What Makes Us Happy Reading Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 08, 2025, 08:14

In the IELTS Reading section, you’ll answer 40 questions based on three academic or general passages. You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the section, so good time management is key. This part of the test assesses how well you understand information, identify main ideas, and spot specific details.

 

What Makes Us Happy Reading explores various factors that contribute to human happiness. It draws on psychological research and long-term studies to examine how relationships, lifestyle choices, and mindset influence overall well-being.


Let’s look at the What Makes Us Happy reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. What Makes Us Happy Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on What Makes Us Happy Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about What Makes Us Happy.

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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.

What Makes Us Happy 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.

 

 

What Makes Us Happy Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. Do you seriously want to be happy? Of course you do! But what does it take to be happy? Many psychologists are now using scientific methods to try to understand the nature and origins of happiness. Their results may surprise you.

 

Paragraph B. Surprisingly, happiness has been shown to be a constitutional trait. The study of different types of twins, identical and non-identical, has enabled scientists to calculate that 50-60% of self-identified happiness – and what other sort is there? – is down to genes. Of course, there is no one specific gene that determines happiness, but a great many, and they tend to overlap with the genes that determine personality. People who are emotionally stable, sociable and conscientious tend to be happier, according to the research.

 

Paragraph C. Now, many people believe that money makes us happy. However, there is no clear relationship between wealth and happiness. Once out of poverty, increases in wealth do not automatically turn into relative increases in happiness. For example, winning the lottery may give a rush of joy and excitement but does not ensure long-term contentment. In fact, studies have shown that lottery winners take less pleasure in everyday events following their win. It seems that they soon get habituated to their money, while at the same time they have distanced themselves from their former lives and identities by leaving jobs, friends and lifestyle.

 

Paragraph D. Nor does a steady increase in income make for greater happiness. The more we have, the more we seem to want, so we are always stuck at the same level of satisfaction/dissatisfaction. The perception of wealth is a relative thing: we are discontented when those who we compare ourselves with are better off than ourselves. This goes some way to explain why, in most Western countries, average incomes have increased considerably but without any increase in the average levels of happiness.

 

Paragraph E. If wealth does not bring happiness, what about spending it? There is no doubt that shopping gives us a short-lived burst of pleasure – but very little more than that. The only type of shopping that might provide longer-term happiness is when we buy things for other people.

 

Paragraph F. Nor does happiness come in liquid or tablet form. A couple of drinks at a party may lighten our mood and be good for us medically and mentally, but alcohol abuse destroys our body, mind and relationships. Similarly, drugs like cocaine and ecstasy give brief bursts of joy, but there is a massive price to be paid when the high is over.

 

Paragraph G. So, what can we do to improve our sense of well-being? First, we need to realise that we are not passive victims of external events. We can and should take control of our lives to make it rewarding and satisfying. We should adopt a positive attitude, and overcome feelings of worthlessness and build our own self-confidence and self-esteem.

 

Paragraph H. We should try to reduce the burden of unnecessary worry. If there is something that can be done about a problem we are worrying about, then we should do it, and stop worrying. And, of course, there is no point in worrying about things we can’t change. A sense of humour is good protection against adversity and a strong antidote to depression. One of the key symptoms of depression is the loss of the ability to laugh.

 

Paragraph I. A key feature of happy and contented people is that they have a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Rather than just drifting through life, they have a clear set of values and goals that they are trying to achieve. This could be associated with faith, humanitarianism and family values, artistic or scientific aspirations and career ambitions. All these things provide a sense of identity as well as something to work towards or look forward to.

 

Paragraph J. Happiness is a positive by-product of keeping active. But not just being busy; we need to be doing things that raise self-esteem and bring us satisfaction, controlling our own schedule and prioritising activities that satisfy our own needs. And saying ‘no’ to other people if necessary. Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to be selfish. Being active members of the community, volunteering for a charity, or helping your family can all create happiness – particularly for older people.

 

Paragraph K. So, should we actively pursue happiness? Curiously, the happiest people seem to be those who do not actively see it – indeed, the ‘pursuit of happiness’ may be counterproductive. To a large extent, happiness emerges as a by-product of who we are and what we do. Conversely, people who focus on making others happy usually make themselves happy in the process.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of What Makes Us Happy reading answer passage.

2.

