Cambridge 19 Test 4 Reading Answers & Explanations

This guide provides the complete answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Reading Test 4.

Each answer includes:

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

How This Guide Is Structured

Strategy

The strategy explains the most effective way to approach each IELTS Reading question type.

Keywords

Keywords help you locate the relevant information in the passage quickly.

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Each answer identifies the relevant passage, paragraph or section, and exact line range.

Explanation

The explanation shows how the information in the passage supports, contradicts or does not provide enough information for the statement.

Correct Answer

The final answer appears at the end of every question.

Reading Passage 1

The Impact of Climate Change on Butterflies in Britain

The passage examines the decline of butterfly populations in Britain and how different butterfly species are responding to rising temperatures by changing the timing of their lifecycle events.

Questions 1–6: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN questions:

• TRUE = the statement agrees with the passage.
• FALSE = the passage gives opposite information.
• NOT GIVEN = there is not enough information in the passage.

Always compare the exact meaning rather than looking only for matching words.

Question 1

Forty years ago, there were fewer butterflies in Britain than at present.

Keywords

forty years ago, fewer butterflies, Britain, present

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 1, lines 5–11

Explanation

The passage says populations of around two-thirds of butterfly species have declined over the past 40 years.

This means there were generally more butterflies forty years ago, not fewer.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 2

Caterpillars are eaten by a number of different predators.

Keywords

caterpillars, eaten, predators

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 1, lines 7–9

Explanation

Caterpillars are described as prey for:

• birds;
• bats;
• other small mammals.

Therefore, several different predators eat them.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 3

‘Phenology’ is a term used to describe a creature’s ability to alter the location of a lifecycle event.

Keywords

phenology, lifecycle, location

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 2, lines 15–18

Explanation

Phenology refers to the timing of lifecycle events.

The question says it refers to changing their location.

These are different meanings.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 4

Some species of butterfly have a reduced lifespan due to spring temperature increases.

Keywords

reduced lifespan, spring temperatures, butterfly species

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest relevant location: Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 3, lines 19–25

Explanation

The passage says butterflies have started lifecycle events several days earlier as spring temperatures have increased.

However, it does not say their total lifespan has become shorter.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 5

There is a clear reason for the adaptations that butterflies are making to climate change.

Keywords

clear reason, adaptations, climate change

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 3, lines 22–25

Explanation

Researchers are uncertain whether butterflies are successfully adapting or whether their populations are being forced to respond because of environmental stress.

The passage specifically says the answer is still unknown.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 6

The data used in the study was taken from the work of amateur butterfly watchers.

Keywords

data, study, amateur, butterfly watchers

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 26–29

Explanation

Researchers used millions of records submitted by butterfly enthusiasts who observed different species in their free time.

These people were amateur butterfly watchers.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Questions 7–13: Note Completion

Strategy

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

For note completion:

1. Read all the notes before scanning.
2. Identify which butterfly species each blank refers to.
3. Predict the type of word required.
4. Locate the relevant species in the passage.
5. Copy the exact word.

Question 7

The Small Blue lives in large ______.

Keywords

Small Blue, lives, large

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 6, lines 40–44

Explanation

The Small Blue is described as living in colonies that can contain up to one hundred butterflies.

So, the answer is: colonies

Question 8

The Small Blue first appears at the start of ______.

Keywords

Small Blue, first appears, start

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 6, lines 42–45

Explanation

Some Small Blue butterflies develop into adults early in spring.

Therefore, they first appear at the beginning of spring.

So, the answer is: spring

Question 9

The High Brown Fritillary is considered to be more ______ than other species.

Keywords

High Brown Fritillary, considered, other species

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 7, lines 46–52

Explanation

The High Brown Fritillary is described as Britain's most endangered butterfly.

So, the answer is: endangered

Question 10

Its caterpillars occupy a limited range of ______.

