READING THE SCREEN - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Practice Test Plus 1 Academic Reading Test 1 · Part 2 · Questions 14–26
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14–26 which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.
READING THE SCREEN
Are the electronic media exacerbating illiteracy and making our children stupid? On the contrary, says Colin McCabe, they have the potential to make us truly literate
The debate surrounding literacy is one of the most charged in education. On the one hand there is an army of people convinced that traditional skills of reading and writing are declining. On the other, a host of progressives protest that literacy is much more complicated than a simple technical mastery of reading and writing. This second position is supported by most of the relevant academic work over the past 20 years. These studies argue that literacy can only be understood in its social and technical context. In Renaissance England, for example, many more people could read than could write, and within reading there was a distinction between those who could read print and those who could manage the more difficult task of reading manuscript. An understanding of these earlier periods helps us understand today's 'crisis in literacy' debate.
There does seem to be evidence that there has been an overall decline in some aspects of reading and writing - you only need to compare the tabloid newspapers of today with those of 50 years ago to see a clear decrease in vocabulary and simplification of syntax. But the picture is not uniform and doesn't readily demonstrate the simple distinction between literate and illiterate which had been considered adequate since the middle of the 19th century.
While reading a certain amount of writing is as crucial as it has ever been in industrial societies, it is doubtful whether a fully extended grasp of either is as necessary as it was 30 or 40 years ago. While print retains much of its authority as a source of topical information, television has increasingly usurped this role. The ability to write fluent letters has been undermined by the telephone and research suggests that for many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists.
The decision of some car manufacturers to issue their instructions to mechanics as a video pack rather than as a handbook might be taken to spell the end of any automatic link between industrialisation and literacy. On the other hand, it is also the case that ever-increasing numbers of people make their living out of writing, which is better rewarded than ever before. Schools are generally seen as institutions where the book rules – film, television and recorded sound have almost no place; but it is not clear that this opposition is appropriate. While you may not need to read and write to watch television, you certainly need to be able to read and write in order to make programmes.
Those who work in the new media are anything but illiterate. The traditional oppositions between old and new media are inadequate for understanding the world which a young child now encounters. The computer has re-established a central place for the written word on the screen, which used to be entirely devoted to the image. There is even anecdotal evidence that children are mastering reading and writing in order to get on to the Internet. There is no reason why the new and old media cannot be integrated in schools to provide the skills to become economically productive and politically enfranchised.
Nevertheless, there is a crisis in literacy and it would be foolish to ignore it. To understand that literacy may be declining because it is less central to some aspects of everyday life is not the same as acquiescing in this state of affairs. The production of school work with the new technologies could be a significant stimulus to literacy. How should these new technologies be introduced into the schools? It isn't enough to call for computers, camcorders and edit suites in every classroom; unless they are properly integrated into the educational culture, they will stand unused. Evidence suggests that this is the fate of most information technology used in the classroom. Similarly, although media studies are now part of the national curriculum, and more and more students are now clamouring to take these course, teachers remain uncertain about both methods and aims in this area.
This is not the fault of the teachers. The entertainment and information industries must be drawn into a debate with the educational institutions to determine how best to blend these new technologies into the classroom.
Many people in our era are drawn to the pessimistic view that the new media are destroying old skills and eroding critical judgement. It may be true that past generations were more literate but - taking the pre-19th century meaning of the term - this was true of only a small section of the population. The word literacy is a 19th-century coinage to describe the divorce of reading and writing from a full knowledge of literature. The education reforms of the 19th century produced reading and writing as skills separable from full participation in the cultural heritage.
The new media now point not only to a futuristic cyber-economy, they also make our cultural past available to the whole nation. Most children's access to these treasures is initially through television. It is doubtful whether our literary heritage has ever been available to or sought out by more than about 5 per cent of the population; it has certainly not been available to more than 10 per cent. But the new media joined to the old, through the public service tradition of British broadcasting, now makes our literary tradition available to all.
Questions
Questions 14–17 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the appropriate letters A-D.
Questions 18–23 Yes / No / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer?
Write:
YES if the statement agrees with the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
Questions 24–26 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below with words taken from the reading passage. Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
- In Renaissance England, the best readers were those able to read 24 .
