The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Mar 13, 2025, 09:37

The IELTS Reading section evaluates your ability to comprehend and interpret written English across various contexts. You will answer 40 questions based on three passages, testing skills such as skimming, scanning, and identifying key details. The texts are taken from books, newspapers, and journals, ensuring a real-world application of your reading skills.

 

The Value Of A College Degree Reading answers passage explores the significance of university education in today’s competitive world. It discusses the benefits of higher education, including career prospects, financial stability, and personal growth, while also considering the challenges such as rising tuition fees.

 

Let’s look at the The Value Of A College Degree Reading passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers Passage below. 

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2. The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find the The Value Of A College Degree Reading answers!

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

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The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers 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 Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers Passage

                                             

 

Paragraph A. The escalating cost of higher education is causing many to question the value of continuing education beyond high school. Many wonder whether the high cost of tuition, the opportunity cost of choosing college over full-time employment, and the accumulation of thousands of dollars of debt is, in the long run, worth the investment.

 

Paragraph B. The risk is especially large for low-income families who have a difficult time making ends meet without the additional burden of college tuition and fees.

 

Paragraph C. In order to determine whether higher education is worth the investment, it is useful to examine what is known about the value of higher education and the rates of return on investment to both the individual and to society.

 

~THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

 

Paragraph D. There is considerable support for the notion that the rate of return on investment in higher education is high enough to warrant the financial burden associated with pursuing a college degree. Though the earnings differential between college and high school graduates varies over time, college graduates, on average, earn more than high school graduates. According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).

 

Paragraph E. These sizeable differences in lifetime earnings put the costs of college study in a realistic perspective. Most students today—about 80 percent of all students—enrol either in public four-year colleges or in public two-year colleges, according to the U.S. Department of Education report. Think College Early, a full-time student at a public four-year college, pays an average of $8,655 for in-state tuition, room, and board (U.S. Department of Education, 2002). A full-time student in a public two-year college pays an average of $1,359 per year in tuition (U.S. Department of Education, 2002).

 

Paragraph F. These statistics support the contention that, though the cost of higher education is significant, given the earnings disparity that exists between those who earn a bachelor's degree and those who do not, the individual rate of return on investment in higher education is sufficiently high to warrant the cost.

 

~OTHER BENEFIT! OF HIGHER EDUCATION

 

Paragraph G. College graduates also enjoy benefits beyond increased income. A1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision-making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998). According to a report published by the Carnegie Foundation, nonmonetary individual benefits of higher education include the tendency for postsecondary students to become more open-minded, more cultured, more rational, more consistent, and less authoritarian; these benefits are also passed along to succeeding generations (Rowley and Hurtado, 2002). Additionally, college attendance has been shown to "decrease prejudice, enhance knowledge of world affairs and enhance social status" while increasing economic and job security for those who earn bachelor’s degrees (Ibid.). Research has also consistently shown a positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health, not only for oneself, but also for one’s children. In fact, "parental schooling levels (after controlling for differences in earnings) are positively correlated with the health status of their children", and Increased schooling (and higher relative income) are correlated with lower mortality rates for given age brackets" (Cohn and Geske, 1992).
 

~THE SOCIAL VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

 

Paragraph H. A number of studies have shown a high correlation between higher education and, cultural and family values, and economic growth. According to Elchanan Cohn and Terry Geske (1992), there is the tendency for more highly educated women to spend more time with their children; these women tend to use this time to better prepare their children for the future. Cohn and Geske (1992) report that "college graduates appear to have a more optimistic view of their past and future personal progress."

 

Paragraph I. Public benefits of attending college include increased tax revenues, greater workplace productivity, increased consumption, increased workforce flexibility, and decreased reliance on government financial support (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998)....

 

CONCLUSION

 

Paragraph J. While it is clear that investment in a college degree, especially for those students in the lowest income brackets, is a financial burden, the long-term benefits to individuals, as well as to society at large, appear to far outweigh the costs.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of The Value Of A College Degree Reading passage.


