[IELTS Reading] – Test 5: Autism and global trade

PASSAGE 1

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex and multifaceted neurological condition that affects individuals from childhood through adulthood. ASD is a developmental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and challenges. These may include difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. The term “spectrum” emphasizes the wide variation in the way ASD affects individuals; some may have mild symptoms while others face more severe challenges.

The early signs of autism often manifest during the first few years of life. Parents and caregivers may notice delayed speech, limited eye contact, and a preference for routines. A formal diagnosis typically involves assessments by healthcare professionals and specialists.

Individuals with ASD may face unique challenges, such as difficulty in understanding social cues, sensory sensitivities, and challenges in verbal and non-verbal communication. However, they also exhibit strengths, such as a remarkable focus on detail and the ability to think in logical and structured ways.

Early intervention and support play a crucial role in the development of individuals with ASD. Therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy, are often employed to help individuals with ASD develop essential skills and improve their quality of life.

1. What does the term “spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) emphasize?
a) The absence of any symptoms in individuals with ASD.
b) The wide variation in the way ASD affects individuals.
c) The uniformity of symptoms in all individuals with ASD.
d) The temporary nature of the disorder.

2. What are some early signs of autism that parents and caregivers may notice?
a) Advanced speech and language development.
b) Frequent and prolonged eye contact.
c) A preference for routines and delayed speech.
d) A strong interest in social activities.

3. How is a formal diagnosis of ASD typically made?
a) By parents and caregivers based on observed behaviors.
b) By using a simple online assessment tool.
c) Through assessments by healthcare professionals and specialists.
d) Through self-diagnosis by the individual with ASD.

4. What strengths do individuals with ASD often exhibit?
a) Exceptional social skills and communication.
b) The ability to understand complex social cues.
c) A remarkable focus on detail and logical thinking.
d) A preference for routine and predictable environments.

5. Which approach is often employed to help individuals with ASD develop essential skills and improve their quality of life?
a) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy.
b) Prescription medications.
c) No intervention is necessary.
d) Strict isolation from social situations.

PASSAGE 2

Global trade is the exchange of goods and services across international borders, and it plays a significant role in the world’s economic and geopolitical landscape. Global trade is driven by several factors. Comparative advantage, where countries specialize in producing goods and services in which they have an advantage, is a fundamental driver. Additionally, advancements in transportation and communication have reduced trade barriers, enabling the flow of goods and services on a global scale. Trade agreements and international organizations also play a role in facilitating and regulating trade.

Global trade has far-reaching economic impacts. It promotes economic growth by providing access to a broader market, leading to increased production and employment. It allows countries to source products and raw materials efficiently, reducing costs for consumers. However, it can also lead to income inequality, as the benefits of trade may not be evenly distributed.

Trade is intertwined with geopolitics. It can enhance diplomatic relations and promote peace, but it can also lead to tensions and conflicts when countries compete for resources and markets. Trade disputes, tariffs, and protectionism are examples of challenges that can emerge from geopolitical considerations.

6. What is one of the fundamental drivers of global trade mentioned in the passage?
a) Income inequality
b) Reduction in trade barriers
c) Advancements in healthcare
d) Decreased production and employment

7. How does global trade promote economic growth?
a) By creating income inequality
b) By reducing access to global markets
c) By increasing production and employment
d) By raising costs for consumers

8. What can be a consequence of global trade not being evenly distributed?
a) A reduction in income inequality
b) A decrease in trade disputes
c) An increase in diplomatic relations
d) Income inequality

9. How is trade intertwined with geopolitics?
a) Trade always promotes peace and diplomatic relations.
b) Trade has no impact on geopolitical considerations.
c) Trade can both enhance diplomatic relations and lead to tensions and conflicts.
d) Trade is solely regulated by international organizations.

10. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a challenge that can emerge from geopolitical considerations related to trade?
a) Trade disputes
b) Tariffs
c) Income inequality
d) Protectionism

1. Answer: b) The wide variation in the way ASD affects individuals. The term “spectrum” in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) emphasizes the wide variation in the way ASD affects individuals.

2. Answer: c) A preference for routines and delayed speech. Some early signs of autism that parents and caregivers may notice include a preference for routines and delayed speech.

3. Answer: c) Through assessments by healthcare professionals and specialists. A formal diagnosis of ASD is typically made through assessments by healthcare professionals and specialists.

4. Answer: c) A remarkable focus on detail and logical thinking. Individuals with ASD often exhibit strengths such as a remarkable focus on detail and the ability to think in logical and structured ways.

5. Answer: a) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy are often employed to help individuals with ASD develop essential skills and improve their quality of life.

6. Answer: b) Reduction in trade barriers. One of the fundamental drivers of global trade mentioned in the passage is the reduction in trade barriers, which enables the flow of goods and services on a global scale.

7. Answer: c) By increasing production and employment. Global trade promotes economic growth by providing access to a broader market, leading to increased production and employment.

8. Answer: d) Income inequality. A consequence of global trade not being evenly distributed can be income inequality, as mentioned in the passage.

9. Answer: c) Trade can both enhance diplomatic relations and lead to tensions and conflicts. Trade is intertwined with geopolitics as it can enhance diplomatic relations and promote peace, but it can also lead to tensions and conflicts.

10. Answer: c) Income inequality. Income inequality is not mentioned as a challenge that can emerge from geopolitical considerations related to trade in the passage.