Cambridge 21 Test 2 Reading Answers & Explanations

26 July 2026

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Cambridge 21 Test 2 Reading Answers & Explanations

This post provides the complete answers and clear explanations for Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Reading Test 2.

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Each answer includes:

Strategy
Keywords
Exact paragraph and line location
Explanation
Correct answer

> Location note: Line numbers are counted separately within each paragraph as displayed in the reading passage. When a paragraph continues onto the next page, the line count continues.

How This Guide Is Structured

Strategy

The strategy explains the most effective method for answering each type of IELTS Reading question.

Keywords

Keywords are the important words or phrases that help locate the relevant information in the passage.

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

The location identifies the reading passage, paragraph number and exact line or line range containing the relevant information.

Explanation

The explanation shows the connection between the question and the passage, including important synonyms, paraphrases and contradictions.

Correct Answer

The answer is shown only after the location and explanation.

Reading Passage 1

Do Animals Dream?

Questions 1–5: Table Completion

Strategy

For table-completion questions:

Read the table headings carefully.
Identify the animal or research subject in each row.
Predict the type of word required in each blank.
Scan the relevant paragraph for matching ideas.
Look for synonyms rather than identical wording.
Copy the exact word from the passage.
Follow the word limit strictly.

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Question 1

Similar brain patterns were observed when ______ were active and sleeping.

Keywords

similar brain patterns, active, sleeping, dreaming

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 2, lines 1–4

Explanation

Researchers compared the brain patterns of rats while they were running through a maze with their brain patterns during REM sleep.

The patterns were very similar, leading researchers to conclude that the sleeping animals were dreaming about the maze.

Here:

when active = running through a maze while awake
when sleeping = during REM sleep
The animals involved in the experiment were rats.

So, the answer is: rats

Question 2

Sleeping pigeons displayed activity in parts of the brain that deal with ______ input.

Keywords

pigeons, brain activity, input, flying

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 3, lines 4–7

Explanation

The passage says that REM sleep activity was high in brain regions involved in processing visual information.

The activity was especially connected with images relating to physical actions such as flying.

Here:

parts of the brain that deal with = brain regions involved in processing
input = information
The type of information was visual.

So, the answer is: visual

Question 3

Whales and dolphins still have ______ their brain awake when they sleep.

Keywords

whales, dolphins, brain awake, sleep

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 3–5

Explanation

The passage explains that whales and dolphins do not shut down their entire brain when sleeping. They shut down only one part and keep the remainder awake.

Here:

do not shut down their entire brain = part of the brain stays awake
They shut down only half of it.

The completed sentence becomes:

> Whales and dolphins still have half their brain awake when they sleep.

So, the answer is: half

Question 4

Whales and dolphins do not experience REM sleep because this could affect their sensitivity to ______.

Keywords

REM sleep, sensitivity, whales, dolphins

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 7–8

Explanation

The passage says whales and dolphins may not experience REM sleep because animals are more vulnerable to extremes of temperature during this stage.

Here:

more vulnerable to extremes of = sensitivity to
The environmental factor is temperature.

So, the answer is: temperature

Question 5

The dreams of whales and dolphins are probably not very ______.

Keywords

dreams, whales, dolphins, non-REM sleep

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 4, lines 5–6

Explanation

Whales and dolphins show no sign of REM sleep. The passage suggests that they may experience only non-REM dreams, which are less vivid.

Here:

less vivid = not very vivid

The adjective fits naturally after not very.

So, the answer is: vivid

Questions 6–13: TRUE, FALSE, NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For this question type:

Choose TRUE when the statement agrees with the passage.
Choose FALSE when the passage gives opposite information.
Choose NOT GIVEN when the passage does not provide enough information.

Do not select an answer simply because the same topic appears in the passage. Compare the complete meaning of the statement with the information provided.

Question 6

Dreaming about past experiences helps us to create lasting memories of them.

Keywords

past experiences, lasting memories, dreaming

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 5, lines 1–4

Explanation

The passage says that events are replayed in dreams and that this process helps integrate memories into longer-term storage.

Here:

events are replayed in dreams = dreaming about past experiences
longer-term storage = lasting memories
helps to integrate memories = helps create or preserve them

The statement agrees with the passage.