Also Read: IELTS Reading Tips & Tricks 2024: Techniques for Band 9

2.

The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers with Sample Questions

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

Questions and Answers 1-4
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 1-4 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.

 

1. The cost of a college education has remained steady for several years.
2. Some people have to borrow large amounts of money to pay for college.
3. About 80 per cent of college students study at public colleges.
4. Public colleges cost less than private colleges.

 

The Value Of A College Degree  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-4)
 

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.

 

1. False

 

Reference: From paragraph A: "The escalating cost of higher education is causing many to question the value of continuing education beyond high school."

 

Explanation: This line shows that the cost of higher education is rising, which contradicts the statement that it has remained steady for several years. Since the passage highlights an increase rather than stability, "False" is the correct answer.

 

2. True

 

Reference: From paragraph A: "Many wonder whether the high cost of tuition, the opportunity cost of choosing college over full-time employment, and the accumulation of thousands of dollars of debt is, in the long run, worth the investment."

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that students accumulate significant debt to pay for college, confirming that some individuals have to borrow large amounts of money. Since the passage directly supports the claim, "True" is the correct answer.
 

3. True

 

Reference: From paragraph E: "Most students today—about 80 per cent of all students—enrol either in public four-year colleges or in public two-year colleges."

 

Explanation:  This line confirms that a large majority of students, approximately 80%, attend public colleges. Since the passage explicitly provides statistical evidence for this claim, "True" is the correct answer.

 

4. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation:  The passage does not mention a direct comparison between the costs of public and private colleges. Since there is no specific information available to confirm or contradict the statement, "Not Given" is the correct answer.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 5-9
  • Complete the fact sheet below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from The Value Of A College Degree reading answers passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 5-9 on your Answer Sheet.

 

Financial Costs and Benefits of Higher Education

 

  • The average high school graduate makes a little more than one million dollars in 5. ___________
  • The average person with an associate’s degree earns $6. ___________
  • The average 7. _____________ makes over two million dollars.
  • The average student at a four-year college spends 8. _________$ a year on classes, housing, and food.
  • The average student at a two-year college spends $1,359 on 9. ____________
     

The Value Of A College Degree  Reading Answers With Explanations (5-9)
 

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.

 

5. a lifetime/adult’s working life.

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).''

 

Explanation: This line states that high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million over their working life. Since the question asks about the earnings of an average high school graduate, "a lifetime/adult’s working life" is the correct answer.

 

6. $ 1.6 million / 1.6 million dollar(s)

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).''

 

Explanation: This line mentions that individuals with an associate’s degree earn around $1.6 million in their lifetime. Since the question specifically asks for the earnings of an associate’s degree holder, "$1.6 million" is the correct answer.

 

7. Bachelor’s degree holder

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate’s degree holders earn about $1.6 million; and bachelor’s degree holders earn about $2.1 million (Day and Newburger, 2002).''

 

Explanation: This line highlights that bachelor’s degree holders earn approximately $2.1 million in their lifetime. As the question asks for the group that makes over two million dollars, "bachelor’s degree holder" is the correct answer.

 

8. $8,655

 

Reference: From paragraph E: “Think College Early, a full-time student at a public four-year college, pays an average of $8,655 for in-state tuition, room, and board (U.S. Department of Education, 2002).”

 

Explanation: This line states that students at a four-year college spend $8,655 annually on tuition, housing, and food. Since the question asks for the yearly expenses of a four-year college student, "$8,655" is the correct answer.

 

9. Tuition

 

Reference: From paragraph E: “Think College Early, a full-time student at a public four-year college, pays an average of $8,655 for in-state tuition, room, and board (U.S. Department of Education, 2002).”

 

Explanation:  This line clearly states that the $1,359 cost applies specifically to tuition at a two-year college. As the question asks for what this amount is spent on, "tuition" is the correct answer.

 

Read more about A Guide on Most Common English Words Used in Daily Life!

