leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu

Water Filter Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

updated at

Updated on Sep 05, 2024, 19:13

This passage, “Water Filter”, describes a groundbreaking water filter invention developed by Tony Flynn from ANU. The filter uses basic materials like clay, coffee grounds, and cow manure to create a device that effectively removes pathogens from water. The process involves mixing the materials, shaping the filter, and firing it using cow manure as a fuel source. This method is cost-effective and practical, especially for developing countries where resources are limited. Unlike traditional methods that require expensive equipment, this approach is simple and adaptable to various environments.

 

This passage helps prepare for the IELTS Reading section by featuring a detailed description of innovative technology, focusing on process explanations and technical details. It provides practice in improving your ability to quickly identify key points, understand the structure of a text, and summarise information efficiently, which are essential skills for your IELTS Reading score.

 

Let’s look at the “Water Filter” reading passage along with questions, answers and explanations.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. Water Filter Reading Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 - 13 based on the Reading Passage below.

Slider image

2. Water Filter Reading Questions & Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Water Filter Reading Questions & Answers.

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.

Water Filter 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.

 

Looking to register for IELTS? Check out the upcoming dates!

 

 

 

Water Filter Reading Passage

 

Paragraph A  

An ingenious invention is set to bring clean water to the third world, and while the science may be cutting edge, the materials are extremely down to earth. A handful of clay yesterday’s coffee grounds and some cow manure are the ingredients that could bring clean, safe drinking water to much of the third world.

 

Paragraph B

The simple new technology, developed by ANU materials scientist Mr. Tony Flynn, allows water filters to be made from commonly available materials and fired on the ground using cow manure as the source of heat without the need for a kiln. The filters have been tested and shown to remove common pathogens (disease-producing organisms), including E-coli. Unlike other water filtering devices, the filters are simple and inexpensive to make. “They are very simple to explain and demonstrate and can be made by anyone, anywhere,” says Mr. Flynn. “They don’t require any Western technology. All you need is terracotta clay, a compliant cow and a match.”

 

Paragraph C

The production of the filters is extremely simple. Take a handful of dry, crushed clay, mix it with a handful of organic material, such as used tea leaves, coffee grounds or rice hulls, add enough water to make a stiff biscuit-like mixture and form a cylindrical pot that has one end closed, then dry it in the sun. According to Mr. Flynn, the coffee grounds used have given the best results to date. Next, surround the pots with straw; put them in a mound of cow manure, light the straw and then top up the burning manure as required. In less than 60 minutes, the filters are finished. The walls of the finished pot should be about as thick as an adult’s index. The properties of cow manure are vital as the fuel can reach a temperature of 700 degrees in half an hour and will be up to 950 degrees after another 20 to 30 minutes. The manure makes a good fuel because it is very high in organic material that burns readily and quickly; the manure has to be dry and is best used exactly as found in the field; there is no need to break it up or process it any further. 

 

Paragraph D

“A potter’s din is an expensive item and could take up to four or five hours to get up to 800 degrees. It needs expensive or scarce fuel, such as gas or wood, to heat it and experience to run it. With no technology, no insulation and nothing other than a pile of cow manure and a match, none of these restrictions apply,” Mr. Flynn says.

 

Paragraph E

It is also helpful that, like terracotta clay and organic material, cow dung is freely available across the developing world. “A cow is a natural fuel factory. My understanding is that cow dung as a fuel would be pretty much the same wherever you would find it.” Just as using manure as a fuel for domestic uses is not a new idea, the porosity of clay is something that potters have known about for years and something that, as a former ceramics lecturer in the ANU School of Art, Mr. Flynn is well aware of. The difference is that rather than viewing the porous nature of the material as a problem — after all, not many people want a pot that won’t hold water — his filters capitalise on this property.

 

Paragraph F

Other commercial ceramic filters do exist, but even if available, with prices starting at US$5 each, they are often outside the budgets of most people in the developing world. The filtration process is simple but effective. The basic principle is that there are passages through the filter that are wide enough for water droplets to pass through but too narrow for pathogens. Tests with the deadly E-coli bacterium have seen the filters remove 96.4 to 99.8 percent of the pathogen — well within safe levels. Using only one filter, it takes two hours to filter a litre of water. The use of organic material, which burns away after firing, helps produce the structure in which pathogens will become trapped. It overcomes the potential problems of finer clays that may not let water through and also means that cracks are soon halted. And like clay and cow dung, it is universally available.

