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The White Horse Of Uffington Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

updated at

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 11:57

The IELTS Reading section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret written English, measuring your reading comprehension through a variety of texts. In this section, you will have 60 minutes to read the passages and answer 40 questions. The questions may include multiple-choice, matching headings, identifying information or writer’s views, and completing sentences.

 

The passage about "The White Horse of Uffington" explores the origins, significance, and preservation of this prehistoric hill figure. It discusses the theories surrounding its purpose, its historical and cultural importance, and its connection to local legends.

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1. The White Horse Of Uffington 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 White Horse Of Uffington Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The White Horse Of Uffington

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1.

The White Horse Of Uffington 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 White Horse Of Uffington
                            

 

Paragraph 1

Since more than 3,000 years ago, enormous sculptures, or "geoglyphs," have been carved into the dirt of English hillsides. There are 56 hill figures spread around England. The great majority of them are located on the chalk downlands of the southern counties. There are giants, horses, crosses, and regimental insignia among the figures. Despite the fact that the bulk of these geoglyphs were created during the previous 3000 years, there are a few that are far older.

 

Paragraph 2

The most renowned of these statues, the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, is also the most mysterious. The White Horse has lately been redated and proved to be even older than the ancient pre-Roman Iron Age* age originally attributed to it. The dating of the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington in Sussex is more debatable. While many historians believe the figure is prehistoric, some believe it was carved between the 11th and 15th centuries by an artistic monk from a local priory.

 

Paragraph 3

In order to expose the sparkling white chalk beneath these colossal sculptures, it was just necessary to chop away the grass on top. However, the grass would quickly grow back over the geoglyph if it was not routinely cleaned or scoured by a sizable human team. One reason for the demise of the vast majority of hill figures is that folks no longer bothered or remembered to sweep aside the grass to reveal the chalk outline when the traditions associated with the figures vanished. In addition, over the course of hundreds of years, the geoglyph's initial shape would occasionally vary as a result of humans not always carving in the same location, resulting in a changing outline. The fact that any old hill figures remain in England attests to the power and durability of local customs and beliefs, which, in at least one example, must date back millennia.

 

Paragraph 4

The Uffington White Horse is a distinctive stylised image of a horse with a long, slender back, thin, disconnected legs, a flowing tail, and a bird-like beaked head. The graceful creature nearly blends into the scenery. The horse is located 2.5 kilometres from Uffington Hamlet on a steep slope next to the Late Bronze Age hillfort of Uffington Castle (about 7th century BCE) and below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic** route.

 

Paragraph 5

Also surrounding the Uffington Horse are Bronze Age burial mounds. It is close to the well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery of Lambourn Seven Barrows, which has over thirty burial mounds. As is the case with many geoglyphs, the sculpture is best viewed from above, as it has been positioned such that it is nearly impossible to observe from a close distance. Nonetheless, there are portions of the Vale of the White Horse, the valley holding and named after the mysterious beast, from which a sufficient impression may be derived. On a clear day, the sculpture is visible up to 30 kilometres distant.

 

Paragraph 6

The first mention of a horse in Uffington dates back to the 1070s CE, when 'White Horse Hill' is recorded in papers from the adjacent Abbey of Abingdon, and the first mention of the horse itself follows shortly thereafter in 1190 CE. However, it is thought that the carving dates back far further than that. Due to the similarities between the Uffington White Horse and the stylised portrayals of horses on coins from the 1st century BCE, it was believed that the creature dated to the same era.

 

Paragraph 7

In 1995, the Oxford Archaeological Unit conducted Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) tests on dirt from two of the horse's lower body layers and a sample was taken at the base. The result was a date for the horse's creation between 1400 and 600 BCE, indicating that it originated around the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age.

 

Paragraph 8

The latter end of this date range would link the horse sculpture to the nearby Uffington hillfort, hinting that it may be a tribal symbol identifying the hillfort's inhabitants' land. Alternatively, the carving may have occurred during a Bronze Age or Iron Age ceremony. Some experts believe It is said that the horse represents the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who was revered as a guardian of horses and for her links to fertility. However, Epona worship was not brought from Gaul (France) until about the first century CE. This date is at least six centuries after the probable carving of the Uffington Horse. Despite this, the horse had significant ceremonial and economic importance during the Bronze and Iron Ages, as seen by its representation of jewellery and other metal things. It is probable that the sculpture portrays a native deity, such as Rhiannon, who is depicted in later Welsh mythology as a lovely woman riding a white horse and clad in gold.

