Do Animals Think IELTS Reading Passage and Practical Questions

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Every year, over 3 million students worldwide take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. Among the variety of reading passages you may encounter is "Do Animals Think?" which explores animal cognition in species such as crows, dolphins, and primates. This passage tests your ability to analyze comparative psychology, tool use, and problem-solving skills in animals compared to humans.       

This blog is designed to assist you in handling the challenges of the Do Animals Think IELTS reading passage provided in the IELTS exam by offering a straightforward analysis of the passage’s main themes. You will also find 15 carefully crafted practice questions with detailed answers, essential vocabulary, and effective time-management tips.

Do Animals Think IELTS Reading Passage: A Quick Overview

The passage discusses the intelligence of animals, such as crows that use tools and dolphins that imitate humans, with the cognitive achievements of young children.

The passage explores animal intelligence, highlighting examples like crows using tools and dolphins mimicking humans. It covers themes such as animal problem-solving, scientific methods, and ethical debates on consciousness. 

To help you prepare effectively, here’s an overview of the IELTS Reading section format and tips relevant to this passage:

Question Type	Significance	Description
Multiple Choice	Tests comprehension and ability to identify specific details	Choose the correct answer from the options based on the passage details.
True/False/Not Given / Yes/No/Not Given	Evaluates the ability to distinguish between fact and opinion	Decide if statements agree with the passage, contradict it, or are not stated.
Sentence Completion	Measures the ability to summarize and extract key information	Complete sentences or tables with words from the passage.
Matching Information	Checks skill in locating specific information within the text	Match statements to sections where information is found.
Short Answer Questions	Tests the ability to provide concise, accurate responses	Answer questions briefly using information directly from the passage.

Also Read: Making Time for Science IELTS Reading Answers 

Now that you know the common question types in the IELTS Reading section, let's explore how these are applied in specific IELTS test formats.

Do Animals Think IELTS Reading Passage

The passage is about 700 words long and paired with 15 questions you must answer within a 60-minute reading section. Your ability to manage time and understand details directly affects your IELTS reading band score.

Managing your time well is essential, as understanding the passage fully helps you locate answers efficiently. The reading test requires careful attention, as it assesses detailed comprehension of scientific terms, animal behaviour, and research-related challenges

Here's a breakdown of the passage, highlighting key themes and examples:

Passage A:

The ability to think and reason is often seen as a distinctly human trait, but recent research shows that some animals may possess surprising cognitive abilities. This passage explores examples of animal intelligence and the challenges involved in studying it scientifically.

Passage B: 

New Caledonian crows have amazed scientists by using tools to obtain food. They select sticks or stones, sometimes modifying them, to extract insects hidden deep inside crevices. In controlled experiments, crows have demonstrated the ability to plan complex sequences of actions, such as multi-step tasks, indicating advanced problem-solving skills previously thought unique to humans and primates.

Passage C:

Dolphins are also known for their remarkable intelligence. They communicate using complex sounds within their social groups, coordinating behaviors and maintaining relationships. Furthermore, dolphins have been observed imitating human actions, which suggests social learning and a degree of self-awareness, supporting their classification as brilliant animals.

Passage D: 

Elephants exhibit emotional intelligence that is rare among non-human species. They mourn their dead and show empathy by comforting injured or distressed members of their herd. Observations of elephants touching the bones of deceased companions suggest that these animals engage in behaviors reminiscent of human rituals, underscoring their deep social bonds.

Passage E:

Studying animal cognition poses significant challenges. Researchers cannot directly measure animals’ thoughts or emotions, relying on observable behaviors and controlled experiments. While controlled laboratory studies provide valuable data but may overlook the complexities of natural environments. Field observations offer ecological context but lack the precision of controlled tests.

Passage F: 

A major scientific debate centers on whether animals possess consciousness similar to humans. Some researchers suggest that cognition exists on a continuum, with humans representing one extreme, while others warn against assuming human-like consciousness in animals without rigorous evidence.    The risk of anthropomorphism, attributing human traits to animals, can lead to misinterpretations of observed behaviors.

Passage G:

As scientific methods improve, more animals display unexpected cognitive skills. This growing body of evidence advances our understanding of animal intelligence and has important animal welfare and conservation implications. Recognizing the cognitive capacities of animals can help shape how humans interact with and protect them.

Also Read: Describe A Difficult Thing You Did - IELTS Cue Card

Next, look at practice questions to familiarize yourself with the format and content.

Sample: Do Animals Think IELTS Reading Passage: Practice Questions

Do Animals Think? The IELTS Reading passage explores animal cognition through examples like crows using tools, elephants showing emotional intelligence, and challenges in studying animal consciousness. 

Featuring 15 questions, this passage tests skills in true/false/not given, multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and sentence completion within the 60-minute reading section.