 

Paragraph G

The invention was born out of a World Vision project involving the Manatuto community in East Timor. The charity wanted to help set up a small industry manufacturing water filters, but initial research found the local clay to be too fine — a problem solved by the addition of organic material. While the AF problems of producing a working ceramic filter in East Timor were overcome, the solution was kiln-based and particular to that community’s materials and couldn’t be applied elsewhere. Manure firing, with no requirement for a kiln, has made this zero technology approach available anywhere it is needed. With all the components being widely available, Mr. Flynn says there is no reason the technology couldn’t be applied throughout the developing world, and with no plans to patent his idea, there will be no legal obstacles to it being adopted in any community that needs it. “Everyone has a right to clean water; these filters have the potential to enable anyone in the world to drink water safely,” says Mr. Flynn 

2.

Water Filter Reading Questions & Answers

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • Complete the flowchart using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the Reading Passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.
  • Guide to Making Water Filters

 

Step one: combination of 1__________  and organic material, with sufficient 2_________  to create a thick mixture sun dried.

Step two: pack 3____________  around the cylinders and place them in 4________  which is as burning fuel for firing (maximum temperature: 5_________ ) filter being baked in under 6__________ 

 

Water Filter Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)

 

Type of question: Flowchart Completion 

In this task, you are required to fill in these gaps with specific information or steps described in the passage. The information might relate to a process, sequence of events, steps in a procedure, or stages in a development.

 

How to best answer:   

  • Pay close attention to the flowchart or diagram and the instructions provided.
  • Quickly scan the relevant section of the passage to gather information that fits the gaps in the flowchart.
  • Ensure that the information you choose accurately fits the context of the flowchart or diagram.
  • Look for keywords or synonyms in the passage that match the information needed for each gap.
  • Ensure your answers are grammatically correct and fit within any word limit specified.
  • Finalise your answers.

     
1. Clay

 

Reference: 


From paragraph C:  "Take a handful of dry, crushed clay, mix it with a handful of organic material, such as used tea leaves, coffee grounds or rice hulls, add enough water to make a stiff biscuit-like mixture and form a cylindrical pot that has one end closed, then dry it in the sun." 

 

Explanation:  This line clarifies that clay is a fundamental ingredient in the water filter-making process. It describes how clay is mixed with organic materials to form a mixture that will be shaped into a pot. The specific mention of clay as a primary component underlines its crucial role, making "clay" the correct answer.

 

2. Water

 

Reference: 


From paragraph C: "Take a handful of dry, crushed clay, mix it with a handful of organic material, such as used tea leaves, coffee grounds or rice hulls, add enough water to make a stiff biscuit-like mixture and form a cylindrical pot that has one end closed, then dry it in the sun." 

 

Explanation: This line specifies that water is essential for achieving the proper consistency of the mixture used to create the filter. The addition of water helps in forming a stiff, workable mixture that can be moulded into shape. The importance of water in this process makes "water" the correct answer.

 

3. Straw

 

Reference: 


From paragraph C: "Next, surround the pots with straw; put them in a mound of cow manure, light the straw, and then top up the burning manure as required."  

 

Explanation: This line indicates that straw is used to encase the pots before they are placed in cow manure for firing. Straw helps in holding the pots together during the firing process. The role of straw as a critical component in this step highlights why "straw" is the correct answer.

 

4. Cow manure

 

Reference: 

From paragraph C: "Next, surround the pots with straw; put them in a mound of cow manure, light the straw, and then top up the burning manure as required." 

 

Explanation: This line explains that cow manure is used as the primary fuel for firing the filters. The manure’s role is crucial because it provides the necessary heat to complete the firing process. Its specific mention in this context makes "cow manure" the correct answer.

 

5. 950 degrees

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C:  "The properties of cow manure are vital as the fuel can reach a temperature of 700 degrees in half an hour and will be up to 950 degrees after another 20 to 30 minutes." 

 

Explanation: This line details the high temperature that cow manure can achieve during the firing process. The ability of the manure to reach 950 degrees is essential for properly curing the filters. The specific temperature mentioned underlines the importance of this factor, making "950 degrees" the correct answer.

 

6. 60 minutes

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C:  "In less than 60 minutes, the filters are finished." 

 

Explanation: This line highlights the duration required to complete the firing process of the filters. The process is described as being completed in under 60 minutes, emphasising the efficiency of using cow manure as fuel. The time frame mentioned is crucial for understanding the process, making "60 minutes" the correct answer.

 

Also Read: IELTS General Reading Test.
 