- The writer uses the example of 25 ...to illustrate the general fall in certain areas of literacy.
- It has been shown that after leaving school, the only things that a lot of people write are 26 .
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q14 | C | These studies argue that literacy can only be understood in its social and technical context | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that researchers believe reading and writing skills can only be truly understood when considering the society and technology connected to them. This means that literacy is not just a personal skill but is also shaped by how people live and the tools they use. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the writer observes that whether someone can read and write well is connected to things happening around them, like society or new tools. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the passage, which explains that many experts believe 'literacy is much more complicated than a simple technical mastery of reading and writing'. It specifically mentions that 'literacy can only be understood in its social and technical context'. The phrase 'social and technical context' refers to external factors that influence literacy, such as how society uses reading and writing, and the technology available for it. This shows that literacy is not just about a person's skill, but also about the world they live in. |
| Q15 | A | While reading a certain amount of writing is as crucial as it has ever been in industrial societies, it is doubtful whether a fully extended grasp of either is as necessary as it was 30 or 40 years ago. While print retains much of its authority as a source of topical information, television has increasingly usurped this role. The ability to write fluent letters has been undermined by the telephone and research suggests that for many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists. The decision of some car manufacturers to issue their instructions to mechanics as a video pack rather than as a handbook might be taken to spell the end of any automatic link between industrialisation and literacy On the other hand, it is also the case that ever-increasing numbers of people make their living out of writing, which is better rewarded than ever before. Schools are generally seen as institutions where the book rules – film, television and recorded sound have almost no place; but it is not clear that this opposition is appropriate. While you may not need to read and write to watch television, you certainly need to be able to read and write in order to make programmes |
Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage first says that even though some reading and writing is still important, people don't need to read and write as much as before. It explains that TV is taking over from print for news, phones are replacing written letters, and writing is mostly used for simple things like shopping lists. It also mentions that car companies are now using videos instead of instruction books for mechanics. These parts show that the written word is losing some of its power. Then, the passage says that many more people are now getting paid for writing, and it pays well. It also points out that while you don't need to read or write to watch TV, you definitely need these skills to create TV shows. These parts show that the written word is gaining power in new areas. Answer Explanation: The answer means that written words, like in books or on paper, are both becoming more important in some ways and less important in others at the same time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the fourth paragraph discusses how the importance and use of reading and writing are changing, not just decreasing. The paragraph explains that while some traditional uses of print and writing (like writing letters or reading handbooks) are becoming less necessary due to new technologies (telephone, video), new opportunities and needs for writing are also emerging. For instance, more people are making a living from writing, and the ability to read and write is essential for creating new media like television programs. This shows a mix of both 'losing power' in old roles and 'gaining power' in new ones. |
| Q16 | B | Nevertheless, there is a crisis in literacy and it would be foolish to ignore it. To understand that literacy may be declining because it is less central to some aspects of everyday life is not the same as acquiescing in this state of affairs. The production of school work with the new technologies could be a significant stimulus to literacy. How should these new technologies be introduced into the schools? It isn't enough to call for computers, camcorders and edit suites in every classroom; unless they are properly integrated into the educational culture, they will stand unused. Evidence suggests that this is the fate of most information technology used in the classroom. Similarly, although media studies are now part of the national curriculum, and more and more students are now clamouring to take these course, teachers remain uncertain about both methods and aims in this area. This is not the fault of the teachers. The entertainment and information industries must be drawn into a debate with the educational institutions to determine how best to blend these new technologies into the classroom | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that even though there's a problem with reading and writing skills, the bigger challenge is 'how to bring new technology into schools.' It says that just having devices like computers isn't enough; they need to be 'properly used in education,' otherwise, they won't be used. It also mentions that teachers are unsure about 'how to teach' with these new tools, and that people from entertainment and technology companies should work with schools to 'find out the best way to mix' new technologies into the classroom. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the biggest challenge for schools today is figuring out the best ways to use new technology in their lessons. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage explains that while there is a 'crisis in literacy,' the main difficulty for schools isn't just getting technology, but 'how best to introduce' and 'properly integrate' these new tools into learning. The passage states that simply having computers isn't enough; teachers are 'uncertain about both methods and aims' for using technology like media studies, and there's a need to 'determine how best to blend these new technologies into the classroom.' This directly matches the idea of incorporating technology into classroom teaching effectively. |
