The New Zealand writer Margaret Mahy
Read The New Zealand writer Margaret Mahy and check the IELTS Reading answers. In a career spanning some fifty years, Margaret Mahy has come to occupy a unique place in New Zealand writing with innovative fiction and original characterisation. In our solidly realist tradition, the linguistic firewo…
Passage preview
In a career spanning some fifty years, Margaret Mahy has come to occupy a unique place in New Zealand writing with innovative fiction and original characterisation. In our solidly realist tradition, the linguistic fireworks of Mahy's children's fiction and the explorations of human behaviour at the heart of her supernatural teenage fiction stand gloriously alone. Mahy's clearest heir, I have always thought, is Elizabeth Knox - and maybe the true inheritance there is sheer singularity. Just as there is no one else like Knox in New Zealand writing, Mahy, too, has ventured into imaginative territory unknown to other local writers. So it was with great pleasure that I visited Mahy recently at her Governor's Bay home to talk about her new book. As with all journalists, she is generous to a fault with her time and attention; and, as always despite her careful consideration of questions and thoughtful answers - I'm reminded she isn't truly comfortable making herself or her life the heart of any conversation.
Vocabulary from this passage
4 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- espousal noun
An act of adopting or supporting a cause, belief, or way of life
Her espousal of the importance of reading influenced many young students.
- mundane adjective
Lacking interest or excitement; dull or relating to the ordinary world
She found magic in mundane objects like old buttons and bus tickets.
- singularity noun
The quality of being one of a kind; uniqueness or distinctness
The sheer singularity of her writing style made her famous across the country.
- upheaval noun
A violent or sudden change or disruption to something
The arrival of the new character caused a great emotional upheaval in the family.
Answers with explanations
- 27. NOT GIVEN
The answer is NOT GIVEN. The writer compares Mahy to Knox, suggesting they both possess 'sheer singularity.' However, the text does not mention whether they have ever **criticised** each other's work or even interacted directly regarding their writing. There is no information about their mutual opinions.
- 28. NO
The answer is NO. The writer contrasts Mahy's work with the 'solidly realist tradition' of New Zealand. By saying she 'stands gloriously alone' and has 'ventured into imaginative territory unknown to other local writers,' the author indicates she does **not** explore **traditional themes**, but rather breaks away from them.
- 29. NOT GIVEN
The answer is NOT GIVEN. The author mentions both types of fiction (children's and teenage supernatural) but provides no statistics or comparative statements regarding which category is **more popular**. Both are discussed in positive terms, but their relative success is not addressed.
- 30. YES
The answer is YES. The writer explicitly states that Mahy is '**generous to a fault**' with her time when dealing with journalists. This confirms that she is **welcoming** to interviewers, as she provides them with careful consideration and thoughtful answers.
- 31. NO
The answer is NO. The writer observes that despite her generosity, Mahy is 'isn't truly comfortable' making her life the focus. This directly contradicts the idea that she is '**at ease**' speaking about her personal experiences; she is actually quite hesitant or uncomfortable with self-centered topics.
- 32. B
The answer is **B** (everyday). The passage lists mundane sources of inspiration like bus advertisements and spelling mistakes. These are categorized as 'mundane origins' in the text, which corresponds to **everyday** places or things, reflecting her need to find ideas without formal research.
- 33. E
The answer is **E** (exotic and ordinary). The text mentions a wide range of settings: the 'high seas' and 'Antarctica' represent the **exotic**, while 'the library' or 'the back of a chair' represent the **ordinary**. This variety captures the essence of her varied settings.
- 34. I
The answer is **I** (magical). The writer describes characters who can 'cast spells' and transform their worlds in 'supernatural and fantastical' ways. These 'special powers' are inherently **magical** in nature, which is a common feature in her fiction for young adults.
- 35. H
The answer is **H** (unsurprising but satisfying). The text uses the word 'predictable,' which matches **unsurprising**. However, it adds that they leave the reader feeling 'absolutely complete,' which corresponds to being **satisfying**. Option H perfectly bridges these two descriptive elements.
- 36. B
The answer is **B** (It was restructured in the writing process). The text states the book was originally 800 pages and underwent 'two substantial **rewrites**' to become half its size. This clearly indicates a major **restructuring**. Option A is wrong because it's set in an 'imagined world,' not true history. Option D is wrong as it's a 'gold mine of Mahy literary preoccupations.' Option C is wrong because its 'classical hero quest' heart makes it somewhat conventional in structure.
- 37. C
The answer is **C** (is an old favourite for many families). The text says children and parents 'know so well,' suggesting it is a staple in households. Option A is wrong because the 'illustrated edition' is a recent re-issue, not the 1991 original. Option B is wrong as it features 'word play' and 'tongue-twisters' (not plain). Option D is wrong because Mahy has recited it at 'countless' functions.
- 38. D
The answer is **D** (illustrate Mahy's popularity with generations of children). The author lists their own experience, their stepdaughter's, their children's, and their grandchildren's experiences over 50 years. This timeline serves to **illustrate** how her work has appealed to successive **generations**. It is not a criticism of style (A), a critique of repetition (B), or a discussion of new media (C).
- 39. C
The answer is **C** (Readers are necessary in order to complete a book). The paragraph states a book is 'not properly finished... until it has been read' because the reader 'brings something important.' This makes readers **necessary** for the completion of the work. Option B is wrong (care for relationship is not the same as 'actively encouraging feedback'). Option D is wrong because she *is* aware of her popularity.
- 40. A
The answer is **A** (illustrating Mahy's view of the world). The story about the 'alarmed' door and 'irritated' light fittings serves as a 'wonderful comment on Mahy's vision' and her 'peculiarly alert way of looking at the world.' This anecdote is used to **illustrate** her unique perspective on language and life. It is not primarily comparing her (B), correcting a misconception (C), or suggesting reasons (D).