So, the answer is: TRUE

Question 7

It is now possible to tell what type of dream a dog is having.

Keywords

possible to tell, type of dream, dog

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 6, lines 1–5

Explanation

People often interpret a sleeping dog’s moving limbs and quiet barks as signs that it is chasing something.

However, the writer says that we do not know whether the dog is actually having an internal experience of chasing rabbits.

Here:

The behaviour may suggest a particular dream.
The passage says the true internal experience remains unknown.

The statement contradicts the passage.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 8

David Scheel’s documentary was influential on other research into the sleeping patterns of octopuses.

Keywords

David Scheel, documentary, influential, other research

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest related location: Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 7, lines 1–4

Explanation

The passage says that David Scheel was making a documentary when he observed an octopus named Heidi apparently dreaming.

However, it does not state:

that the documentary influenced later research;
that other researchers based their work on it;
that the documentary changed the study of octopus sleep.

The claimed influence is not discussed.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 9

While it was asleep, the octopus called Costello reacted as if it was hunting.

Keywords

Costello, asleep, reacted, hunting

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 8, lines 1–3

Explanation

Costello moved violently, made himself look larger and released ink as though he were being attacked by a predator.

Here:

being attacked by a predator = acting like prey defending itself
hunting = acting as the predator

The passage describes Costello as reacting to an attack, not hunting another animal.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 10

Scheel believes more research into octopuses’ dreams should be carried out.

Keywords

Scheel, more research, octopus dreams

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 8, lines 3–6

Explanation

Scheel says the nightmare study is based on only one animal. He argues that brain imaging is also needed to demonstrate that octopuses replay waking experiences in their dreams.

Here:

only based on one animal = the evidence is limited
brain imaging is needed = additional research is necessary

The statement agrees with his view.

So, the answer is: TRUE

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Question 11

We may soon be able to share the dreams of other human beings.

Keywords

soon, share dreams, other humans

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 9, lines 1–2

Explanation

The writer says that humans will never be able to experience the dreams of animals. The same limitation applies to the dreams of other people.

Here:

never be able to experience contradicts may soon be able to share
The writer presents the limitation as permanent.

So, the answer is: FALSE

Question 12

Hearing may be an important part of the dreams of some animals.

Keywords

hearing, important, dreams, animals

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest related location: Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 9, lines 3–5

Explanation

The passage explains that different species experience the world through different dominant senses:

humans rely heavily on vision;
dogs mainly use smell;
spiders rely strongly on vibrations.

However, the passage does not mention:

hearing as a dominant sense;
animals hearing things in their dreams;
the role of sound in animal dreams.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 13

Interest in the reasons why humans dream has increased greatly in recent times.

Keywords

interest, reasons humans dream, increased, recent times

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest related location: Reading Passage 1, Paragraph 10, lines 1–3

Explanation

The final paragraph says that understanding the different purposes of animal dreams might help explain the purpose of human dreams.

However, it does not discuss:

whether public or scientific interest has increased;
the level of previous interest;
any recent change in attention to the subject.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 2

Mapungubwe

Questions 14–19: Matching Information

Strategy

For matching-information questions:

Read all statements before examining the paragraphs.
Underline distinctive keywords in each statement.
Skim every paragraph for its main subject.
Scan for specific details, names, numbers and places.
Remember that one paragraph may contain more than one answer.
Match ideas and paraphrases rather than identical words.

Question 14

A mention of uncertainty regarding the purpose of certain objects

Keywords

uncertainty, purpose, certain objects

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 5–7

Explanation

The passage describes animal and human figures discovered at Mapungubwe. It suggests that they may have been used in ceremonies as offerings to ancestors.

However, their exact function is unknown.

Here:

precise function is not known = uncertainty about their purpose
The objects are the discovered figurines.

So, the answer is: E

Question 15

The likelihood that a climatic factor increased the problems Mapungubwe faced

Keywords

climatic factor, increased problems, decline

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph G, lines 1–4

Explanation

The kingdom was already declining because overpopulation placed pressure on local resources. The passage says that a series of droughts may have brought the situation to a crisis point.

