Pacific Navigation and Voyaging
Read Pacific Navigation and Voyaging and check the IELTS Reading answers. The many tiny islands of the Pacific Ocean had no human population until ancestors of today’s islanders sailed from Southeast Asia in ocean-going canoes approximately 2,000 years ago. At the present time, the debate continues…
Passage preview
The many tiny islands of the Pacific Ocean had no human population until ancestors of today’s islanders sailed from Southeast Asia in ocean-going canoes approximately 2,000 years ago. At the present time, the debate continues about exactly how they migrated such vast distances across the ocean, without any of the modern technologies we take for granted.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- categorically adverb
In a manner that is absolutely unambiguous, explicit, and direct, leaving no room for doubt or alternative interpretation.
The lead scientist categorically denied the allegations that the experimental data had been deliberately manipulated.
- denigrate verb
To harshly or unfairly criticize someone or something; to dismiss the validity or value of an achievement.
Academic reviewers should objectively evaluate the data rather than simply denigrate the opposing researcher's theoretical framework.
- energy expenditure noun
The total amount of physical energy or caloric resources consumed by an organism while performing a specific activity.
Prolonged exposure to extreme cold environments requires massive metabolic energy expenditure simply to maintain core body temperature.
- hypothesis noun
A proposed, logically grounded explanation based on preliminary evidence that serves as a foundation for further scientific investigation.
Subsequent laboratory experiments were carefully designed to test the validity of the researcher's initial hypothesis.
- methodology noun
A comprehensive, systematic set of theoretical and practical procedures applied within a specific discipline or field of research.
The sociological study was heavily criticized because its methodology failed to account for significant demographic variables.
- precipitate verb
To cause a specific event, situation, or reaction to occur suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely.
The sudden collapse of the national bank precipitated a severe global financial crisis.
- prevailing adjective
Currently existing, most common, or generally accepted in a particular place, time, or set of circumstances.
The prevailing scientific consensus suggests that carbon emissions are the primary driver of rapid global warming.
- renaissance noun
A significant cultural, intellectual, or professional revival and renewed interest in a specific practice or subject.
The city's downtown district is currently experiencing an architectural renaissance, blending modern sustainability with historical preservation.
- systematic migration noun
The highly organized, methodical movement of populations from one geographical region to another, governed by underlying patterns.
Archaeological tracking of ancient tools revealed the systematic migration of early human tribes across the Eurasian continent.
Answers with explanations
- 27. YES
The text confirms that the islands **had no human population** (they were uninhabited) prior to the ancestors arriving from **Southeast Asia**. Therefore, the statement is TRUE/YES.
- 28. NO
The claim is that Sharp was the **first person to write** about the migrants. The text contradicts this by mentioning **early twentieth-century writers** who had already published a 'romantic vision' of the navigators before Sharp's 1956 research. The answer is NO.
- 29. YES
The statement suggests Sharp believed the voyages were based on **luck** rather than **skill**. The text confirms this, noting he asserted the navigators' **expertise... was limited** (lack of skill) and that their settlement was dependent on **good fortune** (luck). Thus, the answer is YES.
- 30. YES
The question asks if Sharp's research had **positive results** despite being **controversial**. The text affirms his theory was **widely challenged** (controversial), but also notes a positive outcome: it **sparked renewed interest** and **precipitated valuable new research**. The answer is YES.
- 31. NOT GIVEN
The text explains that Doran followed a **different approach** and focused on gathering **exact data on canoe sailing performance**. However, it never states whether he personally **disagreed** with the findings of Lewis's navigational research. The answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 32. A
The passage highlights Lewis's 'unique philosophy' where he deliberately sought out men who still used **traditional methods** and went on voyages to study them. This sets his research apart because he **observed traditional navigators at work** in the field (Option A).
- 33. C
Lewis's research found that ancient navigators read the stars, which provided them with **fixed directions by which to steer their boats**. This directly aligns with Option C: **They knew which direction they were sailing in**, refuting the idea they were just drifting.
- 34. B
The passage outlines that Doran gathered exact data on canoe performance by **using his instruments to record canoe speeds**. This perfectly matches Option B, stating that **Canoe characteristics were recorded using modern instruments**.
- 35. D
Horvath studied physiological capabilities and concluded that humans using **paddles or long oars** could propel the vessels when there was no wind. This corresponds to Option D: **Human energy may have been used to assist sailing canoes**.
- 36. B
The writer describes Wall Garrard's method as an **unusual method** and calls his use of computer simulations a **Clever adaptation**. These positive descriptors show that the writer is impressed by the **originality of the techniques used** (Option B).
- 37. C
The paragraph states that a limitation of these varied experiments is that they **cannot categorically confirm or negate a hypothesis**. This matches Option C, which states the research **was not conclusive evidence in support of a single theory**.
- 38. A
The text directly states that the **strength of this research** (the best thing about it) was the **range of methodologies employed**. This points exactly to Option A: it **was the variety of experimental techniques used**.
- 39. D
The passage highlights that the navigators' **greatest accomplishment** (most important achievement) was their **adaptability** to sea conditions. Adaptability means **being able to change their practices when necessary** (Option D).
- 40. E
Because of their systematic migration, the Pacific peoples used the ocean as an avenue **before any other race on Earth**. This implies they were the first, matching Option E: it **was the first time humans intentionally crossed an ocean**.