Many test takers find these question types challenging due to complex vocabulary and inference-based queries. Practicing similar questions helps build confidence, improves time management, and sharpens skills needed to accurately locate and interpret information under exam pressure. 

Here are sample questions to practice for the IELTS reading test:

1. Sentence Completion (Q1 - Q5)

Sentence Completion questions assess your skill in locating exact information and vocabulary within the passage. Pay close attention to key phrases, idioms, and ensure your answers do not exceed the word limit. 

These questions require you to complete sentences by filling in the missing words, usually taken directly from the passage. Be sure to follow the word limit carefully. Below are some examples to help you practice:

Write your answers in boxes 1–5. 

Q1. Crows have been observed using ________ to retrieve food from containers.

Answer: tools Explanation: Passage B describes how New Caledonian crows select and use sticks or stones as tools to extract insects from crevices, demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills.

Q2: Researchers find it difficult to measure ________ in animals.

Answer: internal experiences Explanation: According to Passage E, scientists face challenges in objectively quantifying animals’ thoughts and emotions since they rely mainly on observable behaviors.

Q3. Dolphins use ________ to communicate socially within their groups.

Answer: complex sounds Explanation: Passage C explains that dolphins produce sophisticated vocalizations within their pods, indicating complex social communication.

Q4. Elephants demonstrate ________ when mourning their dead.

Answer: emotional intelligence Explanation: As detailed in Passage D, elephants exhibit empathy and mourning behaviors, highlighting their emotional depth and social bonds.

Q5. Animal cognition studies often rely on ________ observational and experimental methods.

Answer: controlled Explanation: Passage E mentions that controlled laboratory experiments provide precise data, although they might not fully capture natural cognitive behaviors.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (Q6-Q10)

Multiple Choice Questions test your ability to understand specific details, make inferences, and choose the most accurate answer based on the passage. 

You will be given a question followed by several options, and your task is to select the best answer supported by the information in the text. This question type assesses careful reading and critical thinking skills. 

Here are some example MCQs for practice:

To succeed, read all options thoroughly, refer back to the passage to verify facts or implied meanings, and eliminate any clearly incorrect choices. Remember to write your answers clearly in boxes 6–10. 

Q6. Which behavior in crows demonstrates advanced cognitive skills?
a) Flying in groups
b) Singing
c) Using tools
d) Building nests

• Focus: Identify key evidence of cognitive ability in crows.
• Strategy: Look for specific behaviors linked to problem-solving.
• Impact: Understand how tool use signifies intelligence.

Answer: c) Using tools Explanation: In Passage B, tool use by crows, including planning multi-step tasks, is cited as clear evidence of their problem-solving abilities.

Q7. What kind of communication is observed in dolphins?

a) Simple calls

b) Complex social sounds

c) Random noises

d) Silence

• Focus: Understand dolphin communication complexity.
• Strategy: Find descriptions of vocal behaviors and social interaction.
• Impact: Reflects sophisticated social intelligence.

Answer: b) Complex social sounds Explanation: Passage C details how dolphins use elaborate sounds for social interaction, supporting their high intelligence.

Q8. What is a major challenge in studying animal cognition mentioned in the passage?

a) Finding enough animals to study

b) Measuring internal experiences

c) Observing animals in captivity

d) Training animals for tests

• Focus: Identify the research difficulties discussed.
• Strategy: Look for text about measuring thoughts and emotions.
• Impact: Emphasizes the complexity of studying cognition.

Answer: b) Measuring internal experiences Explanation: Passage E clarifies that objectively measuring animals’ internal experiences, such as thoughts and emotions, is a major scientific challenge.

Q9. Which animal is noted for showing empathy and mourning?

a) Dolphins

b) Crows

c) Elephants

d) Octopuses

• Focus: Recognize animals demonstrating emotional intelligence.
• Strategy: Scan for examples of mourning or empathy.
• Impact: Highlights social and emotional complexity.

Answer: c) Elephants Explanation: Passage D explains that elephants mourn deceased herd members and comfort injured companions, illustrating emotional intelligence.

Q10. Why is tool use significant in the study of animal cognition?

a) It shows animals can learn from humans

b) It indicates problem-solving ability

c) It proves animals have language

d) It demonstrates social hierarchy

• Focus: Understand the importance of tool use.
• Strategy: Locate explanations linking tool use and intelligence.
• Impact: Shows cognitive sophistication through problem-solving.

Answer: b) It indicates problem-solving ability Explanation: Passage B presents tool use as a sign of advanced cognitive processing and planning, marking a high level of intelligence.

3. True/False/Not Given (Q11-Q15)

This question type evaluates your ability to distinguish between factual information and opinions or missing details within the passage. You will be given statements and must decide. 

