# The steam car: answers and explanations

Cambridge IELTS 18, Test 3, Reading Passage 2

Source: Passage, questions and answer key from Cambridge IELTS 18, Test 3, Reading Passage 2. © Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Used for educational practice. Explanations and evidence notes are written by Testmigo.

## Answer key

| Q | Answer | Proof |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 14 | iii | But these early cars inherited steam's weaknesses along with its strengths. |
| 15 | viii | A new technology called the Internal Combustion Engine soon appeared |
| 16 | vi | it drew the attention of automobile trade magazines due to its numerous improvements over previous steam cars |
| 17 | v | the General Engineering Company had received 5,390 deposits for Doble Detroits |
| 18 | vii | Those buyers who received the handful of completed cars complained that the vehicles were sluggish and erratic |
| 19 | i | After sitting overnight in freezing temperatures |
| 20 | iv | it is not unthinkable that the steam car may rise again |
| 21 | A | But the glory days of steam cars were few. |
| 22 | C | Though it did not run well, the Doble brothers went on to build a second and third prototype in the following years. |
| 23 | B | in order to seek investment in his automobile design |
| 24 | speed | its maximum speed was pushed to over a hundred miles per hour |
| 25 | fifty | fewer than fifty of the amazing Model E steam cars had been produced. |
| 26 | strict | and they are pretty strict. |

## Why these answers are right

**14. iii.** Paragraph A says early cars inherited steam's weaknesses along with its strengths, then describes slow boilers and small water tanks as well as quick transport. Inherited means passed on, and weaknesses and strengths are bad and good aspects, so heading iii fits.

**15. viii.** Paragraph B describes the Internal Combustion Engine, which let drivers set off moments after starting, and explains how the electric starter helped it phase out steam power. A rival technology that wins out is a better option arising, so heading viii is correct.

**16. vi.** Paragraph C says the Model B drew the attention of trade magazines and that Automobile magazine praised its remarkable acceleration. It also ran in virtual silence without the smell of gas engines. Press praise for a quiet, clean, fast car matches heading vi.

The why and the trap for questions 17 onwards are free with an account on the [answers page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/reading/the-steam-car/answers).

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