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Reading answers with explanations

IELTS · Part 3 · Cambridge 17 — Test 2

Insight or evolution?: Reading answers

Answers to questions 27–40 (14 in all), each with why it is right.

Sit it first, then check

Read the whole passage and answer in the exam interface, timed as on the day.

Practise this part

The passage opens

Two scientists consider the origins of discoveries and other innovative behavior Scientific discovery is popularly believed to result from the sheer genius of such intellectual stars as naturalist Charles Darwin and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein.Our view of such unique contributions to science often disregards the person's prior experience and the efforts of their lesser-known predecessors.Conventional wisdom also places great weight on insight in promoting breakthrough scientific achievements, as if ideas spontaneously pop into someone's head - fully formed and functional. There may be some limited truth to this view.However, we believe that it largely misrepresents the real nature…

Answers 27–40

  1. 27

    The purpose of the first paragraph is to

    D: outline a common assumption. Multiple choice

  2. 28

    What are the writers doing in the second paragraph?

    A: criticising an opinion Multiple choice

  3. 29

    In the third paragraph, what do the writers suggest about Darwin and Einstein?

    A: They represent an exception to a general rule. Multiple choice

  4. 30

    John Nicholson is an example of a person whose idea

    C: laid the foundations for someone else's breakthrough. Multiple choice

  5. 31

    What is the key point of interest about the 'acey-deucy' stirrup placement?

    A: the simple reason why it was invented Multiple choice

  6. 32

    Acknowledging people such as Plato or da Vinci as geniuses will help us understand the process by which great minds create new ideas.

    NO Yes / No / Not Given

  7. 33

    The Law of Effect was discovered at a time when psychologists were seeking a scientific reason why creativity occurs.

    NOT GIVEN Yes / No / Not Given

  8. 34

    The Law of Effect states that no planning is involved in the behaviour of organisms.

    YES Yes / No / Not Given

  9. 35

    The Law of Effect sets out clear explanations about the sources of new ideas and behaviours.

    NO Yes / No / Not Given

  10. 36

    Many scientists are now turning away from the notion of intelligent design and genius.

    NOT GIVEN Yes / No / Not Given

  11. 37

    F: inspiration Summary completion (word list)

  12. 38

    D: mistakes Summary completion (word list)

  13. 39

    E: luck Summary completion (word list)

  14. 40

    B: goals Summary completion (word list)

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