IELTS Practice: Designed to Last Reading Answers

Latest Update: IELTS Academic Reading shows strong reliability with a consistency score of 0.89 and a measurement error of 0.41. The average score is 6.26, while Band 7 usually requires 30 correct answers out of 40. Practicing passages like “Designed to Last” can increase your reading skills and scores.

More than 4 million candidates took the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam last year. It’s held in over 140 countries, spoken in more than 140 languages, and attempted by first-time students, skilled migrants, and working professionals alike.

Among the four modules, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Academic Reading is one of the most challenging, with an average band score of 6.26. One of the texts often used for practice is “Designed to Last” from Cambridge IELTS 13. This passage helps build core skills, including locating information, tracking arguments, and managing time.

This guide breaks down sample questions, strategies, key vocabulary, and common mistakes related to the Designed to Last Reading Answers, so practice stays aligned with the IELTS exam preparation.

Designed to Last Reading Answers: Overview

The passage "Designed to Last" from Cambridge IELTS 13 focuses on sustainable design and product durability, highlighting how careful the types of engineering can extend a product’s lifespan.

It’s a valuable IELTS Academic Reading practice text because it requires candidates to grasp detailed information, analyze complex concepts, and follow a structured argument. Here’s a quick guide to the question formats you’ll encounter in Designed to Last Reading Answers passage and the skills they assess:

IELTS Reading Question Type	What It Measures
Sentence Completion	Tests ability to find and use specific details from the text
Matching Statements to People/Sections	Assesses recognition of who said what or where ideas are found
Yes/No/Not Given	Checks understanding of the writer’s opinions or claims
Multiple Choice	Evaluates comprehension of main ideas and supporting details
Summary/Note/Flow-chart Completion	Measures skill in summarizing and organizing key information
Short Answer Questions	Tests ability to locate and report precise facts from the passage

Also Read: IELTS Preparation Online - The Best Solution

Looking to increase your IELTS Reading performance? Working through authentic exam-style questions is key. Whether your goal is to study abroad or raise your band score, getting comfortable with IELTS reading passages will give you a solid advantage.

Understanding the broad structure of “Designed to Last” sets the stage for a closer look at the actual passages that form the core of this IELTS reading section.

Designed to Last Reading Answers Passages

“Designed to Last” IELTS test format typically contains around 900 words across 7 paragraphs, aligning with the IELTS standard passage length of 800-950 words. The passage explores the principles of durable design, focusing on how products and structures can be created to last longer, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.

Below is a summary of the main points across the Designed to Last Reading Answers paragraphs to help you understand this IELTS reading section and prepare your answers effectively.

Paragraph 1: Introduction to Sustainable Design and Consumer Culture

Jonathan Chapman, a senior lecturer from the University of Brighton, studies sustainable design with a focus on reducing waste in consumer culture. Many designers, including Chapman, are concerned about the large amount of waste generated by people in Western countries due to the short lifespan of everyday objects. Some aim to create products that people will want to keep for a long time instead of throwing away quickly. Others focus on making consumer goods more durable or easier to recycle. This is important because our current way of using and disposing of goods leads to enormous waste that harms the environment.

Paragraph 2: The Problem of Short-Lived Consumer Products

A common example of wasteful products is domestic power tools like electric drills. Although buyers may plan to use these tools frequently, most drills are only used for about ten minutes before being discarded. Many tools end up unused, gathering dust in garages, as people feel reluctant to admit that they wasted money. Despite this, these products will remain in landfill sites for thousands of years. The production, packaging, transportation, and disposal of a single power tool consume much more resources than the tool itself weighs, making their short use especially harmful to the environment.

Paragraph 3: Cultural Significance and Design Philosophy

Understanding why people discard products so easily begins with looking at the reasons behind their purchases. According to Chapman, ownership often reflects personal identity and social belonging. However, in the age of mass production, that sense of meaning has weakened. In the past, individuals either made their belongings, inherited them, or obtained them from local craftsmen they knew. These objects carried stories, memories, and emotional value. Today, those connections are rare. As a result, consumer culture focuses more on the thrill of acquiring something new. Once that excitement wears off, many replace old items with fresh ones, continuing a cycle of constant consumption, something John Thackara refers to as the “schlock of the new.”

