Cambridge ielts 1-15 series reading answers explained

18. Answer: FALSE
Key words: precise, data, whistle, languages, today
Still in paragraph 8, the author said that “There are thought to be as many as 70 whistled languages 
still in use, though only 12 have been described and studied scientifically”. 

in existence = in use 
It can be inferred from this sentence that not all whistled languages (only 12/70) have been studied, so 
there cannot be precise data available regarding all whistled languages. The statement is FALSE. 
19. Answer: TRUE
Key words: children, Gomera, learn, Silbo
The last paragraph mentions the attempts of Canaries‟ authorities to ensure the survival of Silbo. 
“Since 1999, Silbo Gomero has been taught in all of the island „s elementary schools”. Thus, it can be 
understood that the Silbo language is still being taught to children until now. The statement is 
therefore true. 
 
 

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QUESTIONS 20-26: COMPLETE THE NOTES BELOW. 
20. Answer: words
Key words: high, low, frequency, tones, sounds, Spanish
With regard to high and low-frequency tones, it is stated that: “Silbo is a substitute for Spanish, with 
individual words recoded into whistles which have high and low-frequency tones”. Thus, it is clear 
that the blank should be filled with „words‟. 
21. Answer: finger
Key words: pitch, whistle, controlled, silbador‘s
In paragraph 4 again, the whistler can increase the whistle‟s pitch by putting “a finger in his or her 
mouth”. In other words, this can be paraphrased into the passive voice as „the pitch of whistle can be 
increased using the silbador‟s finger‟. Thus, the answer is „finger‟. 
22. Answer: direction
Key words: changed, cupped, hand
Still in paragraph 4: “[…] the other hand can be cupped to adjust the direction of the sound”. 

change = adjust 
Thus, it is clear that the answer is „direction of the sound‟. However, as only one word is allowed, the 
final answer is „direction‟.