Candidate number
Candidate name
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM
ACADEMIC READING
TEST MATERIALS / Code IST.R53
Additional materials: Answer sheet for Listening and Reading
Time 1 hour
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES
● Do not open this question paper until you are told to do so.
● Write your name and candidate number in the spaces at the top of this page.
● Read the instructions for each part of the paper carefully.
● Answer all the questions.
● Write your answers on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.
● You must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.
● At the end of the test, hand in both this question paper and your answer sheet.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
● There are 40 questions on this question paper.
● Each question carries one mark.
1
Reading Passage 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on Reading Passage 1.
SEABIRDS IN ISLAND DILEMMA
Gough Island, a recognized World Heritage Site and UK Overseas Territory, is currently facing a significant
ecological disruption caused by the presence of invasive house mice. Accidentally introduced in the 19th
century, these seemingly insignificant creatures have wreaked destruction on the native bird
populations. A recent study, funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), reveals that
almost two million chicks and eggs are destroyed each year on Gough Island due to predation by mice.
Amplifying concerns, the island mice have experienced a significant increase in size, reaching proportions
that are 50% larger than their counterparts on the mainland. With no natural predators to control their
population, these mice have developed an insidious appetite for seabirds, specifically the albatross. This
poses a substantial risk to the survival of these species. Understanding the behavioral changes in these
invasive mice is crucial to devising effective conservation strategies.
Upon being displaced from their original habitats, these mice were faced with a distinctive array of
selection pressures. While originally non-predatory in their native environments, they have transitioned
towards hunting and feeding on young seabirds, likely due to a decline in their usual food sources. More
recently, they've extended their predation to include both eggs and chicks of the island's seabirds with
alarming regularity. The situation is particularly grim for the petrels and buntings, alongside the
albatrosses, as these species are defenseless against the predators. With the shifting temperature
patterns worldwide, it is possible that the island may experience milder winters, which could potentially
increase the survival rates of mice, thus exacerbating the issue.
Since the 1960s, the British Antarctic Survey has led seabird monitoring, specifically of albatrosses, on
Bird Island in South Georgia. During the early 1990s, new satellite tracking methods showed that
albatrosses frequently visit commercial fishing sites, putting them at risk of bycatch. However, it is
important to note that human activity is not the sole threat. Gough Island serves as a clear example of
how unintentional invasive species, such as house mice, can also pose a danger to native ecosystems.
The issues on both islands show the need for comprehensive conservation strategies, particularly when
considering the distinctive vulnerabilities inherent to the biology of the albatross species.
Albatrosses are admired for their majestic wingspans and awe-inspiring presence. Their lifespan is
notably long, with some birds reaching over six decades of life. However, their unique reproductive traits
make them especially sensitive to environmental threats. For instance, they typically refrain from
breeding until they reach approximately ten years of age. Even then, certain species like the wandering
albatross produce only one egg every two years, requiring nearly a full year for the chick to become
independent. Given these traits, it is evident why even minor increments in adult mortality can lead to
substantial disruptions in their population dynamics. These biological factors, combined with external
threats such as bycatch and invasive species, increase their vulnerability.
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Encompassing 22 species globally, albatrosses face dire conservation threats, with 15 deemed
"threatened with extinction" by global standards. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) further classifies
two species—the waved and Tristan albatross—as "critically endangered." Worryingly, in some areas,
such as the subantarctic South Georgia Islands, three albatross species are dwindling by 2-4% annually.
These alarming statistics have led to their inclusion among global "Priority Populations" by the
Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). Such substantial losses, caused by
factors such as human involvement, invasive species, and climatic changes, necessitate a concerted,
worldwide response to ensure the survival of these iconic seabirds. Without prompt intervention, these
majestic creatures risk becoming legends.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the RSPB has taken the lead in launching the Gough Island
Restoration Programme in collaboration with the Tristan da Cunha government. This ambitious project,
funded by international partners such as Island Conservation in the United States and the South African
Department of Environmental Affairs, aims to eradicate mice from the island by 2020. The main
objective of this initiative is to effectively address the annual loss of two million chicks and eggs, thereby
offering a vital lifeline to endangered seabirds. These organizations' contribution emphasizes the
worldwide necessity to address the need to restore balance in vulnerable ecosystems and assure the
preservation of unique bird species for the life of our planet.