Paragraph 4: Emotional Connection and Longevity in Design

Chapman suggests that one way to reduce waste is through “emotionally durable design.” This approach focuses on creating items that people build personal connections with over time. For example, a favorite pair of jeans often feels more meaningful after years of wear because it becomes part of someone’s daily life. That kind of connection can't be easily copied or replaced. Chapman believes this slow development of attachment encourages people to value and keep their belongings longer. Supporting this idea, Walter Stahel, a visiting professor at the University of Surrey, uses the example of a childhood teddy bear. Even when it becomes worn, most people wouldn’t consider replacing it because of its emotional significance. Stahel argues that design should aim to create that same lasting bond, helping objects remain relevant and appreciated long after their initial use.

Paragraph 5: Case Studies of Enduring Structures

Creating long-lasting products is only part of the solution. Sustainable design also involves examining the entire lifecycle of a product, from how it is made and used to how it is eventually disposed of. According to Tim Cooper of Sheffield Hallam University, the aim should be to consider not just individual objects but also the larger systems they are part of, including how we produce and consume goods. He notes that the progress in this area has been slower than expected. However, with growing concern over environmental challenges and the strain on natural resources, there is now greater attention being given to sustainability in product design and broader industrial practices.

Paragraph 6: Environmental Collapse Root Causes

John Thackara highlights two main causes of environmental collapse: weight and speed. We produce more goods than the planet can handle and use huge amounts of energy to move them quickly around the world. Contrary to hopes that the Information Age would reduce environmental impact, it has actually accelerated consumption and resource use by combining technology with industrial practices, increasing the global economic “metabolism.”

Paragraph 7: Solutions to Waste and Energy Use

The solution is straightforward: reduce waste and energy consumption, limit transportation of goods, and rely more on people. Ezio Manzini, an industrial design professor, compares this transition to “changing the engine of an aircraft mid-flight.” Despite the challenge, he believes a move toward a more sustainable, post-throwaway society is achievable and is supported by others in the field.

Paragraph 8: The Multi-Local Society Vision

Manzini proposes redesigning the global economy into a “multi-local society,” where resources like food and energy are sourced and used locally as much as possible. These local hubs would still connect to wider national and global networks to maximize efficient use and flow of materials, balancing local self-sufficiency with broader cooperation.

Paragraph 9: What Post-Throwaway Consumerism Will Look Like

In this future society, people will increasingly choose sustainably designed products, such as energy-saving light bulbs, efficient appliances, or groceries with less packaging. This shift represents a move towards products that cause less environmental harm throughout their lifecycle.

Paragraph 10: Changing Consumer Behavior and Product Design

People will spend less on owning material goods and more on services, like car-sharing instead of buying extra cars. Renting will become more common for seldom-used items, especially those that are frequently updated. Products will be sold with plans for their recycling or disposal, with costs factored into the price upfront. Many companies are already adopting sustainable design to meet growing consumer demand and stay competitive.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Fees in India 2025: Complete Breakdown & Cost Guide

With the passages clearly outlined, it’s time to explore how these Designed to Last Reading Answers texts translate into specific question types you’ll encounter on the test.

Designed to Last IELTS Reading: Sample Questions and Answers

The IELTS Reading section comprises 40 questions to be answered in 60 minutes, testing various skills like skimming, scanning, and detailed comprehension. This section guides you through practice questions based on the “Designed to Last” passage, which examines how thoughtful design can extend the life of products and reduce waste.

You can use an IELTS Band Score Calculator after completing practice tests to track your progress accurately. The following practice items are grouped by question type, allowing you to concentrate on the particular reading skills each format demands. 

Questions 1-5: Multiple Choice

Multiple choice questions make up about 38% of the “Designed to Last” question set (5 out of 13), testing your ability to identify precise details. These questions check your grasp of detailed points and logical inferences made in the passage. Each question presents four options.

