Keep a Watchful Eye on the Bridges Reading Answers with Explanation

Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and looking for the reading passage to enhance your preparation? If so, try solving the answers of keep a watchful eye on the bridges reading passage for reference. In addition, you can find detailed explanations for the responses along with the location below moreover, practice by noting down the difficult vocabulary from the passage and analyzing its connections.

The IELTS reading section checks test takers' English language skills with four different types of questions. However, you must finish all of them within 20 minutes. Aim to answer the passage within the given duration.

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Answers for Keep a Watchful Eye on the Bridges Reading Passage with Explanation

Here are the answers of keep a watchful eye on the bridges with explanations and locations.

Question 1

ANSWER :D (Bridges has to be frequently inspected by professional workers with naked eyes.)

Explanation :“Most road and rail bridges are only inspected visually, if at all. “ The first sentence of the first paragraph states the traditional method involves the traditional process of visual inspection where engineers physically examine the bridge pattern every few months to detect issues before they become visible. Moreover, this method was less advanced and relied heavily on manual observation. Hence, the answer is “D”.

Question 2

ANSWER :C (by monitoring the distance caused by traffic between two points)

Explanation :“The device uses microwaves to measure the distance between the sensor and the bridge, much like radar does,” The first sentence of the second paragraph indicates the new microwave monitors measure the distance between the sensors and the bridge movement, helping identify any potential structural issues. Hence, the answer is “C”.

Question 3

ANSWER :C (The supporting parts of the bridges may crack and cause the bridge to fail.)

Explanation :“Highway experts know that this design is “fracture critical” because a failure in either girder would cause the bridge to fail.” The last sentence of the third paragraph indicates the design that was termed “fracture critical” because it relies on the integrity of each steel girder. So, if one girder fails, it compromises the entire structure, leading to potential bridge collapse. Hence, the answer is “C”.

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Question 4

ANSWER :B (until the damage appears along and down to the flanges.)

Explanation :“The initial, crude analysis of the bridge’s behaviour, based on the frequency at which the bridge resonates ......” The first sentence of the sixth paragraph shows the basic frequency analysis did not detect the damage until it became severe. It was only when the flange was damaged that the problem was identified, demonstrating the limitations of the early detection process. Hence, the answer is “B”.

Question 5

ANSWER :Microwave Dish

Explanation :“After setting up the microwave dish on the ground below the bridge, the Los ........” The first sentence of the fourth paragraph states that the microwave dish was positioned on the ground beneath the bridges to gather data on the bridge's structural behavior. It emitted microwave signals that interacted with the bridges, allowing the team to track any movement or displacements. Hence, the answer is “Microwave Dish”.

Question 6

ANSWER :Accelerometers

Explanation :“installed conventional accelerometers at several points along the span to measure its motion.” The first sentence of the fourth paragraph explains conventional accelerometers were strategically placed at many locations along the bridges to monitor their movement and vibrations. These devices recorded the bridge's dynamic answers to load and forces, providing essential data on how the structure behaved under different conditions. This detail helped in assessing the bridge's overall stability and identifying any potential problems. Hence, the answer is “Accelerometers”.

Question 7

ANSWER :Steel Girders

Explanation :“They have two steel girders supporting the load in each section.” The fifth sentence of the third paragraph refers to designs with two steel girders per section, which were vital for supporting and distributing the load across the pattern. However, these played a crucial role in maintaining the bridge’s stability and strengths. Understanding the design was important for checking the potential risks associated with these bridges, particularly in terms of their susceptibility to failure. Hence, the answer is “Steel Girders”.

Question 8

ANSWER :Flange

Explanation :“They then extended the cut until it reached the bottom of the girder and finally they cut across the flange – the bottom of the girder’s “I” shape.” The last sentence of the fifth paragraph shows the researchers intentionally created damage by cutting a slot in the girder, and extending it downwards until it reached the flange, which is the horizontal section at the bottom of the girder’s ‘I’ shape. This deliberate cutting was meant to replicate fatigue damage and mock the real-world impact of structural stress. By doing so, they could test the effectiveness of the new monitoring system in detecting such critical issues. Hence, the answer is “Flange”.

Question 9

ANSWER :Paragraph 3

Explanation :“We were able to mount instruments on it, test it under various load conditions, and even inflict damage just before it ....” The third sentence of the third paragraph discusses the chance to check the bridges under various load situations before their demolition allowed researchers to gather vital details on their structural integrity and performance, which would not have been possible under normal situations. Hence, the answer is “Paragraph 3”.

