The History of Glass Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test

IELTS reading test seeks to measure how a test taker is able to comprehend academic texts, analyze information, and answer questions precisely in a given time limit. All of the passages have different themes and challenge test-takers to become acquainted with diverse writing styles and topics. 

Among these, one, and probably the most interesting to the reader, is known as The History of Glass, and tells of how this substance has increasingly become more common as it has passed through various processes in its formation. This reading does not only contribute knowledge in regard to technical and cultural advancement but it also provokes one to understand minute details, calendar dates as well as advancements. 

The History of Glass Reading Answers are used to train important skills that students can develop, including skimming to pick up the main concepts, scanning to identify facts and getting the ideas of the writer. These techniques master leads to accuracy in IELTS Reading and confidence in facing IELTS Reading tests. 

Read about IELTS Exam format for performing better in IELTS 

What the passage “The History of Glass Reading” is about? 

The second passage, The History of Glass, follows the history of glass misfortune to modern-day usage and how its use creates an interesting character in architecture, science, and day to day life. It describes how glass became a mass used product after industrial innovation. In parallel, the text reveals scientific and cultural significance of glass, which traces its impact on the technological and human development. 

Structurally, the text has a chronological and descriptive approach because the writer begins with the origin of glass, then through the medieval and the industrial developments to the current period. The language is faculty and instructive because the article is based on scholarly or dictionary sources. Technical vocabulary is rich in such words as molten, annealing, refractive, and optical that are characteristic of scientific and industrial spatial dimensions. The linguistic elements of the passage that bring out the discussion of the use of glass in the various times are the comparative and evaluative language. 

False/True/Not Given, Matching Information, Sentence Completion and Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are some of the question types that could suggest the insight of this passage in IELTS. They challenge a candidate on the ability to note, recognize while interpreting ideas and comprehending an academic writing style. 

The table shows the information in a tabular form: 

Feature	Details
Theme	Evolution of glass from ancient times to modern usage
Tone	Formal, academic, informative
Vocabulary Style	Technical, scientific, historical terms (e.g., molten, refractive)
Structure	Chronological + descriptive progression
Source Style	Adapted from academic/encyclopedia - style reading material
Skills Tested	Skimming, scanning, recognizing details, interpreting author’s views
Question Types	True/False/Not Given, Matching, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice

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What is the Main Text of The History of Glass Reading Passage? 

Passage 1:

Glass has been used since the earliest times. Historians found obsidian, a natural glass formed by volcanic heat, which early humans shaped into spear tips. Around 4000 BC, man-made glass appeared as glazes on stone beads. The first hollow glass container was created by layering molten glass over a sand core. 

Passage 2:

From the 1st century BC, glass blowing became the main method for making glass containers. Early glass was often colored due to impurities. By the 1st century AD, techniques to produce colorless glass were developed, and tinted glass was made by adding colorants. Romans spread glass-making across Europe, protecting their methods until their empire’s fall in 476 AD. By the 10th century, Venetian craftsmen gained fame for glass bottles, spreading their skills throughout Europe. 

Passage 3:

Englishman George Ravenscroft (1632–1683) made a significant contribution by inventing lead crystal glass. Adding lead during production reduced the cloudiness in blown glass. This glass was softer, easier to decorate, and had greater brilliance. Ravenscroft’s invention was vital to optical instruments such as lenses, telescopes, and microscopes. 

Passage 4:

The modern British glass industry grew after the Excise Act was repealed in 1845, ending heavy taxes on glass production. Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace at the 1851 London Great Exhibition marked glass’s rise as a key building material. This event increased glass use in public, residential, and horticultural architecture. Advances in science and technology also improved glass manufacturing techniques.

Passage 5:

In 1887, HM Ashley introduced a machine in Castleford, England, that could produce 200 bottles per hour, over three times faster than previous methods. In 1907, Michael Owens, founder of the Owens Bottle Company in the USA, created the first fully automated machine, capable of making 2,500 bottles per hour. Despite rapid progress, glass production shifted during World War I when Britain lost access to key suppliers, and glass began to be viewed as a scientific material rather than just a craft. 

Passage 6:

Today, glassmaking is a major industry driven by technology and competition. Modern factories produce millions of glass containers daily, with green and brown the most common colors. Glass plays a crucial role in daily life, from homes and vehicles to packaging for beverages, food, medicines, and cosmetics.

Passage 7:

Glass is ideal for recycling, and growing environmental awareness has increased the popularity of glass bottles and jars. Recycling reduces landfill waste, lowers energy consumption since recycled glass melts more easily than raw materials, and cuts down the need for quarrying, preserving natural resources.