For the multiple choice questions in the “Designed to Last” passage, follow these strategies:

• Select the option that exactly matches the information presented in the passage.
• Rule out choices that are not mentioned, are only partly true, or directly contradict the text.
• Remember, only one answer is fully correct-your choice must be clearly supported by evidence from the passage.

Q1: What does ‘conscience time’ imply in paragraph 2?

A) People feel guilty when they throw things away easily.

B) The shelf in the garage needs cleaning.

C) The consumers are unaware of the waste problem.

D) The power tool should be placed in the right place after being used.

Focus: Meaning of the phrase ‘conscience time’ in relation to consumer behavior

Strategy: Look for explicit details about how consumers treat power tools after purchase in paragraph 2.

Impact: Understanding this helps avoid misinterpreting subtle phrases and choosing the correct option

Answer: A Explanation: Paragraph 2 says most power tools “will serve conscientious time, gathering dust on a shelf in the garage; people are reluctant to admit that they have wasted their money.” This implies that people feel guilty about throwing things away easily, matching option A.

Q2: Prior to mass production, people owned things to show

A) their quality

B) their status

C) their character

D) their history

Focus: Understanding the reasons people valued objects before mass production

Strategy: Find information in paragraph 3 about the significance of objects in earlier times

Impact: Helps to grasp the contrast between past and present consumer attitudes, essential for selecting the correct answer

Answer: D Explanation: Paragraph 3 explains that people often made their own belongings or inherited them, creating a personal and emotional connection. These items carried stories and memories, giving them a sense of history. This directly supports option D, showing that objects represented “their history” rather than just quality, status, or character.

Q3: The word ‘narrative’ in paragraph 3 refers to

A) the novelty culture pursued by the customers

B) the motivation of buying new products

C) object stories that relate personally and meaningfully to the owners

D) the image created by the manufacturers

Focus: Understanding the meaning of ‘narrative’ in the context of paragraph 3

Strategy: Look for clues about the relationship between objects and their owners before mass production

Impact: Correct interpretation of vocabulary in context helps in accurate answer selection

Answer: C Explanation: In paragraph 3, the word ‘narrative’ means the personal story or history that an object carries with it. It’s about how the object is connected to the owner through memories and emotions. This shows that the object isn’t just a thing but has meaning because of the owner’s experience with it. That’s why option C, which says ‘object stories that relate personally and meaningfully to the owners,’ is the right answer.

Q4: Without a personal connection, people buy new stuff for

A) sharing

B) freshness

C) collection

D) family members

Focus: Understanding why consumers buy new products without emotional attachment

Strategy: Identify reasons given in paragraph 3 for buying new items without personal connection

Impact: Recognizing the author’s point about consumer behavior helps avoid distractors

Answer: B Explanation: Paragraph 3 explains that people “idolize novelty,” meaning they are attracted to newness and want to feel excitement again by buying fresh, new products. This shows that the main reason for buying without personal attachment is the appeal of ‘freshness,’ making option B the correct answer.

Q5: The writer uses the examples of old jeans and a teddy bear to show that

A) products are used just for practical purposes

B) producers should make more attractive items

C) Chapman had a difficult childhood

D) emotional bonds encourage people to keep things longer

Focus: Understanding the purpose of examples in paragraph 4

Strategy: Find the examples in the text and identify their main point

Impact: This avoids confusion about emotional vs. practical reasons for keeping objects

Answer: D Explanation: The writer uses old jeans and a teddy bear as examples to highlight emotional connections people have with objects. These items are kept not because they are useful, but because they hold personal memories. This emotional bond makes people reluctant to throw them away. It shows how feelings influence how long people keep things. That’s why option D is correct.

Next, summary completion questions require you to synthesize information and fill in missing parts accurately.

Questions 6-9: Summary Completion

This task requires you to complete a short summary using words from a given list. Focus on identifying key facts or concepts from the passage that align with the summary, and pay attention to meaning rather than surface-level word matches.