Here:

droughts = climatic factor
brought to a crisis point = increased or intensified the problems
may have shows likelihood rather than certainty.

So, the answer is: G

Question 16

A mention of the location where members of the king’s family are thought to have lived

Keywords

location, king’s family, lived, relatives

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph C, lines 4–5

Explanation

The passage says that grander residences were located around the outskirts of Babandyanalo.

These homes probably belonged to male relatives of the king.

Here:

male relatives of the king = members of the king’s family
around the outskirts of Babandyanalo = where they lived

So, the answer is: C

Question 17

A reference to people who brought goods by ship

Keywords

people, brought goods, ship, trade

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph D, lines 4–5

Explanation

Glass beads found at the site probably came from India. The passage says coastal states traded with merchants travelling from India by sea.

Here:

merchants = people involved in trade
travelling from India by sea = bringing goods by ship

So, the answer is: D

Question 18

An estimate of the size to which the Mapungubwe community grew

Keywords

estimate, size, community, population

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph B, lines 1–2

Explanation

The passage estimates that Mapungubwe’s population reached approximately 5,000 people at its peak in the middle of the 13th century.

Here:

total population at its peak = size to which the community grew
around 5,000 = an estimate

So, the answer is: B

Question 19

A mention of agricultural produce being exchanged for other items

Keywords

agricultural produce, exchanged, other items

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph A, lines 4–5

Explanation

Cattle herding and other farming activities produced plenty of food and a surplus. This surplus could be traded for goods the community needed.

Here:

food and a surplus = agricultural produce
traded for needed goods = exchanged for other items

So, the answer is: A

Questions 20–21: Multiple Selection

Strategy

For questions requiring two answers:

Read the main question carefully.
Examine all five options before returning to the passage.
Check whether each option is directly supported.
Do not choose an option because only part of it is correct.
Select exactly two letters.
The answers may usually be written in either order.

Questions 20–21

Which TWO pieces of information about gold and Mapungubwe are mentioned by the writer?

Keywords

gold, archaeological record, Mapungubwe, two pieces of information

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph F, lines 1–8

Explanation

The passage gives two relevant details.

First, gold objects were found at the royal burial site.

Here:

royal burial site = the place where Mapungubwe’s rulers were buried
This supports Option B.

Second, a particular method of gold decoration was found nowhere else except Great Zimbabwe.

Here:

The same decoration method existed in another kingdom.
This supports Option D.

Why the other options are incorrect

A: The passage says gold had intrinsic value rather than being treated as currency. It does not compare how different people used gold as payment.
C: One object may have been a sceptre, but the writer does not say it was the most valuable discovery.
E: The social status of gold workers is not discussed.

So, the answers are: B and D

Questions 22–26: Summary Completion

Strategy

For summary-completion questions:

Read the entire summary before locating the answers.
Predict the grammatical type of each missing word.
Identify the paragraph containing the relevant information.
Look for synonyms and altered sentence structures.
Copy the exact word from the passage.
Follow the one-word limit.

The instruction says:

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Question 22

The amount of professionally made pottery indicates the community’s ______.

Keywords

professionally made pottery, indicates, community

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 1–3

Explanation

The passage says pottery was produced on a scale large enough to suggest professional potters. This is described as an indicator of Mapungubwe society’s prosperity.

Here:

indicator of = indicates
The quality and quantity of pottery demonstrate the society’s prosperity.

So, the answer is: prosperity

Question 23

Other discoveries include round ceramic objects, ______ and animal figures.

Keywords

ceramic objects, animal figures, other discoveries

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 4–5

Explanation

The passage lists ceramic discs and whistles before describing cattle, sheep and goat figurines.

Here:

round ceramic objects = ceramic discs
The next separate objects in the list are whistles.

So, the answer is: whistles

Question 24

Models of people had stretched ______.

Keywords

models of people, stretched, stylised humans

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 5–6

Explanation

The passage describes small figures of highly stylised humans with elongated bodies and short limbs.

Here:

models of people = figures of humans
stretched = elongated
The elongated parts were their bodies.

So, the answer is: bodies

Question 25

The figures may have been used in ceremonies to honour ______.