 

Paragraph 9

The ease with which geoglyphs may vanish, as well as the rituals and importance associated with them, shows that they were never intended to be more than gestures. However, this does not diminish their significance. These enormous engravings provide a fascinating peek into the thinking of their makers and how they perceived the environment in which they lived.

*Iron Age: a time period (in Britain, 800 BCE to 43 CE) marked by the employment of iron implements.
*Bronze Age is a time period (in Britain, around 2,500 BCE to 800 BCE) distinguished by the invention of bronze implements.
*Neolithic: a time period (in Britain, c. 4,000 BCE – c. 2,500 BCE) notable for the expansion of agriculture and the use of stone tools.
The ancient people who came from Europe to Britain before the Romans.

2.

The White Horse Of Uffington Reading Question & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The White Horse Of Uffington

Questions and Answers 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 1-5 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

 

 

1. Most geoglyphs in England are located in a particular area of the country.

2 There are more geoglyphs in the shape of a horse than any other creature.

3. A recent dating of the Uffington White Horse indicates that people were mistaken about its age.

4. Historians have agreed about the origins of the Long Man of Wilmington.

5.  Geoglyphs were created by people placing white chalk on the hillside.


 

The White Horse Of Uffington Answers with Explanations (1-5)

 

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.

 

 

1. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 1: "The great majority of them are located on the chalk downlands of the southern counties."

 

Explanation

The passage states that most geoglyphs are found in a specific area of England, which matches the given statement, making the answer true.


 

2. Not Given

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph:  Not applicable
 

 

Explanation

There is no information provided in the passage about the number of geoglyphs in the shape of horses compared to other creatures, hence the answer is not given.


 

3. True

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 2:  "The White Horse has lately been redated and proved to be even older than the ancient pre-Roman Iron Age age originally attributed to it."

 

Explanation

The recent re-dating of the Uffington White Horse revealed it is older than previously thought, indicating a mistaken initial assumption about its age. Hence, the answer is true.


 

4. False

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 2: "The dating of the mysterious Long Man of Wilmington in Sussex is more debatable. While many historians believe the figure is prehistoric, some believe it was carved between the 11th and 15th centuries."
 

Explanation

The passage mentions differing opinions among historians about the Long Man of Wilmington's origins, indicating no agreement. Hence, the answer is false.


 

5. False

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 3: "In order to expose the sparkling white chalk beneath these colossal sculptures, it was just necessary to chop away the grass on top."

 

Explanation

Geoglyphs were created by removing grass to reveal the white chalk underneath, not by placing chalk on the hillside. Hence, the answer is false.

Questions and Answers 6-8
  • Answer the following questions.
  • Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

 

 

6. How many hill figures were scattered around England?
7. What does the Bronze Age cemetery of Lambourn consist of?
8. Who was worshipped as a protector of horses?

 

The White Horse Of Uffington Answers with Explanations (6-8)

 

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 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. 


 

6. 56

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 1: "There are 56 hill figures spread around England."
 

Explanation

The passage mentions that there are 56 hill figures spread around England, providing a clear count of the scattered figures.


 

7. Burial-mounds

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 5: “It is close to the well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery of Lambourn Seven Barrows, which has over thirty burial mounds."
 

Explanation

The Bronze Age cemetery of Lambourn consists of more than 30 well-preserved burial mounds, indicating the nature of the structures within it.


 

8. Goddess Epona

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 8: "Some experts believe It is said that the horse represents the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who was revered as a guardian of horses."

 

Explanation

The passage suggests that the horse sculpture may represent the Celtic horse goddess Epona, worshipped as a guardian of horses, offering insight into the deity's significance in relation to the artwork. 

