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Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

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Updated on Mar 08, 2024, 07:02

IELTS Reading preparation can be informative plus exciting. Start your preparation with interesting topics like the Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading sample below. 
 

The IELTS Reading test is a one-hour test that assesses your English reading skills through a series of passages and tasks. 
 

The task types, number of passages, length, and topics differ for the IELTS Academic Reading test and the IELTS General Reading test.

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1. Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Passage

Read the given passage and answer Questions 1-14. 

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2. Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder.

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1.

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Passage

Read the given passage and answer Questions 1-14. 

 

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder 


 

Paragraph A: The business of the organisation is massive. This requirement is met by a multibillion-dollar industry that caters to the organisational needs of both individuals and businesses.

There has never been a time in human history when there were so many methods available for managing one's time, projects, and personal organisation. We are told that if we want to be more productive, we need to organise our work lives, personal lives, work weeks, daily lives, and sleep schedules. Every week, millions of people pay to attend seminars and workshops that instruct them on how to best organise their lives to achieve this goal.

Some business leaders and entrepreneurs have begun to adopt this language, much to the delight of perfectionists who insist on nothing less than absolute excellence. Over the past 50 years, there has been a huge increase in the number of business schools and graduates whose main purpose is to instruct individuals in effective organisational practices.
 

Paragraph B: The number of businesses that fail, however, has also been on the rise. Tensions at work have grown. A sizable fraction of workers across all demographics report being unhappy with their jobs and supervisors.

What could possibly have gone wrong? Why does the effort to be more organised seem like a sure bet on paper for boosting productivity but fall so far short of the mark in practice?
 

Paragraph C: For some time, this has been an issue. A pioneer in the field of scientific management, Frederick Taylor deserves recognition. He published his ideas in the first half of the twentieth century, and his principles for streamlining business operations are now widely used. Consequently, this method has been used for quite some time.

 

Paragraph D: According to recent studies, this fixation on efficiency is misplaced. It is not so much the management theories or strategies that we use to organise our work that are at fault, as it is the fundamental beliefs that underlie those approaches. For our purposes here, let's assume that order is equivalent to efficiency. As a corollary, this thinking has promoted the view that chaos must reduce efficiency in the workplace. As a result, organisations and individuals waste resources on futile efforts to become more organised rather than considering the benefits of doing so.

 

Paragraph E: Further, there are diminishing returns to order, as shown by recent research. It's true that establishing some degree of orderliness boosts output initially, but after a while, the process of organising and the results it produces become less valuable, to the point where more order actually hinders output. There are those who believe that formalising a business practice is unnecessary if the time and money spent on it are outweighed by the benefits. There are more worthwhile uses for money and time.
 

Paragraph F: In fact, studies have shown that the most effective method of innovating is to foster an atmosphere devoid of structure and hierarchy, in which all participants are encouraged to work together as a single organic unit. New solutions may emerge in these settings that would be impossible in more traditionally structured settings (with their inherent bottlenecks in information flow, power structures, rules, and routines).
 

Paragraph G: Companies have been gradually warming up to this disorder in recent years. Some of them accept it both in terms of outlook (they welcome the idea of chaos rather than reject it) and method (putting mechanisms in place to reduce structure).

Hearing aid maker Oticon, based in Denmark, adopted a "spaghetti" organisational structure to break down rigid hierarchies. This meant doing away with titles and giving employees a great deal of autonomy over their work and schedules. There was an immediate and noticeable increase in worker productivity across the board after adopting this strategy.

Similarly, the former chairman of General Electric embraced anarchy and proposed the concept of a "boundaryless" business. Again, this means removing physical and digital barriers to communication and cooperation within an organisation. Google and other tech companies have adopted such fluid organisational structures, made possible by advances in communication and collaboration tools and supported by a shared commitment to the company's core values.
 

Paragraph H: For those considering joining the bandwagon, it's worth noting that, like order, the disorder appears to have diminishing utility and can have negative effects on performance if used too frequently. Both order and disorder should be welcomed only to the extent that they serve a purpose. We shouldn't be afraid of it or hold any one religion in higher esteem than another. This study also demonstrates the importance of regularly reevaluating our underlying presumptions.
 

Also Read: IELTS Pattern and Format

2.

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Questions and Answers

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder.

Questions and Answers 1-8
  • Reading Passage has eight sections: A-H
  • Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
  • Write the correct number, i-ix, for questions 1-8 on your answer sheet.

