READING PASSAGE – NOTES (ACADEMIC MODULE)

 

Hearing Problems

 
Note:   There are more questions for this passage than for a similar
           passage in the IELTS reading Sub-test, which consists of three
           passages with a total of 40 questions.

Questions 1 – 7

The secret to making sure you choose the correct answer in a matching heading task is to give yourself a choice of possible answers before you make your final choice.

(Example)   Paragraph 8  –  H  – cross it off, to narrow the list of choices.

Q1.   Paragraph 1  –  possible answers: there is only one possible answer  –  D.    
Q2.   Paragraph 2
 –  possible answers: there is only one possible answer  –  E.   
Q3.   Paragraph 3
 –  possible answers: E or J
        The answer cannot be E because although statistics regarding the incidence of "constant
         noise" are given, other statistics do not relate to constant noise.
Q4.   Paragraph 4
 –  possible answers: A or C
        The answer cannot be C because the maximum noise level of the "Walkman" is not
        mentioned. It is the maximum safe dosage of noise which is the issue, research into
        which is being carried out – specifically into the noise levels of earphones in the ear canal.
Q5.   Paragraph 5
 –  possible answers: A, B or F
        The answer cannot be A because the information in the paragraph is not said to be the
        result of research. The answer cannot be B because the length of time that earphones
        are inserted is the topic of paragraph 6. The concept of "insertable earphones", however, is
        common to three paragraphs in the passage (4, 5 & 6).
Q6.   Paragraph 6
 –  possible answers: B or L
        The answer cannot be L because the danger of falling asleep is a only a particular
        example of the problem of listening too long through insertable earphones.
Q7.   Paragraph 7
 –  possible answers: I or K
        The answer cannot be I because, according to the reading passage, there is no cure for
        "tinnitus"
only "temporary relief" can be obtained. The main point of the paragraph is to
        discuss a condition which is chronic, that is, lasting and severe.

Questions 8 – 16
 
Q8.
    No, silence is no longer valued. It is still a precious commodity. (Paragraph 1)
Q9.
    Yes, according to the reading passage, there are two kinds of noise pollution: acute and
          chronic. (Paragraph 1)
Q10.
   No, jet engine noise is an obvious form of noise pollution; but for the purposes of the
          argument being made, this source can be excluded. (Paragraph 2)
Q11.
   No, "layering" sound "compounds the problem", that is, it adds to the amount of noise
          it does not reduce it. (Paragraph 2)
Q12.
   Yes, the problem (of constant noise) is "more severe for males" than for females.
          (Paragraph 3)
Q13.
   Yes, "to achieve Dose 1 in 4 hours, it is necessary to raise the decibel exposure level
          by a mere 3 decibels" (90 + 3 = 93) (Paragraph 4)
Q14.
  Yes, three dangers (in Paragraph 5) and a further danger outlined in Paragraph 6.
Q15.
   No, Beethoven's ability to compose music is not mentioned at all. It only says that he
          suffered from "tinnitus". (Paragraph 7)
Q16.
   No, deafness is caused by ignoring the warnings  –  this is not the same as not hearing
          them. (Paragraph 8)


 
Questions 17 – 20

Q17.
  The old adage (common saying) "extols the virtue of silence"  –  it says silence is
          golden.
Q18.
   "Less superfluous noise; less impairment (damage) to the hearing". The semi-colon here
          has the meaning of "means".
Q19.
  The answer is given in Paragraph 3 (not in Paragraph 2, which mentions some sources
          of noise pollution, but not all of which are sources of constant noise.) The three sources of
          constant noise are "work", "the everyday living environment", or "a particular choice of
          leisure activity".
Q20.
  A sufferer gets the "masking device" to block out certain sound frequencies, but gets
          "some temporary relief" by blocking out frequencies.