IELTS Reading #79: The growth mindset

Questions 1–3: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

1. What can we learn from the first paragraph?

A) where the notion of innate intelligence first began B) when ideas about the nature of intelligence began to shift C) how scientists have responded to changing views of intelligence D) why thinkers turned away from the idea of intelligence being fixed

2. The second paragraph describes how schools encourage students to

A) identify their personal ambitions. B) help each other to realise their goals. C) have confidence in their potential to succeed. D) concentrate on where their particular strengths lie.

3. In the third paragraph, the writer suggests that students with a fixed mindset

A) tend to be less competitive. B) generally have a low sense of self-esteem. C) will only work hard if they are given constant encouragement. D) are afraid to push themselves beyond what they see as their limitations.

Questions 4–7: Classification

Classify the following according to the passage.
Write the correct letter, A-E, in boxes 4–7. NB You may use any letter more than once.

List of People

A. Alfred Binet
B. Carol Dweck
C. Andrew Gelman
D. Timothy Bates
E. David Yeager and Gregory Walton

4. The methodology behind the growth mindset studies was not strict enough.	A	B	C	D	E
5. The idea of the growth mindset has been incorrectly interpreted.	A	B	C	D	E
6. Intellectual ability is an unchangeable feature of each individual.	A	B	C	D	E
7. The growth mindset should be promoted without students being aware of it.	A	B	C	D	E
8. The growth mindset is not simply about boosting students’ morale.	A	B	C	D	E
9. Research shows that the growth mindset has no effect on academic achievement.	A	B	C	D	E

Questions 10–13: Yes/No/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer?
Write YES if the statement agrees with the views of the writer
Write NO if the statement contradicts the views of the writer
Write NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this

10. Dweck has handled criticisms of her work in an admirable way.

YES NO NOT GIVEN

11. Students’ self-perception is a more effective driver of self-confidence than actual achievement is.

YES NO NOT GIVEN

12. Recent evidence about growth mindset interventions has attracted unfair coverage in the media.

YES NO NOT GIVEN

13. Deliberate attempts to encourage students to strive for high achievement may have a negative effect.

YES NO NOT GIVEN

IELTS Reading Practice Test: The growth mindset

Reading Passage Content Summary

Question Types Included

Test Information

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–3: Multiple Choice

Questions 4–7: Classification

List of People

Questions 10–13: Yes/No/Not Given

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–3: Multiple Choice

Questions 4–7: Classification

List of People

Questions 10–13: Yes/No/Not Given