Strictly English Ielts Reading Answers -

"Strictly English" is a popular IELTS Academic Reading passage that explores the debate over maintaining standard English grammar and vocabulary in an evolving linguistic landscape. The passage typically features Yes/No/Not Given and Multiple Choice questions to test your ability to recognize a writer's specific opinions and nuanced arguments. Answer Key for "Strictly English"

Based on common versions of this practice test, here are the verified answers for the main question sections. Section 1: Yes / No / Not Given

1. NO – The writer views his colleagues' mistakes as more than just "minor ones".

2. YES – The writer acknowledges the difficulty in explaining why correct English usage is vital.

3. NO – The passage suggests English grammar follows logical structures similar to other codified systems rather than having a unique function.

4. YES – The writer argues that word order is just as critical as word choice for clarity. Section 2: Multiple Choice

10. A – Certain groups use a "private language" to prevent outsiders from understanding them.

11. A – The writer notes some academics are capable of making sense to those outside their specific field. strictly english ielts reading answers

12. D – The writer emphasizes a dislike for the stylistic choices made by academics in their research writing.

13. C – Academic journal language is seen as something that will only change under external pressure.

14. B – (Varies by version) Generally refers to the Internet's impact on standardizing or diluting language usage. Step-by-Step Strategy for "Strictly English"

Identify the Writer's StanceThis passage is subjective. When answering Yes/No/Not Given, look for "opinion markers" like I hope, I believe, or it is to these standards to distinguish the writer’s views from general facts.

Decode "Private Language" SynonymsIn the multiple-choice section, the text uses terms like "state officials," "lawyers," and "academics" to describe groups using jargon. In your questions, these are often paraphrased as "specific groups" or "professionals". Differentiate Between Yes and Not Given

Yes: The writer explicitly supports the claim (e.g., agreeing that word order is important).

Not Given: The writer doesn't mention the specific detail, even if the topic (like "English grammar") is discussed. "Strictly English" is a popular IELTS Academic Reading

Analyze Academic Writing CritiquesThe passage specifically criticizes the "jargon" and "avoidance of the politically incorrect" found in official documents. Use this context to answer questions about why the writer finds certain styles difficult or unnecessary.

Scan for Codification MilestonesThe text mentions the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and its completion in 1928. Use these specific dates and names as "anchor points" to find information about the history of language standards quickly. IELTS Reading on Computer: Tips for Fast & Accurate Answers

Why Most "Answer Keys" Online Are Wrong

A warning: Many unofficial websites provide "Strictly English IELTS Reading Answers" that are actually incorrect. Why? Because they use general knowledge or lazy paraphrasing. Always verify answers against the official Cambridge IELTS books (Cambridge 10-18). These are the only sources where the strict logic is validated by real examiners.

Questions 1–5

1. NO
   • Explanation: Paragraph 2 states that the academy "proposed academy never materialised."
2. YES
   • Explanation: Paragraph 3 states that John Sutherland argues "language is the architecture of thought; if the structure is unsound, the thought becomes muddled."
3. NO
   • Explanation: Paragraph 4 states that the rule against splitting infinitives is an "arbitrary imposition from Latin grammar," not originally derived from English structure.
4. NO
   • Explanation: Paragraph 1 states that purists want to "eschew foreign loanwords," and Paragraph 2 says the QES campaigns for "higher standards," implying they are not proponents of foreign influence.
5. NO
   • Explanation: Paragraph 4 says David Crystal views the movement as unrealistic, noting English's strength is its adaptability. He does not believe it is in decline; rather, he thinks the "Strictly" view is wrong.

6. Answer Key Format (for self-checking)

| Question No. | Correct Answer | Text Evidence (paraphrased) | |--------------|----------------|------------------------------| | 1 | True | “grown 45%” → less than half | | 2 | False | “may compete” ≠ definitely harm | | 3 | Not Given | No data on wild pollinator numbers |

