The Pyramid of Cestius IELTS Reading Answers with Detailed Explanations (2025)

PASSWORD AT LAST 

The Pyramid of Cestius reading answers

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QUESTIONS 1–7: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN

1. The pyramid of Cestius has always been one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions.
Answer: Not Given
Explanation: The passage states it has never attracted much interest but doesn't mention if it was ever popular at any point.
Location: Paragraph A

2. The construction of the pyramid was completed before Cestius’ death.
Answer: True
Explanation: It says Cestius ordered the pyramid to be built within 330 days, indicating it was built during his lifetime.
Location: Paragraph B – “...who ordered that the building work be completed within a period of 330 days.”

3. In the Middle Ages, people thought an original founder of Rome was buried in the pyramid of Cestius.
Answer: True
Explanation: People believed it was the tomb of Romulus or Remus, founders of Rome.
Location: Paragraph E – “...popular myth had developed that it might be a tomb for one of the twin brothers Romulus and Remus...”

4. Today the height of the pyramid is something that tourists and residents immediately notice.
Answer: False
Explanation: It lies below street level, and heavy traffic causes people to overlook its full height.
Location: Paragraph F – “...passing tourists and residents could easily fail to notice its full height...”

5. Japanese businessman Yuzo Yagi was an admirer of both Italian and Egyptian architecture.
Answer: Not Given
Explanation: It mentions his gratitude toward Italy but nothing about Egyptian or architectural admiration.
Location: Paragraph F – “...‘It’s an act of gratitude,’ he later told journalists.”

6. The restoration of the pyramid of Cestius, which was funded by Yuzo Yagi, finished earlier than expected.
Answer: True
Explanation: It states the work was completed ahead of schedule thanks to Yagi’s contribution.
Location: Paragraph F – “...was completed ahead of schedule thanks to his 2-million-euro contribution.”

7. Most of the original frescoes inside Cestius’ tomb have survived to this day.
Answer: False
Explanation: Earlier records mention more frescoes, but most have disappeared over time.
Location: Paragraph G – “...there used to be more here, but the majority have disappeared over time.”

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QUESTIONS 8–13: COMPLETE THE NOTES

8. It was made from ______ marble and cement
Answer: Bricks
Explanation: The inside was made of bricks held together by cement, with marble on the outside.
Location: Paragraph C – “...constructed from brick held together by a basic kind of cement...”

9. Its ______ is different to the pyramids found in Egypt
Answer: Shape
Explanation: The pyramid is unusually steep, giving it a different shape.
Location: Paragraph C – “...the shape of Cestius’ pyramid is quite unlike that of typical Egyptian ones.”

10. It was originally built in the ______ as building tombs in the city was forbidden
Answer: Countryside
Explanation: Roman law prohibited tombs inside the city, so it was built outside.
Location: Paragraph D – “...the pyramid of Cestius would have stood in the countryside.”

11. Some broken ______ were found next to it
Answer: Statues
Explanation: Bronze statue fragments were discovered near the pyramid.
Location: Paragraph E – “...fragments of bronze statues that had once stood on them...”

12. The ______ inside the tomb suggests that robbers had been there
Answer: Tunnel
Explanation: The discovery of a tunnel implies the tomb may have been robbed.
Location: Paragraph E – “...they did come across a tunnel...robbers had...removed the contents...”

13. Climbers are helping to get rid of signs of ______
Answer: Pollution
Explanation: The pyramid is cleaned regularly to remove urban pollution.
Location: Paragraph H – “...to remove the layer of urban pollution.”

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PASSWORD: 21JUNEAC

Describe a person's house/apartment that you think is very good | New cue cards 2025 |

 

 

5. Describe a person's house/apartment that you think

is very good

You should say:

- Who this person is

- What the house/apartment is like

- How often you visit there

- And explain why you think it's very good

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📝 Sample Answer

Describe a person's house/apartment that you think is very good

Honestly speaking, I’ve seen a lot of beautiful homes, but the one that really stands out to me is my cousin Rahul’s apartment. He shifted there a few years back, and ever since my first visit, I’ve always been in awe of how well-planned and aesthetic his place is.

His apartment is located in a high-rise building in Chandigarh, and it's a spacious 3-bedroom flat with a modern interior. The living room is full of natural light, thanks to the large French windows, and the overall theme of the house is quite minimalistic but elegant. One of my favorite areas is his balcony, which overlooks a green park — it’s perfect for a morning coffee or just relaxing in the evening.

