Purple Rainbow & Sports Events In New Zealand - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 19 General Training Reading Test 3 · Part 1 · Questions 1–14
Reading Passage
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 1–8. ====
A - Purple Rainbow: The Truth
Having actors playing popular rock band Purple Rainbow seemed like a bad idea, but in fact they’re impressive musicians themselves. Their fans in the film were actual fans of the group and transferred their enthusiasm to the actors very convincingly. I assumed there would be plenty of music, linked by weak dialogue, but I was wrong. And the support that band members gave to lead singer Jerry Cosgrove when tragedy entered his life had me close to tears, giving me a new appreciation of the band.
B - Home Fires
I expected a standard, rather dull, story about domestic life, like the director’s last two films. Instead, Home Fires had me on the edge of my seat with excitement. It’s certainly worth a second viewing. Having said that, although it is apparently a film intended for all ages, many children would find the long discussions of relationship issues boring, and they contributed little or nothing to the film.
C - The Jeffersons
One of the most popular films of the past half century is Mary and Tom, and a remake of it seems unnecessary. Nevertheless, The Jeffersons has some delightful elements, particularly the acting of Yvonne Richards. She really brought the character she played to life, but sadly, neither she nor the other actors could make the script sound natural.
D - Space Challenge 5
This film makes an important ethical point about treating other people with respect, but that is likely to be missed by many teenagers, the target audience, as it assumes familiarity with the world as it was 20 years ago. With change happening so fast these days, many of the references will leave them confused.
E - Uplands
Uplands could have been a delightful film: it has a charming story, witty dialogue, and is visually breathtaking. But the two lead actors are at their best in thrillers, not films like this one. James Petherick, who plays the hero, fails to gain the sympathy of the audience, who should be moved by the ups and downs in his life.
==== Read the text below and answer Questions 9–14. ====
Sports events in New Zealand
A - McLeans Island Run
This unique running and cycling event winds its way through the Canterbury countryside and finishes in Orana Park, where your spectators will include lions, tigers, gorillas and giraffes. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned professional, there’s a distance to suit you. Choose from the short, the sprint or the standard distance. You can race to help other people too – if you get some friends or workmates to take part, you’ll be in with a chance to win $25,000 to put towards a good cause of your choice.
B - The Pioneer
The Pioneer is an awe-inspiring seven-day mountain bike race through New Zealand’s pristine Southern Alps. It is the first race of its kind to link together over 500 km of farm tracks, cycle trails, double track and single track riding in a very special part of the world where soaring mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and high country await. If you’re looking for a mountain bike race to get you inspired, this is it!
C - Race Drive Experience
If you have ever wanted to experience the extreme thrill of driving a 6000cc race car, then this is definitely for you! You start off your Race Drive Experience by meeting the skilled team of racing drivers at the Motorsport Park Raceway, before being fully kitted out with one of our race suits and safety helmet. Then you are strapped into the passenger seat of one of our racing cars and taken on a demo drive, covering racing lines, braking points and race driving tricks. Finally you take the driver’s seat and can undertake your own high-speed laps of the circuit.
D - Banks Peninsula Walking Festival
The Banks Peninsula Walking Festival offers guided walks all over the Banks Peninsula. The guides, all volunteers, are local people who love to share their passion for this special place with those from the wider community. Participants are guaranteed an enjoyable experience as they relax, get to know new people and absorb the stories and atmosphere of this fantastic land.
Questions
Questions 1–8 Matching Headings
Look at the five film reviews, A–E.
For which film review are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A–E, in boxes on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Questions 9–14 Matching Headings
Look at the four advertisements for sports events, A–D.
For which event are the following statements true?
