Cambridge 19 Test 2 Reading Answers & Explanations

This guide provides the complete answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Reading Test 2.

Each answer includes:

• Strategy
• Keywords
• Exact paragraph and line location
• Explanation
• Correct answer

> Location note: The paragraph and line references below follow the supplied Cambridge 19 Academic Reading Test 2 material.

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How This Guide Is Structured

Strategy

The strategy explains the safest and quickest approach for each IELTS Reading question type.

Keywords

Keywords are the important words and ideas that help you locate the relevant part of the passage quickly.

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Each answer identifies the passage, paragraph or section, and exact line range where the evidence appears.

Explanation

The explanation shows how the passage matches, contradicts or fails to provide enough information for the question.

Correct Answer

The final answer appears at the end of every question.

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Reading Passage 1

The Industrial Revolution in Britain

The passage explains how Britain changed from a mainly rural and agricultural society into an industrial and urban one, with major developments in steam power, textiles, iron production, communication and transportation. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Questions 1–7: Note Completion

Strategy

For note-completion questions:

1. Read the whole set of notes first.
2. Predict the type of word needed in each gap.
3. Use headings such as Steam power, Textile industry and Iron industry as location clues.
4. Follow the passage in order.
5. Copy the exact word from the passage.
6. Follow the instruction ONE WORD ONLY.

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Question 1

In Watt and Boulton’s steam engine, the movement of the ______ was linked to a gear system.

Keywords

Watt, Boulton, movement, gear system

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 2, lines 14–18. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Explanation

The improved engine worked through forward and backward strokes of the piston, and this movement was connected to the gear mechanism.

So, the answer is: piston

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Question 2

A greater supply of ______ was required to power steam engines.

Keywords

energy source, factories, steam-powered transportation

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 3, lines 19–24. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Explanation

Demand for coal increased rapidly because it was needed both for factories and steam-powered transport.

So, the answer is: coal

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Question 3

Before the Industrial Revolution, spinners and weavers worked at home and in ______.

Keywords

before Industrial Revolution, spinners, weavers, homes

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 25–29. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Explanation

The textile trade operated as a cottage industry, with work carried out in homes and small workshops.

So, the answer is: workshops

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Question 4

Not as much ______ was needed to produce cloth after the spinning jenny and power loom were invented.

Keywords

spinning jenny, power loom, produce cloth, less needed

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 28–34. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Explanation

The new machines made textile production much easier and meant that relatively little human labour was required.

So, the answer is: labour

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Question 5

Smelting iron ore with coke produced material that was better ______.

Keywords

iron ore, coke, better, material

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 5, lines 35–39. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Explanation

Using coke instead of charcoal was cheaper and produced metals of a higher quality.

So, the answer is: quality

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Question 6

Demand for iron increased with the growth of the ______.

Keywords

iron demand, expansion, 1830s

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 5, lines 35–39. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Explanation

Iron and steel production expanded partly because of growing demand created by the expansion of the railways.

So, the answer is: railways

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Question 7

The new cities were dirty, crowded and lacked sufficient ______.

Keywords

urbanisation, cities, pollution, inadequate

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 7, lines 47–51. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Explanation

Rapid urbanisation created overcrowded cities with pollution and inadequate sanitation.

So, the answer is: sanitation

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Questions 8–13: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For this question type:

• TRUE = the statement agrees with the passage.
• FALSE = the passage clearly says the opposite.
• NOT GIVEN = the passage does not provide enough information.

Pay close attention to comparisons, causes and claims about why something happened.

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Question 8

Britain’s canal network grew rapidly so that more goods could be transported around the country.

Keywords

canal network, grew rapidly, goods

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest relevant location: Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 3, lines 19–24. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Explanation

The passage says steam-powered boats and ships carried goods along Britain's canals.

However, it does not say the canal network itself expanded rapidly for this purpose.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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Question 9

Costs in the iron industry rose when coke was introduced for smelting.

Keywords

costs, iron, coke, introduced

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 5, lines 35–39. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Explanation

The passage says the coke-based method was cheaper than the traditional method.

The statement says costs rose.

This is a direct contradiction.

So, the answer is: FALSE

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Question 10

Samuel Morse’s communication system was more reliable than that of Cooke and Wheatstone.

Keywords

Morse, Cooke, Wheatstone, more reliable

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 6, lines 40–46. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Explanation

The passage says Cooke and Wheatstone created a commercial telegraph system and that Morse and others developed their own versions.

There is no comparison of reliability.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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Question 11

The economic benefits of industrialisation were limited to certain sectors of society.

Keywords

economic benefits, standard of living, middle, upper, poor

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 8, lines 52–54. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Explanation

Industrialisation improved living standards for the middle and upper classes, but many poorer people continued to struggle.