What is the Summary of the Passage “The History of Glass”?

The passage “The History of Glass” explores how glass evolved from an accidental discovery in ancient times to a vital material in today’s world. It traces the transition of glass from a rare luxury item to a mass-produced, versatile product that transformed industries, architecture, and everyday life. By reading The history of glass reading answers, students not only understand the cultural and technological impact of glass but also practice interpreting complex ideas, enhancing their comprehension skills for IELTS Reading success.

Know about IELTS syllabus: topics and their preparation 

What types of The History of Glass Reading Answers asked in the Passage?

In the IELTS Reading passage “The History of Glass”, candidates are tested on two key question types that evaluate both detail recognition and logical understanding. The first part of the test contains Sentence Completion questions (1–8), where test takers must carefully read the text and complete given sentences with words or phrases taken directly from the passage. This type checks vocabulary knowledge, skimming ability, and accurate word selection.

The second part includes True/False/Not Given questions (9–13), which require identifying whether statements match the information in the text, contradict it, or are not mentioned at all. This set of questions helps assess logical interpretation and the ability to differentiate between explicitly stated facts and implied ideas.

Question Type	Number of Questions	Skills Tested
Sentence Completion	8 (Q1–Q8)	Vocabulary, attention to detail, sentence understanding
True/False/Not Given	5 (Q9–Q13)	Critical reading, logical reasoning, fact vs inference

Sentence Completion Questions (Questions 1-8)

Out of the 13 questions, Sentence Completion makes up over 60% of this IELTS Reading task set. These questions test your ability to locate specific phrases from the passage and complete sentences using words taken directly from the text.

Here are some sentence completion questions related to IELTS reading answers: "The History of Glass"​:

Q1: Early humans used obsidian, a natural glass formed by ______, to make spear tips.

Q2: The first hollow glass container was made by layering molten glass over a ______ core.

Q3: Glass blowing, the main method for making glass containers from the 1st century BC, often produced glass that was highly ______ due to impurities.

Q4: Techniques to create colorless glass were developed during the ______ century AD.

Q5: Venetians became well-known for making glass bottles with technical skill and artistic ability from the ______ century.

Q6: Lead crystal glass, invented by George Ravenscroft, was softer and had greater ______ compared to previous glass types.

Q7: Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace in 1851 marked the beginning of glass being used in ______ architecture.

Q8: Michael Owens’ fully automated glass bottle machine, developed in 1907, could produce ______ bottles per hour.
 

True / False / Not Given types Question (9-13)

Questions 9–13 are True / False / Not Given, focusing on whether the passage directly supports, contradicts, or omits the information stated. “True” means the passage clearly confirms the statement; “False” means it contradicts it; “Not Given” indicates the text doesn’t mention it at all. 

Careful distinction between what's stated and what's implied is crucial here. Below is a list of 5 True / False / Not Given questions from The Evolution of Glass IELTS Reading Answers. 

Q9: The use of glass in modern life is limited mainly to decorative purposes. 

Q10: Recycling glass reduces energy consumption compared to using raw materials. 

Q11: Glass production stopped during World War I due to lack of suppliers. 

Q12: Venetians kept their glassmaking skills secret even after the fall of the Roman Empire. 

Q13: Glass bottles and jars are becoming more popular due to growing environmental concerns.

What are the answers of the evolution of glass IELTS reading passage? 

Ans 1: Volcanic heat 

Explanation: Passage 1 explains that obsidian is a natural glass created by the intense heat of volcanic eruptions melting rock. Early humans shaped this naturally formed glass into tools such as spear tips. This fact connects natural geological processes to early human use of materials, emphasizing the origin of glass before man-made production began. 

Ans 2: Sand 

Explanation: Passage 1 describes how early glassmakers created hollow glass containers by layering molten glass over a sand core. This technique allowed the creation of shapes with empty interiors, marking a significant step in glassmaking history. The sand core provided a mold around which the glass could be formed and later removed. 

Ans 3: Colored 

Explanation: According to Passage 2, early glass blowing produced glass that was highly colored because of impurities present in the raw materials. These impurities affected the glass’s clarity, resulting in various colors. This detail is important for understanding how early glass differed from later, clearer versions. 

Ans 4: first 

Explanation: Passage 2 explains that during the first century AD, methods to make colorless glass were developed, which was a major innovation. Before this, glass was naturally colored due to impurities. This advance allowed for clearer, more versatile glass products, influencing the subsequent use and spread of glassmaking techniques. 

