The Origin of Ancient Writing Reading Answers with Explanation

Are you preparing for the IELTS and aiming to excel in the reading section? Look no further! Our comprehensive guide on The Origin of Ancient Writing reading answers includes explanations that will empower you to tackle even the most challenging vocabulary.

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Answers of The Origin of Ancient Writing Reading Passage with Explanation

Below, you will find answers of The Origin of Ancient Writing reading passage, complete with clear explanations and specific locations in the text. These will expertly guide you in identifying the key details needed to derive the correct solutions.

Question 1

ANSWER :A

Explanation :The discussion in paragraphs A and B illustrates that a messenger from the King of Uruk experienced considerable fatigue in delivering the oracle message upon arriving at the court of a distant king. The individuals there found it somewhat amusing that a letter was sent to someone who might not have been able to read it. Additionally, they raised questions regarding the notion of whether the earliest forms of writing corresponded directly to spoken language. It seems quite plausible that spoken language and writing initially developed independently, emerging as distinct symbolic methods of communication. Therefore, the most appropriate answer is A.

Question 2

ANSWER :D

Explanation :According to paragraph C, the Sumerians from Mesopotamia, present in what is now southern Iraq, displayed an understanding of the profound impact that writing could have on the narrative. Consequently, the answer is D.

Question 3

ANSWER :C

Explanation :As referenced in paragraph D, it is acknowledged that academics have yet to arrive at comprehensive explanations regarding the origins and motivations behind writing, despite exchanging interpretations and data. A significant portion of individuals favours the notion that writing emerged from the visual arts, with visual forms subsequently reflecting spoken language as they became more abstract. Thus, the answer is C.

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Question 4

ANSWER :B

Explanation :Paragraph E mentions that the dates recorded on various clay tablets, inscribed in an early form of cuneiform script by using a sharpened rod to press into wet clay, were discovered at the archaeological site in Uruk. These baked clay tablets featured pictorial representations of names, places, and items pertinent to commerce and governance. As such, the correct answer is B.

Question 5

ANSWER :C

Explanation :In paragraph G, it is noted that Dr Denise Schmandt-Besserat, an archaeologist affiliated with the University of Texas, has advocated for over two decades that the origins of writing can be traced back to a system utilised by Sumerian accountants. They employed uniquely designed clay tokens that represented items such as oil jars, grain containers, or specific types of animals. Therefore, the appropriate answer is C.

Question 6

ANSWER :B

Explanation :Per paragraph F, Dr Peter Damerow, a specialist in Sumerian cuneiform at the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science in Berlin, suggested that writing systems likely experienced cross-cultural influences. However, the diverse range of writing systems today demonstrates a significant degree of independence and adaptability in their development, allowing them to accommodate the specific characteristics of the languages they express. Hence, the answer is B.

Question 7

ANSWER :D

Explanation :As indicated in paragraph J, Dr Piotr Michalowski, a professor of Near Eastern Civilisations at the University of Michigan, posits that the proto-writing from Sumerian Uruk markedly diverged from earlier writing systems, signifying a substantial departure from past practices. He asserted that, beyond merely facilitating communication and information preservation, it evolved into an innovative tool of power. Therefore, the most fitting answer is D.

Question 8

ANSWER :B

Explanation :In paragraph F, it is noted that there is a general agreement regarding the idea that pictures were initially utilised to symbolise words within writing. However, he also indicated that recent research on early Sumerian writing challenges this viewpoint. The earliest forms of writing, for example, did not align with the structure of spoken language, as they primarily focused on lists and categories rather than complete sentences or narratives. Therefore, the answer is B.

Question 9

ANSWER :A

Explanation :According to paragraph H, Dr Pittman expresses some reservations about the evidence presented for a connection between tokens and signs, stating that the connection has not been sufficiently expanded to include the aspect of picture-making. Thus, the answer is A.