Questions and Answers 7-10
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
In boxes 7-10 on your answer sheet, write

  • TRUE, if the statement is true
  • FALSE, if the statement is false
  • NOT GIVEN, if the information is not given in the passage

 

7.   It takes half an hour for the manure to reach 950 degrees

8.   Clay was initially found to be unsuitable for pot-making

9.   Coffee grounds are twice as effective as other materials

10.  E-coli is the most difficult bacteria to combat

 

Water Filter Reading Answers with Explanations (7-10)

 

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.

     
7. False

 

Reference: 


From paragraph C: "The properties of cow manure are vital as the fuel can reach a temperature of 700 degrees in half an hour and will be up to 950 degrees after another 20 to 30 minutes." 

 

Explanation:  According to the passage, the manure reaches a temperature of 950 degrees only after an additional 20 to 30 minutes beyond the initial heating time. This means that it takes longer than half an hour to achieve 950 degrees, which contradicts the statement provided. Therefore, the statement is False.

 

8. True

 

Reference: 


From paragraph E:  "Just as using manure as a fuel for domestic uses is not a new idea, the porosity of clay is something that potters have known about for years and something that, as a former ceramics lecturer in the ANU School of Art, Mr. Flynn is well aware of."

 

Explanation: The passage notes that the initial issue with the local clay was its fineness, which made it unsuitable for making filters. The problem was addressed by adding organic materials, which suggests that the clay's unsuitability was a real concern. This confirms that the statement about the initial unsuitability of the clay is accurate.

 

9. Not given

 

Reference: 


From paragraph:  N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not provide any information comparing the effectiveness of coffee grounds to other materials.

 

10. Not given

 

Reference: 

 

From paragraph: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not specify whether E-coli is the most difficult bacteria to combat.


Learn about IELTS Reading Vocabulary here! 

Questions and Answers 11-13
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 11-13 on your answer sheet.

 

11. When making the pot, the thickness of the wall 

A.  is large enough to let the pathogens pass.

B.  varied according to the temperature of the fuel,

C.  should be the same as an adult’s forefinger.

D.  is not mentioned by Mr. Flynn.

 

12. What is true about the charity, it 

A.  failed in the search for the appropriate materials.

B.  successfully manufactured a kiln-based ceramic filter to be sold worldwide

C.  found that the local clay is good enough.

D.  intended to help build a local filter production factory.

 

13. Mr. Flynn’s design is purposely not being patented 

A.  because he hopes it can be freely used around the world

B.  because he doesn’t think the technology is perfect enough,

C.  because there are some legal obstacles.

D.  because the design has already been applied thoroughly.


 

Water Filter 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

 

Reference

 

From paragraph C:  "The walls of the finished pot should be about as thick as an adult’s index."

 

Explanation:  The specified thickness of the pot wall is described as the same as an adult's forefinger, directly confirming that option C is correct. The detail provided in the paragraph highlights that the pot walls should be of a specific thickness to ensure functionality, ruling out other options which do not match this description.

 

12. D

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G:  "The charity wanted to help set up a small industry manufacturing water filters, but initial research found the local clay to be too fine — a problem solved by the addition of organic material."

 

Explanation: This line shows that the charity's goal was to establish a local filter production factory but encountered issues with local clay. The problem was addressed by using organic materials, aligning with option D, which correctly reflects the charity's intent to build a filter manufacturing setup.

 

13. A

 

Reference

 

From paragraph G: “ “Everyone has a right to clean water; these filters have the potential to enable anyone in the world to drink water safely,” says Mr. Flynn.”

 

Explanation: This statement from Mr. Flynn emphasises his commitment to making the filter technology widely accessible. By choosing not to patent the design, Mr. Flynn ensures that the filters can be freely used around the world, making option A the correct answer as it aligns with the goal of universal access to clean water.

 

Also Read:
 

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. How is the IELTS Reading test scored?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test is scored based on the number of correct answers. Each correct answer earns one mark, and the total number of correct answers is converted to a band score ranging from 1 to 9. The band score reflects your reading proficiency and ability to understand written texts.

Q. Are spelling mistakes penalised for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Yes, spelling mistakes are penalised in the IELTS Reading test. Accurate spelling is crucial, as incorrect spelling can lead to losing marks. Ensure you carefully check your answers for spelling errors to avoid losing points. Even minor mistakes can affect your score, so it's important to practise spelling regularly.

Q. Is grammar necessary for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. Grammar is not directly assessed in the IELTS Reading test, but it is important for writing answers correctly. The test focuses on understanding and interpreting text, so accurate grammar ensures your answers are clear and unambiguous. Proper grammar helps in avoiding confusion and ensures that you convey the intended meaning.