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IELTS Reading Passage: Flower Power
Paragraph A
Research at the Department of Psychology at Rutgers State University of New Jersey confirms that flowers are unique among living organisms in their ability to induce changes in our emotional state. As the first part of their research, the Rutgers psychologists studied women in their homes. Each was presented with a variety of gifts such as flowers, fruit, or sweets. The women were unaware that the study was about the effect of gifts on their emotions. They were told that they were simply helping to test the delivery efficiency of a local florist. The results showed that flowers, more than any other gift, elicited a true ‘Duchenne smile’ – the kind of smile that involves the mouth, cheeks, and eyes, and is considered the most authentic expression of happiness.
Paragraph B
In the second study, the psychologists observed participants being handed single flowers or alternative gifts in a constrained and stressful situation – inside an elevator. Both men and women who received flowers were more likely to smile, stand closer, and initiate conversation than those who received other gifts. Some subjects who were given alternative gifts later discovered that flowers were also being handed out and returned to demand one. This response shows that the flowers had a strong, immediate positive effect on mood and sociability, even among strangers in a socially awkward environment.
Paragraph C
The third part of the research involved sending flowers on a regular basis to a sample of men and women. The recipients showed not only elevated mood but also improvements in memory and cognitive function. In some cases, the recipients' emotional responses were so strong that the researchers were surprised. There were spontaneous hugs, enthusiastic phone calls, and even invitations to visit. These reactions suggest that flowers can create significant and lasting emotional benefits that go beyond initial pleasure.
Paragraph D
There are several theories attempting to explain the powerful psychological effect of flowers. One is based on evolution: early humans may have developed a preference for fertile environments with growing plants, as these were more likely to provide food. Flowers, then, could be subconscious signals of safety, nourishment, and successful reproduction. However, this theory has a flaw – the most visually attractive flowers often grow on plants that bear no edible fruits or roots.
Paragraph E
The Rutgers team suggests that flowers impact our emotions through multiple sensory channels: color, shape, symmetry, and scent. These features combine to produce a powerful emotional reaction. Previous studies have shown that certain perfumes with floral elements can reduce depression. It may be that our response to these characteristics evolved to help us detect ripe fruit or safe environments, but over time, flowers became emotionally rewarding in their own right – even when they serve no survival purpose.
Paragraph F
Perhaps flowers have evolved alongside humans, using their appeal to secure a place in our homes, gardens, and rituals. The psychologists propose that this may be a case of plant-human co-evolution, similar to the domestication of animals like dogs. Just as dogs evolved traits that endear them to humans, so too may flowers have developed characteristics that appeal to us emotionally. If this theory is true, flowers are not just passive decorative objects – they may have adapted specifically to thrive by exploiting our emotional preferences.
Questions 1–7: List of Headings
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number i–viii in boxes 1–7 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings:
i. A negative reaction to receiving flowers
ii. Some surprisingly strong responses to flowers
iii. A mutually beneficial relationship?
iv. Becoming more open about personal matters
v. Some common social functions of flowers
vi. Sensory appeal versus practical purpose of flowers
vii. Bridging the gap between strangers in an enclosed space
viii. An imperfect theory
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Paragraph A: ____________
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Paragraph B: ____________
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Paragraph C: ____________
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Paragraph D: ____________
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Paragraph E: ____________
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Paragraph F: ____________
Questions 34–37: Classify the following statements
Classify the following statements as referring to:
A. the first study
B. the second study
C. the third study
Write the correct letter A, B, or C in boxes 34–37 on your answer sheet.
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The study focused on participants' short-term reaction to receiving flowers. ____________
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Participants were deliberately misled as to the aim of the study. ____________
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Receiving flowers had a notable effect on participants' mental capacities. ____________
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Male and female responses were more uniform than expected. ____________
Questions 38–40: Summary Completion
Complete the summary of paragraph E below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from paragraph E for each answer.
A possible explanation for the appeal of flowers
It has been suggested that our intense response to flowers originates in prehistoric times. The presence of flowers might indicate a potential source of 38. ____________ in a particular location, and primitive humans would search for such signs when looking for a suitable site to raise their 39. ____________. The interpretation of these signs was essential for the survival of our ancestors. However, the problem with this idea is that the plants producing the most attractive flowers do not usually have fruit which is 40. ____________.
Answer Key:
Questions 1–6: List of Headings
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v – Some common social functions of flowers
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vii – Bridging the gap between strangers in an enclosed space
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ii – Some surprisingly strong responses to flowers
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viii – An imperfect theory
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vi – Sensory appeal versus practical purpose of flowers
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iii – A mutually beneficial relationship?
Questions 34–37: Study Classification
34. B
35. A
36. C
37. B
Questions 38–40: Summary Completion
38. food
39. children
40. edible
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