Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers is based on an IELTS Academic Reading passage about the use of twin studies in scientific research. The passage looks at how researchers study twins to understand the role of genes, environment and other factors in human development and behaviour.
This article covers:
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading passage with its original A–G paragraph structure.
Questions 1–4, which are based on True/False/Not Given.
Questions 5–9, which require you to match information with the correct researcher.
Questions 10–13, which are summary completion questions.
Answers and explanations for all 13 questions.
Simple ways to find answers by scanning keywords, spotting paraphrases and checking the meaning of each statement.
Common mistakes to avoid while solving this passage.
The IELTS Academic Reading test has 40 questions and a 60-minute time limit. It uses different question types to test skills such as finding specific information, understanding details and recognising ideas in a text.
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Passage
Researchers look at fraternal twins to learn how much of our health our behavior and other traits are because of genes and how much are because of the environment.
This IELTS Reading Test passage has seven sections labeled A to G. The questions ask you to find facts match people with details and fill in a summary. These are IELTS Reading tasks, especially looking quickly for details and understanding information that is written in different words.
Research Using Twins
A. Why Twins Are Useful in Research
For researchers twins are a helpful way to look at how genes and the environment are connected. Identical twins come from the fertilized egg, which then splits into two. Because of this they have the same genetic code.
This makes identical twins very useful when scientists want to study the effects of the environment. For example if one identical twin has looking skin than the other scientists can check the differences, in their lives and where they live. Spending less time in the sun could be one environmental reason for the difference.
Researchers can also look at twins and compare them with fraternal twins. Fraternal twins come from two eggs and usually have about half the same DNA. When identical twins are more similar when it comes to a disease, than fraternal twins it can show that genes might be involved in the chance of getting that disease.
B. Understanding Nature and Nurture
These two types of twin research have helped scientists understand the relationship between nature and nurture. One approach looks at differences between identical twins to find the effects of their environment. The other compares identical and fraternal twins to understand the role of heredity.
The idea of using twins to study heredity is not new. In the 19th century, English scientist Francis Galton suggested using twins to study the influence of inherited characteristics. He also introduced the well-known expression “nature and nurture” to describe the two major influences on human characteristics.
Twin studies have since become an important part of research into personality, behaviour and vulnerability to disease.
C. Thomas Bouchard and Twin Research
A major development in twin research came from the work of Thomas Bouchard and his colleagues. Bouchard became well known for studying twins who had been separated from each other and raised in different environments.
His research became known as the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart. The researchers studied pairs of twins who had grown up separately and then compared different parts of their lives.
Some of these twins showed surprisingly similar characteristics even though they had not grown up together. Researchers looked at areas such as personality, abilities, interests and behaviour. The findings provided more evidence about the possible influence of genes on human characteristics.
Bouchard's work helped make twin studies more widely known and encouraged researchers to carry out further studies using twins.
D. What Twin Studies Can and Cannot Explain
Twin research has given scientists an understanding of how both genes and the environment play a role in shaping people.. The way these two work together is not always clear or straightforward.
A persons genes do not operate all by themselves. The world around them. Including their experiences, habits what they eat levels of stress and other outside influences. Can affect how their traits come out. This makes it difficult to say that a certain trait is caused by genes or only by the environment.
Because of this researchers use studies to get a clearer picture. These studies help estimate how much of a trait might be due to genetic factors compared to environmental ones. By comparing twins with fraternal twins scientists can see patterns and make better guesses, about what really matters.
The research has also opened the door to questions about how environmental experiences can affect the way genes work.
E. The Role of Epigenetics
More recent research has focused on epigenetics. Epigenetic processes are different from both the genetic code itself and the outside environment. They help explain how outside factors can have an effect on how genes work without altering the DNA code.
In words genes are like directions and epigenetic processes can decide which directions are used.
Scientists have discovered that changes in chemicals can impact how genes behave. These changes might affect how different parts and systems in the body grow and work.
Epigenetics therefore gives researchers another way to understand the link, between nature and nurture. It helps explain how life experiences and surroundings can change how our genes work.
