IELTS Reading #39: A significant development in mining safety

Questions 1–5: Matching Headings

Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number i–viii in boxes 1–5.

List of Headings

i. A controversy over two versions of an invention
ii. The need to mine deeper for good quality coal
iii. Growing awareness of the need to improve conditioners for miners
iv. A new danger caused by developments in mining
v. The impact of poor air quality in mines on miner’s health
vi. Early attempts to provide lighting without flames
vii. A demand by miners for new technology
viii. A person whose work never received full recognition

1. Paragraph A	i	ii	iii	iv	v	vi	vii	viii
2. Paragraph B	i	ii	iii	iv	v	vi	vii	viii
3. Paragraph C	i	ii	iii	iv	v	vi	vii	viii
4. Paragraph D	i	ii	iii	iv	v	vi	vii	viii
5. Paragraph E	i	ii	iii	iv	v	vi	vii	viii

Questions 6–9: Summary Completion

Complete the summary below.
Choose NO MORE THAN ONE WORD from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 6–9.

The problem of providing artificial lighting in coal mines

Coal mines in Europe only really developed from the 13th century. As they became deeper, the methods used for lighting them created a risk of 6. due to the presence of fiAcredamp. One solution was to improve ventilation by separating the 7. into two parts. However better lighting was also needed. One suggestion was to use a chemical found in the skins of fish, but this was found to be unsafe. Another possibility was a device which created 8. as it was believed these would not ignite the gas. However, this required additional 9. as well as maintenance and replacement and it was also unsafe.

Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice

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

10. What does the write say about mine owners in 1810?

A) Most of them disregarded safety issues B) They were criticised for conditions in the mines C) Most of them used unfair pressure to keep mines open D) They were unaware of how dangerous the mines were

11. According to the writer, what was the significance of the explosion at Felling Colliery in 1812?

A) It led to increased legal protection for miners B) It led to a change in public attitudes to mining safety C) It demonstrated the lack of concern of certain groups towards the miners D) It started a movement to give miners proper training in safety procedures

12. The lamp presented by Davy was safer than previous methods of lighting because its flame?

A) Could not remain alight for long time B) Did not get large enough to ignite the firedamp C) Did not have any contact with the air D) Could not pass beyond the mesh screen

13. What does the writer say about Davy and Stephenson?

A) Davy refused to accept Stephenson’s work as it had not been fully trialled B) Davy insisted on the safety lamp being named after him rather than Stephenson C) Stephenson claimed Davy’s work was based on false principles D) Stephenson produced a working example of a safety lamp before Davy

IELTS Reading Practice Test: A significant development in mining safety

Reading Passage Content Summary

Question Types Included

Test Information

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–5: Matching Headings

List of Headings

Questions 6–9: Summary Completion

Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice

Reading Passage Content

Questions 1–5: Matching Headings

List of Headings

Questions 6–9: Summary Completion

Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice