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Reading answers with explanations

IELTS · Part 2 · Cambridge IELTS 21 – Test 2

Mapungubwe: Reading answers

Answers to questions 14–26 (13 in all), each with why it is right.

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

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Located in southern Africa just below the Limpopo River, the kingdom of Mapungubwe, flourished between the 11th and 13th century CE A Mapungubwe, which was one of the first states in southern Africa, was formed by Bantu-speaking peoples who were farmers. The area controlled by the rulers of Mapungubwe had at its heart a large sandstone plateau, which was easily defended due to its inaccessibility. As with other kingdoms in the region of southern Africa, cattle herding and other types of farming brought plenty of food and a surplus that could be traded for needed goods. Archaeology has revealed extensive layers of bones and manure, which indicate that from the 9th century CE there were large…

Answers 14–26

  1. 14

    a mention of the uncertainty regarding the purpose of certain objects

    E: Paragraph E Matching information

  2. 15

    the likelihood that a climatic factor increased the problems Mapungubwe faced

    G: Paragraph G Matching information

  3. 16

    a mention of the location where members of the king's family are thought to have lived

    C: Paragraph C Matching information

  4. 17

    a reference to people who brought goods by ship

    D: Paragraph D Matching information

  5. 18

    an estimate of the size to which the Mapungubwe community grew

    B: Paragraph B Matching information

  6. 19

    a mention of agricultural produce being exchanged for other items

    A: Paragraph A Matching information

  7. 20

    The archaeological record reveals information about gold and the kingdom of Mapungubwe. Which TWO pieces of information are mentioned by the writer?

    B: Items of gold were placed close to where Mapungubwe kings were buried. Multiple answer

  8. 21

    D: The way gold was decorated in Mapungubwe was also practised in another kingdom. Multiple answer

  9. 22

    The Mapungubwe community's {22} is indicated by the amount of professionally made pottery discovered at the site.

    prosperity Summary completion

  10. 23

    Many of these objects, such as beakers and bowls, are highly decorated and have been marked with stamps. Other finds include round ceramic objects, {23} and figures of various animals...

    whistles Summary completion

  11. 24

    ...as well as models of people with stretched {24}.

    bodies Summary completion

  12. 25

    It is possible that these had a role in ceremonies to honour {25}.

    ancestors Summary completion

  13. 26

    In addition, pieces of {26} made from a local metal have been found at the site.

    jewellery / jewelry Summary completion

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