[IELTS Reading] – Test 2: The search for exoplanets and racial discrimination

PASSAGE 1

The search for exoplanets, or planets that orbit stars outside our solar system, has become one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of astronomical research. Astronomers are using advanced telescopes and techniques to identify these distant worlds, and their discoveries are opening up new possibilities for understanding the potential for life beyond Earth.

Exoplanets are incredibly diverse in terms of their size, composition, and orbits. Some are gas giants similar to Jupiter, while others are rocky like Earth. Their distances from their host stars vary widely, resulting in a wide range of surface temperatures.

One of the key techniques used in exoplanet detection is the transit method. This involves observing a star for periodic, slight dimming as a planet passes in front of it, blocking a portion of the star’s light. This dimming, or transit, provides valuable information about the planet’s size and orbit.

The study of exoplanets also includes the search for potentially habitable worlds. Researchers are keen to find exoplanets located in their star’s habitable zone, sometimes referred to as the “Goldilocks zone,” where conditions may be just right for liquid water to exist. The presence of liquid water is considered one of the essential factors for life as we know it.

While the search for exoplanets is driven by curiosity and the desire to better understand the universe, it has practical implications. The discovery of exoplanets with conditions suitable for life would significantly impact our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it. It may even provide clues about the prevalence of life elsewhere in the universe.

Question 1: What is the primary goal of astronomers in their search for exoplanets?

A. Discovering alien technology
B. Identifying planets in our solar system
C. Understanding the diversity of exoplanets
D. Exploring the potential for life beyond Earth

Question 2: What is the “Goldilocks zone” mentioned in the passage?

A. A zone with ideal temperatures for human habitation
B. A zone where conditions may be suitable for liquid water and life
C. A zone with the most valuable resources
D. A zone of high gravitational forces

Question 3: How is the transit method used in exoplanet detection?
A. It involves observing the stars themselves.
B. It relies on the measurement of a planet’s size.
C. It observes periodic dimming of a star’s light due to a passing planet.
D. It measures the composition of exoplanets.

Question 4: Why is the presence of liquid water on exoplanets important in the search for habitable worlds?
A. Because liquid water is essential for human survival
B. Because it makes exoplanets suitable for farming
C. Because it is a key factor for the existence of life as we know it
D. Because it is rare in the universe

Question 5: According to the passage, what practical implications does the search for exoplanets have?
A. It has no practical implications.
B. It may impact our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for life elsewhere.
C. It may provide immediate solutions to Earth’s environmental problems.
D. It is solely driven by curiosity without any real-world applications.

PASSAGE 2

Racial discrimination, a deeply rooted issue that has plagued societies worldwide, continues to be a pressing concern in the 21st century. While significant progress has been made in the fight against racism, it persists in various forms, impacting individuals and communities in insidious ways.

Racism can manifest through overt acts of discrimination, such as hate crimes, racial slurs, and violence, but it also operates through subtle and systemic means. In many cases, these subtle forms of racism are harder to identify and combat, as they are deeply ingrained in societal structures, policies, and cultural norms.

One of the challenges in addressing racism is acknowledging its existence. Many individuals and even some institutions deny the prevalence of racism or underestimate its effects. This denial can hinder efforts to combat discrimination and inequality effectively.

To tackle the issue of racism, education and awareness are essential. It is crucial to educate individuals about the history and impact of racism, as well as the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, addressing systemic racism requires examining policies and practices that perpetuate inequality.

Question 6: What is the primary focus of the reading passage?
A. The denial of racism
B. Overt acts of discrimination
C. The persistence of racial discrimination
D. Progress in combating racism

Question 7: How does racism manifest according to the passage?
A. Only through overt acts of discrimination
B. Only through subtle, systemic means
C. Primarily through hate crimes
D. Both through overt and subtle means

Question 8: What is one of the challenges in addressing racism mentioned in the passage?
A. Lack of hate crime legislation
B. Denial of racism’s prevalence and effects
C. Overt acts of discrimination
D. The need for more cultural norms

Question 9: According to the passage, what is essential to tackle the issue of racism?
A. Denial of racism’s existence
B. Policies that perpetuate inequality
C. Embracing diversity and inclusivity
D. Overestimating the effects of racism

Question 10: What does the passage suggest is necessary to address systemic racism?
A. Denying the existence of racism
B. Promoting overt acts of discrimination
C. Examining policies and practices that perpetuate inequality
D. Underestimating the effects of racism

1D, 2B, 3C, 4C, 5B, 6C, 7D, 8B, 9C, 10C
1. Explanation 1: The correct answer is D. The primary goal of astronomers in their search for exoplanets is to explore the potential for life beyond Earth.
2. Explanation 2: The correct answer is B. The “Goldilocks zone” refers to a zone where conditions may be suitable for liquid water and life.
3. Explanation 3: The correct answer is C. The transit method involves observing periodic dimming of a star’s light due to a passing planet.
4. Explanation 4: The correct answer is C. The presence of liquid water is considered one of the essential factors for the existence of life as we know it.
5. Explanation 5: The correct answer is B. According to the passage, the search for exoplanets may impact our understanding of the cosmos and the potential for life elsewhere, which has practical implications.
6. Explanation 6: The correct answer is C. The primary focus of the reading passage is the persistence of racial discrimination.
7. Explanation 7: The correct answer is D. Racism can manifest both through overt acts of discrimination and subtle, systemic means.
8. Explanation 8: The correct answer is B. One of the challenges in addressing racism mentioned in the passage is the denial of racism’s prevalence and effects.
9. Explanation 9: The correct answer is C. According to the passage, embracing diversity and inclusivity is essential to tackle the issue of racism.
10. Explanation 10: The correct answer is C. The passage suggests that examining policies and practices that perpetuate inequality is necessary to address systemic racism.