| Q17 | D | The new media now point not only to a futuristic cyber-economy, they also make our cultural past available to the whole nation. Most children's access to these treasures is initially through television. It is doubtful whether our literary heritage has ever been available to or sought out by more than about 5 per cent of the population; it has certainly not been available to more than 10 per cent. But the new media joined to the old, through the public service tradition of British broadcasting, now makes our literary tradition available to all | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that new technologies like the internet and TV help share our history and culture with everyone in the country. Before, only a very small number of people (less than 10%) could easily find and experience our cultural past. But now, these new media, working with traditional media like public TV, are making our cultural stories and traditions open and easy for everyone to see. Answer Explanation: The answer means that people will probably learn about and experience more art, stories, and history from the past. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is that our exposure to cultural information is likely to increase. The writer explains that "new media" are helping to make "our cultural past" and "our literary tradition" available to many more people than ever before. Before these new technologies, only a small part of the population had access to cultural treasures. The passage clearly states that new media, combined with older forms like public broadcasting, are making culture "available to all," which means more people will experience it. |
| Q18 | YES | But the picture is not uniform and doesn't readily demonstrate the simple distinction between literate and illiterate which had been considered adequate since the middle of the 19th century | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the current situation with reading and writing is not simple and it's not easy to use the old, simple way of telling if someone can read or write, which was common in the 1800s. This shows that understanding literacy is now more complicated. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'YES'. This means the passage agrees that figuring out how good people are at reading and writing is harder now than it was before. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the passage clearly states that the way literacy was understood in the past is no longer sufficient. It mentions that the 'simple distinction between literate and illiterate' which was satisfactory in the 19th century is not enough to understand the situation now. This directly implies that analysing literacy levels is more complex and less straightforward than it used to be, before new media and a more nuanced understanding of literacy emerged. The passage suggests that the 'picture is not uniform' anymore, making simple analysis inadequate. |
| Q19 | NO | it is doubtful whether a fully extended grasp of either is as necessary as it was 30 or 40 years ago | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says it is 'doubtful' (meaning 'not sure' or 'probably not') if having a 'fully extended grasp' (which means 'very good skills') of reading or writing is 'as necessary' ('needed as much') now as it was '30 or 40 years ago.' This suggests that very high levels of literacy might not be needed as much today as they were in the past. Answer Explanation: The answer means that our reading and writing skills do not need to be as good or as strong as they were many years ago. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NO because the author states that it is not certain if a very high level of reading and writing skill is as important as it used to be. The passage mentions that new technologies and changes in daily life, like using the telephone instead of writing letters, mean that some advanced literacy skills are less necessary now compared to 30 or 40 years ago. The phrase 'fully extended grasp' refers to highly developed skills, and the author expresses doubt about their continued necessity at past levels. |
| Q20 | NOT GIVEN | There does seem to be evidence that there has been an overall decline in some aspects of reading and writing - you only need to compare the tabloid newspapers of today with those of 50 years ago to see a clear decrease in vocabulary and simplification of syntax. But the picture is not uniform and doesn't readily demonstrate the simple distinction between literate and illiterate which had been considered adequate since the middle of the 19th century | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that some parts of reading and writing have gotten worse, like the words used in newspapers. But it also quickly adds that the situation is 'not uniform' (not the same everywhere or for everyone) and that it's hard to make a 'simple distinction' (a clear separation) between people who can read and write and those who can't. This means the problem of illiteracy is not a straightforward 'yes' or 'no' issue for the writer. Answer Explanation: The answer 'NOT GIVEN' means that the passage does not tell us if more people are becoming unable to read and write. We cannot say if the writer thinks this statement is true or false. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'NOT GIVEN' because the passage discusses changes in how people read and write, and it mentions a 'decline in some aspects of reading and writing'. However, the writer also states that 'the picture is not uniform' and that the old 'simple distinction between literate and illiterate' is not enough to understand the situation today. The passage describes a more complicated view of literacy, where some old skills might be used less, but new ways of reading and writing are also appearing (for example, on computers and the internet). Therefore, the passage does not clearly say whether the total number of people who are illiterate (can't read or write) is increasing or not. It presents a complex situation rather than a simple increase in illiteracy. |
