The Baobabs of Madagascar
Read The Baobabs of Madagascar and check the IELTS Reading answers. The island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is the best place in the world to see baobabs. These spectacular trees, with their massive trunks and distinctive horizontal root-like branches, can live over 800 years. Of the eight kno…
Passage preview
The island of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean is the best place in the world to see baobabs. These spectacular trees, with their massive trunks and distinctive horizontal root-like branches, can live over 800 years. Of the eight known species, six are found only there, while a seventh has made its way across the Mozambique Channel from mainland Africa with a certain amount of human help.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims that **all** baobab species found on Madagascar are **unique** (endemic) to the island. However, the text clarifies that while six are found only there, a **seventh** species comes from **mainland Africa**. This means not all species are unique to Madagascar, providing a direct contradiction to the claim. Answer: FALSE.
- 2. NOT GIVEN
The text identifies **Adanson and Grandidier** as two **French botanists** after whom a species was named. While it establishes their profession and nationality, there is no information in the passage regarding whether they were the **first** foreign botanists to visit the island. Since the text is silent on this specific ranking, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 2-3: civilisation
2: The text identifies **Adanson and Grandidier** as two **French botanists** after whom a species was named. While it establishes their profession and nationality, there is no information in the passage regarding whether they were the **first** foreign botanists to visit the island. Since the text is silent on this specific ranking, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
3: The question asserts that baobabs can be found in **most areas** of Madagascar. The text explicitly states they **only grow** along the **western margin** and specifically notes they are **not** in the **central highlands**. This geographical restriction directly contradicts the idea that they are widespread across the island. Answer: FALSE.
- 3. FALSE
The question asserts that baobabs can be found in **most areas** of Madagascar. The text explicitly states they **only grow** along the **western margin** and specifically notes they are **not** in the **central highlands**. This geographical restriction directly contradicts the idea that they are widespread across the island. Answer: FALSE.
- 3-4: D
3: The question asserts that baobabs can be found in **most areas** of Madagascar. The text explicitly states they **only grow** along the **western margin** and specifically notes they are **not** in the **central highlands**. This geographical restriction directly contradicts the idea that they are widespread across the island. Answer: FALSE.
4: The passage states that the environment at the Avenue des Baobabs is **man-made**. It explains that the area was **cleared for rice and sugar-cane fields**, which are clear examples of **agricultural development**. This confirms that human farming activity is responsible for the current state of the landscape. Answer: TRUE.
- 4. TRUE
The passage states that the environment at the Avenue des Baobabs is **man-made**. It explains that the area was **cleared for rice and sugar-cane fields**, which are clear examples of **agricultural development**. This confirms that human farming activity is responsible for the current state of the landscape. Answer: TRUE.
- 5. TRUE
The text explains that many trees were kept because they are **valuable** to local people. Specifically, they serve as a **food source** and provide **building material**. These are clearly 'useful products' as mentioned in the statement, which supports the claim that the trees provide utility to the population. Answer: TRUE.
- 6. FALSE
The statement suggests there is **general agreement** regarding why the trees are falling. However, the author explicitly states the cause is **uncertain** and uses the qualifier '**some people think**' to introduce the irrigation theory. This lack of certainty and consensus among experts contradicts the statement. Answer: FALSE.
- 7. irrigation
The gap requires a noun related to a practice in nearby fields. The passage mentions that **water** used to **irrigate** the fields might be a cause. The noun form **irrigation** (derived from the verb 'irrigate') fits the grammatical requirement of the sentence and matches the context of the agricultural impact. Answer: irrigation.
- 8. cyclones
The question asks for a risk factor specifically for 'lone trees'. The passage identifies that trees standing alone are **susceptible to cyclones**, which can easily uproot them due to high wind speeds. This noun correctly identifies the natural threat mentioned in the text. Answer: cyclones.
- 9. farming
The notes describe land clearance carried out for a specific activity. The text identifies the **main threat** as **land clearance for farming**. The noun 'farming' identifies the agricultural purpose behind the clearance, fitting the syntax of the summary. Answer: farming.
- 10. logging
The text discusses human activities that make germination difficult. It explicitly lists **logging** as a problem that leads to the spread of undergrowth, which blocks the light needed for baobab sprouts. This noun fits the 'practice of...' structure in the note. Answer: logging.
- 11. animals
The blank requires a noun for something that dispersed seeds. The text points to the absence of extinct **giant fruit-eating animals** that used to play a **vital role** in seed **distribution**. The plural noun 'animals' is the key identifier for the missing seed-dispersers. Answer: animals.
- 12. maps
The sentence describes Bond's effort to record distribution information. The text states he works with locals to **create maps** of where the baobabs are located. This plural noun correctly identifies the physical records he is producing. Answer: maps.
- 13. book
The note refers to a product showing the importance of baobabs in culture. The text mentions Bond plans to **compile** an **illustrated children's book** containing **local folk-tales**. The singular noun 'book' is the specific item being produced for this purpose. Answer: book.