Here’s how it works with sample questions and answers:

Q6: According to Tim Cooper, sustainable design is progressing

A) quickly

B) slowly

C) properly

D) surprisingly

Focus: Identifying how Tim Cooper describes the pace of sustainable design development (Paragraph 5)

Strategy: Look for direct statements about progress speed

Impact: Helps understand the urgency of environmental issues

Answer: B Explanation: Tim Cooper points out that sustainable design has developed more slowly than many expected. He uses the phrase “surprisingly slow to take off” to emphasize this delay in progress. This shows that while efforts exist, they have not advanced rapidly or as effectively as hoped. Recognizing this slow pace helps understand the challenges faced in promoting eco-friendly design. That’s why option B, slowly, is the best answer.

Q7: John Thackara summarizes the root causes of environmental collapse as

A) weight and speed

B) weight and economy

C) speed and metabolism

D) energy and speed

Focus: Finding the two key words describing environmental collapse causes (Paragraph 6)

Strategy: Scan for Thackara’s explanation

Impact: Pinpoints main environmental concerns

Answer: A Explanation: John Thackara identifies the main causes of environmental collapse as “weight and speed.” These two words highlight how the physical mass of products and the fast pace of consumption harm the environment. By focusing on these factors, he points to the pressure humans put on natural resources. Understanding this helps explain why these issues are critical. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Q8: Thackara argues that the Information Age has

A) reduced environmental impact

B) lightened the economy

C) increased the world's metabolism

D) slowed down industrial growth

Focus: Understanding Thackara’s view on technology’s effect (Paragraph 6)

Strategy: Identify the impact of technology on environment

Impact: Clarifies the paradox of technological progress

Answer: C Explanation: Thackara explains that the Information Age has sped up the world’s metabolism, meaning it has increased the rate at which resources are used and waste is produced. This shows that technology, while advanced, actually intensifies environmental pressure rather than reducing it. Recognizing this helps understand the complex impact of modern progress. Therefore, option C, increased the world's metabolism, is correct.

Q9: Manzini’s ‘multi-local society’ means resources should be

A) globally distributed

B) sourced and used locally

C) imported from other countries

D) centralized in big cities

Focus: Defining the concept of the ‘multi-local society’ (Paragraph 8)

Strategy: Locate the explanation of resource sourcing and distribution

Impact: Understand sustainable alternatives to globalization

Answer: B Explanation: Manzini’s idea of a ‘multi-local society’ means that resources should be both sourced and used within local areas. This reduces reliance on global supply chains and lowers environmental impact. By focusing on local production and distribution, communities become more sustainable. This approach contrasts with centralized or globalized systems. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Following that, Yes / No / Not Given questions focus on evaluating statements against the passage’s content and tone.

Also Read: IELTS Plan for 1 Month – A Complete Preparation Strategy

Questions 10-13: Yes / No / Not Given

For these statements, determine whether the writer’s position supports them, contradicts them, or makes no clear reference at all. This task tests your ability to distinguish between what is explicitly stated and what is assumed or omitted.

For Yes/No/Not Given questions in the “Designed to Last” passage:

• Yes: Mark this if the statement clearly agrees with what the writer says in the passage.
• No: Choose this if the statement clearly contradicts the writer’s views or information.
• Not Given: Select this if the passage does not provide enough information to decide either way.

Q10: People often buy things that are seldom used and then discard them.

Focus: Checking if the passage confirms common consumer behavior (Paragraph 2)

Strategy: Look for evidence about usage and disposal habits of consumers

Impact: Helps understand wastefulness discussed in the passage

Answer: YES Explanation: Paragraph 2 confirms that people often buy items they rarely use. It gives the example of power tools used for only about ten minutes before being discarded. This shows a common pattern of wasteful consumer behavior. Recognizing this supports the idea that many products are quickly thrown away. Therefore, the answer is YES.

Q11: In a post-throwaway society, consumers will pay extra money for the disposal of electronic goods.