Keywords

High Brown Fritillary, limited range, coppiced woodland, limestone pavement

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 7, lines 48–52

Explanation

The species is found only in particular environments, including coppiced woodland and limestone pavement.

These are specific habitat types.

So, the answer is: habitats

Question 11

The Silver-studded Blue is already able to reproduce twice a year in warm areas of ______.

Keywords

Silver-studded Blue, twice a year, warm areas

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 8, lines 53–57

Explanation

Some single-generation British species can produce a second generation in sufficiently warm years in continental Europe.

So, the answer is: Europe

Question 12

The White Admiral is found in ______ areas of England.

Keywords

White Admiral, England, areas

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 9, lines 58–62

Explanation

The passage specifically refers to the White Admiral of southern England.

So, the answer is: southern

Question 13

Both climate change and the ______ of the caterpillar are possible reasons for decline.

Keywords

White Admiral, decline, caterpillar, honeysuckle

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 9, lines 60–62

Explanation

The caterpillar survives only on honeysuckle.

Its specialised diet, together with climate change, may explain the species' decline.

So, the answer is: diet

Reading Passage 2

Deep-sea Mining

The passage explores the possible economic benefits of deep-sea mining while examining concerns about environmental damage, unknown marine species and the potential medical value of deep-ocean organisms.

Questions 14–17: Matching Information

Strategy

For matching-information questions:

1. Read Questions 14–17 first.
2. Identify distinctive ideas in each question.
3. Skim Paragraphs A–F for their main purpose.
4. Scan for the relevant detail.
5. Match meaning, not simply repeated vocabulary.

Question 14

Reference to the rapidly increasing need for one raw material in the transport industry

Keywords

rapidly increasing, raw material, transport industry, electric cars

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph C, lines 153–160

Explanation

Paragraph C says demand for metals such as cobalt used in electric-car batteries is rapidly increasing.

This directly relates to growing demand for a raw material used by the transport sector.

So, the answer is: C

Question 15

A rough estimate of the area of the Earth covered by the oceans

Keywords

Earth, oceans, percentage, area

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 193–196

Explanation

Mike Johnston states that oceans cover around 70% of the planet.

So, the answer is: F

Question 16

How a particular underwater habitat, where minerals and organisms co-exist, is formed

Keywords

underwater habitat, minerals, organisms, formed

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 180–184

Explanation

The passage explains that hydrothermal vents form when seawater comes into contact with volcanic magma.

These mineral-rich environments are also home to many marine organisms.

So, the answer is: E

Question 17

Reference to the fact that the countries of the world have yet to agree on rules for the exploration of the seabed

Keywords

countries, rules, seabed, regulation

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 168–177

Explanation

The passage says that the global regulatory framework for deep-sea mining has not yet been drafted.

This means internationally agreed rules are not yet established.

So, the answer is: D

Questions 18–23: Matching People

Strategy

Match each statement with the person or group who expresses that opinion.

List of People

• A — Professor Mat Upton
• B — Julie Hunter, Julian Aguon and Pradeep Singh
• C — Dr Jon Copley
• D — Mike Johnston
• E — Verena Tunnicliffe

Question 18

A move away from the exploration of heavily mined reserves on land is a good idea.

Keywords

land resources, depleted, ocean, better option

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 193–196

Explanation

Mike Johnston argues that exploring the oceans makes sense rather than continuing to depend on rapidly depleting land resources.

So, the answer is: D — Mike Johnston

Question 19

The negative effects of undersea exploration on local areas and their inhabitants are being ignored.

Keywords

negative effects, communities, ignored, indigenous people

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 168–175

Explanation

Hunter, Aguon and Singh argue that deep-sea mining resembles previous resource rushes because environmental and social effects, including indigenous rights, are often disregarded.

So, the answer is: B — Julie Hunter, Julian Aguon and Pradeep Singh

Question 20

There are more worthwhile things to extract from the sea than minerals.

