Learning these words will help you regardless of the question format:
| Word | Meaning | Example from text | |------|---------|--------------------| | Subliminal | Below the threshold of conscious awareness | “Subliminal odours cannot be ignored by the brain.” | | Olfactory | Relating to the sense of smell | “Olfactory receptors send signals directly to the amygdala.” | | Compliance | The act of agreeing to a request | “Almond scent increased compliance by 20%.” | | Cognitive load | The amount of mental effort being used | “Unpleasant smells increase cognitive load, slowing reaction time.” | | Ecological validity | How well a study reflects real life | “Lab studies lack the ecological validity of a supermarket.” |
Based on the official Cambridge IELTS 13, Test 2 – Reading Passage 1, here are the typical questions and their correct answers. persuasion and smell ielts reading answers
Here is a simulated answer key for an unknown test version. Use it to check your logic.
Questions 1-5: True/False/Not Given
Questions 6-9: Complete the summary (ONE WORD ONLY)
The sense of smell is unique because signals go directly to the (6) ______ system.
Answer: limbic
In an experiment, people smelling (7) ______ performed a favour more often.
Answer: almond
However, the persuasive effect is (8) ______ and depends on the situation.
Answer: mild
Marketers often (9) ______ the power of scent in their campaigns.
Answer: overstate
Questions 10-13: Matching researchers to findings
10. Hirsch – Found that scent increases time spent in a casino
11. Baron – Discovered a link between pleasant smell and helping behaviour
12. Spangenberg – Showed that matching scent to product category is crucial
13. The author – Concludes that smell is a weak persuader Learning these words will help you regardless of
If you are using an unofficial practice book or a random online test, the question numbers and wording may differ. Here is how to adapt: