The upcoming IELTS test dates in 2025 are as follows:
19 July for the Academic version,
7, 21 June, and 5 July for the General Training version.
Availability may vary depending on the city.
In the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, you answer 40 questions in 60 minutes, covering three reading passages with a total word count between 2,150 and 2,750 words. The question types you'll encounter include multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, and more.
Each correct answer earns one mark, and raw scores are converted into Bands ranging from 1 to 9. The IELTS assessment focuses on your accuracy in answering the questions, not spelling or grammar. Keep in mind, there's no extra time provided to transfer your answers.
This blog explores how to tackle the “A Song on the Brain IELTS passage”, offering insights on what you can expect, the specific test formats to prepare for, and strategies to uplift your confidence as you prepare for the exam.
A Song on the Brain IELTS Reading Passage: Overview
A Song on the Brain IELTS passage features some of the more analytically demanding question types in the IELTS Academic Reading section, such as matching titles and MCQs.
It's a frequently used passage, challenging test-takers with complex vocabulary and inference-based questions. The average academic reading band score globally was 6.26, with a standard deviation of 1.26, reflecting the section's moderate difficulty and high reliability.
Below is a quick overview of the IELTS reading section:
Feature
Details
Number of Passages
3
Total Questions
40
Time Allotted
60 minutes
Passage Length
2,150–2,750 words total
Scoring
1 mark per correct answer; Band 1–9 scale
Penalty for Wrong
No negative marking; attempt all questions
Importance
Required for academic admission, migration, and professional registration
Next, let's look at A song on the brain IELTS reading samples to see what test-takers encounter on exam day.
A Song on the Brain IELTS Reading Passage: Sample Questions & Answers
To excel in the IELTS reading test, you must answer 13-14 questions in each passage under 20 minutes, focusing on accuracy, time management, and careful reading, as there is no extra time for transferring answers.
Always read instructions thoroughly, be mindful of word limits, and ensure spelling accuracy for each answer.
To get more practice with this, let's walk you through some sample passages on this topic, followed by various IELTS question types you might face:
True/False/Not Given Questions (Based on Passage 1)
Before you get into this section, it’s important to know that True/False/Not Given questions are designed to test how well you can determine the accuracy of statements based on the passage.
In the following passage, you’ll get to practice identifying what’s explicitly stated and what might be missing or implied.
Passage 1
It’s a common experience: a song you’ve heard just once or twice starts playing repeatedly in your mind. This phenomenon, known as “earworms”, can range from catchy jingles to full-length songs. Neurologists believe earworms are caused by a part of the brain called the auditory cortex, which processes sound. When a song enters this part of the brain, the mind sometimes "replays" it repeatedly, even when we don’t want it to.
Research has shown that earworms tend to happen with songs that have repetitive or simple melodies, making them easier to store in the brain. These melodies trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the "feel-good" chemical associated with pleasure. This reward system response can make us want to listen to the song repeatedly, creating a feedback loop.
Interestingly, earworms aren’t always welcome. Many people find them frustrating, especially when the song gets "stuck" at inconvenient times. Some studies have also suggested that earworms may be linked to the brain's attempt to solve a problem or fill in a gap in memory, leading to the song being mentally replayed in the background.
Despite the annoyance for some, earworms can also be a sign of a healthy brain, as they demonstrate the brain's active processing of information. A study conducted at the University of St. Andrews found that participants with a higher frequency of earworms performed better on memory recall tests.
Read the following statements and determine whether they are True, False, or Not Given based on the passage.
Q1. Earworms are caused by the auditory cortex, a part of the brain that processes sound.
Q2. Songs with complex melodies are more likely to become earworms.
Q3. The brain’s reward system plays a key role in why songs repeat in our minds.
Q4. Most people enjoy having earworms in their heads.
Q5. Earworms have no link to memory or problem-solving.
True/False/Not Given Answers:
True – The passage states that earworms are caused by the auditory cortex, which processes sound.
False – The passage mentions that songs with simple melodies are more likely to become earworms, not complex ones.
True – The passage explains that the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine, plays a key role in why songs repeat in our minds.