What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find What Makes Us Happy Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-3
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.
  • Write the correct letter in boxes 1-3 on your answer sheet.

 

1.   The main topic discussed in the text is:
A.   the danger of worrying about things beyond our control
B.   the difficult task of identifying what makes us happy
C.   key indicators of depression
D.   activities which can make us happy

 

2.   A study of different types of twins suggests
A.   happiness is mostly a genetic trait.
B.   ‘happiness’ and ‘personality’ are not related.
C.   identical twins are more emotional than non-identical twins.
D.   scientists are not happy people.

 

3.   According to the text, a steady rise in income
A.   increases anyone’s level of happiness.
B.   creates a steady decline in happiness.
C.   happens frequently in Western cultures.
D.   does not necessarily lead to greater happiness
 

What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers with Explanations (1-3)

 

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.

 

1. B - the difficult task of identifying what makes us happy

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “Many psychologists are now using scientific methods to try to understand the nature and origins of happiness.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the main focus of the passage is the scientific effort to understand what causes happiness. It introduces the topic of happiness as a complex and studied concept, making the difficult task of identifying what makes us happy the correct answer.

 

2. A - happiness is mostly a genetic trait

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “The study of different types of twins, identical and non-identical, has enabled scientists to calculate that 50-60% of self-identified happiness – and what other sort is there? – is down to genes.”

 

Explanation: This line suggests that a large portion of a person's happiness is inherited through their genes, as shown by twin studies. It highlights the genetic component of happiness, supporting the idea that happiness is mostly a constitutional or genetic trait.

 

3. D - does not necessarily lead to greater happiness.

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Once out of poverty, increases in wealth do not automatically turn into relative increases in happiness.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that even though income might rise over time, it does not necessarily result in increased happiness. It explains that people adapt and continue to want more, so their level of happiness often remains unchanged, which supports the correct answer.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 4-6
  • Complete the sentences below.
  • Choose NO MORE THAN TO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 4-6 on your answer sheet.

 

4.   Observation of lottery winners suggests that there is no relationship between happiness and………………………..


5.   When we compare ourselves to others, we discover that the concept of ‘wealth’ is………………………..


6.   The types of purchases which are most likely to provide us with happiness are those purchased for……………………… 
 

What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers With Explanations (4-6)
 

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.

 

4. Wealth/money

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “For example, winning the lottery may give a rush of joy and excitement but does not ensure long-term contentment.”

 

Explanation: This line suggests that although sudden wealth may bring temporary joy, it does not lead to lasting happiness. The example of lottery winners shows that money alone cannot ensure long-term emotional satisfaction, making “wealth/money” the correct answer.

 

5. Relative

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “The perception of wealth is a relative thing: we are discontented when those who we compare ourselves with are better off than ourselves.”

 

Explanation: This line explains that how wealthy we feel depends on who we compare ourselves with. It shows that wealth is not an absolute measure but a relative one, which makes “relative” the accurate answer.

 

6. Other people

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “The only type of shopping that might provide longer-term happiness is when we buy things for other people.”

 

Explanation: This line highlights that purchasing items for others brings more lasting happiness than buying for ourselves. It clearly shows that generous acts have a more positive emotional effect, making “other people” the right answer.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the Dictation Words for IELTS!

Questions and Answers 7-9
Do the following statements agree with the information given in What Makes Us Happy Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 7-9 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.

 

7.   We are all unwilling participants in events beyond our control.

8.   A crucial determiner of happiness is starting each day by writing a ‘to-do’ list.

9.   ‘Happiness’ has a strong relationship with our actions and attitudes.
 

What Makes Us Happy  Reading Answers With Explanations (7-9)

 

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. No

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: "First, we need to realise that we are not passive victims of external events."

 

Explanation: This line clearly states that people are not helpless or unwilling participants in life. Instead, they have the ability to take control of their circumstances. Therefore, the idea that we are all unwilling participants is incorrect.

 

8. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage does not mention anything about starting the day with a ‘to-do’ list or suggest that this is a crucial factor in determining happiness. Since this idea is neither confirmed nor denied anywhere in the text, the correct answer is ‘Not Given’.

 

9. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “We can and should take control of our life to make it rewarding and satisfying. We should adopt a positive attitude, and overcome feelings of worthlessness and build our own self-confidence and self-esteem.”