Keywords

more worthwhile, sea, minerals, medicine

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph A, lines 133–140

Explanation

Professor Mat Upton believes organisms from the deep ocean may provide new medicines.

He worries that this valuable biological potential could disappear in the rush to extract metals and minerals.

So, the answer is: A — Professor Mat Upton

Question 21

No other form of human exploration will have such a destructive impact on marine life as deep-sea mining.

Keywords

greatest damage, ecosystems, human activity

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 197–203

Explanation

Verena Tunnicliffe describes mining as potentially the greatest human assault ever made on deep-sea ecosystems.

So, the answer is: E — Verena Tunnicliffe

Question 22

More is known about outer space than about what lies beneath the oceans.

Keywords

outer space, Moon, Mars, Venus, deep sea

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 175–178

Explanation

Hunter, Aguon and Singh point out that the Moon, Mars and Venus have been studied and mapped in much greater detail than the deep seabed.

So, the answer is: B — Julie Hunter, Julian Aguon and Pradeep Singh

Question 23

There is one marine life habitat where experts agree mining should not take place.

Keywords

habitat, experts agree, no mining

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 184–188

Explanation

Dr Jon Copley says scientists are clear that mining should not occur on deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

So, the answer is: C — Dr Jon Copley

Questions 24–26: Summary Completion

Strategy

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage.

Before scanning:

• predict the grammar;
• locate Paragraphs C and D;
• copy the exact word.

Question 24

Mining corporations say minerals can be removed without producing much ______.

Keywords

mining corporations, superior ore, little

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph C, lines 153–161

Explanation

Mining companies argue that deep-sea mining could produce better-quality ore than land mining while generating little or no waste.

So, the answer is: waste

Question 25

Extraction is often done by adapting the ______ already used on land.

Keywords

extraction, adapting, used on land

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph C, lines 161–164

Explanation

Deep-sea mining methods often use converted machinery originally used for terrestrial mining.

So, the answer is: machinery

Question 26

Concerned groups strongly believe that ______ is necessary because of potentially unknown consequences.

Keywords

concerned groups, unknown consequences, necessary

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 168–175

Explanation

Environmental and legal organisations urge caution because deep-sea mining may have major environmental and social consequences that are not yet fully understood.

So, the answer is: caution

Reading Passage 3

The Unselfish Gene

The passage challenges the traditional belief that humans are naturally selfish and argues that cooperation, equality, altruism and peacefulness may be more deeply rooted in human nature.

Questions 27–30: Multiple Choice

Strategy

For multiple-choice questions:

1. Locate the paragraph mentioned.
2. Identify its central point.
3. Compare all four options.
4. Reject answers that focus only on one minor detail.
5. Choose the option that best reflects the writer's complete meaning.

Question 27

What is the writer doing in the first paragraph?

Keywords

first paragraph, human beings, selfish, general assumption

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 1, lines 272–276

Explanation

The writer introduces the commonly held idea that people are naturally selfish, competitive and interested in accumulating power and possessions.

The writer is describing an existing belief rather than presenting his own conclusion.

So, the answer is: C — describing a commonly held belief about people’s behaviour

Question 28

What point is made about Richard Dawkins’ book The Selfish Gene?

Keywords

Richard Dawkins, Selfish Gene, popularity, society

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 2, lines 277–282

Explanation

The book became popular because its ideas fitted well with the competitive and individualistic attitudes common in late twentieth-century society.

So, the answer is: C — It presented a view that was in line with the attitudes of its time.

Question 29

What does the writer suggest about the prehistoric era in the fourth paragraph?

Keywords

prehistoric era, population, resources, competition

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 4, lines 289–295

Explanation

Human populations were extremely small.

Because population density was low, groups probably did not need to compete heavily for natural resources.

This suggests resources were relatively plentiful compared with demand.

So, the answer is: B — Supplies of natural resources were probably relatively plentiful.

Question 30

The writer refers to Bruce Knauft’s work as support for the idea that ______.