Keywords

figures, ceremonies, honour

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 6–7

Explanation

The passage suggests that the figures may have been used as offerings during ceremonies for ancestors.

Here:

offerings to = used to honour
The people being honoured were ancestors.

So, the answer is: ancestors

Question 26

Pieces of ______ made from a local metal were also discovered.

Keywords

pieces, local metal, discovered

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 2, Paragraph E, lines 7–8

Explanation

The passage says small jewellery items made from locally sourced copper were found.

Here:

local metal = locally sourced copper
pieces of = small items of
The objects were jewellery.

Both British and American spellings may be accepted:

jewellery
jewelry

So, the answer is: jewellery

Reading Passage 3

Artificial Intelligence

Questions 27–29: Multiple Choice

Strategy

For multiple-choice questions:

Locate the paragraph named in the question.
Read the complete paragraph rather than one sentence.
Identify what the writer is doing or claiming.
Predict the answer in your own words.
Compare your prediction with every option.
Eliminate options that describe only a detail or introduce unsupported information.

Question 27

What is the writer doing in the first paragraph?

Keywords

writer doing, first paragraph, public view, AI

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 1, lines 1–4

Explanation

The writer describes widespread excitement and fear about AI in Western countries. Sensationalist media reports suggest that AI can cure diseases, increase innovation and improve creativity.

The writer is not personally predicting what AI will do. Instead, the paragraph describes how AI is publicly presented and perceived.

Option Analysis

A: The writer is not making a personal prediction.
B: Correct — the paragraph describes a public perception of AI.
C: Possible benefits are mentioned as examples of media claims, not as the paragraph’s main purpose.
D: The writer says people may think AI influences everything, but this is part of the public perception being described.

So, the answer is: B — describing a public perception of AI

Question 28

When discussing AI solutionism, what does the writer do?

Keywords

AI solutionism, second paragraph, danger, risk

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 2, lines 1–6

Explanation

The writer defines AI solutionism as the belief that machine-learning algorithms can solve all human problems if they are given enough data.

The writer then warns that this attitude may damage AI progress by:

ignoring safety principles;
creating unrealistic expectations;
weakening the value of machine intelligence.

This means the writer identifies a danger associated with AI solutionism.

Option Analysis

A: Correct — the writer points out a risk.
B: The origins of the philosophy are not given in this paragraph.
C: Its main supporters are not identified here.
D: The writer does not balance advantages and disadvantages; the focus is critical.

So, the answer is: A — points out a risk involved

Question 29

What does the writer suggest about many politicians in the fourth paragraph?

Keywords

politicians, fourth paragraph, national AI initiatives, implementation

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 4, lines 1–4

Explanation

Governments are investing in national AI initiatives and competing to lead the machine-learning sector.

However, the writer says many politicians fail to understand the complexity of deploying advanced machine-learning systems in real-world situations.

Here:

fail to realise the complexity = are unaware of the challenges
deploying systems in the real world = implementing AI initiatives

So, the answer is: C — be unaware of the challenges of implementing national AI initiatives

Questions 30–35: Summary Completion with a Word List

Strategy

For summary completion with a list of options:

Read the entire summary first.
Predict the type of word required in each blank.
Locate the matching paragraph.
Identify the passage wording that has been paraphrased.
Eliminate options that do not fit grammatically.
Use each option only once unless instructed otherwise.

Question 30

Politicians believe adding a neural network will produce solutions and promote ______.

Keywords

neural network, government, inclusive, fair

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 5, lines 3–5

Explanation

The writer says adding a neural network to a government system does not automatically make it more inclusive or fair.

Here:

inclusive or fair = promoting equality
The summary describes what politicians may incorrectly expect.

Among the options, equality best matches the idea of fairness and inclusion.

So, the answer is: F — equality

Question 31

Most public-sector organisations have not established the necessary ______ to manage the required data.

Keywords

public sector, necessary, manage data, infrastructure

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 1–3

Explanation

The passage says AI requires large amounts of data, but the public sector usually lacks the appropriate data infrastructure needed to support advanced machine learning.

Here:

data infrastructure = organisational and technical framework
necessary framework fits the summary grammatically and logically.