• True — if the statement agrees with the information in the passage,
• False — if the statement contradicts the passage, or
• Not Given — if there is no clear information in the passage to confirm or deny the statement.

The purpose is to test your careful reading and comprehension skills, especially your ability to identify explicit and implicit information. Below are some examples to guide your practice:

When answering, compare each statement closely with the passage text. Avoid using your own knowledge and rely solely on the passage content. Write your answers clearly in boxes 11–15. 

Q11. Elephants have been observed using tools to solve problems.

Answer: True Explanation: Passage D references elephants’ behaviors, such as interacting with the bones of deceased herd members, suggesting tool-related problem-solving linked with mourning.

Q12. Dolphins imitate human behaviors for social bonding.

• Focus: Understand imitation in animal communication.
• Strategy: Find text about dolphin mimicry.
• Impact: Demonstrates social intelligence.

Answer: True Explanation: Passage C notes that dolphins mimic human actions, which is considered a form of social learning and bonding.

Q13. The passage states that all animals have the same consciousness as humans.

• Focus: Evaluate claims about consciousness.
• Strategy: Identify contrasts between animal and human cognition.
• Impact: Tests critical reading of scientific claims.

Answer: False Explanation: Passage F discusses the debate around consciousness, clarifying that animals' cognition varies and is not equivalent to humans.

Q14. Measuring internal animal experiences is straightforward.

• Focus: Recognize scientific challenges.
• Strategy: Scan for limitations in cognition research.
• Impact: Emphasizes research complexity.

Answer: False Explanation: Passage E makes clear that objectively measuring animals’ internal experiences like thoughts and emotions is a major scientific challenge.

Q15. Tool use in animals is limited only to primates.

• Focus: Understand the distribution of tool use.
• Strategy: Note examples of tools used in various species.
• Impact: Clarifies behavior prevalence.

Answer: Not Given Explanation: Although tool use is described for crows (Passage B) and elephants (Passage D), the passage does not explicitly state that it is exclusive to primates.

Keeping these sample questions in mind, the following section lists key animal cognition vocabulary to help you understand the passage more confidently.

Essential Vocabulary for Do Animals Think IELTS Reading Passage

To improve your IELTS score from 6.5 to 7, building a vocabulary of around 3,000 academic word families is essential. This is especially helpful for passages like Do Animals Think?, which include technical terms related to animal cognition and behaviour.

Building a strong vocabulary foundation improves your reading speed and enhances comprehension and accuracy when answering questions. 

Below is a table of important vocabulary terms specific to the Do Animals Think IELTS reading passage:

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Cognition	Mental processes involved in acquiring knowledge and thought	Research on animal cognition explores how creatures perceive and solve problems.
Intelligence	Ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge	Dolphins display intelligence through complex communication and social behaviors.
Problem-solving	Finding solutions to complex tasks or challenges	Crows demonstrate problem-solving by using tools to obtain food.
Tool use	Using objects to perform tasks	Elephants’ tool use shows advanced cognitive capabilities.
Reasoning	Logical thinking to form conclusions	Researchers study reasoning in animals to understand their decision-making abilities.
Behavior	Observable actions or responses of animals	Animal behavior often indicates levels of awareness and cognition.
Metacognition	Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes	Some studies suggest certain animals have metacognition, meaning they reflect on their thinking.
Evolutionary	Relating to biological changes over generations	The passage discusses evolutionary convergence in animal intelligence.
Consciousness	Awareness of self and environment	Whether animals possess consciousness remains a key debate in cognitive science.
Empathy	Ability to understand and share the feelings of others	Elephants have been observed showing empathy towards grieving companions.

Also Read: 50+ Essential Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Improve Fluency.

Knowing individual vocabulary is important, but recognizing how these words combine in everyday use will improve your understanding. Next, let’s look at keyword pairings that commonly appear in IELTS reading questions.

Key Vocabulary Collocations to Excel in the IELTS Reading Section 

Understanding common collocations related to IELTS reading questions can significantly improve how you interpret and answer them. Collocations are pairs or groups of words that naturally go together, helping you quickly grasp the question’s intent and locate answers in the passage. 

The table below highlights must-know collocations often used in IELTS reading questions on scientific and animal cognition, like "Do Animals Think?" Recognizing these will sharpen your focus and improve your accuracy during the exam.

Collocation	Explanation
Infer from	Deduce information from evidence rather than explicit text
Suggest that	Imply something without stating directly
Indicate clearly	Point out or show clearly
State explicitly	Express something clearly and directly
Explain why	Make something clear or understandable
Demonstrate ability	Show evidence
Highlight differences between	Show differences between ideas or groups
Make a claim	Assert something as accurate without proof

Suggested Read: IELTS Academic Reading Test: Preparation Tips with Academic Reading Score 

Building a strong vocabulary will help you understand the passage better. Now, let’s move on to common pitfalls and preparation tips.

