Jean Piaget 1896 – 1980
Read Jean Piaget 1896 – 1980 and check the IELTS Reading answers. Jean Piaget spent much of his professional life listening to children, watching children and poring over reports of researchers around the world who were doing the same. He found, to put it most succintly, that children don't think l…
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Jean Piaget spent much of his professional life listening to children, watching children and poring over reports of researchers around the world who were doing the same. He found, to put it most succintly, that children don't think like grown-ups. After thousands of internations with young people often barely old enough to talk, Piaget began to suspect that behind their cute and seemingly irrational utterances were thought processes that had their own kind of order and their own special logic. Einstein called it a discovery ‘so simple that only a genius could have thought of it.'
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- coherent adjective
Logical and consistent in argument or thought
The child's explanation, while factually incorrect, was internally coherent and logical.
- counter-productive adjective
Having the opposite of the desired effect
Correcting a student too frequently can be counter-productive to their learning process.
- elucidate verb
To make something clear; to explain
Further research is needed to elucidate the complex processes of cognitive development.
- epistemology noun
The theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope
Piaget transformed epistemology from a branch of philosophy into a scientific discipline.
- intrinsic adjective
Belonging naturally; essential
Curiosity is an intrinsic motivation for children to explore their environment.
- pedagogical adjective
Relating to teaching or the method and practice of teaching
Piaget's findings challenged traditional pedagogical methods used in schools.
- proponent noun
A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or project
Proponents of the new educational model argue that it fosters critical thinking.
- rigour noun
The quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate
Academic research must be conducted with scientific rigour to be considered valid.
- scrupulously adverb
In a very careful and thorough way; with great attention to detail
The scientist scrupulously recorded every observation during the long-term experiment.
- succinctly adverb
In a brief and clearly expressed manner
The professor summarized the complex theory succinctly for the students.
Answers with explanations
- 27. C
The writer uses the analogy of **modern anthropology** to show how Piaget's work represented a major **shift** in perspective. Just as anthropology changed how we view tribes, Piaget changed how we view children, providing the **foundation for today's education-reform movements**. This illustrates a **turning-point** in education. Answer: C.
- 28. A
The dialogue shows that while a child's explanation is scientifically wrong, it is **sensible and coherent** within their own logic. Piaget argues that labeling such beliefs as **'true' or 'false' misses the point**, implying that the **factual accuracy** is of **minor significance** compared to the logic used. Answer: A.
- 29. D
Piaget warns that corrected children might **give up** on making theories. By avoiding the automatic reaction of 'putting the child right', adults can help maintain a **child's confidence** in their own **ability to interpret the world** and develop their own understanding. Answer: D.
- 30. C
The writer mentions that even a genius like **Einstein** was **intrigued** by children's ideas that seem to go **contrary to common sense**. This suggests that even **irrational ideas** can be **worthy of interest** and study because they reveal underlying cognitive structures. Answer: C.
- 31. C
The writer highlights Piaget's lasting influence on **psychology** (more so than Freud or Skinner) and his role in making **epistemology a science**. Throughout the text, the writer discusses how Piaget's work shaped **20th-century psychology** and cognitive theory. Answer: C.
- 32. G
The summary needs an adjective to describe children's mental processes. The text mentions that these processes have their own **special logic**. Therefore, they were far more **logical** (G) than they might appear at first glance. Answer: G.
- 33. B
The text describes children as 'little scientists' who create and test their own **hypotheses**. In the given options, **theories** (B) is the closest synonym for hypotheses in this scientific context. Answer: B.
- 34. F
The passage discusses Piaget's lasting **influence on psychology**, comparing him to pioneers like Freud and Skinner. This matches the blank in the summary referring to his impact on this discipline. Answer: **psychology** (F).
- 35. C
The summary refers to a current view that associates knowledge with a specific organ. The text identifies this current fashion as viewing knowledge as a property of the **brain**. Answer: **brain** (C).
- 36. E
The summary mentions his principles are used in professional development. The text confirms that **teachers in training** (a form of professional development) still study his work. Answer: **teachers** (E).
- 37. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions Piaget's work in Paris and that he was fascinated by reasoning processes. However, it does **not provide any information** or description of whether his **research techniques** were **innovative** or traditional. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 38. NO
The statement claims Piaget gave **clear guidelines** for adults. The passage explicitly states he **never laid down rules** about how to intervene, providing a direct contradiction to the claim. Answer: NO.
- 39. YES
The text states that Piaget turned **epistemology** from a branch of philosophy into a **science**. This represents a **significant contribution** to the field, aligning with the writer's claims. Answer: YES.
- 40. YES
The writer states that new discoveries about what babies know do not close the gap in our understanding, but actually **increase the mystery**. This implies that the nature of knowledge is still not fully understood and we have **much to learn**. Answer: YES.