All answers on this page include the question number, correct answer and a brief explanation of where to find it in the passage or audio. Use these alongside the original Cambridge IELTS books for the best practice experience.
Test 1 Academic Reading Answers with Clear Explanations
Review all 40 Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 1 answers. Find the supporting passage evidence, understand misleading options and check the word limits before your next timed attempt.
Cambridge IELTS 16 Test 1 Academic Reading Answer Key
Use the key for quick marking, then read the explanations below. A slash separates accepted alternative forms. Where two letters are required, enter both letters across the two question numbers, in either order.
Passage 1: Why we need to protect polar bears
Questions 1 to 13Passage 2: The Step Pyramid of Djoser
Questions 14 to 26Passage 3: The future of work
Questions 27 to 40Passage 1: Why we need to protect polar bears
Questions 1-13. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
1Polar bears suffer from various health problems due to the build-up of fat under their skin.FALSE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 2
Why: The passage explains that one reason for this is that they have up to 11 centimetres of fat underneath their skin. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
2The study done by Liu and his colleagues compared different groups of polar bears.FALSE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 3
Why: The passage explains that liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APOB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) - a form of “bad” cholesterol. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
3Liu and colleagues were the first researchers to compare polar bears and brown bears genetically.NOT GIVEN
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 3
Why: The passage discusses the related point - liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APOB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) - a form of “bad” cholesterol - but it does not provide the specific comparison or fact in the statement. The answer is therefore NOT GIVEN.
4Polar bears are able to control their levels of “bad” cholesterol by genetic means.TRUE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 3
Why: The passage explains that liu and his colleagues found the polar bears had a gene known as APOB, which reduces levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) - a form of “bad” cholesterol. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
5Female polar bears are able to survive for about six months without food.TRUE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 4
Why: The passage explains that this process results in about six months of fasting, where the female bears have to keep themselves and their cubs alive, depleting their own calcium and calorie reserves. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
6It was found that the bones of female polar bears were very weak when they came out of their dens in spring.FALSE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 5
Why: The passage explains that they discovered that pregnant bears were able to increase the density of their bones before they started to build their dens. That conflicts with the statement rather than merely omitting information, so the answer is FALSE.
7The polar bear’s mechanism for increasing bone density could also be used by people one day.TRUE
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 5
Why: The passage explains that if the mechanism of bone remodelling in polar bears can be understood, many bedridden humans, and even astronauts, could potentially benefit. This directly agrees with the statement, so the answer is TRUE.
8People think of bears as unintelligent and ____.violent
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that bears, on the other hand, seem to be perceived as stupid and in many cases violent. The wording and grammar of the gap require violent; it also fits the printed word limit.
9In Tennoji Zoo, a bear has been seen using a branch as a ____.tool
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that a male bear called GoGo in Tennoji Zoo, Osaka, has even been observed making use of a tool to manipulate his environment. The wording and grammar of the gap require tool; it also fits the printed word limit.
10This allowed him to knock down some ____.meat
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that the bear used a tree branch on multiple occasions to dislodge a piece of meat hung out of his reach. The wording and grammar of the gap require meat; it also fits the printed word limit.
11A wild polar bear worked out a method of reaching a platform where a ____ was located.photographer
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 6
Why: The passage states that a calculated move by a male bear involved running and jumping onto barrels in an attempt to get to a photographer standing on a platform four metres high. The wording and grammar of the gap require photographer; it also fits the printed word limit.
12Polar bears have displayed behaviour such as conscious manipulation of objects and activity similar to a ____.game
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 7
Why: The passage states that for example, Ames observed bears putting objects in piles and then knocking them over in what appeared to be a game. The wording and grammar of the gap require game; it also fits the printed word limit.
13They may make movements suggesting ____ if disappointed when hunting.frustration
Where to Look: Passage 1, paragraph 8
Why: The passage states that as for emotions, while the evidence is once again anecdotal, many bears have been seen to hit out at ice and snow - seemingly out of frustration - when they.... The wording and grammar of the gap require frustration; it also fits the printed word limit.
Passage 2: The Step Pyramid of Djoser
Questions 14-26. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
14Paragraph Aiv - A single certainty among other less definite facts
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 6
Why: The key idea in the passage is there are other historians, however, who claim the vessels were dumped into the shafts as yet another attempt to prevent grave robbers from getting to the king’s burial chamber. This matches A single certainty among other less definite facts, while the other choices do not express the same point.
15Paragraph Bvii - An idea for changing the design of burial structures
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 7
Why: The key idea in the passage is unfortunately, all of the precautions and intricate design of the underground network did not prevent ancient robbers from finding a way in. This matches An idea for changing the design of burial structures, while the other choices do not express the same point.
16Paragraph Cii - A difficult task for those involved
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is historian Marc Van de Mieroop comments on this, writing “Much experimentation was involved, which is especially clear in the construction of the pyramid in the center of the complex. This matches A difficult task for those involved, while the other choices do not express the same point.
17Paragraph Dv - An overview of the external buildings and areas
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 1
Why: The key idea in the passage is the Step Pyramid of Djoser A. This matches An overview of the external buildings and areas, while the other choices do not express the same point.
18Paragraph Ei - The areas and artefacts within the pyramid itself
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 1
Why: The key idea in the passage is the Step Pyramid of Djoser A. This matches The areas and artefacts within the pyramid itself, while the other choices do not express the same point.
19Paragraph Fviii - An incredible experience despite the few remains
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 8
Why: The key idea in the passage is egyptologist Miroslav Verner writes, “Few monuments hold a place in human history as significant as that of the Step Pyramid in Saqqara … It can be said without exaggeration that.... This matches An incredible experience despite the few remains, while the other choices do not express the same point.
20Paragraph Gvi - A pyramid design that others copied
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 1
Why: The key idea in the passage is the Step Pyramid of Djoser A. This matches A pyramid design that others copied, while the other choices do not express the same point.
21The complex that includes the Step Pyramid and its surroundings is considered to be as big as an Egyptian ____ of the past.city
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that the complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests. The wording and grammar of the gap require city; it also fits the printed word limit.
22The area outside the pyramid included accommodation that was occupied by ____, along with many other buildings and features.priests
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that the complex in which it was built was the size of a city in ancient Egypt and included a temple, courtyards, shrines, and living quarters for the priests. The wording and grammar of the gap require priests; it also fits the printed word limit.
23In addition, a long ____ encircled the wall.trench
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that the wall had 13 false doors cut into it with only one true entrance cut into the south-east corner; the entire wall was then ringed by a trench 750 meters.... The wording and grammar of the gap require trench; it also fits the printed word limit.
24Visitors needed to know the ____ of the real entrance.location
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 5
Why: The passage states that if someone wished to enter, he or she would have needed to know in advance how to find the location of the true opening in the wall. The wording and grammar of the gap require location; it also fits the printed word limit.
25Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about King Djoser?B + D (Either Order)
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 7
Why: The relevant section links the two required ideas to There is disagreement concerning the length of his reign. / A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it.. The surrounding detail - Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves - supports these choices; the remaining options describe different or unsupported points. Enter the two answers in either order.
26Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about King Djoser?B + D (Either Order)
Where to Look: Passage 2, paragraph 7
Why: The relevant section links the two required ideas to A few of his possessions were still in his tomb when archaeologists found it. / There is disagreement concerning the length of his reign.. The surrounding detail - Djoser’s grave goods, and even his body, were stolen at some point in the past and all archaeologists found were a small number of his valuables overlooked by the thieves - supports these choices; the remaining options describe different or unsupported points. Enter the two answers in either order.
Passage 3: The future of work
Questions 27-40. Use the evidence locations below to return to the relevant text and review each answer.
27The first paragraph tells us aboutB - the extent to which AI will alter the nature of the work that people do.
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 8
Why: The key idea in the passage is pachidi and colleagues even observed people developing strategies to make the algorithm work to their own advantage. This matches the extent to which AI will alter the nature of the work that people do., while the other choices do not express the same point.
28According to the second paragraph, what is Stella Pachidi’s view of the “knowledge economy”?D - It is a key factor driving current developments in the workplace.
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the “algorithmication” of jobs that are dependent on.... This matches It is a key factor driving current developments in the workplace., while the other choices do not express the same point.
29What did Pachidi observe at the telecommunications company?C - staff making sure that AI produces the results that they want
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is “Organisations are attracted to using algorithms because they want to make choices based on what they consider is ‘perfect information’, as well as to reduce costs and enhance productivity.” “But.... This matches staff making sure that AI produces the results that they want, while the other choices do not express the same point.
