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View End User License AgreementComplete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in boxes 10–13 on your answer sheet.
Critics of the Strictly English movement suggest that it is often driven by 10 ______________, as it prioritizes the dialect of a specific social group. They argue that strict rules often ignore the natural 11 ______________ of the English language. However, in the world of international business and science, a 12 ______________ form of English is often preferred to ensure smooth communication. The debate highlights the contrast between those who view language as a living organism and those who view it as 13 ______________.
Many students struggle because they treat IELTS Reading like a literature exam. In a high school English class, you might be asked, "What does the green light symbolize in The Great Gatsby?"
The IELTS does not do this.
The IELTS is a test of language comprehension, not literary criticism. Every single correct answer can be backed up by concrete evidence directly on the page. Think of yourself as a lawyer in a courtroom: if you cannot point to a specific sentence or phrase in the text to prove your answer, your answer is wrong.
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.
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.
The reading passage " Strictly English " explores the writer’s fascination with the English language, its historical roots, and the establishment of linguistic standards. It highlights the influence of other languages like French, Latin, and Greek, and argues for a logical, codified standard of English to ensure clear communication. Common IELTS Reading Answers for "Strictly English"
Based on various IELTS practice materials, here are the likely answers for short-answer and completion tasks associated with this text:
How the writer understood English word importation: By studying French, Latin, and Greek.
The focus of the writer’s university studies: What words actually meant.
Is the English language permanent?: No (History shows word meanings and grammar frameworks shift over centuries).
The goal of the book Strictly English: To describe and commend a logical standard of language that is free from ambiguity.
Resources for research on "correct" English: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and reputable grammar books.
Why official documents are hard to understand: They combine political correctness with contemporary jargon. Key Concepts in the Passage
Historical Influence: The writer notes that languages like Latin and Greek "exported" words into English, while German is considered its "sister tongue".
Logic and Grammar: The writer advocates for grammar based on logic to avoid doubt and ambiguity.
Standardization: The text suggests that while English evolves, there are established standards found in reference books that help people maintain a "capable grasp" of the tongue. General IELTS Reading Tips
To perform well on this and other reading tasks, consider these strategies from official sources like IELTS Liz and IDP IELTS:
Skimming and Scanning: Skim the text quickly to find main ideas, then scan for specific keywords mentioned in the questions.
Follow Word Limits: Always check instructions like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS." Writing extra words will result in a zero for that answer.
Order of Questions: Many question types, such as short-answer and sentence completion, follow the order of information in the passage. Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English strictly english ielts reading answers
The IELTS Reading passage titled " Strictly English " is an excerpt based on Simon Heffer’s book of the same name. It explores the writer’s perspective on the evolution of the English language and the importance of maintaining logical standards in grammar and vocabulary. Answer Key for "Strictly English"
Based on common versions of this IELTS practice test, here are the answers for the typical question sets associated with this passage: Question # Source/Context 1 FALSE
The writer argues English can be codified, not that it is impossible. 2 NOT GIVEN
The text doesn't mention if Heffer thinks French is harder than English. 3 TRUE
He suggests learned men from over a century ago set the standards. 4 FALSE
The writer believes grammar has a logical structure, not that it's random. 5 (A) making sense to people outside their group
Some academics avoid clear communication to sound exclusive. 6
IELTS Reading test, "Strictly English" answers are a fundamental requirement—all responses must be written in English. However, there are specific "features" or rules regarding how these answers must be presented to be marked correct. Key Rules for IELTS Reading Answers Exact Copying
: When a question asks you to "choose words from the text," you must copy them exactly as they appear. Changing the spelling, tense, or pluralization will result in a mark of zero. Word Count Limits
: Strictly follow instructions like "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS" or "ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER." Exceeding these limits, even with a small word like "the" or "a," makes the entire answer incorrect. Spelling Matters
: Incorrect spelling is not penalized in the Speaking or Listening tests in the same way as Reading; however, in Reading, if the word exists in the text and you misspell it on your answer sheet, it is wrong. No Synonyms (Usually)
: Unless the task is a multiple-choice or matching heading where you choose a letter (A, B, C), "gap-fill" answers must come directly from the passage, not your own vocabulary. Scoring Breakdown (Out of 40)
Your final band score is determined by the number of correct answers (raw score). Band Score Academic (Correct Answers) General Training (Correct Answers) IDP IELTS Canada IDP South Africa IELTS Tutorials Helpful Strategies Skimming and Scanning
: Use skimming to understand the main idea of a passage and scanning to locate specific keywords required for the answer. Keyboard Shortcuts (Computer-based) : You can use
to copy and paste text directly from the reading passage into the answer box to avoid spelling errors, but (find) is disabled. Leave No Blanks
: There is no negative marking. If you are unsure, make an educated guess based on the context. Do you have a specific practice test particular question type (like True/False/Not Given) you're struggling with?