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • The list below shows some benefits which college graduates may enjoy more of as compared to noncollege graduates.
  • Which four of these benefits are mentioned in the article?
  • Write the appropriate letters A-G in boxes 10-13 on your Answer Sheet

 

A.  They own bigger houses.
B.  They are more optimistic about their lives.
C.  They save more money.
D.  They enjoy more recreational activities.
E.  They have healthier children.
F.  They travel more frequently.
G.  They make more purchases.
 

The Value Of A College Degree Reading Answers With Explanations (10-13)
 

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.

 

10. C (C,D,E,G: in any order)

 

Reference: From paragraph G:  “1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998).”


Explanation:  This line highlights that college graduates tend to save more money compared to non-graduates. It suggests that higher education leads to better financial management and stability, making "they save more money" the correct answer.

 

11. D (C,D,E,G: in any order)

 

Reference: From paragraph G:  “1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998).”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that college graduates engage in more leisure activities than non-graduates. It implies that higher education provides financial security and work-life balance, allowing individuals to pursue hobbies, making "they enjoy more recreational activities" the correct answer.

 

12. E (C,D,E,G: in any order)

 

Reference: From paragraph G:  “1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998).”

 

Explanation: This line suggests that individuals with higher education tend to have better health, which also extends to their children. It establishes a direct connection between parental education and child well-being, making "they have healthier children" the correct answer.

 

13. G (C,D,E,G: in any order)

 

Reference: From paragraph G:  “1998 report published by the Institute for Higher Education Policy reviews the individual benefits that college graduates enjoy, including higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities (Institute for Higher Education Policy, 1998).”

 

Explanation:  This line indicates that higher education helps individuals make more informed financial choices. It suggests that college graduates are better equipped to manage money and assess purchases wisely, making "they make more purchases." the correct answer.
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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in The Value Of A College Degree reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords include higher education, employment opportunities, salary benefits, skill development, and return on investment. These words help identify key points about the importance and advantages of a college degree.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in The Value Of A College Degree reading passage?

Ans. Read all the headings first, then scan each paragraph to find its main idea. Look for synonyms or paraphrased versions of the headings within the text. Eliminate incorrect options and ensure the heading matches the overall meaning of the paragraph.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of The Value Of A College Degree reading passage?

Ans. A challenging aspect is distinguishing between facts and opinions, as the passage may include arguments for and against college degrees. Additionally, complex vocabulary related to education and employment trends can make comprehension difficult.

Q. Are The Value Of A College Degree passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. This passage is typically part of the IELTS Academic Reading test, as it discusses educational and analytical topics. Academic passages often focus on subjects like economics, science, or social issues.

Q. Are the passages in the IELTS Reading test related to specific topics?

Ans. Yes, IELTS Academic passages cover topics like science, history, and education, while IELTS General Training passages focus on everyday topics such as advertisements, notices, and workplace-related information.

Q. How are the questions structured in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The test includes various question types like multiple choice, matching headings, true/false/not given, sentence completion, and summary completion. These questions assess comprehension, skimming, and scanning abilities.

Q. Is there a negative marking for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking. You do not lose points for incorrect answers, so it is always advisable to attempt every question, even if you are unsure.

Q. What types of questions can I expect in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You can expect multiple-choice, matching headings, sentence completion, summary completion, True/False/Not Given, Yes/No/Not Given, diagram labelling, and short-answer questions.

Q. How are the passages presented in the IELTS Reading test (e.g., chronologically, by difficulty)?

Ans. Passages are usually arranged in increasing order of difficulty. The first passage is generally the easiest, while the third passage is the most complex in terms of vocabulary, content, and question types.

Q. Can I take notes during the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, you can write notes on the question paper. However, your answers must be transferred to the answer sheet within the given time, as only the answer sheet is evaluated.

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

Ans. Practice skimming and scanning techniques, read academic articles daily, focus on understanding keywords, and time yourself while solving practice tests. Expanding your vocabulary also helps in quick comprehension.