The IELTS Reading test checks how well you can find specific information, understand explanations, follow the development of ideas, and recognise paraphrased information.
The Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading passage explains the construction and development of the Panama and Suez canals, including Ferdinand de Lesseps’ role, engineering challenges, and their importance to international trade.
It includes Matching Information and True/False/Not Given questions that test skills such as finding specific information, recognising paraphrases, following chronology, and distinguishing between supported, contradictory, and unstated information.
For a quick reference, here is the Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading answer key:
Question Numbers
The Canals of De Lesseps Reading Answers
1
A
2
C
3
A
4
B
5
A
6
B
7
A
8
B
9
TRUE
10
FALSE
11
TRUE
12
FALSE
13
TRUE
After checking your answers, use this practice page to test how well you can locate specific information, understand historical details, identify paraphrased information, and follow the construction and development of the Panama and Suez canals in The Canals of De Lesseps passage.
The Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading Passage for Practice
This IELTS reading passage explains how the Panama and Suez canals were developed and how they changed international travel and trade. As you read, pay attention to the different construction stages, geographical features, financial difficulties, and historical events connected with each canal.
The Canals of De Lesseps
Paragraph A
Two of the most spectacular engineering feats of the last 200 years were of the same type though thousands of miles apart. They were the construction of the Suez and Panama canals. The Panama Canal joins the Pacific and Atlantic oceans while the Suez joins the Red Sea (Indian Ocean) and the Mediterranean (Atlantic Ocean). Both offer ships huge savings in time and mileage. For example, a nine hour trip on the Panama Canal would save a total of 18,000 miles on a trip from New York to San Francisco. Amazingly enough the same French engineer, Ferdinand de Lesseps, played a major part in the construction of both.
Paragraph B
History of the Panama Canal goes back to 16th century with a survey of the isthmus and a working plan for a canal ordered by the Spanish government in 1529. In the 18th century various companies tried and failed to construct the canal but it wasn’t until 1880 that a French company, organised by Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps, proposed a sea level canal through Panama. He believed that if a sea level canal worked when constructing the Suez Canal, it must work for the Panama Canal. Finally the Panama Canal was constructed in two stages.
Paragraph C
The first between 1881 and 1888, the work being carried out by the French company headed by de Lesseps, and secondly, the work by the Americans which eventually completed the canal’s construction between 1904 and 1914. The French company ran out of money and an attempt was unsuccessful to raise funds by applying to the French government to issue lottery bonds which had been successful during the construction of the Suez Canal when that project was at the point of failure through lack of money. The French problems stemmed from their inability to create a viable solution to the differences in tidal changes in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Paragraph D
There is a tidal range of 20 feet at the Pacific whereas the Atlantic range is only about 1 foot. The Americans proposed that a tidal lock should be constructed at Panama which solved the problem and reduced excavation by an enormous amount. When construction was finally finished, the canal ran through various locks, four dams and ran the lengths of two naturally occurring lakes, the 32 mile Gatun Lake and the 5 mile Miraflores Lake.
Paragraph E
When the US took on finishing the canal they and the new state of Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty, by which the United States guaranteed the independence of Panama and secured a perpetual lease on a 10 mile strip for the canal. Panama was to be compensated by an initial payment of $10 million and an annuity of $250,000, beginning in 1913. On December 31st 1999 United States transferred the 51 mile Panama Canal, the surrounding Panama Canal Area and the income back to the Panamanian government.
Paragraph F
The idea of a canal linking the Mediterranean to the Red Sea also dates back to ancient times. Unlike the modern canal, earlier ones linked the Red Sea to the Nile, therefore forcing the ships to sail along the River on their journey from Europe to India. It consisted of two parts: the first linking the Gulf of Suez to the Great Bitter Lake, and the second connecting the Lake to one of the branches in the Nile Delta that runs into the Mediterranean. The canal remained in good condition during the Ptolemaic era, but fell into disrepair afterwards and was completely abandoned upon the discovery of the trade route around Africa.
Paragraph G
It was Napoleon’s engineers who, around 1800 AD, revived the idea of a shorter trade route to India via a Suez canal. However, the calculation carried out by the French engineers showed a difference in level of 10 metres between both seas. If constructed under such circumstances, a large land area would be flooded. Later the digging of the canal was undertaken by the Ferdinand de Lesseps, who showed the previous French sea height estimates to be incorrect and that locks or dams were not needed.