F. How Environment Can Affect Gene Activity
Research into epigenetics has also shown that environmental conditions can have effects that last for a time. For example studies with animals have looked at how stress, during pregnancy can influence the way offspring develop.
In one example mentioned in the passage stress experienced by a rat can be connected to behavior issues in its babies later on. This does not mean that the DNA itself has simply changed. Instead, researchers are interested in how environmental conditions may influence gene activity.
Such findings have made epigenetics an important area of modern research because they provide another possible link between inherited information and environmental experience.
G. Future of Twin Research
Twin research continues to grow as scientists learn more about genetics and epigenetics. I see Twin research as a window into how our genes and surroundings shape us. Danielle Reed has stressed the importance of work in epigenetics and how epigenetics could help us understand how human characteristics develop.
Researchers now have tools to study how genes and the environment work together, than before. Twin studies remain valuable because Twin studies allow researchers to compare people who share similar genetic backgrounds but have different life experiences.
The main idea is that human behaviour, health and other human characteristics are not controlled by genes or the environment alone. Both genes and the environment can interact in ways and epigenetic research may help scientists see this relationship more clearly.
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers: Questions 1–4
Questions 1–4 are True/False/Not Given questions. You must check if each statement matches the information in the passage. IELTS Exam says that FALSE means the statement goes against the information, in the text. NOT GIVEN means the passage does not give information to confirm or contradict the statement.
TRUE: The statement agrees with the information given in the passage.
FALSE: The statement is opposite to what the passage says.
NOT GIVEN: The passage does not give enough information to say whether the statement is true or false.
Question 1
There may be genetic causes for the differences in how young the skin of identical twins looks.
Answer: FALSE
The passage says that when identical twins have differences, such as one twin having younger-looking skin, these differences must be caused by environmental factors. It gives spending less time in the sun as an example.
The question says the difference may have a genetic cause, but the passage points to the environment instead. This is why the answer is FALSE, not NOT GIVEN.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph A
Why? The passage gives information about the cause of the difference and it goes against the statement in the question.
Question 2
Twins are at greater risk of developing certain illnesses than non-twins.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
The text discusses the link between twins, inherited traits and disease. It explains that if identical twins are more alike when it comes to an illness compared to fraternal twins then the chance of getting that illness might be partly due to genetics.
However the text does not say that twins are more likely to get sick, than people who're not twins.
So there is no information that supports or goes against the statement. The answer is NOT GIVEN.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph B
Why NOT GIVEN? The passage compares identical twins with fraternal twins, not twins with non-twins.
Question 3
Bouchard advertised in newspapers for twins who had been separated at birth.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
The text states that Thomas Bouchard studied twins who were separated when they were born. It also mentions that 137 pairs of twins came to his lab for the research.
The text does not mention that Bouchard placed ads in newspapers to find these twins.
The question includes a detail that's not, in the text. So the answer is NOT GIVEN.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph D
Why NOT GIVEN? We know that separated twins took part in Bouchard's research, but the passage does not explain that newspaper advertisements were used to find them.
Question 4
Epigenetic processes are different from both genetic and environmental processes.
Answer: TRUE
The passage explains that scientists have found another factor called epigenetics. It is presented as something different from the usual ideas of genes and environment.
The passage explains that epigenetic processes can sometimes connect the environment and genes, while at other times they can work separately to influence who we are.
This agrees with the statement in the question, so the answer is TRUE.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph F
Why TRUE? The passage clearly presents epigenetics as a separate process that can work between, or apart from, genetic and environmental factors.
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers 1–4
The correct answers are:
Question
Answer
1
FALSE
2
NOT GIVEN
3
NOT GIVEN
4
TRUE
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers: Questions 5–9
Questions 5–9 are Matching Information questions. You need to match each statement with the researcher. IELTS says this question type tests your ability to scan the passage for information and connect details, with the right person or feature.
The three researchers in this set are:
A. Francis Galton
B. Thomas Bouchard
C. Danielle Reed
A useful trick is to first find each researcher's name in the passage. Then read the sentences around the name and look for the idea mentioned in the question. Do not match an answer just because you see the researcher's name.