Although driven by passion and dedication, conservation organizations frequently encounter the
formidable obstacle of limited resources. This requires difficult decisions on the allocation of priorities to
different species and regions. The monitoring of the albatross is critical for having a thorough grasp of
the topic at hand. Nevertheless, a significant portion of the albatross population exhibits a behavior
where they spend extended periods, sometimes spanning up to two decades, away from their
designated breeding grounds. This behavior poses a challenge for researchers as it makes these
individuals practically impossible to detect. Moreover, the remote and isolated nature of islands presents
logistical challenges when it comes to implementing eradication or conservation initiatives. Even the
understanding of the threat was nuanced; while mouse predation on chicks was evident, the seemingly
stable number of breeding pairs for years concealed the full extent of the destruction. As a result, more
proactive measures were postponed.
3
Questions 1-7
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage 1?
In boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE If the statement agrees with the information
FALSE If the statement contradicts with the information
NOT GIVEN If there is no information on this
1. A 1990s monitoring approach failed to track the route that albatrosses usually headed to.
2. Albatrosses typically live the longest among seabirds.
3. Albatrosses face a higher risk from biological causes compared to outside dangers.
4. Global criteria list 22 albatross species worldwide as endangered.
5. Certain famous seabirds are at risk of extinction unless the world takes immediate action.
6. Albatrosses are hard to identify because they spend up to 20 years away from where they breed.
7. The invasive house mice have caused the extinction of a specific bird species native to Gough island.
Questions 8-13
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet.
Invasive house mice on Gough Island
Because of the spread of invading house mice, Gough Island is experiencing a severe 8. …………
These mice were 9. ………… brought there in the 19th century, and the island is now home to much
10. ………… individuals than those that may be found on the mainland.
As their normal sources of nutrition are becoming less available, the invasive mice now consume baby
11. ………… Consequently, island petrels, buntings, and 12. ………… are especially vulnerable to
these predators. Furthermore, as the world warms, the island's 13. ………… may become gentler,
thereby giving mice a better chance at staying alive.
4
Reading Passage 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-26, which are based on Reading Passage 2.
Reading passage 2 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-x, in boxes 14-20 on your answer sheet.
LIST OF HEADINGS
i. A work of art that depicted a god
ii. A loss of a valuable piece of artwork
iii. Important advancements in the history of architecture
iv. An overview of the external artworks
v. Several functions and changes over centuries
vi. A building that remains indicative of ancient Greece's brilliance
vii. A disagreement that has remained for years
viii. Changes in architecture caused by religious changes
ix. A large-scale restoration project
x. A design that is unlike any works before
14. Paragraph A ..........
15. Paragraph B ..........
16. Paragraph C ..........
17. Paragraph D ..........
18. Paragraph E ..........
19. Paragraph F ..........
20. Paragraph G ..........
5
UNCOVERING THE PARTHENON
A. The Parthenon stands as an enduring symbol of ancient Greece's architectural and cultural excellence,
much like the pyramids epitomize ancient Egypt. Located on the Acropolis in Athens, this splendid
temple epitomizes the highest peak of the Doric architectural style. The initial stages of its construction
during the mid-5th century BCE marked an essential turning point in the history of Greek architectural
development. The Parthenon's enduring impact extends beyond its mere existence, representing the
artistic and intellectual achievements of a society that valued the balance between aesthetics,
engineering, and symbolism.
B. The Parthenon's architectural ingenuity rendered it a masterpiece, forever celebrated for its
harmonious aesthetics and structural innovations that ushered in a new era in Greek architecture. Its
construction, serving as a sanctuary devoted to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos and representing
the increasing power of Athens, commenced under the guidance of architects Ictinus and Callicrates,
with the skilled sculptor Phidias supervising the project. It featured notable advancements, such as a
subtle upward curvature of the base and columns, known as entasis, which counteracts the optical
illusion of curvature from a distance. The corners of the building also feature slightly thicker columns to
counteract the thinning effect when viewed against the sky. These intricate details contribute to the
Parthenon's impression of perfect symmetry and proportion, marking a significant leap from the
architectural styles of the past.
