Did you know? The True/False/Not Given question type used in this passage is considered one of the trickiest in IELTS Reading, often misleading test-takers with subtle word choices.
The passage titled “Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process” is part of Cambridge IELTS 8, Academic Reading Test 1, a widely used resource for IELTS preparation. It focuses on the evolution of sheet glass production, particularly the adoption of the float process, an innovation that now accounts for about 90% of global flat glass production.
This IELTS reading text is factual and technical, making it ideal for assessing a candidate’s ability to handle process-based descriptions and scientific vocabulary. Common question types include Table Completion, True/False/Not Given, and Sentence Completion.
Understanding this passage helps improve both reading accuracy and test strategy. In this guide, you will find a summary of the passage, the question formats it includes, sample answers with explanations, and useful tips to help you prepare effectively for this section of the IELTS Academic exam.
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Overview of the Sheet Glass Manufacture IELTS Reading Passage
The passage titled “Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process” is a factual, process-based text featured in Cambridge IELTS 8, Academic Reading Test 1. It describes how the float process improved flat glass production by replacing older, less efficient methods like grinding and polishing.
This passage is used in the IELTS exam to assess your ability to follow a chronological process, understand technical language, and interpret cause-and-effect relationships. Its structure makes it ideal for evaluating your performance across several common IELTS reading question types.
Key Highlights:
IELTS Focus Area
Details
Passage Type
Factual, process-based
Reading Skills Tested
Skimming, scanning, detail matching, and paraphrasing
Below is a sample version of the IELTS Academic Reading passage titled “Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process”, which reflects the IELTS test format, followed by typical IELTS question types and their corresponding answers with explanations.
Passage: Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process (Excerpt)
Until the 1950s, most flat glass was produced using a method that involved rolling the glass into sheets and then grinding and polishing them to improve transparency. This process was time-consuming and expensive.
In the 1950s, Pilkington Brothers in the UK developed the float process, a method by which molten glass is poured onto a bath of molten tin. The glass spreads out, floats on the tin, and forms a flat surface under the influence of gravity and surface tension. The result is a smooth, even sheet of glass without the need for grinding or polishing.
The float process was a breakthrough, and today, it produces about 90% of the world’s flat glass. Key benefits include continuous production, controlled thickness, and high optical quality. Glass moves through the float bath and into an annealing lehr, where it is gradually cooled. Modern inspection technology ensures the finished glass is free from defects.
IELTS Reading Questions
Questions 1–6: Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Stage
Process or Description
Early production method
Used (1)_________ and polishing
Limitations of the early method
Required manual finishing
Float process
Uses (2)_________ to shape glass
Production type
(3)_________ manufacturing process
Control element in the float process
Managed using (4)_________
Final inspection
Done using (5)_________
Questions 6–9: True / False / Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information in the passage?
Write: TRUE / FALSE / NOT GIVEN
The float process was introduced in the 1940s.
Pilkington’s process eliminated the need for polishing.
All flat glass manufacturers use the float process today.
The float process produces less optical-quality glass than earlier methods.
Questions 10–12: Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
In the float process, glass is floated on a bath of _________.
Glass is shaped by gravity and _________.
Final cooling takes place in an _________.
Detailed Answer Key with Explanations
Questions 1–5: Table Completion
Instructions: Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Question
Answer
Explanation
1
grinding
The passage states that early methods required “rolling the glass into sheets and then grinding and polishing them”.
2
molten tin
The float process uses molten tin to form the glass shape: “molten glass is poured onto a bath of molten tin.”
3
continuous
The passage describes the float process as a “continuous production method.”
4
thickness
It states that “controlled thickness” is one benefit of the float process.
5
inspection technology
The final inspection is done using modern inspection technology.
Questions 6–9: True / False / Not Given
Instructions: Do the statements agree with the information in the passage?
Question
Answer
Explanation
6
FALSE
The passage clearly says the float process was developed in the 1950s, not the 1940s.
7
TRUE
It states the float process produces glass with a smooth finish “without the need for grinding or polishing.”
8
NOT GIVEN
Although it mentions that float glass makes up “about 90%” of flat glass production, it never says all manufacturers use it.
9
FALSE
The float process improved quality, not reduced it: “high optical quality” is listed as one of its advantages.
Questions 10–12: Sentence Completion
Instructions: Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage.
Question
Answer
Explanation
10
molten tin
The passage mentions “molten glass is poured onto a bath of molten tin.”
11
surface tension
The text states that shaping occurs “under the influence of gravity and surface tension.”
12
annealing lehr
Final cooling happens in the “annealing lehr, where it is gradually cooled.”
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Common IELTS Reading Question Types in the Float Process Passage
The Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process passage typically includes question types that assess your ability to identify factual information, understand specific details, and interpret paraphrased content. Below are the common question types used in this passage:
1. Table Completion
This task tests your skill in locating key information and placing it correctly into a structured table. Answers are often short phrases or nouns taken directly from the passage. Tip: Look for paraphrased information in the passage and pay attention to word limits.
2. True / False / Not Given
These questions require you to determine whether the statement:
Matches the passage (True)
Contradicts the passage (False)
It is not mentioned at all (Not Given)
3. Sentence Completion
You are asked to complete a sentence using specific words from the text. This type tests your vocabulary and grammar recognition. Tip: Ensure your answer fits grammatically and stays within the given word limit.
How to Answer Sheet Glass Float Process Questions in IELTS Reading
Understanding how to approach IELTS Reading passages like Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process can help you save time and improve accuracy. Here are targeted strategies to answer these question types effectively:
1. Skim the Passage First
Start by quickly reading the passage to understand the overall topic and structure. Focus on keywords like “float process,” “molten tin,” and “inspection” to identify the key stages of the manufacturing process.
