Making Time for Science IELTS Reading Answers

1. Answer – True 

Explanation: The hint to the answer may be found in paragraph A. The paragraph clearly states that despite coming across as futuristic, the concept of chronobiology is one of the oldest. It speaks about the oldest process on the planet. Then, it mentions that this oldest process is short-term patterns or rhythms of time and how they affect plant and animal life. Such statements indicate that the first paragraph talks about how living things evolve over time. 

2. Answer – True

Explanation: The hint for this statement may be found in paragraph B of Making Time for Science Reading Answers. It states, “Marine life, for example, is influenced by tidal patterns.” The context is the behaviour of creatures, of which the first mention is made of marine life. Since tidal patterns are nothing but the rise and fall in sea levels due to the combined gravitational force exerted by the Earth and the Moon, the statement is true.

3. Answer – True

Explanation: The answer to this statement can be found in paragraph B. The second line mentions that 'numerous' creatures (humans included) prefer to come out when the sun is up, which makes them diurnal. This means they are primarily active during the daytime, thus making the statement true. 

Explanation: Making Time for Science’s paragraph C offers the answer. The second line states (in the context of the circadian rhythm) that our bodies undergo this complete cycle within the span of 24 hours, which is a single day, not different days. The circadian rhythm is about how our bodies naturally wake up during the day and begin to slack and slow down (or sleep) as night approaches. Hence, the statement is false. 

5. Answer – True 

Explanation: The answer to this statement may be found in paragraph C of Making Time for Science Reading Answers. The third line onwards states that everyone does not have an identical circadian rhythm using night people as an example in the following sentence. The last line of the paragraph also mentions (regarding night people) that this is merely a slight variation in the circadian rhythm or chronotype. This shows that night people still have a healthy circadian rhythm.

6. Answer – False 

Explanation: Paragraph D of Making Time for Science holds the answer. From the second sentence onwards, it states that different therapeutic developments, such as melatonin administration and artificial light machines, may reset circadian rhythms. But, the following line states that health suffers when such artificial processes are used to breach natural rhythms for extended time periods. So, the statement is false. 

7. Answer – True 

Explanation: The answer to this statement may be found in paragraph D of the essay. Towards the end, it states that studies have found that vegetables ripe on the tree in their season are higher in essential nutrients when compared to those ripened by laser treatments and grown in greenhouses. The word 'in season' and 'ripened on the tree' hint at naturally grown vegetables. So, the statement is true.

8. Answer – 7:22 

Explanation: Paragraph F of Making Time for Science Reading Answers gives a clear answer. The paragraph broadly discusses the right time to wake up in the morning. It states that researchers consider 6:04 AM a little too early from a health perspective. As for 7:00 AM, it is only recommended if one exercises for 30 minutes after waking up. But, the ideal time bottles down to 7:22 AM as instances of moodiness, headaches, and muscle aches were the lowest among participants.

9. Answer – Exercise before breakfast 

Explanation: The answer to this statement is found in paragraph G. It clearly states that dieticians are adamant that one must never skip breakfast if trying to lose some extra pounds. This is because it disturbs the circadian rhythm and pushes the body into starvation mode. It says that the ideal course of action is to do an intense workout followed by a carbohydrate-rich breakfast, not the other way around. 

10. Answer – Taking supplements at breakfast 

Explanation: As per paragraph H of the Making Time for Science, Pam Stone suggests that to improve supplement absorption, one must steer clear of caffeinated drinks and have them with a food item if they are readily soluble. Further, towards the end, it also says the supplement potency reduces with warmth and humidity (the opposites of a cool and dry environment). However, supplements for breakfast are mentioned as a means to stay energized throughout the day rather than improving supplement absorption. 

11. Answer – Mid-afternoon 

Explanation: The answer to this question lies in paragraph I of the Making Time for Science Reading Answers. The paragraph starts with talking about the Italian tradition of consuming after-dinner espressos. However, it mentions that doing so may disrupt a good night's sleep. It further recommends that caffeine intake be stopped as early as 3 PM, which is mid-afternoon.

12. Answer – Eat a light meal 

Explanation: The last paragraph, or paragraph J, answers this question. It talks about dietician Geraldine George, who believes that a carbohydrate-rich fast consumed after 5 PM is not a chronological demand but a cultural myth. It also states that overeating may cause indigestion. No mention is made of exercising in the evenings. However, the last statement does state that consuming a modest snack or light meal is sufficient. 

13. Answer – To suggest healthier ways of eating, sleeping, and exercising 

Explanation: Passage 1 begins with a description of how modern life has made chronobiology irrelevant, and it also introduces us to some practical applications, it is mainly about developing healthier ways of sleeping, eating, and exercising. From paragraph E onwards, this message is conveyed that keeping up with our bio-clock is essential. The following five paragraphs discuss improving sleep, eating habits, and exercise practices. However, no mention of a daily schedule is given that may alter chronobiological rhythms.