C. The temple's exterior was once embellished with numerous high-relief metopes and a continuous
low-relief frieze. The metopes, situated above the exterior colonnade, portrayed mythical battles such as
the Gigantomachy and Centauromachy. The paintings commemorated Greek mythology and symbolized
Greece's triumph over Persian invaders. The frieze on the outer wall showcased a unique subject known
as the Panathenaic procession. The parade, which occurs once every four years, showcases nobles,
musicians, horsemen, charioteers, and Olympian Gods as they present a new robe (peplos) to the statue
of Athena. The sculptures were expertly crafted and adorned with vibrant details and bronze accents,
enhancing their aesthetic appeal and storytelling. No other Greek temples displayed such an extravagant
showcase of artistic prowess. The aesthetic appeal of the Parthenon extends beyond its architectural
components.
D. The Parthenon's interior, referred to as the cella, housed the remarkable chryselephantine statue of
Athena, crafted by the renowned sculptor Phidias. The statue was an impressive sight, standing at a
height of over 12 meters. It was constructed with ivory to depict the flesh areas, while gold was utilized
for its remaining components, notably the imposing aegis that was masterfully adorned with the head of
Medusa. The statue presented Athena holding Nike in her right hand and a shield in her left, the latter of
which was embellished with dramatic scenes from the Battles of the Amazons and the Giants.
Furthermore, a snake was strategically coiled behind the shield, adding a layer of visual interest and
symbolism. The figure was mounted upon a pedestal measuring 4.09 by 8.04 meters, placed in front of a
shallow basin filled with water. This water served not only as a protective mechanism for the ivory but
also created a breathtaking visual effect by reflecting light. The presence of this significant sculpture
within the Parthenon symbolized Athens' prosperity, influence, and the deep reverence held for its
patron deity.
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E. During the 5th century CE, it underwent a conversion into a Christian church, leading to modifications
in its architectural composition, notably the incorporation of an apse. Subsequently, during the period of
Ottoman governance in 1458, the structure was transformed into a mosque, featuring a minaret in the
southwest corner. These changes reflected the regional cultural and religious developments.
Nevertheless, one of the most tragic events in the Parthenon's history occurred in 1687 amidst the
Venetian siege, when a shell struck its powder magazine. Much of the interior and sculptures were
destroyed, leaving behind a fractured but still awe-inspiring monument. Throughout its long history, the
Parthenon underwent significant transformations. Its diverse roles reflect the resilience of the
architectural and cultural significance across different civilizations throughout history
F. A particular chapter in its history that sparked controversy revolved around the removal of sculptures
by Lord Elgin during the early 19th century. The Elgin Marbles, a collection of Parthenon sculptures, were
acquired by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat, with permission from Ottoman authorities. These sculptures,
including metopes, friezes, and pediments, were transported to Britain and eventually housed in the
British Museum in London. The loss of these invaluable artworks has been a topic of contention and
discussion for centuries. Greece has consistently called for the return of the Elgin Marbles to their place
of origin, arguing that they are an integral part of Greece's cultural heritage. The ongoing dispute
persists, giving rise to discussions regarding the ownership and repatriation of cultural artifacts.
G. The Parthenon, despite its tumultuous history, remains a symbol of Greece's enduring cultural legacy.
Efforts to preserve and restore this iconic monument have been ongoing for many decades. The Greek
government, along with international organizations, initiated a meticulous and extensive restoration
project to repair the damage caused by centuries of neglect, pollution, and the 1687 explosion. This
multi-decade endeavor aimed to stabilize the structure, address structural issues, and protect the
remaining sculptures. The restoration of the Parthenon not only preserves its physical integrity but also
safeguards the collective cultural memory and historical significance it represents. Today, the Parthenon
continues to captivate visitors from around the world, serving as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient
Greek architecture and the enduring importance of preserving our shared cultural heritage.
7
Questions 21-24
Complete a summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-24 on your answer sheet.
Athena’s Statue Dominates the Parthenon
The cella inside the Parthenon held an amazing statue of Athena made by the famous sculptor Phidias.
The tall statue was truly impressive, reaching over 12 meters in height. It was made with
21. ………… for the flesh parts and gold for the rest, especially the impressive 22. ………… with
Medusa's head. The statue showed Athena with Nike in one hand and a shield in the other. The shield
had exciting scenes from the Battles of the Amazons and the Giants. Also, a snake was cleverly coiled
behind the shield, creating visual appeal and 23. …………. The statue was placed in front of a shallow
basin filled with water on a pedestal measuring 4.09 by 8.04 meters. The water protected the ivory
and made it look amazing by reflecting light. The sculpture in the Parthenon showed Athens' respect
for their god, power and 24. …………
Questions 25-26
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Write the correct letters in boxes 25 and 26 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO of the following points does the writer make about the Parthenon?