Question 5
Invented a term used to distinguish two factors affecting human characteristics.
Answer: A. Francis Galton
Explanation: Francis Galton is connected with the terms nature and nurture. These two terms describe the influence of inherited characteristics and the environment, on development.
The question says Galton invented a term used to distinguish two factors. This matches the discussion of nature. Nurture in the passage.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph B
Why is the answer A? The passage connects Francis Galton with the idea of nature and nurture, so the correct researcher is A. Francis Galton.
Question 6
Expressed the view that the study of epigenetics will increase our knowledge.
Answer: C. Danielle Reed
Explanation: Danielle Reed is mentioned in connection with the growing importance of epigenetic research. Her work suggests that studying epigenetics can help scientists understand more about how genes and environmental factors work together.
The question uses the phrase increase our knowledge, while the passage expresses the same idea in different words.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph G
Why is the answer C? Danielle Reed is the researcher linked to the future value of epigenetic research. Therefore, the answer is C. Danielle Reed.
Question 7
Developed a mathematical method of measuring genetic influences.
Answer: A. Francis Galton
Explanation: Francis Galton is also linked with early work on measuring the influence of heredity. The passage explains how he developed a mathematical way of looking at similarities between relatives.
The important clue here is measuring genetic influences. This points to Galton's work on heredity rather than Bouchard's later twin research.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph B
Why is the answer A? The passage connects the mathematical measurement of hereditary influence with Francis Galton. So, the correct answer is A.
Question 8
Pioneered research into genetics using twins.
Answer: A. Francis Galton
Explanation: Francis Galton was one of the people to notice that twins could be helpful in looking at how traits are passed down. His research played a role in making twins a common tool, for understanding genetics. His work made it clear that twins are a way to study the effects of genes.
The word pioneered is important here. It refers to someone who was among the first to develop or use an approach.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph B
Why is the answer A? Galton's early work helped establish twin research as a way of studying heredity. Therefore, the answer is A. Francis Galton.
Question 9
Carried out research into twins who had lived apart.
Answer: B. Thomas Bouchard
Explanation: Thomas Bouchard is strongly connected with research on twins who had been separated and raised apart. His study compared these twins to understand how much genes may influence different human characteristics.
This is a direct match with the statement in Question 9.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph D
Why is the answer B? The passage specifically discusses Bouchard's research involving twins who had lived apart. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Thomas Bouchard.
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers 5–9
The answers can be checked quickly in the table below.
Question
Answer
5
A. Francis Galton
6
C. Danielle Reed
7
A. Francis Galton
8
A. Francis Galton
9
B. Thomas Bouchard
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers: Questions 10–13
Questions 10–13 are Summary Completion questions. To complete the summary you must choose the letter from A to F. Remember to read the sentence, around each blank and then locate the same idea in the passage. The wording may differ so do not look for exact words.
Questions 10–13
Complete the summary using the list of words, A–F, below.
Write the correct letter, A–F, in boxes 10–13 on your answer sheet.
Epigenetic processes
In epigenetic processes, 10 __________ influence the activity of our genes, for example in creating our internal 11 __________. The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our 12 __________. One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its 13 __________.
A. nurture B. organs C. code D. chemicals E. environment F. behaviour
Question 10
In epigenetic processes, 10 __________ influence the activity of our genes.
Answer: D. Chemicals
The passage explains that epigenetic processes are chemical reactions. These reactions can affect how our genes work. This matches the first part of the summary.
So, chemicals is the best option for Question 10.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph G
Why is the answer D? The passage talks about chemical reactions affecting the way our genetic code is expressed. The question changes this idea slightly and asks what influences the activity of our genes. The answer is therefore chemicals.
Question 11
...for example in creating our internal 11 __________.
Answer: B. Organs
The passage gives examples such as the heart, brain and liver. These are body organs. The summary uses the broader word organs to describe them.
This is a good example of paraphrasing. You may not see the exact word "organs" in the relevant part of the passage, but the examples clearly point to it.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph G
Why is the answer B? Epigenetic processes can guide cells as they develop into different parts of the body. The passage gives the heart, brain and liver as examples, so organs fits the blank.
