# The power of play: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 14, Test 3, Reading Passage 3

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 14, Test 3, Reading Passage 3. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Used for educational practice. Explanations and evidence notes are written by Testmigo.

## Answer key

| Q | Answer | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 27 | B | discrete descriptions of various types of play such as physical, construction, language, or symbolic play (Miller & Almon 2009) |
| 28 | G | The adult's role in play varies as a function of their educational goals and the child's developmental level (Hirsch-Pasek et al. 2009). |
| 29 | F | hybrid forms of work and play are not a detriment to learning; rather, they can provide optimal contexts for learning |
| 30 | E | process orientation and a lack of obvious functional purpose may be the most important aspects of play (e.g. Pellegrini 2009) |
| 31 | C | play is defined along a continuum as more or less playful using the following set of behavioral and dispositional criteria (e.g. Rubin et al. 1983) |
| 32 | NO | children will do so in any circumstances, for instance when they have no real toys |
| 33 | YES | Our society has created a false dichotomy between play and learning. |
| 34 | NOT GIVEN | build a repertoire of creative problem-solving skills |
| 35 | NO | Full consensus on a formal definition of play continues to elude the researchers and theorists who study it. |
| 36 | YES | Unlike play, work is typically not viewed as enjoyable and it is extrinsically motivated (i.e. it is goal oriented). |
| 37 | encouraging | or encouraging further exploration or new facets to the child's activity. |
| 38 | desire | Play should stem from the child's own desire. |
| 39 | autonomy | Intrinsically motivated free play provides the child with true autonomy |
| 40 | targeted | while guided play is an avenue through which parents and educators can provide more targeted learning experiences. |

## Why these answers are right

**27. B.** The statement is about splitting play into separate categories. The passage says some definitions use discrete descriptions of types of play, such as physical, construction, language or symbolic play, and credits this to Miller and Almon. Discrete types are separate categories, so the answer is B.

**28. G.** You need the source saying adults' aims shape their part in play. The passage states that the adult's role in play varies with their educational goals and the child's level of development, citing Hirsch-Pasek et al. Educational goals are the intended goals, so the answer is G.

**29. F.** The statement says mixing work and play may suit learning best. Joan Goodman suggested that hybrid forms of work and play do not harm learning and can provide optimal contexts for it. Hybrid means combined and optimal means best, so the answer is F.

The why and the trap for questions 30 onwards are free with an account on the [answers page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/the-power-of-play/answers).

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