A. The Parthenon’s exterior did not originally use sculptures for aesthetic appeal.
B. The Parthenon introduced unique elements to Greek architecture.
C. Restoration and preservation of the Parthenon are nationwide.
D. The construction of the incredible Parthenon marked the beginning of Greek architecture.
E. The Parthenon restoration scheme aims to preserve the sculptures, structure, and historical
importance.
8
Reading Passage 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3.
THE AI TRUST PARADOX
The field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has experienced significant growth in various industries such as
healthcare, finance, and customer service. The significance of AI has grown in its ability to support
decision-making processes and improve service delivery. As AI continues to gain influence, there is a
growing concern about the trustworthiness and ethical implications of its algorithms and functionalities.
When AI fails to meet these lofty expectations, distrust often ensues. According to Gartner, a reputable
IT research firm, there is a current peak of inflated expectations around technologies such as cognitive
computing and machine learning, with disappointment set to follow. The level of public trust in AI is
significantly influenced by the expectations and promises associated with this technology. Exaggerating
the capabilities of AI may lead to a decline in public confidence, as people struggle to reconcile their
expectations with the true capabilities of AI. This expectation-reality gap is evident in the case of IBM's
Watson. Initially, it was expected that Watson would provide highly valuable treatment
recommendations for 12 prevalent types of cancer, which collectively represent 80% of cancer cases
worldwide. Doctors encountered a challenging predicament when they first encountered Watson. The
supercomputer simply restated their preexisting knowledge, and its recommendations did not influence
the actual course of treatment.
Companies like Amazon, Netflix, and healthcare providers utilize AI recommendation systems to enhance
the customer experience. The confidence level in these systems is determined by whether users are
looking for utilitarian or pleasant product features. The "word-of-machine effect" argues that people
trust AI suggestions more when they apply to practical and functional features, as AI is seen to excel in
these areas. When consumers assess things based on sensory and experiential characteristics, they
gravitate toward recommendations from their peers. Despite the advancements in AI that allow for the
evaluation of hedonic attributes and humans' ability to assess utilitarian ones, there is a persistent
tendency observed across various studies, spanning from haircare to real estate. This suggests that
deeply rooted perceptions about this split have a considerable impact on consumer choices. Trust in
AI-generated suggestions is also affected by the values that consumers emphasize, whether utilitarian or
hedonic.
In sensitive and crucial domains where the stakes are heightened, such as healthcare or judicial
sentencing, the dynamics of trust in AI become even more complex. For instance, IBM's Watson,
highlighted by researchers Chiara Longoni and Carey K. Morewedge, outperforms seasoned cardiologists
in diagnosing heart diseases with higher accuracy. The reliance on AI chatbots for medical advice is also
growing, as evidenced in the UK’s National Health Service. Even with AI's potential in healthcare and its
demonstrable diagnostic superiority over human practitioners, patients remain reluctant to embrace it
fully. Longoni and Morewedge's research involving over 3,000 participants indicates that this reluctance
isn't based on doubts about AI’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, convenience, or the depth of information
it offers. Rather, it is rooted in a perception that AI, being algorithm-driven, provides broad-brush
solutions unable to address the unique nuances and circumstances of individual patients. This belief in
9
the importance of individual uniqueness leads many to prefer human practitioners despite the potential
risks of inaccuracies and complications.
Furthermore, how AI is perceived, either as an assistant or primary decision-maker, significantly
influences the level of trust individuals place in it, as elucidated by Christoph Kern and colleagues at the
University of Mannheim. While users may feel at ease with AI in a supportive role, they are often
reluctant to let it have complete control over decision-making processes. The study, surveying nearly
4,000 individuals in diverse contexts like banking, criminal justice, and employment, found that public
trust in AI is significantly shaped by factors such as user experience, familiarity with technology,
transparency in AI operations, and the degree of control users have over AI functionalities. Respondents
perceived a hybrid of human and AI decision-making as more equitable and acceptable than decisions
made solely by AI. This finding underscores the importance of maintaining a human element within AI
applications to foster trust among end-users.