This shows that the benefits were not equally shared.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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Question 12

Some skilled weavers believed new textile machines would cause job losses.

Keywords

skilled weavers, machines, livelihood

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 8, lines 55–61. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Explanation

The Luddites included trained weavers who feared that unskilled machine operators were taking away their livelihoods.

That supports the idea that they feared losing work.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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Question 13

Local people showed sympathy for Luddites arrested near Huddersfield.

Keywords

local people, sympathy, arrested, Huddersfield

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest relevant location: Reading Passage 1, final paragraph, lines 68–73. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Explanation

The passage describes Luddites being shot, arrested, executed or transported.

It does not describe how local residents felt about them.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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Reading Passage 2

Athletes and Stress

This passage examines how athletes respond to performance pressure, including the difference between positive challenge states and negative threat states, and the effects of stress hormones on performance. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Questions 14–18: Matching Information

Strategy

For matching-information questions:

1. Read all statements before scanning.
2. Identify distinctive ideas such as hormones, strategies, research results and personal experience.
3. Skim sections A–F.
4. Match the entire idea, not one repeated keyword.
5. Remember that a paragraph can be used more than once.

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Question 14

Reference to two chemical compounds which impact performance

Keywords

chemical compounds, performance, stress hormones

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 181–190. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Explanation

Paragraph D discusses the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol and explains how they affect the body's performance under pressure.

So, the answer is: D

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Question 15

Examples of strategies for minimising the effects of stress

Keywords

strategies, reduce stress, training, visualisation

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 203–217. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Explanation

The paragraph describes several strategies, including changing how physiological responses are interpreted, visualisation and recreating competition during training.

So, the answer is: F

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Question 16

How a sportsperson explained their own experience of stress

Keywords

sportsperson, own experience, explanation

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph A, lines 150–155. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Explanation

Emma Raducanu described her difficulty controlling her breathing and heart rate and linked the experience to the excitement and atmosphere surrounding the match.

So, the answer is: A

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Question 17

Research results showing links between stress responses and performance

Keywords

research, challenge, threat, performance

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph C, lines 168–179. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Explanation

Research shows that a challenge state tends to be associated with better performance, while a threat state is linked with poorer performance.

So, the answer is: C

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Question 18

People who can influence how athletes interpret their stress responses

Keywords

coaches, parents, psychologists, perceive stress

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 203–206. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

Explanation

The passage says coaches and parents can influence stress through language, while psychologists can help athletes reinterpret physical reactions more positively.

So, the answer is: F

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Questions 19–22: Sentence Completion

Strategy

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage.

Predict the missing word type first, then locate the exact wording in the relevant paragraph.

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Question 19

Athletes may worry about the possible risk of ______.

Keywords

risk, danger, event

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph B, lines 159–165. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Explanation

One of the demands athletes consider is the possibility of physical danger, such as injury.

So, the answer is: injury

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Question 20

Cortisol can cause tennis players to produce fewer good ______.

Keywords

cortisol, tennis players, unsuccessful

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 187–190. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Explanation

The passage links cortisol with a greater number of unsuccessful serves.

Therefore, players produce fewer successful or good serves.

So, the answer is: serves

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Question 21

Psychologists can help athletes interpret physical responses as a positive feeling such as ______.

Keywords

psychologists, higher heart rate, positive feeling

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 203–206. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Explanation

Athletes can be encouraged to interpret a raised heart rate as excitement rather than nervousness.

So, the answer is: excitement

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Question 22

______ is a psychological technique that can reduce stress responses.

Keywords

psychological skill, reduce threat response

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 207–213. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Explanation

The passage specifically identifies visualisation as a psychological skill that may reduce physiological responses to threat.

So, the answer is: visualisation / visualization

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Questions 23–24: Choose TWO Answers

Questions 23–24

Which TWO facts about Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon withdrawal are mentioned?

Keywords

Raducanu, Wimbledon, symptoms, increased stress

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Symptoms: Paragraph A, lines 150–155. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Reasons for increased demands: Paragraph C, lines 173–179. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Explanation

The passage mentions:

• symptoms including difficulty regulating breathing and heart rate;
• factors increasing pressure, including a larger audience, higher expectations and a stronger opponent.

It does not state the exact tournament stage, stress-management measures or public reaction to her social media post.

So, the answers are: B and D

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Questions 25–26: Choose TWO Answers

Questions 25–26

Which TWO facts about anxiety are mentioned in Paragraph E?

Keywords

anxiety, intensity, repeated episodes, harm

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 193–201. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Explanation

The paragraph explains that:

• the intensity of anxiety depends on a person's demands and resources;
• repeated episodes can damage physical and mental health and increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and depression.

