Candles
Read Candles and check the IELTS Reading answers. One of the earliest forms of portable illumination, candles have served vital functions for humankind throughout history, a fact chronicled through the use of candles or candle-like objects in virtually every society. Historians believe the original…
Passage preview
One of the earliest forms of portable illumination, candles have served vital functions for humankind throughout history, a fact chronicled through the use of candles or candle-like objects in virtually every society. Historians believe the original candle may have been invented by early humans who dipped dried branches from trees into animal fat, thus producing a slow-burning and reliable source of light. Ancient Egyptian artworks depict the use of candles by writers and philosophers who worked long after sundown. These early candles were most likely developed from tapers that were made of fibrous materials mixed with wax or with tallow, the white, nearly tasteless fat of cattle or sheep also used to make soap.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- byproduct noun
An incidental or secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else
Paraffin wax is an important byproduct of the oil industry that revolutionized the large-scale production of affordable candles.
- chronicle verb
To record a series of events in a factual and detailed way; to document history
Ancient texts chronicle the evolution of lighting technology from primitive torches to sophisticated beeswax candles.
- hydrocarbon noun
A compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, such as those found in mineral waxes or petroleum
Modern paraffin candles are composed of hydrocarbon waxes that are crystallized during the petroleum refining process.
- molten adjective
Reduced to a liquid state by the application of intense heat, typically referring to metal, glass, or wax
In the traditional dipping method, the wick is repeatedly submerged in molten fat to build up the candle's thickness.
- oxidizing zone noun
The area of a flame where oxygen is abundant and complete combustion of fuel occurs efficiently
The candle wick must reach the oxidizing zone to ensure the wax burns steadily without producing smoke.
- plaited adjective
Formed by interlacing three or more strands of material; braided
The introduction of the plaited wick allowed candles to burn more evenly as the wick curled into the flame.
- portable illumination noun
A source of light that is capable of being easily carried or moved
Before the advent of electricity, candles provided a reliable form of portable illumination for domestic and scholarly use.
- refined adjective
With impurities or unwanted elements having been removed by processing
The use of refined petroleum products led to the development of clearer and longer-burning waxes in the 19th century.
- spermaceti noun
A white waxy substance found in the head of the sperm whale, used for high-quality candles and ointments
Spermaceti was highly valued in the 18th century for producing a brighter and more consistent light than previous materials.
- tallow noun
A hard, fatty substance made from rendered animal fat, traditionally used in making candles and soap
While tallow was inexpensive and widely available, it produced a smoky flame and an unpleasant odor compared to beeswax.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims that artwork shows candles were **limited to royalty**. The text, however, explicitly states that ancient artwork depicts **writers and philosophers** using candles. Since writers and philosophers are not strictly royalty, this directly contradicts the claim made in the question. Answer: FALSE.
- 2. FALSE
The question states tallow was produced **exclusively** for candle making. The text contradicts this by explicitly noting that tallow was **also used to make soap**. Because it had multiple uses, the claim of exclusivity is incorrect. Answer: FALSE.
- 3. TRUE
The statement claims beeswax candles were **more popular** than other substances in the Middle Ages. The text confirms this by stating beeswax was **preferred over animal or vegetable fats** during this specific time period. The information matches perfectly. Answer: TRUE.
- 3-4: NOT GIVEN
3: The statement claims beeswax candles were **more popular** than other substances in the Middle Ages. The text confirms this by stating beeswax was **preferred over animal or vegetable fats** during this specific time period. The information matches perfectly. Answer: TRUE.
4: The statement claims people kept time by **marking lines** on the surface of candles. While the text discusses keeping time at auctions in the 15th century, it describes **inserting a pin** into the candle, not marking lines. There is no information provided about marking lines. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 4. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims people kept time by **marking lines** on the surface of candles. While the text discusses keeping time at auctions in the 15th century, it describes **inserting a pin** into the candle, not marking lines. There is no information provided about marking lines. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 5. NOT GIVEN
The statement asserts that candles used at auctions had to be of **good quality**. The passage mentions the use of candles at auctions to limit bidding time, but it completely omits any details regarding the **quality** required for these specific candles. Since we cannot verify this claim, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 6. mess
The blank requires an uncountable noun describing what beeswax produced less of compared to animal fats. The text states that beeswax "did not produce as much **mess** as other fats." The word fits grammatically and accurately completes the summary regarding the advantages of beeswax.
- 7. light
The blank needs a noun describing what spermaceti wax produced. The text explains that this wax was popular because it provided a "significantly brighter **light**". The word "brighter" is synonymous with "stronger" in the prompt, making **light** the correct noun to complete the sentence.
- 8. weather
The blank requires a noun describing a condition that could be hot. The passage notes that ozokerite was popular in "warmer **weather**" because it did not melt (remained firm). The word perfectly fits the grammatical context and matches the meaning of the source text.
- 9. cotton
The prompt asks for the material the wick was made of during the pouring method. It requires a noun acting as an adjective. The text specifies that beeswax was poured over a "suspended **cotton** wick." Therefore, cotton is the correct material that fits the blank.
- 10. shrub
The sentence needs a singular noun referring to the type of plant candelilla is. The text explicitly states that it comes from the stem of the "candelilla **shrub**". This perfectly matches the sentence structure "stem of a [blank] called candelilla".
- 11. fruit
The blank requires a noun identifying the part of the plant that produces bayberry wax. The text states the wax is "derived from the **fruit** of the bayberry bush." This explicitly answers where the wax comes from, fitting perfectly into the summary sentence.
- 12. casing
The blank requires a noun describing the outer part of a decorative candle made from heat-resistant wax. The passage explains that non-burning wax is used to make the "**casing**, which is not intended to melt." This directly aligns with the idea of a wax structure that resists heat.
- 13. wire
The sentence requires a noun identifying what keeps the wick upright (erect). The text mentions that wicks have a center made of **wire** which allows them to "remain erect in the melted wax." This fits the grammatical requirement and directly answers the prompt.