False – The passage indicates that most people find earworms frustrating, not enjoyable.
Not Given – The passage doesn’t mention a direct link between earworms and the brain's attempt to solve a problem or fill in memory gaps, so there’s no clear answer.
Now that you've practiced true/false questions, let's move to another standard question format: MCQs.
Multiple Choice Questions (Based on Passage 2)
When answering Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), remember that each option will be closely related to the information presented in the passage. It’s essential to look for clues pointing to the most accurate answer, as there could be similarities between the choices.
The following passage explains various theories on why earworms occur and how our brain plays a part in this repetitive phenomenon.
Passage 2
Many scientific theories attempt to explain why certain songs get stuck in our heads. One popular explanation is that earworms result from our brain's tendency to "complete" unfinished thoughts or experiences. When we hear a song, particularly one with a catchy melody or hook, our brain may try to predict what comes next in the song. If the brain cannot predict the next part, it may loop the music to "complete" it. This theory is often called the "brain's predictive model."
Some researchers argue that earworms are a byproduct of our brain’s memory system, which constantly works to make associations. When we hear a song repeatedly, our brain associates the song with specific memories, and the association can trigger the brain to replay the music without external stimuli. This explains why we sometimes remember a song long after we’ve stopped hearing it.
It’s also worth noting that people with high levels of stress or anxiety may be more prone to earworms. Studies suggest that when we’re under stress, our brain becomes more active and engaged in repetitive thoughts, which could lead to songs getting stuck in the mind.
Now that you've read through the passage, it’s time to test your understanding with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Q 1. According to the passage, what is one reason songs become earworms? a) They are played on repeat. b) Our brain is trying to "complete" the song. c) They are catchy but complex. d) They are associated with memories of stressful events.
Focus: Look for the main reason songs get stuck in our heads, as discussed in the passage. The correct answer will relate to the brain’s processing of the song.
Strategy: Identify which part of the passage explains the process behind earworms. Eliminate any options that don't directly address why the brain repeats songs.
Impact: Understanding this concept will help you answer questions about brain functions and memory processing effectively.
Answer: b) Our brain is trying to "complete" the song. (This is explained as the brain’s attempt to predict what comes next in the song and loop it to "complete" it.)
Q 2. What is the "brain's predictive model" theory about earworms? a) Earworms occur because the brain cannot predict the next part of a song. b) Earworms are caused by the brain's memory system. c) The brain loops songs because of repetitive stress. d) Earworms are a form of entertainment.
Focus: Pay attention to the specific theory mentioned in the passage regarding how the brain processes songs.
Strategy: Focus on the section of the passage discussing the brain’s model and prediction processes. Eliminate irrelevant options.
Impact: Recognizing this theory will help you in similar questions about memory, prediction, and brain functions in other academic texts.
Answer: a) Earworms occur because the brain cannot predict the next part of a song. (The passage explains that the "predictive model" theory is about the brain trying to predict and complete the song.)
Q 3. According to the passage, how does stress influence earworms? a) Stress prevents earworms from occurring. b) Stress makes us more likely to forget songs. c) Stress increases the likelihood of earworms due to repetitive thoughts. d) Stress has no impact on earworms.
Focus: Find the part where stress is linked to the occurrence of earworms.
Strategy: Focus on the part of the passage that mentions stress and its effects on the brain. Eliminate answers that suggest stress has no impact.
Impact: This will help you link emotional states like stress to cognitive phenomena, a useful skill for understanding psychology-based reading passages.
Answer: c) Stress increases the likelihood of earworms due to repetitive thoughts. (The passage says that the brain becomes more engaged in repetitive thoughts under stress, which can cause earworms.)
Q 4. What role do memories play in the formation of earworms? a) They help the brain forget the song. b) They trigger the brain to replay the song. c) They prevent songs from becoming earworms. d) They are irrelevant to the earworm process.
Focus: Look for the part that connects memory to the occurrence of earworms.
Strategy: Focus on how the brain associates memories with songs and how this triggers earworms. Eliminate irrelevant options.
Impact: Understanding the memory association process will help you better interpret passages that involve cognition and memory systems.