Paragraph H
In 1859, Egyptian workers started working on the construction of the canal in conditions described by historians as slave labour, and the project was completed around 1867. The canal is 163 km long, and has a width of a minimum of 60 metres. The canal cuts through three lakes, Lake Manzala in the north, Lake Timsah in the middle and the Great Bitter Lake further south. The largest, the Great Bitter Lake makes up almost 30 km of the total length. The canal is extensively used by modern ships as it is the fastest crossing from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
Paragraph I
In July 1956 the Egyptian president Nasser announced the nationalisation of the canal in response to the British, French and American refusal for a loan aimed at building the Aswan High Dam on the Nile. The revenue from the canal, he argued, would help finance the High Dam project. Since then the Egyptians have controlled the canal. Today, approximately 50 ships cross the canal daily and the cities and beaches along the Great Bitter Lake and the canal serve as a summer resort for tourists.
The Canals of De Lesseps Reading Questions for Practice
The questions below test different IELTS Reading skills. Look for people, places, dates, measurements, construction methods, geographical features, historical events, and specific facts. The practice questions may use different wording from the passage, so focus on synonyms and paraphrased information rather than looking only for exact words.
Questions 1–8: Matching Information
Read the statements and match each one with the correct canal reference.
Write:
A if the statement refers to the Panama Canal.
B if the statement refers to the Suez Canal.
C if the statement refers to both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal.
D if the statement refers to neither canal.
You may use any letter more than once.
1. This canal connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Ferdinand de Lesseps was involved in the construction of this canal.
3. This canal passes through two naturally occurring lakes.
4. One of the lakes along this canal is the Great Bitter Lake.
5. The construction of this canal was completed by the Americans in the early twentieth century.
6. Money earned from this canal was intended to help fund another major construction project.
7. The United States made an agreement with the country through which this canal passes when taking responsibility for its completion.
8. This canal has a stated length of 163 kilometres.
Questions 9–13: True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage?
Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.
9. De Lesseps showed that locks and dams were unnecessary for the modern Suez Canal.
10. The Panama Canal was completed entirely by the French company led by de Lesseps.
11. Panama was scheduled to receive an annual payment of $250,000 from the United States from 1913.
12. The ancient canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean allowed ships to avoid travelling along the Nile.
13. Around 50 ships currently cross the Suez Canal each day.
The Canals of De Lesseps Reading Answers with Explanation
This section gives the the canals of de lesseps reading answers with explanation for all 13 practice questions. Each answer includes the relevant paragraph, useful keywords, and the connection between the question and the passage.
Answers 1–8: Matching Information
For answering these questions, you have to be able to distinguish between information related to the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal, or both canals. You have to pay special attention to geographical names, dates of construction, lakes and financial information.
Q1: This canal connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: A — Panama Canal
Explanation: The paragraph A contains a clear description of both canals and their connection. The Panama Canal connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean while the Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Since the paragraph mentions Pacific and Atlantic oceans, the information is related to the Panama Canal.
Q2: Ferdinand de Lesseps was involved in the construction of this canal.
Answer: C — Both Panama Canal and Suez Canal
Explanation: There is a useful hint provided in the paragraph A. It mentions that both canals were connected with the French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps who played an important role in the construction of both canals. Thus, the information is relevant to both canals.
Answer Location: Paragraph A Keywords: Ferdinand de Lesseps, construction, both Paraphrase:was involved in construction → played a major part in the construction
Q3: This canal passes through two naturally occurring lakes.
Answer: A — Panama Canal
Explanation: Paragraph D contains detailed geographical information related to the constructed Panama Canal. According to it, the canal included various locks, four dams, and also stretched across two natural lakes – Gatun and Miraflores Lakes.
Answer Location: Paragraph D Keywords: two lakes, naturally occurring, Gatun Lake, Miraflores Lake Paraphrase:passes through → ran the lengths of
Q4: One of the lakes along this canal is the Great Bitter Lake.
Answer: B — Suez Canal
Explanation: Paragraph H provides information regarding the geographical aspects of the Suez Canal and identifies three lakes which include Lake Manzala, Lake Timsah and the Great Bitter Lake. Since the Great Bitter Lake is mentioned as one of the lakes in the Suez Canal, the proper source should be the Suez Canal.
Answer Location: Paragraph H Keywords: Great Bitter Lake, Suez Canal, three lakes Paraphrase:one of the lakes → cuts through three lakes
Q5: The construction of this canal was completed by the Americans in the early twentieth century.
Answer: A — Panama Canal
Explanation: The important clue here is the mention of the Americans as having completed the construction of the canal in the early twentieth century. According to Paragraph C, the first stage of the canal was constructed by the French between 1881 and 1888, but it was subsequently taken over by the Americans and completed between 1904 and 1914. The proper canal is therefore the Panama Canal.
Answer Location: Paragraph C Keywords: Americans, completed, 1904–1914 Paraphrase:completed by Americans → work by the Americans which eventually completed the canal
Q6: Money earned from this canal was intended to help fund another major construction project.