I visit his place quite frequently, especially during weekends or holidays. Rahul and I are childhood friends, so his home often becomes our hangout spot where we chill, watch movies, or even study together.

What makes this apartment so impressive to me is not just the design, but the overall warmth and vibe it has. It’s beautifully decorated, well-maintained, and equipped with smart devices that make life easier — like voice-controlled lights and a compact home office. It feels modern yet cozy, and it reflects Rahul’s personality really well.

All in all, it’s the kind of house I would love to have one day — peaceful, stylish, and welcoming.

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💬 Vocabulary:

• Aesthetic – visually appealing or beautiful
• Minimalistic – simple and uncluttered in style
• High-rise – a tall residential or commercial building
• Well-maintained – kept in good condition
• Smart devices – electronic gadgets connected through internet or automation

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🧠 Idioms & Phrases:

• In awe of – deeply impressed
• Hangout spot – a place where you frequently meet and relax
• Morning coffee – symbolic of a peaceful routine
• Reflects someone’s personality – shows someone's character or style

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🔗 Connectors:

• Honestly speaking
• Ever since
• One of my favorite areas
• I visit his place quite frequently
• What makes this…
• All in all

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🧩 Customizable Template:

Honestly speaking, one house/apartment that left a lasting impression on me is [person’s name]’s place.

It is located in [location] and features [describe layout/style/facilities].

I visit it [frequency], especially [when/why].

What makes this place so special is [reasons – style, comfort, atmosphere, etc.].

All in all, I believe it’s one of the most well-designed and inviting homes I’ve seen.

Some people believe that anyone can create art such as painting poetry music and so on. Others think that a person should have abilities to create art. Discuss both views and give your opinion | Real exam ielts writing task 2 | computer based ielts test

It is a debatable issue among individuals whether art requires special talent to produce or it can be done by anyone with limited knowledge. Although anyone with basic knowledge can create something artistic, I still believe that a specialized talent is must to do it professionally.

On the one hand, there are several reasons behind the former notion. The primary one is that if someone has prior exposure to different artistic skills, they will be able to reflect those skills in their artwork. In other words, when someone follows or sees any art form on a regular basis, they develop knowledge about the basics of such fields, which can be helpful for them. For example, someone from the family of an actor or painter may have fundamental knowledge about these domains, as from a young age they observed their parents or relatives doing the same thing. Therefore, art is not just limited to those who have natural talent; anyone with exposure and interest can also do well.

On the other hand, many believe that specialized talent plays a vital role in producing high-quality art. While basic exposure can help someone get started, professional-level painting, poetry, or music often demands not just practice but a unique sense of creativity, imagination, and emotional depth. Some people are naturally gifted with these qualities, which allows them to create original and impactful pieces. For instance, legendary artists like Mozart or Picasso were recognized for their exceptional abilities from a very young age, which shows that innate talent cannot be replaced by basic knowledge alone. Thus, to truly excel and stand out in the artistic world, one needs more than just training—they need talent.

In conclusion, although it is true that anyone can attempt to create art with interest and exposure, I firmly believe that achieving excellence in the field of art requires specialized or natural talent. Without it, one may struggle to produce work that is both innovative and professionally appreciated.

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💡 Key Ideas Used:

View 1 – Anyone can create art:

• Exposure to artistic environments builds foundational understanding.

• Regular observation or interest helps develop basic skills.

• Family background in art (e.g., actor or painter) contributes to early learning.

• With enough interest, even those without talent can produce meaningful work.

View 2 – Talent is necessary:

• Professional-level art often needs unique creativity and emotional depth.

• Practice alone may not replace the need for innate ability.

• Iconic figures (like Mozart or Picasso) had natural artistic gifts.

• Talent helps individuals produce original, high-quality art that stands out.

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📚 Useful Vocabulary & Phrases:

Vocabulary / Phrase	Usage / Meaning
Debatable issue	Topic that has two sides and is open to argument
Specialized talent	A natural or trained ability in a particular field
Prior exposure	Previous experience or familiarity with something
Artistic skills / domains	Fields such as painting, poetry, music, etc.
Fundamental knowledge	Basic or essential understanding
Naturally gifted	Born with a particular ability or talent
Creative expression	The way an individual shows their ideas or emotions through art
Impactful pieces	Artworks that create a strong impression
Professional-level	Of high enough quality to be accepted in a career or expert context
Innate talent	Talent someone is born with
To excel	To do extremely well in something
Professionally appreciated	Recognized and respected in a professional context

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Would you like a Band 9 full version based on these same ideas and vocabulary?