Write the correct letter, A–D, in boxes on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | E | But the two lead actors are at their best in thrillers, not films like this one | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the two main actors are very good at acting in exciting movies ('thrillers'), but they are not good for this kind of movie. This means they were not the right people for these roles. Answer Explanation: The answer means that in the review for the movie 'Uplands' (Review E), the writer believes that some actors were not a good choice for their parts in the film. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is E because the review for 'Uplands' clearly states that the main actors are better suited for a different type of movie. The keywords 'unsuitable for their roles' in the question match the reviewer's idea that the actors are 'at their best in thrillers, not films like this one', meaning they were not the right fit for this particular film. |
| Q2 | C | She really brought the character she played to life, but sadly, neither she nor the other actors could make the script sound natural | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that although the main actress was a good actor, she and the other actors could not make the words they spoke in the movie (the script) sound like how real people talk. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means the review for the movie 'The Jeffersons' says the way the characters spoke did not seem real. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the review mentions that the actors were not able to make the script sound 'natural'. The word 'natural' means something that is like real life. If the script did not sound natural, it means the dialogue seemed 'unrealistic', which matches the question. |
| Q3 | A | I assumed there would be plenty of music, linked by weak dialogue, but I was wrong. And the support that band members gave to lead singer Jerry Cosgrove when tragedy entered his life had me close to tears, giving me a new appreciation of the band | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says the writer thought the movie would just have a lot of music and not very good talking. But the writer was incorrect. The story about the band helping their singer during a very sad time ('tragedy') made the writer feel very emotional and almost cry ('close to tears'). Answer Explanation: The answer means the movie 'Purple Rainbow' made the reviewer feel surprisingly sad and emotional. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the reviewer expresses surprise about their reaction to the film. The reviewer says, 'I assumed there would be plenty of music, linked by weak dialogue, but I was wrong.' This shows their expectation was different. Then, the reviewer describes a very emotional reaction, saying a sad part of the story 'had me close to tears'. This combination of being wrong in their assumption and feeling a strong emotion makes the film 'unexpectedly emotional'. |
| Q4 | B | Having said that, although it is apparently a film intended for all ages, many children would find the long discussions of relationship issues boring, and they contributed little or nothing to the film | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that even though the movie is for everyone, many children would think the long talks about relationships are not interesting. These talks also didn't really help the movie. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the film 'Home Fires' has conversations that some people, specifically children, would not find interesting. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the review for the film 'Home Fires' explicitly mentions that a certain group of viewers would not be interested in the dialogue. The review states that 'many children would find the long discussions... boring'. 'Discussions' are a form of 'dialogue', 'boring' is another word for 'uninteresting', and 'many children' refers to 'some viewers'. |
| Q5 | D | This film makes an important ethical point about treating other people with respect, but that is likely to be missed by many teenagers, the target audience | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that this movie teaches an important lesson ('an important ethical point') about being kind and fair to others ('treating other people with respect'). Answer Explanation: The answer means that film D, 'Space Challenge 5', teaches a lesson about what is right and wrong. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is D because the review clearly states that the film 'makes an important ethical point about treating other people with respect'. The phrase 'ethical point' is another way of saying 'moral message'. It is about teaching people how to behave in a good way. |
| Q6 | A | Their fans in the film were actual fans of the group and transferred their enthusiasm to the actors very convincingly | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the people who played the band's fans in the movie were real fans of the band in real life. They showed their real excitement for the band, which made their performance in the film seem very real. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the movie 'Purple Rainbow' included people who were not professional actors. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the review for 'Purple Rainbow' explains that the crowd of fans shown in the film were not actors. They were 'actual fans' of the real-life band. 'Actual fans' are regular people, which means that 'non-actors' took part in making the movie. |
| Q7 | B | It's certainly worth a second viewing | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says the movie is 'worth a second viewing'. This means the person who wrote the review thinks the movie is good enough to be watched for a second time. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'B'. This means the writer of the review for the movie 'Home Fires' believes it's a good idea to watch this movie more than one time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'B' because the reviewer for the film 'Home Fires' explicitly states that the movie is 'worth a second viewing'. This phrase directly means that the reviewer recommends watching the film again. No other review contains a similar suggestion. |
