The origins of tennis
Read The origins of tennis and check the IELTS Reading answers. The game of tennis has a very long history. It is officially still known as 'lawn tennis,' partly because it was originally only played on grass, and also to distinguish it from the older game known as 'real tennis,' from which the mod…
Passage preview
The game of tennis has a very long history. It is officially still known as 'lawn tennis,' partly because it was originally only played on grass, and also to distinguish it from the older game known as 'real tennis,' from which the modern game developed.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- aristocracy noun
A class of people holding high social rank or privileges, typically through birth or inherited titles
In medieval Europe, certain leisure pursuits like tennis were reserved exclusively for the wealthy aristocracy.
- devise verb
To plan or invent a complex system, set of rules, or a piece of equipment through careful thought
Engineers are currently devising more efficient methods to capture and store solar energy for domestic use.
- dispute verb
To argue about something or suggest that a statement or theory is incorrect or questionable
Many historians dispute the claim that the game originated in ancient Egypt rather than medieval France.
- diversion noun
An activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a form of recreation or pastime
Indoor games provided a necessary diversion for the nobility during the harsh winter months.
- exclusive adjective
Restricted or limited to a specific group of people, often those of high status or wealth
Membership in the elite club remained exclusive to individuals with significant political or financial influence.
- outdoor pursuit noun
A recreational activity or hobby that is carried out in the open air, typically involving physical exercise
What began as a simple monastic game evolved into a popular outdoor pursuit for the middle classes.
- resemblance noun
A way in which two things are similar in appearance or character; a shared likeness between objects
The early versions of the racquet bore a striking resemblance to the paddles used in table tennis.
- standardise verb
To make something conform to a specific level of quality, size, or shape to ensure consistency across products
The governing body introduced standardised rules to ensure fair competition in international sporting tournaments.
- vulcanisation noun
A chemical process for hardening rubber by treating it with sulphur at high temperatures to increase its durability
Charles Goodyear’s invention of vulcanisation revolutionized the manufacturing of athletic equipment and automotive tires.
- withstand verb
To remain undamaged or unaffected by physical force, extreme temperatures, or difficult conditions over time
The new alloy was specifically designed to withstand the immense pressure of deep-sea exploration.
Answers with explanations
- 1. FALSE
The statement claims there are a few surviving **documents**. However, the passage explicitly states that "**No drawings or descriptions** of any tennis-like games have been discovered". Because the text directly contradicts the claim about surviving evidence, the answer is FALSE.
- 2. TRUE
The passage discusses an **early form** of the game called jeu de paume (game of the hand or palm), noting that players found "**playing with bare hands** quite uncomfortable". This confirms that they were hitting the **ball** with **just their hand** originally, making the statement TRUE.
- 2-3: civilisation
2: The passage discusses an **early form** of the game called jeu de paume (game of the hand or palm), noting that players found "**playing with bare hands** quite uncomfortable". This confirms that they were hitting the **ball** with **just their hand** originally, making the statement TRUE.
3: The text mentions early players using a paddle "**similar to the ones used in table tennis today**." However, it only draws a visual comparison to the modern equipment and does not provide any information regarding when **table tennis developed**. Since there is no chronological comparison of their origins, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions early players using a paddle "**similar to the ones used in table tennis today**." However, it only draws a visual comparison to the modern equipment and does not provide any information regarding when **table tennis developed**. Since there is no chronological comparison of their origins, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: ["800 km","some 800 km","800 kilometres","some 800 kilometres"]
3: The text mentions early players using a paddle "**similar to the ones used in table tennis today**." However, it only draws a visual comparison to the modern equipment and does not provide any information regarding when **table tennis developed**. Since there is no chronological comparison of their origins, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
4: The statement claims tennis was popular with **all sections** of French society. However, the text explicitly states the game "**remained exclusive to the upper classes**" as it gained popularity during the **14th and 15th centuries**. Because it was restricted to the wealthy, the statement is FALSE.
- 4. FALSE
The statement claims tennis was popular with **all sections** of French society. However, the text explicitly states the game "**remained exclusive to the upper classes**" as it gained popularity during the **14th and 15th centuries**. Because it was restricted to the wealthy, the statement is FALSE.
- 5. NOT GIVEN
While the passage notes that "**outdoor courtyards were modified into indoor courts**" as the game became fashionable, it provides absolutely no details comparing the dimensions or claiming the indoor courts were **larger** than the outdoor ones. Thus, the information is NOT GIVEN.
- 6. TRUE
The text states that the game was very popular among the "**aristocracy**" (French aristocrats) and that the authorities "**tried to ban it**". These official bans are synonymous with **attempts to prevent** people from playing. Because the claim matches the text, it is TRUE.
- 7. surfaces
The notes indicate that the **ball** may be **hit against** something around the court. The passage explains that in 'real tennis', "**the ball can be bounced off any of the surfaces**". Since "bounced off" means the same as hit against, the correct noun is **surfaces**.
- 8. net
The notes ask what is **lower in the centre**. The text details the court's physical layout, noting that "**The net** is just over 1.5 metres high at each end, but **drops to just under a metre in the middle**." Therefore, the word **net** completes the note accurately.
- 9. rubber
Under the section for the **1850s**, the notes state that **balls** made of a specific material were introduced. The passage explicitly states that during this decade, players began to experiment with new "**rubber tennis balls**". The noun **rubber** is the exact match.
- 10. rules
The notes require a noun describing what **Major Wingfield published** in **1874**. The text states he "**had the idea of devising rules, which he published**." Thus, the word **rules** fits perfectly both grammatically and factually.
- 11. equipment
We need a noun describing what Wingfield **sold in sets**. The text explains that he introduced "**standardised equipment... which he patented and sold in sets**." The correct completion is therefore **equipment**.
- 12. shape
The notes refer to an **unusual** design aspect of the **court**. The passage states that "**his original court had the shape of an hourglass**", which is a highly unusual configuration compared to modern courts. The word **shape** is exactly what is required.
- 13. tournament
The notes require an event that was **held** in **1877**. The text confirms that "**A major tennis tournament took place for the first time**" in Wimbledon during that specific year. Since "major" matches "large" and "took place" matches "held", the missing noun is **tournament**.