2. Identify Keywords in the Questions
Underline or note important terms in the question prompt. For example, in table completion, pay attention to terms like material, process, or technology; these are often paraphrased in the passage.
3. Use the Passage Chronology
Since process-based texts follow a logical order, the answers usually appear in sequence. This helps you locate information without re-reading the entire passage multiple times.
4. Be Careful with True/False/Not Given
For these, avoid assuming based on your knowledge. Base your answer strictly on what the passage states. If there’s no clear reference, the correct answer may be Not Given.
5. Follow Word Limits Precisely
If the instruction says "No more than two words," do not exceed the limit. Stick to the exact words or phrases from the text, especially in sentence completion and table completion tasks.
6. Practice Vocabulary Recognition
Many questions paraphrase terms. For example, “polishing” might appear as “finishing”, or “controlled thickness” may be described as “uniform dimensions.” Recognizing synonyms is essential.
Tips to Master the Sheet Glass Float Process Passage in IELTS
Tackling scientific or process-based IELTS Reading passages like Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process requires a focused strategy. Below are practical reading tips to improve both speed and accuracy.
1. Focus on Process Flow: Understand the sequence of steps described in the passage. This helps in answering questions related to procedure, stages, or benefits more efficiently. Diagrams or lists in the passage often reflect this order.
2. Scan for Technical Terms: The passage contains key terms such as molten glass, tin bath, and annealing lehr. These words often guide you to relevant parts of the text when answering completion and sentence-based questions.
3. Learn to Paraphrase: IELTS questions rarely copy exact sentences from the text. Practice identifying paraphrased versions of phrases like “optical quality” or “continuous process.” This improves your chances of matching questions with the right text.
4. Be Cautious with Assumptions: In True/False/Not Given questions, base your answer only on the passage, not general knowledge. Just because something seems logical doesn’t mean it’s stated in the text.
5. Practice Under Timed Conditions: Allocate around 20 minutes for this passage, including reading, scanning, and answering all questions. Timed practice helps simulate real test conditions and improves time management.
6. Use the Instruction Format Strictly: If the instruction says “No more than two words,” writing three words, even if correct, will be marked wrong. Read all instructions carefully.
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Conclusion
The Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process passage is a common feature in IELTS Reading, especially in the Academic module. By understanding the passage structure, familiarising yourself with key vocabulary, and practising specific question types like table completion and True/False/Not Given, you can significantly boost your performance.
Use the strategies discussed in this guide to approach such technical texts confidently and improve both speed and accuracy. With consistent practice, even dense scientific passages like this one become manageable and score-friendly.
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What kind of IELTS passage is “Sheet Glass Manufacture: The Float Process”?
This passage falls under the scientific or technical process category, often seen in the IELTS Academic Reading section. It explains how sheet glass is made using the float process, a method involving molten glass, tin baths, and controlled cooling. While the topic might seem complex at first, it’s designed to test your ability to understand detailed descriptions, not your scientific knowledge.
Do I need prior knowledge of the float process to answer the questions?
Not at all. IELTS Reading passages are self-contained, meaning all the answers are within the text. Even if you’ve never heard of the float process before, the test will provide everything you need. Your task is to locate and interpret that information accurately.
How much time should I spend on this passage during the test?
Each IELTS Reading section includes three passages, and you're given a total of 60 minutes. Ideally, you should spend around 18–20 minutes on this one, including reading and answering all related questions. Try not to get stuck on one difficult question; move on and return to it if time allows.
Is this passage harder than others in IELTS Reading?
It depends on your comfort level with technical texts. Some test-takers find the float process easier because it follows a logical, step-by-step format. Others may find it tricky due to the scientific vocabulary. With practice, you'll become more confident handling such texts.
Will I be given diagrams with this passage?
Sometimes, yes. IELTS often includes a visual aid, like a flowchart or labelled diagram, for process-based texts. These visuals can help you understand the structure and key steps, making it easier to answer related questions. However, not every test version includes one.
What should I do if I see words I don’t understand?
Don’t panic. Focus on the context, look at the sentence, and the surrounding phrases. IELTS usually builds clues around technical terms. For example, even if you don’t know what “annealing lehr” means, the text may explain that it refers to a controlled cooling process, helping you grasp its function.
Are the answers found in the same order as the passage?
Yes, for most IELTS Reading passages, including this one, questions follow the sequence of the text. That means if you answer Question 4 using information from Paragraph B, Question 5 is likely answered in Paragraph C. This pattern helps save time when scanning.
What if I can’t find a clear answer in the text?
If the information isn’t stated clearly, it might be a "Not Given" question. For True/False/Not Given types, rely strictly on the passage, don’t use assumptions or outside knowledge. If you're stuck, move on and return later. Don’t spend too long on one item.
Can this passage appear in the General Training IELTS?
Unlikely. The Sheet Glass Float Process passage is more typical of Academic IELTS because it involves specialised vocabulary and scientific detail. The General Training version tends to focus on everyday situations, work environments, or community-based topics.
How can I improve my accuracy with this kind of passage?
Start by reading similar scientific texts (e.g., short articles on how things work). Practice identifying keywords, transitions, and cause-effect phrases. Also, try solving past IELTS papers, especially those with process or technical themes, to get comfortable with the structure and question formats.
Do spelling and grammar matter in IELTS Reading answers?
Yes. While grammar isn't evaluated in the Reading section, correct spelling is essential, especially for completion tasks. If the answer is spelled wrong, even if it's the correct word, it will be marked incorrect. Always copy the word as it appears in the text unless instructed otherwise.
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