Socotra Island
Read Socotra Island and check the IELTS Reading answers. When scientists began the first substantial exploration of the islands 30 years ago, they found a fascinating collection of unusual plants and animals - a unique combination of 'relict' populations (organisms that have become extinct elsewher…
Passage preview
When scientists began the first substantial exploration of the islands 30 years ago, they found a fascinating collection of unusual plants and animals - a unique combination of 'relict' populations (organisms that have become extinct elsewhere) and species that have evolved to cope with the island's harsh conditions. In fact, almost a third of its plant species and up to 80 percent of its terrestrial animals are found nowhere else.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- archipelago noun
An extensive group or chain of islands clustered together in a large body of water.
The unique ecosystem of the isolated archipelago remains highly vulnerable to invasive alien species.
- arid adjective
Having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support conventional agriculture or vegetation.
Endemic plant species must adapt to survive within the extremely arid climate of the island.
- endemic adjective
Native or restricted to a specific geographic region or distinct ecological environment.
The volcanic island is home to numerous endemic species found nowhere else on earth.
- far-reaching adjective
Having important, widely applicable, or extensive effects, consequences, or implications across a system.
The technological revolution has had far-reaching impacts on modern workplace communication and efficiency.
- infrastructure noun
The fundamental physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Substantial investments in transport infrastructure can significantly boost rural economic development.
- relict noun
An organism or species that has survived from an earlier period with different environmental characteristics.
Relict populations of ancient flora can often be discovered in deep, sheltered canyons.
- remnant noun
A small remaining quantity of something after the greater part has been eliminated or destroyed.
The current mountain vegetation is a remnant of the ancient forests that once covered the region.
- self-sufficient adjective
Able to provide for one's own basic needs without relying on external assistance or imports.
Remote communities were historically self-sufficient, relying entirely on local resources for survival.
- terrestrial adjective
Relating to the earth or dry land as distinct from water or the atmosphere.
Scientists documented a significant portion of the terrestrial organisms unique to this peninsula.
- traverse verb
To travel across, over, or through an area of land or a body of water.
Migratory birds traverse vast distances each year to reach their breeding grounds.
Answers with explanations
- 1. TRUE
The text defines **relict populations** as **organisms that have become extinct elsewhere**. This perfectly matches the statement that scientists found **species** that had **died out in other countries** (extinct elsewhere), making the statement TRUE.
- 2. FALSE
The statement claims the inhabitants used to be **dependent** on the mainland. However, the text explicitly states they were **isolated from the mainland** and historically **self-sufficient**, relying **only on what they themselves could produce**. Because this directly contradicts the claim, the answer is FALSE.
- 2-3: B
2: The statement claims the inhabitants used to be **dependent** on the mainland. However, the text explicitly states they were **isolated from the mainland** and historically **self-sufficient**, relying **only on what they themselves could produce**. Because this directly contradicts the claim, the answer is FALSE.
3: The text mentions that **irregular flights** (infrequent flights) began in the late 1960s, but it gives absolutely no reason for why they were irregular. There is no mention of **poor weather conditions** causing this infrequency, so the information is NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions that **irregular flights** (infrequent flights) began in the late 1960s, but it gives absolutely no reason for why they were irregular. There is no mention of **poor weather conditions** causing this infrequency, so the information is NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: C
3: The text mentions that **irregular flights** (infrequent flights) began in the late 1960s, but it gives absolutely no reason for why they were irregular. There is no mention of **poor weather conditions** causing this infrequency, so the information is NOT GIVEN.
4: The text states that an **increasing number of tourists** are passing through the airport located in the **capital, Hadibo**. However, it never states whether **most visitors stay in the capital city** or travel to other parts of the island. Since this specific detail is absent, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 4. NOT GIVEN
The text states that an **increasing number of tourists** are passing through the airport located in the **capital, Hadibo**. However, it never states whether **most visitors stay in the capital city** or travel to other parts of the island. Since this specific detail is absent, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 5. FALSE
The statement claims that the **airport** changed people's lives more than any other development. The text directly contradicts this, stating that while the airport improvements are significant, it is actually the **road system** that is having the **greatest impact on the islanders**. Therefore, the statement is FALSE.
- 6. boat
To find out how people reached the island **at one time** (in the past), we look at paragraph 3. The text states the **only way to get to Socotra** was on a **boat**. The gap requires a noun, and 'boat' fits perfectly.
- 7. 1999
We need the year when the **airport runway was finished**. The text states that a runway **had been constructed** by **1999**. The number '1999' is the correct answer.
- 8. terminal
The question asks what **up-to-date** addition expanded the airport. The text mentions that a **modern terminal was added to the airport**. 'Modern' is a synonym for 'up-to-date', so the missing word is the noun 'terminal'.
- 9. food
We need to know what, along with **building materials** (bricks and timber for construction), is now easier to import thanks to **harbour improvements**. The text states it is now **simpler** to have **food** brought to the island. 'Food' is the correct noun.
- 10. donkey
The question lists three ways of accessing parts of Socotra **before the new road system**: on foot, in a four-wheel drive, and one other method. The text mentions that areas were accessible **on foot, or with a donkey**, alongside a **four-wheel drive**. Thus, 'donkey' is the missing word.
- 11. traditions
The summary notes that **fewer** things will be **continued** by locals due to the **speed of development**. The passage states it is so **rapid** that it will be difficult to **maintain** (continue) certain **traditions**. The plural noun 'traditions' is the exact fit.
- 12. plants
We need to identify what **rare** items the officers protected from the new road. The text explains that the road avoids sites containing **plants only found in a limited number of locations**. The phrase 'only found in a limited number of locations' means 'rare', making 'plants' the correct noun.
- 13. report
The question asks what will evaluate **environmental damage** from future **road construction**. The text states that any proposed road will be subject to a **report** assessing its **environmental impact**. The missing noun is 'report'.