Question 10

ANSWER :C

Explanation :In paragraph I, it is clear that Dr Schmandt-Besserat passionately defends her position. She challenges her colleagues by asking for a specific example of a picture that transforms into a sign in writing, asserting that the origins of writing should not be linked directly to ceramic patterns. Consequently, the correct answer is C.

Question 11

ANSWER :H

Explanation :Paragraph C highlights that the Sumerians from Mesopotamia, located in what is now southern Iraq, seemed to recognise the transformative potential of writing in storytelling. Writing was developed out of a need to preserve and communicate information across time and space. Therefore, the correct answer is H.

Question 12

ANSWER :L

Explanation :As mentioned in paragraph A, there was a situation where a messenger from the King of Uruk arrived at the court of a distant king in a state of fatigue, making it challenging for him to deliver an oracle message. In response, the king chose to inscribe his subsequent communications onto a clay tablet. Hence, the answer is L.

Question 13

ANSWER :A

Explanation :Referencing paragraph E, it is noted that several clay tablets inscribed in an early form of cuneiform script—created by pressing a sharpened rod into clay—have been unearthed at the Uruk archaeological site, indicating important historical dates. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Question 14

ANSWER :I

Explanation :In paragraph E, it is indicated that the images found on baked clay tablets included pictorial representations of names related to people, places, and matters concerning commerce and government. Although these images did not initially convey spoken language, the Sumerian alphabet gradually evolved from the visual to the abstract. Consequently, the correct answer is I.

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IELTS Coaching Reading Passages

This passage explores how writing began, primarily focusing on Sumerian cuneiform in Mesopotamia, which started as economic records and evolved into complex communication, as well as Egyptian hieroglyphics for religious purposes. By understanding the context, you’ll be better prepared to anticipate the vocabulary and information you’ll encounter. As you navigate through The Origin of Ancient Writing reading answers, keep two essential questions in mind for a comprehensive understanding of the material.

It is vital to read through the entire text to fully appreciate the significance of this passage in the IELTS reading section, as it assesses your skills in comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and more. To achieve a strong score, especially on your first attempt, you need exceptional study resources. For premium IELTS reading mock test, classes, and IELTS sample test PDFs, register with Gradding.com and experience unparalleled teaching supported by cutting-edge technology.

Expert Tips to Ace The Origin of Ancient Writing Reading Answers

Here are proven strategies to help you effortlessly find solutions to the questions about The Origin of Ancient Writing reading answers, look below:

Multiple Choice Questions: When addressing these, focus on the overall meaning rather than searching for exact phrases.
Matching Features: If options are mentioned multiple times in the passage, pay attention to the surrounding information.
Summary Completion: Analyze incomplete phrases to predict the grammatical form of the missing word (noun, verb, adjective, or adverb).

Understanding the Question Types in This Reading Passage

The Origin of Ancient Writing reading answers present two key question types that you will master:

Multiple Choice Questions

These usually offer 3-4 options from which to choose. They may appear as question-and-answer pairs or provide a choice for how to complete a sentence. You’ll often find the answers in the order in which they’re mentioned in the passage.

Matching Features

In the IELTS reading section, matching features tasks require test-takers to align a list of provided options with corresponding statements from the passage. The options, which may include features or names mentioned in the text, are typically presented in a separate box. Keep in mind that the statements you need to match are often paraphrased and may not follow the same sequence as in the original text.

Summary Completion

This question type provides an incomplete paragraph (a summary of part or the entirety of the text) with gaps that you need to fill using words from a list or directly from the passage. This tests your understanding of main ideas, synonyms, and paraphrasing as you match the summary’s meaning to the details in the original text.

Conclusion

To successfully solve questions regarding The Origin of Ancient Writing reading answers, you’ll need to combine strong reading comprehension skills with strategic techniques tailored for specific question types like Multiple Choice Questions, Summary Completion, and Matching Features. Additionally, consider taking online IELTS coaching to access valuable tools and expert guidance that will help you develop these essential skills, ultimately enhancing your performance on test day.