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IELTS Practice Reading: Note/Summary Completion Diagram ID: #56550 Medium Worker bees
Instructions ›
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Tap any word for its meaning

Worker bees are between 8-19mm in length. They are divided into three distinct parts; head, thorax, abdomen. They have an almost completely black head, a thorax that is golden brown and black with patches of orange, and yellow bands can be easily seen on the abdomen. At the front of the head are two antennae for sensing their environment. They have four single wings. The largest are called forewings and the smallest hindwings. The hind legs are specialized for collecting pollen - each leg is flattened to form a pollen basket near the end of each leg. Love them or hate them, we need bees to pollinate many important food crops, including most fruit and vegetables. Bee pollinated crops are important sources of vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium. By pollinating attractive wildflowers like bluebells and poppies, bees also help support the natural environment that people love – benefitting us culturally and economically, as well as ecologically. Calculations from the University of Reading show that £510 million of annual total crop sales in the UK are pollinated by bees and other insects.

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Question Focus: Labeling the larger pair of wings on the diagram

Correct Answer: forewings

Why this is correct: On the diagram, this label points to the larger wings. The passage clearly says the largest are called forewings, so this matches exactly what you see.

Passage Reference: They have four single wings. The largest are called forewings and the smallest hindwings.

Common Mistake: Some students write wings or front wings, but these words do not appear in the passage. You must copy the exact word. This is a synonym trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'largest are called forewings' = Diagram: 'label for the biggest wings'

Tips: When labeling diagrams, always match the size or position shown with the exact term used in the passage.

Key Vocabulary:

  • forewings = front wings
  • hindwings = back wings

Question Focus: Specialized part of the hind leg used for collecting pollen

Correct Answer: pollen basket

Passage Reference: The hind legs are specialized for collecting pollen - each leg is flattened to form a pollen basket near the end of each leg.

Why this is correct: The diagram points to a structure on the hind leg. The passage says the hind legs are flattened to form a pollen basket, which is exactly what this label refers to.

Common Mistake: Students sometimes write pollen only, but the passage names the full structure pollen basket. Writing only part is a partial truth trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'form a pollen basket' = Diagram: 'part of leg used to collect pollen'

Tips: If the passage gives a specific name for a body part, always use the full term.

Key Vocabulary:

  • specialized = adapted for a job
  • flattened = made flat

Question Focus: Labeling the smaller pair of wings

Correct Answer: hindwings

Passage Reference: They have four single wings. The largest are called forewings and the smallest hindwings.

Why this is correct: The diagram shows the smaller wings behind the larger ones. The passage says the smallest wings are called hindwings, so this is a direct match.

Common Mistake: Some students confuse this with forewings because both are wings. This is a context shift trap because the size is different.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'smallest hindwings' = Diagram: 'label for the smaller back wings'

Tips: Use size clues in the diagram like big vs small to choose the correct term.

Key Vocabulary:

  • hind = back
  • smallest = least large

Question Focus: Sensory organs at the front of the head

Correct Answer: antennae

Passage Reference: At the front of the head are two antennae for sensing their environment. They have four single wings.

Why this is correct: The diagram label points to two thin parts on the front of the head. The passage says there are two antennae used for sensing, so this fits perfectly.

Common Mistake: Students sometimes write antennas, but the passage uses antennae. Using a different form is a synonym trap.

Paraphrasing: Passage: 'two antennae for sensing' = Diagram: 'front head parts used to sense'

Tips: Always copy the exact spelling from the passage, especially with scientific words.

Key Vocabulary:

  • antennae = feelers
  • sensing = detecting

General Tips:

  • Diagram completion follows passage order. Scan the passage from top to bottom as you label.
  • Always copy the exact word from the passage. Do not change singular or plural unless the diagram clearly shows it.
  • Check the word limit carefully. One extra word makes the answer wrong.
  • Use visual clues like size and position in the diagram to guide you.

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