Keywords

Bruce Knauft, hunter-gatherers, equality, selfishness

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 5, lines 296–304

Explanation

Knauft's observations show contemporary hunter-gatherer communities sharing resources, avoiding inequalities and maintaining highly egalitarian societies.

The writer uses this evidence to challenge the idea that selfishness has always dominated human societies.

So, the answer is: A — selfishness is a relatively recent development in human societies

Questions 31–35: Summary Completion

Strategy

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Questions 31–35 focus mainly on Bruce Knauft's research and the !Kung people.

Scan the same area of the passage rather than searching the entire text repeatedly.

Question 31

Contemporary hunter-gatherer societies tend to exhibit a high level of ______ in all areas of life.

Keywords

hunter-gatherers, high level, political, sexual

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 5, lines 296–304

Explanation

Bruce Knauft describes hunter-gatherer societies as displaying extreme political and sexual egalitarianism.

So, the answer is: egalitarianism

Question 32

These societies prevent differences in ______ from occurring.

Keywords

differences, prevent, inequality

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 5, lines 301–304

Explanation

Hunter-gatherer communities use strategies to prevent disparities in status.

So, the answer is: status

Question 33

Among the !Kung, credit for one person's success at ______ is given to another member of the group.

Keywords

!Kung, arrows, success, credit

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 305–307

Explanation

Before hunting, members exchange arrows.

When an animal is killed, the credit is given to the person who owns the arrow rather than the person who fired it.

So, the answer is: hunting

Question 34

Individuals who behave in a ______ manner are excluded from the group.

Keywords

excluded, ostracised, behaviour

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 307–308

Explanation

People who become too domineering can be ostracised or expelled from the group.

So, the answer is: domineering

Question 35

Women have considerable ______ in decisions regarding work and marriage.

Keywords

women, marriage, work, choices

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 308–312

Explanation

Women in hunter-gatherer communities have a high degree of autonomy.

They can choose marriage partners and decide what work they want to do.

So, the answer is: autonomy

Questions 36–40: YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For YES / NO / NOT GIVEN:

• YES = the statement agrees with the writer's opinion.
• NO = the statement contradicts the writer.
• NOT GIVEN = the writer does not express an opinion about it.

Remember that these questions test the writer's views, not simply factual information.

Question 36

Some anthropologists are mistaken about the point when the number of societies such as the !Kung began to decline.

Keywords

anthropologists, mistaken, !Kung, decline

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 7, lines 313–318

Explanation

The passage says many anthropologists believe societies like the !Kung were normal until several thousand years ago, when agriculture and settled life developed.

However, the writer does not say those anthropologists are mistaken about when the decline began.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 37

Humans who developed warlike traits in prehistory would have had an advantage over those who did not.

Keywords

warlike traits, prehistory, advantage

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 7, lines 313–318

Explanation

The writer argues there is little reason to think traits such as warfare were selected by evolution because they would have provided little benefit during prehistoric times.

The statement says the opposite.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 38

Being peaceful and cooperative is a natural way for people to behave.

Keywords

peaceful, cooperative, natural, innate

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 8, lines 319–321

Explanation

The writer says cooperation, egalitarianism, altruism and peacefulness make more sense as innate characteristics of humans.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 39

Negative traits are more apparent in some modern cultures than in others.

Keywords

negative traits, modern cultures, differences

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest relevant location: Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 9, lines 322–326

Explanation

The writer discusses the possible environmental and psychological origins of selfish and aggressive behaviour.

However, there is no comparison showing that these traits are stronger in some modern cultures than in others.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 40

Animal research has failed to reveal a link between changes in the environment and the emergence of aggressive tendencies.

Keywords

animal research, environment, aggression, link

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 9, lines 322–326

Explanation

Research on primates shows that when their natural habitats are disrupted, they tend to become more violent and hierarchical.

Therefore, animal research has demonstrated a connection between environmental disruption and aggressive behaviour.

