Playing with science
Read Playing with science and check the IELTS Reading answers. The connection between science and play is not often discussed, perhaps because scientists take it for granted, or because they are a little self-conscious about it and therefore try to hide it. In this context, play might describe a nu…
Passage preview
The connection between science and play is not often discussed, perhaps because scientists take it for granted, or because they are a little self-conscious about it and therefore try to hide it. In this context, play might describe a number of different activities. Play might involve the exploration of new uses for everyday objects just for curiosity; it could also include word jokes, or the playing of jokes or tricks upon other scientists. The element of play in science is thus an elusive and difficult topic, but it is fundamental to the experience of scientists.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- apparatus noun
The technical equipment or machinery needed for a particular activity or purpose
The laboratory was equipped with sophisticated apparatus for analyzing DNA samples.
- authentic adjective
Of undisputed origin; genuine; made or done in the traditional or original way
Experts verified that the painting was an authentic work of the 17th-century master.
- cognitive adjective
Relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses
Early childhood education plays a crucial role in cognitive development.
- devise verb
To plan or invent a complex procedure, system, or mechanism by careful thought
The government must devise a strategy to boost economic recovery.
- elusive adjective
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve; difficult to remember or recall
A definitive cure for the common cold remains elusive despite decades of research.
- fruitful adjective
Producing good or helpful results; productive
The collaboration between the two universities proved to be extremely fruitful.
- ingenious adjective
Clever, original, and inventive (of a person or idea/method)
The engineer devised an ingenious solution to the water shortage problem.
- inherent adjective
Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute
There are inherent risks involved in space exploration that cannot be entirely eliminated.
- novel adjective
New or unusual in an interesting way
The scientist proposed a novel approach to treating the disease that differed from traditional methods.
- reconstruct verb
To build or form something again after it has been damaged or destroyed; to form a mental impression of past events
Historians attempted to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the war.
Answers with explanations
- 14. E
The question asks for a description of how a **test showed evidence to be fake**. Paragraph E describes how analysis of **copper and zinc** (the test) showed the materials were too high quality for the era, proving the plate was not authentic. Answer: E.
- 15. A
The question looks for reasons scientists are **unwilling to admit** they play. Paragraph A states scientists are **self-conscious** about play and **try to hide it**, directly addressing the reluctance to admit it. Answer: A.
- 16. F
The question asks about a **trick going wrong**. Paragraph F describes how a **joke** played by friends **misfired** (went wrong) when the target publicly announced the fake item was real before they could tell him. Answer: F.
- 17. B
The question asks for a **similarity** between a **skill in play** and one in **science**. Paragraph B explicitly compares **guessing a scientific solution** to **completing a jigsaw puzzle** (a game/play). Answer: B.
- 18. G
The question asks how scientists **stopped a colleague misusing results**. Paragraph G describes how Lewis **set a trap** with fake data to stop a co-worker from **taking their data** and publishing it prematurely. Answer: G.
- 19. D
The question asks for examples of **playful scientific language**. Paragraph D lists **funny names** given to chemical substances, which are specific examples of playfulness in language. Answer: D.
- 20. C
The question asks for an **everyday object** put to **scientific use**. Paragraph C mentions a **perfume atomiser** (everyday object) used in an apparatus to measure electron charge (scientific use). Answer: C.
- 21-22: AC
21: The question asks for reasons explaining play behaviour. The text suggests play provides a counter to **too much seriousness** in science, which aligns with Option A (relief from work). Answer: A.
22: The question asks for reasons explaining play behaviour. The text explicitly suggests scientists play because they **tend to be very young**, which aligns with Option C (age). Answer: C.
- 23. data
The summary mentions a colleague stealing something. The text describes a co-worker **taking our data** without permission. Answer: data.
- 24. english navigator
The summary mentions a famous person said to have left a plate. The text identifies this person as the **English navigator** Sir Francis Drake. Answer: English navigator.
- 25. copper and zinc
The summary refers to the material the plate was made of. The text identifies the materials as **copper and zinc**, the analysis of which revealed the hoax. Answer: copper and zinc.
- 26. Bancroft Library
The summary mentions friends of the director of a specific institution. The text identifies Bolton as the director of the **Bancroft Library**. Answer: Bancroft Library.