| Q8 | D | This film makes an important ethical point about treating other people with respect, but that is likely to be missed by many teenagers, the target audience, as it assumes familiarity with the world as it was 20 years ago. With change happening so fast these days, many of the references will leave them confused | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says the movie is for teenagers, but it expects them to know what the world was like 20 years in the past. Because things change very quickly, many things the movie talks about from that time will make the teenagers feel lost or unable to understand. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'D'. This means the review for the film 'Space Challenge 5' says the movie has information that the people watching it will not understand. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'D' because the review for 'Space Challenge 5' states that the film is aimed at teenagers but makes 'references' to the world as it was 20 years ago. The review says that this will leave the young audience 'confused' because they won't have 'familiarity' with that time. This directly matches the idea of audience members not knowing about certain things mentioned in the film. |
| Q9 | B | The Pioneer is an awe-inspiring seven-day mountain bike race through New Zealand's pristine Southern Alps. It is the first race of its kind to link together over 500 km of farm tracks, cycle trails, double track and single track riding in a very special part of the world where soaring mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and high country await | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says The Pioneer race is 'awe-inspiring', which means it is very impressive and amazing. It takes place in a beautiful part of New Zealand with very high mountains ('soaring mountain peaks') and very clean lakes ('crystal-clear lakes'). This description matches the idea of seeing 'spectacular scenery'. Answer Explanation: The answer is B. This means that at the event called 'The Pioneer', you can see very beautiful and amazing views of nature. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the text describing 'The Pioneer' uses words that mean the same as 'spectacular scenery'. 'Spectacular scenery' means very beautiful and impressive natural views. The passage mentions 'awe-inspiring' views, 'pristine Southern Alps', 'soaring mountain peaks', and 'crystal-clear lakes'. All these phrases describe a beautiful and amazing landscape. |
| Q10 | C | You start off your Race Drive Experience by meeting the skilled team of racing drivers at the Motorsport Park Raceway, before being fully kitted out with one of our race suits and safety helmet | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that before driving, you will be 'fully kitted out'. This means they will give you the special equipment you need, which includes a 'race suit' (special clothes for racing) and a 'safety helmet' (a hard hat to protect your head). Answer Explanation: The answer means that at the 'Race Drive Experience' event, you will receive special clothes to wear. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the text for the 'Race Drive Experience' mentions that participants are 'fully kitted out with one of our race suits and safety helmet'. This means they provide special clothing (a race suit) and a helmet for the event. The other advertisements do not say anything about providing clothes. |
| Q11 | A | This unique running and cycling event winds its way through the Canterbury countryside and finishes in Orana Park, where your spectators will include lions, tigers, gorillas and giraffes | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the race ends at a place called Orana Park. At this park, your audience (the ones watching you, called 'spectators') will be animals like lions, tigers, gorillas, and giraffes. Answer Explanation: The answer is A. This means that during the McLeans Island Run event, animals will be watching you. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the text for the McLeans Island Run event clearly states that the race ends in a park where there will be 'spectators'. A spectator is someone who watches an event. In this case, the text specifically says the spectators will be animals like lions and tigers. |
| Q12 | C | Then you are strapped into the passenger seat of one of our racing cars and taken on a demo drive, covering racing lines, braking points and race driving tricks. Finally you take the driver's seat and can undertake your own high-speed laps of the circuit | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that first, you sit as a passenger while an expert driver gives you a demonstration drive ('demo drive'). After you watch them, it is your turn to sit in the driver's seat and drive the car. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'C', which is the 'Race Drive Experience'. This means that for this activity, you first watch an expert do it before you try it yourself. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for the 'Race Drive Experience' states that first, you are a passenger in the race car while a professional driver shows you what to do in a 'demo drive'. Only after this demonstration do you get to drive the car yourself. This matches the statement 'You watch someone else before doing the activity yourself.' |
| Q13 | C | You start off your Race Drive Experience by meeting the skilled team of racing drivers at the Motorsport Park Raceway | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that at the beginning of the experience, you will meet a team of talented and experienced race car drivers. The word 'skilled' means they are experts at what they do. Answer Explanation: The answer is C. This means that at the 'Race Drive Experience' event, you will meet expert race car drivers who are very good at driving. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the description for the 'Race Drive Experience' says that you will meet a 'skilled team of racing drivers'. The word 'skilled' means the same as 'expert'. The question asks where you can meet experts, and this event has skilled drivers who are experts in racing. |
| Q14 | A | You can race to help other people too - if you get some friends or workmates to take part, you'll be in with a chance to win $25,000 to put towards a good cause of your choice | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you can participate in this race to help other people. If you join with friends, you have a chance to win $25,000. You can then give this money to a charity that you choose. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'A'. This means the McLeans Island Run is the event where you can get money for a charity. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'A' because the text about the McLeans Island Run says you can 'race to help other people'. It also mentions a chance to win $25,000 to give to a 'good cause'. The phrase 'good cause' is another way of saying 'charity', which is an organization that helps people. |