Rubber
Read Rubber and check the IELTS Reading answers. The plants that produce rubber are spread right across the globe, and grow in many different habitats. One might think it likely, therefore, that humankind has known about rubber for thousands of years. Yet, unlike other crops of economic importance,…
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The plants that produce rubber are spread right across the globe, and grow in many different habitats. One might think it likely, therefore, that humankind has known about rubber for thousands of years. Yet, unlike other crops of economic importance, rubber led a relatively anonymous life until the last 150 years or so. The Indians of South America appear to be the first people to have understood the properties of rubber, and the Aztecs of what is now Mexico were the first to be recorded using the substance; a wall painting dating back to the sixth century depicts a scene of a tributary offering of crude rubber.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- coagulate verb
To change from a fluid to a solid or semi-solid state
Blood begins to coagulate quickly to seal a wound and prevent excess loss.
- exploitation noun
The action of making use of and benefiting from resources; or the unfair treatment of others
Sustainable development forbids the ruthless exploitation of natural resources.
- impervious adjective
Not allowing fluid to pass through; unable to be affected by something
He remained impervious to criticism, continuing with his controversial plans.
- indigenous adjective
Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native
The conservation project aims to protect indigenous flora from invasive species.
- influx noun
an arrival or entry of large numbers of people or things
The city experienced a sudden influx of tourists during the summer festival.
- irrepressible adjective
Not able to be controlled or restrained
Her irrepressible optimism helped the team stay motivated during the crisis.
- malleable adjective
Able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; easily influenced
Silver is a highly malleable metal used frequently in jewelry making.
- pliant adjective
Pliable; easily bent; flexible; easily influenced or directed
The manager wanted pliant employees who would not question his authority.
- vagary noun
An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's behavior
Farmers are constantly at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather.
- versatility noun
Ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
The versatility of plastic makes it suitable for products ranging from packaging to medical devices.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims rubber plants grow **only in certain regions**. The text explicitly states they are **spread right across the globe** and grow in **many different habitats**, which directly contradicts the claim. Answer: FALSE.
- 2. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims rubber was **extracted** in Mexico in the **sixth century**. The text confirms a **wall painting** from that time shows rubber being **used** (offered), but does not explicitly confirm the **extraction** took place there or at that specific time. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 2-3: D
2: The statement claims rubber was **extracted** in Mexico in the **sixth century**. The text confirms a **wall painting** from that time shows rubber being **used** (offered), but does not explicitly confirm the **extraction** took place there or at that specific time. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
3: The statement compares the **quality** of rubber from two plants. The text mentions the Para plant is **favoured for cultivation**, but does not state it is because of **quality** (it could be yield, climate suitability, etc.). Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The statement compares the **quality** of rubber from two plants. The text mentions the Para plant is **favoured for cultivation**, but does not state it is because of **quality** (it could be yield, climate suitability, etc.). Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: C
3: The statement compares the **quality** of rubber from two plants. The text mentions the Para plant is **favoured for cultivation**, but does not state it is because of **quality** (it could be yield, climate suitability, etc.). Answer: NOT GIVEN.
4: The statement says a **French mathematician** inspired **interest** in rubber. The text confirms **Charles de la Condamine** (a French mathematician) published an account that **created considerable excitement** among scientists. Answer: TRUE.
- 4. TRUE
The statement says a **French mathematician** inspired **interest** in rubber. The text confirms **Charles de la Condamine** (a French mathematician) published an account that **created considerable excitement** among scientists. Answer: TRUE.
- 5. NOT GIVEN
The statement claims the discovery was **accidental**. The text says Charles Goodyear **discovered** the process but provides no information on whether it was **accidental** or planned. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 6. FALSE
The statement claims imports **fell** during the nineteenth century. The text describes an **irrepressible rise** and cites figures showing a massive **increase** (211kg to 10,000kg). Answer: FALSE.
- 7. waterproof cloth
The text states that in **1818**, James Syme used rubber to make **waterproof cloth**. The summary asks what was produced in 1818.
- 8. waste strips
The text mentions a machine invented in 1820 that chewed up **waste strips** for re-use (recycling). The answer matches the summary's request for what was recycled.
- 9. rigid
The text explains that rubber became **pliant** (soft) when warm and **rigid** when cold. The summary asks for the condition depending on temperature, contrasting with 'soft'. The answer is **rigid**.
- 10. stabilise
The text describes a new process (vulcanisation) discovered in 1839 to **stabilise** the substance. The summary asks for the verb describing the process's effect.
- 11. steam engines
The text states rubber was employed in **steam engines** during the Industrial Revolution. The summary refers to the creation of the **steam engines** industry (or use in that industry).
- 12. pneumatic tyre
The text states that in **1888**, John Boyd Dunlop produced the **pneumatic tyre**. This matches the date and invention requested.
- 13. mass production
The text mentions that shortly after 1895, the **mass production** of cars was 'just over the horizon' (began). The summary asks what aspect of the motor car began.