30In his recently published research, Ewan McGaugheyD - illustrates how changes in the job market can be successfully handled.
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 13
Why: The key idea in the passage is “It’s the laws that restrict the supply of capital to the job market, not the advent of new technologies that causes unemployment.” His recently published research answers the question of.... This matches illustrates how changes in the job market can be successfully handled., while the other choices do not express the same point.
31Jobs which rely not on production but on ____.G - information
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 4
Why: The key idea in the passage is “Organisations are attracted to using algorithms because they want to make choices based on what they consider is ‘perfect information’, as well as to reduce costs and enhance productivity.” “But.... This matches information, while the other choices do not express the same point.
32Pachidi observed a growing ____ on the recommendations made by AI.E - reliance
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 8
Why: The key idea in the passage is pachidi and colleagues even observed people developing strategies to make the algorithm work to their own advantage. This matches reliance, while the other choices do not express the same point.
33Staff are deterred from experimenting and using their own ____.C - intuition
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 8
Why: The key idea in the passage is pachidi and colleagues even observed people developing strategies to make the algorithm work to their own advantage. This matches intuition, while the other choices do not express the same point.
34Researchers are trying to increase users’ ____ with regard to the technology.F - confidence
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 9
Why: The key idea in the passage is it’s scenarios like these that many researchers are working to avoid. This matches confidence, while the other choices do not express the same point.
35Greater levels of automation will not result in lower employment.B - Hamish Low
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 10
Why: The key idea in the passage is in the meantime, says Pachidi, “We need to make sure we fully understand the dilemmas that this new world raises regarding expertise, occupational boundaries and control.” Economist Professor Hamish Low.... This matches Hamish Low, while the other choices do not express the same point.
36There are several reasons why AI is appealing to businesses.A - Stella Pachidi
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the “algorithmication” of jobs that are dependent on.... This matches Stella Pachidi, while the other choices do not express the same point.
37AI’s potential to transform people’s lives has parallels with major cultural shifts which occurred in previous eras.C - Ewan McGaughey
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 12
Why: The key idea in the passage is the number of jobs will increase: we would expect there to be 150 jobs.” Dr Ewan McGaughey, at Cambridge’s Centre for Business Research and King’s College London, agrees that “apocalyptic”.... This matches Ewan McGaughey, while the other choices do not express the same point.
38It is important to be aware of the range of problems that AI causes.A - Stella Pachidi
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 3
Why: The key idea in the passage is dr Stella Pachidi from Cambridge Judge Business School believes that some of the most fundamental changes are happening as a result of the “algorithmication” of jobs that are dependent on.... This matches Stella Pachidi, while the other choices do not express the same point.
39People are going to follow a less conventional career path than in the past.B - Hamish Low
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 10
Why: The key idea in the passage is in the meantime, says Pachidi, “We need to make sure we fully understand the dilemmas that this new world raises regarding expertise, occupational boundaries and control.” Economist Professor Hamish Low.... This matches Hamish Low, while the other choices do not express the same point.
40Authorities should take measures to ensure that there will be adequately paid work for everyone.C - Ewan McGaughey
Where to Look: Passage 3, paragraph 12
Why: The key idea in the passage is the number of jobs will increase: we would expect there to be 150 jobs.” Dr Ewan McGaughey, at Cambridge’s Centre for Business Research and King’s College London, agrees that “apocalyptic”.... This matches Ewan McGaughey, while the other choices do not express the same point.
Using This Reading Answer Key
Is This the Academic or General Training Test?
This page covers Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Reading Test 1. Academic and GT Reading use different texts and answer keys, so check the track before marking.
How Should I Review a Wrong Answer?
Return to the evidence location and compare the exact meaning, not just matching words. Check spelling and word limits. For NOT GIVEN, identify the information the text does not supply.
How Do I Estimate My Band?
Count one mark for each correct answer, then consult the Reading Band Score Guide. Academic and GT use different raw-score conversions, and an estimate is not an official IELTS result.
What to Do After Marking
Group your errors by misunderstanding, distractors, spelling and instructions. Review the difficult section, then try another complete test to check whether your accuracy improves.