Focus: Identifying if the passage mentions cost added to disposal of electronics (Paragraph 10)

Strategy: Find statements about pricing related to recycling and disposal

Impact: Clarifies economic aspects of sustainable design

Answer: YES Explanation: Paragraph 10 states that in a post-throwaway society, consumers will pay extra upfront to cover the cost of recycling electronic goods. This means the price includes disposal fees as a form of prepayment. It highlights how economic measures support sustainable design. Understanding this helps grasp the financial side of eco-friendly consumption. Therefore, the answer is YES.

Q12: Many businesses have quickly adopted sustainable design to attract customers.

Focus: Verifying the passage’s claims about businesses and sustainability (Paragraph 10)

Strategy: Look for information on business reactions to consumer concerns

Impact: Understand market trends in sustainable design

Answer: YES Explanation: Paragraph 10 explains that many businesses have quickly adopted sustainable design to appeal to customers. They improve their green credentials to meet consumer demand and remain competitive. This shows a fast response from companies to environmental concerns. Understanding this highlights how market trends influence sustainability efforts. Therefore, the answer is YES.

Q13: Companies will reduce their spending on repairs in the future.

Focus: Checking for information about companies’ future repair costs (Whole passage)

Strategy: Search the passage for any statements about repair spending

Impact: Avoid assumptions about company strategies

Answer: NOT GIVEN Explanation: The passage does not provide any information about companies reducing or changing their spending on repairs. There are no statements about future repair costs or strategies related to repairs. Without clear evidence, it’s impossible to confirm this claim. Therefore, the correct answer is NOT GIVEN.

To effectively tackle these question types, understanding the importance of vocabulary related to the passage is crucial. Let’s explore this further.

Vocabulary for Designed to Last IELTS Reading Answers

A strong understanding of important vocabulary, both academic and topic-specific, is essential for success in the "Designed to Last" IELTS Reading passage. This 900-word expository text features terms related to sustainability, design, and consumer behavior, common IELTS themes.

Expanding vocabulary in these areas improves reading accuracy and speed, leading to reading band score gains of up to 1.0 in Reading. 

Here’s a selection of key terms from the “Designed to Last” passage, along with their meanings and contextual usage:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Durability	Ability of a product to last a long time without breaking	“Durability is a central goal in sustainable product design.”
Sustainable design	Creating products that minimize environmental impact	“Sustainable design aims to reduce waste and resource consumption.”
Obsolescence	The process of becoming outdated or no longer used	“Planned obsolescence leads to more frequent product replacement.”
Emotional attachment	Strong personal connection to an object	“Consumers keep items longer when they have an emotional attachment to them.”
Lifecycle	The stages a product goes through from creation to disposal	“Considering the full lifecycle of a product can improve its sustainability.”
Innovation	Introduction of new ideas or methods	“Innovation in materials has made products more durable and eco-friendly.”
Consumer behavior	The habits and decisions of people buying and using products	“Understanding consumer behavior helps designers create longer-lasting goods.”
Resource efficiency	Using materials and energy in a way that reduces waste	“Resource efficiency is a priority in modern manufacturing.”
Upcycling	Reusing materials to create products of higher value	“Upcycling old items is a strategy promoted in sustainable design.”
Environmental impact	The effect a product or action has on nature	“Designers assess environmental impact before launching new products.”

Also Read: Tips to Improve Pronunciation for IELTS

To build your word bank further, focusing on common collocations and phrases used in the Designed to Last Reading Answers passage sharpens your language skills.

Collocations and Phrases

Learning collocations related to sustainability, design, and consumer culture can increase your comprehension and enhance your lexical resource score, which is important for both IELTS Reading and Writing sections.