 

List of Headings
 

i. Neither strategy promises ever-increasing quality

 

ii. What more and more people are being tasked with doing
 

iii. Corporations that adopt a fresh strategy
 

iv. Preventative suggestions for business endeavours

 

v. Proof that there are drawbacks to a method that outweigh its benefits
 

vi. Beliefs at the core that are not true

 

vii. Getting results that are currently unattainable
 

viii. Concerns raised about a method's results
 

ix. The companies that have suffered the most from adjusting their strategy
 

  1. Section A - _____
  2. Section B - _____
  3. Section C - _____
  4. Section D - _____
  5. Section E - _____
  6. Section F - _____
  7. Section G - _____
  8. Section H - _____

 

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Answers with Explanation 1-8

 

Question Type: Matching Heading
 

The Matching Heading Task of the IELTS Reading Test asks you to match a given list of headings with the paragraphs/sections of the passage. 
 

A heading refers to the core idea of a paragraph. You have to identify the main theme of each paragraph. This task type is usually provided for passages that contain paragraphs with a clearly defined theme. 
 

The Matching Heading question type analyses how you identify the core idea of a text and assesses your ability to separate the main idea of a paragraph from other supporting ideas. 
 

How to Answer Matching HeadingTask: 
 

  • Read the given headings and underline their keywords
  • Skim through the passage for the keywords
  • Read the paragraph and identify its main point
  • Match it with the given set of headings
     

Now check out the answers: 

 

1. ii - What more and more people are being tasked with doing

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph A: There has never been a time in human history when there were so many methods available for managing one's time, projects, and personal organisation. We are told that if we want to be more productive, we need to organise our work lives, personal lives, work weeks, daily lives, and sleep schedules. Every week, millions of people pay to attend seminars and workshops that instruct them on how to best organise their lives to achieve this goal.


Explanation: The given paragraph explains why embracing order and disorder in a workspace is important. The introductory paragraph of the passage clearly explains the current scenario where people are mentored about what to do and how to do it in a much more organised and structured manner. So, the given title, What More and More People are Being Tasked with Doing, matches paragraph A.

 

2. viii - Concerns raised about a method's results

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph B: The number of businesses that fail, however, has also been on the rise. Tensions at work have grown. A sizable fraction of workers across all demographics report being unhappy with their jobs and supervisors.
 

Explanation: The given paragraph explains the aftereffects of an overly structured work system. It makes employees unhappy with their work set-up, and their productivity declines. So, the title Concerns Raised About a Method's Results accurately matches paragraph B


 

3. iv - Preventative suggestions for business endeavours

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph C: For some time, this has been an issue. A pioneer in the field of scientific management, Frederick Taylor deserves recognition. He published his ideas in the first half of the twentieth century, and his principles for streamlining business operations are now widely used. Consequently, this method has been used for quite some time.
 

Explanation: The above-given lines introduce the innovative theory proposed by Frederick Taylor, who is an expert in the field. His idea was proposed during the first half of the twentieth century and is widely used by business endeavours to prevent productivity decline. So, the title Preventative Suggestions for Business Endeavours matches paragraph C.


 

4. vi - Beliefs at the core that are not true

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph D: According to recent studies, this fixation on efficiency is misplaced. It is not so much the management theories or strategies that we use to organise our work that are at fault, as it is the fundamental beliefs that underlie those approaches. 
 

Explanation: The given lines denote that the problem is not only with the practice but also with our core beliefs. It is the thought that chaos or lack of order reduces productivity is wrong. Instead, business endeavours should accommodate a minimum level of disorderness to enhance productivity. So, the title Beliefs at the Core That are Not True matches paragraph D.

 

5. v - Proof that there are drawbacks to a method that outweigh its benefits

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph E: It's true that establishing some degree of orderliness boosts output initially, but after a while, the process of organising and the results it produces become less valuable, to the point where more order actually hinders output.


Explanation: The given lines demonstrate that, although there are some advantages to practising order and structure within a workspace, the drawbacks outweigh its benefits. It even goes to an extent where there is no output from the work. So, the title Proof That There are Drawbacks to a Method that Outweigh its Benefits accurately matches paragraph E.
 

6. vii - Getting results that are currently unattainable

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph F: New solutions may emerge in these settings that would be impossible in more traditionally structured settings (with their inherent bottlenecks in information flow, power structures, rules, and routines).
 

Explanation: The given paragraph explains the benefits of the new method. According to the narrator, the new system can bring forth new ideas that can be impossible to produce within the traditional work set-up. So, the title Getting Results That are Currently Unattainable matches paragraph F


 

7. iii - Corporations that adopt a fresh strategy

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph G: Hearing aid maker Oticon, based in Denmark, adopted a "spaghetti" organisational structure to break down rigid hierarchies. This meant doing away with titles and giving employees a great deal of autonomy over their work and schedules. There was an immediate and noticeable increase in worker productivity across the board after adopting this strategy.

