The Chemical Progression of Love - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Simulation Tests Academic Reading Test 07 · Part 3 · Questions 27–40
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27–40 which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
Reading Passage 3
Neurologists tend to divide the experience of love into three distinct categories: attraction, lust and attachment. The combination of all three can make for an intoxicating and lasting bond, but they are not always experienced together. Frequently, for example, we lust after those with whom we have no desire of having a long-term relationship; at other times, we feel 'attached' to people in the sense of being drawn to them emotionally or spiritually, but not drawn to them physically. It is accurate to describe these as 'stages' of love—lust tends to come first, then attraction, which lasts for months or years, and finally attachment, which can keep people together for decades. These are separate chemical substrates, so they can overlap; however, evidence suggests that attraction has a limited lifespan.
Lust is typically experienced soon after puberty. This is when estrogen and testosterone—the underlying chemical substrates for lust in women and men respectively—activate themselves in our bodies for the first time. The primary purpose of lust is believed to be procreation, and the experience is one of feeling physically drawn, or even 'pulled' towards another person. Pheromones, physical attractiveness and our socialised predispositions for what we seek in a mate are the factors that activate the sensation of lust. Despite the strength it can have over our psyche, lust on its own is a very fleeting experience. It can firmly steer people together for their initial encounters, but it has no power to keep them there.
If the relationship is to last, something called attraction must take place. Attraction is the intoxicating sensation experienced in the initial period of knowing someone. The 'symptoms' include dizziness, flushed skin, and a loss of appetite and sleep. These are a result of a chemical cocktail of dopamine and norepinephrine that PEA—a transmitter chemical—unleashes into the bloodstream when attraction takes place. Dopamine is responsible for the blissful feelings of self-confidence, joy and motivation that new love brings about; norepinephrine, similar to adrenaline, brings about palpitations and anxiety. Attraction has more staying power than lust; while its intensity fades after a few weeks, the effect of the PEA transmission can continue for some time between eighteen months and four years. After that, our bodies build up a natural tolerance.
At this stage, a transition to a phase called attachment can occur. The 'rush' of attraction is replaced by endorphins like oxytocin and vasopressin that feel like a gentle, warm sort of pleasantness—a safe feeling that calms the mind, numbs pain and soothes anxiety. This is a much more pleasant feeling in which to spend an extended period of time—potentially, forty, fifty or more years, depending on when you meet your partner. It allows you to live your life with someone, without their being the central obsession of your life. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that PEA transmission will evolve into the endorphin stage—in many instances, it will be replaced by a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction. It is not a coincidence that peak divorce rates occur at between four and seven years, as PEA transmission wears away and attachment does not materialise in many people's brains.
Even neurologists agree that chemistry isn't everything. There are numerous other factors such as culture and personality, for which science may never have an explanation. While dopamine is bliss, however, ignorance is not—neurology has much to contribute to satisfaction in our personal lives. It may not be a good idea to commit to marriage or spending the rest of your life with someone if you still feel the blissful rush of PEA transmission, for example. Once your brain has succumbed to the warming opiates of oxytocin and vasopressin, this will be a safer commitment. Attachment brings other needs to the foreground, however; while people enjoy the security that attachment brings about, they do not lose their desires for either lust or attraction. Losing the ability to give your partner the rush of PEA transmission, while knowing that he may feel this for other people, can bring about jealousy and anxiety in people. Acknowledging and discussing these insecurities can alleviate them as it is likely that, to some extent, both partners will be feeling them.
Questions
Questions 27–33 Table Completion
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the passage for each answer.
| Lust | Designed to encourage 27 | Generated by natural scent, looks, and 28 | Has weak staying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attraction | Two chemicals are released through a third one called PEA | 29 is a feel-good chemical; norepinephrine brings about elevated heart-rate and nervousness | Can last for up to 30 |
| Attachment | Chemicals in the brain work to reduce physical & mental suffering, and calm 31 | Separate chemical processes mean PEA transmission does not always progress to 32 | There is a relationship between 33 and the failure of attachment to occur |
Questions 34–39 Yes / No / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer in Reading Passage 3?
YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
Questions 40–40 One Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q27 | procreation | The primary purpose of lust is believed to be procreation, and the experience is one of feeling physically drawn, or even 'pulled' towards another person | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that lust mainly exists so that humans will reproduce and have children. Answer Explanation: The answer "procreation" means having babies or reproducing. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "procreation" because paragraph 2 states that the main goal or purpose of lust is reproduction. The phrase "Designed to encourage" in the notes matches the phrase "The primary purpose of lust is believed to be" in the text. |
| Q28 | socialised predispositions / socialized predispositions | Pheromones, physical attractiveness and our socialised predispositions for what we seek in a mate are the factors that activate the sensation of lust | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that body scent (pheromones), good looks (physical attractiveness), and socially learned preferences (socialised predispositions) are the three things that trigger feelings of lust. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the preferences and habits that people learn from society about what they look for in a partner. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "socialised predispositions" because the passage identifies three main triggers for lust. In the text, "Pheromones" corresponds to natural scent, "physical attractiveness" corresponds to looks, and "socialised predispositions" completes the list as the third factor. |
| Q29 | dopamine | Dopamine is responsible for the blissful feelings of self-confidence, joy and motivation that new love brings about; norepinephrine, similar to adrenaline, brings about palpitations and anxiety | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that dopamine makes people feel happy, confident, and joyful when they experience new love, while norepinephrine causes nervousness and a fast heartbeat. Answer Explanation: The answer "dopamine" refers to a chemical in the brain that creates happy and pleasurable feelings. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "dopamine" because the passage explains that when attraction occurs, PEA releases two chemicals: dopamine and norepinephrine. While norepinephrine causes anxiety and a racing heart, dopamine is the chemical that causes "blissful feelings" such as happiness, joy, and confidence, which makes it the "feel-good chemical". |
| Q30 | four years / 4 years | the effect of the PEA transmission can continue for some time between eighteen months and four years | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the chemical process for attraction can keep working for as long as four years. Answer Explanation: The answer means a maximum time period of 4 years. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is four years (or 4 years) because paragraph 3 discusses the stage of 'Attraction'. It explains that the chemical effect responsible for attraction can last from 18 months up to a maximum of four years ('between eighteen months and four years'). Therefore, attraction can last for up to four years. |
| Q31 | anxiety / the mind | The 'rush' of attraction is replaced by endorphins like oxytocin and vasopressin that feel like a gentle, warm sort of pleasantness—a safe feeling that calms the mind, numbs pain and soothes anxiety | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that in the attachment stage, brain chemicals create a safe, warm feeling that quiets the mind, relieves pain, and lessens anxious feelings. Answer Explanation: The answer means either "anxiety" (nervous, worried feelings) or "the mind" (a person's thoughts and mental state). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by paragraph 4, which explains the effects of chemicals (endorphins) during the attachment stage. The text states that this safe feeling "calms the mind, numbs pain and soothes anxiety". In the notes, numbing pain and soothing anxiety/calming the mind match reducing physical and mental suffering and calming "the mind" or "anxiety". |
| Q32 | endorphin stage | Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that PEA transmission will evolve into the endorphin stage—in many instances, it will be replaced by a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that it is not certain that the initial chemical attraction will develop into the calm, comforting stage of endorphins. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the phase where brain chemicals called endorphins take over, creating feelings of calm and long-term attachment. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "endorphin stage" because the text states that there is no guarantee that the chemical rush of attraction (PEA transmission) will successfully turn or develop into the next phase. In the passage, "evolve into" has the same meaning as "progress to", showing that attraction does not always lead into the "endorphin stage". |
| Q33 | divorce rates | It is not a coincidence that peak divorce rates occur at between four and seven years, as PEA transmission wears away and attachment does not materialise in many people's brains | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the highest numbers of divorces happen around four to seven years into a relationship because attraction chemicals fade away and deep attachment feelings fail to develop in the brain. Answer Explanation: The answer "divorce rates" means the frequency or percentage of married couples who legally end their marriages. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "divorce rates" because paragraph 4 explains that the highest level of divorces is directly linked to the brain failing to develop attachment when the early attraction chemical (PEA) wears off. In the text, the phrase "not a coincidence" matches "there is a relationship between", and "attachment does not materialise" matches "the failure of attachment to occur". |