Answer: b) They trigger the brain to replay the song. (The passage mentions how the brain associates songs with memories and replays them as a result of those associations.)
Q 5. Which of the following best explains the connection between earworms and memory recall? a) Earworms are unrelated to memory. b) Earworms indicate the brain is not processing information correctly. c) Earworms are linked to memory associations that trigger repetitive thoughts. d) Earworms reflect a failure in memory recall.
Focus: The passage discusses the link between earworms and memory, so focus on the connection between these concepts.
Strategy: Identify how earworms are associated with memory and recall. Eliminate options that suggest earworms are unrelated or indicate malfunction.
Impact: This will help you understand how memory and repetitive thoughts work together, which is valuable for future reading comprehension tasks in IELTS.
Answer: c) Earworms are linked to memory associations that trigger repetitive thoughts. (The passage discusses how the brain’s memory system plays a role in earworms and their connection to memory associations.)
These questions and answers will give you a clear sense of how to approach the IELTS Reading section, particularly when dealing with scientific or complex topics.
Now that you're familiar with the question types, understanding the importance of vocabulary will help improve your overall comprehension and accuracy in the IELTS reading task: "A Song on the Brain".
Essential Vocabulary for a Song on the Brain IELTS Reading Passage
One of the biggest hurdles in the ‘A Song on the Brain’ IELTS passage is its use of academic and scientific vocabulary.
This passage blends technical terms, paraphrased ideas, and complex adjectives, all of which are common in academic IELTS. These language features test your ability to comprehend challenging material and deduce meaning from context.
A song or tune that repeats itself in your mind, often involuntarily.
1. I can't get that catchy jingle out of my head; it's become an earworm!
2. After hearing the song at the concert, it became an earworm that played in my mind all day.
3. He couldn’t focus on his work because he had an earworm from the radio stuck in his head.
Auditory Cortex
The part of the brain that processes sound.
1. The auditory cortex is responsible for perceiving music and speech.
2. Research shows that the auditory cortex is activated when we listen to familiar tunes.
3. Damage to the auditory cortex could impair our ability to process sound accurately.
Repetitive
Occurring over and over again.
1. The song's repetitive nature made it hard for me to stop singing it in my head.
2. His repetitive behavior was a sign that he needed a break.
3. The repetitive beats in the music kept me awake all night.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter that plays a key role in feelings of pleasure and reward.
1. Listening to your favorite song can release dopamine, making you happy.
2. The brain releases dopamine as a reward when we accomplish something.
3. High levels of dopamine are often linked to addictive behaviors.
Feedback Loop
A process where the output of a system is fed back into the system to influence its future behavior.
1. The feedback loop in the brain can cause a song to replay repeatedly.
2. When the feedback loop is strong, the song gets stuck in your head for hours.
3. The feedback loop between the auditory cortex and memory system makes earworms more persistent.
Annoyance
A feeling of being irritated or disturbed.
1. The constant repetition of the song was a source of annoyance for him.
2. The sound of the dripping faucet became an annoyance after a few hours.
3. He couldn't concentrate because of the annoyance caused by the loud music.
Neurologist
A doctor who specializes in the nervous system and its disorders.
1. The neurologist explained how our brain processes music and sound.
2. She saw a neurologist after experiencing strange auditory symptoms.
3. Neurologists are still studying the exact cause of earworms in the brain.
Involuntary
Done without conscious control.
1. His laughter was involuntary, a reaction to the funny joke.
2. The repeated melody in my head was involuntary, no matter how hard I tried to push it away.
3. The involuntary twitch in her eye was a sign of fatigue.
Memory Recall
The process of remembering or retrieving information from memory.
1. The song returned my childhood memories, triggering a sharp memory recall.
2. Good memory recall is essential for performing well in exams.
3. The study showed that earworms might improve your memory recall abilities.
Understanding these words and how they’re used in sentences will help you not only with the passage but also in applying these terms in your writing and speaking for IELTS.
Now, let’s understand the common mistakes that can lower your score and learn strategies to avoid them in the IELTS reading task: "A Song on the Brain".
Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips in a Song of the Brain IELTS Reading Passage
Many test-takers struggle with time management, misreading questions, and relying on background knowledge instead of the passage. These issues can lead to avoidable errors and lower scores, especially in challenging passages.
Let's understand the common mistakes and some helpful IELTS reading tips:
1. Overlooking Paraphrasing
One of the most common mistakes is missing out on paraphrased terms. For example, “earworm” in the passage might be referred to as “repetitive tunes” or “songs stuck in your head” in the questions.
Tip: Always focus on understanding the meaning behind the words, not just the specific terms. Keep an eye out for synonyms and related terms. If you see a familiar concept, don’t just look for the exact words; connect the ideas.
2. Misunderstanding the Question Type
Many students get confused by the subtle differences between the question types, especially True/False/Not Given. For example, they might mistakenly assume information is false when it’s not mentioned, or they might think something is implied when it’s Not Given.
Tip: For True/False/Not Given questions, make sure to carefully read the passage and check whether the statement is explicitly mentioned (True), contradicts the text (False), or is neither confirmed nor contradicted (Not Given).
3. Ignoring Details About Time and Cause
When the passage discusses processes or phenomena, such as how the brain processes songs, students often miss time-related details or cause-and-effect relationships.
Tip: Pay close attention to time markers (e.g., "since," "when," "after") and cause-effect terms (e.g., “because,” “due to,” “as a result”). These details are often crucial for answering questions correctly.
4. Skipping Inference-Based Questions
Inference questions can be challenging because they don’t have direct answers in the text. Students often look for an exact statement in the passage, missing the implied deeper meaning.
Tip: For inference-based questions, read between the lines. Focus on the overall message the author is conveying. Pay attention to context clues such as tone, word choice, and the logical flow of the passage.
5. Rushing Through the Passage
The temptation to rush through the passage is common, especially when time runs short. Skimming too quickly can lead you to miss important details or misinterpret the text.
Tip: Don’t rush! Spend time reading each paragraph carefully before answering. Make sure you understand the general meaning before diving into specific details.
Avoiding these pitfalls and learning from them when they happen is key to understanding ‘A Song on the Brain IELTS passage’ and similar IELTS general reading tests.
Next, to improve your practice, here are some top resources that provide extra practice and guidance for the IELTS reading task: "A Song on the Brain".
Top Practice Materials for IELTS Reading Passage Questions
Having a dedicated practice resource is crucial for excelling in IELTS Reading. Research indicates that candidates who consistently use authentic practice materials can improve their scores by up to 25% compared to those who don't.
Regular, focused practice not only gets you familiar with exam question types and time limits but also helps you build effective strategies for skimming, scanning, and handling complex vocabulary.
Below is a handpicked list of IELTS reading resources to help you achieve a good IELTS band score, especially Band 7 or Band 8.
Engaging video lessons that explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.
Before you choose your IELTS Reading practice platform, it’s worth knowing how upGrad can give you a measurable advantage in your exam preparation.
Download E-Books for IELTS Preparation
How Does upGrad Support Your Preparation for IELTS Reading Passage?
Preparing for IELTS Reading, especially with complex passages like ‘A Song on the Brain’ requires more than just practice. You need expert guidance, focused strategies, and consistent feedback to improve your comprehension, speed, and accuracy.
That’s precisely where upGrad can make a difference. With the right support and strategies, even the most challenging IELTS reading passages can be managed.
Book a 1-on-1 sessionwith upGrad experts today and get personalized feedback, proven techniques, and a study plan tailored to your IELTS goals.
Important IELTS Exam Resources
IELTS Exam Overview
IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details./
IELTS is the most popular and crucial test for evaluating English language proficiency throughout the world. Learn how to register for the IELTS exam./
It becomes necessary for candidates to meet the eligibility for IELTS exam and demonstrate their language proficiency while being assessed on four parameters, namely, Writing, Reading, Speaking and Listening./
The IELTS exam dates are allotted on a first-come and first-serve basis. Choose your date and timings beforehand to avoid the delay. You can register for the test both in online and offline mode./
Fully aware of the growing popularity of the language test, we bring to you a list of IELTS exam centers in India. The list will enable aspirants in better planning before registering for the test./
There are two types of IELTS tests – i) Academic IELTS and ii) General Training IELTS. Candidates are often confused about making the right choice of IELTS test that can meet their requirements regarding their education or job./
Picking the best IELTS books for preparation is essential for scoring well. It may seem tough at first but cracking the examination successfully is not impossible./
Writing task 2 in IELTS is descriptive essay writing. The applicants are supposed to write an essay in response to the statement or situation given in the essay./
Reading is the second part of the IELTS test and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages to increase difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer./
Please note that your performance on the speaking test is assessed based on the following criteria- fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and pronunciation./
IELTS is one of the most used English Language Proficiency Tests. The exam is scored in bands. Your IELTS band score determines the performance level of your test./
To book the IELTS exam, the candidates can either visit their nearest test center or book the slot online by visiting the official website of IDP. If they choose to go with the second option, they should follow the steps given below./
IELTS Academic writing is meant for students who are applying for top-ranked universities and colleges in English-speaking countries. The writing task one is an academic summary writing based on diagrammatic and graphical representation./
Writing Task 2 is the second part of the writing section of IELTS, where aspirants are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to write an essay in response to the question./
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 starts with a diagram, a visual representation of information. It can be a table, map, graph, process, diagram, or picture./
The essay for IELTS is part of Writing Task 2. It is the same for the General Training and Academic of the IELTS. You will get a topic and have to write an essay on the same./
The IELTS speaking cue cards come into play for the second part when the candidate will be choosing cue cards and then speaking on a topic for two minutes at least./
What is the difficulty level of the ‘A Song on the Brain’ passage in the IELTS exam?
This passage is considered moderately to highly difficult. It involves complex vocabulary, abstract ideas, and scientific reasoning that can challenge even well-prepared candidates. However, with the right reading strategies, it becomes much more manageable.
Is this passage more common in the Academic or General Training IELTS?
A Song on the Brain IELTS is exclusive to the IELTS Academic module. Academic passages are typically more research-based and technical in nature. You won’t find this kind of passage in the General Training version.
How long should I spend on reading passages like ‘A Song on the Brain’?
You should aim to complete the entire passage and its questions within 20 minutes. This includes skimming the text, reading in detail, and answering all items. Regular, timed practice will help you stay on track.
Do I need prior knowledge of neuroscience or music to understand the passage?
Not at all. IELTS passages are designed so that test-takers don't need outside knowledge. Every answer can be found directly in the text, so focus on reading comprehension rather than background expertise.
What reading skills are most important for tackling science-related passages in IELTS?
Key skills include skimming for the main idea, scanning for details, recognizing paraphrasing, and making inferences. Strengthening these skills will help you navigate complex and technical content more effectively.
Can ‘A Song on the Brain’ appear in computer-delivered IELTS tests?
Yes, the IELTS reading content is identical in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats. You might encounter this exact passage or similar scientific topics in either version of the test.
How many paragraphs are typically included in this type of passage?
Passages like this usually contain 6 to 8 paragraphs. Each paragraph introduces a new subtopic or research finding related to the main theme, which helps structure the passage logically.
What should I do if I find the vocabulary in the passage too difficult?
Try to understand the meaning through context, look at the surrounding words, and the tone of the sentence. Also, underline unfamiliar terms but don’t let them slow you down. Focus on the overall idea.
How do I stay focused while reading dense academic passages in IELTS?
Break the passage into sections, underline key points, and avoid reading passively. Practice regularly under test-like conditions to improve concentration and stamina for long passages.
Are practice questions based on this passage available for free online?
Yes, many IELTS preparation websites offer sample questions and reading sets similar to this one. Just make sure the source is reputable and the format matches the actual IELTS exam structure.
How often should I practice reading passages like ‘A Song on the Brain’ before my test?
It’s ideal to practice at least 3–4 academic passages per week, especially those with scientific or technical content. Repeated exposure will help build familiarity with vocabulary, structure, and question patterns.
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