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The Scientific Method Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend and interpret written texts in English. You will encounter a variety of texts, ranging from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical. This section consists of 40 questions spread across three passages, each designed to test different reading skills such as skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognising writers' opinions and purposes.
 

The passage on “The Scientific Method” explores the fundamental principles and processes that underpin scientific inquiry. You will learn about the systematic approach scientists use to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on empirical evidence.

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1. The Scientific Method Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below. This approach can help manage time effectively during a reading comprehension activity or exam. 

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2. The Scientific Method Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Scientific Method

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1.

The Scientific Method 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 Scientific Method Reading Passage


 

 

Paragraph A

‘Hypotheses,’ put forward by Mayawati in 1964, were 'imaginative and inspiring'. They are ‘adventures of the mind’. The Logic of Scientific Discovery (1972, 3rd ed.) argued in support of the part taken by Karl Popper that the nature of the scientific method is hypothetico-deductive and not as inductive as is commonly believed.


Paragraph B

As a researcher, you need to comprehend the difference between these two descriptions of the research process. So, do not get tired or suffer from the feeling of 'cheating' or not going the proper way.

 

Paragraph C

The myth of the scientific method is that it is inductive and that the development of scientific theory begins with a simple, unbiased, impartial observation of raw source senses. Generalisations develop in these sensory data, commonly referred to as 'facts'. The myth is that from a disorganised collection of real information, an orderly, suitable theory will somehow appear. Yet, the starting point of the inductive is impossible.

 

Paragraph D

There is no such thing as impartial observation. Every action we observe is a function of what we have seen or experienced in the past. All scientific work of an experimental or research nature begins with certain expectations of the result. This expectation is a hypothesis. Hypotheses provide initiative and impetus for investigation and affect the methodology. In the light of an expectation, some observations are considered suitable, and some are unrelated; one method is selected, the other is rejected, and some experiments are executed while others are not. Where is your innocent, pure, and objective researcher now?

 

Paragraph E

Hypotheses arise from conjecture or inspiration, but they must be formalised and strictly tested using a suitable method. If the predictions you make as an outcome of finding some effect from your hypothesis are not shown to be right, discard or change your hypothesis. If the predictions are accurate, your hypothesis may be helped and kept until further tests show that they are incorrect. Once you have reached your hypothesis, which is the product of your imagination, you go into a rigorous logical and strict method, 'hypothetico-deductive' based on the deductive argument.

 

Paragraph F

So, do not worry if you know what your outcomes will say before you start collecting data; there are no scientists waiting for all the evidence to be in front of them before they try to act on what it might mean. We are always getting closer to this situation when something happens by accident, but, for instance, before confirming that it can prove to be a successful alternative to a fungal bacterial infection, the researcher should test a hypothesis.

 

Paragraph G

The myth of the scientific method is not only that it is induction (what we have seen is false) but that the hypothetico-deductive procedure continues in a gradual, unavoidable fashion. The hypothetico-deductive method explains a logical technique for most research tasks but does not define the psychological behaviour it brings. It is so complete that it includes speculation, rework, revisions, blind alleys, and, above all, motivation, which is instantly apparent from reading the last dissertation or published document. These are, more precisely, a series logically arranged so that the value of the outcome can be assessed independently of the behavioural techniques from which it is derived. This is the difference between the academic documents that demonstrated the structure of the DNA molecule by Crick and Watson and the captivating book The Double Helix by Watson (1968), which explains how they did it. From this point of view, the 'scientific method' can be considered as a way of implementing research rather than as a way of writing it.

2.

The Scientific Method Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Scientific Method

Questions and Answers 1-5
  • Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A–G, below.
  • Write the correct letter, A-G, as your answer to each question.

 

 

1. Mayawati argued in support of the part taken by Karl Popper that the 

2. Researcher needs to understand the difference between these two descriptions of 

3. Do not suffer from the feeling of 'cheating' or 

4. The development of scientific theory begins with a simple, unbiased, Impartial observation,

5. Every action we observe is a function of what we have seen or 

 

  1. the research process 
  2. as a way of writing it
  3. raw source senses
  4. not going the proper way
  5. nature of the scientific method
  6. test a hypothesis
  7. experienced in the past


 

The Scientific Method Reading Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

Type of question: Matching sentence endings

 

In this question type, you will be given incomplete sentences, and you will have to complete the end of the sentence by selecting suitable words or phrases from the given list. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Skim through the incomplete sentences to get an idea of the context
  • Recognise keywords in each sentence
  • Scan your list of options and look for the keywords
  • Verify the context and check if the word flows with the rest of the sentence 
  • Finalise your answers

 

 

1. E - nature of the scientific method

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph A: "The Logic of Scientific Discovery (1972, 3rd ed.) argued in support of the part taken by Karl Popper that the nature of the scientific method is hypothetico-deductive and not as inductive as is commonly believed."

 

Explanation

This line highlights the argument that the scientific method, according to Karl Popper, relies more on hypothesis testing (hypothetico-deductive) rather than pure induction, emphasising the importance of formalising and rigorously testing hypotheses in scientific inquiry.


 

2. A - the research process

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: "As a researcher, you need to comprehend the difference between these two descriptions of the research process."
 

Explanation

The passage emphasises the importance of researchers understanding the nuances between different descriptions of the research process, suggesting that comprehending these distinctions is essential for effective research conduct.