Although AI has made significant advancements in addressing biases inherited from training data, it is
crucial to acknowledge that humans, despite their intuitive and socially attuned nature, are not immune
to biases either. Integrating both AI efficiency and human oversight in a combined approach effectively
addresses the trust deficit. When AI systems work together with people, it not only makes choices and
suggestions seem more fair and acceptable, but it also makes the whole user experience better. This has
the potential to pave the way for future AI applications in decision-making processes. As AI technologies
swiftly advance in their capabilities, Kern underscores that the preference expressed by survey
respondents for human involvement in decision-making does not necessarily imply pessimism about AI's
future roles.
Furthermore, people’s confidence in AI potentially increases when these systems offer personalized
recommendations. Users often respond positively to AI technology when they believe it understands and
answers their own requirements and preferences effectively. Such personalized AI interactions not only
boost user enjoyment, but also play an important role in creating and maintaining confidence in AI
systems over time. Ensuring that AI systems function in accordance with high ethical standards and
gaining public confidence are critical to effectively unlocking and exploiting the full potential of AI
technology. The conversation and efforts geared especially at strengthening both ethical norms inside AI
and public trust in the technology set the framework for its appropriate and effective utilization in a
variety of sectors.
10
Questions 27-30
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Write the correct letter in boxes 27-30 on your answer sheet.
27. What can be inferred from the first paragraph?
A Although AI is important, not all industries embrace it.
B Trust and ethics concerns about AI have lessened as it has advanced.
C AI is vital for decision-making and service in many industries.
D AI's development has a slight impact on service delivery in certain sectors.
28. What does the "word-of-machine effect" in the third paragraph imply?
A People should prefer AI suggestions when shopping.
B Consumers favor AI suggestions considering the usefulness and functionality of a product.
C As AI systems are complicated, peer recommendations are more reliable.
D AI excels at suggesting practical products but not items for fun or enjoyment.
29. According to Christoph Kern and his colleagues, what is crucial for fostering public trust in AI?
A AI experts should maintain human engagement within the AI working process.
B AI system's operations need to be as transparent as possible.
C AI should provide explanations for its actions and decisions.
D Biases in AI algorithms and data should be minimized.
30. According to the last paragraph, what is the primary goal of strengthening ethical standards in AI and
enhancing public trust in technology?
A to identify and address potential negative impacts of AI
B to lay a solid foundation for its effective use in different fields
C to establish the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern AI
D to prevent AI from making personalized recommendations
11
Questions 31-34
Complete the summary using the list of words, A-G, below.
Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 31-34 on your answer sheet.
Factors Influencing AI Trust
Trust in AI is complicated and influenced by numerous factors. AI often doesn't meet high
expectations, causing public 31. ………… like with IBM's Watson in cancer treatment.
AI recommendation systems used by the online retail giants gain trust by focusing on practical
product attributes, showing the "word-of-machine effect". Consumers prefer human
recommendations for products with sensory or experiential features, showing a trust divide based
on product attributes.
Despite AI's 32. ………… in healthcare, such as its ability to diagnose better than humans, people
are still unsure about fully accepting it. Many people are wary about AI because they believe it
cannot provide enough 33. ………… for each patient.
The way people see AI also affects how much they trust it. People prefer AI in a supportive role
rather than having full control. They like a balanced approach where humans and AI make decisions
together.
Trust may be fostered through a combination of features, including user experience, control over AI,
34. ………… of the technology and its transparency.
A. skepticism B. hatred C.interest
D. progress E. care F. treatment
G. knowledge
12
Questions 35-40
Look at the following statements (Questions 35-40) and the list of experts below
Match each statement with the correct expert, A-C.
Write the correct letter, A-C, in boxes 35-40 on your answer sheet
NB: You may use one letter more than once
35. Preferring human involvement in decision-making does not always indicate that AI is destined for
failure.
36. People's confidence in AI depends on whether they see it as a helper or a decision-maker.
37. While AI has proven to be superior in some aspects, people remain hesitant to fully accept it.
38. Technology understanding, user experience, openness in AI operations, and level of AI control
greatly influence public confidence in AI.
39. Disappointment can happen when modern technologies fail to live up to expectations.
40. Uncertainty towards AI is not influenced by concerns about its usefulness, cost, convenience, or
the amount of information it provides.
List of experts
A. Gartner
B. Chiara Longoni and Carey K. Morewedge
C. Christoph Kern
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