So, the answer is: NO

Cambridge 19 Test 4 Reading Answer Key

Reading Passage 1

1. FALSE
2. TRUE
3. FALSE
4. NOT GIVEN
5. FALSE
6. TRUE
7. colonies
8. spring
9. endangered
10. habitats
11. Europe
12. southern
13. diet

Reading Passage 2

14. C
15. F
16. E
17. D
18. D — Mike Johnston
19. B — Julie Hunter, Julian Aguon and Pradeep Singh
20. A — Professor Mat Upton
21. E — Verena Tunnicliffe
22. B — Julie Hunter, Julian Aguon and Pradeep Singh
23. C — Dr Jon Copley
24. waste
25. machinery
26. caution

Reading Passage 3

27. C
28. C
29. B
30. A
31. egalitarianism
32. status
33. hunting
34. domineering
35. autonomy
36. NOT GIVEN
37. NO
38. YES
39. NOT GIVEN
40. NO

Bonus IELTS Reading Tips

1. Do Not Confuse FALSE With NOT GIVEN

Choose FALSE only when the passage gives opposite information.

Example:

The statement says butterfly numbers were lower forty years ago.

The passage says butterfly populations have declined since then.

Therefore: FALSE

Choose NOT GIVEN when the missing detail is never stated.

For example, the passage discusses butterflies appearing earlier but does not say their lifespan is shorter.

Therefore: NOT GIVEN

2. Look for Paraphrases

IELTS regularly changes the wording between questions and passages.

3. Use Species Names as Location Markers

In Passage 1, names such as:

• Small Blue
• High Brown Fritillary
• Silver-studded Blue
• White Admiral

are easy to scan.

Once you find the species, the answer is usually nearby.

4. Follow Question Order

Questions 7–13 follow the order of the passage.

The answers appear as:

colonies → spring → endangered → habitats → Europe → southern → diet

Once you find Question 7, continue reading instead of starting again from the beginning.

5. Identify Who Expresses the Opinion

For Questions 18–23, several people discuss the same general issue.

Do not match a name simply because that person discusses deep-sea mining.

Focus on the exact opinion.

For example:

• Upton focuses on medicines.
• Johnston supports exploiting ocean resources.
• Tunnicliffe warns about extreme ecosystem destruction.
• Copley specifically opposes mining hydrothermal vents.

6. Pay Attention to Strong Language

Words such as:

• greatest
• only
• most
• always
• never
• completely

are important.

Question 21 uses the idea that no other human activity would be as destructive.

The clue is the description of mining as the greatest assault on deep-sea ecosystems.

7. Follow the Word Limit

If the instruction says:

ONE WORD ONLY

write only one word.

For example:

• Correct: machinery
• Incorrect: converted machinery

The extra word would make the answer wrong.

8. Understand Writer's Views

Questions 36–40 are YES / NO / NOT GIVEN.

Ask yourself:

Does the writer personally agree with this statement?

For Question 38, the writer explicitly considers peacefulness and cooperation innate human characteristics.

Therefore: YES

9. Watch for Opposite Meanings

Question 40 is a good example.

The statement says animal research failed to show a link between environmental changes and aggression.

The passage says research repeatedly showed primates became more violent after habitat disruption.

Therefore: NO

10. Read the Whole Sentence Around the Keyword

Finding one matching word is not enough.

Read the complete sentence and, where necessary, the sentence before and after it.

This helps you notice:

• contradictions;
• qualifications;
• uncertainty;
• cause and effect;
• the writer's actual opinion.

Final Review

Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic Reading Test 4 includes several important IELTS question types:

• TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
• Note Completion
• Matching Information
• Matching People
• Summary Completion
• Multiple Choice
• YES / NO / NOT GIVEN

The best way to improve is not simply to memorise the answers. Review where each answer appears, identify the paraphrase used in the question, and understand why the other possible answers are incorrect.

That approach will help you solve similar questions much faster in your next IELTS Reading practice.