| Q21 | YES | On the other hand, it is also the case that ever-increasing numbers of people make their living out of writing, which is better rewarded than ever before | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that more and more people are writing as their job, and they are earning more money for their writing now than they ever have before. This means writers are getting paid more than they used to. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'yes'. This means the writer agrees that people who write for a living now get paid more than they did in the past. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the passage explicitly states that making a living from writing is 'better rewarded than ever before'. This phrase directly supports the idea that professional writers, who 'make their living out of writing', are now earning more than in previous times. |
| Q22 | YES | While you may not need to read and write to watch television, you certainly need to be able to read and write in order to make programmes | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that while just watching TV doesn't require reading and writing skills, creating television shows absolutely does. So, for those working in TV production, reading and writing are necessary. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the writer believes people who work in television need to be good at reading and writing. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the passage states that even though you don't need to read and write to watch TV, you definitely need these skills to create TV shows. This shows that a good level of 'literacy' (the ability to read and write) is important for people involved in making television programs. The passage clearly links the act of 'making programmes' with the necessity 'to be able to read and write'. |
| Q23 | NO | The computer has re-established a central place for the written word on the screen, which used to be entirely devoted to the image. There is even anecdotal evidence that children are mastering reading and writing in order to get on to the Internet The production of school work with the new technologies could be a significant stimulus to literacy |
Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that computers have brought written words back to the center of attention on screens, where before it was mostly pictures. It also mentions that there is a lot of informal proof that children are getting better at reading and writing so they can use the Internet. Furthermore, the passage states that doing school tasks using these new computer technologies could really help boost students' reading and writing skills. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'NO'. This means the writer does not believe that computers are harming children's reading and writing skills in schools. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'NO' because the writer suggests that computers actually have a positive effect on literacy, not a negative one. The passage mentions that computers have brought written words back to the screen and that children are learning to read and write more to use the Internet. It also states that using new technologies, like computers, in schools can greatly help improve reading and writing abilities. The writer points out that the real challenge is making sure these technologies are used properly in education, not that the technologies themselves are bad for literacy. |
| Q24 | manuscript | In Renaissance England, for example, many more people could read than could write, and within reading there was a distinction between those who could read print and those who could manage the more difficult task of reading manuscript | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that in Renaissance England, people could read printed things, but reading 'manuscript' (handwritten documents) was harder. So, if you could read a manuscript, you were a very good reader. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'manuscript'. This means old handwritten texts. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'manuscript' because the passage explains that in Renaissance England, reading 'manuscript' was more difficult than reading printed texts. It directly states that those who could read 'manuscript' showed a higher level of reading ability. |
| Q25 | newspapers / tabloid newspapers | you only need to compare the tabloid newspapers of today with those of 50 years ago to see a clear decrease in vocabulary and simplification of syntax | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if you look at 'tabloid newspapers' now and compare them to 'tabloid newspapers' from 50 years ago, you will notice that the words used are easier, and the sentences are simpler. This comparison shows how some reading and writing skills have become less complex over time, illustrating a 'general fall' in these areas. Answer Explanation: The answer 'tabloid newspapers' refers to a type of newspaper that often has big pictures and short, simple stories, usually for a mass audience. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'tabloid newspapers' because the passage uses them as an example to show how reading and writing skills have become simpler. The author mentions that if you look at 'tabloid newspapers' from today compared to 50 years ago, you can see fewer difficult words and easier sentence structures, which points to a decline in some areas of literacy. The phrase 'general fall in certain areas of literacy' from the question (implicitly from the blank '...to illustrate the general fall in certain areas of literacy') is directly linked to this example in the text. |
| Q26 | shopping lists | research suggests that for many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that studies show, for many people, the only thing they write after they leave school is to make lists of items they want to buy, like groceries. Answer Explanation: The answer 'shopping lists' means that many people only write down lists of things they need to buy after they finish school. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'shopping lists' because the passage states that for many people, the only reason they write anything after their formal education is to make lists for shopping. The passage specifically mentions that 'research suggests that for many people the only use for writing, outside formal education, is the compilation of shopping lists.' The phrase 'outside formal education' means after finishing school. |