So, the answers are: A and E

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Reading Passage 3

An Inquiry into the Existence of the Gifted Child

This passage questions whether exceptional achievement is mainly the result of natural giftedness or whether qualities such as curiosity, persistence, practice and support are more important. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Questions 27–32: Summary Completion

Strategy

These questions use a list of options.

1. Read the complete summary.
2. Predict the meaning required.
3. Find the corresponding idea in the passage.
4. Choose the option with the closest meaning.
5. Check grammar after inserting the answer.

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Question 27

Maryam Mirzakhani is regarded as ______ in mathematics because she was the only female Fields Medal winner.

Keywords

only woman, Fields Medal, mathematics

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 1, lines 277–281. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Explanation

Mirzakhani was the only woman to win the Fields Medal.

Being the only person of her gender to hold that distinction makes her unique in this context.

So, the answer is: H — unique

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Question 28

Maths held little ______ for her when she was a child.

Keywords

maths, childhood, not interested

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 1, lines 281–284. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Explanation

As a child, Mirzakhani preferred reading and initially had little interest in mathematics.

So, the answer is: A — appeal

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Question 29

She became ______ by a difficult mathematical problem shown to her by her brother.

Keywords

brother, maths problem, fascinated

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 1, lines 284–286. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Explanation

Her brother showed her a famous maths problem which fascinated her and triggered her interest.

So, the answer is: C — intrigued

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Question 30

She proved herself to be ______ when things did not go smoothly.

Keywords

setbacks, resolute, adult life

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 2, lines 287–291. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

Explanation

The passage describes her as resolute in the face of setbacks.

Here:

• resolute = determined

So, the answer is: B — determined

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Question 31

She received the greatest ______ from making important discoveries.

Keywords

most rewarding, discovery, enjoyment

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 2, lines 287–290. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

Explanation

Mirzakhani described the excitement of discovery and understanding something new as the most rewarding part of mathematics.

So, the answer is: J — satisfaction

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Question 32

She was responsible for extremely ______ mathematical studies.

Keywords

original research, mathematics

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 2, lines 290–291. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

Explanation

Her work reached the level of original research.

The best matching option is innovative.

So, the answer is: I — innovative

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Questions 33–37: YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For this question type:

• YES = agrees with the writer.
• NO = contradicts the writer.
• NOT GIVEN = the writer does not provide enough information.

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Question 33

Many winners of prestigious intellectual prizes were only average when young.

Keywords

Nobel winners, childhood, ordinary

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 3, lines 292–296. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}

Explanation

The writer says most Nobel Prize winners were unexceptional during childhood.

That supports the statement.

So, the answer is: YES

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Question 34

Einstein’s early failures were caused by lack of confidence.

Keywords

Einstein, failures, confidence

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 3, lines 292–296. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}

Explanation

The passage mentions that Einstein was slow to speak, failed part of an entrance test and struggled at work.

It does not say these difficulties were caused by low confidence.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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Question 35

It is difficult to agree on whether some children are born gifted.

Keywords

giftedness, innate, jury is out

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 4, lines 297–303. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}

Explanation

The writer says the question of whether giftedness is innate remains unsettled.

This directly supports the statement.

So, the answer is: YES

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Question 36

Einstein was upset by how the public viewed his work.

Keywords

Einstein, public view, upset

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest relevant locations: Paragraph 3, lines 292–296 and final paragraph, lines 341–345. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37} :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}

Explanation

The passage discusses Einstein's achievements, difficulties and his beliefs about intelligence and persistence.

It does not state how he felt about the public's opinion of his work.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

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Question 37

Einstein believed his success came from solving scientific questions quickly.

Keywords

Einstein, success, speed, problems

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, final paragraph, lines 341–345. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}

Explanation

Einstein's point is almost the opposite.

He attributed his success to staying with problems for longer and emphasised character rather than speed.

So, the answer is: NO

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Questions 38–40: Multiple Choice

Strategy

For multiple-choice questions:

1. Find the named researcher or paragraph.
2. Identify the central claim.
3. Compare all four options.
4. Eliminate choices containing correct words but incorrect conclusions.

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Question 38

What does Eyre believe children need to reach standards associated with gifted students?

Keywords

Eyre, gifted, high performance, curiosity

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 5, lines 307–313. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}

Explanation

Eyre argues that students can develop high performance if they learn the right attitudes and approaches, including curiosity, persistence and hard work.

The option referring to developing an enquiring attitude is the closest match.

So, the answer is: C — the development of a spirit of inquiry towards their studies

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Question 39

What is the result of Ericsson’s research?

Keywords

Ericsson, research, innate talent, practice

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 314–321. :contentReference[oaicite:41]{index=41}

Explanation

Ericsson does not believe unique inborn talents are the central cause of expert performance.

He gives much greater importance to deliberate and demanding practice.

