Early History of Keeping Clean - IELTS Listening Answers

The ‘Early History of Keeping Clean’ is a section in the IELTS Listening test and taking this test will familiarize you with the different tones and intonations is good.

Furthermore, this IELTS Listening practice test is taken from the Cambridge IELTS 15 test 3, making it ideal for practice. This page contains the ‘Early History of Keeping Clean – IELTS Listening test’ for you to practice and prepare yourself to rock your final IELTS exam!

Audio for Early History of Keeping Clean IELTS Listening Answers

There are 10 questions in the Early History of Keeping Clean IELTS Listening, which presents one question type that is frequently found in IELTS Listening tests. It is:

• Note Completion (Q. 1-10)

Check out the video below for expert advice on efficiently solving the ‘Early History of Keeping Clean’s note completion question type!

Transcript of Early History of Keeping Clean IELTS Listening Audio

Questions 1-10

Complete the notes below.

Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

Early History of Keeping Clean

Prehistoric times:

• water was used to wash off 1……………..

Ancient Babylon

• soap-like material found in 2…………… cylinders

Ancient Greece:

• people cleaned themselves with sand and other substances
• used a strigil–scraper made of 3………………
• washed clothes in streams

Ancient Germany and Gaul:

• used soap to colour their 4………………

Ancient Rome:

• animal fat, ashes and clay mixed through action of rain, used for washing clothes
• from about 312 BC, water carried to Roman 5……………… by aqueducts

Europe in Middle Ages:

• decline in bathing contributed to the occurrence of 6……………….
• 7………………. began to be added to soap

Europe from 17th century:

• 1600s: cleanliness and bathing started becoming usual
• 1791: Leblanc invented a way of making soda ash from 8………………
• early 1800s: Chevreul turned soapmaking into a 9………………
• from the 1800s, there was no longer a 10……………… on soap.

Answers of Early History of Keeping Clean – IELTS Listening Answers with Explanation

Let's compare your answers with the correct ones for IELTS Listening sample, Early History of Keeping Clean, to see where you can improve for a top IELTS band score in Listening.

1. Answer: Mud

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Prehistoric people, living near water sources, used water to wash off mud from their hands. This basic practice reflects an early understanding of the cleansing properties of water. Hence the answer is mud.

2. Answer: Clay

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Excavations in ancient Babylon revealed evidence of soap-making dating back to 2800 BC. Cylinders made of clay with inscriptions on them indicated that fats were boiled with ashes, suggesting an early form of soap production. Hence the answer is clay.

3. Answer: Metal

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Ancient Greeks practised personal cleanliness by cleaning themselves with various substances like sand, pumice, and ashes. To scrape off the oil and dirt from their bodies, they used a metal instrument known as a strigil. Hence the answer is metal.

4. Answer: Hair

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Soap, made of melted animal fat and ashes, was used by ancient Germans and Gauls not only for cleansing but also for colouring their hair red. This indicates an early use of soap for cosmetic purposes as well. Hence the answer is hair.

5. Answer: Bath(s)

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Roman civilization advanced bathing practices significantly. The first famous Roman baths were constructed around 312 BC and were supplied with water from aqueducts. These baths became luxurious centres of social activity and personal hygiene. Hence the answer is bath.

6. Answer: Disease(s)

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: The decline in bathing habits during the Middle Ages in Europe contributed to the spread of diseases. Lack of personal cleanliness and unsanitary living conditions were significant factors in outbreaks of disease, including the infamous Black Death of the 14th century. Hence the answer is disease.

7. Answer: Perfume

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: As soap-making evolved in Europe, perfume began to be added to soap during the Middle Ages. This addition not only enhanced the cleansing properties but also introduced fragrances for aesthetic appeal. Hence the answer is perfume.

8. Answer: Salt

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: In 1791, French chemist Nicholas Leblanc patented a process for turning salt into soda ash or sodium carbonate. This innovation paved the way for large-scale commercial soap making by providing an inexpensive source of alkali necessary for soap production. Hence the answer is salt.

9. Answer: Science

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: In the early 19th century, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul’s studies on the chemical nature of fats, glycerin, and fatty acids established the scientific basis for soap chemistry. Soap-making transitioned from a traditional craft to a systematic scientific process. Hence the answer is science.

10. Answer: Tax

Question Type: Note completion

Answer Explanation: Until the 19th century, soap was considered a luxury item and was heavily taxed in several countries. However, with advancements in production techniques and the removal of high taxes, soap became more affordable and accessible to ordinary people, leading to improved cleanliness standards. Hence the answer is tax.

Also Check:

• House Service Information Listening Answers | IELTSMaterial.com
• Scandinavian Studies – IELTS Listening Answers
• Free Activities in the Burnham Area – IELTS Listening Answers
• Enquiry About Joining Youth Council – IELTS Listening