Answer: B — Suez Canal
Explanation: Paragraph I gives the reasons as to why Egyptian President Nasser favored the nationalization of the Suez Canal. According to him, the revenues earned from the canal could be used for the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the Nile. The Suez Canal and not the Panama Canal is therefore the proper answer.
Answer Location: Paragraph I Keywords: revenue, finance, Aswan High Dam Paraphrase:money earned → revenue; help fund → help finance
Q7: The United States made an agreement with the country through which this canal passes when taking responsibility for its completion.
Answer: A — Panama Canal
Explanation: Paragraph E describes what happened when the United States took over the task of finishing the Panama Canal. The US and the newly established state of Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty. The treaty dealt with Panama's independence and gave the United States a perpetual lease on a strip of land for the canal. These details clearly identify the Panama Canal.
Answer Location: Paragraph E Keywords: United States, treaty, Panama, finishing the canal Paraphrase:made an agreement → signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty
Q8: This canal has a stated length of 163 kilometres.
Answer: B — Suez Canal
Explanation: Paragraph H provides the physical measurements of the Suez Canal and states that it is 163 km long and at least 60 metres wide. Paragraph E gives a different length for the Panama Canal, describing it as 51 miles long. The specific measurement of 163 kilometres therefore points to the Suez Canal.
Answer Location: Paragraph H Keywords: 163 km, canal length Paraphrase:stated length → canal is 163 km long
Answers 9–13: True/False/Not Given
For these questions, compare the complete meaning of each statement with the passage. Be especially careful with dates, numbers, and words such as entirely, unnecessary, avoid, and currently.
Q9: De Lesseps showed that locks and dams were unnecessary for the modern Suez Canal.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph G describes the later development of the modern Suez Canal. Earlier French engineers had calculated that there was a 10-metre difference in sea levels and believed that this could cause flooding if a canal were built. However, when Ferdinand de Lesseps later undertook the project, he showed that those earlier calculations were incorrect. As a result, locks or dams were not needed. This directly supports the statement.
Answer Location: Paragraph G Keywords: locks or dams, not needed, de Lesseps Paraphrase:unnecessary → not needed
Q10: The Panama Canal was completed entirely by the French company led by de Lesseps.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Paragraph C clearly shows that the construction did not remain under French control from beginning to end. The French company led by de Lesseps worked on the first stage between 1881 and 1888, but the Americans later took over and completed the canal between 1904 and 1914. Therefore, saying that the French company completed the entire canal contradicts the passage.
Answer Location: Paragraph C Keywords: French company, Americans, two stages, completed Paraphrase:entirely by the French → contradicted by secondly, the work by the Americans
Q11: Panama was scheduled to receive an annual payment of $250,000 from the United States from 1913.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph E provides the financial terms agreed between the United States and Panama. It states that Panama would receive an initial payment of $10 million, followed by an annuity of $250,000 beginning in 1913. An annuity is a payment made regularly, so the statement's reference to an annual payment of $250,000 is consistent with the passage.
Answer Location: Paragraph E Keywords: $250,000, annuity, 1913, Panama Paraphrase:annual payment → annuity
Q12: The ancient canal between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean allowed ships to avoid travelling along the Nile.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Paragraph F gives important information about the earlier canal system and how it differed from the modern Suez Canal. The ancient canals connected the Red Sea to the Nile, meaning ships travelling between Europe and India were actually forced to sail along the River. Therefore, the statement says the opposite of what the passage describes. The ships did not avoid the Nile; they had to use it as part of their journey.
Answer Location: Paragraph F Keywords: ancient canal, Nile, ships, sail along the River Paraphrase:avoid travelling along the Nile → contradicted by forcing the ships to sail along the River
Q13: Around 50 ships currently cross the Suez Canal each day.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The final paragraph gives a current figure for traffic through the Suez Canal. It states that approximately 50 ships cross the canal daily. The question uses currently and each day, which correspond to the passage's use of Today and daily. Since both the number and frequency match the passage, the statement is TRUE.
Answer Location: Paragraph I Keywords: 50 ships, daily, today Paraphrase:currently → today; each day → daily
Looking to strengthen your IELTS preparation before you take the test? Get practical guidance with upGrad’sfree IELTS course and work on your skills at your own pace.
How to Approach The Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading Questions?
This passage is useful for IELTS Reading practice because it combines history, geography, engineering, transportation and major infrastructure projects. The best approach is to track the important details while keeping the two canal projects separate in your mind.
Identify Names, Places and Specific Details
Names such as Ferdinand de Lesseps, Nasser, and Napoleon are useful scanning clues. Canal names, lakes, countries, cities and organisations can also help you quickly locate relevant information.