Question 12
The study of epigenetic processes is uncovering a way in which our genes can be affected by our 12 __________.
Answer: E. Environment
The passage explains that epigenetic research is showing how the environment can directly affect genes. This is one of the main ideas in the later part of the passage.
The word environment fits the sentence naturally and matches the information in the passage.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph I
Why is the answer E? The passage directly connects the environment with changes in how genes work. Therefore, E. environment is the correct answer.
Question 13
One example is that if a pregnant rat suffers stress, the new-born rat may later show problems in its 13 __________.
Answer: F. Behaviour
The passage gives an example involving a pregnant rat. It explains that stress during pregnancy can cause epigenetic changes in the baby rat, which may later lead to behavioural problems.
The summary uses the noun behaviour, while the passage uses the related word behavioural. This is another example of paraphrasing.
Relevant paragraph: Paragraph I
Why is the answer F? The passage says that stress can lead to behavioural problems as the young rat grows. Therefore, behaviour is the correct option.
Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers 10–13
Here is the final answer key for this section:
Question
Answer
10
D. Chemicals
11
B. Organs
12
E. Environment
13
F. Behaviour
Preparing for the IELTS exam? Get started with upGrad’sfree IELTS course and practise with useful lessons and guidance at your own pace.
How to Approach the Research Using Twins Reading Answers
The Research Using Twins IELTS Reading passage has three different question types. So, you should not solve all the questions in the same way. First understand what the question is asking, then look for the information in the passage. IELTS also recommends skills such as scanning and understanding specific information for these question types.
1. Read the Question Type Carefully
Before looking for the answer, check what type of question you are solving.
Questions 1–4 are True/False/Not Given.
Questions 5–9 ask you to match information with researchers.
Questions 10–13 are Summary Completion.
Each type needs a slightly different approach.
Do not rush into the passage without understanding the task.
2. Look for Paraphrasing
IELTS does not always use the same words in the question and the passage. The meaning may stay the same while the words change.
For example:
Genetic code may be linked with information about genes.
Hereditary can be connected with inherited characteristics.
Environment can be described through surroundings or outside factors.
Epigenetic processes may be explained through changes that affect how genes work.
3. Scan for Names and Keywords
Questions 5–9 include the names Francis Galton, Thomas Bouchard and Danielle Reed. These names can help you find the right part of the passage faster.
Try this simple method:
Find the researcher's name in the passage.
Read the sentence before and after the name.
Check what the researcher did or said.
Compare that information with the statement.
Choose the researcher only after checking the meaning.
4. Follow the Word or Option Instructions
For Questions 10–13, read the instructions before choosing an answer.
Check whether you need to choose a letter or write a word.
Read the complete sentence with the blank.
Look at all the answer options.
Check which option makes sense both grammatically and in meaning.
Do not choose an option just because you saw the same word somewhere in the passage.
5. Distinguish False from Not Given
This is one of the most important parts of Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers.
TRUE: The passage supports the statement.
FALSE: The passage gives information that is opposite to the statement.
NOT GIVEN: The passage does not give enough information.
For example, if the passage says something is caused by the environment but the question says it is caused by genes, the answer can be FALSE because the two ideas are different.
But if the passage does not discuss the cause at all, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Research Using Twins IELTS Reading
The Research Using Twins IELTS Reading passage has three different question types, so it is easy to make small mistakes while solving it. The biggest problems are usually related to paraphrasing, matching information, and confusing FALSE with NOT GIVEN. IELTS also advises students to focus on the information given in the text instead of using their own knowledge.
Here are some common mistakes and simple ways to avoid them:
Common mistake
Why it can cause a wrong answer
What to do instead
Choosing FALSE when information is not given
A missing detail does not mean the statement is false.
Choose FALSE only when the passage clearly gives the opposite information.
Matching only by the researcher's name
A researcher may be mentioned more than once or in different contexts.
Read the information around the name before matching the statement.
Looking for exact keywords
IELTS often changes the wording of the passage in the questions.
Look for the same meaning, not just the same words.
Using general knowledge
Your own knowledge may not match what the passage says.
Use only the information given in the passage.
