Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 491
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 491 – PASSAGE – 2

IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 491
READING PASSAGE – 2
POLYGRAPH AND LIE DETECTING MACHINES
In the 20th century, lie detection took on scientific aspects with the development of techniques that use measures of physiological responses as indicators of deception. The best known of these is the polygraph. This technique, which relies on physiological measurements developed early in the century, has become for many in the U.S. law enforcement and intelligence communities (including counterintelligence officials in several agencies) the most valued method for identifying criminals, spies and saboteurs when direct evidence is lacking.
Polygraph tests are often called ‘lie detector’ tests. While they can’t read your mind to see if you’re lying, they measure physiological changes such as heart and perspiration rate, to determine if you may have become nervous when being asked a certain question. This may indicate that you aren’t telling the truth or are covering up something. Modern polygraph specialists use two types of machines to conduct their tests.
IELTS General Reading Test
General Operation
All polygraph tests operate in the same general way. The specialist will attach a cuff to the upper arm to record blood pressure and will affix two small metal devices to the fingers to monitor perspiration activity. There may be straps placed around the abdomen to measure breathing rate as well. Testing is comprised of three sections: pre-test, chart collection and test data analysis. No polygraph testing instruments include the use of voice stress analysis.
Conventional Instruments
Conventional test machines also known as analog instruments are still sometimes used for testing, although they are diminishing in popularity as compared to computerized versions. The analog instruments used a complex ‘box’ with a series of switches and dials, a roll of chart paper, and moving pens to record changes in physiological measurements. The examiner would then need to read all of these papers, recording which questions were asked when, in order to determine whether the noted changes indicated a lie. Problems with this system included ink shortage, paper tears and discrepancies resulting from initial pen placement.
IELTS General Reading Test
Computerized Instruments
New technology has allowed for the development of computerized polygraph tests, rendering the analog equipment nearly obsolete. Rather than wasting paper and time fiddling with the conventional equipment, examiners now use programs such as those created by Axciton Systems and Stoelting Company to record and decipher all measurements on their portable computer screens.
The system will usually have options to view the test results on-screen or printed out, and may have composite options with chart-scoring as well. While polygraph enthusiasts argue that the computerized versions have immense improvements over their older analog counterparts, anti-polygraph activists maintain that the same and other issues are still there such as ease of ‘beating’ the test using physiological modifiers.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 15-17
Write the appropriate letter from A-D.
15. Polygraph cannot be used to identify which of the following options?
A. Criminals
B. Thieves
C. Spies
D. Saboteurs
16. Which of the following will a specialist not do to perform a polygraph test?
A. Record blood pressure
B. Monitor perspiration activity.
C. Measure breathing rate
D. Voice stress analysis.
IELTS General Reading Test
17. Which of the following is not a part of the conventional method of testing?
A. Two small metal devices
B. A series of switches and dials
C. A roll of chart paper
D. Moving pens
Questions 18-22
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text above?
In boxes 18-22 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE – if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE – if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN – if there is no information on this
18. Polygraph tests are effective in detecting nervous excitement.
19. The possibility of physiological manipulation of results of a polygraph makes it mendacious
20. ‘Lie detector’ is the eke-name for polygraph test.
21. Chart scoring methods are not used in unison with new technologies to conduct lie testing.
22. An interrogation by a psycho physiological expert also is a part of polygraph test.
IELTS General Reading Test
Read the text below and answer Questions 23-29.
FIELD TRIP TO MEXICO
In January, this year, we embarked on a field trip to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The trip was part of a module ‘Quaternary Environments’ with the module having a focus on students designing and carrying out studies to assess changes in past and present environments. We arrived in Cancun, on the peninsula’s eastern coast.
There we had our first taste of Mexican cuisine which was very nice, and stayed in a lovely hotel. The next day we began to carry out some of the fieldwork related to our studies at the lake Punta Laguna. We also visited a Mayan archaeological site called Ek Balam, where we were able to climb a 30m high pyramid that allowed us to see miles across the beautiful, green peninsula.
IELTS General Reading Test
For the next three days, we were based in the major city of Merida. From here we visited a range of fieldwork sites, primarily sinkhole features known as ‘cenotes’, sites where groundwater has become exposed at the surface. Fieldwork was by no means easy, but it was such a fun and an amazing experience, being able to work in a team with new friends in such an amazing environment.
While some of us were on boats at these sites, others were by the shore sampling invertebrates and water quality. While based in Merida, we also visited the pyramids at Uxmal and a bat cave where we were able to experience hundreds of bats flying out the cave at dusk to hunt. We also visited Celestun where, on speed boat, we saw pelicans, crocodiles, condors and flamingos which was amazing (not to mention we were lucky enough to swim in mangroves).
IELTS General Reading Test
After this we lived on a rural ranch for four days where fieldwork continued at Lakes Esmeralda and Chichancanab, the key sites of past geographical research. Again, working with friends was great, especially in such lovely weather. We were also fortunate enough to visit Chichen Itza, while back at the ranch we had an opportunity for horse riding, biking and caving.
After all our work was complete, we travelled to Tulum where we were able to spend some time shopping, and also had a chance to swim in the warm, refreshing Caribbean Sea. My time in Mexico was the best experience and the adventure I have ever been to. The trip allowed for geographical theory to be put into practice, for new friendships to be made and for beautiful sites and animals to be seen. Overall, this trip was fantastic!
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 23-29
Write the appropriate letter A, B, C or D as answers in the boxes 23-29 on your answer sheet.
NB: You can use one letter more than once
Classify the following statements as referring to:
A. Merida
B. Cancun
C. Rural ranch
D. Tulum
IELTS General Reading Test
23. First tasted Mexican cuisine
24. Saw sinkhole sites called ‘cenotes’
25. Explored Mayan archaeological site
26. Swam at Caribbean Sea
27. Visited Chichen Itza
28. Experienced the pyramids at Uxmal
29. Spotted flamingos at Celestun
IELTS General Reading Test

IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
15. B
16. D
17. A
18. TRUE
19. TRUE
20. TRUE
21. FALSE
22. NOT GIVEN
23. B
24. A
25. B
26. D
27. C
28. A
29. A
IELTS General Reading Test