# The megafires of California: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 4, Reading Passage 1

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 10, Test 4, 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 | spread | and spread more erratically than in the past. |
| 2 | 10 times | 10 times the size of the average forest fire of 20 years ago. |
| 3 | below | has had significantly below normal precipitation in many recent years. |
| 4 | fuel | now the primary fuel for megafires. |
| 5 | seasons | Second is fire seasons that on average are 78 days longer than they were 20 years ago. |
| 6 | homes | Third is increased construction of homes in wooded areas. ... We are increasingly building our homes in fire-prone ecosystems |
| 7 | TRUE | What once was open space is now residential homes ... population growth has averaged more than 600,000 a year for at least a decade |
| 8 | FALSE | many experts give California high marks for making progress on preparedness in recent years |
| 9 | TRUE | Stung in the past by criticism of bungling that allowed fires to spread when they might have been contained |
| 10 | TRUE | State promises to provide more up-to-date engines, planes, and helicopters to fight fires have been fulfilled. |
| 11 | NOT GIVEN | funding for firefighting has increased, despite huge cuts in many other programs |
| 12 | FALSE | There is a sense among both government officials and residents that the speed, dedication, and coordination of firefighters from several states and jurisdictions are resulting in greater efficiency |
| 13 | FALSE | we will no longer suffer the loss of life endured in the past |

## Why these answers are right

**1. spread.** The note describes how today's fires move, followed by "more unpredictably". Paragraph A says wildfires now "spread more erratically than in the past," and erratically means unpredictably, so the verb spread is the single word that fills the gap.

**2. 10 times.** You need how much bigger fires are than two decades ago. Paragraph B says megafires burn 500,000 acres or more, which is "10 times the size" of the average fire of 20 years ago, so 10 times (or ten times) completes the note.

**3. below.** The note compares recent rainfall with the average. Paragraph C explains that the region has had "significantly below normal precipitation" in many recent years. Precipitation means rainfall and normal matches average, so the word needed is below.

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

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