Ans 5: Tenth 

Explanation: Passage 2 highlights that by the 10th century, Venetian craftsmen had earned a reputation for their skill in glass bottle making. Their expertise combined both technical and artistic qualities, contributing to Venice’s status as a major glassmaking center. This helped spread glassmaking skills across Europe. 

Ans 6: Brilliance 

Explanation: Passage 3 details that lead crystal glass, invented by Ravenscroft, was softer and easier to decorate, with a higher refractive index that gave it greater brilliance. This made it more attractive and functional, especially for optical uses. These qualities marked a significant improvement in glass manufacturing. 

Ans 7: public, domestic, and horticultural 

Explanation: Passage 4 explains that Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace showcased glass as a material for public, domestic, and horticultural buildings. This event was a turning point in architectural history, promoting glass beyond decorative uses to structural applications. It reflects how technology and design converged in glass use. 

Ans 8: 2500 

Explanation: Passage 5 states that Michael Owens developed the first fully automated bottle-making machine capable of producing 2,500 bottles per hour. This was a major leap from earlier methods, which produced far fewer bottles. Owens’ innovation significantly increased production speed and efficiency in the glass industry. 

Ans 9: FALSE 

Explanation: Passage 6 highlights that glass is integral to many aspects of modern life, including homes, cars, packaging for beverages, food, medicines, and cosmetics. It is not limited to decoration but plays practical roles across industries. This wide usage contradicts the statement, making it false. 

Ans 10: TRUE 

Explanation: Passage 7 confirms that recycling glass requires less energy to melt than raw materials, saving fuel and production costs. This energy efficiency is a key environmental benefit of glass recycling. The passage clearly supports the statement, confirming its truth. 

Ans 11: NOT GIVEN 

Explanation: Passage 5 states Britain was cut off from essential glass suppliers during World War I and that glass production shifted toward scientific uses. However, it does not explicitly say that production stopped altogether. Therefore, the statement is not supported or contradicted, making it Not Given. 

Ans 12: FALSE 

Explanation: Passage 2 explains that Romans guarded their glassmaking skills during their empire but after its fall in 476 AD, glassmaking spread across Europe and the Middle East. Venetians later became famous for glass bottles but did not maintain secrecy as tightly as the Romans. This shows the statement is false. 

Ans 13: TRUE 

Explanation: Passage 7 indicates that glass bottles and jars are increasingly favored because of rising environmental awareness. Recycling benefits and resource conservation encourage consumers to choose glass over other materials. This directly supports the statement as true.

What is the Important Vocabulary used in the IELTS Reading Practice Test? 

Understanding historical and technical terms is crucial for achieving a high score, especially if you are aiming for an IELTS Band 7 or Band 8. This passage on glass spans thousands of years, introducing layered vocabulary linked to trade, industry, and science. 

From “obsidian” to “automated process,” each term reflects a precise stage in the transformation of glassmaking. Below is a table that breaks down these terms, including their meanings and how they’re used in the passage.

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Obsidian	Naturally occurring volcanic glass	“Early humans shaped obsidian into cutting tools and spear tips.”
Sand core technique	A method where molten glass is shaped around a sand core	“The first hollow containers were made by layering glass over a sand core.”
Glass blowing	Technique of inflating molten glass to form containers	“From the 1st century BC, glass blowing became the standard method of container production.”
Colorless glass	Glass made clear by removing natural impurities	“Colorless glass emerged in the first century AD using purification techniques.”
Venetian glassmaking	Skilled glass production originating in Venice from the 10th century	“Venetian craftsmen were known for decorative and technical excellence in glass.”
Lead crystal	A soft, high-brilliance glass containing lead oxide	“Ravenscroft’s lead crystal was easier to cut and reflected more light.”
Crystal Palace	A 19th-century building made of iron and glass for London’s Great Exhibition	“The Crystal Palace marked a new phase in architectural glass use.”
Automated bottle machine	A fully mechanical device to produce glass bottles at scale	“Owens’ 1907 machine could manufacture 2,500 bottles per hour.”
Domestic glass use	Every day application of glass in homes and packaging	“Glass became central to modern domestic life, from windows to food jars.”

Beyond single terms, IELTS also expects familiarity with recurring word groups and expressions. These collocations offer more insight into usage within the passage. 

Practice explicitly on IELTS Vocabulary 

Conclusion 

The IELTS Reading passage “The History of Glass” offers candidates an engaging way to test their comprehension skills through sentence completion and True/False/Not Given tasks. By exploring the development, uses, and cultural significance of glass, it challenges readers to identify key details, interpret meanings, and analyze information critically. Practicing The history of glass reading answers not only familiarizes students with IELTS exam patterns but also enhances speed, vocabulary, and logical reasoning—key elements for achieving a higher band score.