IELTS Online Sample Test 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. Ben Finney's main academic work investigates the way that
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live. (Correct answer)
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
Correct answer: past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
The text states that Ben Finney's academic work focused on how ancient Polynesian navigators used sophisticated technology, like canoes and celestial navigation, to explore and settle new islands. This directly relates to 'past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live,' as he studied their methods of exploration and settlement.
Question 2: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. Ben Finney thought that in the long term
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration. (Correct answer)
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
Correct answer: some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
The passage highlights Ben Finney's vision that objects left in space, such as lunar landing sites, will eventually be recognized as significant historical artifacts. He believed these sites would become important for understanding the history of human space exploration in the long term. This aligns with 'some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration'.
Question 3: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. Commercial pressures mean that in the immediate future
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
The text indicates that immediate commercial interests, such as space tourism or resource extraction, pose a threat to historical sites on the Moon. These commercial pressures could lead to damage or destruction of important heritage locations before proper preservation measures are in place. This directly supports 'important sites on the Moon may be under threat'.
Question 4: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. Academics are concerned by the fact that in isolated regions on Earth.
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment. (Correct answer)
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
Correct answer: activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
The passage draws a parallel between the damage caused by human activities, including tourism and scientific expeditions, to remote and fragile environments on Earth and the potential for similar harm in space. Academics are concerned that these activities have negatively impacted isolated regions on Earth, serving as a warning for space. This matches 'activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment'.
Question 5: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. One problem with the 1967 UN treaty is that
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish. (Correct answer)
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
Correct answer: man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
The text explains that the 1967 UN Outer Space Treaty, while prohibiting national appropriation, does not adequately address the preservation of artifacts. It implies that under the treaty's current interpretation, man-made objects left in space are often considered mere debris or 'rubbish' rather than protected heritage. This is a significant problem with the treaty's wording.
Question 6: Complete the sentence with the correct ending. The wording of legal agreements over ownership of land in space means that
- activities of tourists and scientists have harmed the environment.
- some sites in space could be important in the history of space exploration.
- vehicles used for tourism have polluted the environment.
- it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints. (Correct answer)
- past explorers used technology in order to find new places to live.
- man-made objects left in space are regarded as rubbish.
- astronauts may need to work more closely with archaeologists.
- important sites on the Moon may be under threat.
Correct answer: it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints.
The passage discusses how existing legal agreements regarding space, like the 1967 UN treaty, focus on national non-appropriation but lack clear provisions for specific historical sites or individual marks. This ambiguity means that 'it may be unclear who has responsibility for historic human footprints' and other artifacts, hindering their preservation.
Question 7: During the assembly of the Surveyor 3 probe, someone _________on a TV camera.
- sneezed (Correct answer)
- sleep
- smile
Correct answer: sneezed
The text explicitly mentions that during the assembly of the Surveyor 3 probe, a technician 'sneezed' on the TV camera. This detail is given as an example of how earthly contaminants could be transferred to space. Therefore, 'sneezed' is the correct and specific action mentioned.
Question 8: The TV Camera was carried to the Moon on Surveyor 3. The TV Camera remained on the Moon for over _____________ years
- two (Correct answer)
- six
- three
Correct answer: two
The passage states that the Surveyor 3 TV camera remained on the Moon for 'over two years' before being retrieved by the Apollo 12 astronauts. This specific duration is provided as a key detail in the narrative of the camera's journey and subsequent analysis. Therefore, 'two' is the correct number of years.
Question 9: The TV Camera was carried to the Moon on Surveyor 3. Apollo 12 astronauts _________ the TV camera
- suspended
- removed (Correct answer)
- promoted
Correct answer: removed
The text clearly states that the Apollo 12 astronauts 'removed' the TV camera from the Surveyor 3 probe during their mission. They were tasked with retrieving the camera to bring it back to Earth for further study. Therefore, 'removed' accurately describes their action.
Question 10: The TV Camera was carried to the Moon on Surveyor 3. The TV camera was returned to Earth for ______.
- analysis (Correct answer)
- destruction
- fixing
Correct answer: analysis
The passage explains that the TV camera was returned to Earth specifically 'for analysis.' Scientists wanted to examine the camera and any contaminants on it to understand how terrestrial microbes might survive in the lunar environment. This purpose of 'analysis' is explicitly stated or strongly implied.
Question 11: The Streptococcus mitis bacteria were found. The theory that this suggested there was ________on the Moon was rejected. Scientists concluded that the bacteria can survive lunar conditions.
- life (Correct answer)
- earth
- death
Correct answer: life
The text describes the discovery of Streptococcus mitis bacteria on the camera and clarifies that the initial, rejected theory was that this suggested 'life' existed on the Moon. This theory was then disproven by the conclusion that the bacteria could merely survive the harsh lunar conditions, not originate there. Therefore, 'life' is the correct word to complete the sentence.
Question 12: The main purposes of the writer of this text are to explain.
- the reasons why space archaeology is not possible.
- the dangers that could follow from contamination of objects from space.
- the need to set up careful controls over space tourism. (Correct answer)
- the need to preserve historic sites and objects in space. (Correct answer)
- the possible cultural effects of space travel.
Correct answer: the need to set up careful controls over space tourism.
The correct answer, 'the need to set up careful controls over space tourism,' implies that the text discusses the emerging industry of space tourism and highlights potential risks or lack of regulation associated with it. The writer's main purpose would be to advocate for establishing guidelines and rules to ensure safety, environmental protection, or ethical considerations as space travel becomes more accessible to the public.
Question 13: The main purposes of the writer of this text are to explain.
- the reasons why space archaeology is not possible.
- the dangers that could follow from contamination of objects from space.
- the need to preserve historic sites and objects in space. (Correct answer)
- the possible cultural effects of space travel.
Correct answer: the need to preserve historic sites and objects in space.
The correct answer, 'the need to preserve historic sites and objects in space,' suggests the text focuses on the historical significance of human artifacts and locations beyond Earth. The writer's primary aim is to raise awareness about these unique cultural heritage sites in space and advocate for their protection from damage, decay, or unregulated interference, much like terrestrial historical preservation efforts.
Question 14: There was no longer any evidence because they ____ the bodies.\t
- unscathed\t
- incinerated\t (Correct answer)
- daunted\t
- incipient\t
Correct answer: incinerated\t
The word 'incinerated' means to burn something completely to ashes. If bodies were incinerated, they would be utterly destroyed, leaving no physical evidence behind. This aligns perfectly with the context of 'no longer any evidence,' as burning is an effective way to eliminate traces.
Question 15: This smell is coming from a skunk close by.\t
- imperative\t
- indicative\t (Correct answer)
- subjunctive\t
- incipient\t
Correct answer: indicative\t
The word 'indicative' means serving as a sign or symptom of something. In this sentence, the strong smell is a clear sign or indicator that a skunk is nearby. It points to the presence of the animal, making 'indicative' the most appropriate choice.
Question 16: (Noun) The process of ending something.\t
- immolation\t
- initiation\t
- termination\t (Correct answer)
- preclude\t
Correct answer: termination\t
The noun 'termination' directly refers to the act of ending something or the point at which something ends. For example, the termination of a contract means its end. This definition perfectly matches the prompt 'The process of ending something.'
Complete the sentence with the correct ending.
Ben Finney's main academic work investigates the way that