Allergy Testing - IELTS Reading Answer

Various question types are asked in IELTS Academic Reading to test specific reading skills and some of them are given in Allergy Testing IELTS Reading Answers. These question types are:

• IELTS Reading Matching Features (Q. 1-7)
• IELTS Reading Summary Completion (Q. 8-14)

Ideally, IELTS test-takers should take around 20 minutes to solve a passage like ‘Allergy Testing’ in IELTS Academic Reading. Therefore, to master this skill, they need to take IELTS reading practice tests regularly. Let’s see how easy this passage is for you and if you’re able to make it in 20 minutes.

Reading Passage

Allergy Testing

Questions 1-7

1 A substance is inserted beneath the skin with a needle.

2 It is often done on a patient’s back.

3 It is advisable for patients who have skin problems.

4 It is not advisable for patients who have had serious allergic reactions in the past.

5 It shows results within half an hour.

6 It can cause red and white bumps on the patient’s skin.

7 It has a higher cost than other tests.

Questions 8-14

Allergic reactions result from touching, breathing, or 8……………………..certain substances called 9 ………………… Coughing or itching are two possible 10………………….of an allergic reactions. More serious allergic reactions may result from certain insect bites, foods, or 11……………………….. A severe allergic reaction is known as 12………………………. It can result in loss of blood volume and heart failure. Doctors can use a variety of tests to 13……………………the source of an allergy. Treatment may include taking medication or 14…………………………the substances that cause the allergic reaction.

Answers of Allergy Testing Reading Answers With Location and Explanations

Go through the answers and detailed explanations of each question in the Allergy Testing passage and prepare to get a high IELTS band score.

1 Answer: B

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 4

Answer explanation: The introductory line of the 4th paragraph states, “Another test that is very similar to the skin-prick test is the intradermal allergy test. This involves placing the allergen sample under the skin with a syringe.” These lines suggest that there’s a similar test to the skin prick tests which involves inserting a substance beneath the skin with a needle. This test is known as an intradermal test. Thus, the answer is B.

2 Answer: A

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 3,line 5

Answer explanation: Paragraph 3 illustrates the most common types of environmental allergy tests, the skin-prick tests. In the 5th line of the 3rd paragraph, it is mentioned that though the procedure is virtually painless, this test is often done on the upper back of children to prevent them from seeing the needle. These lines suggest that a skin-prick test is often done on a patient’s back. Thus, the answer is A.

3 Answer: C

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 5

Answer explanation: The 5th paragraph illustrates that a blood test can be performed to safely isolate over 400 different allergies, including dangerous food and environmental allergens. The Radio Allergo Sorbent Test (RAST) measures specific IgE antibodies using a blood sample. However, in the 6th line, it is mentioned that the RAST is used if patients have pre-existing skin conditions. It is evident that patients having skin problems are advised to take a blood test. Thus, the answer is C.

4 Answer: B

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 4,line 4

Answer explanation: Paragraph 4 explains the skin-prick test, which is the intradermal allergy test, and people who have experienced serious allergic reactions called anaphylactic reactions are not advised to have these types of tests. These lines clearly state that it is not advisable for patients who had serious allergic reactions in the past to undertake intradermal tests. Thus, the answer is B.

5 Answer: A

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 3, last line

Answer explanation: Paragraph 3 illustrates the most common types of environmental allergy tests, the skin-prick tests. In the last line of the same paragraph, it is mentioned that results from a skin test can usually be obtained within 20 to 30 minutes, while the reaction usually fades within a few hours. It is evident from these lines that the skin-prick test shows results within half an hour. Thus, the answer is A.

6 Answer: A

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 3,line 9

Answer explanation: The 9th line of paragraph 3 states that the white wheal is the small raised surface, while the flare is the redness that spreads out from it. In an uncontrolled allergic reaction, wheals and flares can get much bigger and spread all over a person’s body. We can deduce from these lines that skin-prick tests can cause red and white wheals or bumps ( a red, swollen mark left on flesh by blow or pressure) on the patient’s skin. Thus, the answer is A.

7 Answer: C

Question type: Matching Features

Answer location: Paragraph 5, last line

Answer explanation: Paragraph 5 illustrates the blood tests and in the last line, it is mentioned that the RAST is a more expensive test that does not provide immediate results. So, it is clear from these lines that blood tests have higher costs than other tests. Thus, the answer is C.

8 Answer: eating

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 1

Answer explanation: The introductory paragraph of the passage states that Allergic reactions are triggered by the contact, inhalation, or ingestion of a number of different allergens. Some of the most common allergens are made up of proteins found in plants, mold, food, venom, animal skin, and medication. These lines indicate that allergic reactions result from touching, breathing, or eating certain substances of a number of different allergens. Thus, the answer is eating.

9 Answer: allergens

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 1

Answer explanation: Paragraph 1 illustrates Allergic reactions are triggered by the contact, inhalation, or ingestion of a number of different allergens. We can deduce from these lines that allergic reactions are caused by touching, breathing, or eating certain substances called allergens. Hence, the answer is allergens.

10 Answer: signs

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 1,line 3

Answer explanation: The first paragraph states how allergic reactions occur. In the 3rd line, it is mentioned that symptoms of allergic reactions range from mild irritation such as itching, wheezing, and coughing to life-threatening conditions related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal organs. These lines suggest that itching, coughing, and wheezing are the possible signs of an allergic reaction. Hence, the answer is ‘Signs’.

11 Answer: medicines

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 1, line 4

Answer explanation: The initial lines of the first paragraph illustrate that allergic reactions are triggered by the contact, inhalation, or ingestion of a number of different allergens. In the 4th line, it is mentioned that Serious allergic reactions are more likely to result from food, drugs, and stinging insects. We can understand that serious allergic reactions result from food, drugs (medicines), and insect bites. Hence, the answer is medicines.

12 Answer: anaphylaxis

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 4,line 6

Answer explanation: The 6th line of the 4th paragraph states that Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that affects the whole body and is potentially life-threatening. These lines indicate that Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, which can result in loss of blood volume and heart failure. Hence, the answer is Anaphylaxis.

13 Answer: identity

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 7

Answer explanation: The initial lines of the 7th paragraph states that after using a reliable testing method, the cause of an allergic reaction is often identified, and a physician is able to help a patient develop a treatment plan with the goal of controlling or eliminating the allergic symptoms. These lines reveal that Doctors use a variety of reliable tests to identify the source of an allergic reaction and its treatment plans. Thus, the answer is identified.

14 Answer: avoiding

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph 7, line 3

Answer explanation: The 3rd line of the 7th paragraph illustrates that those who are allergic to furry pets, pollen, and plants are prescribed mild medication or taught how to control their reactions with simple lifestyle changes, while those with food allergies learn to safely remove certain foods from their diets. We can understand from these lines that individuals allergic to pets, pollen, and plants are advised mild medications, whereas others with food allergies are instructed to cut down certain foods. Thus, it is clear that treatment may include taking medication or avoiding the substances that cause the allergic reaction. Hence, the answer is avoiding.

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