So, the answer is: B — Being born with a special gift is not the key factor in becoming expert.

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Question 40

What was important to the success of some disadvantaged children?

Keywords

disadvantaged children, success, adult, education

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 8, lines 329–337. :contentReference[oaicite:42]{index=42}

Explanation

Researchers found strong evidence that successful children had an adult in their lives who valued education and supported their learning.

So, the answer is: D — the guidance of someone who recognises the benefits of learning

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Cambridge 19 Test 2 Reading Answer Key

Reading Passage 1

1. piston
2. coal
3. workshops
4. labour
5. quality
6. railways
7. sanitation
8. NOT GIVEN
9. FALSE
10. NOT GIVEN
11. TRUE
12. TRUE
13. NOT GIVEN

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Reading Passage 2

14. D
15. F
16. A
17. C
18. F
19. injury
20. serves
21. excitement
22. visualisation / visualization 23–24. B and D 25–26. A and E

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Reading Passage 3

27. H — unique
28. A — appeal
29. C — intrigued
30. B — determined
31. J — satisfaction
32. I — innovative
33. YES
34. NOT GIVEN
35. YES
36. NOT GIVEN
37. NO
38. C
39. B
40. D

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Bonus IELTS Reading Tips

Follow the Word Limit

If the instruction says:

ONE WORD ONLY

write exactly one word.

For example:

• Correct: visualisation
• Incorrect: mental visualisation technique

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Look for Paraphrases

IELTS rarely repeats the question exactly.

Question wording	Passage wording
movement linked to gears	piston connected to gear mechanism
greater supply	demand grew rapidly
worked at home	cottage industry
less needed	relatively little required
better material	higher quality
lacked enough	inadequate
costs rose	method was cheaper
job losses	robbing them of livelihood
chemical compounds	adrenaline and cortisol
good performance	challenge state
positive feeling	excitement
psychological technique	visualisation
severe anxiety	intensity of anxiety
only female winner	unique
little interest	little appeal
fascinated	intrigued
resolute	determined
rewarding	satisfaction
original	innovative
unexceptional	average
gifted at birth	innate giftedness
spirit of inquiry	curiosity
special gift	innate talent
adult support	valued and supported education

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FALSE Is Not the Same as NOT GIVEN

FALSE

Choose FALSE when the passage provides the opposite information.

Example:

The question says coke increased costs.

The passage says the method was cheaper.

Therefore: FALSE

NOT GIVEN

Choose NOT GIVEN when the required detail is absent.

Example:

The passage says Morse developed another telegraph system.

It does not say his system was more reliable.

Therefore: NOT GIVEN

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Use Paragraph Headings as Location Clues

Passage 1 is particularly easy to navigate because the questions follow topics such as:

• Steam power
• Textile industry
• Iron industry
• Communications
• Urbanisation

Use these topics to find answers quickly.

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Watch for Cause and Effect

IELTS often rewrites causes and results.

Example:

Coke was cheaper + better quality → iron production expanded

Understanding the relationship helps with Questions 5, 6 and 9.

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Pay Attention to Comparison Words

Words such as:

• more
• less
• greater
• higher
• fewer
• better
• worse

can completely change the answer.

Question 9 says costs rose, while the passage says the method was cheaper.

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For Matching Information, Find the Idea

Question 15 asks for strategies to reduce stress.

Paragraph F contains several different methods, so it is the best match even though the exact phrase minimising stress may not appear.

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Look for Agreement Between Question and Evidence

For Question 17:

The passage says:

• challenge state → good performance
• threat state → poorer performance

That is a clear research-based connection between stress response and performance.

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Be Careful With “TWO Answers” Questions

Questions 23–24 and 25–26 require exactly two answers.

Do not choose a third option just because it is loosely related to the topic.

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Distinguish Symptoms From Causes

For Emma Raducanu:

Symptoms

• breathing difficulty
• difficulty regulating heart rate

Factors increasing pressure

• larger audience
• higher expectations
• stronger opponent

Keeping these categories separate makes Questions 23–24 much easier.

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Read the Writer’s Exact Position

Question 35 asks whether giftedness is definitely innate.

The writer says the issue remains unresolved.

That means the statement saying agreement is difficult is YES.

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Avoid Extreme Interpretations

Ericsson discusses around 10,000 hours of deliberate practice.

But he specifically says this is not a magic number.

Therefore, the answer to Question 39 is not that exactly 10,000 hours automatically creates a genius.

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Review Every Wrong Answer

After finishing, identify why each mistake happened.

Common reasons include:

• missing a paraphrase;
• confusing FALSE with NOT GIVEN;
• overlooking a comparison;
• exceeding the word limit;
• matching keywords instead of ideas;
• missing cause-and-effect relationships;
• choosing too many answers;
• ignoring the writer’s exact opinion.