The Dunedin Study in New Zealand
Read The Dunedin Study in New Zealand and check the IELTS Reading answers. The New Zealand city of Dunedin in the early 1970s can easily be made to sound idyllic. There was next to no unemployment and people left their doors unlocked at night. New Zealand was then the ninth richest country in the w…
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The New Zealand city of Dunedin in the early 1970s can easily be made to sound idyllic. There was next to no unemployment and people left their doors unlocked at night. New Zealand was then the ninth richest country in the world and many residents believed that, as a place to bring up children, this was a city without rival. However, Phil Silva, an educational psychologist, was not so certain and decided to take a closer look. Silva identified those children born in the year from April 1, 1972 whose mothers were still living in the city three years later. The parents were asked if they would mind bringing their children in for a health and development assessment. Incredibly, no fewer than 91% agreed to help and 1037 three-year-olds completed half a day of tests and experiments. In the process, the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study was born.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- close-knit adjective
United or bound together by strong relationships and common interests
The village was a close-knit community where everyone helped their neighbors.
- diligent adjective
Having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties
The student was diligent in her research, checking every primary source available.
- erode verb
To gradually destroy or diminish something, such as confidence, trust, or soil
Repeated scandals can erode public confidence in the banking system.
- homogeneous adjective
Consisting of parts or people that are similar to each other or are of the same type
A culturally homogeneous society may have less exposure to diverse perspectives.
- idyllic adjective
Extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque, often describing a time or place
They spent an idyllic vacation in a remote cottage away from the city bustle.
- longitudinal adjective
Relating to research involving information about an individual or group gathered over a long period
Longitudinal studies are essential for understanding how personality traits evolve over a lifetime.
- multidisciplinary adjective
Combining or involving several academic disciplines or professional specializations
Solving climate change requires a multidisciplinary approach involving economists, scientists, and sociologists.
- paramount adjective
More important than anything else; supreme
In medical research, the safety of the patient is always paramount.
- received wisdom noun
Information or opinion that is generally accepted as being true or correct, often without proof
The study challenged the received wisdom that early rising is essential for productivity.
- retention rate noun
The percentage of people who continue in a study, job, or school over a specific period
The university boasts a high retention rate, with most students completing their degrees.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
The text states New Zealand was the **ninth richest country** (wealthy) and residents believed it was a **city without rival** as a **place to bring up children**. This matches the option describing it as wealthy and an ideal place to raise children. Answer: D.
- 28. C
The word **Incredibly** indicates surprise. The fact that **91% agreed to help** is what the writer finds surprising/incredible. This matches the option stating 91% of parents agreed to help. Answer: C.
- 29. B
In 1978, the findings showed significant issues: **delayed language development** and **ear problems**. This supports the option that **many children had developmental problems**. Other options (excellent language, no ear problems, all healthy) are contradicted. Answer: B.
- 30. D
The text states that **new measurement criteria** were **introduced** in the second study. This means the study collected **additional types of information** compared to the first one. Answer: D.
- 31. B
The text explicitly states there was **precious little money** at Silva's disposal. This directly matches the option describing a **lack of available funding**. Answer: B.
- 32. B
The mention of the new building coincides with **politicians taking note** and **government funding** arriving. The building was a "landmark" and a "site for the **long term**," indicating the study was moving from a temporary volunteer effort to a serious, established project. Answer: B.
- 33. YES
The text states that the **amount a newborn infant weighs** is **associated with IQ** (intellectual development). The statement claims these two factors are linked, which agrees with the text. Answer: YES.
- 34. NOT GIVEN
The text discusses claims about **medical problems** (asthma/allergies). It does **not** mention whether textbooks claimed breast-fed children were **more intelligent**. There is no information regarding intelligence and breast-feeding. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 35. NO
The statement claims thumb-sucking leads to **developmental problems**. The text explicitly states that **thumb-sucking does no harm**. This is a direct contradiction. Answer: NO.
- 36. YES
The text states the study has **contradicted old assumptions** and **exploded medical myths** held by the profession (doctors). The statement says the study **challenged doctors' preconceptions**, which agrees with the text. Answer: YES.
- 37. A
The text mentions findings that can be **generalised** to other countries. This corresponds to the option **generalisable research**. Answer: A.
- 38. B
The text states the **sample group** (the participants) must be **nurtured**. The summary mentions Silva's conviction that the **[38]** must be looked after. "Study members" is the correct synonym for sample group. Answer: B.
- 39. G
The text emphasizes that **Privacy** is paramount to maintain trust. The summary mentions nothing should threaten the study's **[39]**. **Confidentiality** is the synonym for privacy. Answer: G.
- 40. F
The text mentions work done to **remove obstacles to participation**. The summary phrases this as minimizing **[40]**. **Barriers to involvement** is the synonym for obstacles to participation. Answer: F.