Look at the following statements (Questions 6–9) and the list of people/groups below. Match each statement with the correct person or group, A–D. Write the correct letter, A–D, in boxes 6–9 on your answer sheet.
List of People/Groups A. Jonathan Swift B. The Queen’s English Society (QES) C. John Sutherland D. David Crystal
Read this sentence from a passage: "The experiment failed because the temperature was not maintained."
Strictly English answers often require word limits (e.g., "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS"). If the answer in the text is "the red car," but the limit is two words, the strictly correct answer is "red car." Removing articles (a/an/the) is mandatory.
Revised Answer Key for 10-13: 10. elitism 11. adaptability (Matches "Its strength lies in its adaptability") 12. standardised 13. heritage (This fits the grammar of "guardians of heritage" acting as the view, but "museum piece" is the metaphor used in the text. Given the summary sentence structure "view it as...", heritage makes semantic sense, but museum piece is the specific metaphor used in the text. I will provide "heritage" as it captures the essence of the purist view described as "guardians of heritage" which justifies the view.)
Self-Correction for 13: The summary says "those who view it as [13] ______." The text says "The purists see themselves as guardians of heritage." It does not explicitly say "They view language as heritage." It DOES ask "Is it a museum piece...?" Therefore, the answer is likely museum piece because that is the direct noun phrase the writer uses to describe the purist's potential view of the language.
Final Answer Key:
The "Strictly English" IELTS reading passage is an excerpt often used in the Academic Reading test. It is based on a book by British newspaper columnist Simon Heffer titled Strictly English: the Correct Way to Write ... and Why It Matters. The text explores the importance of maintaining standard English grammar and the challenges posed by "private languages" used in academic or professional circles. Core Themes of the "Strictly English" Passage
The passage typically covers several high-level linguistic concepts:
The Logic of Language: The author argues that English grammar has a coherent and logical structure that should be strictly followed. Complete the summary below
Private Languages: Discussion on how specific groups, such as academics, lawyers, and scientists, use jargon and "private languages" that are often indecipherable to the general public.
Standards and Codification: Heffer emphasizes that English is largely "settled and codified" and that new words should only be used when they describe something truly new, rather than misusing existing terms. Sample Questions and Answer Logic
Common question types for this passage include Yes/No/Not Given and Multiple Choice. Question Type Focus Areas in "Strictly English" Multiple Choice
Analyzing the writer's opinion on academic journals and the influence of the internet on language. Yes/No/Not Given
Determining if the writer believes mistakes by his colleagues are rare or if grammar in other languages serves the same function. Summary Completion
Selecting words from a list to summarize Heffer’s views on linguistic standards and the export of foreign words into English. Strategies for Finding the Answers
Finding correct answers in the IELTS Reading module requires more than simple word matching; it requires reading for deeper meaning. Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English
Based on practice versions of this specific passage, here are typical answers to key question types: Multiple Choice:
The writer notes that the mistakes made by Heffer's colleagues are usually It is often difficult to explain why using correct English is important. English grammar has a different function compared to other languages. Word order is highlighted as being as critical as word choice. Yes, No, Not Given:
Statements that strictly match the author's view (e.g., if the text states the author believes grammar is essential and the question says the same).
Statements that directly contradict the text (e.g., the text says grammar is changing, but the question says it is static). Not Given:
If the text doesn't mention the author's specific opinion on a detail, even if it seems plausible. SAOHOM English Centre Core IELTS Reading Strategies
To improve your score beyond this single passage, apply these expert-backed techniques: Strategic Skimming & Scanning: the introduction and conclusion first to get the main idea.