 

3. D - not going the proper way

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph B: "So, do not get tired or suffer from the feeling of 'cheating' or not going the proper way."
 

Explanation

This line advises researchers not to feel discouraged or guilty for deviating from traditional research paths, implying that exploring unconventional methods or approaches is acceptable in scientific inquiry.


 

4. C - raw source senses

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph C: "The myth of the scientific method is that it is inductive and that the development of scientific theory begins with a simple, unbiased, impartial observation of raw source senses."

 

Explanation

This explanation underscores the misconception that scientific theory originates solely from unbiased observation of raw sensory data, challenging the notion of pure induction in scientific inquiry. It suggests that the development of scientific theories involves more complexity than simple observation, emphasising the role of interpretation and analysis.


 

5. G - experienced in the past

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D: "Every action we observe is a function of what we have seen or experienced in the past."
 

Explanation

This statement emphasises the influence of past experiences on current observations, highlighting the impossibility of completely objective observation. It suggests that researchers' observations are inherently shaped by their prior knowledge and experiences, emphasising the subjectivity inherent in scientific inquiry.

Questions and Answers 6-10
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 6-10 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

 

 

6.  Hypotheses never provide initiative and impetus for investigation and affect the methodology.

7. Hypotheses arise by guess or motivation, but they must be standardised and rigorously tested using a proper method.

8. If the predictions are correct, your hypothesis may be aided and kept until further tests show that they are wrong.

9. Numerous people do research in the wrong way and use incorrect strategies.

10. You should worry if you know what your outcomes will say before you start collecting data.

 

 

The Scientific Method Reading Answers with Explanations (6-10)

 

Type of question: 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.


 

6. No

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph D: "This expectation is a hypothesis. Hypotheses provide initiative and impetus for investigation and affect the methodology."
 

Explanation

The paragraph highlights the role of hypotheses in driving research forward by providing initiative and influencing the methodology used, supporting the assertion that hypotheses do indeed impact investigation processes.


 

7. Yes

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E: "Hypotheses arise from conjecture or inspiration, but they must be formalised and strictly tested using a suitable method."
 

Explanation

This statement reflects the necessity for hypotheses to undergo rigorous testing despite their initial inspiration, emphasising the importance of standardisation and proper methodology in scientific inquiry, as outlined in Paragraph E.


 

8. Yes

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph E: "If the predictions are accurate, your hypothesis may be helped and kept until further tests show that they are incorrect."

 

Explanation

The paragraph indicates that correct predictions from a hypothesis can validate it temporarily until further testing proves otherwise, affirming the idea that successful predictions support the retention of hypotheses until proven incorrect, as mentioned in Paragraph E.


 

9. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph: N.A.

 

Explanation

The passage does not provide specific information regarding whether numerous people do research incorrectly or use incorrect strategies. Thus, the answer is "Not Given."


 

10. No

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph F: “So, do not worry if you know what your outcomes will say before you start collecting data, there are no scientists waiting for all the evidence to be in front of them before they try to act on what it might mean. "

 

Explanation

The statement contradicts the advice given in Paragraph F, which suggests that researchers should not be concerned if they already anticipate outcomes before data collection, indicating that worrying about such anticipation is unnecessary.

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C, or D

 

 

11. None of the scientists waited until all the evidence was in front of them before they 

 

A. have a discussion
B. make a decision
C. try to act
D. put a plan

 

12.  The hypothetico-deductive method explains a logical technique for most 

 

A. research tasks 
B. People
C. researchers
D. investigation procedures

 

13. The 'scientific method' can be considered as a way of implementing research rather than as a way of 

 

A. processing it
B. handling it
C. reading it
D. writing it


 

The Scientific Method Reading Answers with Explanations (11-13)

 

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.


 

11. C - try to act

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph F: "So, do not worry if you know what your outcomes will say before you start collecting data; there are no scientists waiting for all the evidence to be in front of them before they try to act on what it might mean."
 

Explanation

This statement highlights that scientists do not delay action until they have all the evidence; instead, they often act based on preliminary data or hypotheses, emphasising the proactive nature of the scientific inquiry.


 

12. A - research tasks

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: "The hypothetico-deductive method explains a logical technique for most research tasks but does not define the psychological behaviour it brings."
 

Explanation

This elucidates that the hypothetico-deductive method provides a systematic approach to research but does not encompass the psychological aspects involved. It underscores the method's practical utility in various research endeavours.


 

13. D - writing it

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph G: "From this point of view, the 'scientific method' can be considered as a way of implementing research, rather than as a way of writing it."
 

Explanation

This statement implies that the scientific method is more about executing research effectively rather than just documenting it. It emphasises the active process of conducting research rather than merely describing it in writing.

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FAQs

Q. How long is the IELTS reading test?

Ans. The IELTS reading test lasts for 60 minutes. During this time, you're expected to read three passages of increasing difficulty and answer 40 questions related to those passages.

Q. How to pass the IELTS reading test?

Ans. To pass the IELTS reading test, practice is key. Familiarise yourself with the different question types and strategies for each. Work on reading faster and understanding better. Also, use practice tests and materials you can find online or in study guides.


 

Q. Is the IELTS Reading test difficult to score?

Ans. The difficulty of the IELTS reading test hinges on individual English proficiency and familiarity with the test structure. While the test presents challenges due to diverse texts and time constraints, diligent preparation and practice can lead to improved skills and a high test score.