Question 10

ANSWER :Paragraph 8

Explanation :“...says that as the electronics become cheaper, a microwave inspection system will eventually be applied to most large bridges in the US.” The second sentence of the last paragraph shows the anticipated development and deployment, of battery or solar-powered microwave inspection systems across most large bridges representing a significant positive shift in bridge monitoring tech, improving daily structural surveillance. Hence, the answer is “Paragraph 8”.

Question 11

ANSWER :Paragraph 7

Explanation :“ NASA already uses Stubbs’ method to check the behaviour of the body flap that slows space shuttles down after they land.” The last sentence of the seventh paragraph introduces the advanced microwave sensor technologies, developed at Los Alamos and Texas A&M, presenting a chance for significant contacts, as these technologies offer a more effective and continuous solution for bridge condition monitoring. Hence, the answer is “Paragraph 7”.

Question 12

ANSWER :Paragraph 2

Explanation :“The device uses microwaves to measure the distance between the sensor and the bridge, much like radar does,”. The first sentence of the second paragraph states that the new microwave monitoring system works by measuring changes in the distance between the sensor and the bridges, similar to radar. This measurement detects variations caused by loads and movements, which helps in identifying changes in the bridge’s behavior and potential damage. Hence, the answer is “Paragraph 2”.

Question 13

ANSWER :Paragraph 5

Explanation :”They first cut a slot about 60 centimetres long in the middle of one girder.” The first sentence of the fifth paragraph explains that researchers created damage by cutting a slot and extending it to the girder’s bottom, then cutting across the flange. This simulation realistic fatigue cracks, allowing them to test how effectively their monitoring system could detect and analyze such structural problems. Hence, the answer is “Paragraph 5”.

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IELTS Coaching Reading Mock Test

The above “Keep a Watchful Eye on the Bridges” reading passage discusses advancements in bridge inspection technology. In addition, traditional visual inspection are being supplemented with microwave sensors developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Texas A&M University. Thus, these sensors, which work similarly to radar, monitor bridge conditions by detecting changes in distance due to traffic and other stresses. Tests on the Interstate 40 bridge demonstrate that these sensors, combined with sophisticated algorithms for analyzing vibrations, can detect damage earlier than traditional methods. A commercial system for this technology is now available and could become widespread as costs decrease.

Hence, for your reading section preparation, understanding such technological advancements can help with questions about specific details and implications in the passage. So, focus on solving the answers of keep a watchful eye on the bridges to improve your IELTS reading scores through comprehension of complex details and their real-world significance. You can also take our online IELTS coaching to enhance your skimming and scanning abilities.

Tips for Mastering The Reading Passage on “Keep a Watchful Eye on the Bridges”

Below are some tips to assist you in finding the keep a watchful eye on the bridges reading answers easily.

Multiple Choice Question: You should use IELTS reading keyword techniques to gain a rough understanding of the main idea of the passage.
Diagram Completion:Start by locating the passage’s relevant section.
Matching Information: Make sure to check all relevant paragraphs, as the right information might be mentioned in more than one place.

Types of Questions in this Reading Passage

The keep a watchful eye on the bridges reading answers covering three question types. Let’s delve into a detailed discussion on them:

Multiple Choice Question

These types of questions in the IELTS reading section involve identifying the right choice from the given options using the given paragraphs.

Moreover, take a look below to know how to answer best:

Understand the Context
Identify Keywords
Eliminate Wrong Choice
Look for Synonyms
Double-Check Your Answers

Diagram Completion

To answer this type of question in the IELTS reading section, carefully check the diagram provided and match the labeled components or section with the corresponding information found in the passage.

Moreover, take a look below to know how to answer best:

Read Instructions Carefully
Examine the Diagram
Identify Keywords
Use Context Clues
Stay Within Word Limits

Matching Information

These types of questions contain reading the descriptions or statements provided, identifying key details or keywords, and matching them to corresponding details in the passage by comparing and contrasting the options until you find the best fit.

Moreover, take a look below to know how to answer best:

Skim the Passage
Identify Keywords
Scan the Keywords
Read in Details
Check All Options

Summing up, we discussed the keep a watchful eye on the bridges reading answers with detailed explanations. However, this section needs more practice and techniques so a student must be aware of it. Moreover, for more such exposure to write-up, you can take our IELTS reading mock test at Gradding.com with the help of AI technology.