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IELTS Practice Reading: Note/Summary Completion Diagram ID: #56546 Medium New Zealand
Instructions ›
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Tap any word for its meaning

Research into historical Maori eating customs shows that jellies were made using seaweeds, nuts, fuchsia and tutu berries, cape gooseberries, and many other fruits both native to New Zealand and sown there from seeds brought by settlers and explorers. As with any plant life, some seaweeds are more palatable than others, but in a survival situation, most seaweeds could be chewed to provide a certain sustenance.

New Zealand lays claim to approximately 700 species of seaweed, some of which have no representation outside that country. Of several species grown worldwide, New Zealand also has a particularly large share. For example, it is estimated that New Zealand has some 30 species of Gigartina, a close relative of carrageen or Irish moss. These are often referred to as the New Zealand carrageens. The substance called agar which can be extracted from these species gives them great commercial application in the production of seameal, from which seameal custard (a food product) is made, and in the canning, paint and leather industries. Agar is also used in the manufacture of cough mixtures, cosmetics, confectionery and toothpastes. In fact, during World War II, New Zealand Gigartina were sent to Australia to be used in toothpaste.

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Diagram
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Question Focus: Identifying what the seaweed species are called or where they belong

Correct Answer: New Zealand

Why this is correct: The diagram label points to the group of Gigartina species. The passage explains that these species are referred to as the New Zealand carrageens, showing they are associated with New Zealand.

Passage Reference: For example, it is estimated that New Zealand has some 30 species of Gigartina, a close relative of carrageen or Irish moss. These are often referred to as the New Zealand carrageens.

Common Mistake: Students may write carrageen or Irish moss, but that is a related species worldwide, not the New Zealand group. This is a context shift trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'referred to as the New Zealand carrageens' = Diagram: 'name/origin of the seaweed species'

Tips: When a diagram asks for a label or name, look for phrases like 'referred to as' in the passage.

Key Vocabulary:

  • species = type
  • referred to as = called

Question Focus: Identifying the substance extracted from seaweed

Correct Answer: agar

Passage Reference: The substance called agar which can be extracted from these species gives them great commercial applicatio

Why this is correct: The diagram shows something being taken out of the seaweed. The passage clearly says the substance called agar can be extracted from these species.

Common Mistake: Students may write carrageen, but that is the seaweed group, not the extracted substance. This is a partial truth trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'substance called agar which can be extracted' = Diagram: 'substance taken from seaweed'

Tips: If the diagram shows a process, focus on verbs like 'extracted' in the passage.

Key Vocabulary:

  • extract = take out
  • substance = material

Question Focus: Identifying a product made using agar

Correct Answer: seameal

Passage Reference: gives them great commercial application in the production of seameal, from which seameal custar

Why this is correct: The diagram step shows a product made from agar before custard. The passage says agar is used in the production of seameal, from which seameal custard is made.

Common Mistake: Students may write seameal custard, but the diagram gap comes before custard is made. This is a wrong section trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'production of seameal' = Diagram: 'product made using agar'

Tips: Check the order of steps carefully. Diagrams usually follow the exact process order in the passage.

Key Vocabulary:

  • production = making
  • custard = dessert

Question Focus: Identifying medical uses of agar

Correct Answer: cough mixtures

Passage Reference: Agar is also used in the manufacture of cough mixtures, cosmetics, confectionery and toothpastes.

Why this is correct: The diagram lists end uses of agar. The passage states that agar is used in the manufacture of cough mixtures, which matches the diagram label.

Common Mistake: Students may write toothpaste or cosmetics, but the diagram arrow points to the medicine use. This is a context shift trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'used in the manufacture of cough mixtures' = Diagram: 'medical products made from agar'

Tips: When several examples are listed, match the diagram picture or category, not just any word from the sentence.

Key Vocabulary:

  • manufacture = make
  • mixture = combination

General Tips:

  • Diagram completion answers follow passage order, so move forward in the text step by step.
  • Always copy the exact word from the passage. Do not change it or use a synonym.
  • Check the word limit carefully. More than three words is automatically wrong.
  • Look at what the diagram is showing. Substance, product, or use can guide you.

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