Common IELTS Reading Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Success in the IELTS academic reading test depends on what you know and how you approach the test. Many candidates make avoidable errors that reduce their scores. 

By recognising these common mistakes, test takers can reduce errors and improve accuracy. This leads to stronger results and good performance in the band score chart.

1: Overlooking Keywords in Questions

A common mistake is neglecting to focus on keywords in the questions. These keywords direct you to the relevant part of the passage. Ignoring them can lead to wrong answers or wasted time.

Example: For a question about “crows using tools,” look for words like “twigs” or “sticks” in the text.

Tip: Highlight or underline key terms in questions before scanning the passage. Look for synonyms or paraphrased versions to find the matching text.

2: Rushing Through Passages

Many candidates rush, skipping words and missing important details. Accuracy and comprehension suffer as a result.

Example: Skimming the first and last paragraphs can help grasp the main theme before focusing on details.

Tip: Pace yourself. Skim for the main idea and scan for specific details. Adjust your speed based on the question type.

3: Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given Questions

These questions require precise judgment. Mistakes happen when statements are assumed to be true or false without clear support or contradiction from the passage.

Example: If the passage doesn’t mention dolphins’ emotional behavior, select “Not Given” rather than “True.”

Tip: Choose “True” or “False” only if directly supported or contradicted. Select “Not Given” if information is missing. Avoid using outside knowledge.

4: Focusing on Unimportant Details

Getting caught up in minor details wastes time and distracts from correct answers.

Example: When asked about elephant tool use, ignore sections on their diet or habitat.

Tip: Focus on the overall structure and main points of each paragraph. Use question instructions to identify relevant details.

5: Overlooking the Word Limit

Many test takers write answers that exceed the word limit specified in the instructions, which can result in penalties or disqualification of their responses.

Example: If the instruction says "no more than three words," don’t write "more than three words" or rephrase unnecessarily.

Tip: Always check the word limit and stick to it strictly. Use concise answers and avoid adding extra words.

6: Ignoring Question Order

Some candidates try to answer questions out of sequence, which can cause confusion and make it harder to locate answers efficiently.

Example: Answer question 1 before moving to question 2 to maintain focus and avoid wasting time searching randomly.

Tip: Follow the order of the questions as they appear. This strategy helps you locate answers in the passage more quickly and reduces the risk of missing questions.

These IELTS reading tips and tricks will help you build accuracy, speed, and confidence. To take your preparation further, explore the following IELTS resources.

Best IELTS Practice Tests for Academic Reading Skills 

To effectively prepare for the do animals think IELTS reading passage, it's important to engage with resources that deepen your understanding of animal cognition, behavior, and the scientific vocabulary associated with them. 

Practicing with materials that explore complex concepts like tool use, problem-solving, and animal intelligence will help you improve your reading comprehension and enhance your ability to answer questions related to the passage. 

Here are some excellent resources to help you work towards achieving a good IELTS score:

Resource	Description
IELTS Exam Materials	Practice with authentic IELTS materials that simulate the test format and timing, helping you get familiar with the exam structure.
IELTS preparation guide	Provides organized preparation along with personalized guidance, assisting you in grasping difficult scientific concepts and terminology related to memory and primates.
Improving Reading Skills	Learn techniques for skimming, scanning, and handling different question types such as True/False/Not Given and Matching Headings.
IELTS Preparation Videos	It provides strategy-focused lessons that break down complex question types, using examples relevant to animal cognition and scientific topics to help you prepare effectively.

Also Read: How to Prepare for IELTS at Home Without Coaching

With the right resources, personalized guidance can further sharpen your preparation. Let's explore how upGrad's expert support helps you excel in the IELTS Reading section.

How does upGrad support your IELTS preparation?

upGrad offers a range of specialized resources to help you excel in the IELTS Reading section. You will receive study plans, expert feedback, and mock exams to improve your reading skills and scores. 

With interactive tools and time management strategies, you can study efficiently and confidently approach the exam:

• Personalized Study Plans: upGrad offers customized learning paths tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. These plans break down each reading skill, from understanding question types to improving speed.
• Expert Feedback on Practice Tests: Get detailed feedback on your practice tests from experienced IELTS instructors. 
• Targeted Mock Tests: Practice with mock tests designed to simulate the actual IELTS exam environment. 
• Interactive Learning Tools: Use quizzes, exercises, and assessments to reinforce key concepts and vocabulary. 
• Time Management Strategies: Learn techniques to manage your time effectively during the exam, ensuring you complete all reading tasks accurately within the 60-minute limit.

With upGrad's comprehensive support, you can prepare strategically to approach the IELTS Reading section. Ready to achieve your target band score? Book a 1:1 session with upGrad's IELTS experts today and receive tailored advice on exam preparation.