When you see a proper noun in a question, scan the passage for that name first. It is usually easier to locate than a broad word such as construction or development.
Track Dates and Chronological Development
This passage contains many dates, including 1529, 1859, 1880, 1904–1914, 1956 and 1999. These dates help you follow how the two canals developed over time.
Do not assume that an earlier date refers to the modern canal. The passage also discusses ancient canal systems, so always check which project a date belongs to.
Follow the Construction and Development Process
Pay attention to the order in which each canal was planned, constructed, completed and later managed.
For example, the Panama Canal involved French work followed by American construction. Keeping this sequence clear can help you avoid confusing the two stages.
Distinguish Causes from Effects
The passage gives several examples of cause-and-effect relationships. The French Panama project faced financial problems and difficulties caused by differences in tidal ranges, while the nationalisation of the Suez Canal was connected to the refusal of a loan for the Aswan High Dam.
When a question asks why something happened, look for the reason rather than simply matching a nearby fact.
Use Historical and Geographical Terms as Scanning Clues
Terms such as Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Red Sea, Mediterranean, Gatun Lake, Great Bitter Lake, tidal lock, dams, and Aswan High Dam can help you find the right section quickly.
If you do not know the meaning of a technical term, use the surrounding sentence to understand its role instead of stopping at the unfamiliar word.
Compare Different Canal Projects or Locations
The passage repeatedly moves between the Panama and Suez canals. Some details are similar, while others apply to only one canal.
Before choosing an answer, ask yourself: Which canal is this information describing? This simple check can prevent many mistakes in Matching Information questions.
Look for Paraphrased Information
IELTS questions rarely repeat every sentence exactly. The question may use a synonym or change the sentence structure.
For example:
money earned → revenue
help fund → help finance
made an agreement → signed a treaty
unnecessary → not needed
annual payment → annuity
Focus on the meaning rather than searching only for the exact wording.
Check the Context Before Choosing an Answer
Finding one matching word is not enough. Read the surrounding sentence and check whether it actually supports the question.
This is particularly important when the passage refers to the canal, the project, the Americans, the French company, the earlier canal, or the modern canal. These references can change the meaning of the information.
The Canals of De Lesseps Reading Answers page provides practice in locating historical and geographical information, identifying people and places, following construction developments, understanding dates and chronology, and distinguishing between the Panama and Suez canals.
It also helps you practise recognising causes and effects, finding supporting evidence, and understanding technical and historical information from context. When reviewing your answers, focus on the meaning, context, chronology and evidence in the passage rather than relying only on matching individual keywords.
1. What is The Canals of De Lesseps passage about?
The passage explains the history and development of the Panama and Suez canals. It covers their construction, geographical importance, engineering challenges, financial issues, and role in international transportation and trade.
2. Who was Ferdinand de Lesseps?
Ferdinand de Lesseps was a French engineer who played a major role in the construction of both the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.
3. What question types are included in this practice page?
This practice page includes Matching Information and True/False/Not Given questions. The questions test skills such as scanning, identifying specific details, recognising paraphrases, and comparing information.
4. What is the main difference between the Panama and Suez canals?
The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, while the Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The passage also describes different construction methods, geographical features, and historical developments for each canal.
5. Why is Ferdinand de Lesseps important in this passage?
De Lesseps is important because he was involved in both major canal projects. He organised the French company that proposed the Panama Canal and later undertook the digging of the Suez Canal.
6. How can I use the Canals of De Lesseps reading answers to improve my IELTS score?
After completing the questions, compare your answers with the explanations rather than checking only whether your answer is correct. Look at the answer location, keywords, and paraphrases to understand how the information was identified.
7. What should I focus on when reading this passage?
Pay particular attention to dates, canal names, geographical locations, lakes, construction stages, people, financial details, and engineering problems. These details can act as useful scanning clues.
8. Where can I find the Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading answer key?
The Canals of De Lesseps IELTS Reading answer key is provided near the beginning of the page in a quick-reference table. You can use it to check your responses before reading the detailed explanations.
9. Are these the original IELTS exam questions?
No. The questions on this practice page have been created for practice using information from the supplied The Canals of De Lesseps passage. They are designed to help students practise IELTS Reading skills without simply repeating the original question set.
10. How can I avoid confusing the Panama and Suez canals?
Make a quick mental note of the key differences. The Panama Canal connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and includes Gatun and Miraflores lakes, while the Suez Canal connects the Red Sea and Mediterranean and passes through Lake Manzala, Lake Timsah and the Great Bitter Lake.
11. What skills can I practise with The Canals of De Lesseps?
The passage helps you practise scanning for specific information, following chronology, identifying geographical details, comparing projects, understanding cause and effect, recognising paraphrases, and checking evidence before selecting an answer.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5018 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.