So, the answer is: G — framework

Question 32

Each person involved needs ______ to access data held by different departments.

Keywords

access data, departments, special permissions

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 3–5

Explanation

Data is distributed across different government departments. The passage says each department requires special permissions before its information can be accessed.

Here:

special permissions = approval
A person needs approval to gain access.

So, the answer is: I — approval

Question 33

Few public-sector employees have the ______ needed to benefit fully from machine intelligence.

Keywords

employees, technological capabilities, benefits

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 6, lines 5–7

Explanation

The passage says the public sector lacks people with the right technological capabilities to make full use of machine intelligence.

Here:

technological capabilities = skills
human talent with the right capabilities = employees with the necessary skills

So, the answer is: C — skills

Question 34

Medical experts had little faith in the programme’s ______.

Keywords

medical experts, little faith, programme, trust

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 11, lines 1–4

Explanation

IBM Watson for Oncology was designed to provide doctors with the best treatment recommendations.

However, human experts found it difficult to trust the system, and it was abandoned in most hospitals where it was tested.

Here:

found it hard to trust = had little faith in
The quality being questioned was its reliability.

So, the answer is: A — reliability

Question 35

US court algorithms magnified existing ______ within the legal profession.

Keywords

court algorithms, magnified, discrimination, legal profession

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 12, lines 1–4

Explanation

The system used risk-assessment scores to advise judges during sentencing. It was found to amplify structural racial discrimination.

Here:

amplify = magnify
structural racial discrimination = existing racial prejudices

Among the options, prejudices is the closest match.

So, the answer is: D — prejudices

Questions 36–39: YES, NO, NOT GIVEN

Strategy

For this question type:

Choose YES when the statement agrees with the writer’s claim.
Choose NO when it contradicts the writer’s claim.
Choose NOT GIVEN when the writer’s view cannot be determined.

Pay attention to opinion words such as sensible, realistic, overlooked, necessary and unfair.

Question 36

Stuart Russell’s proposals regarding the use of AI are impractical.

Keywords

Stuart Russell, proposals, impractical

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 7, lines 1–4

Explanation

The writer says Stuart Russell supports a sensible and realistic approach that focuses on simple everyday uses of AI.

Here:

sensible and realistic contradicts impractical
The writer presents Russell’s approach positively.

So, the answer is: NO

Question 37

Rodney Brooks’ view has attracted unfair criticism from supporters of AI.

Keywords

Rodney Brooks, unfair criticism, AI supporters

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Closest related location: Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 7, lines 4–6

Explanation

Rodney Brooks argues that most innovations in robotics and AI take much longer to become widely used than people expect.

However, the passage does not mention:

criticism of Brooks;
whether any criticism was unfair;
whether supporters of AI disagreed with him.

So, the answer is: NOT GIVEN

Question 38

The need to protect AI systems is always considered when they are installed.

Keywords

protect AI systems, always considered, installed

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 8, lines 1–6

Explanation

The passage discusses the danger of adversarial attacks and says researchers have warned against introducing AI without security standards.

However, AI security remains an often overlooked subject when machine-learning systems are installed.

Here:

often overlooked contradicts always considered

So, the answer is: NO

Question 39

To benefit from AI while reducing harm, we must explore people’s concerns about its use.

Keywords

benefit, reduce harm, concerns, distrust

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 9, lines 1–4

Explanation

The writer says that gaining AI’s benefits while minimising its harms requires discussion about:

AI ethics;
meaningful applications;
the distrust many people feel towards machine learning.

Here:

distrust = people’s concerns
discussion about distrust = exploring those concerns

The statement agrees with the writer.

So, the answer is: YES

Question 40: Multiple Choice

Strategy

For a suitable-title or subtitle question:

Identify the main argument of the whole passage.
Do not choose an option based on one paragraph only.
Consider the writer’s overall attitude.
Eliminate options that are too narrow, too extreme or unsupported.
Select the option covering the passage’s central message.

Question 40

What would be a suitable subtitle for Reading Passage 3?

