IELTS Academic Reading Sample 1.2

Analysis
This Sample belongs to the Academic Reading Section of the IELTS. The Academic Reading Section tests the ability of candidates to read and comprehend textual passages that they are likely to encounter during their graduate and/or postgraduate level studies. These texts are more complex compared to the ones in the General Reading Section but do not require any specialised knowledge to attempt them. All the information required to attempt the answers is given within the passages. The passage in this Sample is an extract taken from an essay and is literary and insightful. It combines literature, philosophy and contemporary life. Other features of the passage include: The vocabulary used is mostly simple but the words have been combined brilliantly to convey very powerful thoughts, which is a hallmark of a great writer. The tone is formal and the piece works as a classic example of Academic English. The passage tests candidates' basic strength of the English language, which includes vocabulary, grammar, reading skills, information processing skills, etc. It also demands an understanding of basic tenets of art as a faculty. This type of passage requires a comparatively slower reading while simultaneously understanding the author’s point of view and inner meanings of expressions. The key points in the passage are: The author explores the role of the artist in society and contrasts it with other vocations. He emphasizes that an artist is not supposed to follow the order, the norms or the traditions, since the artist is born to defy them. The real responsibility of the artist is to keep shocking society with truth as opposed to the myths created around mundane life to make it bearable. The author observes that since the artist’s viewpoint is always rebellious, he is “respected only when safely dead.”

Analysis

This Sample belongs to the Academic Reading Section of the IELTS. The Academic Reading Section tests the ability of candidates to read and comprehend textual passages that they are likely to encounter during their graduate and/or postgraduate level studies. These texts are more complex compared to the ones in the General Reading Section but do not require any specialised knowledge to attempt them. All the information required to attempt the answers is given within the passages.

The passage in this Sample is an extract taken from an essay and is literary and insightful. It combines literature, philosophy and contemporary life. Other features of the passage include:

The vocabulary used is mostly simple but the words have been combined brilliantly to convey very powerful thoughts, which is a hallmark of a great writer.
The tone is formal and the piece works as a classic example of Academic English.
The passage tests candidates' basic strength of the English language, which includes vocabulary, grammar, reading skills, information processing skills, etc.
It also demands an understanding of basic tenets of art as a faculty.
This type of passage requires a comparatively slower reading while simultaneously understanding the author’s point of view and inner meanings of expressions.

The key points in the passage are:

The author explores the role of the artist in society and contrasts it with other vocations.
He emphasizes that an artist is not supposed to follow the order, the norms or the traditions, since the artist is born to defy them.
The real responsibility of the artist is to keep shocking society with truth as opposed to the myths created around mundane life to make it bearable.
The author observes that since the artist’s viewpoint is always rebellious, he is “respected only when safely dead.”

Sample Questions	Answers
Q1. According to the author, what state of being is explored and presented by an artist? Choose the right option referring to Paragraph (I) of the extract.	B) Being alone
Q2. Evaluate the following sentence in light of Paragraph (I) and choose the right option: Being alone is being lonely and desolate, having no work or family.	B) False
Q3. The author writes about a paradoxical truth regarding “aloneness” in Paragraph (II). Identify correctly and answer.	C) Aloneness is that of life and death and state of being in love
Q4. Complete the second half of the following sentence based on your reading of the Paragraph (III) of the passage: The society’s endeavour has always been, and will always be to _________________ .	D) subdue the deeper consciousness of people with a barrage of mundane and chaotic reality
Q5. What is the author’s opinion about traditions?	A) Traditions once established, become fundamental to existence
Q6. Evaluate the following sentence: According to the author, traditions trap people into a prison of a particular train of thought and behaviour and they do not prefer to break them. It actually takes a revolution to break or change prevalent traditions.	C) True
Q7. Who among the options has not been referred to by the author to be one of the “responsible actors in society?”	A) Philosopher
Q8. Complete the following sentence: Unlike other vocations where a part of reality must be subdued to get the work done, the artist cannot _________________________.	D) take anything for granted
Q9. In the paragraph marked (IV) a word that means to override is	B) Supersede
Q10. In the paragraph marked (V) a word that means uncanny is	D) peculiar
Q11. Based on your reading of the extract, suggest an alternative title to it considering it to be a whole.	The Perennial Rebel
Q12. What is the author’s view regarding the role of artists in society? Write briefly within 75 words.	According to the author, the core of an artist’s responsibility is establishing truth in every situation conceivable. He has to break the shackles of tradition to tell the world about the transitoriness of life which is essentially fluid. He has to repeatedly unveil and uncover to expose to humanity all surrounding sham, to remind them of the nonexistence of stability and peace. For this, an artist pays with his reputation and life while silently embracing solitariness.
Q13. Do you agree with the view that artists are respected only when they are “safely dead?” Write your answer using 75 words.	The statement is hyperbolic to some extent and may be partly true in a historical context. But in the context of the present, this may not be comprehensively right because media has proliferated and technology has made it even easier for artists to portray or publish their work. Similarly for recognition, it is easier getting noticed through a much wider audience than before. Artists also have various forums and groups for support.

Grammar