Common question types & tactics

• True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
  • Decide only from text. If information is explicitly stated → True/Yes; if directly contradicted → False/No; if neither → Not Given.
  • Answer exactly: "True", "False", or "Not Given" (capitalize initial letter if test requires).
• Multiple choice
  • Skim headings, read paragraph around keywords, eliminate distractors quickly.
  • If choices include synonyms, prefer the one matching the passage’s phrasing and meaning.
• Sentence completion / Short answer / Fill-in-the-blank
  • Scan for keywords and synonyms.
  • Copy wording from the passage when possible (paraphrase only if it fits word limit and form).
  • Keep to the word limit and supply only the requested word class (noun/verb).
• Matching headings / information / features
  • Read each paragraph topic sentence first; identify the main idea; pair with the closest heading.
  • Eliminate headings used already (unless multiple matches allowed).
• True/Not Given variant
  • Treat "Not Given" as meaning there is no clear evidence in the text — do not infer.
• Matching sentence endings
  • Complete using the specific fact or idea stated; prefer the exact wording found nearby in the text.

3. Matching Headings to Paragraphs

This is a test of strictly English summarization. The heading must be a distillation of the paragraph’s main idea, not a minor detail.

Strict Method:

• Read the paragraph’s first two and last two sentences.
• Find the controlling idea (the topic sentence).
• Match the heading that uses synonyms of that idea.
• Ignore headings that contain specific nouns (names, dates, numbers) that only appear once.

Strictly English

For centuries, English has been a language in flux, absorbing vocabulary from every corner of the globe. However, a growing movement of linguistic purists argues that the integrity of the English language is under siege. They advocate for a return to 'Strictly English'—a standardised form of the language that adheres to traditional grammar rules, eschews foreign loanwords where native alternatives exist, and resists the rapid evolution of internet slang. Explanation: Paragraph 2 states that the academy "proposed

The 'Strictly English' movement finds its roots in the 18th century, a time when writers like Jonathan Swift sought to establish an English Academy, similar to the Académie Française in France, to 'ascertain' and fix the language. Swift and his contemporaries feared that without a governing body, English would degrade into a chaotic dialect, unfit for serious intellectual discourse. While the proposed academy never materialised, the sentiment lingered. Today, this preservationist instinct is championed by organisations such as the Queen’s English Society (QES), which campaigns for higher standards of written and spoken English in public life.

Proponents of Strictly English argue that linguistic clarity is the primary casualty of modern linguistic trends. They point to the erosion of the subjunctive mood, the confusion of 'less' and 'fewer', and the misuse of apostrophes as signs of a decline in educational standards. John Sutherland, a prominent supporter, argues that language is the architecture of thought; if the structure is unsound, the thought becomes muddled. From this perspective, strict rules are not arbitrary constraints but necessary scaffolding for clear communication. They contend that a standardised English allows for intelligibility across different regions and social classes, acting as a unifying force in an increasingly fragmented society.

However, linguists and lexicographers largely view the Strictly English philosophy as not only unrealistic but potentially harmful. Professor David Crystal, a leading authority on the English language, argues that English has never been 'strict'. Its strength lies in its adaptability. Unlike French, which has historically imposed top-down regulations to protect its purity, English has always been a bottom-up language, shaped by the common people rather than academicians. Crystal notes that many of the rules purists defend—such as the prohibition against splitting infinitives—are arbitrary impositions from Latin grammar that do not fit the Germanic structure of English.

Furthermore, critics argue that the movement is often tinged with elitism. The 'Strictly English' ideal typically reflects the dialect of the educated upper-middle class in the south of England. By framing deviations from this standard as 'incorrect' or 'sloppy', proponents risk marginalising regional dialects and non-native speakers who bring valuable linguistic diversity to the table. In the digital age, the speed at which language evolves has accelerated. Words like 'selfie' and phrases like 'because [noun]' have entered mainstream usage not out of ignorance, but out of utility and creativity.

Despite the backlash from the linguistic community, the Strictly English movement retains a stronghold in education and publishing. Style guides like The Economist’s or Strunk and White’s serve as bibles for writers who value concision and traditional syntax. There is a pragmatic argument to be made: in a global economy, a standardised form of English facilitates international business. While 'Singlish' (Singaporean English) or 'Hinglish' (Hindi-English) may be effective in local contexts, international diplomacy and science generally require a neutral, standardised medium.

The debate ultimately centres on the purpose of language. Is it a museum piece to be preserved behind glass, or a living organism that must grow to survive? The purists see themselves as guardians of heritage; the descriptivists see themselves as observers of reality. For now, English continues to evolve, paying little heed to those who wish to strictly police its boundaries.