When people are ‘deaf’ to music
Read When people are ‘deaf’ to music and check the IELTS Reading answers. Music has long been considered a uniquely human concept. In fact, most psychologists agree that music is a universal human instinct. Like any ability, however, there is great variation in people’s musical competence. For ever…
Passage preview
Music has long been considered a uniquely human concept. In fact, most psychologists agree that music is a universal human instinct. Like any ability, however, there is great variation in people’s musical competence. For every brilliant pianist in the world, there are several people we refer to as ‘tone deaf’. It is not simply that people with tone deafness (or ‘amusia’) are unable to sing in tune, they are also unable to discriminate between tones or recognize familiar melodies. Such a ‘disorder’ can occur after some sort of brain damage, but recently research has been undertaken in an attempt to discover the cause of congenital amusia (when people are born with the condition), which is not associated with any brain damage, hearing problems, or lack of exposure to music.
Vocabulary from this passage
31 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- annual subsidy noun
A fixed amount of financial assistance granted on a yearly basis by a government, organization, or benefactor
The local transit system relies heavily on an annual subsidy to maintain affordable fares for daily commuters.
- auditory cortex noun
The specialized neural section of the cerebral cortex directly responsible for extensively processing and interpreting incoming acoustic information
Functional MRI scans revealed unusual patterns of delayed neural activity within the patient's auditory cortex.
- authenticity noun
The irrefutable quality of being genuine, verifiable, and entirely legitimate rather than a modern copy or forgery
Experts utilized advanced carbon dating techniques to verify the absolute authenticity of the newly discovered fossil.
- bankruptcy noun
The official legal state of being completely unable to pay outstanding debts or fulfill financial obligations
Following three consecutive years of severe economic downturn, the once-thriving manufacturing corporation declared bankruptcy.
- besiege verb
To overwhelmingly surround or constantly harass someone with persistent requests, intense questions, or unyielding demands
Following the controversial announcement, journalists immediately besieged the lead scientist seeking further clarification.
- carnivorous marsupial noun
A specific classification of meat-eating mammals that typically carry and nurture their partially developed young in a pouch
The Tasmanian tiger was uniquely adapted as an apex carnivorous marsupial before its eventual extinction.
- congenital adjective
Describing a medical condition, disease, or physical anomaly that is permanently present within an individual from birth
Advances in prenatal screening have significantly improved the early detection of severe congenital heart defects.
- consensus noun
A general, widespread agreement reached cooperatively among a group of experts, stakeholders, or community members
There is a growing scientific consensus that urgent action is required to combat unprecedented global warming.
- continuum noun
A gradual, unbroken, and continuous spectrum or infinite range existing directly between two radically extreme or contrasting states
Psychologists increasingly view human emotional intelligence not as a binary trait, but rather as a broad continuum.
- cynicism noun
An entrenched attitude of pervasive skepticism and profound distrust regarding the motives, sincerity, or claims of others
Rampant political corruption has fueled widespread public cynicism regarding the effectiveness of democratic institutions.
- definitive evidence noun
Incontrovertible proof that effectively provides a final, conclusive answer to an ongoing scientific question or historical theory
Researchers have scoured the dense jungle for years without finding definitive evidence of the species' survival.
- detrimental adjective
Consistently tending to cause clear, measurable, and highly significant harm, structural damage, or severe negative consequences to an entity
Relying exclusively on processed foods can have deeply detrimental long-term effects on an individual's cardiovascular health.
- diatonic scale noun
A fundamental, standardized musical sequence structurally comprising precisely five whole steps and two half steps configured within a single octave
Mastering the fundamental mechanics of the diatonic scale is an absolute prerequisite for advanced classical composition.
- discriminate verb
To precisely perceive, recognize, and accurately identify subtle differences between highly similar elements, sounds, or stimuli
Advanced sonar equipment allows submarines to successfully discriminate between biological entities and artificial submerged objects.
- disdain noun
A strong feeling of contempt or the deeply held belief that something is entirely unworthy of respect
The veteran architect viewed the cheaply constructed modern housing developments with unmistakable disdain.
- distinguished adjective
Commanding great respect and recognized universally for excellence or significant achievements within a specific profession
The university invited several distinguished scholars to present their groundbreaking findings at the annual symposium.
- evolutionary scale noun
The unimaginably vast, theoretical chronological timeline primarily used by scientists to measure biological adaptation and slow species development
Changes that appear profoundly dramatic in a single lifetime represent barely a microscopic fraction on an evolutionary scale.
- ferocious adjective
Displaying extreme fierceness, savagery, or predatory violence in behavior, often resulting in widespread fear
Despite their relatively small stature, the animals were known for their ferocious defense of their territory.
- flora and fauna noun
The entire collection of naturally occurring plant and animal life characteristic of a specific geographic region or geological era
The strict quarantine laws are designed specifically to protect the island's unique and fragile flora and fauna.
- hoax noun
A carefully fabricated and often malicious deception deliberately intended to trick the general public or scientific community
The widely circulated photographs of the mythical creature were eventually exposed as an elaborate digital hoax.