| Q34 | YES | Even neurologists agree that chemistry isn't everything. There are numerous other factors such as culture and personality, for which science may never have an explanation | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that even brain scientists agree that chemicals in our bodies do not explain every part of love, because other things like culture and personal character also play a big role. Answer Explanation: The answer "YES" means that the statement correctly matches the opinion of the author in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the author states in the final paragraph that brain chemicals cannot explain everything about love. The passage mentions that "chemistry isn't everything" and that "culture and personality" are other important factors that science may never fully explain. Therefore, not all romantic decisions can be explained only by chemical processes. |
| Q35 | NO | While dopamine is bliss, however, ignorance is not—neurology has much to contribute to satisfaction in our personal lives | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that not knowing facts does not make us happy, and that understanding the brain and its chemicals can actually help us feel more satisfied in our personal lives. Answer Explanation: The answer "NO" means that the statement is false according to the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "NO" because the author believes that learning about brain science is helpful, not harmful, to our happiness. In the text, the author notes that not knowing (ignorance) is not helpful, and that brain science (neurology) can add a lot to our happiness and fulfillment (satisfaction) in life. Therefore, the claim that knowing about brain chemistry harms our happiness directly contradicts what the author wrote. |
| Q36 | YES | It may not be a good idea to commit to marriage or spending the rest of your life with someone if you still feel the blissful rush of PEA transmission, for example. Once your brain has succumbed to the warming opiates of oxytocin and vasopressin, this will be a safer commitment | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that deciding to marry or spend your life with a partner is safer after the initial chemical rush of attraction calms down and turns into the stable attachment phase. Answer Explanation: The answer "YES" means that the author agrees that people should wait until the early, intense stage of attraction goes away before deciding to stay together for life. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is YES because the author states that making a lifelong commitment (like marriage) while still experiencing the chemical rush of attraction (PEA transmission) is not ideal. Instead, it is safer to make that commitment once the relationship enters the calmer attachment phase (oxytocin and vasopressin), which happens after the initial intense attraction has passed. |
| Q37 | NO | Losing the ability to give your partner the rush of PEA transmission, while knowing that he may feel this for other people, can bring about jealousy and anxiety in people. Acknowledging and discussing these insecurities can alleviate them as it is likely that, to some extent, both partners will be feeling them | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that during the attachment stage, partners can still experience jealousy, anxiety, and insecurities, meaning these feelings do not automatically go away. Answer Explanation: The answer "NO" means that the statement directly contradicts the information given in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NO because the author explains that the attachment phase can actually create new relationship worries, such as jealousy and anxiety. Therefore, insecurities do not simply fade away or disappear on their own when attachment begins. Key words to notice include "insecurities", "jealousy and anxiety", and "attachment". |
| Q38 | NOT GIVEN | After that, our bodies build up a natural tolerance | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that our bodies eventually get used to PEA transmission, but it does not say if this causes mental anguish or deep distress. Answer Explanation: The answer "NOT GIVEN" means that the text does not say whether developing a tolerance to PEA transmission feels like mental anguish. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is NOT GIVEN because the passage only mentions that "our bodies build up a natural tolerance" to PEA transmission after eighteen months to four years. It does not mention whether this growing resistance causes mental anguish (extreme emotional pain or distress). |
| Q39 | NO | Acknowledging and discussing these insecurities can alleviate them as it is likely that, to some extent, both partners will be feeling them | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that when partners talk about and recognize their relationship worries and fears, it can lessen or calm those negative feelings instead of making them worse. Answer Explanation: The answer is "NO" because the statement directly contradicts the information given in the text. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "NO" because the passage states that talking about insecurities caused by the loss of PEA effects helps reduce them, rather than making anxiety worse. In the passage, the phrase "discussing these insecurities" matches the idea of "talking about", while the word "alleviate" means to ease, reduce, or lessen anxiety, which is the exact opposite of "make anxiety worse". |
| Q40 | A | It is accurate to describe these as 'stages' of love—lust tends to come first, then attraction, which lasts for months or years, and finally attachment, which can keep people together for decades. These are separate chemical substrates, so they can overlap; however, evidence suggests that attraction has a limited lifespan | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that love moves forward in different steps over time, and each step is powered by different body chemicals. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the main topic of the text is how love develops and moves through different steps based on body chemicals. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A because the entire passage focuses on how love develops through three distinct stages—lust, attraction, and attachment. Each stage is driven by specific body chemicals (hormones and neurotransmitters like testosterone, dopamine, PEA, oxytocin, and vasopressin). Therefore, "The chemical progression of love" best summarizes the whole text. |