# Stepwells: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 1, Reading Passage 1

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 1, Reading Passage 1. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Used for educational practice. Explanations and evidence notes are written by Testmigo.

## Answer key

| Q | Answer | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | FALSE | Unique to this region, stepwells are often architecturally complex |
| 2 | TRUE | the significance of this invention - the stepwell - goes beyond its utilitarian application. ... they were places of gathering, of leisure and relaxation and of worship |
| 3 | NOT GIVEN | while a few also survive in Delhi. |
| 4 | NOT GIVEN | stepwells comprise a series of stone steps descending from ground level to the water source |
| 5 | TRUE | When the water level was high, the user needed only to descend a few steps to reach it; when it was low, several levels would have to be negotiated. |
| 6 | pavilions | they also included pavilions that sheltered visitors from the relentless heat. |
| 7 | drought | southern Rajasthan suffered an eight-year drought between 1996 and 2004. |
| 8 | tourists | Tourists flock to wells in far-flung corners of north-western India |
| 9 | earthquake | this ancient structure survived an earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. |
| 10 | four sides | including four sides of steps that descend to the bottom in a stunning geometrical formation. |
| 11 | tank | It actually resembles a tank |
| 12 | verandas | verandas which are supported by ornate pillars overlook the steps. |
| 13 | underwater | it is nine storeys deep, with the last two being underwater. |

## Why these answers are right

**1. FALSE.** The statement says stepwells exist all over the world. Paragraph B opens with unique to this region, meaning north-western India, and says most are in Gujarat and Rajasthan, with a few in Delhi. That contradicts a worldwide spread, so the answer is FALSE.

**2. TRUE.** You check whether stepwells had uses beyond water. Paragraph A says their significance goes beyond utilitarian use, and Paragraph B lists them as places of gathering, leisure, relaxation and worship. Those extra roles agree with the statement, so it is TRUE.

**3. NOT GIVEN.** Paragraph B notes that a few stepwells survive in Delhi, but the passage never compares how attractive they are with those in Gujarat or Rajasthan. Without any judgment about their beauty, the statement cannot be checked, so it is NOT GIVEN.

The why and the trap for questions 4 onwards are free with an account on the [answers page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/stepwells/answers).

[Practice Stepwells](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/stepwells)