- impairment noun
A clinically significant reduction or permanent weakening in the strength, quality, or functional capacity of a physical or mental ability
Prolonged exposure to industrial noise without adequate protection frequently results in permanent auditory impairment.
- inherent cues noun
Subtle signals or informational hints that exist seamlessly as a natural, fundamentally inseparable part of a complex system
Infants rely heavily on the inherent cues within maternal speech to gradually decipher complex linguistic patterns.
- innate adjective
Instinctively possessed or inherently present as an integrated part of one's fundamental physiological nature or basic biological makeup
Many migratory bird species depend entirely on an innate biological compass to flawlessly navigate across vast oceans.
- musical prodigy noun
An individual, typically very young, who instinctively demonstrates utterly extraordinary natural talent, technical mastery, and creative ability in music
The celebrated composer was widely recognized as a musical prodigy, effortlessly performing complex concertos by age seven.
- notoriously elusive adjective
Widely and famously known for being exceptionally difficult to track, find, capture, or directly observe in the wild
The snow leopard remains notoriously elusive, making comprehensive population studies exceedingly difficult for conservationists.
- prose noun
Written or spoken language constructed in its ordinary, natural form rather than in structured rhythmic verse
Although known primarily for her poetry, her descriptive prose provided profound insights into contemporary social issues.
- provincial adjective
Having attitudes and viewpoints considered unsophisticated, restricted, or narrow-minded, typically associated with rural or isolated areas
The young artist sought to escape the provincial attitudes of her small town by relocating to the capital.
- pseudonym noun
A fictitious name adopted by an author or artist to conceal their true identity from the public
Many female writers in the 19th century published their novels under male pseudonyms to avoid systemic prejudice.
- recommence verb
To formally begin or cause to begin again after a significant period of pause, delay, or interruption
Negotiations regarding the international trade agreement will recommence following the conclusion of the upcoming election.
- solidify verb
To make an abstract concept, personal reputation, or institutional position fundamentally stronger and more certain
Publishing the comprehensive research paper helped to solidify her reputation as a leading expert in marine biology.
- sympathetic light noun
A favorable, compassionate, or understanding perspective purposefully utilized to portray someone or something to an audience
The documentary portrayed the controversial historical figure in a sympathetic light, highlighting his philanthropic contributions.
Answers with explanations
- 27. D
The first paragraph points out that amusics have a range of issues—they cannot **sing in tune**, **discriminate between tones**, or **recognize familiar melodies**. This supports option D: they have **several inabilities in regard to music**.
- 28. B
The second paragraph details Dr. Peretz's research on what amusics can and cannot do (e.g., pitch distinction, singing, rhythm tapping). This serves as a **summary of findings** about people with amusia, matching option B.
- 29. A
The writer highlights that language and musical abilities operate independently. Because of this, individuals who lose the ability to **communicate through speech** (unable to speak) can often **still sing**, making option A correct.
- 30. C
The third paragraph clearly states that amusics can successfully detect the **mood of a melody**. This equates to distinguishing a **sad tune from a happy tune**, making option C the right answer.
- 31. B
The fourth paragraph tracks the shifting scientific theories about which part of the brain causes amusia, moving from the temporal lobes to the temporal neocortex, and highlighting new studies. This shows an **outline of progress** in understanding the amusics' brains (Option B).
- 32. NO
The writer directly states they are **skeptical** about concluding that amusia is a disorder based on Peretz's research. Because the author does not find it fully **convincing**, the answer is NO.
- 33. NOT GIVEN
While the passage discusses how musical ability affects survival and cultural value, and touches on traits like mood and intelligence, it never states that people with musical ability are **happier** than those without it. The statement is NOT GIVEN.
- 34. YES
The author argues that calling amusia a disorder is 'going too far' and frames it merely as one end of a natural continuum. This matches the claim that it is **inappropriate to consider amusia as a real disorder**, making the answer YES.
- 35. NOT GIVEN
The passage uses **bad handwriting** only as a hypothetical comparison to show that amusia shouldn't be considered a serious disability. It does not claim that people with amusia actually **have** bad handwriting. Therefore, it is NOT GIVEN.
- 36. E
The fact that researchers are currently undertaking studies in an **attempt to discover the cause** of congenital amusia shows that the reason some people are born with it is **not yet well understood** (Option E).
- 37. C
The text notes that amusics struggle with **tapping a rhythm** along with a melody. This matches option C, an inability to follow the **beat of music**.
- 38. D
The passage explains that linguistic cues make the **discrimination of meaning** much easier for amusics, meaning it is **not a problem** for them in everyday speech. This corresponds to Option D.
- 39. G
The passage states that amusics' brains **overreact** to large tone changes, showing **twice as much activity**. This indicates their brain reactions are **more marked** than in other people, matching Option G.
- 40. B
The text notes that musical ability is **culturally valued**. This directly aligns with the idea that in most cultures, it is **considered to be desirable**, which matches Option B.