for specific keywords (names, dates, numbers) to find the exact location of answers. Master the "Order" Rule:
Answers for most question types (like Multiple Choice and True/False/Not Given) usually follow the order of the text . Matching Headings is a notable exception. Vocabulary & Paraphrasing: The test is essentially a vocabulary test
. Look for synonyms in the text rather than the exact words used in the question. Manage Your Time: Spend no more than one minute
per question. If you are stuck, move on; you can always return to it later. Never leave a blank answer , as there is no penalty for guessing. Recommended Practice Resources
For official materials and full practice tests, use the following: Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English - SHEC
Mastering the IELTS Reading section requires a balance between general English proficiency and specific test-taking strategies. This guide focuses on the "strictly English" approach, prioritizing a deep understanding of the language’s mechanics—such as logical structure and precise vocabulary—to find answers efficiently. Core Principles of the "Strictly English" Approach
This approach moves beyond simple word-matching and focuses on the underlying meaning and logic of the English language.
The passage begins with Simon Heffer, a British newspaper columnist, describing how he started sending "round-robin" emails to his colleagues to correct common grammatical errors. These emails eventually gained internet fame, leading to a book deal.
Heffer argues that while language naturally evolves—citing the shift from Chaucer’s English to today—there are established standards that should be upheld. He points to the completion of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in 1928 as a milestone that helped settle logical language patterns.
A major theme in the text is Heffer's critique of "private languages" used by specific groups like academics, lawyers, and scientists. He argues these groups use complex jargon and "politically correct" phrasing that often makes documents nonsensical to the general public. Common Questions & Answers
If you are practicing with this specific passage, you will likely encounter these types of questions:
Summary Completion: You may need to fill in blanks about the "Rules of English."
Example: The writer believes grammar should not be a controversial subject. Many students struggle because they treat IELTS Reading
Example: The language patterns settled a century ago are described as logical and free from ambiguity.
Multiple Choice: These often focus on the writer’s opinion of jargon. Question: Why do some groups use a "private language"?
Answer: Often related to them not wanting outsiders to understand or to follow professional jargon.
Vocabulary/Synonym Matching: The test looks for your ability to recognize synonyms rather than exact word matches.
Keyword: "Straightforward" might match "easy to understand". Keyword: "Keen" might match "eager". Top Tips for This Passage
Look for Synonyms: The questions will rarely use the exact words from the text (e.g., "private language" might be paraphrased in the options).
Focus on the Writer's Tone: Heffer is prescriptive; he believes there is a "right" word for every situation and that grammar rules should be obeyed.
Manage Your Time: You have 60 minutes for three passages, and there is no extra time to transfer your answers to the sheet. Use the IELTS IDP Preparation Guide to practice your skimming and scanning skills. Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English - SHEC
Do the following statements agree with the views of the writer? – The mistakes made by his colleagues are "minor ones".
– It is difficult to explain why using correct English is important.
– English grammar has a different function from the grammar of other languages.
– Word order may be as important as the choice of words used. Questions 5–9: Summary Completion Complete the summary using the list of words (A–H). Studocu Vietnam
(General) – The language should not be considered something permanent. (Simple) – Reference books were produced by learned men.
– In his book, the writer aims to describe rules that are in use.
– He wants his book to be a way of improving people's ability.
(Controversial) – Grammar should not be a matter for debate. Studocu Vietnam Questions 10–13: Multiple Choice
– The writer says some groups use a 'private language' to avoid being understood by outsiders.
– Some academics are capable of making sense to people outside their group.
– The writer emphasizes his dislike for the style used in academic writing.
– The language used in journals will only change if they are forced to change it. SAOHOM English Centre Key Takeaways from the Text Codified Language:
The author argues that English is largely settled and codified, and we should stick to its logical structure. Avoid Jargon:
Officials and academics often use a "private language" or jargon that makes documents hard for laypeople to understand. Grammar as a System:
The writer believes grammar is not subjective; it is a coherent system that should be followed to ensure clarity. Studocu Vietnam Further Exploration full practice test for the "Strictly English" passage to test your timing. detailed explanations for how to find these answers in the text. Explore strategies for True/False/Not Given questions from experts. IELTS reading section? Practice for Reading Test: Strictly English - SHEC
IELTS READING ANSWER SHEET
Test Section: Academic Reading – Passage 3
(Topic example: "The History of Urban Green Spaces")
Questions 27–31: Multiple Choice
(Circle the correct letter – A, B, C, or D)
Questions 32–37: True / False / Not Given
Questions 38–40: Sentence Completion
(Write no more than three words and/or a number from the passage)
End of answer key.
Strictly English – no additional commentary or bilingual content.
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