Ignoring the question type
True/False/Not Given, matching and summary questions need different approaches.
Read the instructions first and then choose your approach.
Choosing an answer too quickly
The first matching word may not give the correct meaning.
Read the full sentence and check the information around it.
Not checking all answer options
A word may look correct but another option may fit the sentence better.
Read the complete sentence with each possible answer before choosing.
Spending too long on one question
You may lose time for easier questions later.
Mark the difficult question and come back to it after solving the easier ones.
Want to practise more IELTS Reading passages? Check out these answer guides covering a range of topics and question types:
The Research Using Twins IELTS Reading Answers can help you understand how to solve True/False/Not Given, Matching Features and Summary Completion questions more effectively. The passage explains how twin studies help researchers understand the role of genes, environment and epigenetic processes, while the questions test your ability to find specific information and recognise paraphrased ideas.
Keep these points in mind:
Find keywords before reading the details.
Look for synonyms and paraphrased information.
Check the complete meaning before choosing TRUE, FALSE or NOT GIVEN.
Match researchers with information based on the passage, not just names.
Follow the word limit and instructions in the Summary Completion questions.
Do not use your own knowledge to answer the questions.
Read the full sentence before selecting an answer.
Check spelling and grammar before moving to the next question.
Practise the passage with a timer to improve your reading speed.
The IELTS Academic Reading test has 60 minutes for 40 questions, so regular practice can help you become faster and more confident with different question types.
What is the Research Using Twins IELTS Reading passage about?
The passage looks at how scientists use twin studies to understand human development and behaviour. It explains the connection between genetics, environment and epigenetic processes. It also discusses how researchers have used twins to study which characteristics may be influenced by heredity.
Is Research Using Twins an IELTS Academic Reading passage?
Yes, Research Using Twins is an IELTS Academic Reading practice passage. It contains different types of questions that require you to find information and understand the meaning of the text. The scientific topic may look unfamiliar, but you can answer the questions using information from the passage.
What makes the Research Using Twins passage challenging?
The passage uses scientific vocabulary and discusses ideas that may not be familiar to every student. Some information is also presented through examples and researchers' work. This means you need to pay attention to the context instead of relying only on individual keywords.
What skills does the Research Using Twins passage test?
This passage tests several useful IELTS Reading skills, including locating specific information and understanding ideas in different parts of a text. It also requires you to recognise when the same idea has been expressed in different words. Careful reading is especially useful when the passage contains similar information in more than one place.
Can I solve Research Using Twins without knowing about genetics?
Yes, you do not need specialist knowledge of genetics to solve the passage. IELTS Reading questions are designed to be answered using the information provided in the text. Even when a scientific term seems unfamiliar, the sentences around it can often give you enough context to understand what you need.
How should I prepare before attempting Research Using Twins?
Start by checking the question types and reading the instructions carefully. You can then skim the passage to understand its general structure before looking for specific information. It is also useful to note the names of researchers because they can act as quick reference points while scanning.
Should I read the whole Research Using Twins passage first?
There is no single method that works for every student. Some readers prefer to skim the passage first, while others read the questions and then search for the relevant sections. Try both methods during practice and use the one that helps you find information quickly without affecting your accuracy.
How can I improve my score with IELTS Reading passages like Research Using Twins?
Regular practice is more useful than simply solving one passage repeatedly. After checking your answers, look at why you made each mistake and whether you missed a keyword, misunderstood a sentence or overlooked a paraphrase. This can help you recognise similar patterns in future Reading tests.
Are scientific IELTS Reading passages harder than other passages?
A scientific topic can seem harder because of its vocabulary, but the subject itself does not necessarily make the questions more difficult. IELTS mainly tests your reading skills rather than your knowledge of science. Focusing on the information that is actually relevant to each question can make such passages more manageable.
Can Research Using Twins help with IELTS Reading vocabulary?
Yes, the passage can be useful for learning vocabulary related to genetics, research and scientific studies. Instead of memorising every unfamiliar word, try to understand each word from the sentence around it. This approach can also help you deal with unfamiliar vocabulary in other IELTS Reading passages.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5021 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