Below is a table with common collocations and phrases from the “Designed to Last” passage along with their meanings:

Collocation/Phrase	Meaning
Sustainable design	Designing products to minimize environmental harm
Product lifespan	The length of time a product is usable
Planned obsolescence	Intentionally designing products to become outdated quickly
Emotional attachment	A strong personal connection to an object
Throwaway culture	A society focused on single-use or short-lived products
Consumer behavior	The habits and decisions of buyers
Resource efficiency	Using resources in a way that reduces waste
Long-term value	The lasting usefulness or benefit of a product
Manufacturing process	The steps involved in making a product
Waste reduction	Lowering the amount of waste produced
Market demand	The level of consumer interest in a product

As you expand your vocabulary, it’s equally important to recognize frequent mistakes that can trip up your answers and learn strategies to avoid them.

Common Errors in Designed to Last Reading Answers and How to Avoid Them

Many IELTS candidates struggle with the “Designed to Last” passage due to common and avoidable errors. This reading task includes question types that test precision, attention to detail, and the ability to locate key information in a dense, expository text.

Misreading instructions, overlooking keywords related to sustainability and design, and poor time management are some of the top reasons candidates fall short of a Band 8. 

Here are the most frequent mistakes in this passage, and smart IELTS reading tips and tricks to fix them:

1. Misreading Multiple Choice Options

• Many test-takers choose answers that sound correct but are not fully supported by the passage.
• Tip: Always find clear evidence in the text for your choice-don’t rely on memory or assumptions.

2. Missing Paraphrased Keywords

• The passage often uses synonyms or rephrased ideas, making it easy to overlook the correct answer.
• Tip: Look for words and phrases that have the same meaning as those in the question, not just exact matches.

3. Incorrect Summary Completion

• Candidates sometimes select words that fit grammatically but are not in the passage or not from the given list.
• Tip: Only use words provided in the list or directly from the passage, and check that your answer makes sense in context.

4. Ignoring Instruction Limits

• Exceeding word or number limits in summary or short answer questions leads to lost marks.
• Tip: Double-check instructions and count your words carefully-if it says “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” stick to that.

5. Overlooking Writer’s Opinion in Yes/No/Not Given

• Confusing facts with the writer’s views can result in incorrect answers.
• Tip: For Yes/No/Not Given, focus on what the writer actually says or implies, not just factual statements.

6. Spending Too Long on One Question

• Getting stuck can eat up your time and reduce your overall good IELTS score.
• Tip: Move on if you’re unsure and return later if time allows-prioritize answering as many questions as possible.

Also Read: IELTS Last Minute Tips & Advice for Exam Day

Identifying pitfalls is just one part of preparation. Next, let’s explore valuable resources to guide your study and practice.

IELTS Preparation Resources

Timed practice with authentic IELTS passages improves average reading speed by up to 15% over four weeks. Targeted preparation is essential for reading passages like Designed to Last, which test not only comprehension but also your ability to analyze complex ideas around sustainability, design, and consumer habits.

These resources help develop key reading skills, such as skimming, scanning, inference, and handling “Yes/No/Not Given” questions, that are critical for success in this type of IELTS passage.

Here are some resources to strengthen your readiness for Designed to Last and similar IELTS Reading passages:

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
IELTS Online Coaching	Structured Preparation	Expert-led online coaching with personalized feedback, ideal for addressing weak areas through full mock exams.
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable materials that target all four sections, ideal for building core proficiency and exam confidence.
IELTS Reading Test	Academic Reading Practice	Practice tests that sharpen reading comprehension, inference, and speed, especially for texts like Designed to Last.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Strategy-Based Video Lessons	Engaging visual tutorials that break down reading question types and show how to avoid common traps in real time.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS at Home

Among many options, upGrad offers targeted support customized to expand your skills specifically in IELTS reading passages like “Designed to Last.”

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

upGrad provides you with IELTS Reading support designed around real test patterns. Video lessons break down complex passages and sharpen your skimming and scanning techniques. Practice smarter with timed exercises and targeted feedback that focuses on your weak spots. Each session builds accuracy, speed, and confidence.

Whether you're aiming for Band 7 or Band 9, upGrad offers a clear, goal-focused plan. Expert mentors guide you through every reading question type with consistency. Book your free 1:1 session with upGrad experts and start improving your reading strategy today.