 

Explanation: This part of the paragraph shows that happiness is closely related to personal actions and mindset. Taking charge of your life and adopting the right attitude are presented as ways to improve happiness; hence, the statement is correct.

 

Read more about IELTS Academic Test

Questions and Answers 10-13
  • Complete the summary using the list of words, A-I, below.
  • Write the correct letter, A-I, in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet

 

A.   lifestyle      B.   important              C.   by-product
D.   related       E.   independent          F.   relevant
G.   scientific    H.   selfish                    I.     exclusive

 

In this article, the author gives us a discussion of ‘happiness’ from a (10) __________ perspective. The investigation into the influence of money on happiness suggests that the two are 

not (11) __________ We should be able to say ‘no’ to other people, but this doesn’t require us to be (12) __________ The author concludes that happiness is the (13) __________ of activity 

focused on making others happy.

 

What Makes Us Happy  Reading Answers With Explanations (10-13)

 

Type of question: Summary completion

 

Under this task, you will be given a summary with incomplete sentences. However, you will not be given any list of words/phrases to choose the missing information. You must refer to the main passage to fill in the missing information. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Read the summary to understand what information it’s missing.
  • Identify keywords and locate them in the main passage to find missing words. 
  • Review the context of the words you’ve chosen to match the summary.
  • Finalise your answers.

 

10. G - Scientific

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: "Many psychologists are now using scientific methods to try to understand the nature and origins of happiness."

 

Explanation: This line indicates that the author approaches the topic of happiness using scientific methods. The use of psychology and research to study happiness confirms that the article is written from a scientific perspective, making “scientific” the correct answer.

 

11. D - related

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: "Nor does a steady increase in income make for greater happiness."

 

Explanation: This line shows that an increase in income does not necessarily bring more happiness. It supports the idea that wealth and happiness do not have a direct relationship, which makes “related” the correct answer here.

 

12. H - Selfish

 

Reference: From Paragraph J: "Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to be selfish."

 

Explanation: This sentence clarifies that prioritising one’s own needs does not mean being inconsiderate of others. The word “selfish” is directly addressed and rejected, making it the correct choice for what we should avoid being.

 

13. C - By-product

 

Reference: From Paragraph K: "To a large extent, happiness emerges as a by-product of who we are and what we do. Conversely, people who focus on making others happy usually make themselves happy in the process."

 

Explanation: This line directly states that happiness is not something actively pursued, but rather something that results from our actions and identity. It makes “by-product” the correct answer, as happiness naturally follows purposeful living.
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 What Makes Us Happy reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords include terms related to happiness, human behaviour, long-term studies, mental health, relationships, and emotional well-being. Look out for words like "Harvard Study," "happiness," "well-being," and "life satisfaction."

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in the What Makes Us Happy reading passage?

Ans. Read the headings first to understand the main ideas. Then, skim each paragraph to find its overall theme. Match based on general meaning, not just keywords, and watch out for distractors.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of the What Makes Us Happy reading passage?

Ans. One challenging aspect is distinguishing between similar-sounding ideas in different paragraphs. The vocabulary may also be abstract, making it difficult to quickly grasp the main point of each section.

Q. Are What Makes Us Happy passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. This type of passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading section, as it focuses on research-based content and abstract ideas suitable for higher education contexts.

Q. What types of texts are used in the Academic Reading test?

Ans. The Academic Reading test uses passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. These texts are typically factual, analytical, and written for a non-specialist audience.

Q. What types of texts are used in the General Training Reading test?

Ans. The General Training test includes texts from everyday materials like advertisements, instruction manuals, timetables, notices, and workplace documents, as well as semi-formal and informal articles.

Q. How many questions are there in total in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test has a total of 40 questions, divided across three sections. Each section may contain different types of question formats to test various reading skills.

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

Ans. You can expect a range of questions like multiple choice, matching headings, sentence completion, True/False/Not Given, short-answer questions, and summary completion.

Q. How is the Reading test scored?

Ans. Your score is based on the number of correct answers out of 40. There is no negative marking, and your raw score is converted into a band score ranging from 1 to 9.

Q. Is there negative marking for incorrect answers?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading test. It’s better to attempt all questions, even if you’re unsure of the answers.

Q. Can I write on the question paper during the test?

Ans. Yes, you can write on the question paper to underline, highlight, or make notes. However, only the answers on the answer sheet will be marked.