Pearls
Read Pearls and check the IELTS Reading answers. Long known as the "Queen of Gems", pearls possess a history and allure far beyond what today's wearer may recognize. Throughout much of recorded history, a natural pearl necklace comprised of matched spheres was a treasure of almost incomparable valu…
Passage preview
Long known as the "Queen of Gems", pearls possess a history and allure far beyond what today's wearer may recognize. Throughout much of recorded history, a natural pearl necklace comprised of matched spheres was a treasure of almost incomparable value, in fact, the most expensive jewelry in the world. Before the creation of cultured pearls in the early 1900s, natural pearls were so rare and expensive that they were reserved almost exclusively for the noble and very rich. The ancient Egyptians were particularly fond of their pearls. Many Egyptian leaders treasured pearls so much that they were often buried along with their cherished pearl collection. In the Orient and Persian Empire, pearls were ground into costly powders to cure anything from heart disease to epilepsy, with possible aphrodisiac uses as well. China's long recorded history also provides ample evidence of the importance of pearls.
Vocabulary from this passage
12 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- allure noun
The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating; a strong appeal or charm.
The allure of exotic travel destinations continues to drive the global tourism industry.
- catalyst noun
A substance or person that increases the rate of a reaction or provokes significant change.
The new policy served as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the developing region.
- concentric adjective
Denoting circles, arcs, or other shapes which share the same center, the larger often surrounding the smaller.
The target was marked with several concentric rings to help the archer improve their accuracy.
- defense mechanism noun
An automatic reaction of the body or mind which protects an organism from harm or anxiety.
The hedgehog uses its sharp spines as a primary defense mechanism against forest predators.
- incomparable adjective
So good or impressive that nothing else can be compared to it; matchless or unique.
The discovery of DNA was an incomparable milestone in the history of biological science.
- indiscriminate adjective
Done at random or without careful judgment; failing to make a distinction between different things.
The indiscriminate use of pesticides can lead to the accidental destruction of beneficial insect populations.
- lustrous adjective
Having a gentle glow or a soft radiance; shining with reflected light or brilliance.
The museum displayed a collection of lustrous gold artifacts from the ancient Inca Empire.
- nucleus noun
The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for growth.
A small group of dedicated activists formed the nucleus of the burgeoning environmental movement.
- predilection noun
A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something specific.
The researcher has a known predilection for qualitative data over quantitative statistical analysis.
- pristine adjective
In its original condition; unspoiled, clean, and fresh as if new or untouched by human activity.
Hikers are encouraged to keep the national park pristine by carrying out all their trash.
- secrete verb
To produce and discharge a substance, typically a liquid, from a cell or gland.
Certain species of frogs secrete toxic chemicals through their skin to deter hungry predators.
- substantial adjective
Of considerable importance, size, or worth; strongly built or made for long-term use.
The government provided substantial funding to support the development of renewable energy technologies.
Answers with explanations
- 1. C
The question asks about **difficulties** in the **cultivation process**. Paragraph C describes how the irritant might be **rejected**, pearls could become **misshapen**, or the oyster may **die from disease** and other complications, which exemplify the rigorous difficulties faced during pearl cultivation.
- 2. D
The question targets **causes affecting** the **size** of natural pearls. Paragraph D explicitly states that **size** depends on the **age** of the oyster (older ones make larger pearls), the water's **rich nutrients**, and the specific **type of mussel**. These factors directly explain what influences pearl dimensions.
- 2-3: A
2: The question targets **causes affecting** the **size** of natural pearls. Paragraph D explicitly states that **size** depends on the **age** of the oyster (older ones make larger pearls), the water's **rich nutrients**, and the specific **type of mussel**. These factors directly explain what influences pearl dimensions.
3: The question looks for **ancient customs**. Paragraph A discusses historical practices, noting that **Egyptian leaders** were **buried along with their cherished pearl collection** and that in the **Orient and Persian Empire**, pearls were **ground into costly powders** for medicinal uses.
- 3. A
The question looks for **ancient customs**. Paragraph A discusses historical practices, noting that **Egyptian leaders** were **buried along with their cherished pearl collection** and that in the **Orient and Persian Empire**, pearls were **ground into costly powders** for medicinal uses.
- 3-4: NO
3: The question looks for **ancient customs**. Paragraph A discusses historical practices, noting that **Egyptian leaders** were **buried along with their cherished pearl collection** and that in the **Orient and Persian Empire**, pearls were **ground into costly powders** for medicinal uses.
4: The question requires finding **distinctions** between **cultured** and **natural** pearls. Paragraph B explicitly points out the **only difference** between the two types, explaining that for cultured pearls, the irritant is **surgically implanted** rather than entering the oyster naturally.
- 4. B
The question requires finding **distinctions** between **cultured** and **natural** pearls. Paragraph B explicitly points out the **only difference** between the two types, explaining that for cultured pearls, the irritant is **surgically implanted** rather than entering the oyster naturally.
- 5. J
The blank requires a noun referring to a place or people from history who used pearls for **medicine and philtres** (aphrodisiacs). The text states that in the **Orient and Persian Empire**, pearls were ground to **cure** diseases and for **aphrodisiac uses**, matching option J (**Persia**).
- 6. K
The sentence needs a proper noun for a location known for the **imitation pearl industry**. The passage explicitly states that the island of **Mallorca** in Spain is **known for its imitation pearl industry**, which perfectly matches option K.
- 7. C
The blank requires a **country** name known for producing **larger pearls**. The text directly states that the South Sea waters of **Australia** tend to **produce the larger pearls**, corresponding perfectly to option C.
- 8. F
The summary refers to a **nation** making **glistening** (lustrous) **cultured pearls**. Paragraph E confirms that among cultured pearls, those from **Japan** are **some of the most lustrous**, pointing directly to option F.
- 9. D
We need a **country** in the **Persian Gulf** famous for the **world's best pearls** in the past. The text confirms that historically, the best pearls came from around what is now **Bahrain**, leading to option D.
- 10. G
The summary asks for the current location of the **major remaining suppliers** of **natural pearls**. The passage states that **Nowadays**, the **largest stock of natural pearls** resides in **India**, corresponding to option G.
- 11. TRUE
The statement claims the **centre** (core) of a cultured pearl is **significantly larger** than a natural one. The text explicitly supports this, stating that for cultured pearls, **The resulting core is much larger than in a natural pearl**. Answer: TRUE.
- 12. FALSE
The statement says imitation pearls are the **same price** as natural ones. The text contradicts this, asserting that natural pearls are highly valuable, while **imitation pearls have almost no value**. Thus, their prices are drastically different. Answer: FALSE.
- 13. NOT GIVEN
The statement compares the depth of **glow** between **Akoya pearls from Japan** and **South Sea pearls from Australia**. While the passage mentions Akoya pearls are highly **lustrous** and Australian pearls are large and rare, it never directly compares their level of glow or luster. Answer: NOT GIVEN.