Similarly, the former chairman of General Electric embraced anarchy and proposed the concept of a "boundaryless" business. Again, this means removing physical and digital barriers to communication and cooperation within an organisation. Google and other tech companies have adopted such fluid organisational structures, made possible by advances in communication and collaboration tools and supported by a shared commitment to the company's core values.

 

Explanation: The above-mentioned paragraph provides examples of corporations that adopted the new method. These firms have introduced a less structured work habit to promote productivity and employee satisfaction. So, the title Corporations That Adopt a Fresh Strategy matches paragraph G

 

8. i - Neither strategy promises ever-increasing quality

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph H: For those considering joining the bandwagon, it's worth noting that, like order, the disorder appears to have diminishing utility and can have negative effects on performance if used too frequently. Both order and disorder should be welcomed only to the extent that they serve a purpose. 
 

Explanation: The passage's conclusion explains the new system's demerits. Similar to the old and traditional work practices, the new system of disorder also has demerits if not monitored. While disorder has its benefits, too much disorder can hamper work. So, the title Neither Strategy Promises Ever-increasing Quality correctly matches paragraph H

 

Read More: All About IELTS Reading Test 

Questions and Answers 9-11
  • Complete the sentences below.
  • Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers for the questions 9-11 on your answer sheet.

 

9. Many workshops cater to those who fear they are not _________________ enough.
 

10. Numerous workers feel ________________ with certain facets of their jobs.
 

11. People who value ___________________most value being organised the most.
 

 

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Answers with Explanation 9-11

 

Question Type: Sentence Completion 
 

The Sentence Completion task provides you with a set of incomplete sentences. You must find appropriate words from the passage to fill in the blanks and form meaningful sentences. 
 

Here, you can scan the passage and easily find your answers. 
 

How to Answer Sentence Completion Task:
 

  • Read the entire sentence carefully
  • Identify keywords
  • Locate them in the passage 
  • Consider the surrounding sentences
  • Find appropriate words to fill in the blanks
  • Be aware of grammatical structure
  • Use your understanding of collocations
  • Watch out for synonyms

 

Check out the answers now. 

 

9. Productive

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph A: There has never been a time in human history when there were so many methods available for managing one's time, projects, and personal organisation. We are told that if we want to be more productive, we need to organise our work lives, personal lives, work weeks, daily lives, and sleep schedules. Every week, millions of people pay to attend seminars and workshops that instruct them on how to best organise their lives to achieve this goal.
 

Explanation: The passage explains that people are giving more importance to achieving order and being strategic in work and life. So, more and more people are attending seminars and workshops that train them to become more productive



 

10. Unhappy

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph B: The number of businesses that fail, however, has also been on the rise. Tensions at work have grown. A sizable fraction of workers across all demographics report being unhappy with their jobs and supervisors.
 

Explanation: The passage explains the aftermath of too-organised work practices. While it promises structure and order within the firm, it makes employees unhappier and less productive. 


 

11. Perfectionists

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph A: Some business leaders and entrepreneurs have begun to adopt this language, much to the delight of perfectionists who insist on nothing less than absolute excellence. 

 

Explanation: The passage denotes that business endeavours and leaders have adopted and emphasised the orderly practice. This benefits people who are perfectionists in their work. However, this does not apply to the majority. 


Also Read: IELTS Reading Resources

Questions and Answers 12-14
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage?
For questions 12-14 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

 

12. Google's decision to embrace flexibility was motivated by General Electric’s evident success with the strategy.
 

13. Successful innovation requires clearly defined roles for all participants.
 

14. Many organisations and individuals pursue order without fully appreciating it.


 

Why Companies Should Welcome Disorder Reading Answers with Explanation 12-14


 

Question Type: Identifying Information
 

The Identifying Information task asks you to identify the information as True, False, or Not Given. You must verify the question statements with the information in the reading passage. 
 

The Identifying Information Task analyses your ability to understand the text's claims. It also assesses your ability to locate an idea and understand its details. 
 

How to answer the Identifying Information task:
 

  • Read the question statements 
  • Find the keywords in the question
  • Scan and find the passage for the keywords
  • Read the sentence/paragraph containing the keyword
  • Verify the information with the question statement

 

Check out the answers now. 


 

12. Not given

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph G: Google and other tech companies have adopted such fluid organisational structures, made possible by advances in communication and collaboration tools and supported by a shared commitment to the company's core values.
 

Explanation: The passage provides General Electric and Google as two examples of successful employment of the new work method. However, it does not provide any information to claim that General Electric inspired Google for the same. So, the information in the question statement is not given in the passage. 


 

13. False

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph F: In fact, studies have shown that the most effective method of innovating is to foster an atmosphere devoid of structure and hierarchy, in which all participants are encouraged to work together as a single organic unit. 
 