Questions and Answers 9-13
  • Complete the notes below.
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

 

 

The location of the Uffington White Horse:
 

  • a distance of 2.5 km from Uffington village
  • near an ancient road known as the 9) ……………………
  • close to an ancient cemetery that has several burial mounds

 

Dating the Uffington White Horse:
 

  • the first reference to White Horse Hill appears in 10) …………………… from the 1070s
  • horses shown on coins from the period 100 BCE – 1 BCE are similar in appearance
  • according to the analysis of the surrounding 11) ……………………, the Horse is Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age

 

Possible reasons for the creation of the Uffington White Horse:
 

  • an emblem to indicate land ownership
  • formed part of an ancient ritual
  • was a representation of goddess Epona – associated with the protection of horses and 12)……………………
  • was a representation of a Welsh goddess called 13) ……………………


 

The White Horse Of Uffington Answers with Explanations (9-13)

 

Type of question: Short answer 

 

In this question type, you are required to complete the notes using one word taken directly from the passage.

 

How to answer: 

 

  • Read the Instructions Carefully and follow them strictly, including any word limits or context constraints.
  • Skim the passage first to understand its content and structure
  • Identify and underline keywords in the questions to find the relevant part of the passage more easily.
  • You may have to look for synonyms or paraphrases to find the answer.
  • Use appropriate vocabulary that fits the context.
  • Verify your answers and finalise them

 

 

9. Ridgeway

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 4: “The horse is located 2.5 kilometres from Uffington Hamlet on a steep slope next to the Late Bronze Age hillfort of Uffington Castle (about 7th century BCE) and below the Ridgeway, a long-distance Neolithic route.”


 

Explanation

The location of the Uffington White Horse is described as being "below the Ridgeway," indicating its proximity to an ancient road. Thus, "Ridgeway" is the answer.


 

10. Documents

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 6: “The first mention of a horse in Uffington dates back to the 1070s CE, when 'White Horse Hill' is recorded in papers from the adjacent Abbey of Abingdon, and the first mention of the horse itself follows shortly thereafter in 1190 CE.”
 

Explanation

The word "documents" is used to refer to the papers from the 1070s that mention "White Horse Hill."


 

11. Soil

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 7: “In 1995, the Oxford Archaeological Unit conducted Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) tests on dirt from two of the horse's lower body layers and a sample was taken at the base.”

 

Explanation

The word "soil" refers to the dirt from which samples were taken for dating analysis, providing information about the construction date of the Uffington White Horse.

 

12. Fertility

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 8: “Some experts believe It is said that the horse represents the Celtic horse goddess Epona, who was revered as a guardian of horses and for her links to fertility.”
 

Explanation

The mention of Epona as a goddess associated with the protection of horses and fertility supports the idea that the Uffington White Horse might represent her. Hence, "fertility" is the answer.


 

13. Rhiannon

 

Reference:

 

From paragraph 8: “It is probable that the sculpture portrays a native deity, such as Rhiannon, who is depicted in later Welsh mythology as a lovely woman riding a white horse and clad in gold.”

 

Explanation

The reference to Rhiannon as a Welsh goddess who rides a white horse and is depicted in gold suggests that the Uffington White Horse could represent her. Hence, "Rhiannon" is the answer.

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FAQs

Q: Is it possible to retake the IELTS Reading test alone?

Ans: Yes, You have the option to retake any section of the IELTS test individually, whether it's listening, reading, writing, or speaking. The structure and timing of the IELTS One Skill Retake test mirror that of the individual skill within a full IELTS test. This allows you to focus solely on the section you wish to improve, saving time as you won't need to complete the other three skills.

Q: What are some effective strategies for preparing for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans: Successful preparation for the IELTS reading exam involves several key steps. Start by getting familiar with the test format, work on enhancing your reading speed, expand your vocabulary, engage in practice with sample tests, refine your skimming and scanning techniques, and expose yourself to a variety of texts. Consistent practice is crucial. With dedication and regular practice, you can enhance your reading abilities and attain a high score on the test.

Q: How much time should I allocate to prepare for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans: Ideally, a minimum of four weeks is recommended to prepare for the IELTS reading test. This timeframe allows sufficient opportunity to bolster your reading skills, enrich your vocabulary, practice using sample tests, and refine your skimming and scanning abilities. However, the specific amount of preparation time needed varies depending on your current level of English proficiency and familiarity with the test format.