Keywords

suitable subtitle, main message, AI limitations, solution

Exact Paragraph and Line Location

Reading Passage 3, Paragraph 13, lines 1–6

Explanation

The final paragraph summarises the central message:

AI cannot solve every problem.
Using AI simply because it is available may not be useful.
Some problems are not best addressed through machine intelligence.
Not everything that can be automated should be automated.

The entire passage warns against unrealistic faith in AI as a universal solution.

Option Analysis

A: The passage discusses limitations more than methods for maximising AI.
B: Correct — it reflects the argument that AI is not the answer to every problem.
C: The writer does not say governments should completely avoid AI investment.
D: Public-sector efficiency is only one part of the discussion.

So, the answer is: B — Why AI may not be the answer to our problems

Cambridge 21 Test 2 Reading Answer Key

Reading Passage 1

rats
visual
half
temperature
vivid
TRUE
FALSE
NOT GIVEN
FALSE
TRUE
FALSE
NOT GIVEN
NOT GIVEN

Reading Passage 2

E
G
C
D
B
A
B
D
prosperity
whistles
bodies
ancestors
jewellery / jewelry

Reading Passage 3

B
A
C
F — equality
G — framework
I — approval
C — skills
A — reliability
D — prejudices
NO
NOT GIVEN
NO
YES
B

Bonus IELTS Reading Tips

Follow the Word Limit

Always check whether the instructions say:

ONE WORD ONLY
NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
A NUMBER
A LETTER

Writing additional words will make a correct answer wrong.

For example:

Correct: temperature
Incorrect: extremes of temperature

Look for Paraphrases

IELTS questions usually express passage information using different words.

Question wording	Passage wording
active	awake
deal with visual input	process visual information
keep half awake	shut down only half
lasting memories	longer-term storage
type of dream	internal experience
more research	brain imaging is needed
by ship	by sea
climatic factor	droughts
purpose	function
professionally made	professional potters
stretched bodies	elongated bodies
promote equality	make government inclusive or fair
approval	special permissions
skills	technological capabilities
reliability	trust
prejudices	structural racial discrimination
always considered	often overlooked

Understand FALSE and NOT GIVEN

Choose FALSE when the passage provides information that directly contradicts the statement.

Choose NOT GIVEN when the passage does not provide enough information to confirm or contradict it.

Example of FALSE

The statement says Costello behaved as though it was hunting.

The passage says Costello behaved as though a predator was attacking it.

The ideas contradict each other, so the answer is FALSE.

Example of NOT GIVEN

The statement says Scheel’s documentary influenced other research.

The documentary is mentioned, but its influence is not discussed.

Therefore, the answer is NOT GIVEN.

Be Careful with Absolute Words

Words such as the following often make statements incorrect:

always
never
all
only
every
completely
certainly

For Question 38, the statement says AI security is always considered. The passage says it is often overlooked.

Therefore, the answer is NO.

Check Grammar in Completion Questions

The answer must fit grammatically into the incomplete sentence.

For example:

> Passengers need approval to access the data.

The noun approval fits naturally after need.

Another example:

> The dreams are probably not very vivid.

The adjective vivid fits after very.

Use Distinctive Keywords

Names, dates and unusual terms are useful location markers.

Examples from this test include:

David Scheel
Costello
Mapungubwe
Great Zimbabwe
IBM Watson for Oncology
Stuart Russell
Rodney Brooks

Scan for these terms before reading the surrounding lines carefully.

Match Ideas, Not Repeated Words

An incorrect option may repeat several words from the passage while changing the meaning.

For Question 27, the paragraph mentions possible benefits of AI, but its main purpose is to describe how the public and media perceive AI.

Therefore, B is better than C.

Read Around the Answer

Do not stop after finding one matching word. Read at least one sentence before and after it.

This helps identify:

corrections;
contrasts;
limitations;
examples;
the writer’s actual opinion.

Words such as however, but, although and instead often introduce the information needed for the answer.

Review Every Incorrect Answer

After completing the test, identify the reason for each mistake.

Common reasons include:

missing a paraphrase;
ignoring the word limit;
confusing FALSE with NOT GIVEN;
overlooking an absolute word;
selecting an option based on one repeated keyword;
misunderstanding the writer’s main argument;
failing to read the surrounding sentences.

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