Explanation: According to the passage, the new idea proposes to remove structure and hierarchy in the workspace. Instead of giving strictly prescribed work roles and positions, it emphasises disorder. The information in the question statement contradicts the explanation provided in the passage. So, it is false


 

14. True

 

Reference:

 

From Paragraph D:  As a corollary, this thinking has promoted the view that chaos must reduce efficiency in the workplace. As a result, organisations and individuals waste resources on futile efforts to become more organised rather than considering the benefits of doing so.
 

Explanation: The above-mentioned lines explain that business firms pursue order without considering its benefits and aftereffects. So, the statement provided in the question is true

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FAQs

Q. What are some reliable resources for the IELTS Reading test?

A. Numerous resources are available for IELTS Reading preparation. Some of the credible sources are given below.
 

  • IELTS books  (such as The Official Cambridge Guide To IELTS Students and Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook)
  • Online practice tests and sample questions
  • Video tutorials
  • Study apps 
  • Free online courses and coaching classes
Q. How can I practice for the IELTS Reading exam?

A. You can begin by understanding the format and structure of the IELTS Reading test. Then, find the necessary topics and gather credible resources. Plan your study time and maintain regular preparation. Attempt more mock tests to practice, improve your knowledge, and evaluate your progress. Ensure that you attempt as much practice as possible to achieve a respectable IELTS Reading test score. Get expert help for your IELTS preparation from Leap.

Q. How long are the IELTS Reading passages?

A. The length of the IELTS Reading passages varies from one another. The average length is approximately 700-800 words. This can take around 6-7 minutes to read. The time taken to read the passage can vary depending on your reading speed, comprehensiveness and knowledge. However, attempting more mock tests and sample papers will help you understand how to manage time while attending your Reading test. 

Q. In what order will I take my IELTS test?

A. The order of your IELTS exam varies depending on your test type. If you take a computer-based IELTS, you will have the tests in the following order on the same day: Listening, Reading, and Writing, with the Speaking test before or after the other test session. During a paper-based IELTS Test, the order of the test is Writing, Reading, and Listening. The Speaking test can be conducted on the same day or up to 7 days before or after the test date. 

Q. Which are some of the best IELTS books for IELTS Reading preparation?

A. There are numerous IELTS books available in the market. Here are some books you might prefer

  • Barron’s IELTS Superpack
  • The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
  • Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio
  • Official IELTS Practice Materials, written by official IELTS partners
  • Simone Braverman’s Target Band 7
Q. Can I exceed the word limit in my IELTS Reading?

A. No, you cannot surpass the word limit in your IELTS Reading test. Strictly adhere to the word limit recommended by your question. If the question instructs you to answer within a two-word limit, then limit your answer to two words. Exceeding the limit can make your answers invalid.

Q. Can I skip questions in my IELTS Reading test?

A. Yes, you can skip questions during your IELTS Reading test. You don't need to answer all the questions; attempting as many questions as possible is recommended. There is no negative marking system for the IELTS Reading test. So, attempting more questions will enhance your chances of scoring better. 

Q. Do punctuation mistakes affect my IELTS score?

A. Yes, punctuation errors can affect your IELTS test score. Omitting or using the wrong punctuation can be a grammatical error. Grammar and accuracy collectively contribute to 25% of the IELTS score. So, ensure you do not make grammatical mistakes in your IELTS test.

Q. Can we use numbered lists or bulletins in my answers for the IELTS test?

A. Using numbered lists or bulletins in your answers for the IELTS exam is allowed. However, it is recommended not to use them much. Since this is a language proficiency test, you should use full sentences with proper connecting words, adjectives, adverbs and other lexical resources. Dividing the answer appropriately into paragraphs will show your language capacities.

Q. Do spelling errors affect my IELTS Reading test score?

A. Yes, spelling mistakes can be penalised for your IELTS Reading test. Since the IELTS is a language proficiency test, the spelling you use, tense format, the grammatical structure of the test, and other factors are extremely important. Ensure you use the right spelling for your answers. However, it does not matter if you use UK or US spelling rules. 

Q. How do hyphenated words get counted in my IELTS Reading test?

A. The hyphenated words are counted as a single word in your IELTS Test. For example, if the question instructs you to answer in two words, and your answer is ‘well-disciplined girl’, then your word count is two. The word ‘well-disciplined is counted as a single word. 
 

Q. Will I lose my score if I mix the UK and the US spellings in my IELTS reading test?

A. No, mixing the UK and the US spelling rules will not reduce your marks. There is no fixed spelling rule for the IELTS Test. You can use whichever suits you the best. However, it is recommended to either use either British or American English. Try not to mix them.