Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 1, Reading Passage 1: Stepwells, Solution With Answer Key

Stepwells Passage Solution with Answer Key – Cambridge IELTS 10 Test 1 Reading Passage 1. Here we will discuss detailed explanation of all the questions of the passage. Here is step by step Solution with Tips and Strategies. This post is for educational purpose only. If you find difficulties in reading passage to find the right answer in the exam, just read the post carefully. Tips and strategies will help you find the right answer.

 

Stepwells

IELTS Reading Passage Solution

 

IELTS Cambridge 10, Test 1  Academic Reading Module, Reading Passage 1

 

PASSAGE 1: Stepwells (View Full Passage Here)

Questions 1-5 (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN):

** Tips (link details): How To Solve True, False, Not Given in IELTS Reading Module?

Question 1: Examples of ancient stepwells can be found all over the world.
Keywords: examples of ancient stepwells, all over the world,
Now, in paragraph 2 line 7-11, “Most stepwells are found dotted round the desert areas of Gujarat (where they are called vav) and Rajasthan (where they are called baori), while a few also survive in Delhi.” This means that stepwells are unique to India, so they cannot be found all around the world.
Answers: FALSE

Question 2: Stepwells had a range of functions, in addition to those related to water collection.
Keywords: range of functions, in addition to, water collection,
Now, in paragraph 2 lines 11-14, “Some were located in or near villages as public spaces for the community; others were positioned beside roads as resting places for travelers.” In the same paragraph, the writer also says in the previous lines, “During their heyday, they (stepwells) were places of gathering of leisure and relaxation and of worship for villagers of all but the lowest classes.”
This means that stepwells were not only used for collecting water. They were also used for other social purposes.
Answers: TRUE

 

Question 3: The few existing stepwells in Delhi are more attractive than those found elsewhere.
Keywords: few existing, Delhi, more attractive
Now, in this passage, there is no comparison on the decorations of the stepwells.
Answer: NOT GIVEN

Question 4: It took workers many years to build the stone steps characteristic of stepwells.
Keywords: stone steps characteristic,
Now, the keyword ‘stone steps’ found in both paragraph 3 and 4. However, no paragraph indicates whether it took the workers many years or not.
Answer: NOT GIVEN

Question 5: The number of steps above the water level in a stepwell altered during the course of a year.
Keywords: number of steps, altered, course of a year,
Now, in paragraph 3 lines 6-9, “When the water level was high, the user needed only to descend a few steps to reach it; when it was low, several levels would have to be negotiated.” These lines suggest that the water level changed during the year, which means that the number of steps above the water level changed, too.
Answer: TRUE

---

 

Questions 6-8: Short answer to open questions

** Tips(link details): How To Solve Short Answer Questions in IELTS Reading Module?

Question 6: Which part of some stepwells provided shade for people?
Keywords: shade
Now, in paragraph no. 4 lines 6-8, “Built from stone and supported by pillars, they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat.”
Here, sheltered visitors from the relentless heat = provided shade
Answer: pavilions

Question 7: What type of serious climatic event, which took place in southern Rajasthan, is mentioned in the article?
Keywords: serious climate event, southern Rajasthan,
Now, in the last lines of paragraph no. 5,  “. .. . . .southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004.”
We know that drought is a serious climate event.
Answer: drought

Question 8: Who are frequent visitors to stepwells nowadays?
Keywords: frequent visitors, nowadays,
Now, the keyword ‘nowadays’ indicates the present tense. So, we need to find the recent information about stepwells. The final paragraph starts with the word ‘today’ which indicates the present tense. So, we need to check here for the answer. In lines 6-8 of the final paragraph the writer says, “. .. .. .. . Tourists flock to wells . .. .”
Here, the word flock means visit frequently.
Answer: tourists

---

 

Questions 9-13 (Table completion):

** Tips (link details): How To Solve Notes, Table, Form, Summary, Flow Chart, Diagram in IELTS Reading

Question 9: Other notes: Restored in the 1960s.
Excellent condition, despite the _________ of 2001.
Keywords: Rani Ki Vav, Restored, 1960s, excellent condition, despite, 2001,
Now, let’s find the times 1960s and 2001. In paragraph no. 7 we can find both the times 1960s (line 7) and 2001 (line 14). Now, let’s read the last lines in this paragraph, “Incredibly, in January 2001, this ancient structure survived an earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.” So, the stepwell remained in excellent condition even though/despite it suffered an earthquake.
Answer: earthquake

Question 10: Features: Steps on the __________ produce a geometrical pattern.
Keywords: Surya Kund, produce, geometrical pattern,
Now, in lines 8-10 of paragraph no. 8, “. . .. Besides, it is the steps on the four sides that create a geometrical formation.”
Answer: 4 sides (four sides is not the answer because of the given condition in the instruction)

Question 11: Other notes: Looks more like a _______ than a well.
Keywords: Surya Kund, looks more like,
Now, in lines 4-6 of paragraph no. 8, “It actually resembles a tank rather than a well,. . .”
Here, resembles = look more like;
Answer: tank

Question 12: Other notes: Old, deep and very dramatic
Has ________ which provide a view of the steps
Keywords: Chand baori, old, deep, dramatic, provide, view of the steps,
Now, in paragraph 10, the last lines, “On the fourth side, verandas which are supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps.” The same paragraph has the words like oldest, deepest, most dramatic.
Here, overlook the steps = provide a view of the steps.
Answer: verandas

Question 13: Features: Has two ______ levels
Keywords: Neemrana Ki Baori, two,
Now, in paragraph 11, lines 4-5, “. .. . storeys deep, with the last two being underwater.”
Answer: underwater

 

 

View Full Passage Here

 

 

Answer Key – Stepwells

Cambridge IELTS 10 Test 1 Answer Key, Reading Passage 1

 

Stepwells Reading Passage Answers Keys

Passage 1

 

 

 

• Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 1, Reading Passage 2: European Transport System 1990-2010, Solution With Answer Key
• Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 1, Reading Passage 3: The psychology of innovation, Solution With Answer Key