This Sample belongs to the General Reading Category/ Section which is Section Three of the IELTS. In this section, candidates are given slightly more complex material to read compared to the first two sections. This section has only one long passage comprised of several paragraphs, for reading and comprehension that is taken from sources such as magazines, extracts from fictional and non-fictional books, newspapers etc.

• Accordingly, the tone may vary and the passages may be descriptive and/or instructive.

• The basic strength of English language is tested which includes vocabulary, grammar, reading skills, information processing skills etc.

• This section may include short answer type questions along with multiple choice.

The key points in the passage are:

1. Capitivity of an entire community by unknown aliens in a vehicle referred to as the Cage as expressed through the eyes of the protagonist, Jennifer.

2. Different people are held in different stages of torture using technologically superior mechanisms. The set-up resembles that of a spaceship.

3. One of the important leaders of the community, who is also their religious head, referred to as Mannix Relland reveals a little about a conflict between both the parties that the community finally lost.

4. He is obliterated in the end, to the horror of onlookers including Jennifer.

Q1. Identify three antonyms for “gradually” that appear in the textual portion marked (I) of the passage.

C) Suddenly, abruptly, flashing

Q2. Complete the following sentence referring to the textual portion marked (I):

A phrase indicating that the incidents are occurring away from the realms of the world is ___________.

B) Back on Earth

Q3. Paragraph marked (III) reveals the actual incident that may have occurred. Choose the correct option to indicate what do you think may have happened.

D) Capture and abduction by aliens

Q4. Apart from Jennifer, the author mentions another character by name. Choose the correct option that combines the name with his occupation.

A) Mannix Relland, Patriarch of the Church of the New Elect

Q5. The author uses several words in the passage that are contextually religious in nature. Identify them among the options.

C) Prayer and sacrifice

Q6. In the paragraph marked (VII), a clause indicating “locked” is ______________.

B) Snapped shut

Q7. An oxymoron is writing two opposing words together for emphasis. The author has used a few of them in the passage. Identify them correctly from the options.

C) Both A) and B)

Q8. The author uses several words: skittering, snapping, grinding, screeching etc to convey a sense of ____________.

D) Mechanical/metallic sound

Q9. The author uses a set of words to convey a particular meaning/sense in the plot here. The words are: cage, transfixed, wall, clamps. Choose the option that conveys the right sense conveyed by them.

C) Confinement

Q 10. What image of the earth is projected in the textual portion marked (VIII)?

D) Molten

Q11. The author mentions some colours in the (I) and (II) part of the text. What visual does he intend to create in the minds of the readers? Answer briefly. (Not more that 75 words)

The author uses red and crimson in the first part that resonate with the sense of bloodshed, horror, physical anguish that the captives were feeling. These colours also signify passions and emotions that are associated with humans. He uses blue, metallic silver, black in the next part to create the image of an alien spaceship somewhere in the vicinity of earth. They symbolise machines and a sense of coldness and lifelessness resonating with the captors.

Q12. Based on your reading of the passage, write a short note on the mood and tone of the passage. (Not more that 75 words)

The passage opens with a sense of grotesque torture and bloodshed and portrays excruciating human suffering within an unresponsive entrapment typical in sci-fi. As Jennifer does a recce of her surrounding, watching other people throbbing in agony in different capsules, the tone continues to be that of pain coupled with helplessness and uncertainty. The episode with Mannix Relland hints towards a religious/ideological tussle. The passage ends with shock conveyed through a horrifying murder.