Describe a sports event you would like to watch | New cue cards

4. Describe a sports event you would like to watch

You should say:

- What it is

- Who you want to watch with

- Why you want to watch it

- And explain how you feel about it

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📝 Sample Answer:

Honestly speaking, I’ve always been a huge fan of cricket, and one sporting event that’s on the top of my bucket list is watching the IPL final match live in a stadium. There’s something electrifying about the atmosphere, the roaring crowd, and the intense face-offs between top players that makes it an unforgettable experience.

If I get a chance, I would love to watch the match with my best friend Rahul, who is equally passionate about cricket. In fact, we often watch matches together on TV, and we always talk about how exciting it would be to witness the energy of a live match, especially a high-stakes final.

The reason I want to watch the IPL final in person is because it brings together the best players from around the world, and the thrill of the game is on another level. The stadium vibe, the cheer squads, and the nail-biting finishes make it truly one of a kind. Plus, watching my favorite team, Punjab Kings, battling it out on the field would be the cherry on top.

I believe that sports not only entertain us but also teach us valuable life lessons like teamwork, patience, and resilience. So, attending an IPL final wouldn’t just be about fun; it would also be an experience full of emotions and inspiration.

All in all, I hope to tick this off my wishlist someday and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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💬 Vocabulary:

• Electrifying – exciting and full of energy
• High-stakes – involving a lot of risk or importance
• Nail-biting – very exciting and making you nervous
• Face-offs – direct competitions or confrontations
• Cheer squads – groups who support and energize the crowd

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🧠 Idioms & Phrases:

• On the top of my bucket list – something I really want to do in my life
• The cherry on top – something that makes a good situation even better
• Witness the energy – experience the vibe personally
• Tick off my wishlist – to achieve or complete something I’ve always wanted

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🔗 Connectors:

• Honestly speaking
• If I get a chance
• In fact
• The reason I want to…
• Plus
• All in all

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🧩 Customizable Template:

Honestly speaking, I’ve always been a fan of [sport name], and one event I would love to watch live is [name of the event].

I would love to go there with [friend/family member], who is just as enthusiastic about it.

The main reason I want to watch it is because [mention excitement/importance/players]. Watching it live would be an unforgettable experience.

All in all, I hope to attend it one day and make some cherished memories.

How To Improve Your Pronunciation Practical techniques to enhance your pronunciation for better clarity in the speaking test.

🎯 Why Pronunciation Matters in IELTS Speaking

Pronunciation is 1 of the 4 criteria (alongside Fluency, Lexical Resource, and Grammar).
It includes intonation, stress, rhythm, and clarity — not just accent!

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✅ Top Techniques to Improve Your Pronunciation

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🔹 1. Shadowing Technique

What it is: Listen to a native speaker and repeat what they say immediately, mimicking tone, stress, and rhythm.

Practice with:

• TED Talks

• BBC Learning English

• IELTS Speaking samples

✅ Tip: Start with short sentences. Use subtitles first, then turn them off as you improve.

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🔹 2. Learn Word Stress and Sentence Stress

Examples:

• ‘PHOtograph’ vs. ‘phoTOgrapher’

• Stress important words:
  “I WENT to the MARKET yesterday.”

✅ Tip: Use online dictionaries (like Cambridge) to check stress patterns.

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🔹 3. Record Yourself and Compare

How to do it:

• Record yourself answering IELTS Speaking questions.

• Compare with a native sample (from YouTube or sample audio).

• Listen for word stress, clarity, pauses, and fillers.

✅ Tip: Use free apps like Audacity or even your phone recorder.

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🔹 4. Use Phonemic Transcription

Understanding symbols like /θ/ in think or /ʃ/ in she can boost accuracy.

✅ Tip: Use YouGlish to hear words in real contexts from real people.

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🔹 5. Improve Your Intonation

IELTS examiners listen for natural rise and fall in your tone — especially in:

• Questions

• Expressions of surprise or contrast

• Showing emotion

Practice:
Say aloud:
“I really wanted to go, but I couldn’t.” → Stress on but

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🎧 Bonus Practice Resources

• BBC Learning English – Pronunciation series

• Rachel’s English (YouTube)

• ELSA Speak (AI-based app for pronunciation training)

• IELTS Liz / Simon Speaking Band 9 Videos

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🗣️ Daily Pronunciation Routine (15 min/day)

Task	Time
Shadowing native audio	5 min
Practice word stress (3–5 words)	3 min
Record & review one IELTS answer	5 min
Speak aloud with a book/news	2 min

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