, and the changes in the world of technology, easy access to information has reduced the stature of the educated individual.''

 

Explanation: This line clearly points out that the modern educated person's status has decreased because information is easily available. Therefore, "easy access to information" is the right answer as it explains why the standing of educated people has declined.

 

6. All knowing

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Yet, because of the ever-expand­ing increase in the sum total of human knowledge over the latter half of the last millen­nium, and the changes in the world of technology, easy access to information has reduced the stature of the educated individual. All that he can hope to be now is an expert in a narrow field, not the all-knowing polymath of yesteryear..''

 

Explanation: This line describes how the Renaissance polymath was seen as all-knowing in the past. It shows that such a person had vast knowledge, making "all-knowing" the correct answer.

 

7. Stream of information

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “But we need to add an­other dimension to his dictum, one which was probably true in his time, but is even more pertinent today: people need to be able to live the knowledge they acquire and not just know it or know where to find it. Our deficiency in this regard is, perhaps, the most singular failure of the modern information age.''

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that people today are burdened by an endless flow of information. It shows that the non-stop stream of data causes difficulty, making "stream of information" the correct answer.

 

Also Read: IELTS Reading Band Score 2025

Questions and Answers 8-11
  • Answer the questions below.
  • Use NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers next to 8-11 on your answer sheet.

 

8. How does the writer describe people’s inability in the modern world to use the knowledge that they obtain?

9. What is the desire to collect things described as?

10. According to the author, what has the world turned into?

11. What are the consequences in the workplace of moving large amounts of raw data around?

 

The Pursuit Of Knowledge  Reading Answers With Explanations (8-11)

 

Type of question: Short answer 

 

In this task, you will be given a set of questions with missing information, typically sentences with blank spaces. You must complete each statement with one word or phrase (as instructed). 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the questions first to understand what information you need to look for in the passage.
  • Skim the passage and look for keywords. 
  • You may have to look for synonyms or paraphrases to locate the answer. 
  • Verify your answers and finalise them.

 

8. The most singular failure

 

Reference: From paragraph D: “But we need to add an­other dimension to his dictum, one which was probably true in his time, but is even more pertinent today: people need to be able to live the knowledge they acquire and not just know it or know where to find it. Our deficiency in this regard is, perhaps, the most singular failure of the modern information age.”

 

Explanation:  This line clearly indicates that people today fail to apply or live the knowledge they acquire. The writer refers to this inability as the most singular failure of the information age, which is why "the most singular failure" is the correct answer.
 

9. A natural human instinct

 

Reference: From paragraph E: “Acquisitiveness is a natural human Instinct. Children collect cards of footballers, or whatever is the latest fad. Stamps, coins and books are targets for children and adult collectors (dike, as their basic instincts are played upon and nurtured by market forces.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that the desire to collect things like stamps, coins, or information is described as a natural human instinct. The writer uses the word "acquisitiveness" to explain that collecting is something people naturally do, making this the correct answer.

 

10. A Vortex/ A Veritable Vortex/ A Large information machine

 

Reference: From paragraph E:  “It is as if the collection were an end in itself; and herein lies the great deception, We have turned the world into a large machine of informa­tion, a veritable vortex into which we are all being Inexorably sucked.”


Explanation:  This line explains that the world has become a vast system overwhelmed by information flow. The writer compares it to a machine or vortex, indicating how people are caught in this endless cycle, which is why "a veritable vortex" is the correct answer.

 

11. Disillusionment and Stress

 

Reference: From paragraph E:  “We should hardly be surprised that, as this becomes apparent, disillusion­ment and stress in the workplace are bearing sadly the all too common consequences.”

 

Explanation: This line mentions that the continuous movement of large amounts of raw data leads to negative effects in the workplace. The writer identifies "disillusionment and stress" as common outcomes of this process, making it the correct answer.

Questions and Answers 12-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 12-14 on your answer sheet, write
  • YES if the statement agrees with the information.
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

12. As the world has a wealth of knowledge within easy reach, it is now richer.

13. Knowledge processing courses will soon be obligatory for all library workers.

14. The author believes that the pursuit of knowledge is worthwhile.

 

The Pursuit Of Knowledge Reading Answers With Explanations (12-14)

 

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.

 

12. No

 

Reference: From paragraph F:  “The world is not really richer for having the current wealth of knowledge at its fingertips.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that despite having an enormous amount of information easily accessible, the author believes it does not make the world richer. Instead, it highlights that information without proper use does not add value, making "No" the correct answer.

 

13. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation:  The passage discusses the need for training in information handling, but nowhere mention that such courses will become mandatory for library workers. Since there is no information related to this statement in the passage, "Not Given" is the correct answer.

 

14. No

 

Reference: From paragraph F:  "But there is such a dearth of people who know what to do that one remains pessimistic."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the author is pessimistic about the pursuit of knowledge because most people cannot process or use the information meaningfully. It suggests that simply gathering knowledge is not worthwhile, which makes "No" the correct answer.
3.

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Below are some top 65+ free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in The Pursuit Of Knowledge reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords in this passage include terms like "knowledge," "discovery," "research," "curiosity," "scientists," and "learning process." You may also find names of famous scholars or specific studies mentioned. These keywords help you locate answers quickly.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in The Pursuit Of Knowledge reading passage?

Ans. First, read all the headings carefully and, underline key keywords, skim each paragraph to understand the main idea. Match the heading that best summarises the paragraph's central theme without focusing on minor details.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of The Pursuit Of Knowledge reading passage?

Ans. A challenging aspect is the use of complex academic language and abstract ideas. The passage may include long sentences, technical terms, and subtle differences between options in multiple-choice or heading-matching questions.

Q. Are The Pursuit Of Knowledge passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. The passage "The Pursuit Of Knowledge" is part of the IELTS Academic Reading test. It is designed to test your ability to understand complex texts usually found in university or academic contexts.

Q. Is extra time given to transfer answers to the answer sheet?

Ans. No, in the IELTS Reading test, there is no extra time to transfer your answers. You are required to write your answers directly on the answer sheet within the 60-minute time limit.

Q. Can I use a highlighter during the Reading test?

Ans. No, you cannot use a highlighter in the IELTS paper-based Reading test. However, you can underline or circle important words using a pencil, which is allowed.

Q. Should I manage my time equally across all passages?

Ans. Ideally, you should try to manage your time equally, but many students spend more time on the third passage as it is usually the hardest. A good strategy is to spend around 20 minutes per passage.

Q. Can I start with any section of the Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you can attempt the passages in any order. It is perfectly fine to start with the passage you find easiest and return to the difficult ones later to manage time better.

Q. Are spelling mistakes penalised in the Reading test?

Ans. Yes, spelling mistakes are penalised in the IELTS Reading test. If you spell an answer incorrectly, it will be marked wrong, even if the information is correct.

Q. Do I need to include articles ('a', 'an', 'the') in my answers?

Ans. Yes, you should include articles if they are part of the correct answer. If an article is missing, your answer may be considered incomplete or incorrect.

Q. Can I write my answers in pen or pencil?

Ans. In the paper-based IELTS test, you must use a pencil for the Reading and Listening answer sheets. Pens are not allowed, and answers written in pen may not be accepted.