Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Academic Reading Test 436
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 436 – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST – 436
READING PASSAGE – 2
ESSENTIAL OILS
A. The word “essential oil” is derived from the original “quintessential oil “. It stems from
the Aristotelian concept that matter is composed of four elements – fire, air, earth and water. Quintessence or the fifth element was then deemed to be spirit or life force. The processes that helped in removing the spirit from the plant were thought to be distillation and evaporation, and this is also reflected in our language since the term “spirits” is used to describe distilled alcoholic beverages such as brandy, whiskey, and eau de vie-a fruit brandy
B. Essential oils are fragrant concentrates found in plants. The oils are extracted through cold pressing or steam distillation, although other methods can be used depending on the type of plant. Purity is of the utmost importance when it comes to essential oils. For this reason, one must opt for established aromatherapy suppliers while making purchases and not the commercial-grade product that has been engineered to meet the demands of perfume industries.
IELTS Academic Reading Test
C. These oils are extremely complex chemical structures and consist of an elaborate mixture of aromatic compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, lactones, phenols, terpenes and sesquiterpenes which combine to produce a unique set of therapeutic qualities. The purity of these oils is ascertained by the laboratory procedures of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).
D. There are many beauty benefits of essential oils. They promote a clear complexion, soften the skin, and reduce signs of ageing. The hair becomes lustrous and healthy-looking. Furthermore, over the counter beauty products contain harmful chemicals and are not always right for use. Essential oils can help purge the chemicals from your beauty regimen. By enjoying the benefits of essential oils every day, you will not only look good but feel good too.
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E. History says essential oils have been used not only as beauty products but also as healing agents for thousands of years. Over the years, the importance of using essential oils as beauty aids, healing agents and mood enhancers has increased. A little bottle of esoteric oil with its properties is more effective than a whiff of perfume. It can be applied topically, incorporated into massage oils or taken internally by way of inhalation as the product demands.
A few drops of lavender in the bathwater can do wonders for relaxation or a good night’s sleep. If used correctly, ethereal oils can create an emotionally balanced life. Essent oils also have revitalising agents. As you browse through the products available in the mark you will see essential oils for most common maladies.
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F. While meditation is vital for spiritual upliftment, there is nothing like essential oils and inc to the ser along the way The scent of the pure constituents in these oils stimulates P olfactory receptors and activates regions in the brain’s limbic system associated memory emotions and state of mind and relaxes the mind. Applying the oils to the feets, wrists and behind the ears before meditation is practiced in spiritual activities. Home cleansing products often contain harsh chemicals. By substituting these toxic substances with essential oils, cleaning can be more effective and devoid of the side effects of chemicals. Cleansing oils can be used to eliminate bacteria from any surface type.
G. Due to having highly developed industries, high per capita income, governmental subsidies and tax benefits that encourage the production of essential oils, Europe is closely followed by North America to emerge as the second major regional market. The value of Europ essential oil market was over USD 2.50 billion in 2015, and this market is likely to witness steady growth rate owing to market saturation.
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Europe is estimated to hold the prominent market share, on account of rising awareness and growing demand for medicines, natural cosmetics and beauty products, and nutraceuticals. Increasing consciousness in the society’s young as well as the vast geriatric population in countries such as France, Germany, U Spain, and Italy, among others, has aided the regional industry growth.
H. The region expected to emerge as the fastest-growing region in the global industry owing to rising awareness about products derived from natural sources is the Asia Pacific. Als growing disposable income has reinforced the essential oils’ derived product demand. Some leading companies operating in the global industry include Biolandes, Sydney Essential Oils HRF, The Lebermuth Company, Young Living Essential Oils, doTerra, Essential Oils of New Zealand, Sydella Laboratoire, Farotti Essenze, Moksha Lifestyle Products, West India Spice Inc., Falcon and Ungerer Limited among others.
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I. Product sales and customer preference indicate tremendous health benefits of ethereal oil some of which have already been under scientific research. As of today, essential oils cannot be patented as no large corporation will agree to invest millions into research as they cannot claim it to be their own invention. For this reason, clinical research into the merits of essential oils, and aromatherapy, in general, is sadly lacking. This is not meant to advocate that essential oils should replace conventional medicine, yet it can surely be hoped that they are going to play a prominent role in our general health and mental well-being.
Questions 14-19
Reading Passage 2 has nine paragraphs, A-I.
Which paragraph contains the following information?
14. an account of different ways in which essential oils can be administered
15. a word of caution while buying essential oils
16. a description of how ingredients of essential oils influence mental activity
17. a mention of the state’s role in promoting essential oils
18. a reference to methods used for checking the genuineness of essential oils
19. a reason for the absence of laboratory tests on benefits of essential oils
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Questions 20-23
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Essential oils derive their name from the 20__________ which was considered to be 21__________
Medicinal properties of essential oils are attributed to a wide combination of 22__________
Essential oils are not yet 23__________ as no manufacturer can promote them as their own creation.
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Questions 24-26
Complete the table below
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer
Region | Essential oils market |
24__________ | upcoming as the second biggest market in the region |
European countries, e.g. France, Germany | Gaining recognition among the 25__________and old population |
26__________ | Predicted to grow at maximum speed due to the inclination towards natural products |
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ANSWERS
14. E
15. B
16. F
17. G
18. C
19. I
20. FIFTH ELEMENT/QUINTESSENCE
21. SPIRIT/LIFE FORCE
22. AROMATIC COMPOUNDS
23. PATENTED
24. NORTH AMERICA
25. YOUNG
26. ASIA PACIFIC